Earning an online digital marketing degree teaches graduates to harness the power of the internet to attract new customers and retain existing clients through online advertising, social media, blog posts, and websites. These professionals analyze return–on–investment data for marketing, bring a creative vision to their work, and must stay up–to–date on changes in search engine ranking methodologies. The best affordable digital marketing online bachelor’s degrees prepare graduates to work in many internet marketing sectors and may offer electives and concentrations to focus specialized skills.
Competition for new customers remains fierce. Companies continue to invest heavily to reach potential buyers, often looking for comprehensive marketing plans that make use of the new technology available. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% increase in employment for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers through 2026, mostly driven by the rise in internet and digital marketing campaigns. Related careers in market research analysis, public relations, and sales also show continued job growth in the coming years, all utilizing the skills gained from a digital marketing degree.
Internet Marketing Degree Program Ranking Guidelines
We selected the degree programs based on the quality of program and range of courses provided, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation.
The Best Online Bachelor’s in Internet Marketing Degree Programs
| Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Appalachian State University |
Boone, NC | ||
| 2 |
Pennsylvania State University |
University Park, PA | ||
| 3 |
National University |
La Jolla, CA | ||
| 4 |
Granite State College |
Concord, NH | ||
| 5 |
University of Maryland – University College |
Adelphi, MD | ||
| 6 |
Southern New Hampshire University |
Manchester, NH | ||
| 7 |
Savannah College of Art and Design |
Savannah, GA | ||
End of list, bravo!
The Advantages of an Internet Marketing Education
Earning your bachelor’s degree in digital marketing online ensures that you bring a comprehensive understanding of business principles to your career. Digital marketing professionals can use technology and content to help businesses meet their goals, such as increased sales, improved brand reputation, or enhanced customer loyalty.
Many employers require bachelor’s degrees for entry–level jobs and expect their new hires to be able to complete a variety of tasks to properly manage a comprehensive digital campaign. Internships and professional projects supply graduates with portfolios to demonstrate their skills and abilities to potential employers.
A bachelor’s degree also includes courses that develop communication talents, problem–solving capabilities, and decision–making skills. These courses prepare learners to launch their careers in marketing, public relations, website management, or market research. An undergraduate degree also helps qualify a student to continue their education with a master’s degree in marketing or business administration, which can lead to supervisory positions or allow for greater specialization within the internet marketing field.
Internet Marketing Degree Salary Information
A digital marketing degree can lead to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. You can apply to work at any number of organizations that utilize next–generation marketing practices, assume a management position, or even start your own online business or consulting firm. Read on for a list of occupations where you can apply your digital marketing skills.
- Digital Marketing Manager
- These professionals lead the development of marketing projects in digital platforms to promote products or services and oversee project management. They need an understanding of current trends in digital marketing, such as search engine optimization (SEO), e–commerce, and emerging digital platforms.
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Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $46,000
- Mid-Career: $56,000
- Experienced: $67,000
- Late Career: $75,000
- Marketing Director
- Marketing directors oversee overall marketing plans for traditional and digital media. They often work with clients or company executives to determine project scope and ensure a consistent message across all channels.
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Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $44,000
- Mid-Career: $56,000
- Experienced: $80,000
- Late Career: $101,000
- Market Research Analyst
- Analysts use market data to determine the products that consumers want and potential cost. They help companies forecast sales and use data to track the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. These analysts design databases to track consumer data and may organize consumer focus groups.
-
Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $45,000
- Mid-Career: $52,000
- Experienced: $57,000
- Late Career: $77,000
- Public Relations Specialist
- Public relations specialists advance a brand through different forms of media including traditional outlets, such as newspapers and television, and new channels on social media and the internet. They work to establish their company and leadership team as experts in their field and to maintain a positive public opinion.
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Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $39,000
- Mid-Career: $44,000
- Experienced: $55,000
- Late Career: $61,000
- Sales Manager
- Sales managers lead sales teams to meet company revenue goals. They often resolve customer complaints and approve special incentives or discounts. They help companies forecast revenue, coordinate training programs, and assign sales territories.
-
Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $51,000
- Mid-Career: $60,000
- Experienced: $68,000
- Late Career:
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, PayScale
Choosing an Online Internet Marketing Degree Program
Earning your digital marketing degree online can propel your career, but you should carefully evaluate potential schools to ensure the program you choose meets your needs and aligns with your career and educational goals.
Consider in–state schools, which may offer savings over out–of–state colleges. Some schools may welcome transfer credits or offer credit for your professional or military experience. If you plan to continue working or have significant familial responsibilities, consider the flexibility of the curriculum, accelerated course offerings, and student support services. Examine the following points to determine which school can provide the best affordable digital marketing online bachelor’s degree for your needs.
- Program Cost
- The cost of attending a school often adds up to more than the cost per credit. Consider any fees you must pay, like purchasing technology or equipment, plus traveling to campus for special events or meetings. Explore the discounts you may qualify for, as well. Schools may offer reduced tuition for members of the armed services and their families or students living in designated geographic regions. Also, research the financial aid and scholarships a school may offer.
- Transfer Policies
- If you have already earned college credits, applying those credits toward your digital marketing degree can reduce your total cost and shorten your attendance time. Some schools offer online tools to show which courses they will accept for transfer credit. Usually, colleges require students to have earned a grade of C or higher in the class. Many schools accept transfer credits only from regionally accredited institutions.
- School Size and Type
- The type of school you choose can impact the cost of your degree. Public universities commonly offer discounted tuition for in-state students, while private colleges typically have one tuition rate for all students. Consider the type of learning environment that best suits your needs. Schools can provide information on the average number of learners in each class and an overall student-to-teacher ratio.
- Program Length
- Most online digital marketing bachelor's degrees require about 120 credits to graduate, typically taking full-time students around four years. Some schools now offer accelerated formats that allow enrollees to earn more credits during an academic year. Part-time students may benefit from reducing the number of classes they enroll in each semester.
- On–Campus Requirements
- While online programs allow students to complete the bulk of their credits through distance learning, some schools may require on-campus sessions. These could be short summer sessions, on-campus meetings with advisors, or weekend networking opportunities. Consider your ability to fulfill these on-campus requirements and the cost of travel when selecting a school.
Accreditation for Online Internet Marketing Degrees
Your school’s accreditation status can impact your ability to qualify for federal financial aid, transfer to other schools, or continue your education. This status may also affect your employment opportunities after graduation. Accreditation serves as a voluntary quality assurance for schools. Independent agencies grant institutional and specialized accreditation by evaluating curriculums, improvement plans, student outcomes, and academic resources.
Institutional accreditation covers all academic programs at a college or university. While national accrediting agencies have formed in recent years, regional accreditation remains the gold standard for postsecondary schools. These agencies, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, work with degree–granting institutions in specific geographic areas. Attending a regionally accredited school ensures other regionally accredited schools will recognize your transfer credits and degrees.
Academic colleges or programs may also seek accreditation from agencies that specialize in certain areas. Internet marketing degrees often fall under the college of business. Accrediting agencies in this field include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the Accreditation Council for Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education. Each agency develops its own accreditation standards. Schools must complete self–evaluations, submit documentation of outcomes and measures, and successfully pass a site visit.
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) does not accredit individual schools. Instead, it recognizes accrediting agencies that they deem to be reliable authorities on academic quality standards. Schools must achieve accreditation from one of the recognized agencies before they can participate in federal financial aid programs, such as the Pell Grant or student loan borrowing.
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) also evaluates accrediting agencies, both institutional and program–specific organizations. The council represents more than 3,000 degree–granting colleges and universities, reviewing agencies and consistently enforcing its rules to ensure the accrediting bodies maintain high standards. Currently, CHEA recognizes 60 accreditors for postsecondary degrees and vocational certifications. You can find a list of accrediting agencies on the CHEA and ED websites.
Internet Marketing Concentrations
Your online digital marketing degree should prepare you to develop marketing plans and introduce you to the tools and technology available to implement those plans. Concentrations allow you to dive into specific areas of digital marketing, such as search engine optimization or digital analytics, and gain an advanced understanding of a field, qualifying you for more advanced positions.
- Search Engine Optimization
- Search engines use complex algorithms that analyze website content and return relevant search results. Companies compete for top spots on these search results, which often increases website visitors. Search engine optimization examines the various ways sites can improve their search rankings, such as using high-quality links, incorporating specific keywords, and providing accurate website metadata.
- Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Digital Marketing Specialist, Website Administrator
- Social Media Marketing
- Social media marketing strives to build a community around a brand, using a variety of posts, links, and ads. The best practices for social media vary according to the platform, so social media marketers need to understand how potential customers use each service. These sites also allow paid advertising to reach specific users, such as individuals in a defined geographic area or with interests.
- Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Social Media Manager, Digital Marketing Specialist
- Marketing Research
- Companies collect data on what their customers and potential customers search for, purchase, and use. This information may come from website analytics, focus group interviews, or customer surveys. Market analysts use this information to determine the return on investment for marketing campaigns, forecast market conditions, and develop new marketing plans.
- Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Market Research Analysts
- Content Marketing
- Content marketing focuses on providing useful content to customers, often through a company's website or social media channels. This new approach to marketing focuses less on sales and more on building relationships and brand awareness. The concentration includes writing and storytelling through infographics and video production.
- Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Digital Marketing Specialist, Copywriter, Public Relations Specialist
- Integrated Communications
- Integrated marketing works to provide a consistent message across all marketing channels. Courses ensure students understand the different facets of marketing plans, including paid advertising, social media posts, and blog posts, to work together and provide customers a unified experience.
- Careers This Concentration Prepares For: Marketing Director
How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Internet Marketing?
Most schools require 120 credits to earn a bachelor’s degree in digital marketing. Students attending school full time can earn 30–36 credits each year and graduate in four years. Many schools allow students flexibility in course scheduling, though they offer a suggested sequence of courses. Some will set maximum tuition levels for full–time students, providing savings if students can complete a few additional credits each term. Some schools use learning cohorts in which learners move through their major coursework as a group.
Part–time students often need to attend school longer than their full–time counterparts. However, colleges have developed innovative programs to help part–time students accelerate their education while balancing personal and professional obligations. These programs include accelerated course formats and year–round scheduling, allowing students to earn more credits during a year. Some schools have also developed competency–based courses. These self–paced classes enable learners to quickly advance to the next level once they’ve mastered the current material.
Courses in an Online Bachelor’s in Internet Marketing Program
Internet marketing programs teach learners how to create engaging content for many industries by using SEO and analytics to help companies effectively reach customers and sell products or services. When researching online programs, prospective students should look for digital marketing degrees that offer interdisciplinary curriculums, combining fundamentals in business and marketing with the latest advancements in technology.
Depending on the school, internet marketing programs may develop skills in many areas, including website programming and graphic design. However, you can expect most programs to share similar core courses focusing on marketing research, consumer behavior, sales management, and marketing strategy.
Some schools also emphasize local internships to provide distance learners with real–world experiences, giving them an edge over their peers when it comes to securing employment. Other programs may require a capstone, but these projects are rare in this field. Additionally, some schools offer concentrations in specific sectors of internet marketing, such as mobile communications, global business, and social media marketing. Pursuing a concentration allows you to further customize your degree to meet your specific academic and professional goals.
- Copywriting
- Students can explore various theories and creative processes used in developing marketing messages for multiple audiences. These messages may include short statements used in print advertising or longer written pieces, such as blog posts or video scripts. While the class emphasizes the writing skills necessary for marketing and advertising, learners also consider visual and graphic design elements.
- Advertising
- Students can explore effective advertising methods for print, broadcast, and digital media. They study elements of design, use of keywords, and the basics of copywriting. Learners can also discuss media buying and how to manage advertising budgets and track return on investment.
- Professional Ethics
- Professional ethics courses ensure that students practice ethical marketing behavior and understand the ways it may affect a brand's reputation. While many digital marketing channels lack regulation, internet service providers and platforms do have terms and conditions that marketers must follow. As technology evolves, new ethical challenges arise, such as the collection of personal information and how marketers reach out to consumers.
- Media Planning
- Marketing plans often include multiple disciplines. Media planning examines how to build an effective marketing campaign through various media forms. The course also prepares students to gather audience data to determine message reach and return on investment. Many courses prepare students for industry certifications in analytics and digital marketing.
- Persuasion
- Learners discuss theories of influence and evaluate various forms of persuasive writing, such as editorial pieces, political campaigns, and marketing texts. The course draws on psychology and sociology with practical application in the fields of media, politics, and entertainment. Assignments may include case studies, discussion questions, and persuasive projects.
Internet Marketing Membership Associations
- Internet Marketing Association
- Launched in 2001, this association includes sales, marketing, programming, and creative professionals. It works to identify and share best practices in internet marketing and provide ongoing learning opportunities for members. Individuals may join for free, while premium memberships feature additional networking opportunities and invitations to conferences.
- American Marketing Association
- Marketing professionals can gain access to industry research and trends from scholarly journals and subscriptions to Marketing News. Members can receive access to a library of industry data and information, professional development opportunities, and discounts on products and event registrations. More than 70 local chapters offer networking opportunities throughout North America.
- American Association of Advertising Agencies
- The 4A's serve more than 600 member agencies and offer individual memberships as well. The association provides access to data and analytics tools, connects firms to creative specialists, and provides members-only research databases. Benefits include the opportunity to attend conferences, network with fellow professionals, and develop new skills through seminars.
- Association of National Advertisers
- ANA formed in 1910 to promote the marketing profession and now hosts national industry conferences, training workshops, and webinars. Committees focus on specialized disciplines within the marketing industry, such as analytics and data science, brand management, content marketing, and relationship marketing.
- Branded Content Marketing Association
- This membership organization promotes best practices in branded content. Its Institute of Branded Content in London provides experiential learning and research opportunities. The association hosts networking and educational conferences and events around the world, and members can gain exclusive access to global content marketing tool case studies.
