In today’s modern world, the internet is always in your pocket, and you don’t have to spend very long online to see an advertisement. Ads show up on Instagram, Facebook feeds, and blogs, and if you follow an influencer then you’ve probably seen their sponsored posts. Behind each of these ads is an internet marketing manager.
Internet marketing managers mastermind social media campaigns, oversee video production projects, and manage websites, all with an eye toward increasing their company’s public presence. These managers can work for nonprofits, small businesses, or large corporations and they can be found in most industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that advertising, promotions, and marketing manager positions will grow 10% between 2016 and 2026—faster than the national average for all professions.
If you’re organized, creative, and goal-oriented, you might enjoy a career in internet marketing. The median pay for promotions managers is $132,620 per year and earning a master’s degree in this field is convenient with an online program. The best online programs provide practical experience, and graduates leave with impressive portfolios that lead to jobs as marketing directors, social media managers, or communication coordinators.
Online Master’s in Internet Marketing Degree Program Ranking Guidelines
We selected the degree programs listed below based on quality and range of courses provided, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Best Online Master’s in Internet Marketing Programs
Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
Champaign, IL | ||
2 |
Brandeis University |
Waltham, MA | ||
3 |
Temple University |
Philadelphia, PA | ||
4 |
Montclair State University |
Montclair, NJ | ||
5 |
Missouri University of Science and Technology |
Rolla, MO | ||
6 |
Messiah College |
Mechanicsburg, PA | ||
7 |
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota |
Winona, MN | ||
8 |
Saint Leo University |
Saint Leo, FL | ||
9 |
Benedictine University |
Lisle, IL | ||
10 |
Concordia University - Chicago |
River Forest, IL | ||
11 |
Fort Hays State University |
Hays, KS | ||
12 |
Southern New Hampshire University |
Manchester, NH | ||
13 |
Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus |
Teaneck, NJ | ||
14 |
National University |
La Jolla, CA | ||
15 |
Ohio Christian University |
Circleville, OH |
End of list, bravo!
What is a Master’s in Internet Marketing Degree?
A master’s in internet marketing covers a variety of advanced marketing, business, and communication courses, including an introduction to digital marketing communication, strategic online marketing, and channels for online marketing. Students receive overviews of search engine marketing and search engine optimization and learn how to implement what they learn.
Examples of business topics frequently incorporated into an internet marketing master’s degree include business law, economics, and finance. Students learn how to integrate business strategies with digital environments to target consumers and enhance organizational productivity. Advanced training in research methodology and business mathematics is often included in the required curriculum.
Students who pursue a master’s degree in internet marketing frequently start in an MBA or communication program that offers a concentration in online marketing. In addition to studying online marketing practices, most programs offer electives that prepare students for careers working with specific types of technology, such as email or mobile marketing. Most programs include a capstone project where students select a research topic and apply appropriate methodology to address the digital marketing issue.
Online Master’s in Internet Marketing Programs
Online master’s degree programs differ from traditional programs mostly in format, though the two generally include similar workloads. Asynchronous online programs allow students to watch recorded lectures, interact with peers on discussion boards, and take tests online on their own schedules. Some online programs, however, include in-person components, like supervised exams or annual seminars. Students who are independent, self-motivated, and organized thrive in online programs.
People who respond well to structure tend to prefer traditional in-person programs, though they might enjoy a synchronous program. Synchronous online programs include scheduled class times when students must log on and attend virtual class, usually through an online discussion forum.
Online degrees allow learners to gain experience working remotely, which gives them a feel for how they would do in a telecommuting job after graduation. Since internet marketing professionals primarily work online, they can often work from home. Pursuing an online degree demonstrates to future employers that you are self-disciplined and can work effectively without close supervision.
The Advantages of a Master’s Degree in Internet Marketing
Earning a master’s degree means new career opportunities. Bachelor’s degrees prepare students for entry-level positions, like coordinators and specialists, where they implement campaigns but don’t contribute to big-picture decisions, like forming strategies. Other entry-level internet marketing positions include social media coordinators, assistant content creators, and marketing specialists.
Earning a master’s degree teaches students how to develop marketing plans, manage budgets, approve messages, and oversee employees. With a master’s degree, you can pursue higher-level positions, like marketing manager, communication director, or creative director. These positions offer more earning potential than the positions you can get with a bachelor’s, as demonstrated in the table below.
Average Salary by Degree Level
Degree Level | Average Salary |
---|---|
Bachelor’s in Internet Marketing | $60,000 |
Master’s in Internet Marketing | $64,000 |
Source: PayScale
What Can You Do With a Master’s Degree in Internet Marketing?
A master’s in internet marketing prepares graduates for success in communication jobs like press secretary or art director. Communicators learn strategies to use their creativity, organization, and analytical skills to reach more consumers. Below are just a few of the jobs that communications master’s graduates can pursue.
- Online Marketing Manager:
- These professionals use online marketing tools to help organizations build public images and increase sales. They do this through online advertisements, search engine optimization, and social media campaigns, and they often oversee an entire marketing department. Online marketing managers must have strong leadership and effective storytelling skills
-
Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $52,000
- Mid-Career: $71,000
- Experienced: $77,000
- Late Career: N/A
- Marketing Managers:
- Marketing managers are similar to online marketing managers in that they are chiefly concerned with increasing brand awareness. However, their work isn’t restricted to the online space, though they may use online advertisements. Marketing managers also oversee advertising campaigns in analog spaces, like subway posters, billboards, television and radio commercials, or magazine advertisements.
-
Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $54,000
- Mid-Career: $67,000
- Experienced: $74,000
- Late Career: $79,000
- Digital Project Manager:
- Digital project managers oversee the creation of digital campaigns on a practical level, managing budgets, delegating assignments, and evaluating the project’s effectiveness. This career is good for people who are detail oriented and love problem-solving
-
Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $54,000
- Mid-Career: $69,000
- Experienced: $87,000
- Late Career: $80,000
- Brand Manager:
- Brand managers help an organization or company develop name recognition among target audiences by controlling the way the brand presents itself. One of their major responsibilities is enforcing company trademarks. Their goal is to ensure that consumers associate positive feelings with the brand.
-
Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $57,000
- Mid-Career: $77,000
- Experienced: $88,000
- Late Career: $88,000
- Communications Directors:
- These professionals oversee public messaging, not just marketing. Communication directors also use unpaid media, like interviews or grassroots social campaigns, to reach target demographics. At nonprofits, they help spread issue awareness, rally support, and solicit donations. In corporate settings, they oversee internal and external messaging, like notifying stakeholders about changes.
-
Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $45,000
- Mid-Career: $61,000
- Experienced: $80,000
- Late Career: $91,000
Source: PayScale
Choosing an Online Internet Marketing Graduate Degree Program
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a master’s in digital marketing online degree program. Given the amount of time and money that you’ll invest in the degree, it’s important to choose the program that’s right for you.
When selecting a program, set high standards. In order to guide your decision process, determine the criteria that’s most important to you in a school. Message each school directly and ask additional questions. With all the options available, you should be able to find the perfect program for you. Below are a few factors to consider:
- Program Cost:
- For most students, tuition price is a major consideration. You can often save money on tuition by attending a top school in your home state, though some schools offer online tuition rates that are comparable to in-state tuition. Shop around so you can get a feel for what price points are normal.
- Transfer policies:
- Even if you absolutely love your program, life has a way of intervening, and you might need to transfer. Before signing up for a program, read the school’s transfer agreement. Generally, schools with regional accreditation have more transferable credits. If you already have transfer credits that you’d like to apply toward your degree, check with each school’s admissions department. Some schools accept more credits than others.
- School Size and Type:
- When choosing a school, consider what learning environment works best for you. If you feel overwhelmed interacting with many students, attending a small, private university might be right for you. If you get energized hearing from many, diverse voices, consider a large, public university. Keep in mind that advanced classes at public universities tend to be smaller than entry-level courses.
- Program Length:
- There can be a lot of variation when it comes to program length. Most internet marketing master’s programs take two years for full-time students, but students with full-time jobs should consider attending school part-time. A master’s program typically takes part-time students four years to complete.
- On-campus Requirements:
- Some online programs have on-campus requirements. Usually these requirements are minimal, like annual weekend seminars, but hybrid programs can include whole classes that must be attended in person. When choosing a program, especially out-of-state, pay close attention to on-campus requirements before signing up. Transportation to these events can present an unexpected financial burden.
- Thesis, Fellowship, and Work Requirements:
- In addition to routine classwork, most online master’s degrees include thesis projects, fellowships, or work requirements. While these are great learning experiences, they also mean more time and attention. You must plan to fit these extra requirements into your schedule.
Accreditation for Online Internet Marketing Master’s Degrees
Accreditation is a key factor when choosing an online degree. Without accreditation, your degree might not be worth much. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee accrediting bodies, ensuring that they only grant accreditation to schools meet that high educational standards. To quickly check whether a school is accredited by an approved agency, visit CHEA’s accrediting agencies list.
There are three kinds of accreditation that schools can receive: national accreditation, regional accreditation, and programmatic accreditation. If a school holds national accreditation, it’s most likely a trade or vocational school, and its accrediting agency operates across the entire U.S. On the other hand, schools with regional accreditation are approved by an agency in a particular region. Generally, schools with regional accreditation are liberal arts colleges and have more transferable credits.
Both regionally accredited and nationally accredited schools can hold programmatic accreditation for internet marketing, meaning that the program itself is accredited rather than the whole school. The Digital Marketing Institute provides programmatic accreditation for internet marketing programs.
How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Master of Internet Marketing Degree Program?
Most internet marketing online master’s programs require 60 credits. Students can usually complete courses at their own pace, but most schools set minimum and maximum semester credit requirements. Students who attend school full time finish faster, while those with jobs or families to manage often choose to enroll part time. On average, full-time students complete their degrees in two years, while part-time students take about four years.
Completing your degree in a timely manner can save you money, especially with tuition rates rising each year. If you want to complete your degree sooner, look for an accelerated program, or a school that will allow you to double up your credits.
Courses in an Online Master’s in Internet Marketing Program
- Marketing Strategies
- In this course, students learn how to effectively reach target audiences through various channels, conduct market research, determine appropriate product pricing, and develop a marketing plan. Similar to a foundational course, this class offers a broad overview of what students can expect to learn in more concentrated classes.
- Social Media Management
- Social media plays a huge role in internet marketing. In this class, students learn to use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to sell products and raise brand awareness. The course also covers paid partnerships with social media influencers and bloggers.
- Ethical and Legal Issues in Marketing
- As with most careers, marketing professionals must stay informed of current legal and ethical issues in the field. This class examines legal issues through case studies and encourages students to establish their own ethical frameworks. The course includes extensive reading assignments and online discussion boards.
- Digital Storytelling and Branding
- This class applies marketing theories to online spaces. Students learn how to use digital storytelling to help organizations stand out from competitors, earn customer loyalty, and gain brand recognition through web design, social media, video, copywriting, and photography.
- Online Marketing Channels
- Websites are just the beginning when it comes to online marketing channels. This course exposes students to best practices for different online markets, including email marketing, affiliate marketing, mobile marketing, discussion boards, marketplace reviews, and virtual spaces.
Internet Marketing Professional Organizations
- The American Marketing Association:
- The AMA provides ongoing education and support for marketing professionals through its 70 local chapters. Members can access exclusive AMA content, like informational white papers, and discounts on products and events. The AMA also offers professional certifications and training opportunities.
- Internet Marketing Association:
- IMA advocates for internet marketing best practices and helps members achieve their professional goals. The organization provides a free membership, which includes access to industry trends and data reports, a peer community, event invitations, and professional certification opportunities. The premium membership includes invitations to an exclusive conference and regular email newsletters.
- Public Relations Society of America:
- PRSA advocates for integrity in the public relations field. Members can attend regional meetings and webinars with informative speakers, access exclusive job boards, view articles and email newsletters, and network with one another through annual conferences. PRSA is ideal for professionals who are interested in communicating with diverse populations.
- Sales and Marketing Executives International:
- This international organization connects its members with other marketing professionals across the world. SMEI members can access certification classes, online forums, and webinars. The organization also hosts a blog, which is a useful educational tool and a publishing opportunity for SMEI members.
- Social Media Club:
- SMC connects its members with other social media professionals from all over the world. The club’s mission is to promote inclusivity and digital literacy in online social spaces. Members receive free or discounted access to SMC conferences and events, white papers, and industry research. Businesses can also join and advertise through SMC’s marketing channels.
Archives
2018 Archive
Best Online Master’s in Internet Marketing Programs for 2018
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, Illinois -
Brandeis University
Waltham, Massachusetts -
Temple University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, Missouri -
Saint Mary’ s University of Minnesota
Winona, Minnesota - Messiah College
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania -
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire - Montclair State University
Montclair, New Jersey -
Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas -
Benedictine University
Lisle, Illinois -
Ohio Christian University
Circleville, Ohio - Fairleigh Dickinson University - Metropolitan Campus
Teaneck, New Jersey -
Excelsior College
Albany, New York -
National University
La Jolla, California