Earn an Accelerated Marketing Degree Online
An accelerated marketing degree online program can help you start or advance your career in marketing and business quickly and flexibly. Accelerated degrees offer the same high-quality degrees as full-time degree programs, but they allow you to graduate faster.
Most accelerated marketing degrees are at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Some are also at the associate level. Each program has different graduation requirements and impacts your career prospects differently.
How Do Accelerated Marketing Degrees Work?
Colleges and universities offer accelerated online marketing degree programs to help students advance their careers quickly. These programs allow you to earn your bachelor’s degree faster than the traditional four-year timeline, usually with more flexible class schedules.
Accelerated online marketing degree programs cover many marketing topics. These include digital marketing, market research, branding, and strategic marketing. You’ll gain the same marketing knowledge and skills as a traditional degree, but enter the job market faster.
Associate Degree in Marketing
An associate in marketing requires approximately 60 credits. You may take major classes in the principles of marketing, consumer behavior, and advertising and promotions. Other graduation requirements include general education classes.
A typical online associate marketing degree takes full-time students four semesters. Accelerated programs may reduce your time in school by at least one semester. Earning an associate degree from a local community college can help you save money on a four-year degree and qualify you for entry-level marketing careers.
Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing
A bachelor’s degree in marketing requires more advanced coursework, such as classes in consumer behavior and brand management. Many entry-level marketing jobs require a bachelor’s degree, making it a wise investment if you don’t have work experience.
Your college may also offer concentrations that include digital marketing and social media marketing. You can work with academic and career advisors to choose the right concentration.
Master’s in Marketing Programs
A master’s in marketing can help you hone your leadership skills and prepare for senior-level roles. This degree will give you the skills to manage complex marketing campaigns, create brand strategies, and motivate your team to meet business goals.
A master’s in marketing can accomplish several things at once: prepare you to become a marketing manager, increase your salary potential, and qualify you for doctoral program admissions.
Doctorate in Marketing Programs
A doctorate in marketing trains you to teach at the postsecondary level and publish original research. Classes may include consumer behavior, applied regression analysis, and marketing models. Classes in research and field study methods will prepare you for the lengthy dissertation process.
Even in an accelerated marketing degree online program, you may need more time than your peers to graduate if your dissertation committee requires revisions.
Careers With an Accelerated Degree in Marketing
An accelerated marketing degree can open many career doors in various industries. Ultimately, your job options may depend on your degree, your concentration or specialization, and work experience.
For example, a bachelor’s degree could lead to roles as a brand manager, a digital marketing expert, or a market research analyst. An associate degree may limit you to entry-level roles, such as a media assistant or marketing assistant.
The table below shows a mix of marketing jobs with different educational requirements. Keep in mind that education, experience, and location can all affect salary potential.
| Marketing Jobs | Median Annual Salary (2023) |
|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | $157,620 |
| Editor | $75,020 |
| High School Teacher | $65,220 |
| Market Research Analyst, Marketing Specialist | $74,680 |
| Public Relations Manager | $134,760 |
| Technical Writer | $80,050 |
| Advertising, Promotions Manager | $131,870 |
Is an Accelerated Marketing Degree Right For You?
An accelerated marketing degree online offers a quicker and more flexible path to starting or advancing your career. But there are pros and cons to consider.
The main benefits are saving time and money. Traditional bachelor’s degrees take up to four years. Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs typically only take 2-3 years to finish. This means you can start working, earning, and gaining experience sooner, potentially saving money in the long run.
However, accelerated programs aren’t for everyone. These fast-paced programs demand hard work, dedication, and intensive learning. If you prefer a slower pace or need more time to learn, a traditional four-year degree may be the better fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting an Accelerated Marketing Degree Online
The quickest marketing degree is an associate degree. Associate degree programs usually take two years, but you can finish in 12–18 months with an accelerated associate program.
Some universities offer combined degree programs. For example, you could finish a bachelor’s in business administration with a marketing focus in 18 months at Sullivan University, following your associate degree.
You can also speed up your degree with summer classes, transfer credits, or testing out of classes.
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