Best Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs
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In a master's program in digital marketing, students learn how to make data-driven marketing decisions and create targeted content for any audience. The training expands on foundational marketing and business concepts and equips learners with skills in analytics, content strategizing, and market research. Graduates may qualify for careers in marketing, business, and management.
The rise in digital marketing and the globalization of markets has created a need for fresh thinking at organizations.
As a result, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 10% growth for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers between 2020 and 2030, higher than the projected growth rate for all occupations. These professionals also earned a high median annual salary of $133,380 in May 2021.
Master's programs in digital marketing can lead to many business careers and ddegrees at the doctoral level. However, prospective students still need to be thoughtful when choosing a graduate program to ensure it will prepare them for the specific career they want to pursue. To get potential marketing grad students started, we put together information on the training and the application process, plus a list of the best online master's in digital marketing programs from the top online schools.
What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Digital Marketing Program?
To best prepare for graduate school, prospective students should expect to complete 30-45 credits over the course of 1-2 years.
Digital marketing programs attract aspiring business professionals with creativity and a desire to solve problems with innovative solutions. Throughout their training, learners will acquire skills in market research, data analysis, search engine optimization (SEO), and communications.
A master's in digital marketing typically combines business and marketing coursework, market and consumer research, and practical exercises. These exercises may extend to full internships or practicums in some programs. Students may also complete a thesis for their degree.
Schools may award different types of digital marketing degrees, including MS and MBA degrees, which are the most common. While much of the training in these programs overlaps, they may differ in their focus and professional direction.
For instance, MBA programs emphasize management practices and business applications, whereas MS programs feature more specialized and analytical training.
Another major difference is that digital marketing is always a specialization within an MBA program, while students can major in digital marketing in an MS program. Some MS programs even offer further specializations, such as market research, SEO, and social media marketing.
Featured Programs in Digital Marketing
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What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master's in Digital Marketing Program?
Marketing Management
Students in this course explore the goals and processes involved in marketing. The training looks at the methods for collecting and applying market and consumer information and how marketing can influence other management decisions.
Digital Marketing Strategy
In this course, students learn how to create digital marketing strategies. They examine methods for collecting information, planning and evaluating campaigns, and executing their designs on various channels.
Consumer Insights
This course explores the most common practices for gathering and analyzing consumer insights. Students learn how to identify consumer interests and predict consumer activity through market research.
Marketing Analytics
In this course, students examine how to use data analytics to improve marketing activities. They look at data mining, predictive analytics, and segmentation, plus visualizing and modeling their findings.
Brand Management
Students in this course learn how to develop brand management strategies. They also study how managers maintain and grow brand equity, plus tactics for measuring brand effectiveness.
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What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master's in Digital Marketing Program?
The admission requirements for a master's in digital marketing usually include a bachelor's degree at a minimum. Certain programs may require candidates to have completed specific undergraduate courses or a business-related degree. A GPA minimum might be required for competitive programs.
Applicants to an online master's in digital marketing program also may need to meet technological requirements. The following list looks at the most common requirements, as per our graduate admissions guide.
Application
Undergraduate applicants benefit from the convenience of college application systems, which allow them to apply to many schools at once. At the graduate level, however, applicants usually apply directly to each school and program. Many schools have helpful online systems to make things easier for students.
Test Scores
While many schools made standardized test scores optional, prospective students can still submit GRE and GMAT results for consideration. To give their scores and the quality of their applications a boost, candidates can take GMAT and GRE prep courses prior to attempting the tests.
Letters of Recommendation
Most college applications include letters of recommendation. Schools usually request 2-3 of these letters from the applicant's former teachers or employers who can provide insight into their work ethic, preparation, and capabilities. Prospective students should aim to select references who have relevant perspectives.
Resume and Work Experience
A college application resume can serve multiple purposes depending on the school's requirements. In many applications, a resume just provides more information about the applicant and highlights their professional skills. Some applications, however, request resumes from applicants that showcase a required amount of professional experience.
Essays
A grad school essay is often required as part of the application. At the graduate level, applicants typically discuss their research and career interests in their essays. Some schools may ask candidates to answer specific questions.
Official Transcripts
Official transcripts provide schools with information about an applicant's previous studies. They can pull information about what courses they completed, what grades they received, and the prerequisites they have completed. As per our transfer guide, schools also use official transcripts to identify and issue transfer credits.
What Can I Do With an Online Master's in Digital Marketing Degree?
Career Outlook
A master's in digital marketing can equip graduates with the skills necessary for most marketing positions. In these programs, they can also acquire business and leadership training, which makes them effective managers, analysts, and consultants.
The BLS projects the addition of more than 31,800 new advertising, promotions, and marketing managers between 2020 and 2030, plus over 31,000 annual openings as a result of standard turnover. The BLS projects the addition of more than 906,800 management jobs between 2020 and 2030 as well, many of which master's graduates can pursue.
The median annual wage for marketing managers was $135,030 in May 2021, one of the highest salaries within the management occupational group. Marketing managers earned significantly more than the median wage across all occupations during the same time period.
Discover what professional opportunities you can access with a master's in digital marketing.
Career Paths
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers handle the branding and advertising strategies for an organization's products and services. They gather information about consumer and market trends to identify potential markets, campaign ideas, and product development approaches. These professionals work closely with sales, development, and public relations professionals.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $135,030
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts study markets and consumers to gain information that might help organizations with their product and service launches. They create surveys and analyze data to learn about ideal price points, consumer interest and demand, and market opportunities. They also evaluate and report on the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and consumer satisfaction.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $63,920
Public Relations Manager
Public relations managers help craft and manage an organization's public image. They oversee the public communications, ensure messaging is consistent and appropriate across all departments, and monitor the reception and response within various channels. These professionals work closely with marketing, management, and the media.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $119,860
Sales Manager
Sales managers oversee an organization's sales staff and activities. They set sales targets and develop strategies to meet those goals, while also analyzing performance metrics, creating customer incentives, and making and reporting projections. Sales managers also work with finance and marketing professionals.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $127,490
Management Analyst
Management analysts work with organizations to improve their management processes and operations. They gather and review information, develop and introduce new practices, and create reports for management and stakeholders to review. These analysts may specialize in a certain aspect of the organization or work with specific organizations and industries.
Median Annual Salary (May 2021): $93,000
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Continuing Education
The value of a master's in digital marketing does not only apply to the professional field. Graduates can also use their training for many continuing education pursuits, including a doctorate in digital marketing or a general doctorate in marketing.
Graduates, particularly those with an MBA in digital marketing, can go on to pursue a doctorate in business administration as well. They might also build on their leadership training and pursue a doctorate in organizational leadership.
How Do I Choose an Online Master's in Digital Marketing Program?
Cost
When considering pursuing a master's degree, prospective students can compare online and on-campus costs, in-state and out-of-state tuition, and private and public school costs. The true program cost, which considers the income working professionals lose during their studies, is also essential to factor in.
Program Format
Prospective students should try to find the proper program format for their specific needs and interests. This may include comparing synchronous and asynchronous programs and full-time and part-time studies. Degree-seekers with open schedules might even choose accelerated programs in order to finish their degrees more quickly.
Location
Regardless if they choose online or on-campus programs, prospective students should consider location when picking a school. While on-campus students need to choose a school they can easily travel to on a daily basis, online learners might need to complete residency requirements. Online students may also want to use the campus facilities from time to time.
Accreditation
Accreditation can have an impact on students' employability, ability to transfer credits, and financial aid opportunities, as per our online college accreditation guide. Institutional accreditation should be one of the first things prospective students look for in a school. Programmatic accreditation may not be common in specific fields, but prospective students should check, regardless.
Student Support
A school's student services can sometimes make or break a learner's educational experience. Prospective students should look into the specific online student services an institution offers, such as tutoring, wellness programs, and career services. Schools may also provide college mentorship and internship programs.
Best Accredited Online Master's in Digital Marketing Programs
Rankings compiled by the the BestColleges Ranking Team
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Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $627
Out of State | $627
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | ACBSP
One of the country's largest distance education providers, SNHU offers a fully online master's in digital marketing. The program builds skills in audience engagement, brand management, and marketing plans. Candidates can choose from concentrations including new media and social media marketing.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree. The program admits students with or without a marketing background. Applicants do not need to submit GRE or GMAT scores.
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
Teaneck, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $925
Out of State | $925
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | AACSB
A private college in Teaneck, New Jersey, FDU hosts one of the state's top master's in digital marketing programs. Candidates study topics like web analytics, consumer behavior, and social media marketing. As part of the curriculum, students can also pursue certifications in Hootsuite and Google Analytics.
Applicants need a bachelor's degree in any field. Candidates must submit official undergraduate transcripts and a current resume. The digital marketing program does not require the GRE or GMAT.
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL - 4 years
- Campus
100% Online
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $897
Out of State | $897
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | AACSB
A public school based in DeKalb, NIU offers a fully online master's in digital marketing for working professionals. The program builds broad business knowledge along with specialized digital marketing skills. Students explore topics including data visualization, email marketing, and marketing analytics.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a GPA that demonstrates strong academic achievement. Candidates with lower GPAs can also submit GMAT scores to show their preparation for graduate study.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Digital Marketing Programs
Is a master's in digital marketing worth it?
A master's in digital marketing can be worth it. The degree may lead to further studies and careers in many fields, including marketing and business. The advanced training also prepares graduates for management and analyst careers.
Degree-seekers in remote master's in digital marketing programs can also benefit from the increased value of an online degree. Online learning can provide more flexible study schedules for working students.
What can I do with a master's in digital marketing?
A graduate with a master's in digital marketing can access many career fields, including various marketing and business positions. They may qualify for management roles in both of these sectors. Graduates may pursue many different management careers, such as in public relations and sales management.
In terms of continuing education, graduates can pursue many pathways. They may look into doctorates in marketing, business, or leadership. Those who choose to pursue doctoral degrees may go on to apply for roles in academia and research and development.
Are digital marketing graduates in demand?
Yes. Digital marketing graduates are in demand because of the increased use of digital marketing as a means for organizations to expand their consumer base. The BLS projects 10% growth for marketing management occupations between 2020 and 2030, which equates to the addition of more than 31,000 new jobs during that period.
Graduates can also access other in-demand fields. The BLS projects 22% growth for market research analysts between 2020 and 2030, 13% growth for public relations managers, and 14% growth for management analysts.
How much money can I make with a master's in digital marketing?
How much a professional with a master's in digital marketing can earn depends on their position, employer, and industry. For example, according to the BLS, marketing managers made a median annual wage of $135,030 in May 2021. Advertising and promotions managers made $127,150.
Market research analysts earned a median annual wage of $63,920 during the same period. Public relations managers made a median annual wage of $119,860, nearly $75,000 more than the median annual salary across all occupations.
What are the highest paying jobs with a master's in digital marketing?
Among graduates with a master's in digital marketing, marketing managers earn the most. According to the BLS, these professionals made a median annual wage of $135,030 in May 2021. The top 10% of marketing managers earned more than $208,000.
Sales managers also made high median annual wages in May 2021, earning $127,490 per year. The top 10% in this field made more than $208,000 during the same period. In terms of top-paying industries, marketing managers in professional and technical earned $163,360 in May 2021, according to the BLS.
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