The Best Online Master's in Digital Marketing Programs of 2020
To adapt to their consumer base, today's organizations need experienced marketers to help them build a strong online presence. Students who earn an online master's degree in digital marketing enter a growing field and develop pertinent skills that can help companies grow in this way.
This page explores highly ranked and accredited programs. Here, prospective students can also learn about degree requirements, common coursework, concentrations, admission processes, and potential career paths.
What Are the Best Digital Marketing Programs of 2020? Here Are Our Top 10:
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Concordia University - Chicago | River Forest, IL |
| 6 | Saint Leo University | Saint Leo, FL |
| 7 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | Winona, MN |
| 8 | Messiah College | Mechanicsburg, PA |
| 9 | Fairleigh Dickinson University | Teaneck, NJ |
| 10 | East Tennessee State University | Johnson City, TN |
An online master's in digital marketing yields access to in-demand, lucrative job opportunities. For instance, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data projects a 13% increase in employment for web developers through 2028. This increase should create roughly 160,500 jobs.
Web developers typically work for organizations that provide computer system design services. An advanced degree can lead to project management roles. However, many professionals also build their own clientele and become self-employed.
- How We Rank Schools
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2020 Best Accredited Online Master's in Digital Marketing Programs
| Rank | School | Location | Cost | Graduation Rate | Description | Toggle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign |
Champaign, IL | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 84% |
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers an online master's in digital marketing available completely online and designed for working professionals. Most students graduate in 1-2 years. The program's curriculum teaches students to effectively push brand ideals and content through all avenues of conventional marketing in addition to social media. Courses include the essentials of business management, managing projects and teams, promotional strategy, and strategic brand communication essentials. To graduate, students must complete a final capstone project and maintain a GPA of at least 2.75 in all classes. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Strategic Brand Communication Delivery Format: 100% online Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 Contact Phone: (217) 244-7602 |
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| 2 |
Brandeis University |
Waltham, MA | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 88% |
Offered fully online and on a part-time basis, the online master's in digital marketing at Brandeis University usually takes two years. Comprising 30 total credits, the curriculum focuses on developing marketing strategies that impact consumers and optimize an individual's experience with a brand. To graduate, students must complete at least seven core classes and three electives. Possible courses include digital imaging, media production, ethics in digital design and marketing, and software development in Java. There are no specific concentrations offered in this degree, but elective courses allow students to customize their education. Online classes are capped at 12 students, and Brandeis delivers all coursework synchronously. Students can access lectures at any time, but BU encourages an interactive learning environment and discussion between students. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Design Delivery Format: 100% online Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 Contact Phone: (781) 736-8787 |
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| 3 |
Temple University |
Philadelphia, PA | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 73% |
The online master's in digital marketing from Temple University equips students with knowledge of the most recent technologies, strategies, and trends to move the marketing industry forward. Students can complete the part-time program fully online within 16 months. The 30-credit curriculum includes classes, such as digital brand management, digital innovation in mobile marketing and communication, process improvement and innovation, and user experience design. To graduate, students must also complete a capstone course. Temple's School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Digital Innovation in Marketing Delivery Format: 100% online Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 Contact Phone: (215) 204-3581 |
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| 4 |
Montclair State University |
Montclair, NJ | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 71% |
Montclair State University offers an online master's in digital marketing through the Feliciano School of Business. Available fully online, the program requires 36 credits divided between core business classes and the digital marketing concentration. The curriculum is designed for part-time enrollment, allowing students to work while earning their degree. Courses include foundations of data analytics, operations and supply chain management, business innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, and digital customer experience management. The program delivers all coursework asynchronously. Applicants who have not completed classwork in accounting, finance, or statistics and earned a GPA of at least 2.9 will need to undergo additional online foundational courses prior to admission to this program. Program Overview Program Name: MBA with a Concentration in Digital Marketing Delivery Format: 100% online Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 Contact Phone: (973) 655-4000 |
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| 5 |
Concordia University - Chicago |
River Forest, IL | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 49% |
Concordia University Chicago offers a fully online master's in digital marketing that provides students with the analytical skills required to navigate the world of marketing and social media. Students learn how to develop marketing campaigns and appropriately communicate a brand's message. Graduates find work as digital content marketing managers, digital brand managers, and digital marketing consultants. The curriculum includes classes in digital strategy and planning, social media marketing communications, mobile marketing, and digital marketing analytics. Students can complete this accelerated program within one year. Distance learners complete courses and assignments fully online without on-campus requirements. Program Overview Program Name: MBA with a Concentration in Digital Marketing Delivery Format: 100% online Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.85 Contact Phone: (708) 263-6758 |
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| 6 |
Saint Leo University |
Saint Leo, FL | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 51% |
Saint Leo's online master's in digital marketing allows students to enroll full time or part time. Full-time students can complete this program within two years. Online class sizes are capped at 30 students to ensure each distance learner receives adequate attention from professors. The curriculum comprises 21 credits of core business classes and 12 credits specific to social media marketing. Coursework covers financial and managerial accounting, gamification applications in marketing, web analytics, and human resource management. The program delivers coursework both synchronously and asynchronously. All applicants must submit GMAT scores. Program Overview Program Name: MBA with a Social Media Marketing Concentration Delivery Format: 100% online Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 Contact Phone: (877) 622-2009 |
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| 7 |
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota |
Winona, MN | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 61% |
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers a fully online master's in digital marketing. Students in the program complete one or more concentrations. Distance learners can complete an accelerated version of the program in one year, while students enrolled in the regular, full-time program graduate in two years. The curriculum includes 18 credits of core courses and nine credits of concentration-specific classes, such as digital storytelling, case studies in brand strategy, and social media marketing ethics. All distance learners also complete a capstone. The program delivers all coursework asynchronously and eliminates all in-person requirements. Program Overview Program Name: MBA with a Concentration in Marketing and Social Media Delivery Format: 100% online Admission Requirements GPA: 2.75 Contact Phone: (877) 308-9954 |
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| 8 |
Messiah College |
Mechanicsburg, PA | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 78% |
Designed for working professionals, Messiah College's online master's in digital marketing is offered fully online on a part-time or full-time basis. Students may complete all coursework asynchronously without on-campus requirements. Required classes in the 36-credit curriculum include global business and economic development, best practices in leadership, marketing strategy, and organizational effectiveness. To graduate, students must also complete a capstone project in management fundamentals. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 from an accredited undergraduate institution. Students may apply for start dates in the spring, summer, and fall. Program Overview Program Name: MBA with a Concentration in Digital Marketing Delivery Format: 100% online Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0 Contact Phone: (717) 796-1800, ext. 2625 |
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| 9 |
Fairleigh Dickinson University |
Teaneck, NJ | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 46% |
Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a fully online master's in digital marketing that covers digital marketing, consumer behavior, website design, and search engine optimization to prepare graduates to work in all areas of digital marketing. The 34-credit curriculum includes core courses, electives, and a mandatory four-credit capstone project. Courses include mobile marketing strategies, email and database marketing, and content marketing. Graduates may apply credits toward earning an additional certification in GoogleAnalytics and Hootsuite. To apply, students must have an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution. The program delivers all coursework asynchronously and eliminates in-person requirements. Transfer students may bring up to nine credits with them. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Digital Marketing Delivery Format: 100% online Admission RequirementsStandardized Tests: GRE/GMAT Contact Phone: (888) 657-0472 |
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| 10 |
East Tennessee State University |
Johnson City, TN | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 45% |
ETSU's fully online master's in digital marketing program emphasizes current trends and technologies used in modern day marketing campaigns. The curriculum covers social media, online metrics, web analytics, and online consumer behavior. The program delivers all coursework asynchronously and does not include any on-campus requirements. To apply, students must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0. Prior work experience is not required, but a bachelor's degree in a relevant field is encouraged. ETSU houses one of only 5% of business colleges with accreditation from the Association of Advancement for College Schools of Business International. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Digital Marketing Delivery Format: 100% online Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 Contact Phone: (423) 239-1000 |
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| 11 |
Fort Hays State University |
Hays, KS | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 44% |
Located in Hays, Kansas, Fort Hays State University offers an online master's in digital marketing that students can complete either fully online or as a hybrid program. The 34-credit curriculum emphasizes the growing use of social media in marketing and equips students with the skills to create a brand image for any organization. Distance learners take classes in advanced managerial accounting, business research and quantitative methods, strategic electronic marketing, and social media marketing content and analytics. The program delivers coursework synchronously. Most students complete this program in two years. Fort Hays business graduates have found work at Walmart, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, IMB, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Program Overview Program Name: MBA with a Concentration in Digital Marketing Delivery Format: 100% online or hybrid Admission RequirementsStandardized Tests: GRE/GMAT Contact Phone: (785) 628-5696 |
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| 11 |
Southern New Hampshire University |
Manchester, NH | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 54% |
The fully online master's in digital marketing from SNHU prepares students to analyze data from various sources of digital media, including email, social media, and banner ads. Distance learners in the program may enroll part time or full time or complete a 15-month accelerated track. The 36-credit curriculum includes coursework in international marketing strategy, ethical and legal issues in marketing, websites and search engine marketing/search engine optimization, and online marketing channels. All students must complete a capstone project before graduating. SNHU accepts applications year-round on a rolling basis. Distance learners may begin classes at five start dates throughout the year. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Digital Marketing Delivery Format: 100% online Contact Phone: (888) 327-7648 |
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| 13 |
Concordia College - New York |
Bronxville, NY | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 43% |
The fully online master's in digital marketing at Concordia College in Bronxville, New York, includes coursework in integrating web-based marketing with mobile technologies and the strategies and theories behind technical marketing. Most students complete the program in two years. After graduation, students are encouraged to apply their credits toward an additional certification, such as an Online Marketing Certified Association or an Online Marketing Certified Professional. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, though there is no minimum GPA requirement. Concordia is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Program Overview Program Name: Master of Science in Digital Marketing Delivery Format: Online Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.85 Contact Phone: (914) 337-9300 |
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| 14 |
New England College |
Henniker, NH | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 25% |
New England College offers an online master's in digital marketing that students can complete fully online or as a hybrid program. Coursework focuses on the changing world of digital marketing and covers search engine optimization, email marketing, and social media content marketing. The program's 40-credit curriculum includes courses in organizational leadership and change, economics for leaders, branding using social media, and marketing immersion. NEC accepts applications on a rolling basis and offers special discounts to veterans and active-duty military members. Program Overview Program Name: MBA with a Concentration in Digital Marketing Delivery Format: Online or hybrid Admission RequirementsStandardized Tests: GRE or GMAT Contact Phone: (603) 428-2252 |
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| 15 |
Ohio Christian University |
Circleville, OH | Cost: $$$$$ | Graduation Rate: 25% |
Ohio Christian University offers a hybrid master's in digital marketing that emphasizes skills in business management, marketing ethics, and the professional application of marketing theories. The program's 36-credit curriculum includes courses in management and leadership opportunities, qualitative and analytic methods, marketing and advertising for managers, and product and brand development. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA from an accredited undergraduate institution. Work experience in a related field is not required, but encouraged. OCU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Program Overview Program Name: MBA with a Concentration in Digital Marketing Delivery Format: Hybrid Admission Requirements GPA: 3.0 Contact Phone: (844) 726-7937 |
Online Master's in Digital Marketing Program Overview
An online master's in digital marketing prepares students to identify and collect digital marketing insights that can help organizations make better business decisions and reach more clientele. In the program, students explore website and mobile design, search engine optimization (SEO), social media, online advertising, and marketing automation.
Program objectives include interpreting data to reach organizational goals, extracting pertinent information that persuades target market and key stakeholders, and developing strategies that maximize opportunities. Students also learn international marketing techniques and best practices to comply with varying political or legal environments.
While entry-level roles in digital marketing exist at the bachelor's level, earning an online master's degree provides a competitive advantage in the field, especially when accompanied by experience. This advanced degree can also lead to management and leadership roles.
Employers do not typically demand education beyond a master's degree. However, professionals entering academia do go on to earn a Ph.D.
Common Master's in Digital Marketing Degree Courses
- Digital Marketing Strategy
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In this course, students learn how to develop business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketing strategies. Course objectives include identifying digital marketing needs, developing organizational digital marketing goals, and measuring digital marketing success to calculate an organization's return on investment. Final projects often include presentations or essays.
- Search Engine Marketing
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The best digital marketers understand how to plan, design, and implement search engine campaigns that lead to organic rankings and efficient paid rankings. This course builds upon digital marketing and design principles. Students learn how to collaborate with clients, identify needs, and develop programs that fit within assigned budgets.
- Multichannel Marketing Campaigns
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This course teaches students how to design, execute, and measure multichannel marketing initiatives for business-to-business and business-to-consumer brands. Course outcomes include understanding the process of multichannel marketing and understanding integrated components of managing customer relationships.
- Conversion and Optimization
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Digital marketers must know how to convert and optimize their outreach. This course explores fundamental principles, functions and techniques of web analytics, conversion strategies, and site optimization. Course outcomes include creating strategies for clients, developing web analytical algorithms, measuring progress, and justifying financial impact of selected strategies.
- Marketing Analytics
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Digital marketers must understand historical patterns of company data to improve or predict performance. This course provides tools and techniques that lead to effective decision making. Students also develop their critical-thinking and analytical skills. Course outcomes include differentiating methods of data mining and predictive analytics to meet organizational needs.
Related Master's in Digital Marketing Degree Concentrations
- International Business
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Students earning an online master's in digital marketing may want to consider a concentration in international business. Topics include international marketing, cross-cultural management, international business issues, international trade and finance, and international monetary economics.
- Management and Organizational Communication
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Digital marketing professionals benefit from understanding how businesses convey information. Organizational communication helps students learn how to use communication strategies to influence and cultivate corporate culture. Topics include shareholder communication and employee awareness. Students also explore human behavior in professional settings and ethical practices.
- Social Media Marketing
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This concentration prepares students to make better business decisions and gain useful marketing insights. Program outcomes include designing digital marketing strategies and identifying best web analytic metrics to measure influential variables. Courses may include eMarketing design, survey research, and eCommerce.
- Digital Communication
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Students earning an online master's in digital marketing benefit from a concentration in digital communication. Courses include creative process and strategy, digital media ethics, special topics in public relations and advertising, writing for the web, and writing across media. Culminating assignments may include an essay or project.
- Product Marketing
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A concentration in product marketing teaches students how to manage products and customer experiences digitally. Students learn to synthesize consumer research and identify product developmental needs. Courses include customer marketing and brand strategy, customer insights, advertising and promotion, and strategic product management.
Online Master's in Digital Marketing Admission Requirements
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Official Transcripts
Graduate admissions requires applicants to submit official transcripts from their bachelor's program. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements may need to complete additional coursework before gaining admission.
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Graduate Record Examination
While online schools often waive GRE requirements, an online master's in digital marketing may require this exam. Universities that do not require the GRE may allow students to submit their scores to distinguish themselves from other candidates.
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Letters of Recommendation
Admissions departments strive to learn as much about candidates as possible during the selection process. Universities often require 1-3 letters of recommendation from professionals who can speak to students' adaptability, work ethic, and potential to succeed.
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Statement of Purpose
Universities may require a statement of purpose that outlines students' career aspirations, professional experience, contributions to the field, and research interests. Students should also regard this requirement as a writing sample. Some schools provide a word limit.
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Minimum GPA
An online master's in digital marketing may require students to possess a minimum GPA score in order to narrow its applicant pool. Universities may accept students who do not meet the minimum requirement under academic probation. In such cases, students would need to speak with their school's admissions office to make arrangements.
Online Master's in Digital Marketing Career Paths
An online master's in digital marketing creates multiple career options. Graduates qualify to become digital project managers, who earn about $65,000 on average. They may also become advertising, promotions, or marketing managers, who earn an annual median salary of $132,620. Opportunities exist at the bachelor's level; however, earning a master's provides a competitive advantage.
Executive roles include chief marketing officer. These professionals earn $180,000 on average. This role requires relevant experience and, often, an advanced degree.
Related Careers
Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I do with a master's in digital marketing?
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Professionals who enjoy leading others may want to focus on executive, manager, or leadership options. Graduates should also consider what their local market currently demands.
- How much can you make with a master's in marketing?
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The marketing industry offers opportunities at all levels. Therefore, earning potential varies. Identifying appealing job roles can help students determine earning potential. For instance, leadership and executive roles often provide salaries well into the six figures. However, students should note that these roles require significant responsibility.
- Why do people study digital marketing?
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Digital marketing remains a rapidly growing industry that changes constantly and, thus, requires professionals who can adapt. Furthermore, employers value the skills that an online master's in digital marketing offers. Digital marketing also creates flexible work schedules that allow professionals to break away from the classic 40-hour work week.
- How long does it take to earn a master's in digital marketing?
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On average, an online master's in digital marketing requires two years with full-time attendance. Part-time students double the program length. Universities may offer accelerated options that shorten time commitments. Concentration requirements vary and may extend the length of average programs.
- Can I earn an MBA in digital marketing?
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Yes, students who value the knowledge, skills, and recognition of a business program can earn an MBA with a concentration in digital marketing.
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