Online Marketing Associates Degree

By Derick de Souza

Updated February 10, 2023
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Derick de Souza

Derick is a business and education consultant working on various projects and scopes. With about 25 years of experience in different settings, he loves to tell others about “how not to be a failure” rather than “how to be successful.” Derick writes and edits articles on online learning, business, employment, and skill development, among others. His hobbies include photography, web design and development, and traveling.

Degrees

Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.

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Marketing combines a series of activities, including advertising, promotion, public relations, and sales, to encourage individuals to buy products or services from companies whose intentions are ultimately making a profit. It is the process of giving consumers what they want through effective promotional campaigns. Although marketing practices may vary, most marketers will research to accurately identify their customer base and promote products relevant to their needs. Marketing itself can take on many forms, including television, print, or internet-based promotions. An Online Marketing Associates Degree is typically a two-year program that develops the skills necessary to earn a living as a marketer. An associate’s degree in marketing will prepare prospective students to develop market analysis and design promotional campaigns for existing or emerging businesses. In addition to providing the mathematical and technological skills necessary for success in business, an associate’s degree in marketing also provides students with important interpersonal relationships, which will be needed when communicating with customers and co-workers alike. According to PayScale, the average marketing employee base salary is $47,817 per year, with 90% of employees earning about $66,000 per year, on top of which it is customary also to receive incentives, commissions, a share of the profits, and bonuses. This indicates that most occupations in marketing are lucrative, making marketing education worthwhile. This page covers all there is to know about an online marketing associates degree, complete with information on the best colleges to pursue this program, funding options, available careers, accreditation, and more.

Best Online Associates Degree in
Marketing Courses

There are many colleges and universities throughout the country that offer online marketing associates degree programs. Although the associate’s program in marketing is more commonly found at community colleges, some may even be well-known, four-year private and public universities. To rank as among the best, a school should have excellent and experienced teaching staff, solid infrastructure, robust student support services, accreditation from at least one regional accrediting body, flexible programs, and more. Based on these and other factors, FBD teams have prepared the following list, highlighting some of the best junior college options for an online marketing associates degree: *

Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page

What to expect from the Online
Associates Degree
in Marketing?

Types of Associates Degree in
Marketing

Areas of Specialization for Online
Associates in Marketing

Pursuing a concentration or specialization within the broad spectrum of marketing can prove beneficial to those who want to qualify for specific roles in the industry and improve their chances of being readily employed. For example, students opting for a digital marketing associate’s degree online will find the knowledge and skills they require to address the issues and challenges specific to digital marketing. Here are a few specializations that associate in marketing students can explore and consider:

Area of SpecializationDescriptionCareers
Advertising

This specialization focuses on advertising principles and practices, such as the roles of strategy and research, target markets, and the creation of advertising material in various forms.


Entry-level roles in advertising firms, branding agencies, etc.
International Business

This specialization teaches students what they need to know to be effective and facilitate international business transactions in a number of contexts, especially with cross-border selling of products and services. 


Entry-level roles in multi-national companies or as entrepreneurs and managers.
Entry-Level Marketing or Online Associates Degree in Business MarketingThis specialization prepares students for an entry-level marketing job by learning how to advertise a business, product, or service utilizing the skills, principles, and tools they will acquire.Entry-level roles in any company that sells products and services of all kinds, to various markets, at different price points.
SalesThis specialization trains students on how to perform successfully and persuasively in personal, organizational, and selling situations as they prepare for a career in sales.Entry-level roles in any company that sells products and services of all kinds, to various markets, at different price points.
Digital Marketing – Digital Marketing Associate DegreeThis specialization (also interchangeable with an internet marketing associates degree) prepares students to launch their careers as digital marketers, mobile marketing managers, email marketing coordinators, social media managers, and SEO analysts. It emphasizes the basics of social media marketing, along with web analytics, search engine optimization (SEO), and search engine marketing.Entry-level roles in media marketing companies, web-marketing companies, digital and social media advertising firms, etc.

Why should I do Associates Degree in
Marketing?

How to get into an Online Marketing Associates
Degree Program?

There are a few admissions requirements that students are typically expected to meet before they can be admitted into an online marketing associates degree, but some schools may have more requirements than others. Usually, schools require applicants to have earned a High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) and submit all their official academic transcripts. Students will do well to talk with their advisors about their specific admissions requirements at the junior colleges they are considering learning. Here are some of the standard admission requirements for an associate degree in marketing online program:

  • Application for Admission
  • Application Fee
  • Official Academic Transcripts
  • High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
  • Above Average Grade Point Average (GPA)
  • Test Scores of American College Testing (ACT) / Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)*
  • Personal Statement
  • Proof of English Proficiency (if the native tongue is or education was not in English)

Note: Admission requirements vary by school and program. Not all requirements mentioned in the list above may have to be met at some institutions. *Furthermore, most schools may require SAT/ACT scores to be submitted at the time of application, while some may waive this requirement.

How long does it take to complete the Online Associates
in Marketing?

Accreditation For Online Associates Degree
in Marketing

Free Courses for Online Associates
in Marketing

There are many free courses that one can find online, many of which have been created through partnerships with different colleges and universities around the world. The main benefit of taking these types of courses is that it allows students to explore different areas of interest without investing a lot of money into a program right away. Free courses can also help students choose a specialization before enrolling in an associate program. However, it is essential to note that free courses do not qualify as degree programs or confer degrees. Here are a few resources for free courses in marketing that associate degree students can explore:

CourseDescriptionMarketing teacher
Digital Marketing for Small BusinessHubSpot, along with MOO, an online print and design company, provides a free actionable guide on building a digital marketing strategy from the ground up, setting specific marketing goals, measuring and reporting on analytics, and much more.HubSpot
Topics on MarketingUdemy has over 1200 free courses and programs across various learning levels, spanning topics from Digital Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing, Branding, Marketing Fundamentals, Marketing Analytics & Automation to Public Relations, Paid Advertising, Video & Mobile Marketing, and Content Marketing.Udemy
Topics on MarketingClass Central offers over 680 free online courses and MOOCs from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Galileo University, University of Pennsylvania, and other top universities around the world.Class Central
Finance and Finance-related TopicsMarketingTeacher.com is home to over 400 free marketing lessons across different learning levels and sub-fields of marketing, such as creative marketing, digital marketing, international marketing, relationship marketing, and more.Topics on Marketing

How to Pay for Online Associates in
Marketing Programs?

FAQs about Online Marketing
Associates Degree

What is a Marketing Associate’s Degree?

How to get an associate’s degree in marketing?

What are the best associate programs in marketing?

What can you do with an associates in marketing?

What is the average fee charged by the colleges?

Why do an associates in marketing online?

Is an associates in marketing degree worth it?

Career Opportunities and Salaries after Online
Associates in Marketing

An associate degree in marketing is an excellent way to start off one’s marketing career. Although most roles with this degree will be entry-level, further education, certification, and experience will lead to better and higher-paying jobs. Meanwhile, having good communication skills as well as organizational abilities is helpful when applying for certain types of positions within the field.

Marketers are often employed in different sectors of the economy depending on what product or service they focus on marketing. Some examples include companies that manufacture, sell, or distribute consumer products like clothing, technology, and beverages. Marketers may also work for businesses that provide services to individuals, such as hospitals, restaurants, or financial institutions.

  • Sales Representative
  • Marketing Representative
  • Social Media Manager
  • Account Coordinator
  • Project Coordinator
  • Event Marketing Coordinator
  • Event Marketing Specialist
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Marketing Coordinator
  • Retail Salesperson
  • Marketing Consultant
  • Business Owner
  • Social Media Coordinator
  • Advertising Agent
  • Public Relations Officer
  • Sales Support Representative

Job Outlook: It is hard to ascertain the potential pay packet for marketing jobs with associates degree because although they may share the same job title, the sector they work in, years of experience, educational qualification, etc., strongly influence salary and job growth. But students of an associate degree in marketing can get an inkling of how much to expect from some reliable statistical figures. For example, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists was $73,970 in 2020, while that of Advertising Sales Agents was $54,940 in 2020. Of course, additional education (such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree) and seniority will certainly improve those figures.

Below is a list of a few roles in the marketing sector and the associate’s degree in marketing salary one can expect, as reported by O*Net Online:

OccupationSkills RequiredMedian Annual SalaryJob Growth (up to 2030)Job Description
Sales Representative (Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products)A Sales Representative sells goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. They recommend products to customers based on their and interests, prepare sales contracts and order forms, and answer customers’ questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms.$41,3701% to 5% (slower than average)A Sales Representative sells goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. They recommend products to customers based on their and interests, prepare sales contracts and order forms, and answer customers’ questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms.
Retail SalespersonAttention to detail, cooperation, integrity, communication skills, dependability, self-control$27,080Little or no changeA Retail Salesperson sells merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers. They recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires and answer questions about the store and its merchandise.
Advertising Sales AgentService orientation, speaking skills, persuasion, active listening, social perceptiveness.$54,9401% to 5% (slower than average)An Advertising Sales Agent sells or solicits advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, Internet establishments, or public spaces. They prepare and deliver sales presentations to new and existing customers to sell new advertising programs and protect and increase existing advertising.
Search Marketing Strategist Critical thinking, active learning skills, active listening skills, reading comprehension, complex problem-solving skills $65,810 15% or higher (much faster than average) A Search Marketing Strategist employs search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. They examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines and analyze data to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.

Certifications and Licensing for Online
Associates in Marketing

Additional Resources for Online Associates
Degree in Marketing

Author Bio:

Derick de Souza

Derick is a business and education consultant working on various projects and scopes. With about 25 years of experience in different settings, he loves to tell others about “how not to be a failure” rather than “how to be successful.” Derick writes and edits articles on online learning, business, employment, and skill development, among others. His hobbies include photography, web design and development, and traveling.

Degrees

Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology

Areas of Expertise & Credentials

None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.

Disclaimer:

The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners. | Page last updated: Dec 2023.