Online Marketing 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 is described as the process of identifying consumer needs and wants and then delivering products that meet those needs and wants. All the operations and services involved in and required to move a product from the producer to the consumer are included in marketing. Like finance, marketing is a strong pillar on which a business is built and an essential driving force of a company’s profits. With the field being vast and scalable into every aspect of manufacturing and distribution of goods and services, focus areas and concentrations have mushroomed to cater to unique requirements in the industry. An Online Marketing Degree is suitable for working adults who wish to enter the marketing field but do not want to specialize in a specific area, like marketing research. The marketing degree program teaches students how to build and manage the process of bringing products from producers to consumers and attracting new customers. Students learn about the psychology of buying decisions, how to do market research and analyze demand, as well as the cost-volume-profit relationship. They also learn about product pricing and the marketing mix, as well as how to design and execute campaigns. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 10% growth in the number of marketing managers between 2020 and 2030. Over the same period, market research analysts are predicted to have a 22% growth in employment. These growth rates are much greater than the projected growth rate for all occupations in the United States, making a marketing bachelor’s degree appealing. This page informs students about an online marketing degree, its curriculum, program duration, the best marketing degrees, accreditation for a bachelor of marketing online, scholarships available, and more.

Best Online Bachelor’s Degree in
Marketing Programs

To qualify as one among the best marketing schools, the school in question must have excellent and experienced faculty, excellent infrastructure, extensive student support services, accreditation from at least one regional certifying organization, flexible curricula, feature on a marketing degree, university ranking, and more. FBD teams have compiled the following list based on these and other variables, showcasing some of the best undergraduate marketing schools for online marketing degree programs: *

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

Find Online Bachelor’s Degree in
Marketing Near Me

Many students feel comfortable studying in a location closer to home. Additionally, in-state tuition is typically far cheaper than out-of-state tuition, making it another compelling reason to choose one’s home state. Although online programs rarely differentiate between the two, some students would still prefer applying to a college or program based on location, which may also provide both quality and affordability. To make this find easy, FBD has prepared the following list of ‘marketing degree schools near me’:

What to expect From an Online Bachelor’s
in Marketing Program?

Types of Marketing
Degrees

Areas of Specialization for Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Marketing

Specializing in a particular sub-field or focus area within marketing can prepare a student for a marketing niche that can align them with unique marketing jobs, thereby giving them a competitive edge. Although many organizations lack the resources to employ multiple specialized marketers, businesses that focus on specific product and service categories generally look for those who have relevant knowledge in them rather than marketing professionals who work as generalists. Here are a few specializations that bachelor’s in marketing students can explore and consider:

Specialization Description Institutions Careers
Search Engine Marketing (SEM)This specialization encompasses the use of Search Engine Marketing and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Students learn about paid search advertising activities, serving advertisements to people using search engines like Google® or Bing®, how to bid to buy ad space on popular keyword terms related to the businesses they represent, and more.A Search Engine Marketing specialization can lead to roles in Advertising Companies, General Marketing Companies, Digital Marketing Agencies, Social Media Marketing Agencies, Web-Analytics Firms, etc.
Product MarketingThis specialization focuses on strategically bringing a new product or service to market. Students learn about the strategic planning of a product or service based on several factors such as price, presentation, competitive positioning, and much more. A Product Marketing specialization can lead to roles in General Marketing Companies, Automobile Manufacturers, Health Care Businesses, Insurance Companies, Educational Institutions, Hospitals, Apparel & Clothing Manufacturers, Branding Agencies, etc.
Direct MarketingThis specialization prepares students to investigate mental health interventions, diagnose and treat clients through individual and group therapy, and look at how effectively social services can be delivered. They learn case management, advocacy, child welfare, and direct assistance among the primary social work practices. This specialization leads to licensure as a clinical social worker.Clinical social workers can work as licensed clinical social workers, and in healthcare and education settings.
Market ResearchWhat is market research? How do you know if a product, service, or message will stand out to a particular audience? You do your research. This specialization teaches students how to employ different tactics to reach out to the public, gather information, and interpret and use data to make a product, service, or message stand out to a particular audience.

A Market Research specialization can lead to roles in Digital Marketing Agencies, Web-Analytics Agencies, General Marketing Companies, Automobile Manufacturers, Health Care Businesses, Insurance Companies, Educational Institutions, Hospitals, Appliance Manufacturers, the Hospitality Industry, Apparel & Clothing Manufacturers, Branding Agencies, etc.
Digital MarketingThis specialization prepares students to use social media and websites to discover which types of marketing are most appealing to customers and then use that information to build the most engaging digital marketing campaigns. It emphasizes the basics of social media marketing, along with web analytics, search engine optimization (SEO), and search engine marketing.A Digital Marketing specialization can lead to roles in Media Marketing Companies, Internet Marketing Companies, Digital, and Social Media Advertising Firms, Mobile Marketing Agencies, Web-Analytics Firms, etc.
Content MarketingThis specialization is all about creating content and information that serves a purpose beyond just promoting a product and advertising by offering something valuable to the consumer. Students learn how to build positive sentiment for a brand by attaching the brand to something genuinely helpful or engaging.A Content Marketing specialization can lead to roles in Insurance Companies, Health Products Manufacturers, General Marketing Companies, Branding Agencies, Direct-Sales Marketing Firms, etc.

Some examples of other specialization programs bachelor’s in marketing degree students can consider are:

What is Digital
Marketing?

What Will I Learn in a
Marketing Program?

Should I Get a Bachelor’s
in Marketing?

How to Get Into a Marketing
Bachelor’s Program?

How to get a marketing degree online? Students must have a High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) with a minimum GPA, ACT, or SAT score that varies by the college, to be accepted into an online bachelor’s in marketing degree program. Some schools may additionally require students to take some prerequisite courses for a marketing degree before being accepted into the program, particularly if they have no prior work experience in the industry.

The following are some of the essential online marketing requirements for entry into a bachelor’s program:

Note: Because entrance standards vary based on the institution and program, students pursuing a marketing degree should always check with the admissions office for the most up-to-date information on admission requirements.

How long does it take to complete an Online
Bachelors in Marketing?

Accreditation for Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Marketing

Choosing an accredited institution or program is critical for gaining access to a broader range of opportunities. An accredited online marketing degree is significant because it demonstrates that a school or program has met specific educational and other criteria that can be verified by third parties. It also allows students to receive credit for the courses they complete as part of their degree program, allowing them to transfer easily, reducing the overall cost and duration of higher education. Any of the six regional accrediting agencies authorized by the U.S Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) can accredit a college. The following is a list of regional accrediting agencies:

Students can look for the accreditation status of a school or program by checking on the official U.S Department of Education website or using a recognized source like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Although not required, having a bachelor’s degree accredited by a specialist accreditation agency is an excellent approach to start with businesses and four-year colleges that recognize a bachelor’s degree background. Furthermore, a specialist-accredited marketing degree signifies that the school satisfied the subject-specific requirements of the marketing industry. Online marketing degree programs accredited by specialty accreditors are becoming increasingly popular. Some specialty accreditors include:

International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)

The International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) accredits bachelor programs offered by traditional colleges and institutions that also offer bachelor’s degrees.

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) is the only organization that accredits schools that offer bachelor’s degrees as their highest level of education, making them the only option for community colleges.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) provides quality assurance, business education intelligence, and learning and development services to over 1,700 member organizations and more than 900 accredited business schools worldwide.

To know and understand all about accreditation, students are advised to read the  Accreditation Guide.

Free Courses for Online Bachelors
in Marketing

There are numerous free online courses available, many of which were developed through collaborations with other institutions and universities around the world. The main advantage of taking these courses is that it allows students to explore several areas of interest without immediately investing a large sum of money in an undergraduate program. Free courses can also help students choose a specialization that they feel will meet their career goals. It is important to understand, however, that free courses do not qualify as a free marketing degree online or provide a bachelor’s degree credential. Here are a few resources for free marketing courses for bachelor’s degree students:

Course Description Offered by
Topics on MarketingGoogle Primer is a free mobile app that offers quick, easy-to-understand lessons to help business owners and individuals grow their business and marketing skills and reach their goals. Students can choose from a variety of business and digital marketing topics to find lessons relevant to their careers.Google Primer
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, Copywriting, Marketing Strategy, Marketing Analytics & Automation to Affiliate Marketing, Content Marketing, PPC Advertising, and Instagram Marketing.Udemy
Topics on Marketing

Class Central offers over 680 free online courses and MOOCs from the University of Maryland, College Park, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Virginia, Northwestern University, and other top universities around the world.
Class Central
Adobe Experience CloudThe Social Marketing Success Kit provides students with the knowledge and skills on how to choose the right social media platforms for a business, utilize social media advertising, develop a social media calendar, and structure a social media team. The kit includes webinars, e-books, slide decks, and a blog.Social Marketing Success Kit
Topics on MarketingMarketingTeacher.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.Marketing Teacher

Accelerated Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Marketing

How to get the fastest online marketing degree? Some universities offer a bachelor’s in marketing accelerated or fast-track programs that enable students to complete their studies faster than the usual 4 years. One option available is for students to take a 3+2 or 4+1 program that combines a bachelor’s degree with a master’s degree, thus shaving off 1 year from the total duration of 6 years (4+2 years). This may suit students who wish to pursue their master’s education before joining the workforce. Some colleges allow students to transfer credits they may have obtained from another program, such as a certificate program or associate degree, bringing down the time required to graduate from the bachelor’s program. Work experience, too, can potentially shorten the time to graduate.  A couple of examples of colleges offering an accelerated online bachelor’s in marketing are:

Rasmussen University

The Rasmussen University allows completing a marketing bachelor’s degree in about 18 months. However, completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.

Northern Illinois University

The Northern Illinois University College of Business offers an accelerated BS in Marketing + MS in Digital Marketing program that can be completed in a total 5 years, instead of the typical 6 years.

How much an Online Bachelors in
Marketing cost?

How much is a marketing degree? The bachelor’s degree program in Marketing is available in an estimated over 1,000 colleges in the United States. Therefore, it stands to reason that tuition fees can widely vary by institution and program. As an indicator, however, students should expect to pay between $38,000 and $58,000 or more in tuition fees at most reputed universities. Having said that, it is worth noting that some programs can cost as little as $7,850 or go well beyond $110,000.

How to Pay for Online Bachelors in
Marketing Programs?

Scholarships for Online
Bachelors in Marketing

Students who have always had a great academic record can look for the several undergraduate finance scholarships available to them. Each year or for a specific program, universities, as well as other organizations and groups, award scholarships to outstanding students. Listed below are a few examples:

Scholarship Description Amount/AwardDeadline
Inclusion in Digital Marketing ScholarshipThe Inclusion in Digital Marketing Scholarship is awarded to a scholarship to an individual pursuing a college degree in the marketing field. This is a one-time award, which recipients are welcome to re-apply every year they are eligible. The scholarship may only be used to pay undergraduate tuition and fees or books and equipment related to the applicant’s study towards a college degree.Up to $3,500Closed for 2021 | TBA for 2023
Fukunaga ScholarshipThe Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships to the most deserving applicants, particularly from Hawaii, based on academic standing, leadership ability, financial need, and a commitment to pursue a career in Business. Each scholarship recipient will typically receive $20,000 over four years (or a pro-rated amount over fewer years)$20,000February 22, 2023
Collaratory.org ScholarshipsCollaratory.org, by the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, offers scholarships for students and adult learners seeking or continuing education at vocational/technical colleges, community colleges, state colleges, and universities.VariesJanuary 12, 2023
Flavorful Futures ScholarshipThe Flavorful Futures Scholarship must enroll for Fall 2023 as a freshman or 1st year student in part-time or full-time study at an accredited U.S. 2-year, 4-year, college, university, trade, or vocational school. The school must be an institution listed on the U.S. Department of Education’s official website.$5,000March 16, 2023

FAQs about Online Bachelors in
Marketing Programs

How to get an online Bachelors in Marketing?

What are the best Bachelor’s Program in Marketing?

What can you do with a Bachelor in Marketing?

What is the average fee charged by the colleges?

Is marketing hard in college?

Can I get a marketing degree online?

Can I do marketing through business administration?

Career Opportunities and Salaries after Online
Bachelors in Marketing

A bachelor’s degree in marketing can lead to various roles and responsibilities within the marketing sector. While salaries and job prospects are relatively good, more education, certification, and experience can offer senior positions in the industry and higher pay.

I have a marketing degree now what? Marketers are frequently employed in a variety of industries, depending on the product or service they are promoting. Companies that make, market, or distribute consumer goods such as clothing, technology, and beverages are examples. Marketers may also work for businesses that provide individual services, such as hospitals, restaurants, insurance, education, or financial institutions.

What is a marketing degree good for? Depending on the specialization, students with a bachelor’s degree can work in a variety of marketing occupations. Some common positions include

Several factors determine job growth and salary. Although one may have the same job title as another person, the sector one operates in, years of experience, educational qualification, location, specialization, certification, and other factors all significantly impact wage and job growth for marketing positions with bachelor’s degrees. That said, the overall outlook for marketing occupations seems very promising. As an example that substantiates this, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual pay for Marketing Specialists in 2020 was $73,970. The occupation as Marketing Analysts is said to grow 22% between 2020 and 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. 

Below is a list of a few roles in the marketing sector and the bachelor’s degree in marketing salary and job growth, as reported by the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

OccupationSkills RequiredMedian Annual SalaryJob Growth (up to 2030)Job Description
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing ManagerCommunication skills, analytical skills, organizational skills, decision-making skills, creativity, interpersonal skills, initiative, communication skills, adaptability, flexibility.$141,49010% (as fast as average)An Advertising, promotions, or marketing manager plans programs to generate interest in a business’s products or services. They often work with department heads or staff to discuss topics such as budgets and contracts, marketing plans, the selection of advertising media, etc.
Market Research AnalystAnalytical skills, communication skills, critical-thinking skills, detail-oriented.$65,81022% (much faster than average)A Market Research Analyst studies market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price, and measure the effectiveness of marketing programs and strategies, among other things.
Public Relations SpecialistOrganizational skills, problem-solving skills, writing skills, speaking skills, interpersonal skills.$62,81011% (faster than average)A Public Relations Specialist creates and maintains a positive public image for the clients they represent. They craft media releases and develop social media programs to shape public perception and increase awareness of their clients.
Sales ManagerLeadership skills, analytical skills, communication skills, customer service skills.$132,2907% or higher (as fast as average)A Sales Manager directs an organization’s sales teams. They set sales goals, analyze data, develop training programs for the organization’s sales representatives, and develop plans to acquire new customers or clients through direct sales techniques, cold calling, and business-to-business marketing visits.
Public Relations and Fundraising ManagerSpeaking skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, leadership skills, writing skills, organizational skills.$118,43013% or higher (faster than average)A Public Relations Manager directs the creation of materials that will enhance the public image of their employer or client. A Fundraising Manager coordinates campaigns that bring in donations for their organization.

Certifications and Licensing for Online
Bachelors in Marketing

Additional Resources for Online
Marketing Degree

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.