Best online marketing degrees 2021: Top picks

A marketing degree trains students to effectively and efficiently use advertisements, promotions, and media platforms to reach the public. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth in marketing careers. Media and communications jobs are projected to grow 14% by 2030, adding more than 150,000 new positions. 

Marketing involves appealing to people to sell products, services, and ideas. Marketers use research and data methods and strategies to communicate and engage with target audiences. With a degree in marketing, you’ll possess the knowledge and skills to enter the expanding and exciting marketing field. 

Here are our top picks for online marketing degrees in 2021. 

The best online bachelor’s in marketing degrees

Online bachelor’s degrees in marketing vary, and finding the one that meets your needs requires weighing numerous factors. ZDnet’s ranking methodology takes into account cost, convenience, and overall quality to help you choose the best online marketing degree. 

Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.

Insights from a marketing graduate

With a background in integrated marketing, Kent Lewis left a public relations agency in 1996 to start his internet marketing career at a Portland, Oregon web development firm. 

As president and founder of Anvil Media, Inc., Lewis is responsible for managing operations, marketing, and business development. The company’s purpose: Creating meaningful impact for Anvil’s clients, community, and employees through creative problem-solving, educating, and making and leveraging connections.

ZDNet: What are the most rewarding aspects of your career? What are the most challenging aspects of your career?

Kent Lewis: Rewarding aspects of my career include control of my schedule and destiny (as an agency owner), educating the public as well as helping grow businesses via digital marketing. The most challenging aspects include recruiting and retaining employees and keeping clients happy.

ZDNet: What were the greatest takeaways from your marketing degree that helped you to be successful in your career?

KL: The most valuable insights I received from my marketing degree revolved around sales strategies (which were essential in helping me build my career) as well as the painful, but important, financial and accounting classes. I dislike math, but the foundational learning has been invaluable as a business owner.

ZDNet: What misconceptions do people have about this degree, and what would you tell them?

KL: I believe the greatest misconception around a marketing degree (or any other for that matter) is the fact that it guarantees a successful career and/or hire (in our case). I’ve hired MBAs, high school graduates (no degree), interns out of college, and 10+-year veterans, and there was no correlation between education/degree and success at Anvil. 

The greatest predictor of success is whether or not their talents map to the role and if their values match ours.

What to expect in an online bachelor’s in marketing degree program

During a bachelor’s degree in marketing, students learn communication skills and how to effectively plan, manage, and implement marketing and media campaigns. Research coursework trains learners to obtain and assess data. 

Classes in media technologies teach successful marketing in an increasingly technology-focused world. Elective courses give students the opportunity to explore subsets of marketing such as search engine optimization, global marketing, and new product design.

Coursework blends classroom learning with collaborative projects, presentations, and practical learning experiences. By working with instructors and classmates alike, marketing students also practice teamwork.

Marketing courses

The core curriculum of a marketing bachelor’s degree emphasizes communication, research methods, business fundamentals, and marketing management. Marketing students can also expect to explore consumer behavior, finance and economics, and marketing and society.

Marketing research

By introducing students to qualitative and quantitative research methods and tools, marketing research coursework prepares students to conduct, analyze, and act upon market data. Topics covered include branding, pricing, and consumer decision-making. 

Public relations

A course in public relations introduces learners to the principles and practices of the field. Students explore theories and trends in public relations, using and presenting information to specific groups, and appropriate forms in public relations.

Marketing strategies

Marketing strategies courses introduce students to the functions, purposes, and goals of strategies in marketing. By looking at topics like cause, relationship, scarcity, and undercover marketing, learners gain insight into when and how to use different techniques to engage consumers.

Marketing project management

A course in marketing project management teaches learners to carry out the whole of a marketing project lifecycle. Students participate in the planning, development, and implementation of a marketing project with attention paid to budgets, schedules, teamwork, and time management.

Marketing degree levels

Marketing degree levels accommodate students with different personal and professional goals. Undergraduate marketing degrees lead to entry-level positions in marketing, while graduate programs facilitate advancement to managerial and leadership roles. 

Associate in marketing

Length: Two years

Cost: $2,000 to $10,000

Post-grad careers: Data entry specialist, marketing assistant, consumer support specialist

An associate degree in marketing introduces students to the financial, business, and communication fundamentals of marketing. Learners study principles and practices of marketing, advertising and promotions, and consumer engagement. 

Associate degrees in marketing may emphasize retail marketing, digital media, or data analysis. With an associate degree in marketing, individuals can find entry-level positions or continue onto a bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related discipline. 

Bachelor’s in marketing

Length: Four years

Cost: $8,000 to $10,000

Post-grad careers: Marketing researcher, market data analyst, public relations specialist

A bachelor’s degree in marketing includes four years of coursework. Students complete general education requirements alongside major classes in advertising, communications, consumer behavior, and market strategy. 

Classes like market data research methods, marketing project management, and trends in marketing prepare learners for a cumulative capstone requirement. Many marketing bachelor’s degrees integrate an internship or practicum component. 

A marketing bachelor’s degree opens opportunities for entry- and mid-level marketing roles. Marketing bachelor’s programs also provide the foundation for graduate study. 

Master’s in marketing

Length: Two years

Cost: $20,000 to $120,000

Post-grad careers: Marketing manager, senior market researcher, marketing project manager

Marketing master’s degrees enhance existing knowledge and skills, preparing students to lead and manage in marketing roles. Core coursework emphasizes advertising and marketing communications, consumer decision science, and marketing strategies. Specialization options include fashion marketing, international marketing, social media marketing, and digital marketing.

During a master’s degree in marketing, students take part in individual and group projects. Many marketing master’s degrees require students to complete a marketing campaign as part of a comprehensive assessment. 

Doctorate in marketing

Length: Three to seven

Cost: $30,000 to $150,000

Post-grad careers: Chief marketing officer, university professor, marketing consultant, campaign manager

A doctorate in marketing emphasizes research, consumer behavior, and innovation. Designed for individuals with a background in marketing, business, or a related field, a doctoral program in marketing includes coursework in research methods, marketing theory, economics, and sociology. 

Upon completion of assessment exams, learners undertake an in-depth research project on an issue or challenge related to marketing before producing a dissertation. 

In conclusion

Earning a marketing degree provides the foundation for rewarding and exciting marketing positions. Finding the right degree is part of that journey. With these top picks, you can explore paths to a marketing degree.