Digital marketing degrees from accredited universities can help you secure a well-paid job in the high-demanding field of digital marketing.
To help you choose the most appropriate degree for your needs and budget, we've researched the market to find the best digital marketing degrees you can take online. Our top 10 list includes both Bachelor's and Master's programs from globally recognized schools.
Bachelor's degrees take 2-4 years to complete while Master's programs can be completed in 1-2 years. The cost for an online bachelor's degree is between $14K and $50K and the cost of a Masters is between $11K and $35K.
10 Top Online Digital Marketing Degrees
Degree | School | Cost |
---|---|---|
1. Masters in Digital Marketing | Digital Marketing Institute | $11,850 |
2. BS in Marketing with a concentration in Digital Marketing | Southern New Hampshire University | $38,400 |
3. Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing | Cambridge Global College | $55,480 |
4. Online Business Digital Marketing Degree | LSU Online | $45,480 |
5. Master of Business Administration | University of Illinois | $22,104 |
6. Online Bachelors in Marketing | Western Governors University | $14,880 |
7. Online Masters in Marketing | Santa Clara University | $41,256 |
8. BS in Business: Digital Marketing Management | Bay Path University | $49,200 |
9. Master of Science in Digital Marketing | Rutgers University | $35,520 |
10. Online Master of Science in Digital Marketing | Contech University | $18,000 |
If you want a more affordable training option that can still help you get into digital marketing, you can consider taking a digital marketing course or pursuing a recognized digital marketing certification.
1. Masters in Digital Marketing
A dynamic digital marketing degree regularly updated to reflect the latest changes in the marketplace, the “Masters in Digital Marketing” by Digital Marketing Institute, sets the stage for your new career.
Carefully designed to give you a deeper understanding of everything from marketing strategy to mobile and social media promotion, this online digital marketing degree could open the door to limitless job opportunities.
With your enrolment, you’ll gain full access to the Digital Marketing Institute, for regular industry updates and insights, as well as a globally-recognized Masters's degree. Every module of the program comes with interactive learning components, videos, and quizzes to test your knowledge. There are even animated explainers, and unique toolkits to explore.
Who is this for?
The DMI Master program is intended for experienced business and marketing professionals looking to learn more about online marketing.
You can also benefit from this degree as a marketing manager, small business owner, or entrepreneur, looking to expand your skills. Digital marketing enthusiasts with a desire to start a career as a digital marketing consultant will also appreciate the topics covered in this course.
You can learn all about communications in the consumer landscape, how to make your digital strategy more agile and flexible, and what it takes to strengthen your position online. The DMI course covers all of the key elements of marketing, from social media and email to mobile marketing.
Admission requirements
You will need a second-class honors Bachelor’s degree in a related field like eCommerce, business, or marketing, as well as a year of digital marketing experience to enroll. Alternatively, you can access the course with a second-class honors Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of digital marketing experience.
If you don’t meet these entry requirements, you’ll still be considered if you can demonstrate significant work in digital marketing with a minimum of 4 years of experience. If English isn’t your first language, you may also need an IELTS level of 6.5 or equivalent to apply.
How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?
The DMI Master’s degree in digital marketing is a flexible educational experience that can be completed within 2 years on a part-time basis. The taught stage lasts approximately 14 months, while the research stage lasts 10 months.
This digital marketing degree costs $11,850 for full online study, and this fee includes personalized support from an industry expert tutor, and access to webinars, podcasts, online tutorials, and eBooks.
- School: Digital Marketing Institute
- Duration: 2 years
- Cost: $11,850
- Degree: MSc Digital Marketing Masters degree (DMI Master)
- Accreditation: Globally recognized degree.
2. BS in Marketing with a concentration in Digital Marketing
Accredited by the ACBSP, the SHNU Digital Marketing Degree teaches students everything they need to know to advertise via mobile, social media, and other online channels. You’ll learn how to evaluate metrics responsible for guiding stronger campaigns, and build powerful strategies for pay-per-click and organic advertising campaigns.
The BS in Marketing can prepare students for entry-level positions in the marketing landscape, or form the foundation of your Master’s degree study. There’s an “accelerated degree” pathway available to help you transition from Bachelor's to a Master’s degree at speed.
Who is this for?
If you’re planning on starting a career in digital marketing, you want to pursue a Master’s level of education, or you hope to launch your own marketing business, SHNU could have the digital marketing schooling you need.
The course provides the hands-on training students need to succeed in any digital marketing career, covering topics like mobile marketing, social media advertising, and digital analytics. In this training experience, you’ll also learn crucial business skills, like how to communicate with your team and nurture entrepreneurial thought processes.
Admission requirements
No specific ACT or SAT scores are required to apply for this online digital marketing degree. You’ll be able to apply for free, without any prior knowledge of marketing. You’ll also be able to access a decision within days as to whether you can join the classes.
It may be helpful to complete some of the small marketing concentration courses offered by SNHU, such as:
- MKT311 mobile marketing
- MKT315 SEO vs SEM
- MKT335 Digital advertising
- MKT410 Digital analytics
How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?
The course takes a total of four years to complete at an average part-time study rate. However, there is some flexibility to increase the rate of your education. Pricing is issued on a “per credit” basis. It takes 120 total credits to receive your Bachelor’s degree, and each credit costs $320, equalling $38,400.
- School: Southern New Hampshire University
- Duration: 4 years
- Cost: $38,400
- Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Marketing with a concentration in Digital Marketing
- Accreditation: Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
3. Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing
Created by one of the more reputable digital marketing schools in the world today, the Cambridge online Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing helps to develop the technical, creative, and business leadership talents of students interested in advertising.
This state-of-the-art marketing degree provides access to a host of learning experiences, including coursework assignments designed to take you deeper into the world of research and learn more from market leaders like Gary Vaynerchuk, Seth Godin, and Simon Sinek.
Students have the opportunity to develop business administration skills alongside marketing talents, as well as gain an in-depth knowledge of web development, design, advertising, and consumer behavior.
Who is this for?
Created for people with a passion for advertising and business growth, you’ll benefit from this digital marketing degree if you’re looking to take the first steps toward a career in marketing.
This degree goes beyond the basics of Cambridge’s online certificate in digital marketing to deliver a globally recognizable degree, ideal for budding professionals.
Students have the opportunity to work with emerging and new technology, study recent trends in marketing, and learn from established experts in the field. Topics covered include everything from digital content creation and email marketing to viral marketing, and web analytics.
This Cambridge Bachelor's degree can also help to kickstart your career, as around 63% of graduates receive employment from organizations with corporate partnerships with Cambridge College Global.
Admission requirements
Acceptance decisions from Cambridge are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for 6 separate undergraduate sessions. Students can apply at any time and receive a decision within days. You will need a high school transcript showing your graduation, or an affidavit attesting to the completion of high school programs in a home-school environment.
You can also submit passing scores from an approved ability-to-benefit test like the Accuplacer test, nine credit hours of Cambridge college coursework, or 24 or more credits earned by a nationally or regionally accredited university or college.
All students will need fully functioning internet access, audio and video playback software, and access to Microsoft Office programs.
How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?
The cost of this course in total for the General public is $55,480, or $1,387 per individual course within the full learning track.
There are discounts available for partners and family members, and veterans and dependents, taking the course cost $39,800. Alternatively, military service members and their dependents, first responders, and family members can access the course for $30,000.
Additional fees include $50 undergraduate application fees (waived for some applicants), and $85 download fees for resources for each course.
- School: Cambridge Global College
- Duration: 4 years
- Cost: $55,480
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing
- Accreditation: Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
4. Online Business Digital Marketing Degree
This online internet marketing degree is actually a business degree with a focus on digital marketing. The educational experience looks at marketing as a component of growing a successful business, combining insights into marketing with a comprehensive view of how to grow an effective online business.
You’ll learn how to design advertising strategies, analyze campaign outcomes, and implement various tools and strategies for customer acquisition.
Rather than looking exclusively at marketing techniques, this course aims to prepare business leaders with highly transferable skills, like competencies in data management and data mining.
Who is this for?
Created for business leaders or entrepreneurs looking to start their own companies, this business-focused approach to marketing education will help to empower the next generation of founders.
This course would also be ideally suited to a budding SEO/SEM specialist, digital marketing manager, or email marketing specialist.
You’ll gain full accreditation with a bachelor’s degree in online business digital marketing, and learn about crucial topics like marketing theory, building an eCommerce business, accessing social media advertising tools, and managing crucial marketing data. Students also gain insight into how to use the latest advertising tools and technology.
Admission requirements
First-time freshmen applying to this course will need a 3.0 Core GPA on 19 units of college-preparatory high school courses, or a 1030 Old SAT // 1100 New SAT // 23 Composite ACT score.
You’ll also need to be eligible to enroll in university-level English and Math courses evidenced by a minimum ACT English subscore of 18, and a minimum ACT Math subscore of 19.
Transfer students will need 30 or more transferable credit hours from a regionally-accredited university or college, a 2.5 academic GPA, and a grade of C or better in all English and Math courses.
Re-entry students will need at least a 2.0 GPA on all LSU coursework. Students who don’t meet the admission requirements for a senior college can start with the University College Center for Freshman Year, or use the Center for Advising and Counseling.
How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?
The final cost for this online marketing degree will be determined based on any credits you already have. You’ll need a total of 120 credit hours to complete the program, with a cost per credit hour of $379.
You can transfer a total of $11,370 into the program from your existing education, or the full total cost will be $45,480. The course lasts a total of 4 years.
- School: LSU Online
- Duration: 4 years
- Cost: $45,480
- Degree: Online Business Digital Marketing Degree
- Accreditation: Accredited by the Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
5. Master of Business Administration
Ranked one of the top degrees in the digital marketing industry by multiple publications, this University of Illinois Masters of Business Administration program includes the world-leading digital marketing specialization certification.
The specialization explores various aspects of the digital marketing environment, such as analytics, search engine optimization, social media, and 3D printing.
Throughout the full accredited diploma, you’ll be given all the tools you need to gain a deeper understanding of marketing analytics, promotion, and running a successful business. Students are taught leadership skills alongside techniques for marketing and business development.
Who is this for?
Created for would-be entrepreneurs and leaders, the Master of Business administration course transforms individuals into confident leaders, equipped with skills for managing people, teams, and technology. You’ll learn how to implement organizational strategies and design critical business assets, like marketing campaigns.
This program covers important information on how to synthesize and use data-intensive information, including a full overview of marketing analytics and reporting.
Aside from learning how to leverage marketing techniques, you’ll also cover topics like value chain management, financial management, entrepreneurship and strategic innovation, and business analytics.
Admission requirements
You will need a Bachelor’s degree or US equivalent from an accredited institution. The iMBA program also requires 3 years of professional work experience, and access to all application materials, including a personal statement, resume 2 letters of reference, and English proficiency scores.
The admission committee will review your application and may invite you to an online interview, where you will be given a decision.
iMBA also offers a first-of-its-kind Performance-based admissions pathway. If you’re admitted into this pathway, you’ll take a set of 3 iMBA courses, and be automatically admitted into the program upon successful completion.
How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?
The University of Illinois offers a number of financing options, including financial aid and tuition reimbursement, and scholarship opportunities covering 70% of tuition fees for qualified students.
The cost of your degree will total around $23,040 for a full 24-month completion requiring 24-30 hours per week. This cost is split over a number of academic terms.
You can also access a pay-as-you-go structure, which allows you to pay tuition only for the course you’re taking, so you can take time off without being charged.
- School: University of Illinois
- Duration: 2 years
- Cost: $22,104
- Degree: Master of Business Administration
- Accreditation: Globally Recognized Degree
6. Online Bachelor's in Marketing
Created to prepare would-be innovators for a high-impact business career, the online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing can empower you to pursue a range of new roles.
This degree covers a host of crucial skills for today’s business leaders, including guidance on marketing analytics, consumer behavior, content creation, branding, sales management, and communication.
The course supports students in developing comprehensive strategies for promoting various products and services. The marketing component of the course covers topics like brand management, marketing strategy, analytics, and consumer behavior analysis.
Alternatively, the business core and business management elements look at topics like fundamentals for success in business and cultivating strategic thinking.
Who is this for?
This online bachelor’s in marketing aims to prepare business leaders and would-be entrepreneurs for a career in marketing or a new path to building their own company.
You’ll learn how to position products and services to customers in a way that builds a brand’s image from scratch, and develop transferable skills in creative thinking and communication.
The course can support career pathways in marketing management, brand management, sales, and business creation. You can also learn skills in the world of IT, human resources, and project management. Because the course is entirely online, it’s also flexible for any student.
Admission requirements
You do not need to take the ACT or SAT to gain admission to this program, but there are still general administration requirements. All MBA programs will require a transcript verifying the receipt of your bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
You will need to undergo an interview with an enrolment counselor, during which time you can arrange for a tuition payments schedule, and create an account with WGU where you can apply for financial aid.
How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?
You can take this course over a period of 0.5 to 4 years, depending on how much time you want to dedicate to the program. The course leaders recommend at least 2 years of study for this degree.
Rather than charging per credit, WGU charges by term, which helps you to accelerate through certain material faster.
The quicker you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree overall. If you only take 2 years to finish this degree, you’ll pay $14,880.
- School: WGU (Western Governors University)
- Duration: 2 years
- Cost: $14,880
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Online Marketing
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
7. Online Masters in Marketing
Delivered by the Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business, the Online Master’s in Marketing can be completed in as little as one year, and place students on a fast track toward lucrative promotional roles.
The educational track includes a total of 15 courses, each covering important topics like analysis of customers and marketing, marketing analytics, and foundations of MarTech.
You can take brand management and product innovation elective courses, as well as learn about specific elements of the advertising landscape, like programmatic advertising, social media marketing, and technology marketing. Additional electives are already in development for this course.
Who is this for?
Like many of the best schools for digital marketing, Santa Clara University focuses its courses on preparing professionals for their next move in a long-term advertising career.
The skills you develop in this program will help you to take on new responsibilities in your existing company, or take on new roles like “Account Director” or “Marketing Manager”.
The curriculum is well-suited for experts looking to expand their knowledge of various kinds of marketing and promotional methods. You could use what you learn to become a Chief Marketing Officer or start your own digital marketing agency.
Admission requirements
All applicants for the online MS in Marketing will need a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college. You’ll need to submit an online application with a $148 application fee (waived for alumni and SCU students, as well as veterans and military members).
Admission requirements also include GMAT/GRE scores or waivers, official transcripts of undergraduate degrees, 2 letters of recommendation, a current resume, and 3 business essays. Qualified applicants will be invited to a personal admission interview.
If English is not your native language, you will need to submit IELTS or TOEFL test scores.
How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?
It costs $1,146 per unit of credit, and students will need to complete a total of 36 units for their master’s degree.
There’s also a $146 application fee. In total, without the application fee, the full year of study costs $41,256. Financial aid is available, however, you will need to contact the admissions team to learn more.
- School: Santa Clara University
- Duration: 1 year
- Cost: $41,256
- Degree: Online Master of Science (MS) in Marketing
- Accreditation: Globally Recognized Degree
8. BS in Business: Digital Marketing Management
The Bachelor of science online digital marketing degree from Bay Path University teaches students how to master the basics of marketing, from creating an effective social media campaign to managing digital media applications and tools.
You’ll learn how to perform effective online marketing research, and apply analytics to measure marketing success.
Throughout the course, students gain access to SOUL online tools and resources, with custom support for their academic journey. There’s also extensive support and academic guidance available for beginners pursuing their education for the first time.
Who is this for?
This digital marketing major aims to create the next generation of digital marketing and social media marketers, responsible for influencing clients and customers. The full range of topics covered will prepare you for the latest trends in email, social, and content marketing, and demonstrate the skills you need to build comprehensive and complete digital marketing strategies.
Students gather skills ideal for a budding marketing specialist, online community manager, search engine optimization specialist, or digital advertising account executive. The course builds on the Business Degree core foundation with a focus on digital marketing.
Admission requirements
Students need a completed application form and an official high school transcript from an accredited school or equivalent. You will also have a better chance of being accepted for the course if you submit an essay, writing sample, and recommendations from high school counselors or teachers.
How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?
This bachelor of science degree takes an average of 3 years to complete, with a full cost of $49,200. The cost for the course is based on the number of credits required. Each credit costs $410, and you will need a total of 120 credits to complete your course.
- School: Bay Path University
- Duration: 3 years
- Cost: $49,200
- Degree: BS in Business: Digital Marketing Management
- Accreditation: Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
9. Master of Science in Digital Marketing
This online internet marketing degree covers everything experts need to know to become marketing innovators. The fully-online AACSB-accredited program goes beyond the basics of a foundational marketing course with full coverage of complex topics like consumer behavior in a digital world, customer journey analytics, and how to conduct marketing research.
The courses are integrated with leading marketing technology platforms like HootSuite and Google Analytics, to help develop marketing leaders who can thrive in an online environment.
You’ll even learn about concepts of UX and UI in digital marketing, and discover the basics of digital marketing law, policy, and ethics.
Who is this for?
Created for people hoping to build a career in digital marketing, or start their own marketing business, this Master of Science in Digital marketing course will help leaders in the marketing landscape to understand their customers, and learn how to set themselves apart in a digital world.
There’s a strong focus on digital skills in this course, covering topics like how to use common digital advertising and promotional tools, and how to leverage the power of search marketing. You’ll also be able to learn about foundational topics like how to build your own marketing strategy.
Admission requirements
You’ll need an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better to apply for this course, as well as experience in marketing to demonstrate your familiarity with common advertising concepts. The course also requires 3 written essays and 3 strong letters of recommendation. International students will need to have their undergraduate degrees assessed by a NACES member.
How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?
This course will take a single year to complete, with a price of $3,552 per course, and a total degree cost of $35,520. You can also access tuition fees part-time or full-time based on your needs, and you may need to pay additional fees for access to certain technology and resources.
- School: Rutgers University
- Duration: 1 year
- Cost: $35,520
- Degree: Master of Science in Digital Marketing
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
10. Online Master of Science in Digital Marketing
Creating the next generation of digital marketing masters, the online Master of Science in digital marketing by Contech is a fantastic digital degree.
This course covers important topics overlooked by other digital marketing degrees, such as how to design content for user experience, strategically build your own marketing plans, and leverage lead generation.
You’ll have access to information on reputation management, and unique kinds of digital marketing, like affiliate marketing and social media promotion. The course comes with practical hands-on training and exercises.
Who is this for?
Intended for business leaders looking for a high-end executive role in the marketing industry, this 30-credit course can empower a whole range of advertising professionals. You could use the skills you learn to become a content marketing professional, social media marketing consultant, or paid search expert.
This course is designed for students who already have a strong background in business management and will provide you with skills for everything from drip marketing and sales skills to marketing analytics, agile development, SEM, and SEO.
You’ll even learn how to leverage digital marketing tools to get the most from your campaigns.
Admission requirements
You’ll need a certificate of graduation from an accredited bachelor's degree program to start this Masters, as well as a transcript of your education, and proof of English proficiency (if you’re an international student). You’ll also need to submit answers to two short assessments, and upload a short video answering certain questions.
An admission committee may request your attendance at an interview to give you a final answer on your acceptance.
How much does it cost and how long does it take to complete?
This degree program will take a total of 1 year to complete, and comes with various payment options to choose from. You can make an upfront payment at the start of the program for a 20% discount, or divide your tuition costs of $18,000 into 12 monthly installments. The course fee breaks down into 30-course credits at $600 per credit.
You can also avoid paying for tuition until you land a high-paying job with a “Study Now, Pay Later” model. This allows you to pay your tuition fee after you get hired, at a rate of $500 per month.
- School: Contech University
- Duration: 1 year
- Cost: $18,000
- Degree: Master of Science in Digital Marketing
- Accreditation: Provisionally approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.
Compare Digital Marketing Degrees
Degree | School | Duration | Type | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Masters in Digital Marketing | Digital Marketing Institute | 2 years | Masters | $11,850 |
2. BS in Marketing with a concentration in Digital Marketing | Southern New Hampshire University | 4 years | Bachelors | $38,400 |
3. Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing | Cambridge Global College | 4 years | Bachelors | $55,480 |
4. Online Business Digital Marketing Degree | LSU Online | 4 years | Bachelors | $45,480 |
5. Master of Business Administration | University of Illinois | 2 years | MBA | $22,104 |
6. Online Bachelors in Marketing | Western Governors University | 2 years | Bachelors | $14,880 |
7. Online Masters in Marketing | Santa Clara University | 1 year | Masters | $41,256 |
8. BS in Business: Digital Marketing Management | Bay Path University | 3 years | Bachelors | $49,200 |
9. Master of Science in Digital Marketing | Rutgers University | 1 year | Masters | $35,520 |
10. Online Master of Science in Digital Marketing | Contech University | 1 year | Masters | $18,000 |
How Much Do Digital Marketing Degrees Cost?
The price of your digital marketing degree will depend on your level of study and how long it takes to complete your course. A bachelor’s degree in digital marketing can cost up to $55,470 for four years of study, while an online master’s degree can cost as little as $11,850.
You may be able to reduce the cost of your education by applying for scholarships and additional funding support from certain educational institutions.
Is Getting a Degree in Digital Marketing Worth It?
A career in digital marketing can be a high-paying and extremely engaging career. The average digital marketer salary ranges between $83k and $119k per year, with opportunities to earn more depending on your level of experience and education.
A bachelor’s degree in digital marketing will equip you with the skills you need to start pursuing an executive-level career in various aspects of digital marketing. You’ll learn all about marketing analytics, understanding your target audience, and leveraging various forms of marketing, like SMS and social media advertising.
Alternatively, a Master’s degree in digital marketing builds on the foundations you create with your bachelor’s education, to help expand your knowledge. You can develop skills in business administration or management, or simply further expand your position as a marketing expert, with a specific focus on certain kinds of promotional excellence.
Digital Marketing Courses & Certifications
An alternative to getting a digital marketing degree is to build your digital marketing skills through a digital marketing course or digital marketing certification. Online marketing courses and certifications cost less than a degree and are recognized by employers as valid credentials for working as a digital marketing professional.
To take a course or to become digital marketing certified, you don't need to have a university degree or prior experience with Internet marketing. In addition, the time investment is way less and good courses and certifications are usually more actionable and practical compared to degrees.
You can use the guides below to learn more about digital marketing online courses.
- Ultimate Digital Marketing Course - a complete course that will teach you everything you need to know about digital marketing. It also comes with an accredited digital marketing certification.
- Best Online Marketing Courses - a list of the top courses to become a highly-skilled digital marketing expert.
- Best Digital Marketing Certifications - a list of the best certifications you can pursue online and become a certified digital marketing specialist.
Methodology
To help you find the best online digital marketing degree, we’ve looked at the most popular programs provided by accredited universities. We've reviewed the programs utilizing our 20+ years of experience in the digital marketing industry. The chosen degrees were selected based on the delivery method (we've selected undergraduate and postgraduate programs that can be taken 100% online), program curriculum, school reputation, instructor experience, and cost.
All degrees that made it to our top 10 list are globally recognized and can help you start a successful career in the existing field of online marketing.