A marketing degree provides broad business knowledge and versatile communication skills that are currently in high demand by employers, giving graduates a competitive edge in the job market.
Earning a marketing degree is worthwhile for students interested in promotional strategies and creative branding to boost sales and revenue. Careers as marketing directors and product marketing managers can lead to six-figure salaries.
Different types of marketing degrees in various specializations are available to help individuals reach their career goals. Many programs are accessible through flexible distance learning for working students and busy adults.
Here you will gain an understanding of these different types of online marketing degrees, potential job paths for marketers to take after earning a degree, and examples of nationwide institutions that offer them.
Types of Online Marketing Degrees
Marketing encompasses a broad knowledge range, with different types of degrees accessible through online education to align with a student's goals, as outlined below.
Associate Degrees in Marketing
A two-year Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree in marketing introduces students to the profession and provides a basic understanding of business practices and principles.
Marketing associate degree programs are an excellent starting point for earning bachelor's degrees, as students can transfer them to four-year schools.
Community colleges, junior colleges, and some four-year institutions offer associate degrees in marketing through flexible online learning, qualifying students for entry-level jobs.
Students earning associate degrees in marketing pursue roles such as:
- account executives
- public relations coordinators
- marketing managers
- sales representatives
- digital marketing assistants
Bachelor's Degrees in Marketing
Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in marketing enable students to take on roles where they focus on consumer behavior and market strategies for organizations.
A Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing concentrates more on humanities, including communications and brand management skills. A Bachelor of Science degree in marketing places more emphasis on scientific, technological, and mathematic aspects.
Students can also earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in marketing, which offers a more business-centric curriculum on guiding principles, key concepts, and methodologies for developing and maintaining products and services.
These bachelor's degrees generally require 120 credits, taking about four years to complete.
Graduates earning a bachelor's degree in marketing go on to job roles such as:
- brand manager
- media planner
- marketing manager
- copywriter
- product manager
Master's Degrees in Marketing
A Master of Science (MS) in Marketing helps students gain analytic and leadership skills to understand data and business models and prepare for middle-management and higher positions.
Another option is a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in marketing, where students learn about market research and consumer trends while enhancing math and analytical skills.
General management training is a key component of these master's degrees in marketing, which can take one to two years to complete, depending on the program and institutions offering them.
Students with a master's degree in marketing embark on careers including:
- market research analyst
- advertising and promotions manager
- chief marketing officer
- data scientist
- public relations manager
Marketing Specializations
The marketing world allows students to earn different types of degrees in various specializations.
Some of the more popular areas of study for marketers include:
- digital marketing, where they learn to create and execute tactical digital campaigns
- advertising, with a focus on sales and copywriting
- social media marketing, concentrating on driving website traffic and brand awareness
- marketing research and analytics, which teaches research tools to collect and evaluate information
- public relations, where students learn to manage and maintain a company's reputation and image
- integrated marketing communications, with a combination of market strategies and communication studies
- strategic marketing, which utilizes various disciplines to learn how to develop and maintain a competitive advantage
Institutions With Different Types of Online Marketing Degrees
Several nationwide accredited institutions offer different types of online marketing degrees, with some examples listed below.
1. California Coast University
California Coast University provides an Associate of Science in Business Marketing that teaches fundamental marketing management concepts.
Students learn how to create and implement basic marketing strategies and principles of consumer behavior, with coursework in advertising, promotions, and customer service.
2. University of Maryland
The University of Maryland offers a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing. It gives students a comprehensive background in identifying and growing customers and developing successful promotions.
It includes digital marketing strategies and teaches applicable integrated marketing communication tools covering global and domestic markets.
3. The University of Arizona
The University of Arizona has a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing program that teaches foundational marketing and communication strategies.
Students learn to apply concepts and skills in market research, advertising, and consumer behavior, to make informed decisions to reach business and marketing goals.
4. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University has a Master of Science degree in marketing. It helps students gain skills in creating effective marketing plans and provides education on current theories and practices.
Students build upon previously learned marketing knowledge and take courses like strategic digital marketing and ethical and legal issues in the profession to learn how to move businesses forward.
5. Liberty University
Liberty University provides a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in marketing.
Students gain the necessary skills to develop and analyze market research projects and track audience behaviors while gaining essential knowledge for evolving and adapting in the ever-changing marketing world.
Explore Different Types of Online Marketing Degrees Today
Marketing impacts every aspect of an organization. Students can earn different types of marketing degrees in various specializations to learn how to promote products and services for business success and embark on a rewarding career today.
