Digital marketing is a growing career field that involves using digital media to create awareness and educate individuals about a product or service. If you’re interested in a career in this field, it’s probably time you started looking into Master’s Degrees in Digital Marketing.
In this guide to the best Master’s Degrees in Digital Marketing, we have found the answers to all of your digital marketing questions. We will go over what digital marketing is, top digital marketing master’s degree programs, and potential careers and salaries. If you want to get one of the best digital marketing master’s degrees, you have come to the right place.
What Is Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing is the process of creating digital awareness about a product or service through online and social platforms. This concentration of marketing promotes products or services to the prospective user through tools and models that facilitate easy contact with the sole purpose of making a sale.
Social media marketing is also part of digital marketing because most contemporary marketing efforts take place on social media platforms. This result-oriented marketing strategy takes advantage of the interests of its targeted audience. It uses marketing analytics and marketing campaigns to conduct comprehensive research.
This research is used to find information about prospective clients and customers to promote products that suit their interests. Digital marketing is rapidly growing in popularity due to the increase of businesses using social and digital media.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing?
The best colleges where you can get a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing are located all over the country, as well as online. When trying to decide where to get a digital marketing master’s degree, take into account your learning style to determine if you are suited best for an in-person or online program. Then, begin considering specific program factors.
What Schools Offer the Best Digital Marketing Master’s Degrees?
- Bellevue University
- Full Sail University
- Michigan State University
- Rutgers University
- University of Florida
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing?
The admission requirements for a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing include an undergraduate degree, preferably in business management or marketing. There is typically a minimum cumulative GPA you need to meet, which is usually around a 3.0 or higher.
You need to be willing to think creatively, intuitively, and analytically. Skills in business communication, critical thinking, and market analysis will help you easily articulate consumer behavior and define marketing objectives.
Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in same or similar field of study
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0+
- GRE test scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
How to Get a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing
You can get a digital marketing master’s degree by first earning a digital marketing bachelor’s degree. Earning a bachelor’s degree in a similar field such as business, marketing, or even English will work. After earning this degree, you will need to enroll in a master’s program and meet all of the degree requirements.
The best way to get a digital marketing master’s degree is to study hard in both undergraduate and graduate school. This degree does not contain as much complex material as many other degrees, but you will need to study hard and fully apply yourself in all of your courses.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing?
You need 36 to 40 credits for a Master’s in Digital Marketing. Typically, you can earn these credits and complete your degree in just a year or two, as long as you have completed all required prerequisites in your bachelor’s program.
Digital Marketing Degree Requirements
- 36 to 40 core education credits
- Lower-level course such as Digital Storytelling and Branding
- Higher-level courses such as Digital Marketing and the Law
- Thesis or capstone project
- 3.0+ GPA
Best Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Bellarmine University | Master of Science in Digital Media | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Bellevue University | Master of Science in Strategic Marketing | Higher Learning Commission |
| Full Sail University | Master of Science in Digital Marketing | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges |
| Georgetown University | Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Marketing Communications | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Marist College | Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| New York University at Stern | Master of Business Administration: Digital Marketing Specialization | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business |
| University of Connecticut | Master of Business Administration: Digital Marketing Strategy Concentration | New England Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Southern California at Annenberg | Master of Science in Digital Social Media | Western Association of Schools and Colleges |
| University of South Florida | Master of Science in Marketing | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Yeshiva University | Master of Sciece in Digital Marketing and Media | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business |
Best Schools for Digital Marketing: Top Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Programs
The best schools for digital marketing master’s degrees are accredited, have affordable tuition, and provide excellent course curricula. Many schools offer digital marketing programs, but you’ll want to enroll in one of the best digital marketing master’s programs if you want to go far in your career. Below, we dive into the top digital marketing master’s programs.
Best Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora University | Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Design | Higher Learning Commission |
| Brandeis University | Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Design | New England Commission on Higher Education |
| Concordia University at Chicago | Master of Business Administration: Digital Marketing Specialization | Higher Learning Commission |
| Fort Hays State University | Master of Business Administration: Digital Marketing Concentration | Higher Learning Commission |
| Michigan State University | Master of Science in Marketing Research | Higher Learning Commission |
| Montclair State University | Master of Business Administration: Digital Marketing Specialization | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Northern Illinois University | Master of Science in Digital Marketing | Higher Learning Commission |
| Rutgers University | Master of Science in Digital Marketing | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business |
| University of Florida | Master of Mass Communication: Digital Strategy Concentration | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| West Virginia University | Master of Science in Digital Marketing Communications | Higher Learning Commission |
Best Colleges for Digital Marketing: Top Online Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Programs
Online programs are a great option if you are looking for a flexible and more self-controlled learning environment. Below is the list of advanced online courses in digital marketing whose concentration courses educate online students on the procedures involved in drafting an actionable digital strategy.
What Is a Digital Marketing Master’s Degree?
A Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing is a graduate degree that helps students efficiently connect the creative aspects of digital marketing with practical technicalities in the field. A digital marketing program will teach you how to use major marketing analytics and marketing campaign tools such as Google Analytics, email marketing, and social media marketing.
With a digital marketing master’s degree, you will become an expert at designing effective marketing strategies that stimulate interest and entice action. You’ll gain the hands-on experience necessary to transform a cold lead into a dedicated repeat customer. It will expose you to the secrets of effective content marketing and integrated marketing communications.
How Important Is a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing?
It is important to have a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing if you want an edge over the competition when job hunting. This is one field where a degree is not a requirement to get jobs, but having a graduate degree will make it immensely easier when you start looking. If you already work in the field, this degree will help you advance and earn a higher salary.
The main reasons why a digital marketing master’s degree is important are:
- Increases employability
- Gives you an edge over the competition when job hunting
- Increases your salary
- Provides valuable training and skills
- Prepares you for a successful career
What Types of Master’s Degree Can You Get in Digital Marketing?
You can get the following types of master’s degrees for digital marketing:
- Master’s Degree
- Master of Arts (MA)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Mass Communication (MMC)
- Master of Professional Studies (MPS)
- Master of Science (MS)
The best degree type for digital marketing really depends on your own career goals. If you are interested in research, a master of science may be best. However, if you want to pursue business, a master of business administration is best.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science or Master of Business Administration in Digital Marketing?
It is better to get a Master of Business Administration in Marketing if you want to work in various aspects of the business field, including marketing. However, a Master of Science in Marketing is better if you want to focus specifically on digital marketing and gain a deeper understanding of marketing.
The difference between a Master of Science in Digital Marketing and a Master of Business Administration is the curricular content. Both teach marketing, but the MS degree focuses on a practical, applicable understanding of digital marketing while an MBA focuses on applying marketing skills to business jobs. Both are equally good for getting you a job. The better degree simply depends on your career goals.
What Is the Difference Between a Digital Marketing Master’s Degree and a Digital Marketing Certificate?
The main difference between a digital marketing master’s degree and a Certificate in Digital Marketing is the time it takes to earn one. While you will spend at least one to two years studying in a degree program, you can earn a certificate in just a few weeks or months.
You should get a digital marketing master’s degree instead of a certificate if your goals are geared toward a long-term career with higher pay. But, if your goals are to join the marketing workforce as soon as possible and to earn a decent salary, a certificate may be better. You do not necessarily need a degree if you have a certificate, but be sure to confirm this with your employer or dream job.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing?
A digital marketing master’s degree costs between $9,000 and $30,000 for an on-campus or online program. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition for a master’s program was $19,314 in 2019. The average cost of a master’s program at a private institution was $25,929, and a public school cost $11,495.
Paying for college can be expensive. You can fund your digital marketing master’s degree through loans or scholarship programs. The 2015 to 2016 data from NCES shows that a large number of graduate students use financial aid when paying for their master’s program.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Digital Marketing Master’s Degree?
It takes one to two years to get a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing. You also have the option of applying to a full-time or part-time degree program. In a full-time program, you may even be able to finish in less than a year. Part-time programs may take a bit longer, sometimes even more than two years.
You may also be able to find accelerated master’s degree programs. If you haven’t earned an undergraduate degree yet, you can even enroll in an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s program, which allows you to complete both degrees in just four or five years total.
How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing?
A Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing is easy to get, especially if you have already studied marketing as an undergraduate. This is because the degree does not cover extremely complex topics, and digital marketers often find work even without needing a degree. While a degree is incredibly helpful in your career, everything can be learned on your own.
Why Should You Get a Digital Marketing Master’s Degree?
The benefits of getting a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing are:
- Makes you more valuable to employers
- Likely to increase your pay
- Teaches valuable skills and concepts
- Prepares you for a wide range of careers
- Improves your employability
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in Digital Marketing?
The required courses for a digital marketing master’s degree include marketing strategy, consumer analytics, and SEO. These are all tailored to deepen your understanding of the subject. You will take both lower and upper-level courses, all of which contain a curriculum that is critical to you becoming an expert in the field.
Digital Marketing Strategy
Digital marketing strategy is a common digital marketing course for a master’s degree. It covers various common digital marketing strategies, as well as their benefits and weaknesses. By the end, you will know exactly which strategies to use and when.
Search Engine Marketing and Optimization
Another one of the courses for a digital marketing master’s degree in mearch engine marketing and optimization. This is a very useful course, as it covers SEM and SEO practices and how to improve your marketing campaigns’ rankings in various search engines.
Marketing and Consumer Analytics
Marketing and consumer analytics is a commonly required digital marketing master’s degree course. This course walks you through the data analytics process when planning marketing campaigns.
Writing for Digital Environments
One of the common higher-level courses required for a digital marketing master’s degree is writing for digital environments. This course focuses on the style, tone, and formatting of writing for different digital marketing environments, such as social media and web pages.
Multichannel Marketing Campaigns
Finally, one of the last classes required for a digital marketing major focuses on multichannel marketing campaigns. This course teaches you how to market the same campaign in many different formats. For example, you can learn how to utilize the same campaign on a website, social media page, and mobile browser.
Continuing Education Paths for Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a digital marketing master’s degree is to start your career when you graduate. At this point, the only higher education you can pursue is a doctoral degree, which is not common in the digital marketing world.
Related Digital Marketing Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Programs
The best digital marketing master’s degree programs have accreditation, experienced faculty, and flexibility. You can expect an intensive but more laid-back feel from a digital marketing master’s degree program. Below, we dive into five things to look for when choosing a program.
Accreditation
Accreditation is essentially the proof that a college and/or program follows a set of predetermined education standards. Enrolling in a program that is accredited ensures you are getting a high-quality education that will be respected by both employers and other schools.
Faculty Credentials
Finding a program with good faculty credentials will help ensure the education you receive is easily applied to real-world situations. Faculty with good credentials are typically experienced professionals in the field they teach, which provides them with valuable knowledge and wisdom to impart on students.
Flexibility
Most people enrolling in a graduate program have jobs and other life responsibilities to attend to alongside their studies. A program with flexibility in scheduling, due dates, and even location can make it less stressful for those students. Online programs are typically the most flexible, but many on-campus programs offer nights and weekend courses to help students.
Cost
Cost is always something to consider, especially with a graduate degree program. College is expensive, so finding a program within your budget is crucial to your long-term success. When searching, be sure to check out all of your school’s financial aid options, including any scholarships or grants you could apply for.
Curricular Content
Curricular content across digital marketing degree programs will certainly carry a lot of the same courses and subjects. However, as programs vary, it is important to really dig into the curriculum for your desired program. You can often find programs tailored more toward different jobs than others this way, and finding the right one can help you achieve your career goals with ease.
What Is the Most Affordable Digital Marketing Master’s Degree?
The most affordable Master’s Degrees in Digital Marketing are:
- University of South Florida’s Master of Business Administration: Digital Marketing Specialization
- Fort Hays State University’s Master of Business Administration: Digital Marketing Concentration
- University of Florida’s Master of Mass Communication: Digital Strategy Concentration
- Aurora University’s Master of Science in Digital Marketing
- Bellevue University’s Master of Science in Strategic Marketing
Salary and Job Outlook for Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Graduates
Now that we have covered the best degrees you can earn, let’s dive into some digital marketing master’s degree jobs. In this section, we cover the average Master’s in Digital Marketing salary, some of the best digital marketing jobs with a master’s degree, and everything in between.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Digital Marketing Master’s Degree?
It is usually easy to get a job with a digital marketing master’s degree. This is a rapidly growing field with a high demand for employees. With a master’s degree, you will appear to potential employers as an expert. You will be seen as a necessity to any team that wants to have successful digital marketing strategies.
What’s the Average Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing, according to PayScale, is $93,000. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for advertising and marketing managers is $133,460. With a master’s degree, you can access higher-paying leadership positions in the field.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Digital Marketing Master’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with a digital marketing master’s degree are high-paying and very satisfactory. You can work a wide array of jobs with this degree, making it very likely you will find a job you love that pays well. This is especially true if you’re passionate about digital marketing.
Digital Marketing Degree Jobs
- Public Relations Manager
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Marketing Copywriter
- Market Research Analyst
- Social Media Manager
Potential Careers With a Digital Marketing Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing?
You can make between $50,000 and $128,000 with a Master’s in Digital Marketing. The amount you earn will depend on a few things, including your job title, years of experience, credentials, and location.
To earn the highest salary, start by choosing the highest-paying job that you are interested in. Then, try to work or partake in an internship while in school to gain experience. If you can, earn a few certificates to show off your skills. You can also move to one of the states that pays the most for your desired job.
Highest-Paying Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Sales Manager | $127,490 |
| Public Relations Manager | $119,860 |
| SEO Manager | $72,799 |
| Content Marketing Manager | $70,022 |
| Digital Marketing Manager | $69,534 |
| Market Research Analyst | $63,920 |
| Business Analyst | $63,170 |
| Account Manager | $56,911 |
| Social Media Manager | $52,901 |
| Marketing Copywriter | $50,787 |
Best Jobs for Digital Marketing Master’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for digital marketing master’s degree grads and in demand and pay well. This field helps you apply the basics of business strategy to your advantage. The digital marketing skills gained through an advanced degree will help you land your dream job.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Digital Marketing Bootcamp vs Digital Marketing Master’s Degree: Which Is Better?
Deciding on which educational pathway is right for you depends on several factors, such as the length of the program, cost, and industry relevance. Bootcamps can prepare you for a career in digital marketing. We’ve compiled the benefits of master’s degrees and bootcamps below to help you make a decision.
Benefits of a Digital Marketing Master’s Degree
- More career options. A digital marketing master’s degree will give you a wide range of career options. You’re not just limited to careers in sales and marketing but in any field where you can use your creative and strategic skills.
- Industry positioning. A master’s degree shows prospective clients and employees you’re competent and educated in the digital marketing field.
- Attractive salary potential. With a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing, you can earn more. You can apply for and receive higher salaries because you have the degree to back up your skills.
- Broad sales and market knowledge. A Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing broadens your scope of reasoning in business and marketing. You’ll be able to easily analyze and project industry trends and use this information to your advantage.
- Long-term relevance. A master’s degree prepares you for changes in the field and equips you with the foundational knowledge and skills you need to stay relevant in the industry.
Benefits of a Digital Marketing Bootcamp
- In-demand marketing skills. Digital marketing bootcamps ensure that you have the necessary skills to excel in the industry. These programs equip you with the marketing, analytical, and strategic skills that will give you effective results.
- Opportunity to work on real-life projects. Digital marketing bootcamps emphasize hands-on training. You’ll get the chance to work on projects that are relevant to your field and gather the professional experience you need to excel.
- Career services. Most digital marketing bootcamps offer career services to students as part of the course training. They can help you set up your profiles on social platforms so you can generate good job prospects. They can also provide you with connections to get started.
- Flexible learning formats. You have access to remote learning and self-paced options so you don’t have to disrupt your job or current schedule.
- Affordable training. Digital marketing bootcamps are relatively cheap compared to master’s degrees. You can save money and still get the results you desire.
Is a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing Worth It?
Yes, a Master’s in Digital Marketing is worth it if you want the opportunity to streamline your career path. You get to pursue your passion through a wide range of career paths, without the restrictions of a traditional job. Digital marketers are trained to be self-sufficient problem-solvers.
These professionals earn a high salary compensation and can freelance, set their rates, and decide their work hours. The long-term relevance for this field is also very encouraging. Because of how integral marketing is to the success of our business, competent professionals in this field will always have job security.
Additional Reading About Digital Marketing
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Digital Marketing Master’s Degree FAQ
You can do a lot with a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing. There are several careers you can explore with this degree. You can fit into any role that requires an analytical, strategic, and creative mindset. You can work in government, tech, finance, and healthcare industries as a marketing or promotional specialist.
To become a digital marketer, you need to be professionally trained. A Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing would require a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a business-related discipline. A bootcamp certification would require a high school diploma and some practical experience.
Yes, it is worth pursuing. While a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing is not a prerequisite to get started in the field, it can give you some advantages over other candidates in the industry. You would be able to nurture a holistic view of technicalities in marketing.
Yes, digital marketing pays well. Depending on your job function and location, you can earn high salaries as a digital marketing manager. For instance, the highest-paid state for digital marketing managers is California at $89,713, according to ZipRecruiter. This value is considerably higher than most compensations.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
