Best Social Media Marketing Schools: The Top Colleges and Universities for Social Media Marketing Programs
The best schools for social media marketing can help students gain the relevant skills they need to work in the industry and allow them to prepare a strong portfolio. The best social media marketing universities also offer career counseling services and host job fairs. If you want a career in this industry, knowing what the best social media marketing schools are will help you succeed.
In this career guide, you will learn about the best social media marketing colleges where you can get your undergraduate and graduate degrees. The use of social media has grown exponentially, and by 2025 there will be almost 4.41 billion social media users , according to Statista. Getting a higher education in social media marketing will almost guarantee you a lucrative career that takes advantage of this.
Best Social Media Marketing College and University Rankings: Top 10 Social Media Marketing Schools at a Glance
| School | State | Formats Available | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | AZ | In-person, online | 117 |
| California State University | CA | In-person, online | 12 (regional) |
| Columbia University | CA | In-person, online | 2 |
| Cornell University | NY | Online | 17 |
| Florida International University | FL | In-person, online | 162 |
| Fordham University | NY | In-person, online | 68 |
| Husson College | ME | In-person, online | 299-391 |
| Point University | GA | In-person, online | 71-93 (regional) |
| Southern New Hampshire University | NH | In-person, online | 131-171 (regional) |
| St. Edward’s University | TX | In-person, online | 9 (regional) |
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Social Media Marketing School Rankings: Best Social Media Marketing Colleges and Universities
The best social media marketing colleges and universities include programs with topics like the fundamentals of digital marketing, digital analytics, social media strategy, social media management, and content marketing. Many also offer flexible online programs. Below is a list of the best social media marketing schools in the country offering certificate programs as well as undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Arizona State University
Graduation Rate: 66%
Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research institution that was established in 1885. According to US News & World Report, ASU is the country's most innovative school, offering a wide range of on-campus and online degrees, including 89 programs ranked among the top 25 in the country. ASU is home to over 400 national academies and has a well-respected faculty.
Arizona State University Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: 117
- Times Higher Education Ranking: 132
Best Arizona State University Social Media Marketing Programs
- Bachelor of Science in Digital Audiences . This four-year, 120-credit program can help you get a job in audience engagement, community management, sales, and social media analytics. You will learn about digital audience analysis and growth while attending lectures on social media campaigns, engagement, and research.
- Graduate Certificate in Digital Audiences . This 15-credit program lets you learn technical skills in search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing, organic social media campaigns, and digital analytics. You’ll gain hands-on experience improving audience engagement through digital audience research and campaign management.
- Master of Global Management in Digital Audience Strategy . This 49-credit program is meant to prepare you to work as a global manager. You’ll gain strong quantitative and qualitative research skills by studying social media audiences, social networks, and search engine optimization, as well as creating surveys and leading focus groups.
- Digital Marketing Bootcamp . This 18-week-long program will teach you how to create and lead a successful marketing strategy. You’ll gain expertise in user acquisition, digital advertising, content marketing, retention strategy, and SEO optimization, as well as hands-on experience with Google Ads, Google Analytics, Facebook Ads Manager, and WordPress.
Arizona State University Social Media Marketing Key Takeaway
ASU is one of the top research institutions in the US and is known for heavily promoting the discoveries of its students.
California State University
Graduation Rate: 48%
California State University (Cal State or CSU) is a public university system headquartered in Long Beach, California, with 23 campuses across the country. It’s the largest four-year public university system in the country and currently has approximately 485,550 students enrolled across its wide range of programs.
California State University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Accreditation: The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
- US News Regional Ranking: 12
- Times Higher Education Ranking: N/A
Best California State University Social Media Marketing Programs
- Certificate in Social Media Marketing . This one-semester online certificate program teaches students to create compelling social media marketing campaigns. Students learn to write social media content, measure social media metrics, and manage brands and are taught by experienced social media and online marketing practitioners.
- Master of Science in Marketing Analytics . This year-long 30-credit STEM-designated program offers advanced digital marketing training, allowing students to develop important technical skills. In their various social media and digital marketing courses, students work with industry experts on real-world projects.
California State University Social Media Marketing Key Takeaway
Cal State’s campuses are famous for offering high-quality, accessible education and are recognized by US News & World Report as some of the best-value schools in the country.
Columbia University
Graduation Rate: 97%
Columbia University was founded in 1754 and is the second-best college in the country, according to US News & World Report. Home to many award-winning alumni, faculty, and members, Columbia University’s 20 schools offer a wide range of programs in over 100 majors and concentrations.
Columbia University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Accreditation: The Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: 2
- Times Higher Education Ranking: 11
Best Columbia University Social Media Marketing Programs
- Digital Marketing Intensive Bootcamp . This six-month online bootcamp is best suited for prospective students wanting to gain advanced skills without enrolling in a degree program. Students learn to analyze key trends using artificial intelligence and automation.
- Bachelor's in Marketing . This is a four-year, 120-credit foundational program where students learn the basics of business administration and digital marketing. Its courses cover topics such as consumer behavior, marketing research, social media marketing, advertising, and strategic marketing management.
- Master of Science in Marketing Science. This is a one-year, 30-credit STEM program with a special emphasis on marketing analytics. You’ll develop the quantitative skills needed to build omnichannel marketing strategies and learn about marketing intelligence, strategic consumer insights, and statistical modeling.
Columbia University Social Media Marketing Key Takeaway
Columbia University is among the best research institutions in the United States, spending over $1 billion in research annually.
Cornell University
Graduation Rate: 94%
Founded in 1865, Cornell University is an Ivy League university located in Ithaca, New York, with eight undergraduate colleges offering over 4,000 courses across 100 academic departments. Cornell University is an extremely competitive educational institution with an acceptance rate of only nine percent.
Cornell University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Degrees Offered: Certificates, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: 17
- Times Higher Education Ranking: 22
Best Cornell University Social Media Marketing Programs
- Certificate Program in Social Media Marketing. This three-month certificate program teaches its students the best practices in social media marketing. In it, you’ll learn to build an online social media community and take core courses in social media strategy, content marketing, and brand-building through influencer marketing.
- Certificate Program in Digital Marketing 360 . This program lasts 10 months and gives its students an overview of integrated digital marketing practices. Its courses help students build marketing strategies using digital, mobile, and emerging technologies, as well as assess marketing opportunities across digital channels, including social media.
- MBA Digital Marketing Intensive. This one-year program can help you gain expertise in branding strategies, data analytics , and digital marketing. Its students learn to create effective strategies for various digital marketing platforms, including social media. They also learn about data visualization, brand sentiment, and social listening.
Cornell University Social Media Marketing Key Takeaway
Cornell University is one of the eight members of the Ivy League, and having a degree from it can be extremely impressive to potential employers.
Florida International University
Graduation Rate: 67%
Florida International University offers over 190 degrees out of its physical and online campuses and is one of Florida's best and most prestigious colleges . The university was established in 1972 and currently has approximately 48,700 undergraduate students enrolled in its various programs.
Florida International University Overview
- School Type: Public
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Accreditation: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: 162
- Times Higher Education Ranking: 501-600
Best Florida International University Social Media Marketing Programs
- Certificate in Social Media and Digital Marketing Analytics. This four-course undergraduate certificate program covers the fundamental concepts and strategies used to build a strong social media brand image and target the right audiences. Any student enrolled at the university can take this program along with their major.
- Minor in Social Media and E-Marketing Analytics. This minor teaches students how to engage customers through social media and digital marketing. Students learn to build social media strategies and use marketing analytics over its four required courses.
- Master of Science in Marketing . This 10-16 month, 30-credit graduate program offers a curriculum covering topics such as branding, analytics, and digital marketing. In it, you’ll learn about marketing management in a global environment, marketing research, brand management, social media marketing, and omnichannel marketing.
Florida International University Social Media Marketing Key Takeaway
Twelve FIU programs have ranked within QS World University Ranking’s top 50 public university programs in the US .
Fordham University
Graduation Rate: 83%
Fordham University (FU) is a four-year private institution that was founded in 1841. It currently has about 17,000 students studying across its five campuses in Rose Hill, Lincoln Center, Westchester, New York, and London. Fordham University offers degree programs in information management, marketing, accounting, and liberal arts, among others.
Fordham University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the Middle States Association
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: 68
- Times Higher Education Ranking: 601-800
Best Fordham University Social Media Marketing Programs
- Master of Science in Marketing Intelligence. In this 36-credit program, you’ll learn how to best use traditional marketing strategies in today's digital environment as well as data analysis to make data-driven decisions. The program provides its students with an experiential learning experience in marketing technology and innovation.
- Master of Science in Strategic Marketing Communication. This one-year, 33-credit program will give you a better understanding of today's digital consumers and teach you how to create effective social media campaigns. You’ll learn persuasive corporate communication, crisis management, and purpose-driven marketing.
Fordham University Social Media Marketing Key Takeaway
With over 4,000 colleges and universities in the country, Fordham University is in the top two percent of all American postsecondary institutions.
Husson University
Graduation Rate: 54%
Husson University is a private institution located in Maine, offering over 110 undergraduate, graduate, professional, and certificate programs. At Husson, you can get higher education in the fields of business, communications, counseling, criminal justice, education, health, science, humanities, or technology.
Husson University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 86%
- Accreditation: The New England Commission of Higher Education
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
- US News Ranking: 299-391
- Times Higher Education Ranking: >800
Best Husson University Social Media Marketing Programs
- Digital Marketing Professional Certification . This 15-credit professional certification allows you to gain advanced digital marketing skills in website optimization, content marketing, email marketing, and analytics. This program’s biggest advantage is that it allows you to get a dual certification in digital marketing and online marketing strategy.
- Certificate in Marketing Communications. This certificate gives its students exposure to the newest theories and technologies used in marketing communications over 15 credits. Students learn about public relations, advertising, graphic design, and social media marketing, as well as the fundamentals of online marketing.
Husson University Social Media Marketing Key Takeaway
According to Husson University, almost 96 percent of its students are employed within a year of graduation.
Point University
Graduation Rate: 29%
Founded in 1937, Point University is a private Christian university with over 80 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across various fields of study. Point University welcomes 2,200 students every year, about 97 percent of whom are awarded financial aid of some type.
Point University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Accreditation: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Degrees Offered: Certificates, bachelor’s, master’s
- US News Regional Ranking: 71-93
- Times Higher Education Ranking: N/A
Best Point University Social Media Marketing Programs
- Online Associate of Arts in Social Media Marketing. This two-year, 60-credit program prepares students for entry-level digital marketing and social media positions. Its students develop a broad understanding of liberal arts and learn the basics of advertising and social media marketing.
- Online Bachelor of Science in Social Media Marketing. This completely online four-year, 120-credit bachelor’s degree program emphasizes the use of social media marketing tools for business growth. Students get practical training on how to create successful social media campaigns.
- Online Social Media Marketing Certificate . This program is an excellent option for working professionals wanting to gain advanced technical skills in social media marketing. This is a 24-credit program where you can learn about content marketing, mobile marketing, and blogging.
Point University Social Media Marketing Key Takeaway
Point University is one of the few universities in the country offering 100 percent online associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs in social media marketing.
Southern New Hampshire University
Graduation Rate: 39%
Established in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has a student body of almost 140,000, the overwhelming majority of whom are online. The institute offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, liberal arts, social sciences, and engineering.
Southern New Hampshire University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Accreditation: The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Degrees Offered: Associate, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
- US News Regional Ranking: 131-171
- Times Higher Education Ranking: > 600
Best Southern New Hampshire University Social Media Marketing Programs
- Associate Degree in Marketing With a Concentration in Social Media Marketing. This is an excellent program for those looking to gain the social media marketing skills needed for an entry-level job. Students learn to use primary and secondary data to best position a product in the market and gain an understanding of the legal and ethical principles in marketing and economics. It takes two years to complete the required 60 credits.
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing With a Concentration in Social Media Marketing. This online 120-credit program combines social media theory and practices with traditional marketing strategies . Over four years, students learn to target and engage online audiences and build a brand messaging that aligns with a business’s identity. Students can combine this degree with the HubSpot Social Media Certification.
- Social Media Marketing Graduate Certificate. This 15-credit online program lets you learn all of the valuable tools used to create effective social media marketing strategies. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of how to reach your target audience through social media and develop and analyze social media strategies for different brands.
- Master of Science in Marketing With a Concentration in Digital Marketing. This 36-credit program is an excellent choice for students wanting to learn techniques used in mobile marketing, email marketing, and social media marketing. Over 15 months, students learn to analyze and interpret data to make effective social media strategies.
- Master of Science in Marketing With a Concentration in Social Media Marketing . This 36-credit graduate program lets you develop a foundation in digital marketing for social media. In it, you’ll create, implement and measure a social media marketing campaign and earn industry certifications such as the HubSpot Social Media Certification, Hootsuite Platform Training, and HubSpot Inbound Certification.
Southern New Hampshire University Social Media Marketing Key Takeaway
SNHU was awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology by The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA).
St. Edward’s University
Graduation Rate: 66%
Established in 1877, St. Edward's University is a Catholic university located in Austin, Texas, and offers over 55 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. According to US News & World Report, St. Edward's University is one of the best western universities in the country. The university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1 and is home to over 100 student organizations.
St. Edward’s University Overview
- School Type: Private
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Accreditation: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s
- US News Regional Ranking: 9
- Times Higher Education Ranking: 401-500
Best St. Edward’s University Social Media Marketing Programs
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. This 120-credit, four-year program helps students build a solid understanding of the business principles used in marketing. Its students earn certifications and complete internships, allowing them to develop practical content creation and data analysis skills employers look for in social media marketers.
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Digital Media Management. This four-year, 120-credit program teaches its students essential digital media management skills used across a wide variety of industries. Its courses cover project management, digital interactive technologies, social media marketing, and digital media production planning.
- Digital Marketing Minor. Students enrolled in any program at St. Edward's University can minor in digital marketing. This minor will teach you the principles of marketing research, digital and social media marketing, visual communication, and interactive media production.
- Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Analytics. This is a 16-month advanced degree where students learn to apply big data to social media analytics through courses on marketing automation systems, user interface design , and digital innovations in mobile marketing. This program also allows students to earn two certifications.
- Master of Business Administration. This 36-credit, two-year program teaches business leadership and management with seven concentrations to pick from. Its curriculum includes accounting, finance, marketing, big data, and data analytics courses.
St. Edward’s University Social Media Marketing Key Takeaway
St. Edward’s University places an immense emphasis on experiential learning, allowing its students to develop practical experience before graduating.
The Best Schools for Social Media Marketing: Types of College Degrees and University Programs Offered
The best schools for social media marketing offer different levels of college degree programs, including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees and certificate programs. There aren’t many PhDs in Social Media Marketing, but a PhD in Digital Marketing with a concentration in social media marketing is a good alternative. Here’s a breakdown of the types of social media marketing degrees you can get.
Social Media Marketing Community College Certificate
A social media marketing community college certificate is career-focused and designed to give students skills in digital communications, integrated marketing, and brand management. These programs usually don't last more than a few weeks and can be completed right after high school. These are best suited for landing an entry-level job in the field of social media marketing.
Social Media Marketing Associate Degree
An Associate Degree in Social Media Marketing is a foundational program typically taken by high school graduates at community colleges or junior colleges. It is designed to help them prepare for an advanced undergraduate degree. Usually, these associate degrees require the completion of 60 credit hours.
Throughout the course of an associate degree program, students gain a basic understanding of digital marketing, brand management, and social media marketing. Further, they also learn the technical skills needed to run social media advertisements and promotions.
Social Media Marketing Bachelor’s Degree
A Bachelor's Degree in Social Media Marketing is an accredited program offered by a four-year institution. These programs usually require students to complete 120 credit hours of core coursework, general education courses, and electives. Some bachelor's degrees require students to complete internships.
Usually, in a social media marketing bachelor’s degree, students learn advanced digital marketing skills and take a deep dive into the different aspects of social media marketing. They also learn about market analysis, digital audience analysis, relationship management, content marketing, and more.
Social Media Marketing Master’s Degree
A Master's Degree in Social Media Marketing is a highly advanced degree usually designed to help working professionals advance in their careers. These degrees offer intensive coursework covering a wide variety of marketing analytics, search engine optimization, and digital marketing topics.
A master's degree is usually about two years long. Students work on multiple projects during this time and often finish with a capstone project. Most universities require that students maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to graduate. Many universities also encourage students to gain additional certifications either during or after their degree.
Social Media Marketing Graduate Certificate
A graduate certificate in social media marketing is designed with working professionals in mind. These career-focused programs are usually six to 12 months long and are an excellent option for anybody wishing to enter the social media marketing industry, irrespective of their educational background.
Social Media Marketing Doctorate
A social media marketing doctorate is one of the highest levels of degree you can get in this subject. Although most universities don’t offer a PhD program in social media marketing, a digital marketing doctoral program specializing in social media marketing is a great alternative.
During a PhD, you’ll gain expertise in social media management, digital consumer behavior, and brand management through advanced coursework and a dissertation process. Since this topic is new, you may need to contact the university to discuss whether or not a PhD in this field is possible.
Comparing Popular Degree Options
Best Social Media Marketing Schools: Other Social Media Marketing University Rankings
The best social media marketing schools are accredited universities in the US that offer a degree in digital marketing or social media. Social media marketing is a relatively new subject, so you may not find many schools offering a specialization in this field. That being said, many accredited universities have started offering blended or online programs in social media marketing.
Best Online Social Media Marketing Schools
- Arizona State University. ASU is among the few universities to offer a certificate, a bachelor’s, a master’s, and a bootcamp in social media marketing. The university offers all of its programs online and on campus.
- Johnson and Wales University. This university provides a 100 percent online bachelor’s program in digital marketing and social media. The program allows students to focus on search engine marketing, data-driven marketing, and data analytics.
- Point University. Point University’s online bachelor of science allows students to develop strong soft and technical skills in marketing. The university also encourages and helps its graduates earn additional credentials in social media marketing.
Best Community Colleges for Social Media Marketing
- Scottsdale Community College. Scottsdale Community College ’s Certificate in Social Media Marketing requires the completion of 17-18 credits. It provides hands-on training on relevant strategic marketing skills in social media, digital communications, integrated marketing, media relations, and brand management.
- Mesa Community College. In this program, you can learn how to create a socially responsible social media campaign. You’ll also learn to apply relevant social media marketing theories, models, and research to the way you build a digital community.
- Kirkwood Community College. This program aims to teach you the marketing principles you need to know for entry-level jobs. Students need to complete 18 credits of the program’s core coursework covering topics like social media in business, content marketing, web content, and ecommerce systems.
Best Undergraduate Schools for Social Media Marketing
- Southern New Hampshire University. SNHU’s online bachelor of science offers a great learning experience through a blend of theory and practical education. Students learn to use social media tools and strategies to engage consumers and achieve business goals.
- Strayer University. Strayer University offers a unique program where students learn to develop, execute, and analyze social media strategies. In it, you’ll learn to use consumer insights to help scale businesses and gain an understanding of business logistics management.
- Grand Canyon University. Grand Canyon University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Social Media focused on the impact of social media on businesses and consumers with an emphasis on teaching the practical skills required to produce digital social media content. Students learn to design, write, and create social media and email marketing campaigns, blogs, and websites.
Best Graduate Schools for Social Media Marketing
- Columbia University. Columbia University’s Master of Science program allows students to learn statistical modeling and data-driven decision-making skills and take courses on social and economic networks and market intelligence.
- Pace University. This university offers a Master of Science in Marketing, Social Media, and Mobile Marketing, where students specialize in digital marketing communications. In it, they learn to design and analyze social media and mobile marketing strategies.
- West Virginia University. West Virginia University ’s Master of Science in Data Marketing Communications is the first program in the country to focus on data-driven marketing. In it, students learn to use digital advertising, social media metrics, web analytics, customer relations management platforms, and website usage statistics.
Best Social Media Marketing Schools With Dual Degree Programs
- Eller College of Management | MS+MBSA in Marketing and Business Analytics. Students can combine a Master of Science with a Master’s of Business Analytics to gain analytical and marketing skills using cutting-edge technologies. In it, you’ll learn about core subjects like business intelligence, international marketing, and brand management.
- Boston University | MBA + MS In Digital Technologies. This dual degree allows students to get hands-on experience working on business solutions with emerging technologies. Students earn an MBA and an MS and learn core programming concepts in Python, core databases, and SQL, as well as the application of technology in marketing.
- Aurora University | MS in Digital Marketing and Design. This online program offers a great combination of graphic design and digital marketing and can be completed in less than a year. It offers courses in marketing management, media strategies, content creation, and campaign planning, as well as an internship opportunity.
Best Schools With Accelerated Social Media Marketing Programs
- Arizona University | MGM Global Management (Digital Audience Strategy). ASU allows students to earn a bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Global Management with a focus on digital audiences. Students develop marketing, design, and product development skills in addition to management and global leadership skills.
- Lewis University | BS in Digital Marketing (Accelerated). This program provides its students with a foundation in marketing strategies and helps them gain practical social media skills. Students study real-life cases to learn how to create strong digital marketing strategies. They also learn how to use SEO and pay-per-click (PPC) tools.
- Rochester University | BS in Digital Marketing (Accelerated). Rochester University ‘s BS in Digital Marketing teaches the different strategies used to drive an organization’s marketing efforts. Students learn to use digital tools like SEO, social media marketing, paid ads, content marketing, and more.
Easy Colleges to Get Into
Is Graduate School for Social Media Marketing Worth It?
Yes, it is worth going to graduate school for social media marketing. The advanced technical skills you’ll learn in graduate school will prepare you to work in managerial and leadership positions. Graduate schools are a great way to develop a professional portfolio under the guidance of expert instructors and can be a great avenue for finding an internship.
Keep in mind, however, that only a handful of schools offer a graduate program in social media marketing and that a graduate degree in digital marketing may be easier to find and just as worth it. Alternatively, you can also enroll in a graduate certificate program or a bootcamp. These are usually career-focused programs with excellent career counseling services.
What Jobs Can You Do With a Social Media Marketing Degree?
The jobs you can do with a social media marketing degree are similar to what you could do with a digital marketing degree, like working as a social media marketer, marketing manager, and advertising or promotions manager. Other common jobs include being a content or social media manager, digital marketer, online community manager, and public relations manager.
A degree in social media marketing opens a pool of endless possibilities as the skills you learn are highly transferable. You can work in marketing, sales, advertising, public relations, journalism, and communication. After earning your degree, you can gain advanced certifications or real-world experience by applying for internship programs.
How Much Can I Earn With a Degree in Social Media Marketing?
With a degree in social media marketing, you can earn a good income, especially if that degree is a master’s or a PhD. That being said, marketing bachelor’s degree holders earn an average salary of $66,000 per year, according to PayScale, and master’s degree holders in the same field earn approximately $70,000 per year. Your actual salary will depend on your location, employer, experience, level of education, and job title.
Highest-Paying Social Media Marketing Careers
| Profession | Minimum Education | Average Salary | US News Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Managers | Bachelor’s degree | $133,380 | #42 |
| Advertising and Promotions Managers | Bachelor’s degree | $133,380 | #14 |
| Director of Digital Marketing | Master’s degree or a graduate certificate | $98,582 | #2 |
| Social Media Director | Master’s degree or a graduate certificate | $77,574 | #49 (tie) |
| Digital Marketer | Bachelor’s degree | $71,000 | #49 (tie) |
| Content Marketing Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $70,022 | #6 |
| Writers and Authors | Bachelor’s degree | $69,510 | #28 |
| Marketing Communication Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $67,802 | #179 |
| Market Research Analysts | Bachelor’s degree | $63,920 | #23 |
| Public Relations Specialists | Bachelor’s degree | $62,800 | #59 |
Best Jobs With a Social Media Marketing Degree
The best jobs with a social media marketing degree are in digital marketing, advertising, and digital communications. A degree in social media marketing allows you to work in many different sectors. Some of the jobs require industry experience and managerial skills. So, you might need a business administration degree or advanced technical skills to get a competitive salary.
Best Social Media Marketing Associate Degree Jobs
The best social media marketing associate degree jobs can prepare you for entry-level positions in the industry. You’ll need to have a knack for social media and a solid grasp of marketing concepts. Getting an associate degree is a good way to get accepted into a competitive bachelor's degree program.
Top Social Media Marketing Careers With an Associate Degree
Best Social Media Marketing Bachelor’s Degree Jobs
The best social media marketing bachelor’s degree jobs come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. Bachelor's degree graduates can kickstart their careers through internships or pursue advanced certificate programs or master's degree programs to increase their earning potential.
Top Social Media Marketing Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree
Best Social Media Marketing Master’s Degree Jobs
The best social media marketing master’s degree jobs often require candidates to have specialized knowledge. A master's degree program is the best way to acquire this knowledge and gain experience by working on real-life projects. Master's degree programs usually require applicants to have a certain amount of work experience to be able to apply.
Top Social Media Marketing Careers With a Master’s Degree
Best Social Media Marketing Doctorate Jobs
The best social media marketing doctorate jobs require a significant amount of experience working in the field but are compensated accordingly. A PhD program can help you launch your career in marketing research or academia. While a PhD in this field is rarely, if not ever, required having one will give you a leg up over other candidates when applying to just about any position.
Top Social Media Marketing Careers With a PhD
Best Internships for Social Media Marketing Students
The best internships for social media marketing students provide valuable industry exposure and the opportunity to learn technical and business skills while working on real projects. As an intern, you’ll work side by side with industry experts who can teach you the best industry practices. Most internship programs last four to 12 weeks.
Top Social Media Marketing Internships
- L’Oréal USA Summer Internship Program: $65,200
- NBC MSNBC Brand Marketing Intern: Not specified
- Apple Business, Marketing, and G&A Intern: Not specified
How Can I Pay for Social Media Marketing School?
You can pay for social media marketing school through federal scholarships, loans, and government grants. You can also apply for internal scholarships offered by your school and external scholarships offered by companies or foundations. Some employers will even sponsor your higher education. Here are some of the top ways to pay for college .
- Federal scholarships. The US government offers a wide range of scholarships to talented students with excellent academic backgrounds. By filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form when applying to a program, you’ll be able to complete your studies at an accredited institution with less student debt to worry about.
- Merit scholarships. Another way to pay for college is to apply for merit scholarships that can help cover your tuition. Most universities offer merit-based scholarships, and you can speak to the admission office to learn about which ones you are eligible for. You can also apply for external scholarships offered by NGOs and other institutions.
- Grants. Federal grants, such as the Pell Grant, are an excellent way to fund your college experience and are offered based on financial need. The amount of financial aid you receive will depend on your chosen college, program, and academic background.
- Work-study jobs. Finding an on-campus job can help you manage your tuition and earn some extra money. These work-study jobs can help you pay for your books and supplies and allow you to gain work experience while you study. Some work-study programs are even offered by the federal government.
- Sponsorship. You can also ask your employer to sponsor your college if you are a working professional. Many employers run sponsorship programs to help upskill their employees. Employers can also recommend you to a college and help you enroll in your chosen degree program.
How to Pay for Your Chosen School Education Path
Choosing the Best Social Media Marketing School for You
To choose the best social media marketing school for you, you should consider several factors such as the school reputation’s, program length, core coursework, accreditation, and career services. Below is a detailed breakdown of the essential factors you need to watch for.
Accreditation
When choosing a program, make sure an accredited institution offers it. Accreditation ensures that the university you’re selecting offers quality education as it means that it’s been vetted by an external body. Studying at an accredited school qualifies you for federal financial aid and is more respected by employers.
Career Services
An ideal program should offer hands-on experiences and practical training led by industry experts. It should also provide student career services such as career counseling, mock interviews, and portfolio building. Many schools help students prepare to enter the workforce through real-world project simulations, interview preparation, and resume and cover letter support.
Specialization Options and Curricular Content
Another crucial factor to consider is the core curriculum and coursework. Because the field of digital and social media marketing is rapidly evolving, you want to be learning the most up-to-date techniques and skills. When choosing a program, have a look at their sample courses and make sure that what they are teaching is still relevant.
School Reputation
A school’s reputation can go a long way. Having a degree from a well-respected and reputable school can impress potential employers and give you a leg up over other candidates. You can also look at reviews left by alumni during your school search.
Program Length
While this isn’t necessarily important for every student, a program’s length can influence whether or not it is suitable for you. Depending on your financial situation and other responsibilities, a shorter program may be better. If this is the case, look for accelerated programs. Conversely, a part-time program may be better if you have many other things to juggle as you study.
How to Get Into the Right School for Your Profession
Does It Matter What College I Go to for Social Media Marketing?
Yes, it does matter what college you go to for social media marketing. Some universities offer better services and a more advanced curriculum than others. Because social media marketing is such a new field of study, it is not a very commonly offered major. If you can’t find a degree in social media marketing, look for a digital marketing degree with a concentration in it.
That being said, you can also become a social media marketer without going to college. If you decide not to get a higher education degree, you will have to get the required skills and relevant work experience on your own. A degree will make it easier for you to get a job at a good company. Most schools update their curriculum annually to help students gain the latest in-demand skills.
Social Media Marketing University Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Schools for Social Media Marketing
We ranked the best social media marketing schools by consulting the university rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education. To further refine our social media marketing university ranking methodology, we gave special consideration to things like reputation, graduation rate, student-to-faculty ratio, and breadth and depth of social media marketing degree program offerings.
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Best Social Media Marketing Schools FAQ
Yes, social media marketing is a good career. Nowadays, every business requires a social media marketing team to maintain its online presence. The demand for
social media marketers
will only increase in the future, and earning a six-figure salary will be possible if you have the right analytical, technical, and communication skills.
Yes, you can study social media marketing. Many institutions offer associate, bachelor’s, certificate, and master’s programs in social media marketing. Some universities also provide social media marketing as a concentration in their digital marketing program. Additionally, working professionals can
learn social media marketing
through bootcamps.
Yes, social media marketing is worth learning. Millions of new users sign up for social media apps every year and keep up with
social media trends
. Businesses need social media marketers to build their digital presence and promote their products, making a degree in social media marketing likely to get you a high-paying job. With one, you’ll be able to work in a company’s sales, social media, or marketing team.
A social media marketer can make an average of $133,380 annually when working in a management position for a large company, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In fact, some of the top marketing managers in the US are paid more than $208,000 per year.
