Best Online Marketing Degrees 2024
Online marketing degree programs can help enrollees develop practical and versatile skills with high cross-industry relevance. As a professional field, marketing continues to evolve in exciting ways.
Experienced marketers command high salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) marketing managers earned a median salary of $157,620 per year in 2023. New graduates often enter the field in coordinator roles: Per Payscale, marketing coordinators earned an average salary of $50,366 per year as of August 2024.
This degree guide offers insights into what students can expect from online marketing programs. It also includes a ranked list of top-rated online learning opportunities in this dynamic, growing field.
Featured Online Marketing Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Marketing Programs
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- In-State$8,912
- Out-of-state$21,393
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled56,664
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$5,417
- Out-of-state$20,937
- In-State$5,611
- Out-of-state$21,114
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled24,577
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$10,065
- Out-of-state$29,456
- In-State$13,446
- Out-of-state$27,297
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled33,193
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$8,038
- Out-of-state$8,038
- In-State$9,132
- Out-of-state$9,132
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate71%
- Students Enrolled35,912
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$10,457
- Out-of-state$25,773
- In-State$12,076
- Out-of-state$26,526
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled29,843
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$16,488
- Out-of-state$29,712
- In-State$17,388
- Out-of-state$23,922
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled35,626
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$7,162
- Out-of-state$7,162
- In-State$7,500
- Out-of-state$7,500
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled150,116
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$29,024
- Out-of-state$29,024
- In-State$15,244
- Out-of-state$15,244
- Retention Rate86%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled9,009
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
University of Wisconsin Whitewater
- Whitewater, WI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,519
- Out-of-state$15,391
- In-State$8,270
- Out-of-state$18,153
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled11,446
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$18,340
- Out-of-state$18,340
- In-State$12,244
- Out-of-state$12,244
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled3,794
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor’s in Marketing Program?
Curricula vary among schools and programs, but online marketing degree programs typically cover the following subjects:
Consumer Behavior
This course covers fundamental aspects of the consumer buying journey. It emphasizes the factors consumers weigh during each step of the buying process and highlights strategies businesses use to convert prospects and leads into sales.Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
Consumer behavior is heavily informed by microeconomic principles and macroeconomic trends. This course introduces students to these foundational topics using a combination of theory, situational analysis, real-world application, and case studies.Business Communication
Learners engage with strategies for effective communication with colleagues in professional organizations. Instructors may emphasize variable techniques for managing in-person and written communications and messaging. Coursework also covers best practices for marketing-oriented public-facing communications.Market Research
Learners explore key concepts and techniques related to primary and secondary market research. Students also examine methods of designing effective marketing studies and preferred techniques for evaluating and applying research-generated data.Probability and Statistics
Many marketing roles require proficiencies in probability and statistics. This mathematics course covers enterprise-focused applications of probability and statistics, as well as their uses in modeling potential business outcomes.Competitive Marketing Strategy
Taking a management focus, this course introduces learners to the strategies and decision-making processes professionals use at the executive level. It emphasizes research tools, business intelligence, and messaging strategy development for competitive campaigns.
What Can I Do With an Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing?
Job Outlook by Career | 2022-2032
Public Relations Specialists
+6%
Market Research Analyst
+13%
With a bachelor’s in marketing, you can work in entry-level public relations and advertising positions. The BLS projects that jobs for public relations specialists will increase by 6% from 2022-2032. Alternatively, by focusing on supply chain and operations management, you can pursue a logistics career to help companies coordinate and distribute their goods.
Exciting opportunities are also available in data analytics. The BLS projects market research analyst positions will expand by 13% between 2022 and 2032 — a percentage that translates to more than 116,000 new jobs. By earning work experience or a graduate degree, you may also access leadership roles, such as marketing director and sales manager.
Career | Median Annual Salary (2023) | Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) |
---|---|---|
Advertising Manager | $131,870 | 8% |
Marketing Copywriter | $73,690 | 5% |
Market Research Analyst | $74,680 | 8% |
Public Relations Specialist | $66,750 | 6% |
Social Media Specialist | $50,976 | N/A |
How Do I Choose an Online Bachelor’s in Marketing Program?
When evaluating online marketing degree options, learners should prioritize impactful factors including:
Cost
Online marketing degrees offer several financial advantages. You do not have to relocate, and you also avoid commuting and parking costs. Carefully compare tuition rates to generate a clear picture of each degree’s potential returns on your educational investment.Location
Schools situated in or near major metro areas may offer readier access to diverse employment opportunities. Also, remember that many online programs feature optional or required internships. Students must usually appear in person for these components.Program Format
Online programs use asynchronous or synchronous course delivery models. Asynchronous formats consist of pre-recorded lectures that allow you to learn on your own schedule. Synchronous courses feature specific start times, just like regular in-person classes. Consider which of these models works best for you.Accreditation
Ensure the school offering the program holds up-to-date accreditation from a body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education. Some marketing programs hold specialized accreditation from organizations like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. This may signal elevated academic quality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s in Marketing Programs
Business programs, in general, and marketing programs, in particular, are popular among students. Employers highly value marketing skills. The BLS also projects faster-than-average job growth for management-level marketing professionals from 2022-2032.