digital marketing masters degree onlineIn this ranking, we profile the top 20 affordable online master’s in digital marketing programs.

An online master’s in digital marketing is a versatile degree that, according to U.S. News and World Report, is integral to the future of advertising. Digital marketing includes social media, mobile phone applications, websites, and other digital platforms. Earning a master’s in digital marketing online shows employers you value the future of advertising and have the skills needed to succeed in a competitive industry.

Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs Methodology

We looked at approximately 48 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered online master’s in digital marketing or a closely related discipline. We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria: accreditation, at least one online pathway to a master’s in digital marketing (or closely related discipline), and institution or program rankings from U.S. News and World Report. We then listed the top 20 programs according to raw affordability.

Below are the results of our top 20 online master’s in digital marketing programs.

#20 – Brandeis University

Online Master’s in Digital Marketing and Design

Waltham, Massachusetts

Website

Brandeis University - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
Only 30 credits for the online master’s in digital marketing program at Brandeis University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $50,272

Brandeis University offers an online master’s in digital marketing and design that requires students complete 30 credits, consisting of seven courses and three electives. The program is housed in the graduate professional studies department. U.S. News and World Report ranks Brandeis University #40 for top national universities making it a top destination for online graduate students. Required courses include conversion rate optimization, digital marketing strategy, marketing and customer analytics, and writing for digital environments. In addition to a complete graduate application, students must have completed a minimum of two undergraduate marketing courses or have two years of related work experience.

#19 – Yeshiva University

Online Master’s in Digital Media and Marketing

New York, New York

Website

Yeshiva University - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
Yeshiva University offers a master’s in digital media & marketing online!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $35,100

Yeshiva University’s master’s in digital marketing online is designed for current or aspiring marketing and media professionals. The program is designed to give students the skills and knowledge one would gain working as a junior marketing executive, which means it is an excellent option for early career professionals or aspiring digital marketers or designers. The program is housed within the Katz School of Science and Health and can be completed in as little as 18 months. Yeshiva University is ranked #97 in the category of top national universities by U.S. News and World Report. Courses may include consumer behavior and customer relationship management, marketing management and strategy, visual design and storytelling, and web analytics and SEO.

#18 – Emerson College

Online Master’s in Digital Marketing and Data Analytics

Boston, Massachusetts

Website

Emerson College - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
Ranked and accredited – Emerson College’s online master’s in digital marketing.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $30,648

Emerson College’s online master’s in digital marketing is part of the #8 ranked regional northern university by U.S. News and World Report. In addition to core curriculum, students can choose between concentrations in digital marketing or data analytics. Featured courses include digital marketing and campaigns, digital storytelling and branding, online consumer behavior, and social and mobile marketing. Students become proficient in the latest digital marketing and data analytics platforms such as Google Analytics, SAS Studio, Enterprise Miner, and more. All of these tools are built into the curriculum and are changed often so students enter the marketplace with the latest, in-demand skillsets.

#17 – Fairleigh Dickinson University

Online Master’s in Digital Marketing

Teaneck, New Jersey

Website

Fairleigh Dickinson University - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
Ranked with U.S. News! Fairleigh Dickinson University’s online master’s in digital marketing.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $23,802

Through its Silberman College of Business, Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a master’s in digital marketing online designed for current or aspiring digital marketers seeking an advanced degree that prepares them for advanced digital marketing positions across a wide variety of sectors and industries. Moreover, the program provides curricular flexibility that allows students to tailor their program based upon their interests and career aspirations. Classes include digital marketing strategies, email and database marketing, search engine optimization and advertising, and statistical data analysis. Fairleigh Dickinson ranks #56 in regional universities North and #21 in most innovative schools by U.S. News and World Report.

#16 – Rutgers University

Online Master’s in Digital Marketing

New Brunswick, New Jersey

Website

Rutgers University - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
Rutgers University’s online master’s in digital marketing takes just 15 months to complete.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,416

Rutgers University offers a fully online digital marketing degree designed as a rigorous and flexible graduate degree. The program is housed within the Rutgers Business School and is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business to confer this degree to those who successfully complete coursework and related requirements. Ranked #62 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report, the institution consists of 36 credits (12 courses) that can be completed in just 15 months. Additionally, students have a maximum of eight years to complete the degree upon matriculation. Graduates go on to successful careers in digital marketing and design across a variety of industries.

#15 – Benedictine University

Online Master’s in Business Concentration in Marketing Management

Lisle, Illinois

Website

Benedictine University - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
Benedictine University’s online master’s in business offers digital marketing and marketing communication courses.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,986

Benedictine University offers a master’s in business administration online similar to a digital marketing degree. In addition to traditional business curriculum, the program focuses on teaching students cutting edge skills and knowledge needed to be successful digital marketers. Featured marketing management courses include consumer behavior, marketing communication, and marketing strategies in the digital age. The institution offers a student friendly admission profile that does not require the GRE or GMAT. Admission is granted based upon a holistic review of each applicant’s complete admission profile. Students must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum of 2.75 GPA. Benedictine is ranked nationally, coming in at #293 in national universities and #66 in top social mobility as stated by U.S. News and World Report.

#14 – Southern New Hampshire University

Online Master’s in Digital Marketing

Manchester, New Hampshire

Website

Southern New Hampshire University - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
SNHU’s online master’s in digital marketing requires no GRE or GMAT!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online master’s in digital marketing, connecting students with engaging faculty and cutting edge digital platforms. The program also prepares students for career-boosting certifications such as Hootsuite, HubSpot Inbound Marketing, and HubSpot Content Marketing. Courses may include consumer behavior and marketing, digital storytelling and branding, ethical and legal issues in marketing, and websites and search engine marketing and search engine optimization. The institution ranks #1 in most innovative schools by U.S. News and World Report. Students can apply at any time during the year and get a decision within days. No GMAT or GRE scores are required as part of the admission process.

#13 – Temple University

Online Master’s in Digital Innovation in Marketing

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Website

Temple University - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
100% online – Temple University – online master’s in digital marketing.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,378

Ranked #104 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report, Temple University’s master’s in digital marketing online is designed for the working professional seeking a 100% online degree that can be leveraged into greater job opportunities across a wide variety of industries. Students learn how to market products and services using the newest technology as well as interpreting and analyzing data using the best data analytics platforms and techniques. The 30-credit program includes 10 courses such as digital brand management, digital business innovation, information technology management, mobile marketing strategy, and user experience design. The entire program can be completed in just 16 months.

#12 – National University

Online Master’s in Mobile Marketing and Social Media

La Jolla, California

Website

National University - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
National University’s online master’s in digital marketing is a top ranked program.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,480

National University offers students a master’s in digital marketing that can be completed entirely online. The program is part of the institution’s MBA curriculum that teaches in-depth business concepts and skills across a wide spectrum. Additionally, students learn the cutting-edge digital marketing skills needed to succeed in a 21st-century environment. Because the program is built for the full-time working adult, students are able to balance their schooling with other obligations including full-time work and family. Core classes may include business operations management, economics for managerial decisions, global business, and information and supply chain systems. National University is San Diego’s largest non-profit private university.

#11 – Northern Illinois University

Online Master’s in Digital Marketing

Dekalb, Illinois

Website

Northern Illinois University - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
Northern Illinois University’s online master’s in digital marketing is highly affordable.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,407

Northern Illinois University offers an online master’s in digital marketing designed to teach students advanced digital marketing concepts and skills using the latest technology in the marketing industry. Faculty have industry experience and have their fingers on the pulse of the ever-changing digital marketing landscape. The 100% online delivery means students can balance their other obligations in addition to the rigorous coursework required by the program. The program was the first online digital marketing master’s degree to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in Illinois.

#10 – New England University

Online Master’s in Digital Marketing

Henniker, New Hampshire

Website

New England College - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
Ranked and accredited – New England College’s online master’s in digital marketing.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,560

New England University offers a master’s in digital marketing online as part of its broader MBA program. Students learn advanced business concepts in economics, accounting, finance, leadership, and digital marketing. The 40-credit program includes 12 credits dedicated to advanced digital marketing where students are immersed in three intensive digital marketing boot camps where students learn from successful digital marketing practitioners while working in real world scenarios. Students learn how to maximize exposure and reach while increasing brand awareness and reputation. The digital marketing boot camps focus on foundations, social media, and marketing immersion. All of these skills are necessary to business success in the 21st century.

#9 – Montclair State University

Online Master’s in Business with a Concentration in Digital Marketing

Montclair, New Jersey

Website

Montclair State University - Top 20 Online Master's in Digital Marketing Programs
An online MBA with digital marketing concentration – Montclair State University.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,837

Montclair State University’s online digital marketing degree is housed within the Feliciano School of Business and is part of the institution’s master’s in business (MBA) degree. The program is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which accredits less than 5% of schools worldwide. Courses within the digital marketing concentration include digital customer experience management, digital marketing strategy and return on digital marketing investment, integrated digital advertising planning across multiscreen hyper-targeted media, and social mobile media fundamentals and analytics. U.S. News and World Report ranks Montclair State University #166 in national universities for its 2019 rankings.

#8 – University of Florida

Online Master’s in Mass Communication and Digital Strategy

Gainesville, Florida

Website

University of Florida - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
Only 16 months – University of Florida’s online master’s in digital marketing.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,737

Through its College of Journalism and Communications, the University of Florida offers students a master’s in digital marketing online. The program allows flexible enrollment, including full and part-time. Full-time students can complete the program in just 16 months. The institution is highly ranked among its peers, coming in at #34 in national universities by industry ranking experts U.S. News and World Report. Core classes within the digital strategy concentration include copywriting for digital messaging, lead generation and management, mass communication theory, and strategic communications and ethics. Graduates go on to successful careers as chief marketing officers, digital marketing directors, online marketing strategist, SEO managers, and more.

#7 – Messiah College

Online Master’s in Digital Marketing

Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

Website

Messiah College - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
Highly affordable! Messiah College’s online master’s in digital marketing.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,060

Messiah College offers an online master’s in digital marketing as part of its MBA program. The 36-credit program is completely online, making it an excellent degree option for full-time working adults. Students take 6-8 week courses and can graduate in just two years. Messiah College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Courses may include business strategy and execution, decision making with data, digital marketing, and global business and economic development. Messiah College ranks #16 in regional universities North by U.S. News and World Report for its 2019 cohort of institutions.

#6 – East Tennessee State University

Online Master’s in Digital Marketing

Johnson City, Tennessee

Website

East Tennessee State University - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
East Tennessee State University’s online master’s in digital marketing – 100% online!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,315

East Tennessee State University’s master’s in digital marketing online is a 100% online degree program that prepares students for the business and marketing challenges in the context of digital environments. Students learn how to expand brand awareness and reach while maximizing value and return on digital investment. The program regularly changes coursework to reflect the fast-paced changing nature of digital marketing. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and requires students to have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Additionally, students must submit three letters of recommendation, a current resume, and GMAT test scores (waived with two years of relevant professional experience).

#5 – Concordia University

Online Master’s in Digital Marketing

River Forest, Illinois

Website

Concordia University - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
Ranked & accredited! Concordia University’s online master’s in digital marketing.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,180

Concordia University of Chicago, ranked #72 in U.S. News and World Report’s regional universities Midwest category, offers an online digital marketing degree as part of its MBA program. The specialization in digital marketing allows students to greatly augment their MBA by learning in-depth skills and knowledge related to brand awareness, digital return on investment, and more. Students go on to successful careers as brand managers, chief marketing officers, digital brand strategist, VP of global and digital marketing, and more. Courses may include digital marketing analytics, digital strategy and planning, mobile marketing, and social media marketing communications. Concordia Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

#4 – Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Online Master’s in Digital Marketing

Winona, Minnesota

Website

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota requires no GRE or GMAT!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers an online master’s in digital marketing within its MBA program. The program prepares students to sit for the NISM Social Media Strategist certification exam, which can increase earnings by up to 20%. The program is for experienced professionals with a minimum of five years experience that includes both quantitative and writing experience that shows progressive responsibilities. Admission also requires a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 2.75 GPA. A background or degree in business is not required. GRE or GMAT scores are not required. Courses may include case studies in brand strategy, digital storytelling, and ethics in social marketing.

#3 – Saint Leo University

Online Master’s in Social Media Marketing

Saint Leo, Florida

Website

Saint Leo University - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
Ranked and accredited! Saint Leo University’s online master’s in social media marketing.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,498

Saint Leo University, ranked #25 in regional universities South by U.S. News and World Report, provides students with an online digital marketing degree within its MBA curriculum. The program centers on harnessing the power of technology to effectively market products and services while also employing advanced data analytics used to measure effectiveness and return on investment. In particular, the program places a heavy emphasis on social media marketing and analytics. Motivated students can complete the entire program and graduate in just 12 months by taking two 8-week classes per term. Courses may include digital storytelling and crisis management, gamification applications in marketing, social media marketing, and web analytics.

#2 – Liberty University

Online Master’s in Digital Marketing and Advertising

Lynchburg, Virginia

Website

Liberty University - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
Ranked and affordable – Liberty University’s online master’s in digital marketing!

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,333

Liberty University ranks as the 293rd national university among all institutions in U.S. News and World Report’s 2019 list of rankings. The private Christian university offers an online master’s in digital marketing consisting of 36 credit hours that can be completed in just 1.5 years. The entire degree is delivered online, which means no campus visitation requirements. Because of the flexibility, Liberty’s digital marketing master’s is an excellent choice for working professionals seeking a graduate degree leading to increased career opportunities. Courses may include brand management, consumer behavior, media technologies and communication strategies, and strategic communication campaigns for the digital age.

#1 – Fort Hays State University

Online MBA in Digital Marketing

Hays, Kansas

Website

Fort Hays State University - Top 20 Online Master’s in Digital Marketing Programs 2020
#1 most affordable – Fort Hays State University’s online MBA in digital marketing.

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $4,266

Fort Hays State University provides working professionals and place bound students with a fully online master’s in digital marketing designed to create skilled marketers able to leverage the latest technology platforms to increase marketing reach and return on investment. In a hyper-competitive business environment, organizations need adept marketers that can maximize marketing dollars and measure performance. Courses may include integrated marketing communications, social media marketing content and analytics, social media marketing, and strategic electronic marketing. Fort Hays State University ranks in multiple categories by U.S. News and World Report including #117 in regional universities Midwest and #119 in top performers in social mobility.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with an online master’s in digital marketing degree?

An individual with a master’s degree in digital marketing is well positioned for a variety of high-profile jobs in the new digital economy. These individuals go on to positions including digital marketing manager, chief marketing officer, brand strategist, social media marketing, and more. Because digital marketing has become an absolute necessity among small and large organizations alike, individuals with skills and knowledge of how to cultivate brand awareness and create a return on investment are in high demand.

Digital marketing managers may work internally for the organization they are developing marketing strategies for, or they may work for an advertising or marketing agency that helps clients achieve their marketing goals. Individuals with a master’s degree in digital marketing will spend time planning and developing a marketing strategy, then deciding on which digital channels to use and how to use them to achieve the desired results. In addition to brand and reputation development, social media and digital marketers will help the organization find its target market (customers). A business cannot be all things to all people, so it is the job of the marketing director to establish and target the right demographic to create a loyal customer base. Digital marketers work in all sectors across a wide spectrum of organizations, which gives the degree a great deal of career utility.

How long does it take to earn an online master’s in digital marketing degree?

Earning an online master’s degree is a highly personal venture that’s different for every person. There are several variables that dictate the pace in which someone is able to complete a program. Most people pursuing an online digital marketing degree have at least part-time jobs with the vast majority working full-time. Institutions that offer online degrees understand the multiple obligations their students have and do a great job in building programs that are both rigorous and flexible. Most students enrolling in online digital master’s degree programs are able to finish in 2-3 years. Highly motivated students can even finish in one year, provided the program has an accelerated model where students can finish quickly.

While some students intend to finish in 1-3 years, the reality is, many students are not able to accommodate that pace and need longer to complete their studies. It is important for students to know the maximum time frame allowed by the institution. This time frame varies between 5-10 years with most institutions being somewhere in the middle range. Students who extend past the maximum time allotted may have to take new courses and lose credit from previous classes taken. Completing a digital marketing master’s degree online is a challenging endeavor, no matter how long it may take.

What are the admission requirements for online master’s in digital marketing degree programs?

Admission requirements for an online master’s in digital marketing vary by institution. One important factor is which individual department or school administers the program. Some digital marketing degrees are housed within an institution’s school of business while others fall under the auspices of professional studies or even communication and journalism.

For those programs that are administered by a business school, it is common for applicants to have a background in business by way of a bachelor’s degree in a business related major or have taken specific business courses such as accounting, marketing, management, economics, statistics, and finance. Programs within a professional studies department or school typically do not require such an extensive list of prerequisites.

At minimum, a program will require a bachelor’s degree and a certain GPA. Top schools will want applicants to have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA while lower ranked colleges and universities lower the threshold to 2.5.

Additionally, programs often require standardized testing scores like the GRE or GMAT. Again, top ranked schools want applicants to score in at least the top percentile range and above to be considered. Less selective institutions often do not require testing scores to be submitted as part of the application.

How much money can I earn with an online master’s in digital marketing degree?

Like any occupation, pay rates vary depending on a variety of factors such as experience, job title, organization, and more. Individuals with a master’s degree in digital marketing have higher-level positions within organizations due to their advanced education. According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is $117,130 as of May 2018. This salary is substantially higher than the average salary of $38,640 for all occupations.

The data showed advertising and public relations managers earned $134,780 per year while advertising and public relations managers in information and wholesale industries earned far less with average pay of $103,960 and $92,800 respectively.

Marketing managers earned more than their advertising and public relations peers especially in industries such as professional, scientific, and technical services. Marketing managers in those industries earned average salaries of $143,100 per year, which was tops among all industries.

In terms of pay percentiles, the bottom 10% of advertising and promotion managers earned $57,150 annually while the top 10% earned more than $208,000 per year. The bottom 10% of marketing managers earned $69,840 compared to the top 10% who earned in excess of $208,000. Digital marketing managers can expect to earn more than the average given their work is typically done within the highest earning sector of professional and technical services.

What is the job outlook for individuals with an online master’s in digital marketing degree?

The job outlook remains strong for marketing and advertising managers, despite an overall slow down in employment growth that is expected to last until 2028. For context, the average employment growth of all sectors and occupations is expected to be 5% during the time period of 2018-2028. Marketing and advertising directors are expected to have a growth rate of 8%. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with advanced degrees and the ability to navigate digital environments should have the best job prospects. This is good news for those with a master’s degree in digital marketing, as they are the experts. The increased demand for individuals with digital marketing skills comes at a time when paper-based advertising is rapidly declining, with advertising dollars moving over into digital platforms.

Regional differences have a profound impact on employment outlook. California, Illinois, and New York employ the highest numbers of advertising and marketing managers. Drilling down further into the numbers, the metropolitan areas employing the most marketing managers include New York-Newark-Jersey City, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, and Boston-Cambridge-Nashua. Job seekers willing or able to move to these areas are likely to have great employment opportunities given each areas high concentration rate and increased demand for marketing and advertising professionals.

BCO Staff
October 2019

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This concludes our list of the top 20 online master’s in digital marketing programs.