With the rise of virtual learning, students can now pursue online degrees, or even entire bachelor’s and master’s programs, without ever leaving home. But which online degree is best suited for digital marketing, and what will you need to succeed in the field? We’ve reviewed the top-ranked online universities for marketing degrees and identified five that stand out above the rest.

University of Phoenix

While not necessarily considered a top school for marketing, the University of Phoenix offers several online degrees, including a master’s in business administration (MBA), a master’s in communications (MCC) and a web design and marketing (WDM) degree. The school is part of the publicly traded education group, Apollo Education Group (or simply “Apollo”).

Established in 1954, University of Phoenix is the fourth-largest privately funded university in the United States. Offering over 150 online degrees and certification programs, the school’s MBA and MCC web design and marketing degrees are recommended by the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) and the American Advertising Federation (AAF).

University of Southern California

Another school with several online degrees that can be considered for a career in digital marketing is the University of Southern California. USC offers a Bachelors of Science in Marketing, with several specializations, as well as a Masters of Science in Digital Marketing. One of the requirements for both degree programs is a requisite of 200-level marketing courses.

The School of Marketing at USC is accredited by the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s) and the American Advertising Federation (AAF). Students at this university can also gain valuable work experience by participating in a 30-hour workweek, which provides them with valuable job opportunities upon graduation.

University of Wisconsin

Another great university for aspiring digital marketing professionals is the University of Wisconsin. The School of Business and Management (SBiM) there offers a variety of programs, including an executive MBA, a master’s in business administration (MBA) and a doctorate in management (PhD).

But perhaps the most enticing online degree for prospective students is the SBiM’s online MBA, which can be completed entirely from a home or office environment. This popular option, which is also open to non-degree seeking students, is a great choice for individuals seeking to further their education while also adding additional income to their resume. Moreover, the school is also one of the few that offer a dual-degree program with the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. An online web design and marketing degree from the school can lead to exciting opportunities in an already competitive field.

University of Colorado

The University of Colorado is the fifth-largest university in the United States, with an extensive offering of online degrees. The school’s online MBA is highly valued by professional employers, with 72% ranking it as a top choice for job seekers. The University of Colorado also offers an online MPA, which is also highly regarded.

But perhaps the most interesting online degree from the university is the one that combines marketing and computer science, specifically, a Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing and Analytics. This dual-degree program allows students to gain a strong foundation in both areas and sets them apart from the competition.

Northwestern University

Finally, let’s not forget about Northwestern University. One of the country’s prestigious research institutions, Northwestern has several online masters in marketing, including a master’s in consumer sciences, a master’s in business administration and a master’s in digital marketing and analytics. Moreover, the school offers a dual-degree, bachelor’s-masters in business administration (BBA)/MBA and a bachelor’s-masters in public administration (BPA)/MPA.

Northwestern’s online MBA is one of the most popular programs for aspiring professionals, with over 10,000 enrollments per year. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and the school maintains a 100% graduation rate. This is a great option for individuals seeking an affordable option for an executive education.

What should you do after earning your master’s?

As you’ve likely guessed, earning a master’s in digital marketing will prepare you to enter the workforce. But with all of the training and education you’ve acquired, you’ll still need to find a job in this rapidly evolving field. Some of the best (and most in-demand) jobs in digital marketing and advertising include:

• Marketing manager
• Marketing director
• Head of Marketing
• Vice President of Marketing
• Brand Marketing Manager
• Digital Marketing Strategist
• E-commerce Marketing Manager
• Data Analyst
• Content Marketer
• Inbound Marketing Analyst
• Account Manager
• Senior Account Manager
• Account Director
• Public Relations Manager
• Advertising Agent

To successfully navigate your career in digital marketing, you’ll need to possess the following skills: