Getting a bachelor’s degree in marketing online is possible. In fact, there are a number of accredited programs that you can complete in just a few years to gain valuable job skills and a strong foundation for your career. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know.
The Basics
If you’re unfamiliar, a bachelor’s degree is the most basic of the bachelor’s degrees. Essentially, it’s a four-year program that you can complete to become a professional in your chosen field. You’ll need to complete 120 credit hours of coursework per semester and be admitted to campus at least half-time in order to graduate. For a detailed look at what you need to know, check out the essentials for getting a bachelor’s degree.
Additional Requirements
Beyond the basics, you’ll need to meet with your advisor regularly and follow their recommendations carefully. Most advisors will suggest that you specialize in one area of marketing, so you’ll have the opportunity to develop your expertise in a focused area. It is also advisable to gain some work experience by either finding a job or getting a temporary gig. The more you can do now, the more you can apply for later.
If you’re looking to further your education and career growth, consider taking a closer look at accredited online bachelor’s degrees in marketing. In just a few short years, you could be gaining the skills necessary to enter a job market that is currently experiencing a huge demand for marketing pros.
Why Marketing?
Marketing is one of the more in-demand and versatile bachelor’s degrees. The key skills you’ll need to have in order to graduate with a marketing degree are marketing analytics, marketing research, and marketing management. All of these are valuable skills that you can use in a number of different industries. Some of the more common careers you could pursue with a marketing degree include advertising sales, content marketing, e-commerce, and marketing research.
If you’re interested in pursuing an education in marketing, now is a great time to do so. Current rates for on-campus education are at an all-time high, making it more affordable than ever to gain the skills you need to enter the job market. Additionally, with more people than ever before seeing the value in an online degree, you have the opportunity to gain the education you need and launch your career, even if you’re located far from a campus.
The Good
If you’ve been considering an online bachelor’s degree in marketing, you’re going to love what you learn. According to an online bachelor’s in marketing degree review, you’ll learn all the essential skills you need to enter the job market, specialize in a particular field, and gain an in-demand skill that’ll set you apart from the competition.
In addition to that, you’ll learn how to connect marketing to business and economics, which is a valuable skill regardless of what career you choose. The curriculum is comprehensive and packed with valuable information, making it a great choice for people interested in marketing and hoping to further their education. When it comes to earning a bachelor’s degree, this is definitely one of the best options available. The review also points out that many of the schools that offer these degrees are very flexible with regard to awarding credit for previous learning, so if you’ve got a business or marketing related degree, you can complete an online bachelor’s in marketing that will enable you to enter the job market.
The Bad
While this may be a great option for people pursuing higher education, it isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a four-year degree with room for advancement, consider another option. According to the review, not all the schools that offer these degrees are created equal, and there are a number of red flags that you should be aware of before applying.
One of the primary concerns is that there isn’t a lot of job placement assistance for students. One of the more reputable schools, the University of Phoenix, gives you access to up to four career services staff members who can assist you in finding a job and getting your resume ready for the job market. Additionally, the school offers a resume review service, which gives you an extra pair of eyes to make sure your resume is perfect before sending it out to any potential employers.
Another red flag is that the average tuition for a bachelor’s degree in marketing is nearly $40,000 per year. While in-demand and much cheaper than most other options, this is still a significant chunk of change. If you’re looking for an affordable option, keep your eyes open for schools that offer the Pennsylvania State Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in marketing. The average tuition at these schools is only $23,000 per year.
What About On-Campus?
If you’re looking to further your education and gain experience, on-campus is still a viable option. While there are a number of reputable four-year colleges and universities that offer online degrees, the experience of attending class and living on campus is invaluable. According to the Better Business Bureau, some of the bigger online schools can be hard to navigate. This could leave you susceptible to scams and questionable activities.
If you’re hoping to make the most out of your on-campus experience, look into some of the smaller, more intimate schools. The review mentions that while the classroom experience is invaluable, nothing tops the feeling of walking across campus and seeing other students walking towards you, as you’re walking towards them. This kind of social experience is something that you can’t replicate online.
Additionally, if you’re concerned about job placement, on-campus is still a great choice. Many large universities have campus locations all over the world, so even if you aren’t located near a major city, you’ll have the opportunity to network and find connections that can help you land a job after graduation.
Choosing an online bachelor’s degree in marketing is viable, but make sure you do your research before committing. While there are a lot of perks to this kind of degree, make sure you’re aware of the potential risks. One of the best ways to navigate these risks and complete your bachelor’s degree successfully is by being part of a trusted organization like the American Association of Advertising Agencies (4A’s). With 4A’s you can be assured that you’re completing a reputable program and getting the education and career opportunities you need to succeed.