Are you looking for training to become a marketer? Or, do you know someone who is? You can get a head start by getting a marketing degree online. The following will discuss the differences between traditional and online marketing degrees and how they differ in terms of their content and the learning environments in which you will develop your skills.
Traditional vs Online Marketing Degrees
In general, a traditional marketing degree focuses a lot on theory and relies heavily on classwork. Students are typically required to take a lot of classes in a traditional academic setting to gain the knowledge necessary to become a successful marketer. For example, you might be required to take a class titled “Introduction to Marketing” in order to graduate. This class could consist of anything from marketing analytics to behavioral psychology. However, most classes in a traditional marketing degree are focused on marketing theory and methodology. In other words, you will learn a lot about how to choose which marketing channels to use and how to effectively use them. You will also learn a lot about market segmentation, target audience analysis and the four Ps of marketing (Product, Price, Place, and Promotion). You will likely take classes where you will learn about different marketing platforms like social media, SEO and PPC (Pay-Per-Click). You will even take classes where you will practice applying what you have learned rather than just reading about it. For example, maybe you will take a class where you will set up a mock shopify store and analyze the performance of different marketing campaigns. You will get the opportunity to use what you have learned to analyze real-world data and make appropriate recommendations on how to improve marketing performance.
An online marketing degree, on the other hand, provides you with the opportunity to learn the theory and skills necessary to become a marketer but is not restricted to a traditional classroom setting. An online marketing degree may or may not require you to take classes specifically related to marketing. Instead, you will have the option of taking classes related to SEO, digital marketing, analytics or social media. You will also have the option to complete your studies entirely online. As a result, you can gain the skills you need while remaining mobile and, potentially, gain more freedom in your schedule. You will have to manage your own learning, taking responsibility for your degree program and ensuring you meet the necessary requirements for graduation.
Content Delivery And Learning Environment
One of the biggest differences between a traditional marketing degree and an online marketing degree is the content you will learn and the way you will learn it. A traditional marketing degree will typically not provide you with a lot of content that is not available online. In other words, a significant amount of the information you will learn will be applicable only in a digital environment. For example, you can learn about mass marketing, TV advertising, radio advertising and magazine marketing but you will only truly understand these topics in terms of their application in a digital environment. Even social media and SEO classes will not feel the same without having a solid understanding of how to conduct digital marketing in general. This means you will learn a lot but it will not feel like you are truly learning. In contrast, an online marketing degree provides you with a wealth of content that is applicable both in a digital and a traditional environment. This content is designed to prepare you for either a digital or a traditional job and will give you a leg up in either case.
Another difference between a traditional marketing degree and an online marketing degree is the learning environment in which you will develop your skills. A marketing degree is not something you simply learn and then “be” a marketer. You will develop your skills through active learning. You will likely be required to complete a certain number of hours of classwork each week. In addition, many schools offer learning assistance through one-on-one tutoring sessions or online learning communities. This is to ensure you get the most out of your degree and minimize any frustrations you may experience due to lack of academic skill. In contrast, with an online marketing degree, you can complete your studies whenever and wherever you desire. This can be a great advantage as long as you are aware of the potential drawbacks. For example, because you can complete your studies at your own pace, you may not be able to stay on top of all the necessary requirements for graduation. Also, you will not have access to tutoring or learning assistance as you will likely have to rely on your own initiative to learn as much as you can.
The Pros And Cons Of An Online Marketing Degree
An online marketing degree provides you with the flexibility to become a marketer whenever you desire. This can be a great opportunity for those who know they want to become marketers but lack the required academic background. In addition, an online marketing degree will prepare you for either a digital or a traditional job. This is a definite advantage as there will be a lot of demand for marketers with digital marketing or social media experience. The only disadvantage is that you will not have access to as much academic support as you would in a traditional degree program. This is because the schools that offer these types of degrees do not have the same resources dedicated to providing academic support. As a result, you may have to find your own way through any challenges you experience and prove to your professors that you can succeed without their help. As long as you can independently learn from the resources provided, you will have nothing to worry about.
A traditional marketing degree provides you with the opportunity to specialize in digital marketing, social media or SEO. It also gives you access to a network of experienced marketers who can help you get your foot in the door of a career in marketing. For those who lack a digital marketing background, a traditional marketing degree is a great option as it provides you with the theory and skills needed to succeed in a digital world. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what is the best option for you and your overall career goals. However, if you are looking for flexibility in your career as well as the opportunity to specialize in digital marketing, an online marketing degree may be the best option.