While the role of marketing and advertising agencies has changed significantly over the past few decades, many of the core competencies have remained the same. Today, marketing and advertising professionals are expected to have a broad understanding of market dynamics, consumer behaviour, and the ability to drive decision-making while being agile and forward-thinking in a fast-paced, digital world.
Outsourcing and in-house agency divisions have blurred the lines between marketing and advertising, and digital transformation has made marketing and advertising more accessible and interactive than ever before.
With the increasing popularity of online learning, the way we gain core competencies and stay current is changing. Offline learning remains the preferred method for many, but distance learning and online courses offer unique advantages.
Here, we’ll explore the growing popularity of online courses for marketing and advertising, as well as several prestigious institutes that provide quality education. There is a lot of choice when it comes to distance learning, and while many marketing and advertising institutes offer a traditional blend of online and offline learning, it’s important to seek out those that offer an exclusively online learning option.
The Top MA programs For Marketing And Advertising
With traditional brick-and-mortar and online courses available, it can be hard to choose which route to take. While many top-tier marketing and advertising program enrollees take the traditional route and study in-house at a college or university, those interested in gaining a more practical understanding can opt for an online course. Doing so can help further your education without having to leave your home – a distinct advantage for those already feeling the pinch of the pandemic.
With that in mind, here are the top marketing and advertising courses offered online.
Master of Advertising (M.A.)
The MA in advertising (M.A.A.) is a relatively new offering from the prestigious Kellogg School of Management (Kellogg).
Advertising is an ever-evolving field, and the M.A.A. is no different. The program’s curriculum offers students a solid theoretical foundation while also equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in a fast-paced, constantly changing world of marketing and advertising. The M.A.A. is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools (ACBS) and approved by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
The Kellogg School of Management is one of the best business schools in the world, and the M.A.A. is a great example of the value they bring to the table. Their teaching is engaging and they put ample practical knowledge into action as the program’s case studies evolve in real time.
Master of Marketing (M.MARKETING)
The Kellogg School of Management’s other accredited offering is the Master of Marketing (M.MARKETING).
Unlike the M.A.A., the M.MARKETING is a graduate degree program and features an accredited curriculum focused on helping students achieve proficiency in marketing management. Just as with the MA in advertising, the M.MARKETING’s curriculum is built upon the theory and practice of marketing, with a strong focus on digital marketing. It also features a strong foundation in traditional marketing, including consumer behaviour, market analysis, and product management. In addition, students can expect to receive comprehensive training in email marketing and conversion optimization.
Students looking to further their education in marketing can complete the M.MARKETING program, which can be completed part-time or in full-time. Students can also complete the M.MARKETING in conjunction with a business or professional accreditation.
Master of Science in Marketing (M.S.M.ARKETING)
The last of Kellogg’s accredited offerings is the Master of Science in Marketing (M.S.M.ARKETING).
This program’s primary focus is on providing marketing and communications analytics and practical training in marketing for business, with a specialisation in digital marketing and social media. Students gain both theoretical and practical instruction in marketing analytics, including the ability to apply advanced statistical methods and modelling. With a fully-accredited and globally-recognised degree, students can become highly employable, contributing members of the marketing and communications community.
It should come as no surprise that two of the best business schools in the world are tied to some of the biggest names in the industry. What is important to point out is that even relatively young institutions can have a huge impact in the field. The University of Toronto, for example, was founded back in 1831, which makes it one of the first – and certainly one of the most prestigious – marketing and advertising institutes in the world. In fact, it was at the University of Toronto that the legend of Alfred Nobel was born. Nobel developed his own marketing strategy in his later years, famously stating that “a good ad always works”, which later became the foundation of his marketing academy. His strategy was to establish several Nobel Institutes around the world, including one in Toronto.
Doctor of Philosophy in Marketing (Ph.D.MARKETING)
The University of Toronto’s legacy continues with their Doctor of Philosophy in Marketing (Ph.D.MARKETING) program. Established in 1924, the Ph.D.MARKETING is one of the first doctoral degrees in the world of marketing and advertising. It is designed to produce scholars that can contribute to theory and practice in the field.
A strong focus on both theory and practice, as well as the ability to critically analyze problems and issues as a group, provides the doctoral student with a comprehensive understanding of marketing and advertising. Students can also look forward to gaining valuable insight into their chosen field through courses such as Economics of Marketing and Advertising, Quantitative Market Analysis, and Theories of Contemporary Advertising.
Master of Marketing (with a Specialization in Digital Marketing)
Fittingly, the last of our accredited graduate degree programs in marketing and advertising is the aptly-named Master of Marketing (with a Specialization in Digital Marketing).
Established in 1961, the University of Toronto’s program focuses on equipping students with a critical framework for understanding the ever-changing field of marketing, and helping them to develop a strong foundation in digital marketing strategies.
What is unique about this program is that it combines traditional marketing with digital marketing. Students can complete either the M.MARKETING or M.M.ARKETING in conjunction with a Business or Professional Accreditation. In addition to gaining valuable training in the theory and practice of digital marketing, students can also look forward to specialized courses in areas such as SEO, content strategy, performance marketing, social media marketing, and PPC.
Marketing and Advertising are constantly evolving fields that require a specialised education to fully grasp. The University of Toronto’s accredited graduate degree programs provide a solid foundation in marketing and, with a specialization in digital marketing, prepare you to enter a job market that is both demanding and constantly evolving.