Is online marketing college right for you? We compared the benefits and drawbacks of pursuing an online marketing degree to help you make the right decision.
We’ll tell you what you need to know about the opportunities that exist and how to go about getting started. Whether you’re interested in a graduate degree to jump-start your career or are looking for an online diploma to supplement your existing education, this article will help you make the right choice.
Top Considerations When Evaluating an Online Marketing Degree
As with any other type of education, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when weighing the benefits and drawbacks of an online marketing degree. Here are some key considerations:
Curriculum
Just as with a traditional campus based program, the curriculum of an online marketing degree can vary widely. The key is to find a program that offers the courses and qualifications you’re looking for. It’s also beneficial to find a program that is accredited by the agency or association that governs business degrees. (e.g. the AACSB). The curriculum of an accredited online marketing program will consist of the following courses:
- Digital Marketing
- Digital Marketing Strategy
- Analytics for Digital Marketing
- Content Marketing
- Conversion Optimization
- E-commerce Marketing
- Google Adwords
- HTML
- SEO
- Social Media Marketing (if relevant)
Additionally, many top-rated online institutions will also include full-time MBA’s that can be completed in only 2-3 years. With an accredited MBA from a reputable institution like MIT, you’re able to jumpstart your career in digital marketing or business administration with a fully-equipped toolkit.
Institutional Support
One of the most important things to consider is the institutional support available to you once you’ve graduated. Just like any other type of education, you’ll need to find a school that provides the kind of coaching and support you need to become successful. Of course, you may also want to consider the type of support that school provides in addition to digital marketing. For example, if you’re looking for a program that also provides you with job training, look for those schools that offer the most comprehensive support. (e.g. Kaplan, which provides you with a full career transition program including a job-ready resume and LinkedIn profile).
Location and Accessibility
Another important factor to consider when evaluating an online marketing degree is the location of the school and the proximity of the school to your home. There are a few hubs for higher education located all over the world, so you’re not tied to one particular location. Additionally, as long as you have an internet connection, you have access to the courses and support you need to succeed. There are a few top-rated online institutions that provide world-class learning and support without having a physical presence near you. For example, Udemy, which is headquartered in San Francisco, offers an accredited business degree in only 10-20 hours a week due to their flexible, online learning platform. Additionally, many top-rated online institutions have opened up new campuses across the world, making it easier to gain access to their degrees. For example, the University of Phoenix has a brand new campus located in Toronto.
Job Prospects
Another important factor to consider when evaluating an online marketing degree is the job prospects you’ll have once you graduate. Just as with any other type of education, the most in-demand jobs in digital marketing and business administration will be in the following areas:
- Marketing/Advertising
- Digital & Social Marketing
- Research
- Measurement
- Content Marketing
- Analytics
- SEO
These industries are all highly-regulated, requiring a business degree and a full-time commitment. If you’re looking for flexibility and would like to be able to pursue additional education, you may want to consider an online institution. (e.g. Udemy).
Why An Online Marketing Degree?
An online marketing degree is a viable option for those seeking flexibility in their education. It’s a popular choice for busy professionals who want to gain the skills they need to advance in their careers. Additionally, the majority of the work you’ll need to do in order to complete your degree will be done online. This allows you to gain qualifications and gain experience while working full-time or around the house. Additionally, as a relatively low-cost option, online marketing degrees provide a lifeline for those wanting to complete their education but who may not be able to afford a traditional campus-based program. (e.g. those who are financially unstable or who have dependents they need to support). Finally, for those who have always dreamed of traveling the world and being able to feed their family, an online marketing degree may be the ticket to realizing your dreams. With just a few short hours each day, you’re able to learn about a brand new country, gain valuable professional skills, and prepare for the next phase of your education. An online marketing degree may be the best of both worlds.
Many reputable institutions provide fully accredited online degrees in marketing. If you’re seeking a challenging but rewarding degree that will land you a high-paying job, consider an online institution. Additionally, if you’re looking for education that will allow you to gain valuable job skills while also serving as a launchpad for your future studies, an online marketing degree may be a viable option. The world is your oyster.