The world of marketing is constantly evolving, and so is your career as a marketer.
Now is a fantastic time to study marketing without the distraction of a physical classroom. With courses available online, you can study when and where you want. You no longer have to settle for one class per week, and you can take multiple electives without having to change your class schedule. This flexibility means you can tailor your study to fit your schedule, whether you’re working full time or have a family life to manage.
The number of employers requiring a bachelor’s degree in marketing rose by 38% in the past five years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, the number of online marketers is predicted to grow by 24% in the next five years.
What’s more, job openings for digital marketers are expected to increase by 62% in the next five years, as more companies adopt digital marketing techniques.
With so much opportunity in a changing field, it’s essential to keep up to date with the latest trends and methods. An online master’s degree in digital marketing is the ideal next step after completing a bachelors.
Why Online?
While a hybrid degree that combines online learning with face-to-face sessions is gaining popularity, online degrees offer many advantages to students.
Accessible 24/7 – with dedicated learning resources such as live chat and email support, you can study at your own pace. You won’t have to worry about finding a partner for a study session, and you can fit your studies around your busy schedule. You also have the option of taking a classroom-style course and getting a higher degree this way, if you’re worried about missing out on valuable course material due to an unplanned absence.
Flexibility – with flexible hours, online degrees allow you to fit study into your schedule, and you can balance your social life and studies. You can take an evening class and complete your assignments while watching TV, or you can study at night and complete your assignments during the day. The choice is yours.
Affordable – with many scholarships and grants available for studying full time, and part-time tuition reduced in many cases, it’s now possible to access learning resources without having to worry about paying for your studies. What’s more, with online marketing becoming a specialized niche, finding a mentor and getting help with your research is now easier than ever.
Increased global exposure – with online marketing courses available via global learning platforms like Moodle and Blackboard, you can take a digital marketing course in London, study at a university in Canada and take an elective in Singapore – anywhere, anytime, and anywhere you want. What’s more, you have the opportunity to take your learning online and continue your studies via mobile or PC, as long as you have an internet connection.
What Will You Study?
Depending on which path you choose, you’ll need to decide on the bachelor’s degree course that interests you most. If you’re interested in a career in advertising, you might want to consider an online advertising degree. Or if you’d like to specialise in e-commerce or marketing management, you could study for an elective in those areas.
Whatever you decide, you’ll need to consider the skills you need to be able to apply in your chosen field. In addition to a master’s degree in marketing, you might also need to gain additional qualifications such as SEO or PPC (Pay Per Click).
As a digital marketer, you’ll work with web designers, content strategists and graphic artists to create online marketing material – websites, sales pages, social media posts and more.
You’ll use platforms like WordPress, HubSpot, and Squarespace to create your website. And don’t forget about E-commerce and e-marketing platforms like Clickfunnels and Shopify!
You’ll design email campaigns, run PPC campaigns and set up Google AdWords campaigns to get the right results from your Google Marketing Platform. All of this requires a strong knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO).
How Will You Graduate?
Depending on which country you graduate from, there’ll be different requirements for graduating. In some countries, you’ll need to earn your bachelor’s degree before you can graduate with the master’s. In other countries, you’ll simply need to meet the course requirements.
Whatever your situation, you’ll have to decide how you want to graduate. Some schools will allow you to finish your studies via virtual learning, while others might require you to attend face-to-face graduation ceremonies. Regardless, you’ll have the opportunity to grow as an individual and develop a personal skillset.
Where Can You Study?
With so much opportunity, it’s a wondershself that you can’t just study anywhere. You’ll need to consider your location and the availability of resources. In most cases, you’ll need to study in a location that has a good reputation for teaching.
The UK government has invested heavily in new teaching capabilities and research networks, with over 150 new universities opening their doors in the last decade. Many of these have world-class reputations and a strong emphasis on research. This is reflected in the high-quality courses available, with 86% of those offered accredited by the UK Quality Assurance Service (UK QAS).
This means that, in addition to university accommodation, you can look forward to a collegiate experience that will enhance your studies. What’s more, the UK’s new Research Excellence Framework (REF) gives you the chance to apply for research funds, meaning you can investigate areas that interest you.
Summing Up
If you’re thinking about studying a master’s degree in digital marketing, you can’t make the wrong decision. With a changing job market and so much flexibility, this is an ideal option for students wanting to specialise in this market segment, gain valuable job-related skills, and enjoy the benefits of a higher education. What’s more, with so much opportunity, you can’t miss out on the chance to study in a world-class facility and develop essential life skills.