An associate degree in marketing teaches aspiring marketing professionals foundational marketing and business skills. With this degree, graduates can enter entry-level marketing positions or pursue a bachelor's degree in marketing.
According to Payscale data from September 2025, graduates with an online marketing degree can earn an average salary of $48,637 as advertising sales representatives and $61,142 as copywriters.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that marketing managers earned a median salary of $159,660 in 2024, although this career often requires a bachelor's degree. The agency projects marketing manager jobs to grow 6% between 2024 and 2034.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition and fees at a 2-year institution was 3,885 during the 2022-23 school year. At public schools, this cost was lower at $3,598 per year.
An associate degree in marketing usually requires 60- 63 credits to graduate. Full-time students often take two years to complete this degree. In accelerated programs, online students can take additional courses to complete the degree faster.
Popular Online Marketing Degree Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Associate in Marketing Programs
Should I Get an Associate Degree in Marketing?
An associate degree in marketing provides learners with a solid general education foundation along with focused training in communication and marketing strategies.
An associate degree in marketing provides learners with a solid general education foundation along with focused training in communication and marketing strategies. Enrollees learn how marketing initiatives align with organizational goals. These programs typically require 60 credits and take full-time learners two years to complete.
Between 2024 and 2034, the BLS projects job growth business professionals of over 942,500 each year and jobs for marketing managers to grow 6%, both faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
Some business and marketing occupations can require additional training or experience for employment. However, the extra investment in time and money can pay off as marketing managers earn some of the highest salaries among management occupations.
Pursuing an associate degree in marketing can also help students find their ideal educational and professional path. A two-year degree allows learners to get a feel for various aspects of the field before making a longer commitment.
What Can I Expect From an Associate in Marketing Online Degree Program?
Students who enjoy creative thinking, innovation, and market analysis may be well-suited to marketing careers. Top skills include strong communication, attention to detail, adaptability, and problem-solving.
Some colleges offer associate degrees in marketing, marketing management, or business administration with a concentration in management. These programs require 60-63 credit hours. Students often need two years of full-time study to complete their degrees. Students can graduate faster with summer semesters, additional courses, or accelerated programs. Some programs accept AP test scores or work experience for credit.
Colleges grant associate of arts (AA) in marketing, associate of sciences (AS) in marketing, and associate of applied sciences (AAS) in marketing degrees. All three degree programs prepare graduates to pursue marketing careers.
Graduates with an associate degree in marketing can also pursue a bachelor's degree in business or marketing. Some schools consider AAS degrees as vocational training. These credits may be less likely to transfer for college credit than AA or AS degrees. Students will need to check with their program about transfer credit options.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Associate in Marketing Program?
Introduction to Business
This course covers basic economic systems and business structures. Students are introduced to topics in marketing, finance, human resources, management, leadership, organization, and business ethics. By course completion, students understand and apply major business concepts.
Principles of Marketing
This course teaches students marketing's role in business success. Students gain insight in branding and product development, consumer behavior, pricing strategies, marketing channels, and promotion methods. By course completion, students can explain basic marketing concepts and understand marketing metrics.
Introduction to Public Speaking
This course teaches students how to structure an effective presentation and use visual aids. Topics covered include speech preparation, audience analysis, and persuasive arguments. Many courses also cover techniques to reduce anxiety associated with public speaking.
Financial Accounting
This course teaches accounting fundamentals and applications. Topics covered include recording of transactions, financial statements, accounting systems, and accounting cycles. Students will gain insight into the connection between accounting and effective business management. By course completion, students can apply accounting concepts and principles in real world settings.
Social Media & Marketing Communications
In this course, learners study digital marketing with a focus on social media marketing strategies. Learners study advertising, branding, and targeted social campaigns. At the end of the course, learners have a foundational understanding of social media's role in marketing.
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Associate in Marketing Program?
Admission requirements vary by program. To apply for an online associate in marketing, most programs require a high school diploma or GED certificate and official transcripts. Programs may also ask applicants for college entrance exam scores, letters of recommendation, or application essays. Many programs also accept transfer credits and some offer credit for work experience.
Some online associate programs waive minimum GPA requirements and test scores to help make college education more accessible. Many online associate programs require only an application.
What Can I Do With an Online Associate in Marketing Degree?
Career Outlook
Earning an associate degree can increase earning potential. According to the BLS, the median salary of those with an associate degree was over $8,000 a year higher than high school graduates in 2023.
Possible marketing careers for graduates with an associate degree in the field include jobs in entrepreneurship, retail management, advertising, promotions, sales, or small business management.
Some marketing fields may be more in demand than others. Between 2024 and 2034, the BLS projects advertising sales agent jobs to decline 6%. However, in the same period, promotion manager careers are projected to grow 8%, compared to the average 4% for all occupations. The agency also projects market research analyst jobs to grow by 7%.
According toPayscale data from September 2025, advertising sales representatives earned average salaries of $48,637 while copywriters made $61,142.
With work experience or a bachelor's degree, graduates may pursue more advanced positions like marketing manager. The BLS reports marketing managers earned a median salary of $159,660.
Career Paths
Advertising Sales Agent
Advertising sales agents sell advertising space to businesses. These professionals conduct sales meetings, maintain client accounts, and contact potential clients. The minimum education for this career is a high school diploma, but an associate degree can open more opportunities.
Median Annual Salary: $61,460
Marketing Assistant
Marketing assistants work on existing advertising campaigns. Responsibilities can include developing surveys, collecting audience feedback, conducting market research, and creating presentations for clients. Other on-the-job training may include collecting and interpreting marketing data.
Average Annual Salary: $45,790 (September 2025)
Insurance Sales Agent
Insurance sales agents sell one or more types of insurance. These professionals use their marketing and sales skills to help new clients choose an insurance policy. Most insurance agents work for a single company, but some contract for several small businesses.
Average Annual Salary: $47,649 (September 2025)
Sales Copywriter
Sales copywriters provide ad copy for various advertising channels to engage target audiences. Subspecialities include Facebook advertising, online marketing, long-form ad copy, and print ads. Technical skills include keyword optimization and SEO. Copywriters can work in both full-time positions and as freelancers.
Average Annual Salary: $61,142 (September 2025)
Market Researcher
Market researchers specialize in market trends, consumer demand, and opportunity analysis. In entry level positions, these professionals assist other researchers. Responsibilities can include survey design, data collection, and competitor analysis. Those with associate degrees can pursue entry-level positions as market research assistants.
Average Annual Salary: $65,707 (September 2025)
Continuing Education
Graduates with an associate in marketing can transfer their credits towards a bachelor's degree. Earning a bachelor's degree in marketing takes an average of two additional years of study. These students can also pursue various disciplines like business and advertising.
Graduates can also earn a number of marketing certifications. Highly valued certifications include Google Ads Certification, Google Analytics Certification, HubSpot certifications, and a Content Marketing Institute certificate. These certifications teach valuable marketing skills in a short timeframe and showcase specialized expertise.
Graduates can continue their education beyond a bachelor's degree to a master's degree in marketing. One common master's degree is a master's degree in digital marketing.
How Do I Choose an Online Associate in Marketing Program?
Cost
Cost is a deciding factor for many students. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average student loan debt in 2025 was $39,075. Earning an online associate degree may be less expensive than on-campus programs.
Tuition for an online associate degree in marketing ranges from $100-$320 per credit. For public colleges, in-state tuition may be less than out-of-state tuition. Keep in mind that living expenses can make true program costs higher.
Program Format
Students can choose between part-time or full-time programs. Choosing an asynchronous formatallows students to watch lectures on their schedule. Many of the top online associate degrees in marketing programsoffer an asynchronous schedule with rolling admissions for greater flexibility. Students can also consider accelerated programs to complete the degree faster.
Location
While location is not as important for online students as on-campus students, it's still worth considering. In-state tuition is often less than out-of-state tuition. Many online programs offer the in-state tuition rate regardless of location. Additionally, some online programs have on-campus requirements. For these programs, students who live near their college can save on transportation costs.
Accreditation
Accreditation demonstrates that a college and program meets educational standards. It also ensures potential employers that graduates have sufficient preparation to enter the workplace. Accredited online degree programs are held to the same rigorous standards as on-campus programs.
Student Support
Choosing college with strong student support services can make for a less stressful college experience. Many colleges offer mentorship programs to connect you with other students and faculty. Some colleges also have strong alumni networks, career services, and offer internship opportunities. When choosing a college, consider whether student services are available for online students.
Frequently Asked Questions About Associate in Marketing Degree Programs
Graduates with an online associate degree in marketing can pursue a variety of career fields making it a worthwhile degree for many students. According to BLS, graduates with an associate earned a median salary of $159 more per week than high school graduates in 2023.
After earning an associate degree, graduates can apply for entry-level marketing positions.
