At a Glance: BestColleges' Top Online Marketing Programs
#1: Louisiana State University — LSU online marketing students can choose from international business, hospitality, or sales specializations.
#2: Oklahoma State University — This flexible online marketing degree program offers peer work and ample financial aid opportunities.
#3: Washington State University — WSU's online marketing degree includes an experiential learning program to put you at the forefront of the industry.
With an online marketing degree program, you'll gain the knowledge and skills for careers in market research, business analytics, sales, and advertising. Many of these career paths have high earning potential and a strong growth outlook.
You may also benefit from the flexibility offered by online education and the potential tuition savings, as online degree programs are often cheaper.
Explore our list of the best online marketing programs and learn more about the benefits that earning this bachelor's degree can offer.
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Best Online Marketing Degrees
Why You Should Get a Bachelor's in Marketing Degree
Responsive Skills: Online marketing degree programs develop targeted knowledge and analytical insights that help you understand and respond to consumer motivations.
Versatile Knowledge Base: Marketing programs teach valuable skills that readily transfer among several industries and roles.
Multiple Growth Pathways: A bachelor's in marketing degree makes an excellent educational foundation for a master's in business administration (MBA) and other graduate business programs.
Benefits of Getting a Marketing Degree Online
BestColleges' 2025 Online Education Trends Report found that 98% prospective online students, current online students, and online program graduates would recommend online learning to others.
According to the report, 90% of online program graduates say their degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
Also, 76% of all students surveyed say an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
How to Choose the Best Marketing Program for You
To choose the right marketing program for you, consider the overall costs and financial aid options. You should also evaluate the program length and the careers you can pursue after graduation.
Rochelle Webb, a growth marketing strategist at The Dialectic Compound, says it's also important to research a university's faculty.
"A big distinguishing factor is finding a program that employs faculty members that share your marketing interests and have experience in those disciplines, so that you can learn directly from the source," Webb says.
She also recommends considering a school's location and its alumni. Being near companies that align with your interests can create networking opportunities, Webb says, while alumni career paths can provide insight into potential career options after graduation.
How Much Does a Marketing Degree Cost?
Bachelor's in Marketing Degree, 2019-20
Online
$10,473 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$5,918 Avg. Net Price
In-Person
$16,941 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$9,248 Avg. Net Price
Source: NCES PowerStats
You can save a lot of money by earning your marketing degree online. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that the average annual tuition and fees of a bachelor's degree in marketing program that is at least partially on campus is $16,941.
On the other hand, the yearly tuition and fees for a fully online marketing degree program is around $10,473. Based on this data, average tuition rates are roughly 38% lower for online marketing programs.
Education administrators say that there are a few factors that usually lead to these savings:
Online programs carry lower overhead costs, allowing them to pass savings on to students.
Online classes may require fewer course materials, allowing schools to cut additional costs.
However, even if online degrees are more affordable, it can still be helpful to look into financial assistance to lower your costs. Consider exploring scholarships, fellowships, and grants to help cover tuition or other fees.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Marketing?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
A bachelor's degree in marketing typically requires about 120 semester credits to complete. If you study full time, you can graduate in about four academic years.
However, there are some ways to speed up that timeline. If you've already completed some college courses, you may be able to transfer those credits to your new school. This reduces the number of credits you'll need to complete your marketing program, allowing you to graduate faster.
You could also take more classes per semester or consider enrolling in an accelerated program. However, keep in mind that these options may require more time and effort and may not be suitable for students with an already very busy schedule.
What Can You Do With a Marketing Degree?
The marketing industry is constantly evolving with influxes of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality. However, the demand for skilled marketers who can leverage these tools is constant.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of market research analysts and marketing managers are projected to increase by 7% between 2024 and 2034. This growth rate is faster than the average 3% job growth rate for other professions during the same time period.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analysts | $76,950 | Analyze business conditions and consumer trends, collect and study consumer and market data, and create sales forecasts and market reports. |
| Marketing Managers | $161,030 | Oversee marketing budgets, identify spending priorities, analyze markets, and commission studies into areas with growth potential. |
| Advertising and Promotions Managers | $126,960 | Create branding, promotional, and advertising strategies and align promotional and marketing efforts with business goals and values. |
Source: BLS
Learn More About Marketing Jobs
Marketing Concentrations to Consider
If you have an interest in a specific area of marketing, choosing a concentration is a good idea.
Some schools offer specialized marketing degrees tailored to specific industries. These programs provide in-depth knowledge and skills relevant to specific sectors, allowing students to develop targeted marketing strategies.
Common marketing concentrations include:
Digital and social media marketing
Global marketing
Marketing analytics
Product innovation
Concentrating in a specific area can help you demonstrate advanced skills to potential employers and make you a stronger candidate for jobs that match your career goals.
Webb says that beyond selecting a concentration you enjoy, it's important to consider how up to date the program is. "You should prioritize programs that are teaching the current innovations and technologies in the marketing space to ensure that your education is keeping up with the speed of culture," she says.
Is a Marketing Degree Worth It?
Whether studying marketing is worthwhile or not depends on your career goals and preferences.
A marketing degree opens the doors to a wide range of career opportunities, some of which are expected to have faster-than-average job growth between 2024 and 2034, according to the BLS. Additionally, if you enroll in an online marketing school, you'll benefit from a flexible schedule.
Also, survey data suggests that marketing degrees are valuable overall. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, Class of 2023 graduates with a marketing degree had an 85% career outcomes rate. This percentage represents the number of graduates who are employed full or part time, in military or volunteer service, and enrolled in continuing education.
However, keep in mind that this field can be highly competitive, so finding a stable job often requires a combination of education and experience.
Education Beyond a Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree in marketing can lead to many educational paths, such as a master of science in marketing or an MBA. In fact, many business schools offer MBA concentrations in marketing, data analytics, and adjacent specializations.
Having an advanced degree can make it easier to get senior and management jobs. According to BLS data from May 2024, marketing managers earn a median annual salary of $161,030.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marketing Degrees
A marketing degree is a postsecondary program that strongly focuses on the strategies, analytical tools, and best practices used in branding, advertising, consumer research, promotions, sales analytics, and product positioning. Schools offer face-to-face and online marketing programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
