Online Electronic Communications Degree Program Information

Electronic communication refers to marketing and relaying information through the Internet via such means as software and animation. This type of degree program can be completed online, and may be listed under the title of electronic marketing or digital media at the bachelor's and master's degree levels.

Online Bachelor's Degrees for Electronic Communications

Three common degree titles for this field at the baccalaureate level include Bachelor of Science in eMarketing, Marketing or Digital Media. Students learn product marketing via the Internet, website design, market research and professional communication. They also practice the creative side of communications by using films, presentations and interactive design to express ideas. Marketing skills attained include market research, sales and assessment.

Program Information and Requirements

These bachelor's degree programs are generally four years long and equal about 120 credit-hours. Program lengths can be completed in as few as 40 credit-hours if the student already holds an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in a different subject and has therefore already completed general education courses. These programs are offered entirely online as well as in a hybrid format.
To complete online coursework, a student must have a computer with access to the Internet. Some programs require the purchase website design software and photo editing software as well as a digital camera and video camcorder. Students use e-mail to communicate with professors and may be expected to already have a personal account prior to enrollment.

Common Electronic Communications Bachelor's Degree-Level Courses

Coursework includes general education requirements as well as electives. Common core classes are outlined below.

Online Marketing Course

Students learn to arrange and display websites to make them easily accessible and user-friendly. Basic marketing strategies are explained, including electronic commerce, electronic advertisement and public relations.

Interactive Software Course

This course explores the basics of what makes an interactive software program user-friendly and informative. Before the end of the class, students produce interactive software programs.

Electronic Commerce Course

Sometimes referred to as e-commerce, business transactions and information are transferred from computer to computer as sales are accomplished remotely. This course focuses on Internet communication with applications in e-commerce marketing strategies.

Career Information for Graduates

There are many careers available in the electronic communications field. The most relevant careers include website designer, media specialist, market analyst or advertising specialist. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of marketing, promotions and advertising specialists is expected to go up by 13% between the years 2008 and 2018. The same source states that the average annual wage for an entry-level former marketing major was $43,325 as of 2009 (www.bls.gov).

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Online Master's Degrees for Electronic Communications

There are several online master's degree programs areas related to electronic communication, such as marketing and communication, digital media and communication technology. Potential students must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a related field prior to enrollment. Many enrollees are professionals who wish to advance their knowledge of digital communication and marketing, but have some foundation in these fields. Master's degree programs may focus on topics such as application design for mobile electronic devises, new media marketing, electronic advertising and public relations.

Program Information and Requirements

Electronic communication master's degree programs are generally 30-40 credit-hours in length and can be completed in 16-30 months, depending on the school and a student's independent schedule. Online programs are often designed to be flexible to the working professional. Instructors are available for to answer questions and provide reviews via e-mail and sometimes by telephone. Students don't need be online at the same time as professors or their peers, though they may be expected to participate in some ongoing communications with both.
Access to a computer and an adequate Internet connection are needed to enroll in online master's degree programs. Students are required to have basic computer skills with which to access PowerPoint presentations, lectures and links to study material that is based online.

Common Electronic Communications Master's Degree-Level Courses

Master-level programs often offer fixed concentrations in subfields related to digital communication, but also allow enrollees to tailor their studies via electives. Students often conduct independent research, which can be applied to a mandatory thesis; this is another way to personally focus studies.

Communication Strategies Course

This course outlines the application of communication strategies in a digital media world. It teaches participants how to navigate through the mass cluster of information made available online to effectively communicate. Students also learn how maintain positive relationships with investors.

Consumer Behavioral Research Course

Students examine the motive behind a consumers' actions in order to determine how to market to them effectively. The course focuses on potential consumer needs and problems they may have. Information is gathered by researching archives, organizing focus groups and administering surveys.

Researching on the Web Course

In this course, students learn about search engines and other tools for researching online. Database technology and researching techniques are examined. The outcome is a substantial understanding of how to do public records research via the Internet.

Career Information for Graduates

Graduates can pursue advanced careers in fields like communication, public relations, advertising, marketing and account management. They are eligible to hold management and other leadership positions within these fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of marketing managers nationwide is expected to increase by 14% between the years of 2008 and 2018. The same source states that marketing managers working in the field of computer systems design made an average of $127,870 annually as of May 2008 (www.bls.gov).

Continuing Education Information

While there are doctoral-level electronic communication degrees available, they are very rarely offered online. Individuals wishing to pursue further education in a related field, such as marketing or journalism, can find online doctoral degree programs readily available.