Online Marketing Schools and Colleges: How to Choose

Numerous colleges and universities offer online degrees in the field of marketing. These programs are commonly available at the bachelor's and master's degree level. Students should consider program level, area of concentration and career goals when selecting a school.

How to Select an Online Marketing School

Award Level

When selecting an online marketing program, students should consider which award level they want to earn. A bachelor's degree is sufficient for most marketing positions; however, students interested in pursuing a management or executive position may benefit from a master's degree. While associate's degrees in marketing are typically not available online, those interested in having basic knowledge in the field may want to earn an associate's degree in business with a focus in marketing.
Additionally, students at the bachelor's and master's degree levels can specialize in a specific area of marketing as well. Concentrations within the field include Internet marketing, integrated business marketing and public relations.

Program Type

Students considering an online program should determine if programs are hybrid or fully online. Hybrid programs, particularly at the master's degree level, may demand the completion of an internship, specific courses or seminars in-person.

List of Common Online Marketing Programs

Online Business Management Associate's Degree-Marketing Concentration

An online associate's degree in business management with a concentration in marketing will train students for entry-level business positions or continuing education opportunities. Graduates can work as advertising or promotional associates, sales managers and marketing associates. In addition to learning basic marketing principles and sales techniques, this type of program also teaches students how to analyze e-commerce impacts and how to work with customers. Sample courses include accounting, management, business law, speech communication and finance.

Online Bachelor of Science in Marketing

A distance learning bachelor's degree in marketing prepares students for careers in industrial marketing, television, radio, government agencies, hospitality and e-commerce. The program includes in-depth instruction on developing and executing complex marketing strategies, building information-based analytical thinking skills and applying research methods. Additionally, students might take courses such as business law and ethics, business communication and organizational and management principles.

Online Master of Science in Integrated Marketing

A Master of Science in Integrated Marketing might include coursework like marketing research and analysis, public relations strategies, interactive and direct creative strategy, consumer sales and campaigns. In a public relations-focused program, there may be classes like e-communication, branding and marketing position, writing for public relations, critical thinking in communication, PR research and measurement and human communication. An online master's degree in marketing typically consists of about 35-40 credit hours, and students can graduate in 2-3 years.