Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S IN MARKETING &-ADVERTISING
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Find top-ranked online bachelor’s in marketing and advertising degree programs to prepare students for roles like market research analysts, advertising sales agents, and public relations specialists.

Key Takeaways

  • The best online bachelor’s programs for marketing and advertising often include specialized courses in social media strategy, content creation, and data analytics, preparing students for the evolving digital landscape.
  • Many of the programs in our ranking integrate real-world projects, case studies, and virtual internships, allowing students to apply their knowledge directly to current marketing and advertising challenges.
  • The best online bachelor’s in marketing and advertising are designed for engaging, interactive learning experiences, often including group projects, virtual labs, and access to digital tools used in the industry, accommodating students’ diverse schedules and learning styles.

Top 10 Online Bachelor's in Marketing Programs in 2025

  1. University of Alabama
  2. Florida International University
  3. University of Alabama at Birmingham
    +9
  4. University of Memphis
  5. Florida Atlantic University
    +6
  6. Thomas Jefferson University
    +15
  7. Mercer University
    +2
  8. University of Alaska Fairbanks
    +8
  9. East Carolina University
    –6
  10. Old Dominion University
    –4

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best online bachelor’s in marketing and advertising saw a considerable amount of shuffling. Thomas Jefferson University gained the most ranking positions as the university has introduced several enhancements to its online Bachelor of Science in Marketing program to better serve its students. The curriculum now offers specialized courses in areas such as digital marketing, integrated marketing communication, and marketing in a digital environment, providing students with in-depth knowledge of these critical aspects of marketing.

Additionally, the university offers flexible class options, including on-campus and fully online formats, allowing students to choose the learning environment that best fits their schedules and learning preferences. The program also emphasizes practical experience by actively encouraging internships, considering them an integral part of the curriculum, and collaborates with the Career Development Center to help place students in marketing internship positions. These improvements aim to provide a comprehensive and practical education, equipping students with the skills and experience needed to excel in the dynamic field of marketing.

Featured Programs

Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs

  1. #1

    University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa , AL
    #13 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2025 #1 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/27

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of Alabama

    Cost of Degree: $11,900
    Expenses: $21,482
    Starting Salary: $47,640
    Salary after 4 years: $59,349
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Commerce and Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • General Business
    • Management
    • Accounting
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Florida International University

    Miami , FL
    #6 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    72K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $6,565
    Expenses: $19,406
    Starting Salary: $48,009
    Salary after 4 years: $59,809
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Birmingham , AL
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2025 #3 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/26

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Cost of Degree: $8,832
    Expenses: $20,547
    Starting Salary: $44,686
    Salary after 4 years: $55,668
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Marketing

    Concentrations

    • Marketing Management
    • Retail Marketing Management
    • Digital Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    25K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/20

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of Memphis

    Cost of Degree: $10,344
    Expenses: $17,726
    Starting Salary: $39,885
    Salary after 4 years: $49,687
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Business Information and Technology
    • Management
    • Marketing Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Florida Atlantic University

    Boca Raton , FL
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #7 Best Colleges in Florida 2024 #7 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/22

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Florida Atlantic University

    Cost of Degree: $4,879
    Expenses: $19,966
    Starting Salary: $44,593
    Salary after 4 years: $55,553
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia , PA
    #9 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    89%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/29

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Thomas Jefferson University

    Cost of Degree: $45,533
    Expenses: $22,874
    Starting Salary: $90,780
    Salary after 4 years: $116,845
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Acquisition and Contract Management
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Health Services Administration
    • Human Resource Management
    • Hospitality and Tourism Management
    • Joe Gibbs Performance Management
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Retail Management
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Mercer University

    Macon , GA
    #5 Best Private Colleges in Georgia 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Georgia 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Georgia 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Georgia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/28

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Mercer University

    Cost of Degree: $33,380
    Expenses: $18,592
    Starting Salary: $53,206
    Salary after 4 years: $68,483
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BBA in Business

    Concentrations

    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 48 months
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Fairbanks , AK
    #1 Best Grad School in Alaska 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Alaska 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alaska 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Cost of Degree: $10,016
    Expenses: $16,700
    Starting Salary: $41,639
    Salary after 4 years: $51,873
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Finance
    • General Business
    • Leadership
    • Marketing
    • Sport Management
    • Economics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    East Carolina University

    Greenville , NC
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024 #5 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    31K

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at East Carolina University

    Cost of Degree: $7,361
    Expenses: $16,970
    Starting Salary: $42,285
    Salary after 4 years: $52,678
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  12. #10

    Old Dominion University

    Norfolk , VA
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #6 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025 #7 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/24

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Old Dominion University

    Cost of Degree: $12,262
    Expenses: $19,392
    Starting Salary: $44,963
    Salary after 4 years: $56,013
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Liberty University

    Lynchburg , VA
    #6 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #9 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    131K

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Liberty University

    Cost of Degree: $15,822
    Expenses: $21,458
    Starting Salary: $37,848
    Salary after 4 years: $48,715
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Digital Marketing And Advertising
    • Marketing Analytics
    • Marketing: Sales Management And Professional Selling
    • Strategic Marketing Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 3.5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  14. #12

    Northern Arizona University

    Flagstaff , AZ
    #3 Best Colleges in Arizona 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Arizona 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    32K

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Northern Arizona University

    Cost of Degree: $12,238
    Expenses: $17,028
    Starting Salary: $41,177
    Salary after 4 years: $51,297
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Entrepreneurship and Small Business
    • Global Business
    • Human Resource Management
    • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Education in Career and Technical Education

    Concentrations

    • Business and Marketing
    • Education and Training
    • Family and Consumer Science
    • Health Careers
    • Industrial and Emerging Technologies
    • Occupational
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  16. #14

    University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    North Dartmouth , MA
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2025 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/26

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth

    Cost of Degree: $15,208
    Expenses: $21,112
    Starting Salary: $47,548
    Salary after 4 years: $59,234
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  18. #15

    Oral Roberts University

    Tulsa , OK
    #9 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #15 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/22

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Oral Roberts University

    Cost of Degree: $34,100
    Expenses: $15,820
    Starting Salary: $39,402
    Salary after 4 years: $50,715
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Missouri State University

    Springfield , MO
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2025 #6 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025 #9 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1101/23

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Missouri State University

    Cost of Degree: $9,024
    Expenses: $16,024
    Starting Salary: $41,085
    Salary after 4 years: $51,182
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Marketing

    Concentrations

    • Marketing Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Southern New Hampshire University

    Manchester , NH
    #11 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $15K

    Acceptance

    96%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    224K

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Southern New Hampshire University

    Cost of Degree: $16,450
    Expenses: $24,000
    Starting Salary: $45,893
    Salary after 4 years: $59,070
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Human Resources Management
    • International Business
    • Management Information Systems
    • Marketing
    • Nonprofit Management
    • Organizational Leadership
    • Project Management
    • Public Administration
    • Sports Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing

    Concentrations

    • Digital Marketing
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  21. #18

    Elon University

    Elon , NC
    #1 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #7 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2025 #6 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $42K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1265/27

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Elon University

    Cost of Degree: $44,536
    Expenses: $17,978
    Starting Salary: $53,663
    Salary after 4 years: $69,072
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BSBA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Marketing & MIS
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  22. #19

    University of Central Oklahoma

    Edmond , OK
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #3 Cheapest Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Oklahoma 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    70%

    Graduation

    35%

    Student body

    15K

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of Central Oklahoma

    Cost of Degree: $8,522
    Expenses: $18,646
    Starting Salary: $41,454
    Salary after 4 years: $51,642
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 124
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Hybrid
    Compare school
  25. #21

    National University

    San Diego , CA
    #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in California 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Graduation

    22%

    Student body

    29K

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at National University

    Cost of Degree: $13,320
    Starting Salary: $53,938
    Salary after 4 years: $69,425

    Online Degrees

    BA in Integrated Marketing Communications
    • Required Credits: 180
    • Completion time: 4.5-5.5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  26. #22

    University of Central Missouri

    Warrensburg , MO
    #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Missouri 2025 #8 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025 #10 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    15K

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of Central Missouri

    Cost of Degree: $9,735
    Expenses: $14,064
    Starting Salary: $39,331
    Salary after 4 years: $48,997
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  27. #23

    Benedictine University

    Lisle , IL
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2025 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2024 #19 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Benedictine University

    Cost of Degree: $32,546
    Expenses: $15,654
    Starting Salary: $51,561
    Salary after 4 years: $66,365
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Management

    Concentrations

    • Digital Marketing
    • Human Resources Management
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  28. #24

    Northwood University

    Midland , MI
    #4 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Michigan #5 Best Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs Ranked in 2024 #9 Best Online Colleges in Michigan 2024 #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $32K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    63%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/20

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Northwood University

    Cost of Degree: $33,000
    Expenses: $16,938
    Starting Salary: $50,189
    Salary after 4 years: $64,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Accounting
    • Automotive Marketing and Management
    • Cybersecurity
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Franchising Management
    • Healthcare Management
    • International Business
    • Management
    • Management Information Systems
    • Marketing
    • Marketing Communications
    • Operations and Supply Chain Management
    • Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  30. #25

    Mercy College

    Dobbs Ferry , NY
    #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New York #4 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024 #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity #8 Best Online MBA Programs in New York 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/23

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Mercy College

    Cost of Degree: $22,106
    Expenses: $20,332
    Starting Salary: $40,773
    Salary after 4 years: $52,480
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Marketing Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Marketing/Marketing Management

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,202
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,257
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $44,832
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $55,851
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 10 years
  • Job Growth: 7.24%
  • Number of Jobs: 2,168,500
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Marketing Managers8.15%$157,620
Sales Managers5.87%$135,160
Advertising and Promotions Managers-2.25%$131,870
Fundraising Managers6.02%$119,200
Web and Digital Interface Designers7.93%$98,540

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Marketing Managers$157,620
Sales Managers$135,160
Advertising and Promotions Managers$131,870
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marketing and Advertising Degrees

Why get a bachelor’s in marketing and advertising?

A bachelor’s degree in marketing and advertising is a great way to put your social media knowledge, creativity, and analytical skills to professional use. With programs available both online and in person, students can earn the roughly 120 required credits in an environment that best suits their needs.

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What skills are developed while getting a bachelor’s in marketing and advertising?

This four-year degree challenges students to think strategically and creatively while they take courses covering topics like consumer behavior, business ethics, advertising, and market research. Students may also have the option to choose a concentration, such as social media marketing or business analytics.

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What can you do with a bachelor’s in marketing and advertising?

Career opportunities in this field can be lucrative, and graduates with this degree are often prepared for roles like market research analysts, advertising sales agents, and public relations specialists.

A bachelor’s degree in marketing is one of the most popular college degrees for entrepreneurs. E-Business or E-Commerce is also one of the best new college majors.

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Learn more about how to major in marketing.

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Online Marketing Programs Looking for You

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Online College-Bound Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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