Best Online Digital Marketing Degrees 2025
Our list of the best digital marketing degrees online features accredited colleges with the highest number of graduates, emphasizing trusted schools with strong virtual peer communities. Digital marketing programs dive into analytics, campaign design, content creation, and e-commerce.
Key Takeaways:
- Southern New Hampshire University Online ranks #1 for having 256 graduates from its online bachelor's in marketing last year.
- Reinhardt University focuses on personalized attention, with the lowest student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1.
- Avila University earns the highest recommendation rate at 86%.
See our methodology for details. We also interviewed industry professional Caleb Johnstone to gain insight about the best digital marketing degrees online.
Best Online Digital Marketing Degrees 2025
Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Southern New Hampshire University Online | 256 | $9,900 | $68,135 | 69% | |
Full Sail University | 83 | $26,417 | $41,129 | 61% | |
Reinhardt University | 39 | $28,420 | N/A | 100% | |
Maryville University | 16 | $16,200 | N/A | 62% | |
Regent University Online | 7 | $10,880 | N/A | 83% | |
Avila University | 6 | $8,700 | N/A | 83% | |
University of West Alabama | 5 | $9,750 | N/A | 84% | |
Elizabethtown College | 1 | $15,750 | N/A | 73% |
Analyzing the Most Popular Digital Marketing Bachelor’s Degrees
When exploring online bachelor's degrees in digital marketing, it helps to follow the numbers.
Our list of the most popular programs, ordered by the highest number of students to successfully graduate, spotlights the online schools that have built large, thriving digital marketing communities and successfully guided learners to graduation. This matters.
In digital marketing, the popularity of a program can reflect real-world relevance, tech-readiness, and strong support systems.
Why Popularity Matters for Online Digital Marketing Students
In a fast-moving, metrics-driven field like digital marketing, program popularity proves high performance. Graduate counts are real clues that an online school not only attracts aspiring marketers like you, but also effectively supports them through to completion. That’s especially important in digital marketing, where adaptability, tech fluency, and hands-on experience are vital from day one.
Take SNHU Online, for example. With 256 recent digital marketing graduates, it outpaces its next closest competitor by a factor of six. That scale suggests SNHU delivers career-relevant training at a level that students continue to trust. When you join a program like this, you're plugging into a well-established learning environment, full of peers, alumni, and instructors who understand today’s digital landscape.
Full Sail University and Maryville University, each graduating over 40 students in this field, also stand out for their commitment to building large-scale, tech-forward platforms. In digital marketing, where tools change overnight and strategy follows trends, having access to a dynamic online learning system and a broad alumni network can make a big difference.
Popular digital marketing programs have the resources to stay updated and the reputational weight to help you stand out when applying for roles in content marketing, SEO, paid media, or brand strategy.
Put simply: in digital marketing, the schools students choose in large numbers tend to be the ones most aligned with industry expectations. Popularity, in this context, becomes a shortcut for identifying programs that are working for real students pursuing marketing careers.
Customization, Creativity, and Connection: What Differentiates These Online Digital Marketing Programs
SNHU Online's marketing degree online has concentrations in Digital Marketing and Social Media Marketing, plus embedded certifications like HubSpot, you’re not just learning about marketing but you’re actually walking away with credentials employers actually ask for. (Bonus: if you’re eyeing grad school, SNHU’s accelerated BS-to-MS pathway lets you double-dip, saving time and money while leveling up your resume.)
At Full Sail University, it’s all about meeting the creative energy of digital marketing with the right tech in hand — literally. Every student gets a MacBook loaded with Adobe Creative Cloud and other industry tools through Project LaunchBox™, meaning you’re not waiting until your first job to get hands-on, you’re already in it. With rolling start dates and an accelerated schedule, you can dive in quickly and move fast into the digital marketing career you want.
Reinhardt University, on the other hand, flips the script with something that’s getting rarer in online education: real connection. With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, this program offers a mentorship-driven experience.
Meanwhile, the University of West Alabama’s integrated marketing degree is built around customizable tracks, from Graphic Design to Sports Communication, making it one of the few programs to offer such niche specialization. Combined with required internships and the Mentor Collective, UWA clearly prioritizes practical experience and personal guidance.
These programs may all live online, but they’re anything but one-size-fits-all. You just have to think about what you want and whether you're craving hands-on tech, personal mentorship, or a fast-track to a master’s.
Expert Interview: How to Turn an Online Digital Marketing Degree Into Career Momentum
What does it really take to stand out in digital marketing today? And can an online degree get you there? We asked two industry pros who live and breathe this stuff. Below, they share what students should focus on beyond degree logistics, from building hands-on projects to mastering emerging tools like AI and CRO. Their advice cuts through the noise and gets to the heart of what makes new grads hireable in a competitive field.
“Textbooks Can Never Teach You as Much as Experience Will”: Caleb Johnstone on What Makes an Online Marketing Degree Work

SEO Director and Digital Marketing Strategist
Digital marketing changes all the time. What makes earning a degree online especially relevant in this field?
"Digital marketing online learning is applicable since it is adaptable in real time. Programs on the Internet are faster to incorporate the new trends and tools. As an illustration, students may get to know about such a platform as TikTok and the possibility to place ads there. This will enable students to utilize what they learn immediately.
Online degrees also assist the students in honing the remote working abilities and self-discipline. They are critical in the marketing environment where everything is changing."
From your perspective, how well do online digital marketing degrees actually prepare students for life beyond college?
"Online digital marketing degree can... equip students well, provided that the course involves practical activities. These projects ought to be based on the real life situations. As an example, they might be able to run real advertising campaigns and base their decisions on data. When a program is too theoretical and lacks practical applications, then this will not prepare the students well to the job market."
Students who will graduate with experience in ad placement or creation of SEO plans will be ahead of the curve.
Are there particular areas in digital marketing you see growing?
"The most rapidly developing spheres are voice search optimization and AI-based marketing. Marketers should change their voice search SEO strategies as voice assistants such as Siri and Alexa gain popularity. Chatbots and predictive analytics are some of the AI tools transforming the relationship between businesses and customers.
Video marketing that is customized is also increasing. In the case of videos, marketers are tailoring them to suit the needs of individual customers. These are the spheres that will determine the future of digital marketing."
What digital marketing certifications do you most recommend?
"Such certifications as Google Ads and Google Analytics are necessary. To be different, however, students can think of conversion rate optimization (CRO) and data storytelling certifications.
CRO assists students to understand how to convert traffic into real sales.
Data storytelling educates one on how to present data in a meaningful manner.
Such certifications coupled with the degree indicate that the students are not limited to the basics. They are also able to ensure that marketing works in the business."
What kinds of real-world portfolio projects can help online students when presenting to possible employers?
"Projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes can be presented by students. An excellent initiative may be to design and execute a full-funnel campaign. This involves awareness advertisements that take the customer through the sales funnel to the last conversion phase.
Students may also practice a customized email marketing campaign with them segmenting the customers and monitoring the engagement. Such kinds of projects exhibit the capability to implement and interpret marketing activities that have direct influence on the success of a business."
EXPERT TIP
"Begin to do real-world projects as soon as you can. As much as a degree will provide you with the basis, personal projects will make you shine. Place advertisements of a local company or establish a personal blog or social network. Textbooks can never teach you as much as experience will. It is also important to network. Developing contacts with people in the industry may result in an opportunity and knowledge that will fast track your career."
FAQs About Online Digital Marketing Degrees
What Can You Expect From an Online Bachelor's Degree in Digital Marketing?
Digital marketing — an occupation that's expanding at a rapid pace — offers a wealth of job opportunities for prospective college students. E-marketing experts say that worldwide digital advertising spending reached in 2022 and will soon top $1 trillion. This growing market highlights the importance of digital marketing and the need for qualified professionals in the field. An online bachelor’s program in digital marketing can be a great first step toward joining this bustling industry.
While many colleges offer general marketing degrees, some are now offering targeted bachelor's programs in digital marketing. Broad-based programs will include topics like brand management and market research techniques, but digital marketing programs take a deep dive into digital media, search engine optimization (SEO), and social media.
If digital media is your passion and you're thinking about preparing for a career in digital marketing, you can choose between earning a digital marketing degree online or in person. Online degrees are now just as respected as traditional degrees, and the flexibility of attending school on your own schedule may be a better fit for your needs.
Looking for ways to save money on a marketing degree? Check out our list of the most affordable bachelor's degrees and most affordable master's degrees in marketing.
What Are the Admission and Graduation Requirements for an Online Digital Marketing Bachelor's Degree?
In this field, admission requirements reflect academic readiness, of course, but also a passion for the field. Most schools require a GPA of 2.5 to 3.0, along with letters of recommendation from teachers and any other professional/academic mentors. A personal statement or essay is usually needed. This is where you outline your interest in digital marketing and related career aspirations. While schools are increasingly test-optional, others may ask for ACT or SAT scores that meet minimum thresholds.
Once admitted, you’ll complete around 120 credit hours, which includes classes that cover the foundation of marketing strategies, SEO, content strategy, analytics, and social media.
What are Some of the Most Common Courses You'll Take in Digital Marketing?
In addition to major-specific courses, many programs in digital marketing require you to complete internships and capstone projects. These learning experiences help you gain practical experience while allowing you to demonstrate your understanding of digital and traditional marketing principles. Your capstone project also makes a great addition to your portfolio of professional work.
Bachelor's programs often include the following common courses:
- Principles of Marketing: Whether they're specializing in digital marketing or not, all marketing students need a comprehensive overview of the foundational concepts in marketing, including product development, pricing strategies, promotion, and distribution. This course explores how to identify target markets, understand consumer behavior, and develop effective marketing plans.
- Social Media Marketing: Social media platforms have become powerful marketing tools, so this course features hands-on assignments that teach students how to craft compelling content, build online communities, and measure the impact of social media campaigns. Coursework covers strategies for various platforms and discusses how to effectively engage with audiences and manage a brand's online presence.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): This course focuses on the strategies used to improve website visibility and ranking on search engines, covering topics such as keyword research, on-page and off-page optimization, and link building. It also teaches students about SEO-friendly web design and how to analyze website performance using SEO tools and metrics.
- Digital Advertising: Probably one of the later classes in a digital marketing bachelor's program, this course explores the principles and strategies of advertising in the digital world. Coursework should cover advanced topics such as pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, display ads, and mobile advertising. It provides students with an understanding of how to develop and execute effective digital advertising campaigns, as well as how to measure and analyze their impact.
- Content Marketing: This course examines the process of creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and engage a clearly defined audience. It covers content strategy, creation, distribution, and measurement. Learners practice developing various forms of content, including blogs, videos, and infographics, to achieve marketing and business goals.
- Digital Data Analytics: Digital marketing efforts need to be closely measured and monitored to ensure they're achieving the desired results. This course introduces students to the techniques and tools used to collect and interpret data in order to make informed marketing decisions. It covers topics such as customer segmentation, competitive analysis, and the use of statistical software, such as Google Analytics.
Why Is Accreditation Important for Online Digital Marketing Degrees and How Can You Verify It?
Institutional accreditation is essential when selecting an online digital marketing program. Accreditation ensures that the college or university meets specific quality standards, and it can impact financial aid eligibility, credit transfers, and job prospects after graduation.
All of the schools on our list of the best online digital marketing degrees are accredited. However, you can find out if the school you're considering attending has earned institutional accreditation by searching the or directories.
Individual programs can also earn programmatic accreditation, which means that they have been designed to give you industry-standard skills and knowledge. Undergraduate programs in business, which include marketing programs, may be accredited by either the (ACBSP) or the (AACSB).
What Can You Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Digital Marketing?
A bachelor's degree in digital marketing equips graduates with the technical skills to enter careers in social media marketing, SEO, digital advertising, and content marketing, to name a few areas.
While a bachelor's degree in digital marketing provides a basic foundation, you may yet decide to further your education with a master's or doctoral degree in the field at a later point. Graduate programs, such as a master's degree in marketing, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in marketing, or a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) with a marketing specialization can provide advanced marketing skills and leadership training that can open doors to higher-level roles.
Once you've earned your online digital marketing degree, you'll be prepared to start building your marketing career by taking on one of several roles within the field. For example, you could become an SEO specialist who optimizes website content for search engines to improve ranking and visibility. You could also become a social media manager who develops and implements marketing strategies on social media platforms.
As you gain experience, you may be able to advance to higher-level management positions. Digital marketing managers, for instance, oversee the planning, development, and execution of marketing campaigns across various digital channels. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for all is $133,380. This occupation is projected to grow by 10% through 2031.
What Are the Qualifications for Becoming a Digital Marketer?
The qualifications for becoming a digital marketer typically include a bachelor's in digital marketing or a related field, practical experience (e.g., internships or having worked in entry-level positions), and a firm grasp of digital platforms and marketing strategies.
You must know how to use different types of software, such as data analytics, photo imaging, and customer relationship management (CRM) software. Also, some useful soft skills to develop are team collaboration, active listening, writing content, and problem-solving.
As the Internet landscape continues to evolve with increased competition, the demand for those who profoundly understand digital marketing strategies will continue to grow. Colleges with the best digital marketing degrees can help you prepare for a rewarding career.
Student Reviews of Online Digital Marketing Programs
I like the flexibility of the program and the fact that I get a US degree which does not mention it is online is really good. Credit transfer option is also available so that is an added advantage - if I wish to go to the US for further studies I have that option. The curriculum is up to date, which is especially important considering I am pursuing Digital Marketing. The best part is, I have already been employed in an agency as a digital marketing executive and I can implement everything I learn... Read More
Review Date: 3/7/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Fantastic experience. This school is underrated and has received a bad rap due to the law suit against it for misrepresentation of employment potential (which for me is silly). I have been studying online and through the mail for over a decade at three separate institutions. CTU is far and above my best experience. The faculty is highly professional and extremely helpful. Whenever I had an issue, they were always there for me. Indeed, without their support, I would not have finished my degree. As... Read More
Review Date: 3/6/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Please under no circumstances should anyone entertain this college. They are a true rip off. The staff is deceitful especially the students financing department. They have withheld funds from the Dept. of Ed and they are not releasing them to the student. Also, once you begin your course there is no end in sight. They continue to add courses and no one is aware of their graduation date. They just continue to milk the students. Now they have deleted all voicemails on their answering machines and are... Read More
Review Date: 4/13/2020
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No