Digital marketing is all the buzz right now in this internet-centered and influencer-crazed generation. In fact, it’s become the 6th most in-demand job in the nation.
While it’s highly sought after, 74% of marketing executives say “their organization faces a critical digital marketing talent shortage.” With the market reaching a projected value of $807 billion by 2026, these organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, are looking for new talent.
Also, with high demand comes high supply, and individuals with accredited degrees or other qualifications can expect to earn upwards of $100K, with median salaries as high as $136,000 for marketing managers in 2021.
Now, more than ever is the perfect time to invest in your digital marketing career to enter this growing market.
Table of Contents
Top-Ranked Digital Marketing Degrees
A digital marketing degree is valuable no matter where you attend or the type of education you invest in, but receiving a certification, degree, or even just being taught by the most respected professionals in this industry might just be the difference between an average of 60K starting salary and a six-figure one.
A bachelor’s in digital marketing is the perfect way to get an all-encompassing idea of the industry. Students will have opportunities to network with peers, professors, and alumni, as well as learn a foundational understanding of where the industry has been, where it’s going, and important strategies you can implement to infiltrate the market.
Meanwhile, a traditional marketing degree with a digital concentration offers most of the same benefits. The real difference is that a marketing degree with provide you with an overall foundation of business as a whole, which may be beneficial for someone who isn’t positive about the digital sector.
A master’s in digital marketing will lead to more managerial positions and thus higher salaries for anyone who wants a competitive edge over their peers.
But, if a long-term degree isn’t something that’s in the cards for you due to financial or time constraints, or simply disinterest, digital marketing certificates and bootcamps are typically several weeks long to a year with options to complete them full or part-time, and still will provide you with the necessary qualifications to succeed in this field. Some of these programs even promise job placement post-graduate or your money back.
This comprehensive list below highlights some of the best programs from bachelor’s to master’s to certifications and bootcamps – some even recognized by Forbes, Princeton Review, and other accredited institutions.
Top-Ranked Digital Marketing Bachelors
Bachelor’s programs in digital marketing are perfect for those passionate about the field and eager to dive deep into the world of online marketing. These highly-rated institutions boast experienced professors who offer exceptional networking opportunities, internships, and post-graduate prospects.
University of Northern Iowa – BA in Advertising & Digital Media
- Cedar Falls, Iowa
- In-person
Program:
BA in Advertising & Digital Media
Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa
Modality: In-person
Tuition: On average $21,272 annually
Program Overview:
UNI’s Advertising and Digital Media BA prepares students for careers at leading companies like Coca-Cola, AEGON, Wells Fargo, and Lincoln Savings Bank. This major combines a solid business foundation with innovative and creative media strategies, putting students in real-life marketing situations. UNI, recognized by the Princeton Review as a “Best Business School” for over a decade, equips students to launch companies, brands, and products, setting them up for entry-level roles such as Search Engine Marketing Account Manager, Social Media Manager, and Media Strategist.
University of Michigan Dearborn – BBA in Digital Marketing
- Dearborn, MI
- In-person
Program:
BBA in Digital Marketing
Location: Dearborn, MI
Modality: In-person
Tuition: In-state students pay $7,620, out-of-state $16,248
Program Overview:
The University of Michigan offers a Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a Digital Marketing major, requiring only 21 credits to complete. Learn from professors at one of the nation’s top business schools about social media marketing, email marketing, and mobile strategies to implement contemporary marketing campaigns. Courses such as Digital Consumer Search and Marketing, Marketing Research, E-tailing and Retailing, Advertising, and Digital Analytics and Content equip students with foundational business knowledge, global business practices, and critical thinking skills, while the program’s structure allows for easy double majoring.
Louisiana State University – BS in Digital Marketing
- Online
- Online
Program:
BS in Digital Marketing
Location: Online
Modality: Online
Tuition: $47,880
Program Overview:
LSU ranks number 4 in best online marketing degrees as well as 4th for most affordable online bachelor’s – making their BS in Digital Marketing a valuable degree for anyone interested in the sector. There are no out-of-state tuition fees, and graduates earn the same diploma as their on-campus peers. Through LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business, students will gain essential skills and knowledge to succeed in the modern digital and social media landscape, including creating engaging content across various platforms.
Top-Ranked Digital Marketing Masters Programs
A master’s in digital marketing might be exactly what you need to gain a competitive edge in this rapidly growing sector. Offered by some of the best universities in the country, here are some of the top-rated Digital Marketing Master programs to place you at the top of the game!
Program:
Master’s in Digital Marketing Online
Location: Online
Modality: Online
Tuition: $37,620
Program Overview:
Wake Forest University’s Online Master’s in Digital Marketing program equips students with essential skills in digital marketing strategy, analytics, and consumer behavior. The program offers hands-on experience with the latest tools and techniques, covering areas such as SEO, SEM, social media, and content marketing. Wake Forest is ranked among the top national universities, providing students with a prestigious education that prepares them for advanced roles in digital marketing. Upcoming start dates include September 2nd for the Fall semester and January 6th for the Spring term, with deadlines approaching.
USC Annenberg – Online MS in Digital Media Management
- Online
- Online
Program:
Online MS in Digital Media Management
Location: Online
Modality: Online
Tuition: $56,496
Program Overview:
USC is ranked number one in the U.S. in communication and media studies with an alumni network of over 475,000 members globally. Their online digital marketing master’s program is designed to fit your schedule within a one or two-year track and no GRE is required to apply. With courses like Digital Content Direction, Managing Digital Media Teams and Projects, and Digital Media Literacy students can expect to graduate with the knowledge and skills to design digital content, develop strategies to address diversity, equity, and inclusion, evaluate emerging technological trends, and so much more.
Northwestern University – MS in Integrated Marketing Communications
- Evanston, IL
- In-person
Program:
MS in Integrated Marketing Communications
Location: Evanston, IL
Modality: In-person
Tuition: $20,283 per quarter
Program Overview:
Northwestern University’s MS in Integrated Marketing Communications is ranked among the top 10 in the nation. This 15-month, full-time program features core courses such as Marketing Research, Financial Accounting, IMC Strategic Process, Consumer Insight, and Marketing Strategy, along with specialized tracks in Consumer Insights and Analytics, Brand Strategy, Strategic Communications, and Media. Students will gain real-world experience, benefit from Northwestern’s prestigious reputation, and join a high-quality network of over 18,000 alumni, fully equipping them to enter the competitive field of digital marketing upon graduation.
Top-Ranked Marketing Degrees with Digital Concentrations
A marketing degree with a digital concentration provides the perfect foundation for an overall understanding of business and how the market works while also allowing students to take more tailored classes regarding the digital sector. Here are some of the most highly-rated marketing programs in the country:
New York University – MS in Integrated Marketing Digital Marketing Concentration
- New York City
- In-person
Program:
MS in Integrated Marketing Digital Marketing Concentration
Location: New York City
Modality: In-person
Tuition: Full-time students pay $23,483 per semester (10-12 credits)
Program Overview:
NYU’s MS in Integrated Marketing Digital Marketing Concentration focuses on search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), social media marketing, mobile marketing, and e-commerce preparing students for careers in social media and content management, marketing analysts, and more. With only 12 credits and 5 required classes, this program is an excellent option for students looking to advance their digital knowledge and elevate their marketing careers. While not exclusively a social media concentration, students will have the opportunity to explore platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube, and develop skills in storytelling, content creation, and customer experience, among others.
Program:
BS in Business Administration – Digital and Social Media Management Concentration
Location: Online
Modality: Online
Tuition: $371 per credit
Program Overview:
Purdue’s BS in Business Administration – Digital and Social Media Management requires only 15-18 hours per week and takes on average 4 years to complete. They do offer a 3-week trial period where classes are completely free so students can see if the online structure suits them. Purdue Global’s business program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the Higher Learning Commission, making it an even more attractive degree for employers.
Program:
BS with Digital Marketing Concentration
Location: Online
Modality: Online
Tuition: $29,000 or $483 per credit hour
Program Overview: Full Sail University’s Digital Marketing concentration offers an engaging and practical approach to online marketing. This Bachelor of Science program includes courses on SEO, display advertising, email marketing, and leadership, helping students create effective digital strategies. Recognized by Newsweek as one of “America’s Top Online Colleges 2024,” the program provides flexible online learning, scholarships, and comprehensive support through Project LaunchBox™, ensuring students have all the tools they need to succeed.
Digital Marketing Certificates and Courses: Top-Ranked
Digital marketing certificates and courses are perfect for anyone who wants to still wants that piece of paper to back up their skills and expertise from an accredited institution, but may not have the money or time to commit to a bachelor’s or master’s program. These programs in particular are taught by top universities all with industry-leading professors.
Program:
Digital Marketing Certificate
Location: Online
Modality: Online
Tuition: $2,340 per certificate
Program Overview:
UPenn’s Digital Marketing Certificate consists of four courses fully taught online for the duration of 6 weeks per course, requiring only 3 to 5 hours of commitment per week per course, making it easily doable for any working professional or busy adult. Students will learn how to market goods and services effectively online, as well as leverage new models in business and e-commerce, and use new techniques in digital market research including regression analysis, and conjoint and social media analysis. Plus, UPenn’s reputation as the 6th best college in the nation certainly doesn’t hurt employment opportunities post-graduation.
University of Virginia – Digital Marketing Program
- Online
- Online
Program:
Digital Marketing Program
Location: Online
Modality: Online
Tuition: $2,250
Program Overview:
The University of Virginia’s Digital Marketing Certificate program offers a comprehensive 10-week course designed to equip students with key skills in areas such as SEO, social media marketing, email marketing, and analytics. Taught by industry experts, this flexible, online program includes hands-on practice and mentorship to help students build their confidence and advance their careers. Ranked number 8 nationally for marketing programs, the school ensures high-quality education. Graduates will earn a digital marketing award of completion and certifications in Google Analytics, Google Ads Search, and HubSpot Email Marketing.
Rutgers- Camden – Digital Marketing Certificate
- Online
- Online
Program:
Digital Marketing Certificate
Location: Online
Modality: Online
Tuition: $1,313 per credit
Program Overview:
Rutgers University is ranked number 2 among online graduate marketing programs and offers an online graduate Digital Marketing Certificate. The program teaches students how to create viral content, reach target audiences with resonant messages, and integrate digital marketing strategies with overarching branding strategies. With classes such as Marketing Management, Digital Marketing Strategy, Strategic Marketing Analytics, Social Media Strategy, Text Mining, and more, this program equips students for the ever-expanding world of digital marketing.
Duke University – Digital Marketing Specialist
- Online
- Online
Program:
Digital Marketing Specialist
Location: Online
Modality: Online
Tuition: $3,195
Program Overview:
Duke University’s Digital Marketing Specialist program teaches foundational and advanced marketing methodologies through live, interactive sessions, real-world case studies, and hands-on utilization of over 30 digital marketing tools. This program covers key areas such as SEO, SEM, social media, email marketing, mobile marketing, content strategy, analytics, AI, and marketing automation. Upon completion, students earn a Duke University certificate and are prepared for certification exams in Google Ads, Google Analytics, and Microsoft Bing.
Digital Marketing Bootcamps: Top Ranked
Digital marketing bootcamps provide students with marketable skills and the most vital information about the field to be a successful professional in the shortest period – therefore expect jam-packed sessions filled with knowledge and expertise. These are the top-ranked digital marketing bootcamps of 2024 according to Forbes:
CareerFoundry’s – Digital Marketing Program
- Online
- Online
Program:
Digital Marketing Program
Location: Online
Modality: Online
Tuition: $6,555 one-time payment
Program Overview:
CareerFoundry’s Digital Marketing Bootcamp promises students a job within 6 months of graduation or they’ll refund you – showing just how great their program is. Students have the option to take the program part-time studying 15-20 hours per week for 7 months or full-time to complete it in as little as 3-4 months. This course covers essential skills such as SEO, SEM, social media, email marketing, and content strategy, all while providing hands-on experience through real-world projects. Students will benefit from personalized mentorship, and job placement support, making them prepared for a variety of digital marketing careers post-competition.
Noble Desktop – Digital Marketing Certificate
- Online
- Online
Program:
Digital Marketing Certificate
Location: Online
Modality: Online
Tuition: $3,995
Program Overview:
Noble Desktop’s Digital Marketing Bootcamp offers live online or in-person classes in NYC, with 120 hours of hands-on training in SEO, Google Ads, social media marketing, and Google Analytics. The program includes six 1-on-1 mentoring sessions to review portfolios, refine resumes, and receive job application advice. The curriculum covers Digital Marketing Strategy, Content Marketing, Email Marketing, SEO, Google Ads, various Social Media Marketing courses, and a free AI for Marketing class. Students will culminate a NY State-licensed certificate shareable on LinkedIn and can retake any session for free if needed.
Brain Station – Digital Marketing Bootcamp
- Online
- Online
Program:
Digital Marketing Bootcamp
Location: Online
Modality: Online
Tuition: $3,250
Program Overview:
Brain Station’s Digital Marketing Bootcamp offers a fully remote schedule with options for full-time or part-time attendance, featuring two weekday evening classes and sessions on Saturdays. The curriculum covers topics such as branding, strategy and marketing planning, content marketing, social media marketing, search marketing, analytics, reporting, and professional development. Students gain job-ready skills in email marketing, paid social marketing, SEO, and Google Analytics. Official hiring partners include Fortune 500 companies such as Apple, Shopify, Netflix, Spotify, and Google.