A bachelor’s in internet marketing degree program prepares students for various digital marketing jobs, including as a content, SEO, or social media marketing specialist. It is also the foundation for career paths that include leadership roles in digital advertising or marketing.
Digital marketing job growth is expected to be positive in future years, and these jobs also pay reasonably well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average pay for marketing specialists is $78,880 per year, and advertising and marketing managers make $138,730 annually on average.
The average tuition for a four-year college, not including board, was $17,251 annually as of the 2020-21 academic year. However, online programs typically cost less on average, and you can complete the degree within two or three years, depending on your program.
How to Choose an Online Bachelor’s in Internet Marketing Degree Program
Choose your area of study
You may have settled on internet marketing as your degree, but before choosing an online bachelor’s degree program, consider your specific area of study. Knowing what you want to do with your degree can help you choose a program tailored to your career goals.
For example, the knowledge required to support a leadership career path in digital advertising is different from the knowledge you might need if you want to specialize in content marketing. The classes that prepare you for marketing data analysis work differ from the coursework that prepares you for a specialty in video marketing.
Research schools and programs
Once you have ideas about your plans, start researching schools and online programs to find options that best support your needs. Some factors to consider include:
- Accreditation and reputation. Choose a reputable, accredited school that will likely provide quality education on internet marketing topics. Degrees from accredited schools can offer more value on your resume and are required for graduate programs.
- Type of classes. Choose an online program that works for your schedule and learning style. Consider whether you want asynchronous or synchronous learning, as the former provides more flexibility while the latter may offer more structure and guidance.
- Cost and payment options. Research the program’s total cost, including tuition, fees, and even books, so you can find one that fits your budget.
- Understand admission requirements. Some online programs may only be available to those in specific locations, or classes may have prerequisites that require you to take other courses before embarking on this degree.
Prepare for tests and applications
Some online bachelor’s degree programs in internet marketing require SAT or ACT scores. Others may let you complete a portfolio of professional experience or submit a previous college transcript instead of test scores if you’ve been out of school for a while.
Take time to understand the admissions requirements for programs you’re interested in. Carefully and thoughtfully complete applications for your top few programs.
Select your program
If you’re accepted into more than one program, choose the one that seems best able to help you meet your educational and career goals. Make sure you consider the start and end dates for semesters and classes and the technical requirements for classwork and attendance before selecting a program.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Work with your chosen school’s admissions and financial aid offices to determine the best way to pay for your degree. Full-time enrollment in a qualifying online degree program may qualify you for aid if you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many online programs also offer flexible payment arrangements, including payment plans that let you break up tuition payments throughout the semester.
Best 50 Accredited Online Bachelor’s in Internet Marketing Degree Programs
How We Rank Schools
This list covers online undergraduate programs in internet marketing that award students either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. Specializations include digital marketing, integrated marketing communication, digital innovation, and marketing analytics. All coursework for these programs is delivered online.
To verify that the programs featured adequately prepare students for the global workforce, we’ve highlighted schools that have received regional or national accreditation, which ensures that credits can be transferred to other institutions. The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) have accredited many of the programs on this list.
We evaluated each program based on its course offerings, cost, flexibility, and price, then calculated an Intelligent Score on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.
What Can You Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in Internet Marketing Degree Program
Most online bachelor’s of internet marketing degree programs are designed to be completed in four years. However, some programs let you work on your own schedule. For example, you may complete your program in six years, working on it part-time, or choose an accelerated program for professionals that lets you earn a degree in two years.
You can expect any internet marketing degree program to include classes on customer service, business operations, and sales. Coursework will likely include technical requirements, such as learning about and using automated SEO software or AI tools.
Many digital marketing programs can be completed entirely online, but others are hybrid programs requiring occasional in-person attendance.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online bachelor’s in internet marketing degree program
- Search Engine Optimization. Digital marketing requires an understanding of SEO, the process by which websites and businesses appear in search engines for appropriate audiences. SEO courses typically cover technical optimization processes, related metrics and analytics, and how algorithms and search engine technology work.
- Consumer Behavior. This course delves into consumers’ purchasing decisions, emphasizing why and how different audience segments behave. This knowledge is fundamental to internet marketing because it helps you position products and brands appropriately for various audiences.
- Principles of Marketing. This class acts as an introductory survey of marketing knowledge. Coursework often covers customer value and audience targeting, market research, promotion, professional selling, consumer behavior, and digital marketing strategies.
- Microeconomics. While a topic of economics, microeconomics covers ideas related to marketing. These classes typically teach concepts such as supply and demand, opportunity cost, and competition, all of which are foundational to understanding the role of digital marketing in any business.
- Business-to-business marketing. Most coursework in an internet marketing degree program may concentrate on consumer marketing. However, B2B marketing classes provide insight into reaching business customers.
- Digital marketing analytics. These courses teach you to analyze data to make intelligent marketing decisions. Topics covered may include data analytics, marketing KPIs, analytical software, and strategic thinking.
What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor’s in Internet Marketing?
Career outlook
Given the integral role that the internet plays in our individual lives and society at large, it’s not surprising that the digital marketing field is expected to continue expanding and evolving in the coming years. Companies will need individuals with internet marketing savvy to help them reach consumers, find innovative ways to stand out among internet advertisers, and adapt to new technologies, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence.
Internet marketers help companies from a wide array of industries promote their products and services, including retail, healthcare, education, media, and more. They may work in-house with a specific company, with a marketing agency that contracts with various clients for digital marketing needs, or as freelancers or entrepreneurs with their own internet marketing firms.
Individuals with degrees in internet marketing may find themselves working as:
- Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers — Plan, design, implement, and evaluate online advertising campaigns on platforms such as social media, email, and websites.
- Median annual salary: $127,830
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 34,000 per year
- Public relations specialist — Create and maintain a positive public image for the individuals, groups, or organizations they represent, including developing social media programs to shape public perception of their clients and increase awareness of their work and goals.
- Median annual salary: $67,440
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 25,800 per year
- Market research analyst — Gather and analyze data to help companies determine what kind of products and services consumers want and how best to promote them.
- Median annual salary: $68,230
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 13%
- New jobs projected: 94,600 per year
Online Bachelor’s in Internet Marketing Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online bachelor’s in internet marketing degree program?
Degree programs that offer a bachelor’s in internet marketing typically require someone to have a high school diploma or equivalent. You may need to submit transcripts from the high school or any previous college you’ve attended. Applications may require letters of recommendation, and if you’re a professional looking to make a career change or advance with this degree, you might ask about options for submitting your work experience for consideration.
Because admissions requirements vary from program to program, it’s a good idea to consult an admissions counselor before applying. You can get some insider information on requirements and may even benefit from specific tips for a successful application.
How much does an online bachelor’s in internet marketing degree cost?
The total cost of tuition depends on the cost per credit and how many credits you need. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in internet marketing requires around 120 credits, though you may be able to transfer credits to reduce the cost. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost per credit hour at a public four-year university is $390 for in-state residents. Add in room and board, and it’s closer to $900 per credit hour.
Online degree programs tend to be less expensive, in part because you don’t need to pay for room and board. However, you do have to factor in costs such as technology fees, equipment, and books. In-state students spend, on average, around $38,000 for an online bachelor’s degree, or about $320 per credit hour.
How long does it take to earn an online bachelor’s in internet marketing degree?
For students taking an average full-time class load, completing an online bachelor’s degree in internet marketing typically takes around four years. However, accelerated online programs may allow you to complete a degree in around two years, especially if you have previous credits you can transfer in. Some programs let you attend part-time, taking only one or two classes at a time, which can lead to an extended timeline.
Is an online bachelor's in internet marketing degree worth it?
Having a bachelor’s degree in any field can help increase an individual’s earning potential, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median weekly earnings for individuals with a bachelor’s degree are $1,432, compared to $935 for those with no college degree.
Salaries for individuals working in the marketing field tend to be higher than the national average, especially for those at the management level. The median annual salary for marketing managers is $140,040, while the median annual salary for all occupations is $46,310.
Employment in internet marketing is expected to continue growing as companies seek new ways to use online platforms to connect with consumers and sell their products and services. However, because this field is relatively new and still changing rapidly, students interested in this degree should seek out academic programs that are nimble enough to teach the latest trends and techniques for internet marketing to ensure they have the most in-demand skills upon graduation.