Online Marketing Associates Degree
Derick de Souza
Derick is a business and education consultant working on various projects and scopes. With about 25 years of experience in different settings, he loves to tell others about “how not to be a failure” rather than “how to be successful.” Derick writes and edits articles on online learning, business, employment, and skill development, among others. His hobbies include photography, web design and development, and traveling.
Degrees
Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.
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Marketing combines a series of activities, including advertising, promotion, public relations, and sales, to encourage individuals to buy products or services from companies whose intentions are ultimately making a profit. It is the process of giving consumers what they want through effective promotional campaigns. Although marketing practices may vary, most marketers will research to accurately identify their customer base and promote products relevant to their needs. Marketing itself can take on many forms, including television, print, or internet-based promotions. An Online Marketing Associates Degree is typically a two-year program that develops the skills necessary to earn a living as a marketer. An associate’s degree in marketing will prepare prospective students to develop market analysis and design promotional campaigns for existing or emerging businesses. In addition to providing the mathematical and technological skills necessary for success in business, an associate’s degree in marketing also provides students with important interpersonal relationships, which will be needed when communicating with customers and co-workers alike. According to PayScale, the average marketing employee base salary is $47,817 per year, with 90% of employees earning about $66,000 per year, on top of which it is customary also to receive incentives, commissions, a share of the profits, and bonuses. This indicates that most occupations in marketing are lucrative, making marketing education worthwhile. This page covers all there is to know about an online marketing associates degree, complete with information on the best colleges to pursue this program, funding options, available careers, accreditation, and more.
Best Online Associates Degree in
Marketing Courses
There are many colleges and universities throughout the country that offer online marketing associates degree programs. Although the associate’s program in marketing is more commonly found at community colleges, some may even be well-known, four-year private and public universities. To rank as among the best, a school should have excellent and experienced teaching staff, solid infrastructure, robust student support services, accreditation from at least one regional accrediting body, flexible programs, and more. Based on these and other factors, FBD teams have prepared the following list, highlighting some of the best junior college options for an online marketing associates degree: *
| Univ | Address |
| Coastal Pines Technical College | 1701 Carswell Ave, Waycross, Georgia 31503 |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to expect from the Online
Associates Degree in Marketing?
The associate’s degree in marketing can be done entirely online or offline. Many colleges also offer hybrid programs that allow students to take some of their courses online and others on campus.
An associate’s degree in marketing will typically include an overview of business practices, basic computer literacy courses, and courses that focus on market analysis. Students who complete this degree may also be prepared to work in fields such as sales or advertising. Because most institutions offering this type of program are two-year community colleges, there is often flexibility with the core curriculum students must take. However, some programs may require students to complete specific prerequisite courses before beginning specialized coursework.
Several advantages come from obtaining an associate’s degree in marketing online. For example, students may enjoy having greater flexibility to select the classes they wish to take and may be able to complete course work more quickly since they do not need to spend as much time commuting or traveling for campus-based classes.
In all, students of an associate’s degree in marketing online program will be required to take up coursework consisting of a wide range of business, marketing, advertising, and economics-related topics, totaling to some 50 to 75 credits, depending on program requirements and the specialization chosen. Some programs can include a brief internship or fieldwork as well. Here is a list of some of the core courses students can expect from a marketing associate’s degree:
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Introduction to Psychology
- Marketing Career Experience
- Business Law
- Marketing Principles
- Economics
- Event Marketing
- Personal Brand-Portfolio
- Career Preparation
- Personal Brand-Development
- Professional Presentations
- Selling Principles
- Global Marketing
- Introduction to Diversity Studies
- Customer Service
- Oral/Interpersonal Communication
- Market Research & Info Management
- English Composition
- Integrated Marketing Communication
- Consumer Behavior
- Social Media Marketing
- Accounting Principles
- Intro to Ethics: Theory & Application
- Sales Management
Types of Associates Degree in
Marketing
There are several flavors to an online associate’s degree in marketing. Depending on an individual’s personal interests and career objectives, each type of degree offers something unique while essentially sharing the same foundation. Here are some of the most popular degree types for an online associates degree in marketing:
Associates of Arts in Marketing
The Associate of Arts in Marketing, or marketing AA degree, takes a multidisciplinary approach, relying more on subjects based on the liberal arts and humanities. This degree type is best suited for those who want to further their education and perhaps take on a teaching profession in marketing.
Associates of Science in Marketing
The Associate of Science in Marketing degree, or AS marketing degree, fundamentally relies on the science and math disciplines. This degree type is more technical at its core and is best suited for those who wish to learn a more scientific approach to marketing.
Associates of Applied Science in Marketing
The Associate of Applied Science in Marketing, or AAS marketing degree, does not often prepare students for bachelor’s level study. Instead, this degree type focuses on the practical skills that a student will need to start working right after graduation.
Business and Marketing Degrees
Some colleges offer associate degrees in marketing under a different guise. Many such programs will be a specialization of marketing within another field of study, such as advertising, business studies, business administration, international business, sales, digital marketing, etc.
Areas of Specialization for Online
Associates in Marketing
Pursuing a concentration or specialization within the broad spectrum of marketing can prove beneficial to those who want to qualify for specific roles in the industry and improve their chances of being readily employed. For example, students opting for a digital marketing associate’s degree online will find the knowledge and skills they require to address the issues and challenges specific to digital marketing. Here are a few specializations that associate in marketing students can explore and consider:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Careers |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising | This specialization focuses on advertising principles and practices, such as the roles of strategy and research, target markets, and the creation of advertising material in various forms. | Entry-level roles in advertising firms, branding agencies, etc. |
| International Business | This specialization teaches students what they need to know to be effective and facilitate international business transactions in a number of contexts, especially with cross-border selling of products and services. | Entry-level roles in multi-national companies or as entrepreneurs and managers. |
| Entry-Level Marketing or Online Associates Degree in Business Marketing | This specialization prepares students for an entry-level marketing job by learning how to advertise a business, product, or service utilizing the skills, principles, and tools they will acquire. | Entry-level roles in any company that sells products and services of all kinds, to various markets, at different price points. |
| Sales | This specialization trains students on how to perform successfully and persuasively in personal, organizational, and selling situations as they prepare for a career in sales. | Entry-level roles in any company that sells products and services of all kinds, to various markets, at different price points. |
| Digital Marketing – Digital Marketing Associate Degree | This specialization (also interchangeable with an internet marketing associates degree) prepares students to launch their careers as digital marketers, mobile marketing managers, email marketing coordinators, social media managers, and SEO analysts. It emphasizes the basics of social media marketing, along with web analytics, search engine optimization (SEO), and search engine marketing. | Entry-level roles in media marketing companies, web-marketing companies, digital and social media advertising firms, etc. |
Why should I do Associates Degree in
Marketing?
An online associate’s degree in marketing may not be the right option for everyone, but it can be one strategy to help students shorten their college studies while putting themselves on the fast track to getting a job after graduation. Earning an associate’s degree in marketing is often a springboard into careers like market research, advertising, or working for companies that specialize in providing products and services to the public.
The primary benefit of having completed this type of program is the ability students have to focus on what matters most to them while obtaining essential theoretical knowledge that can help them succeed in their chosen career path. This could provide individuals with the opportunity to pursue additional education or certification after finishing their associate’s degree so they can stand out from other graduates and secure their career path. Students will have the tools and experiences they need to build and execute marketing plans, work in teams, use information technology, incorporate social media tactics, prepare presentations, close sales deals, and develop leadership abilities, among other things.
Those naturally gifted with good communication skills and a flair for advertising, promoting, and marketing are best suited to consider an associate in marketing and make a career in marketing.
So, is an associate’s degree in marketing worth it? After graduating with an associate’s degree in marketing, the careers one can choose are aplenty. From becoming marketing executives, campaign managers, and promotion managers to marketing analysts, marketing managers, and marketing heads, the jobs available in this field are almost limitless. To cite an example, jobs for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers are set to grow 10% between 2020 & 2030, which is as fast as average for all occupations. Moreover, advertising, promotions, and marketing managers take home about $141,490 as a median annual pay, making an associate’s degree in marketing worth it.
By the end of the associate’s marketing program, some of the skills graduates would have acquired are – the ability to:
Design strategies and approaches to anticipate and meet market demands.
Promote products, services, and ideas effectively to meet targets achieve the desired result
Collect, evaluate, and infer from information gathered through the market research process, to plan, develop and implement marketing strategies and campaigns.
Develop promotional campaigns, selling strategies, effective advertising to reach out to potential customers and sell products and services to them.
How to get into an Online Marketing Associates
Degree Program?
There are a few admissions requirements that students are typically expected to meet before they can be admitted into an online marketing associates degree, but some schools may have more requirements than others. Usually, schools require applicants to have earned a High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) and submit all their official academic transcripts. Students will do well to talk with their advisors about their specific admissions requirements at the junior colleges they are considering learning. Here are some of the standard admission requirements for an associate degree in marketing online program:
- Application for Admission
- Application Fee
- Official Academic Transcripts
- High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
- Above Average Grade Point Average (GPA)
- Test Scores of American College Testing (ACT) / Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)*
- Personal Statement
- Proof of English Proficiency (if the native tongue is or education was not in English)
Note: Admission requirements vary by school and program. Not all requirements mentioned in the list above may have to be met at some institutions. *Furthermore, most schools may require SAT/ACT scores to be submitted at the time of application, while some may waive this requirement.
How long does it take to complete the Online Associates
in Marketing?
An associate marketing program is generally a 2-year marketing degree that requires between 50 and 75 credits (about 65 being typical) to complete full-time. Part-time students will, of course, need longer to graduate, as will those who take on heavier coursework loads and certain specializations. Those who transfer credits and choose lesser demanding specializations can easily complete their associate degree in less than 2 years. Students should note that fieldwork and internships if any, can potentially increase the duration of the program.
Accreditation For Online Associates Degree
in Marketing
There are many good community and junior colleges across the country, and it may be tempting to attend the one that is closest to home or the cheapest. However, to gain access to a wider range of opportunities, choosing an accredited school or program is essential. Accreditation is important because it shows that a school or program has met certain educational and other standards that outside sources can verify. It also allows students to gain credit for the courses they take through their degree program, making them transferable, thereby presenting an opportunity to reduce the overall cost and duration of higher education. A college can be accredited by any of the six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The list of regional accrediting agencies is as follows:
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Students can check the accreditation status of the school or program they are choosing by visiting the official U.S Department of Education website or researching a reputable database such as the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Although not essential, obtaining an associate degree accredited by a specialized accreditation agency is a smart way to get off on the right foot with companies and four-year universities that value the applicant’s associate degree background. Furthermore, a specialist-accredited marketing degree indicates that the program met the marketing sector’s subject-specific criteria. Examples of specialty accreditors include:
International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
IACBE accredits associate programs offered by traditional colleges and institutions that also offer bachelor’s degrees.
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
ACBSP is the only organization that accredits schools that offer associate’s degrees as their highest level of education, making them the only option for community colleges.
More information on accreditation is available in the Accreditation Guide.
Free Courses for Online Associates
in Marketing
There are many free courses that one can find online, many of which have been created through partnerships with different colleges and universities around the world. The main benefit of taking these types of courses is that it allows students to explore different areas of interest without investing a lot of money into a program right away. Free courses can also help students choose a specialization before enrolling in an associate program. However, it is essential to note that free courses do not qualify as degree programs or confer degrees. Here are a few resources for free courses in marketing that associate degree students can explore:
| Course | Description | Marketing teacher |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Marketing for Small Business | HubSpot, along with MOO, an online print and design company, provides a free actionable guide on building a digital marketing strategy from the ground up, setting specific marketing goals, measuring and reporting on analytics, and much more. | HubSpot |
| Topics on Marketing | Udemy has over 1200 free courses and programs across various learning levels, spanning topics from Digital Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing, Branding, Marketing Fundamentals, Marketing Analytics & Automation to Public Relations, Paid Advertising, Video & Mobile Marketing, and Content Marketing. | Udemy |
| Topics on Marketing | Class Central offers over 680 free online courses and MOOCs from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Galileo University, University of Pennsylvania, and other top universities around the world. | Class Central |
| Finance and Finance-related Topics | MarketingTeacher.com is home to over 400 free marketing lessons across different learning levels and sub-fields of marketing, such as creative marketing, digital marketing, international marketing, relationship marketing, and more. | Topics on Marketing |
How to Pay for Online Associates in
Marketing Programs?
An online associate degree in marketing can be relatively expensive in most colleges. Fortunately, there are several ways to finance an associate’s degree in marketing for those who need some financial support while attending school. Many of these programs offer students the opportunity to use federal financial aid to help them pay for their educational costs by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students should also consider seeking out scholarships that could provide them with additional funding. Here are some options of financial aid associate marketing degree students have:
Scholarships are financial awards given to deserving students to help them pay for tuition, books, or other educational materials. The giving of scholarships has become widespread throughout the years because companies and colleges want to make it easier for people attending college to do so without putting a considerable strain on their personal finances. Scholarships are usually merit-based, considering the academic track record of the application as the main criterion. (Note: Read about Scholarship Scams to avoid being scammed.)
Grants are one of the most beneficial types of financial aid available to students because they do not have to be paid back. While scholarships are generally merit-based, grants are more need-based, considering the financial background and need of the applicant. Apart from tuition costs, grants may also cover other educational costs such as transport, accommodation, study material, etc.
Student Loans
Student loans offer students another way to pay for college. They are available in many different forms, such as federal loans, bank loans, loans from groups and trusts, etc. Unlike scholarships and grants, student loans are liable to be paid back to the source, that too with the addition of interest. Although student loans can ease the burden of financing one’s college, they can also increase student debt, taking years to pay back.
The FAFSA, or the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form that students must fill out to receive federal financial aid. This includes grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. More FAFSA-related information is available here.
To learn more about various funding options, read the best Financial Guide.
FAQs about Online Marketing
Associates Degree
What is a Marketing Associate’s Degree?
An associate’s degree in marketing is awarded after students have successfully completed two years of college coursework, which typically includes general education courses, electives, and required classes within the marketing curriculum. Depending on the program enrolled in, students may be expected to take anywhere from 50 to 75 credit hours’ worth of classes before graduating.
How to get an associate’s degree in marketing?
What are the best associate programs in marketing?
What can you do with an associates in marketing?
What is the average fee charged by the colleges?
Why do an associates in marketing online?
Is an associates in marketing degree worth it?
Career Opportunities and Salaries after Online
Associates in Marketing
An associate degree in marketing is an excellent way to start off one’s marketing career. Although most roles with this degree will be entry-level, further education, certification, and experience will lead to better and higher-paying jobs. Meanwhile, having good communication skills as well as organizational abilities is helpful when applying for certain types of positions within the field.
Marketers are often employed in different sectors of the economy depending on what product or service they focus on marketing. Some examples include companies that manufacture, sell, or distribute consumer products like clothing, technology, and beverages. Marketers may also work for businesses that provide services to individuals, such as hospitals, restaurants, or financial institutions.
- Sales Representative
- Marketing Representative
- Social Media Manager
- Account Coordinator
- Project Coordinator
- Event Marketing Coordinator
- Event Marketing Specialist
- Marketing Specialist
- Marketing Coordinator
- Retail Salesperson
- Marketing Consultant
- Business Owner
- Social Media Coordinator
- Advertising Agent
- Public Relations Officer
- Sales Support Representative
Job Outlook: It is hard to ascertain the potential pay packet for marketing jobs with associates degree because although they may share the same job title, the sector they work in, years of experience, educational qualification, etc., strongly influence salary and job growth. But students of an associate degree in marketing can get an inkling of how much to expect from some reliable statistical figures. For example, the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists was $73,970 in 2020, while that of Advertising Sales Agents was $54,940 in 2020. Of course, additional education (such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree) and seniority will certainly improve those figures.
Below is a list of a few roles in the marketing sector and the associate’s degree in marketing salary one can expect, as reported by O*Net Online:
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales Representative (Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products) | A Sales Representative sells goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. They recommend products to customers based on their and interests, prepare sales contracts and order forms, and answer customers’ questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms. | $41,370 | 1% to 5% (slower than average) | A Sales Representative sells goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. They recommend products to customers based on their and interests, prepare sales contracts and order forms, and answer customers’ questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms. |
| Retail Salesperson | Attention to detail, cooperation, integrity, communication skills, dependability, self-control | $27,080 | Little or no change | A Retail Salesperson sells merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers. They recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires and answer questions about the store and its merchandise. |
| Advertising Sales Agent | Service orientation, speaking skills, persuasion, active listening, social perceptiveness. | $54,940 | 1% to 5% (slower than average) | An Advertising Sales Agent sells or solicits advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, Internet establishments, or public spaces. They prepare and deliver sales presentations to new and existing customers to sell new advertising programs and protect and increase existing advertising. |
| Search Marketing Strategist | Critical thinking, active learning skills, active listening skills, reading comprehension, complex problem-solving skills | $65,810 | 15% or higher (much faster than average) | A Search Marketing Strategist employs search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. They examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines and analyze data to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization. |
Certifications and Licensing for Online
Associates in Marketing
At the associate’s level, there are few to no board certifications available for the taking. However, associate’s graduates can choose from a wide range of certifications offered by industry stalwarts and private enterprises, which could arguably increase one’s chances of better employment and higher pay. As for licensure, it is not required to practice/work as a marketer in almost all cases. That said, certain jobs like insurance sales may require licensure from specific agencies.
Here are some common and popular certifications associate degree in marketing graduates pursue and earn:
Google Ads Certification/s
Google offers the Google Ads certification in a Google Ads product area. Candidates need to pass the product area assessment to earn this certification. Certifications are available for Google Ads product areas, such as Google Ads Search, Google Ads Display, Google Ads Video, Shopping ads, Google Ads Apps, and Google Ads Measurement.
SMEI Certified Professional Marketer
The Sales & Marketing Executives International, Inc. (SMEI) offers the SMEIR Certified Professional Marketer certification that can be earned by completing a program and taking an examination. The program focuses on decision-making through extended examples, cases, and videos involving real people making accurate marketing decisions.
Fundamentals of Digital Marketing Certification
Google offers the Fundamentals of Digital Marketing certification. It shows employers that the candidate has a clear understanding of the core concepts of digital marketing. Students must undergo a free course and pass the final 40-question exam to get certified. They can also add the qualification to their CV and easily upload it to their LinkedIn profile.
Online Marketing Certified Professional (OMCP)
The Online Marketing Certified Professional (OMCP) digital marketing certification is awarded to professionals with proven experience, practical training and who have shown mastery of digital marketing best practices across several digital marketing disciplines.
Additional Resources for Online Associates
Degree in Marketing
Students who want to better understand what it means to work in marketing should stay up to date with the latest in the field and connect with peers to exchange views and ideas. Reading articles, journals, and publications about marketing careers, as well as gaining access to informative guides, can provide individuals with a deeper understanding of how they can move forward and achieve their goals in marketing, be it in the field or in academia. Here are a few resources that are of immense use to associate in marketing degree students:
Google Primer
Google Primer is a free mobile app that offers quick, easy-to-understand lessons to help business owners and individuals grow their business and marketing skills and reach their goals. Students can choose from a variety of business and digital marketing topics to find lessons relevant to their careers.
Internet Marketing Association (IMA)
The Internet Marketing Association (IMA) is a professional organization that has accrued one of the largest databases of professional members in various fields, including sales, marketing, business ownership, programming, and creative development. Members can access events, publications, news, and more.
Association of National Advertisers (ANA)
The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) represents more than 20,000 influential brands and helps members become more effective marketers, build stronger brands, and drive industry and societal change. Through its unmatched proprietary intellectual capital, including insights, events, and professional development programs, the organization also empowers marketing teams to become high performers.
The Digital Marketing Association (DMA)
The Digital Marketing Association (DMA) is a not-for-profit membership organization for digital marketing professionals. It informs, certifies, and educates those individuals or companies working in, or associated with, or wishing to work in digital marketing. DMA offers certifications, training, digital marketing tools, and a well-knit community.
Marketing Edge
Marketing Edge is an organization that connects marketing students, academics, and professionals to the resources and relationships necessary for them to see, move and stay ahead. The site offers news, events, publications, training, a diverse community of marketers, and more.
Author Bio:
Derick de Souza
Derick is a business and education consultant working on various projects and scopes. With about 25 years of experience in different settings, he loves to tell others about “how not to be a failure” rather than “how to be successful.” Derick writes and edits articles on online learning, business, employment, and skill development, among others. His hobbies include photography, web design and development, and traveling.
Degrees
Master of Social Work, Master of Health Psychology
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
None to disclose in particular; the basics are covered in the short bio.
Disclaimer:
The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners.