A digital marketer establishes the brand identity and propagates sales through internet-based technology. With customers making more online purchases today, a digital marketer focuses on search engine optimization and how to create attractive content to boost sales. To specialize in this field, one may pursue a digital marketing degree, either online or offline. Such a degree program carries a specific fee structure, duration, and other elements one should consider before enrolling in it.
What does a digital marketing degree involve?
Most colleges do not typically offer a digital marketing degree program. One could earn a bachelor’s degree in marketing with a specialization in digital marketing. A course in digital marketing will cover a series of relevant methods and platforms. For instance, a business’s digital marketing strategies and channels may include website and blogs, social media, video, audio and text content, and email. The course could also cover concepts like affiliate marketing, sponsored content, pay-per-click advertising, search engine optimization, and search engine marketing.
Duration
The timeframe for a digital marketing degree may vary from one program to another, but it would typically take about 120 credits to complete a digital marketing major and obtain a degree. A full-time student, whether online or offline, would be able to complete this degree in four years.
Common digital marketing degree courses
There is usually a standard curriculum for a digital marketing degree that may include a few subjects. By taking these courses, one can improve their understanding of the field.
Content marketing
The course covers planning, creation, distribution, and publication of online content on digital channels, such as websites, social media, apps, press releases, and podcasts. The course will help one learn how to increase brand awareness and brand authority and ways to convert potential customers to sales or get people to sign up.
Search engine optimization (SEO)
In this course, one may learn to optimize website content to get the best possible search engine ranking. The course may also teach one the theory associated with most search engine algorithms and how to develop practical, real-world skills to apply as a digital marketing expert. This may include optimizing for local and international audiences, conducting search-focused audits, on-page and off-page optimization, and aligning SEO with overall business strategies.
Digital marketing analytics (in theory)
Through this course, one will learn the purpose behind data collection and analysis methods used by marketing professionals. It will also offer an understanding of frameworks and approaches to measure consumer digital actions. Additionally, the course can teach one to evaluate and pick appropriate web analytics tools and techniques.
Mobile marketing
This form of digital marketing is growing more popular, considering that most users may use their smartphones more than a laptop. Through the course, one may learn how different elements are associated with a mobile marketing strategy. The course may teach various methods to enhance a mobile experience, which may attract more customers and improve business outcomes.
Key requirements for admission
Most digital marketing degree programs will have specific prerequisites for admissions. One may need to meet some or all of them to be accepted.
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent academic qualification
- Clear and secure a standardized test score, such as by taking an ACT or SAT
- Write a personal essay
- Secure letters of recommendation
- Gather official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, like high school or college
Careers for digital marketing majors
After completing a degree in digital marketing, online or on campus, one could explore careers in various fields. Knowing a few of them could help one prepare for the job interview as they advance through each course in this major. Note that each job profile may require a particular specialization, including a bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, communications, information technology, or journalism. Check the precise requirements before applying for a job in digital marketing.
Social media manager
A social media manager could make an average of $57,000 a year. As for the job role, the professional leads the company’s interactions with the public via social media. The day-to-day responsibilities generally include leveraging and identifying social trends, engaging with customers online, and planning digital campaigns for community building.
Content strategist
As a content strategist, one may have to develop, execute, and manage a company’s content strategy across diverse marketing platforms. The expert plans content ideas that align with the organization’s business goals, followed by analyzing metrics to determine the effectiveness and adjust the strategy as needed. The average salary of a content strategist is about $69,000.
Advertising manager
With an average annual salary of about $72,000, an advertising manager is a top role in digital marketing. The manager develops advertising plans to drive interest and demand for a product or service. The professional will also assign duties to ensure junior staff members develop creative, brand-specific advertising campaigns.
Email marketing manager
A digital marketing degree can open doors to a career as an email marketing manager. The manager creates and manages email marketing campaigns and reviews marketing metrics to identify loopholes and improve future campaigns. The average annual salary for an email marketing manager is about $78,000.
Digital marketing manager
This job role involves planning and managing marketing campaigns that promote a company’s brand, services, or products across various digital channels. A digital marketing manager may also supervise and train a team of junior digital marketers. The average annual salary for this professional is about $74,000.
