Online MBA Programs in Digital Marketing, Internet Marketing, and Social Media
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For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 118 schools in our BSchools.org database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details.
“Graduating with an MBA in digital marketing has sharpened my ability to align business strategies with consumer behavior influenced by digital platforms. It reinforced the importance of crafting digital marketing campaigns that resonate with target audiences to drive tangible results, rather than merely relying on the business or product idea to magically inspire the consumers to support it.”
Iqbal Ahmad, MBA in Digital Marketing, Founder and CEO of Britannia School of Academics
An online master’s of business administration (MBA) program with a concentration in digital marketing requires a significant time commitment and dedication. Nevertheless, the skills and knowledge gained from these programs can prepare graduates for leadership roles with higher salaries and greater opportunities.
So what is digital marketing? According to Wikipedia, “Digital marketing is the component of marketing that utilizes the internet and online-based digital technologies such as desktop computers, mobile phones, and other digital media and platforms to promote products and services.”
The principal objective is to promote brands, products, and services through various forms of digital media, including mobile phones, social media, display advertising, search engine marketing, or any other type of digital media.
Most experts agree that digital marketing requires a new approach to marketing and understanding consumer behavior. Digital marketing requires companies to analyze the value corresponding to a new set of metrics, such as the number of app downloads on mobile devices, tweets on Twitter, and likes on Facebook.
Featured Digital Marketing & Social Media Programs | ||
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Southern New Hampshire University | MS in Marketing - Digital Marketing | Visit Site |
Southern New Hampshire University | MS in Marketing - New Media and Communications | Visit Site |
Southern New Hampshire University | MS in Marketing - Social Media Marketing | Visit Site |
Middle Tennessee State University | Flex MBA - Strategic Marketing Analytics | Visit Site |
Arizona State University | Digital Audiences Strategy (MS) | Visit Site |
Benedictine University | MBA - Digital Marketing | Visit Site |
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For the 2023-2024 academic year, we have 118 schools in our BSchools.org database and those that advertise with us are labeled “sponsor”. When you click on a sponsoring school or program, or fill out a form to request information from a sponsoring school, we may earn a commission. View our advertising disclosure for more details. |
It is easy to understand why one might consider an MBA in digital marketing. Demand for digital marketing skills is exploding, and employers are willing to pay a substantial salary premium for these skills. According to research from Oberlo, US digital ad spending was expected to climb to $402.1 billion in 2028—a 7.7 percent increase from 2024. Also, digital ad spending is expected to increase to $298.4 billion in 2024 and will likely surpass $325 billion by 2025, surpassing $300 billion for the first time.
With such remarkable statistics, it is not surprising that business schools have devoted considerable resources to recruiting experienced faculty and consultants, like those discussed below, to teach new courses in digital marketing. And neither is it surprising that these universities have evolved their curricula to incorporate topics in this new discipline.
MBA courses are typically divided into two sections. The first set of courses students will take are general “core” courses, which explore key business concepts and business management fundamentals while challenging students to think strategically. These classes focus on marketing, accounting, business ethics, finance, statistics, project management, and other business administration disciplines. Especially among the more reputable schools (see the Accreditation section below), only minor differences exist in these standardized core courses.
After satisfying core requirements, students take courses that specifically focus on their specialization of choice—some programs dub this set of classes as majors, fields of concentration, specializations, or simply electives. For the digital marketing track, students typically examine topics like marketing in a digital world, digital channels, digital analytics, and social media strategy. However, these courses can vary widely from one school to another.
Innovative MBA programs offering 100 percent online curricula, like those in the following profiles, offer tremendous flexibility advantages for students. This is because recent instructional technology advances now offer an online educational experience equivalent to, and in many ways better than, instruction on campus, yet unconstrained by distance or time.
As a result, these online MBA programs offer excellent opportunities for students who cannot leave jobs to attend classes on campus or those who wish to attend better out-of-state universities without the expense and hassle of relocation. For example, the University of Illinois has about 4,500 students enrolled in its online iMBA program from more than 90 countries and 48 states nationwide. Plus, personalized online education provides an attractive alternative for students who wish to learn at their own pace; motivated and gifted students, in particular, can thrive at the accelerated pace made possible by these online MBA programs.
Online programs also save students money. Even when tuition rates are identical, online MBA programs can present more cost-effective alternatives to on-campus programs because of savings on costs like relocation, childcare, and transportation.
The following guide presents ten online digital marketing MBA programs and an expert’s perspective.
Meet the Expert: Iqbal Ahmad, MBA, SFHEA
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Iqbal Ahmad is a seasoned professional with a wealth of postgraduate qualifications, including those from ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), as well as an MBA in digital marketing.
With over 15 years of experience in leadership training, he has mentored numerous leaders within his organization and as a corporate trainer. His dedication to education and professional development is further exemplified by his recognition as a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). He is also the founder and CEO of Britannia School of Academics.
BSchools.org: How has graduating with an MBA in Digital Marketing enhanced your career?
Ahmad: Graduating with an MBA in digital marketing has sharpened my ability to align business strategies with consumer behavior influenced by digital platforms. It reinforced the importance of crafting digital marketing campaigns that resonate with target audiences to drive tangible results rather than merely relying on the business or product idea to magically inspire the consumers to support it.
This insight has been instrumental in my journey from a fresh graduate in 2016 to a successful entrepreneur managing multiple ventures, where consumer-focused decision-making remains the cornerstone of this growth.
BSchools.org: How has graduating with an MBA digital marketing enhanced your career?
Ahmad: Digital marketing is no longer merely an optional area of marketing, as it used to be—it is the core of modern marketing strategies.
If you have an interest in digital marketing and aspire to influence consumer behavior, seize the opportunity to specialize in digital marketing as part of your MBA. The field offers limitless potential to create, innovate, and lead in a world driven by digital interactions. With 63 percent of the global population using the internet and platforms like Google and Facebook influencing 60 percent of online purchases, the reach and impact of digital marketing are unparalleled, and your potential for career growth is also unlimited.
Featured Online MBA Programs in Digital Marketing and Social Media
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers an array of online master’s degree programs, including specializations in digital marketing, new media and communications, and a graduate certificate in social media marketing. These programs are designed to cater to professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in modern marketing strategies and media engagement. The digital marketing specialization focuses on understanding consumer behavior, optimizing digital content strategies, and leveraging tools like search engine optimization (SEO) and social media analytics. Students in this track gain hands-on experience in creating campaigns that align with emerging trends in online marketing. Similarly, the new media and communications concentration emphasizes integrating traditional and new media forms, with courses tailored to develop storytelling, brand strategy, and multimedia content creation.
The social media marketing track at SNHU equips students with the skills to design impactful social media strategies, manage campaigns, and analyze performance metrics to drive business results. This specialization also emphasizes the legal and ethical aspects of social media use in business contexts, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the dynamic digital marketing landscape. With a flexible, fully online format, SNHU’s MBA programs allow students to learn at their own pace while benefiting from robust support services, including 24/7 tutoring and career guidance. These programs cater to both recent graduates and working professionals, providing valuable industry connections and insights from experienced faculty.
Location: Manchester, New Hampshire |
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) |
Format: Online |
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months |
The Flex MBA with a strategic marketing analytics specialization at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is designed to equip professionals with advanced skills in data-driven marketing strategies. This program focuses on leveraging marketing analytics to inform decisions and optimize business outcomes. Students engage with core MBA topics, including managerial finance, business analytics, and organizational leadership, alongside specialized courses in marketing analytics. The curriculum incorporates practical applications such as group projects and experiential learning, ensuring participants can translate theoretical knowledge into actionable strategies for modern business environments. A key highlight is the strategic business consulting capstone, which allows students to tackle real-world challenges in collaboration with industry professionals.
Offered through the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, the program provides a flexible structure tailored to working professionals. Classes are organized into seven-week terms and are available entirely online, on campus, or in hybrid formats. Students can complete the program in approximately two to two-and-a-half years, depending on whether they pursue a specialization. MTSU’s Flex MBA emphasizes accessibility with multiple start dates and no mandatory campus visits. Graduates of the program have reported competitive salaries and successful placements with prominent employers like Amazon, Cigna, and PepsiCo, showcasing the program’s strong industry relevance and career outcomes.
Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee |
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
Format: Online |
Expected Time to Completion: 2.5 years |
The online master of science in digital audience strategy at Arizona State University (ASU) is a cutting-edge program designed to equip students with the skills necessary to excel in the evolving landscape of digital media and marketing. Offered by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, this program emphasizes a blend of creative and analytical proficiencies essential for understanding and engaging online audiences. Students develop expertise in search engine optimization (SEO), social media strategy, audience research, and digital campaign management.
The curriculum is structured to provide real-world, hands-on experience, including projects that deploy strategies for actual businesses. Graduates are prepared for roles that require strategic planning and innovative thinking, particularly in data-driven marketing environments.
One of the hallmarks of this degree is its focus on practical application and professional development. Students engage with industry-standard tools and platforms, gaining certifications in technologies like Google Analytics and HubSpot. The program also emphasizes the importance of interpreting data to drive decisions, enabling participants to analyze digital behaviors and craft compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences. Designed with flexibility, the program caters to working professionals, allowing them to balance their studies with existing commitments. Graduates leave the program equipped to lead in fields such as digital marketing, media strategy, and audience engagement, making them highly competitive in today’s fast-paced digital economy.
Location: Phoenix, Arizona |
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
Format: Online |
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months |
The Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina designed an online MBA program called MBA@UNC. Despite the lack of a specialized digital marketing concentration, prospective students should consider the marketing track.
The 62-credit specialized marketing curriculum prepares students for positions in advertising, market research, online marketing, brand management, public relations, and even sales. Students will take core courses, including a course in marketing and electives in marketing analytics, global finance and emerging markets, services marketing, and information for decision-making, incentives, and strategy.
This marketing focus gives students a detailed understanding of their organizations and how marketing interacts with other business functions. The program is ideal for students planning on pursuing leadership roles or managing teams. This concentration can also be useful for non-marketers who wish to understand marketing to succeed in their current roles.
To be eligible for this program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college and have at least two years of professional experience. Application requirements include an online application, a current resume, transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, two professional recommendations, two essays, GMAT or GRE scores (for applicants with fewer than five years of professional experience), and TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores for international students.
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina |
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
Format: Online |
Expected Time to Completion: Between 18 and 36 months |
Maryville University offers an online MBA program with two different marketing-focused concentrations: emerging and digital media, and marketing. Both include coursework in social networking and search engine optimization, but beyond that, the two concentrations differ slightly in terms of focus. The marketing concentration focuses more broadly on branding and consumer behavior, while the emerging and digital media concentration focuses more specifically on integrated digital marketing campaign creation, best practices, analysis, and refinement.
The Maryville MBA program features fully online instruction. For admittance to the program, the school requires an undergraduate degree and a GPA of 3.0 (those with lower GPAs may be admitted conditionally). The program has no GMAT requirement, and six start dates throughout the year. Full-time students may complete the program in a little over a year, and most part-time students complete the program in two years.
The program comprises 42 credits, including core courses such as the legal environment of business; strategic marketing; global business; and business policies. The emerging and digital media concentration has courses such as integrated marketing campaigns; digital marketing metrics & analytics; social network & search engine optimization; and best practices: models and systems. The marketing concentration involves courses in consumer behavior; branding; and integrated marketing communications.
Location: St. Louis, Missouri |
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) |
Format: Online |
Expected Time to Completion: 14 months |
Benedictine University offers an online master of business administration program specializing in digital marketing. Digital marketing uses social media platforms to engage the audience and build a brand. This concentration of Benedictine’s online MBA program can be completed entirely online, offering students the flexibility to complete their coursework without disrupting their personal and work schedules.
The core courses for the program include managerial accounting for decision-makers; managerial economics; operations management; global strategic management; and project management, among others. The digital marketing concentration includes additional coursework in brand and marketing management; advanced search and social marketing; and advanced content marketing, automation, and google analytics.
This Catholic university’s program requires students to complete 30 credits in core courses and nine credits in the digital marketing concentration. Students with an educational background in business may be eligible to waive up to four foundation courses (16 credits).
Admission requirements include an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university or college, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75, official transcripts from all universities and colleges previously attended, two letters of recommendation, a current resume, and a letter of intent. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission.
Location: Lisle, Illinois |
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
Format: Online |
Expected Time to Completion: 22 months |
Wake Forest University offers a comprehensive master’s in digital marketing (MDM) and a graduate certificate in digital marketing and analytics through its School of Professional Studies, designed for individuals seeking to excel in a fast-paced, data-driven marketing landscape. Both programs are delivered entirely online, providing flexibility for working professionals or those balancing other commitments. The MDM program emphasizes a holistic understanding of digital marketing strategies, analytics, user experience design, and ethical considerations in marketing. Meanwhile, the certificate program focuses on foundational skills, including strategic marketing, analytics, and research methodologies, which can later be applied toward the master’s degree.
The MDM curriculum includes advanced courses like digital design thinking and UX, social media marketing, and leadership and ethics in digital marketing, ensuring a deep dive into both technical and strategic aspects of the field. Students are prepared to tackle real-world challenges by engaging in practical applications such as consumer psychology and project management.
These programs cater to emerging professionals and seasoned marketers aiming to sharpen their skills. Graduates gain expertise applicable across industries, supported by insights from Wake Forest’s industry-driven programmatic advisory board, which keeps the curriculum aligned with market trends. With digital marketing roles seeing growing demand globally, these programs provide participants with the tools to stay competitive and impactful in this evolving sector.
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina |
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
Format: Online |
Expected Time to Completion: Two to four years |
Arkansas Tech University offers an online master of business administration program specializing in digital marketing. The program prepares students for successful business careers in leadership and management roles, helping them develop data-driven decision-making skills and information-analytical abilities needed in today’s business world.
The major admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college verified by an official transcript, a cumulative GPA of 3.5, and GRE or GMAT test scores (waivers available). International students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Consisting of 33 credits, the program includes courses such as applied predictive analytics; strategic social media marketing; consumer insights; special topics in marketing; business information analysis; managerial economics; corporate financial management; and digital marketing strategy, among others.
Location: Russellville, Arkansas |
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
Format: Online |
Expected Time to Completion: To be completed within six years |
Fort Hays offers a three-course digital marketing concentration within its online MBA program. Fort Hays State University’s MBA offers a flexible and competitive curriculum supporting the most crucial pillars and best business practices. The program helps students transform into the business leaders they aspire to become.
Digital marketing course topics include strategic electronic marketing; social media marketing; and social media marketing content and analytics, but the school also offers one related course in integrated marketing communications. This affordable MBA program is designed for self-motivated and independent working professionals and consists of 33 credits.
Although the MBA program appears to have plans to apply for membership in the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), it is not currently carrying accreditation from any of the three business school accreditation boards.
Location: Hays, Kansas |
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
Format: Online or on-campus |
Expected Time to Completion: 18 months |
Rutgers’s online MBA program allows students to work independently without disrupting their current schedule. Rigorous, life-changing, and innovative, this online MBA can lay the foundation for future success. The program comprises 42 credits. However, some course requirements may be waived based on prior knowledge gained at the undergraduate level. This can bring down the course load to just 36 credits. The program has three elective courses which can be part of one of the certificate options available to students who look to specialize in their degree. One such certificate option is in digital marketing.
Similar to other programs, Rutgers’ digital marketing concentration requires courses in digital marketing strategy and marketing analytics to complete a certificate in addition to the core MBA. This four-course sequence prepares students to implement successful digital media marketing strategies and campaigns and integrate them with other branding strategies.
Besides an undergraduate degree, the school prefers a 3.2 GPA but considers applicants with a 2.9 or above. They also require GMAT, GRE, or LSAT scores but may award waivers based on professional and managerial experience or advanced degrees. The school may also waive its four-course foundation sequence based on prior academic work.
Location: Camden, New Jersey |
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
Format: Online |
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months or less |
Saint Leo offers an MBA in social media marketing which can be completed entirely online. Students in this concentration will be provided with an opportunity to improve their skills and knowledge in this rapidly emerging field. They will learn to utilize cutting-edge web analytics techniques as well as marketing research to understand their markets and designing marketing strategies.
For admission to the program, students require a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, a minimum of two years of professional work experience, official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended, a current resume, a personal statement, and proof of English language proficiency for international students.
Made up of 33 to 36 credits, the program includes courses such as management essentials; strategic management; marketing; web analytics; social media marketing; gamification applications in marketing; digital storytelling and crisis management; and data mining.
Graduates of the program will be able to correctly apply analytical techniques, assess the effectiveness of multichannel and social media campaigns, and learn to optimize success by leveraging experimentation.
Location: St. Leo, Florida |
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP) |
Format: Online |
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months |
The University of Illinois sets forth three learning objectives for its brand-new Coursera-powered “iMBA” online degree in digital marketing. In this specialization, students will understand the application of marketing strategies and tools in the digital environment, employ marketing analytics for visualizing and applying data, and understand how firms apply digital channels in marketing.
The specialization requires students to complete a capstone project and take courses in marketing, digital channels, and analytics. In the capstone project, students will use data visualization tools to analyze a situation from the vantage point of an actual global company and develop a digital marketing plan to promote a new product within a specific geography. The projects are peer-reviewed in a crowdsourced format with participation by one or more focal companies, to create value for potential employers while achieving students’ pedagogical and experiential objectives.
The major admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree with a grade point average of 3.0, a minimum of three years of full-time work experience, and TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students.
Location: Champaign-Urbana, Illinois |
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
Format: Online |
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months |
Clayton State University offers an online MBA in digital marketing, preparing students with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond to customer expectations in the market and develop online strategies to place organizations and companies at the forefront of their industries.
Made up of 33 credits, the program includes core courses such as accounting concepts; decision concepts; corporate finance for MBA; management change & innovation; marketing strategy; and global strategic management. Courses in the digital marketing concentration include digital marketing fundamentals; digital marketing strategy; and social media strategy.
Location: Morrow, GA |
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) |
Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months |
Admission Requirements for Online MBA Programs in Digital Marketing
There are several standard application requirements and recommendations to earn admission to one of these online digital marketing MBA programs:
Education
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- A competitive GPA from undergraduate programs
- Key prerequisite courses for candidates without undergraduate business degrees or business experience
Tests
- GMAT or GRE scores—often waived for students with several years of relevant work experience
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) for international students
Experience
- One or two years of professional experience in a healthcare, business, finance, or technology organization
Application
- A personal statement of objectives
- Letters of recommendation
Accreditation of Online MBA Programs
Educational accreditation means that a university offers a curriculum that adheres to quality assurance standards in academic disciplines. In the United States, external private, non-profit organizations evaluate educational institutions and certify that the schools comply with applicable standards by awarding accreditation status. Several organizations grant accreditation to business schools.
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), formerly known as the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business, has provided quality assurance services to accredited business schools since 1916. AACSB-accredited schools generally have the highest-quality faculties, deliver relevant and challenging curricula, and provide educational and career opportunities not found at other schools. The organization emphasizes faculty research in providing students with solid knowledge foundations. The AACSB has awarded accreditations to more than 750 schools in more than 60 countries, mainly those affiliated with major research universities.
The newer Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) was founded in 1988 to accredit schools, including two-year institutions like community colleges, emphasizing teaching instead of the research emphasis common to the AACSB-accredited institutions. The ACBSP focuses on tangible learning outcomes and quality improvement, especially as the workforce demands change.
A third agency, the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), believes the academic quality and excellence in business education should be measured regarding the educational outcomes of a university business unit relative to its mission, rather than by prescriptive standards relating to academic resources.