Master’s in Digital
Strategy Online

<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/masters-in-digital-strategy-online/">Masters in Digital Strategy Online </a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 University of Florida Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611	$10,770	89%
#2 University of Delaware 104 Hullihen Hall, Newark, Delaware 19716	$17,100	82%
#3 University of Oklahoma 660 Parrington Oval, Norman, Oklahoma 73019	$8,034	72%
#4 The University of Tennessee 527 Andy Holt Tower, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996	$11,468	71%
#5 American University 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016	$37,447	79%
#6 Rutgers University 249 University Avenue, Blumenthal Hall, Newark, New Jersey 07102	$18,168	65%
#7 Saint Edward’s University 3001 S Congress Ave, Austin, Texas 78704	$28,980	67%
#8 Queens University of Charlotte 1900 Selwyn Ave, Charlotte, North Carolina 28274	$13,552	57%
#9 Point Park University 201 Wood St, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222	$15,858	55%

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

The online master in digital strategy is a 30 to 40-credit-hour program that teaches students how to create compelling works for any digital channel, from websites and email marketing to social media. The program equips students with the skills to create, analyze, and optimize social media content and campaigns. Students will learn how to develop social media strategies and measure the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns. A capstone project is often a part of the program, apart from compulsory core courses and optional elective courses. Some of the digital strategy courses include but are not limited to: 

Brand Strategy: This course equips students to develop and implement effective strategies for brand management in the digital landscape. This course covers principles of brand development, positioning, and communication, ensuring students can navigate and excel in the dynamic world of digital branding.

Digital Audience Research and Behavior: This course program explores methods and analytics for understanding and influencing online audiences. Students learn to analyze user behavior, make data-driven decisions, and tailor digital strategies to engage diverse audiences effectively. Gain insights into the digital landscape for strategic audience targeting and engagement.

Web Analytics: This course delves into tools and methodologies to analyze online user behavior, track website performance, and optimize digital presence. Students gain proficiency in data-driven decision-making, enhancing skills crucial for maximizing the impact of digital strategies and achieving organizational goals.

Digital Branding and Strategy: This course explores the concepts and techniques of building and managing brand identities in the digital era. Students learn to develop effective digital marketing strategies, optimize brand visibility, engage audiences, and create cohesive brand experiences across various digital platforms.

Some of the other common courses across various curricula are:

• Communication Strategies & Digital Storytelling 
• Search Engine Strategy for Digital Audience Acquisition 
• Copywriting for Digital Messaging 
• Inbound Strategy 
• Strategic Electronic Marketing 
• Lead Generation and Management 
• Marketing Automation 
• Digital Customer Experience Management 
• Digital Audience Management 
• Marketing Concepts in the Digital Age 
• Media Entrepreneurship 
• Strategic Communication Campaigns 
• Search Engine Optimization 
• Search Engine Marketing 
• Defining the Digital Audience 
• Strategic Marketing Management 
• Social Media Marketing Communications 
• Mass Communication Theory 
• Digital Brand Management 
• Search & Display Advertising 
• UX Theory and Research 
• Digital Channels in the Marketing Industry 
• Digital Marketing Strategies 
• Social Media Advertising 
• Digital Audience Analytics 
• Consumer Behavior 
• Marketing Strategy & Operations Management 
• Business Strategy & Digital Business Innovation 
• Social Media Campaigns and Engagement 
• Online Marketing 
• Mobile Marketing Strategy

Types of Masters in Digital Strategy Degrees

A master’s in digital strategy is a focus area or concentration of broader master’s degree programs. For example, prospective students can choose from an online Master of Arts in Mass Communication with a concentration in Digital Strategy, such as the one offered by the University of Florida ¹, to an online Master of Science in Information and Communications Technology with a concentration in Digital Strategy.  

In most cases, students will have to pick between a multidisciplinary Master of Arts (MA) degree that emphasizes liberal arts and humanities or a more scientific and technically oriented Master of Science (MS) degree.

Areas of Specialization for Online Masters in Digital Strategy

Being a specialist subject, digital strategy studies sometimes offer concentration courses apart from regular coursework. Through these courses, students can select one professional discipline within a broader digital marketing sector and become experts in the competencies required to excel in that area. Some examples of concentration courses include but are not limited to:

Area of Focus	Social Media Marketing
Description	This focus will equip students with the skills to analyze marketing trends, apply social media communication theories, and enhance brand visibility to new audiences through social media exposure. Potential careers include roles such as analytics manager, social media strategist, and brand ambassador.

Area of Focus

Information Systems

Description

A concentration in information systems is tailored to educate students on the connection between marketing methodologies and the computer technology employed to facilitate them. Graduates with this degree emphasis are likely to be responsible for supervising the development and management of software systems that enable marketing data collection and analysis. Potential career titles encompass roles like computer marketing specialist, database administrator, or systems developer.

Area of Focus	Marketing Analytics
Description	This concentration centers on educating students to collect, analyze, and make decisions concerning the substantial volumes of data generated by large companies. Numerous programs in this field also underscore preparing students for executive positions within a company. Potential career titles include marketing research analyst, director of market research, or marketing consultant.

Area of Focus	Audience Analytics
Description	For students keen on exploring consumer and audience research methodologies and analytics, specializing in Audience Analytics is an exceptional academic option. This major equips students with the skills to apply analytical methods and methodological frameworks to datasets related to audiences globally, fostering a deeper understanding and better service for a diverse consumer base.

Area of Focus

Web Design

Description

Students focusing on a web design concentration will acquire expertise in coding languages such as HTML and JavaScript to construct websites from scratch. Additionally, they will master using design software like InDesign and Illustrator. This skill set, combined with courses in content development, marketing, and UX theory, enables individuals to create captivating websites and contribute to developing unique and impactful marketing materials.

Area of Focus

Digital Strategy

Description

The digital strategy master’s concentration is crafted to challenge students to craft impactful messaging for enhanced conversions and customer loyalty. Through this concentration, students acquire skills in generating leads with creative and strategic messaging, crafting compelling copy across various digital channels, establishing meaningful branding, and designing websites for optimal user experiences, from websites to email marketing to social media.

Why should I do an Online Master’s in Digital Strategy?

Students who pursue an online master’s in digital strategy are more prepared to be innovative and effective in the digital age. They will learn how to write compelling copy for any digital channel, from websites to email marketing and social media, how to generate leads through creative and strategic messaging, how to develop meaningful branding that reaches and relates to customers, how to improve business outcomes through various digital tools, how to create practical and functional user experiences for websites, and much more in this program. 

With businesses relying heavily on the Internet to reach new customers while retaining existing ones, the demand for digital strategists is ever-increasing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers earn a median annual wage of $138,730, with a 6% increase in jobs from 2022 to 2032 (as fast as average). 

The online master’s in digital strategy equips students with many abilities. Some of them include the ability to:

• Tell a brand’s story using good copywriting. 
• Measure the success of communications by analyzing data. 
• Recognize and use the most effective SEO tools and techniques. 
• Identify and target potential new clients. 
• Plan for a successful Return on Investment. 
• Make use of tools for performance marketing. 
• Use social media to generate new business opportunities. 
• Define, quantify, and Measure marketing KPIs and communicate them.

How long does it take to complete the Online Master’s in Digital Strategy?

Since digital strategy will be a specialization of the chosen master’s, the time required to complete digital strategy coursework is mainly determined by that master’s program’s length of study. Full-time study for a master’s degree typically takes about two years. Part-timers, on the other hand, will require more time to complete their degrees. For example, a master’s degree in communications with a concentration in digital strategy can be finished in 12 to 18 months, depending on several criteria. To graduate, students will need to take between 30 and 40 credits.

Accelerated Online Masters in Digital Strategy Programs

Accelerated master’s programs in Digital Strategy provide an efficient route for students to complete their degree in a shorter duration. Tailored for motivated and committed individuals, these programs enable a swift graduation. To expedite their program, students may choose an increased course load, including summer or intensive sessions, for quicker progress. Transferring credits from previous coursework or relevant professional experiences can shorten completion time.

Some accelerated programs feature condensed curricula that focus on essential coursework and eliminate certain elective requirements. This allows students to concentrate on core components efficiently.

Students considering an accelerated program should thoroughly assess their readiness for the faster pace of study.

How to get into the Online Masters in Digital Strategy program?

Enrolling in an online master’s degree program in digital strategy is typically straightforward. The first step is choosing digital strategy as a concentration while enrolling in a broader master’s degree program, such as design, communications, or computer technology. Most colleges and universities require applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. Here are some of the main admissions requirements for a master’s in digital strategy online degree program: 

• Application for Admission 
• Application Fee 
• Official Academic Transcripts 
• An Undergraduate Degree in Marketing or Other Discipline 
• Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.8 on a scale of 4.0 
• Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose 
• At least 2 Letters of Recommendation 
• Graduate Resume 
• At least two writing samples or professional work samples that reflect the applicant’s experience. 

Note: Most colleges do not require incoming students to submit Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Scores. However, students are advised to check with the admissions office of their chosen college for exact and specific admission requirements, as they vary by college and program.

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are widely utilized standardized tests for admission to graduate programs. Although many U.S. schools typically mandate these test scores, certain online master’s programs in Digital Strategy might not impose a GRE or GMAT requirement. The waiver of the GRE/GMAT requirement acknowledges that standardized test scores may not consistently reflect an applicant’s potential for success in the program. Instead, colleges may prioritize factors like academic background, research experience, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and personal interviews to evaluate applicants’ qualifications. Those interested in pursuing an online master’s in Digital Strategy should contact their chosen universities’ Digital Strategy departments to inquire about programs that do not require GRE scores or if there are options for obtaining a GRE waiver.

Accreditation for Online Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Strategy

Accreditation is the process of a third-party entity confirming that a school or degree program fulfills and/or exceeds the predefined quality and rigor standards. Although college accreditation is voluntary, it has numerous advantages; one is that it confirms a curriculum for employers and other colleges and institutions. Accreditation also ensures that students can easily and quickly transfer credits from one accredited institution to another while qualifying for federal financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education ² and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) ³ have approved six regional accrediting agencies to accredit colleges. They are: 

1.  New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)⁴
2. Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)⁵
3. Higher Learning Commission (HLC)⁶
4. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)⁷
5. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)⁸
6. Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)⁹

Students can visit the official U.S. Department of Education ¹⁰ website or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) ¹¹ website to check a school’s accreditation status. More information on accreditation is available in the Accreditation Guide.

Free Courses for Online Masters in Digital Strategy

Free online courses do not lead to a master’s degree. However, they may benefit students’ daily studies, assignments, exams, and capstone projects. Many of the free courses available on the internet are authored or provided by some of the world’s most prestigious universities. They can provide students with information and insights not available in the classroom or a textbook. For students pursuing a master’s degree in digital strategy, here are some sites that offer free courses:

Course	Digital Strategy and Action 13
Provided by	edX
Description	In this course, students will acquire the expertise to identify potent digital strategies, utilize prototypes to address unmet customer needs, attract and motivate crucial talent for organizational growth, secure capital while maintaining control of the company’s future, gain market share through substantial value delivery to customers, and establish disciplined growth trajectories.

Course	Digital Strategy Mastery: Learn Success Secrets from Amazon 12
Provided by	Udemy
Description	In this course, students explore deeply into Amazon, extracting powerful lessons from this remarkable online company. Students can utilize these takeaways to formulate a successful digital strategy or assist consulting clients in achieving success. This course aims to establish a link between academic wisdom and practical application in the exciting and constantly evolving online business world.

Course	Digital Strategy and Business Opportunity 14
Provided by	Coursera
Description	In this course, students learn about the impact of digital, social, and mobile technology on consumer behavior, exploring the challenges and opportunities it presents for businesses. They discover how digital research and social listening tools provide insights into audience and competitor dynamics. Additionally, students learn to employ content marketing principles with a creative strategy to effectively reach and engage target audiences.

The master’s degree program in digital strategy focuses on in-demand skills and competencies. Graduates of this program have a broad understanding of communicating with audiences through digital platforms and social media. They can, therefore, explore career opportunities with both public and private sector organizations. They can find leading roles, from increasing sales and soliciting donations to gaining political support, among other things. There is a massive demand for qualified persons who understand how to reach huge online audiences through digital strategy. The following are some of the job titles and roles graduates of an online master’s in digital strategy can come across in the industry:

Occupation	Job Description	Median Annual Salary	Job Growth (up to 2031)
Marketing Director 17	Marketing directors lead marketing goals, plans, initiatives, and guidelines for the organization’s products and services. They transform the overarching marketing vision into cohesive business plans, strategies, projects, and outcomes. They also harness technology and data to detect shifts in the competitive landscape, facilitate adaptive marketing initiatives, establish budgets, allocate resources, and assemble teams to implement immediate and long-range marketing strategies.	$184,678	No Data Available
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers 18	Advertising Managers brainstorm concepts for advertising campaigns. They supervise the team responsible for crafting the advertisements and liaise with the finance department to create budgets and cost projections. Advertising Managers often act as intermediaries connecting clients with the advertising or promotion agency tasked with creating and placing the ads.	$138,730	6% (faster than average)
Digital Metrics/Analytics Marketing Analyst V19	In the position of Digital Metrics/Analytics Marketing Analyst V, the responsibilities include using search engine optimization (SEO) analytics and search engine marketing (SEM) techniques to boost website traffic. This role contributes to the digital marketing strategy by executing initiatives to enhance product demand, boost sales, explore new sales channels, attract website traffic, and establish a robust online presence.	$122,430 per annum	No Data Available
Digital Marketing Analyst20	The Digital Marketing Analyst is vital in implementing initiatives and strategies to enhance product demand, increase sales, explore new sales channels, attract website traffic, and establish a robust online presence, contributing to the overall digital marketing strategy. Leveraging SEO analytics and SEM techniques, they focus on improving website traffic, delivering compelling content to attract and retain visitors, and planning and executing effective social media, email, and mobile marketing campaigns to drive sales.	$61,082 per annum	No Data available

With Advertising, Promotion, and Marketing (Manager) jobs set to rise by 6% between 2022 and 2032, digital strategy graduates can easily advance their careers as they accumulate years of experience. Because companies pay hugely varying salaries for similar job titles, there is insufficient statistical data to assess what a digital strategist could earn. Nevertheless, one can rest assured that so long as the digital world is evolving, which it is, there will always be a demand for those who understand digital strategy, its importance, and its use.

Digital strategy is an interesting profession with skilled individuals who work tirelessly to stay ahead of the pack. Digital agency and company hiring managers are constantly looking for applicants who are up to date on the newest trends, techniques, and news in the digital world. A certification will help graduates be up to date with the trends and tools used by the leading digital marketing agencies and give them a leg up in their careers. Here are a few certifications for digital strategy students and working professionals (note: these certifications are primarily for digital marketing but apply to digital strategy as well):

1. Digital Marketing Pro Certification ²¹
   The American Marketing Association (AMA) and Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) have partnered to provide the Digital Marketing Pro program, through which candidates can become dually certified with the AMA and DMI with two credentials: PCM® Digital Marketing and Certified Digital Marketing Professional.
2. Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional ²²
   In the social marketing sector, the Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional certification is a well-recognized credential that demonstrates knowledge of the fundamentals of social marketing to clients and employers. Individuals who pass the certification exam will be able to demonstrate their understanding of the fundamental principles of social media marketing.
3. OMCP Digital Marketing Certification ²³
   The Online Marketing Certified Professionals (OMCP) digital marketing credential is awarded to professionals who have demonstrated mastery of digital marketing best practices across various digital marketing disciplines, have undergone extensive training, and have completed a rigorous examination process.
4. HubSpot Academy Certifications²⁴
   The HubSpot Academy offers several professional certifications in the digital strategy space. Credentials awarded are recognized industry-wide and endorse the candidate’s knowledge and skills in the chosen subject. Some of the certifications at HubSpot are in:
   • Inbound Sales 
   • Content Marketing 
   • Social Media Marketing 
   • Digital Advertising 
   • Digital Marketing 
   • Frictionless Sales 
   • Search Engine Optimization 
   • Contextual Marketing 
   • Content Marketing

Digital strategy can be a complex subject to grasp. New trends and ideas are constantly sprouting, and each situation one encounters may necessitate a different approach. Therefore, tapping into valuable resources to increase knowledge and assist in taking on real-world challenges is always good. Below is a selection of digital strategy resources, including a variety of tools and instructional materials, to assist students and professionals in getting to grips with this challenging and dynamic subject and help in gaining clarity and direction:

• The 37 Digital Marketing KPIs Guide ²⁵
  Scoro, a company that provides end-to-end work management software, has a complete guide to 37 popular marketing KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) that every company should monitor. Marketers utilize marketing KPIs to measure success across all marketing channels, and companies of all sizes use digital marketing KPIs to track their marketing results.
• Hotjar ²⁶
  Hotjar is an easy-to-use visual tool for discovering, aggregating, and communicating user needs. It analyzes visitor behavior to generate heat maps of where they click or move the cursor the most on one’s website pages. It also offers detailed behavioral reporting and can deliver interactive feedback surveys to users to determine their thoughts on the website. The site also provides complete guides to heatmaps, behavior analytics, product experience insights, etc.
• Google Analytics ²⁷
  Google Analytics is a free online analytics tool that informs users what is going on with their site in real time. This nifty tool shows how users arrive at their site, how they got there, and where they are heading. They will also have a decent notion of which visitors are doing what they want them to accomplish if they set up goals. These kinds of insights are the backbone of a well-informed digital strategy.
• Git ²⁸
  Git is a free and open-source distributed version management system that can handle small to large projects with ease. It’s easy to use and comprehend, with a minimal footprint and lightning-fast speed. It beats most other SCM solutions with features like low-cost local branching, convenient staging spaces, and many processes.
• Mention²⁹
  Mention is a web tool that allows the review of all online references of a business and associated keywords in one location, including mentions in articles, video comments, and tweets. Mention provides a sense of the amount and content of online debate about a brand, which can help improve brand strategy. It actively participates in the tactical side of one’s digital activity, allowing brand reps to deal with bad comments as they arise.