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Masters in Digital Strategy Online
Digital strategy focuses on leveraging technology to improve corporate performance, whether through the development of new products or the redesigning of existing processes. It lays out an organization’s strategy for leveraging technology to gain further competitive advantages, as well as various strategies it will employ to make these changes. This frequently entails changes to business models, as new technology allows inventive businesses to provide services that were previously unavailable. Digital strategy encompasses everything from online ad buying to inbound marketing. It is about generating effective messaging to achieve increased conversions and establish loyal consumers. Digital Strategy is sometimes termed and interchangeable with Digital Marketing or Online Marketing.
An online master’s program in digital strategy teaches students how to acquire, use, and evaluate data and information to address organizational issues. Students will gain skills that they can use right away, widening their horizons and developing a mindset of adaptability in the ever-changing digital landscape. Armed with this degree, graduates can go on to work in diverse settings like digital marketing, SEO, business strategy, international marketing, consumer behavior, and mobile marketing, among others.
Digital strategy is a master’s concentration and is almost never offered as a whole, independent graduate degree. This guide provides detailed information on what this concentration is all about, how to enroll in a program, career options available, ways of funding, and much more.
Featured Online Programs
Best Online Masters in Digital Strategy Programs
An online master’s degree (or rather concentration) in digital strategy is offered by only a few universities in the United States. As a result, selecting the best college that can offer a well-rounded, well-recognized, and well-valued program is crucial. The top master’s in digital strategy programs should have, among other things, good infrastructure, well-trained, competent, and experienced teaching personnel, a diverse range of student support services, accreditation, and career aid. Based on these and other important aspects, here are the best online masters in digital strategy degree programs in the country:
Link to this| 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
What to expect from the Online Masters in Digital Strategy?
The online master in digital strategy is a 30 to 40 credit hours 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 needed 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
- Digital Audience Research and Behavior
- Web Analytics
- 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
- Media Law
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, 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:
- Social Media Marketing Communications
- Social Media Advertising
- Digital Audience Research and Behavior
- Search Engine Optimization
- Search Engine Marketing
Why should I do Online Masters 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 depending heavily on the internet to reach out to 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 $141,490, with a 10% increase in jobs from 2020 to 2030 (as fast as average).
The online master in digital strategy equips students with a plethora of abilities. Some of them include the ability to:
- Tell a brand’s story, use 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 to get into the Online Masters in Digital Strategy program?
The process of 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 for 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 2 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.
How long does it take to complete the Online Masters 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 2 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.
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 of which 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 still qualifying for federal financial aid. The U.S Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) have approved six regional accrediting agencies to accredit colleges. They are:
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
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 visit the official U.S Department of Education website or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website to check a school’s accreditation status.
More information on accreditation is available in the Accreditation Guide.
How to Pay for Online Masters in Digital Strategy Programs?
It is becoming increasingly expensive to earn a master’s degree in the U.S. Because most graduate programs cost well into tens of thousands of dollars, many students are left wondering how they will pay for their education. Fortunately, graduate students have access to many financial aid programs. But to be eligible for financial help, applicants must meet all of the conditions set forth by the donor, sponsor, or lender. Financing assistance is available from the following sources, among others, for students pursuing an online master’s degree in digital strategy:
Scholarships
A scholarship is a financial award provided to deserving students based on their academic achievement or ability to meet the requirements of the scholarship sponsor. Besides or in addition to academic excellence, scholarships can be awarded based on various factors such as one’s socioeconomic status, gender, volunteer work and social involvement, religious affiliation, sporting achievements, career path, specific subjects or degrees, and/or financial necessity. (To prevent being defrauded online, read about Scholarship Scams.)
Grants
Grants are financial assistance to deserving students that do not need to be repaid. Governments, foundations, trusts, and corporations routinely offer people who demonstrate financial need. Because grants are considered free help or “gifts” that do not need to be repaid, they are among the most common college funding choices.
Student Loans
Student loans can be a viable alternative for covering the costs of a college education. There are a variety of funding options available, including federal loans, bank loans, group loans, and trust loans. Instead of paying back a lump sum amount, students who take out student loans must make regular monthly payments to the lender, according to a provided schedule. While they may assist in covering school expenses, loans can also raise the amount of debt owed by students.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate students can financially benefit from working as graduate teaching assistants. They take classes and simultaneously pursue their studies in a specialized academic subject. They also assist professors in various educational activities. Graduate teaching assistants receive a stipend or a discount on their tuition for their work.
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a standardized form that applicants can fill in and submit to assess whether or not they are eligible for financial aid. More FAFSA-related information is available here.
More information on various funding options is available in the best Financial Guide.
Scholarships for Online Bachelors in Digital Strategy
Scholarships are the best option to pay for college because they do not require repayment. Furthermore, not having to worry about paying for college is a huge relief for anyone who receives a scholarship. Scholarships for digital strategy students are available from a variety of sources. The following are a few examples:
| Scholarship | Custom Creatives Digital Marketing Scholarship |
| Description | The Custom Creatives Digital Marketing Scholarship supports the future generation of students interested in all facets of the Digital Marketing profession by awarding individuals with a passion for the field. |
| Amount/Award | $1,000 x 2 Scholarships |
| Deadline | May 31, 2021 |
| Scholarship | Marketing EDGE Scholarship |
| Description | The Marketing EDGE Scholarship is given to students who have shown a strong aptitude in academics as well as a genuine desire to pursue a career in marketing. Additional considerations include coursework, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and internships. |
| Amount/Award | $2,000 to $5,000 |
| Deadline | TBA |
| Scholarship | Inclusion In Digital Marketing Scholarship |
| Description | Inclusion in Digital Marketing Scholarship is given out annually to a student studying marketing-related subjects such as web development or design, communications, user experience, pay-per-click (PPC), search engine optimization (SEO), and other STEM fields. |
| Amount/Award | $3,500 |
| Deadline | July 30, every year |
Free Courses for Online Masters in Digital Strategy
Free online courses do not lead to a master’s degree. But they may be extremely beneficial to students in their 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 and can provide students with information and insights not available in the classroom or in a textbook. For students pursuing a master’s degree in digital strategy, here are some sites that offer free courses:
| Course | Topics on Digital Strategy |
| Offered by | Coursera |
| Description | Coursera is a popular site that offers courses, projects, specializations, professional certificates, and more. Some courses the site offers include Digital Strategy and Business Opportunity, Digital Leadership and Digital Strategy Execution, Digital Channel Planning and E-Commerce Strategy, and more. |
| Course | Topics on Digital Strategy |
| Offered by | Udemy |
| Description | Udemy has a massive collection of over 1,000 free digital strategy-related courses! These courses appeal to a variety of learning levels, from beginners to experts, and cover nearly every aspect of digital marketing, digital media, and digital strategy. |
| Course | Topics on Digital Strategy |
| Offered by | EdX |
| Description | EdX has a wide section of digital strategy courses. Topics include Digital Transformation Strategy, Digital Commerce Reinventing Business Models, Digital Marketing Strategy, Platform Strategy for Business, Leading Digital and Data Decision Making, etc. |
FAQs about Online Masters in Digital Strategy Programs
| Q: What is digital strategy? |
| A:Whether it’s through the development of new products or restructuring existing processes, digital strategy focuses on harnessing technology to improve business performance. It outlines a company’s plan for utilizing technology to obtain unique competitive advantages and its tactics to achieve these goals. As new technology allows imaginative businesses to deliver previously unavailable services, this frequently necessitates modifications to business models through effective digital strategy implementation. |
| Q: Can I do a digital strategy degree online? |
| A:Digital strategy is a specialization that can be pursued as part of a master’s degree program in computer science or communications, etc. It is difficult to find an independent online master’s degree in digital strategy. Regardless of which degree or combination of degree and concentration one chooses, most universities will have the option of programs delivered entirely online. |
| Q: Which is the best college for a digital strategy degree? |
| A: Every good college must meet specific educational and non-educational requirements and norms. Because digital strategy is more of a focus area of a ‘main’ master’s degree, the best college depends on the master’s chosen. Our teams have cause to believe that the University of Florida is one of the best universities for pursuing a degree in digital strategy. This page also includes a list of other top colleges. |
| Q: Is digital strategy hard? |
| A:It is up to the individual whether they find digital strategy difficult or easy. Many people believe it to be simple once they understand the basics. Others with a creative mindset and a natural talent for design and communication may find this curriculum more straightforward and relatively effortless than those who do not. In reality, the difficulty levels vary greatly and are hard to assess. |
| Q: What can I do with digital strategy masters? |
| A:Students with a master’s degree in digital strategy will be prepared to work in any business and for any purpose. They can work as graphic designers, communications experts, or marketing directors, or they can use their knowledge and skills to work in branding, product/service design, mobile marketing, and more. Overall, a master’s degree in digital strategy might lead to jobs as Marketing Strategists, Digital Content Creators, Online Advertising Directors, Social Media Strategists, etc. |
| Q: How long is a digital strategy masters degree? |
| A:The length of a digital strategy master’s degree is determined mainly by the primary subject of study (under which digital strategy is a concentration). While most degrees take close to 24 months to finish, others can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months. |
| Q: Is a digital strategy masters worth it? |
| A:Finding work with a digital strategy degree is not difficult, as a rising number of organizations rely on websites and other digital media as strong communications and marketing tools. Given the comparatively high salaries that graduates of this degree receive, it is pretty easy to gain their educational costs back. |
Career Opportunities and Salaries after Online Masters in Digital Strategy
The master’s degree program in digital strategy focuses on in-demand skills and competencies. Graduates of this program have a broad understanding of how to communicate with audiences through digital platforms and social media and 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:
- Marketing Director
- Online Advertising Director
- Marketing Analyst
- Online Marketing Director
- App Developer
- Journalist
- Digital Marketing Director
- Marketing Strategist
- UX Strategist
- Communications Manager
- Chief Marketing Officer
- Public Relations Supervisor
- Social Media Strategist
- Digital Content Creator
- Content Strategist
- SEO Manager
- Production Manager
With Advertising, Promotion, and Marketing (Manager) jobs set to rise by 10% between 2020 and 2030, 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.
Certifications and Licensing for Online Masters in Digital Strategy
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. Having 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):
- Digital Marketing Pro Certification 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.
- Hootsuite Social Marketing Professional 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.
- OMCP Digital Marketing Certification The Online Marketing Certified Professionals (OMCP) digital marketing credential is awarded to professionals who have demonstrated mastery of digital marketing best practices across a variety of digital marketing disciplines, have undergone extensive training, and have completed a rigorous examination process.
- HubSpot Academy Certifications 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
Additional Resources for Masters in Digital Strategy Online
Digital strategy can be a difficult subject to grasp. New trends and ideas are sprouting all the time, and each situation one encounters may necessitate a different approach to tackle. Therefore, it is always good to tap into useful resources that can increase one’s knowledge and assist in taking on real-world challenges. 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 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 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 what they think of the website. The site also provides complete guides to heatmaps, behavior analytics, product experience insights, etc.
- Google Analytics 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 the things they want them to accomplish if they set up goals. These kinds of insights are the backbone of a well-informed digital strategy.
- Git 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.
- Mention 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.
