During the past fifteen years, the phenomenal rise of digital media – specifically social media – has irrevocably changed the landscape of how people communicate and engage. As a result, social networking has wreaked havoc on every industry. In today’s socially linked world, it is vital for businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs to grasp how social media may influence and shape consumer connections, brand messaging, website traffic, bottom-line revenue, sales prospects, and overall company perception.
Students in online master’s in social media programs get real-world skills and specific knowledge in managing social media platforms, planning digital campaigns, analyzing social media effectiveness, resolving crisis communication situations, and establishing relations with clients and other social media influencers.
With companies competing for client attention on social media, it necessitates the use of skilled specialists to coordinate messaging across several platforms. As a result, marketing jobs tend to have higher salaries than other jobs. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that marketing managers earn an annual median wage of $141,490. Job growth also looks promising, with the BLS forecasting a 10% growth in the number of marketing managers between 2020 and 2030.
This guide illustrates many aspects of an online master’s in social media marketing degree program, explaining the types of degrees, career options, best colleges, financial aid, and much more.
The online master in social media marketing is offered only by a handful of colleges in the U.S. Therefore, it is essential to find the best college that can provide a robust program that is well recognized and valued. The top universities for masters in social media marketing should boast excellent infrastructure, well-trained, qualified and experienced teaching staff, a wide range of student support services, valid accreditation, career guidance, and more. Based on these and other such crucial factors, here are the best online masters in social media degree program in the country:
<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/masters-in-social-media-marketing-online/">Social Media Marketing </a>
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College Name & Address | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|
#1 University of Florida Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611 | $10,770 | 89% |
#2 Santa Clara University 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, California 95053 | $25,170 | 92% |
#3 Rutgers University 83 Somerset St, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901 | $18,180 | 84% |
#4 University of Delaware 104 Hullihen Hall, Newark, Delaware 19716 | $17,100 | 82% |
#5 Messiah University One University Avenue, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 17055 | $13,050 | 79% |
#6 Temple University 1801 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122 | $17,388 | 75% |
#7 The University of Alabama 739 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487 | $10,780 | 72% |
#8 American University 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016 | $37,447 | 79% |
#9 Montclair State University 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, New Jersey 07043 | $12,978 | 68% |
#10 University of Denver 2199 S. University Blvd, Denver, Colorado 80208 | $53,640 | 75% |
#11 Liberty University 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, Virginia 24515 | $7,847 | 54% |
#12 Northern Illinois University 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., Dekalb, Illinois 60115 | $8,942 | 48% |
#13 Arizona State University 1365 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257 | $9,774 | 24% |
#14 Southern New Hampshire University 2500 North River Road, Manchester, New Hampshire 03106 | $18,900 | 37% |
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’s degree in social media marketing program offers a comprehensive understanding of emerging marketing tools and technology and how to effectively develop marketing and communication strategies using social media. Students in this program study the history, theory, and technology of social media through specific courses on topics ranging from online marketing channels to strategic social marketing communication. They learn how to segment consumer populations based on their social media activities and preferences, establish return-on-investment benchmarks, conduct marketing research, develop social marketing strategies, and communicate effectively across various social media.
An online master’s in social media degree program usually requires 30 to 40 credits, 33 credits being typical. The curriculum can be customized to the student’s needs and can be completed entirely online, partially online, or in a hybrid format that includes both online and offline classes. Apart from core courses and electives, students are frequently required to complete a capstone project and/or an internship. Below is a list of courses prospective students can expect in a master’s in social media marketing online program:
A social media marketing master’s degree can be earned in several ways. While there are two primary types of degrees available – the Master of Arts in Social Media Marketing and the Master of Science in Social Media Marketing, students can also opt for combination programs.
Many schools also offer marketing majors or combination degrees with a social media marketing concentration. These alternatives, while similar to a social media marketing master’s, are best suited for students who broaden their focus of study and study an additional subject apart from social media. Some options include, but are not limited to:
Being a branch of marketing, social media marketing is primarily looked upon as a specialization or concentration area within the subject. Consequently, there are no specialization options available for social media marketing aspirants. However, some universities offer graduate programs that either cover social media as a specialization or combine social media management with another major. Some examples of these are:
Students can also consider other degree programs related to marketing and opt for specializations or concentration courses/electives in social media. Some options to choose from include:
An online master’s degree in social media marketing can help students improve their communication abilities and give them a leg up on the competition. The degree prepares students for an exciting and fulfilling job in a fast-paced sector by providing them with the formal education they need to enhance their use of social media and effectively lead their company or marketing campaigns. Furthermore, individuals will develop the ability to improve the social media presence of their clients, assist clients in the creation of new content, and create effective internet marketing strategies. Graduates of an online master’s in social media can find work in a wide range of settings, including digital marketing, public relations, content development, marketing analytics, consumer behavior, sales management, sports, communication, branding, etc.
Students who have embraced technology and have no trouble keeping up with technological advancements are best suited to opt for this degree. Many will find the ability to use social media as a communication and marketing tool exciting and rewarding.
With increasing demand in the sector and companies scrambling to find professionals who can drive their objectives through social media, there is ample scope for graduates to bag plum jobs with handsome salaries. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, marketing management employment is expected to expand by 10% from 2020 to 2030. As the field of marketing becomes more online-driven and internet-based, managers with social media and digital marketing skills will find ample room to advance their careers.
After graduation, students would have mastered a wide range of abilities that businesses look for in a competent marketer. Graduates of an online social media marketing degree will be able to:
People confuse digital marketing with social media marketing. While the two have their similarities, they are distinct. In many instances, social media marketing studies will fall under the purview of digital marketing. Here is a quick look at the two terms:
Digital Marketing | Social Media Marketing |
---|---|
Digital marketing entails using a wide range of specialized digital media marketing channels, such as emails, videos, audios, websites, SEO, displays, social media, blogs, and so on. It is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of marketing activities. | Social media marketing is a specific type of digital marketing that focuses on using social media platforms for marketing. It focuses primarily on marketing strategies distributed across social channels like YouTube, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, etc. |
In most instances, enrolling for an online masters in social media marketing program is straightforward. To begin with, colleges generally require prospective students to hold a bachelor’s degree in marketing or any other discipline. In rare cases, some from backgrounds other than marketing may be required to take a few prerequisite courses. It is worth pointing out that each program and college may have different admission requirements. However, here is a list of general admissions requirements for online masters in social media marketing:
Note: 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 online masters in social media marketing usually requires between 30 and 40 credits (36 credits being typical) to complete the program. In most cases, the degree requires about 1 to 2 years to complete, if done full-time. Part-time students may need approximately 2 to 3 years to finish. Students should note that the coursework load, chosen specialization, capstone project, internship, and mode of delivery (online, offline, or hybrid) will influence the time to graduate from a master’s in social media marketing degree program.
Accreditation is a procedure by which an independent outside authority certifies that a school or degree program meets and/or exceeds the preset quality and rigor standards. Although accreditation is optional for colleges, having one provides numerous advantages, the biggest advantage being that it validates a program to employers and other colleges and institutions. Accreditation also ensures that students can easily and readily transfer credits from one recognized institution to another and be eligible to receive federal financial aid. There are six regional accrediting agencies authorized by the U.S Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) that can accredit a college, which 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)
To check a school’s accreditation status, students can visit the official U.S Department of Education website or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website.
An alternative to regional accreditation is programmatic accreditation. Some agencies do not accredit the college but accredit a program instead. A specialist-accredited social media marketing degree signifies that the school satisfied the subject-specific requirements of the social media marketing industry. Some specialty accreditors include:
Students are advised to read the in-depth Guide to Accreditation to understand its importance and why it is essential.
Many colleges require incoming students to submit Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores when applying to a marketing master’s degree online. This is especially a requirement for management degrees (such as the MBA). Depending on the program and school, a social media marketing degree at some schools may not require GMAT or GRE scores as an admissions requirement, the primary condition being that the applying student must have a good Grade Point Average (GPA). Here are a few examples of online masters in social media marketing no GRE and online masters in social media marketing no GMAT:
Accelerated master’s degree programs are usually designed to allow students pursuing a bachelor’s degree to receive their master’s degree faster. Fast track or accelerated degrees typically require students to complete a bachelor’s degree, followed by a shorter period (typically one year, instead of the standard two) to complete their master’s. Many universities also provide students with the option to accelerate or fast-track their master’s program through the transfer of credits, additional coursework loads, specializations, program flexibility, etc.
While most online master’s in social media marketing will require 1 to 2 years to complete, a few universities offer accelerated master’s in social media marketing online that can be completed faster. Here are some examples:
The cost of a master’s degree program is ever increasing. With most graduate programs costing tens of thousands of dollars, students are often left wondering how to fund their education. Fortunately, there are different forms of financial aid available to graduate students. To be eligible for financial aid, applicants must fulfill and meet all criteria listed by the donor or lender. Here are a few types of financial aid prospective students of an online master’s in social media marketing can explore:
Scholarships are payments made to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic success or met all the scholarship sponsor’s requirements. Apart from academic excellence, scholarships may be awarded based on socio-economic background, gender, Voluntary work and social engagement, religious affiliation, sporting accomplishments, career path, specific subjects or degrees, financial need, and more. (Read about Scholarship Scams to avoid being scammed online)
Grants are sums of money given to deserving students that do not need to be repaid. They are often given by governments, foundations, trusts, or corporations to individuals who can demonstrate financial need. Like scholarships, grants are ‘free aid’ or a “gift”, meaning they do not need to be paid back, making them one of the most sought-after college funding options.
A Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) is a graduate student enrolled in a university who also teaches undergraduate students at that university. As students, they take courses and pursue their studies in a specialized academic field. They also help professors teach undergraduate courses. In return, graduate teaching assistants are paid a stipend or receive a fee waiver.
Students can take out student loans to help pay for college. Financing options include federal loans, bank loans, group and trust loans, and other sources. Unlike scholarships and grants, student loans must be repaid with interest to the lender. While student loans might help with educational expenses, they can also add to the amount of student debt, making repayment more difficult and possibly taking years to clear.
The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, 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.
Marketing scholarships can help students lower the tuition fees of their online master’s degree in social media marketing programs. Getting a scholarship can allow students to concentrate on their studies instead of worrying about how to pay for their education. Listed here are a few scholarships that apply to an online master’s program in social media marketing:
The Inclusion In Digital Marketing Scholarship is awarded each year to an individual pursuing a college degree in the marketing field or areas such as web development or design, communications, UX, PPC, SEO, and marketing-related STEM fields.
Amount/Award :$3,500
Deadline:July 30, every year
The Custom Creatives Digital Marketing Scholarship is awarded to those interested in the digital marketing space to support the next generation of students interested in various aspects of the Digital Marketing industry.
Amount/Award:$1,000 x 2 Scholarships
Deadline:May 31, 2021
The Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) awards graduate fellowships to outstanding students pursuing advanced study in social sciences or the humanities. The foremost requirement to be eligible is that students should show an intent to teach at the college level.
Award/Amount
$5,000 to $15,000 each
Application Deadline
Closed for 2023-2023 | TBA for 2023-2024
The Marketing EDGE Scholarship is awarded based on a combination of academic performance and demonstrated interest in the marketing field. In addition, classes, extracurricular activities, internships, etc., are also considered.
Amount/Award :$2,000 to $5,000
Deadline :TBA
While free online courses do not confer a master’s degree, they are often created by some of the best universities in the world and can provide students with additional knowledge and insights outside of the classroom and textbook. They can be of immense help to students with their regular studies, assignments, exams, or capstone projects. Here are a few resources for free courses for masters in social media marketing degree students:
Course | Topics on Social Media Marketing |
Offered by | Google Primer |
Description | Google Primer is a free mobile app that provides quick, simple courses to help business owners and people improve their business and marketing abilities and achieve their objectives. Students can select classes relevant to their careers by picking from a multitude of business and digital marketing topics. |
Course | Social Marketing Success Kit |
Offered by | Adobe Experience Cloud |
Description | With the Social Marketing Success Kit, students can learn how to select the right social media platforms for their business, how to use social media advertising, how to construct a social media calendar, and how to organize social media. The bundle includes webinars, e-books, PowerPoint presentations, and a blog. |
Course | Topics on Social Media Marketing |
Offered by | Udemy |
Description | Udemy has over 200 free courses and programs across various learning levels. Popular topics include Instagram Marketing, Facebook Ads, Facebook Marketing, PPC Advertising, TikTok Marketing, Instagram Photography, Twitter Marketing, and more |
Course | Topics on Social Media Marketing |
Offered by | Coursera |
Description | Coursera is host to courses in Social Media Marketing from prominent universities such as the University of Pennsylvania, University of California, Davis, Northwestern University, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, and other top universities around the world. |
Social media marketing has matured as a career over the previous decade. And, as the required breadth of abilities for social media managers grows, social media management training and education are more necessary than ever. Today’s social marketers are specialists tasked with overseeing an expensive, instrumental, and rapidly expanding portion of the marketing budget. In conclusion, even though one might be adept at handling social media, obtaining a master’s degree in social media marketing would go a long way in advancing one’s career and earning potential.
Choosing the best social media marketing program may not be very easy without conducting a deep search and comparison against various aspects of a school or program. The best programs should provide a transformative student-centered learning experience and ensure adequate personalized attention from highly engaged, experienced, and qualified faculty. An example of a university that meets all our benchmarks is the University of Florida. Other top colleges are also listed on this page.
Graduates of a master’s in social media marketing can create their own consultancies or obtain jobs in commercial and governmental sectors thanks to their knowledge of trends, communication strategies, audience behavior, and analytics. A graduate degree in social media equips students for a variety of careers that entail more than just making social media posts. There are positions available in practically every professional field, whether working for a social media firm or as a social media manager.
Some examples of job titles include, but are not limited to:
It is crucial to remember that social media is still a relatively new industry figuring out its place in the larger commercial world. However, social media’s expansion is unprecedented, and its impact is now unavoidable, driving up demand for professionals in this space. Because marketing graduates might work in a range of industries and have a variety of job responsibilities despite having identical job titles, it is difficult to estimate a precise wage; it is also tough to predict career growth. Nonetheless, to give a rough idea, O*NET OnLine states that Marketing Managers earn a median annual pay of $142,170 and that the availability of these occupations is expected to grow between 10% and 15% faster than the overall job market. It is worth noting that seniority, career opportunities, and better compensation are frequently determined by the individual’s years of experience, skill levels, and knowledge.
Here is a list of a few roles in the marketing sector and the master’s degree in social media marketing salary and job growth, as reported by O*NET OnLine:
Occupation | Marketing Specialist |
Median Annual Salary | $65,810 |
Job Growth (up to 2030) | 15% or higher (much faster than average) |
Skills Required | Writing skills, active listening, complex problem solving, critical thinking, reading comprehension |
Job Description | A Marketing Specialist researches conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. They gather data to determine a product’s or service’s prospective sales or create a marketing or advertising strategy. They may also collect data on competitors, prices, sales, and marketing and distribution strategies, as well as use search marketing approaches, analyze online analytics, and provide recommendations to improve search engine rankings and visibility in target areas. |
Occupation | Search Marketing Strategist |
Median Annual Salary | $65,810 |
Job Growth (up to 2030) | 15% or higher (much faster than average) |
Skills Required | Active listening, reading comprehension, active learning, complex problem-solving, critical thinking. |
Job Description | A Search Marketing Strategist uses search marketing methods to promote internet-enabled devices or interfaces and promote visibility and interaction with content, products, or services. They look at how people use general and specialty search engines and other Internet-based material and analyze research, data, and technology to understand user intent better and assess continuous optimization results. |
Occupation | Public Relations Specialist |
Median Annual Salary | $62,810 |
Job Growth (up to 2030) | 10% to 15% (faster than average) |
Skills Required | Coordination, speaking skills, time management, active listening, social perceptiveness. |
Job Description | A Public Relations Specialist promotes or creates an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. They may write or select information for distribution to various forms of media and may effectively use social media as a marketing tool. |
Occupation | Sales Manager |
Median Annual Salary | $132,290 |
Job Growth (up to 2030) | 5% to 10% (as fast as average) |
Skills Required | Active listening, speaking skills, persuasion, coordination, critical thinking. |
Job Description | A Sales Manager plans, directs and coordinates a product or service’s actual distribution or movement to the customer. They also plan, strategize, and implement sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals. |
Occupation | Advertising & Promotions Manager |
Median Annual Salary | $133,460 |
Job Growth (up to 2030) | 10% to 15% (faster than average) |
Skills Required | Active listening, social perceptiveness, speaking skills, judgment & decision making, critical thinking. |
Job Description | An Advertising & Promotions Manager plans, directs, or coordinates advertising policies and programs or produces collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in purchasing a product or service. |
Certifications serve as an official declaration of one’s professional ability and are helpful in a range of professions as a condition of employment or practice. They also, in some instances, lead to licensure for specific jobs. While marketing master’s degree holders can choose from several certifications, those explicitly tailored to social media marketers are hard to come by. Nonetheless, social media graduates can seek general marketing or digital marketing certifications that apply to their qualifications as well. Here are some certifications for master’s degree in social media marketing graduates to explore:
As for licensing requirements, marketers are generally exempt from licensure to work, but some occupations, such as those involving insurance or securities sales, may require it.
Social media marketing is a vast and ever-changing field that is constantly evolving. Platforms are continuously updated, which means that best practices might change instantly. However, it is possible to keep up with the industry by tapping into various resources such as blogs, newsletters, and podcasts. These resources and other social media marketing tools show how to use social media for lead generation, establish a following, and drive-up brand presence and interest. Here are some resources that may be of help to social media marketing online students and graduates:
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