The Best Training for
Digital Marketing in 2021
Digital marketing is one of the few jobs that will allow you to work more independently with a great salary. If you want to start a career in digital marketing, this guide can help you. We have reviewed the best digital marketing schools and programs to help you land your dream job in 2021.
These digital marketing courses will take your learning experience to the next level by combining expert instructors with a comprehensive curriculum. You can learn the best practices and knowledge to navigate the digital realm. Below you will find the best digital marketing schools and programs.
Rundown: The Top 10 Digital Marketing Programs in 2021
Are you looking into a career in digital marketing? Online digital marketing courses can be great stepping stones, but comprehensive programs like the ones on this list are the best ways to launch, solidify, or advance your career as a digital marketer. Find out which programs will suit your learning needs.
Below are online and in-person programs to help you start your career in digital marketing. All the tuition information is from each school’s official website and refers to total tuition unless otherwise stated.
School | State | Programs and Cost | Certifications |
---|---|---|---|
Content Marketing University | Online | Content Marketing Certificate $995 (individual) $695 (non-profit) $595 (alumni) |
None |
DePaul University | IL | Digital Marketing Fundamentals Certificate $1,495 |
None |
Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) | Online | Certified Digital Marketing Professional $1,368 Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing $4,109 Certified Social Media Marketing Specialist $1,450 Certified Search Marketing Specialist $1,450 Certified Digital Strategy & Planning Specialist $1,450 |
DMI Certification |
Duke Continuing Studies | Online | Digital Media and Marketing Certificate $3,195 |
Online Marketing Certified Professional (OMCP) |
Harvard Extension School | Online | Marketing Management and Digital Strategy Certificate $2,900 per course |
None |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Online | Executive Certificate in Strategy and Innovation $2,800 per course |
None |
Oregon State University | Online | Digital Marketing Certificate $2,200 for 10 credits |
None |
Pennsylvania State University | PA | Integrated Digital Marketing Certificate $1,830 |
None |
University of California, Irvine | Online | Digital Marketing and Communications Certificate $2,850 |
None |
University of Washington | WA | Certificate in Digital Marketing $3,747 |
None |
How to Pick the Best Digital Marketing School for You
There are many digital marketing programs out there, but not all are created equal. Below are six guidelines to help you choose the best digital marketing school for you.
Faculty Expertise
Digital marketing is a relatively new concept. It can be a challenge for schools to find solid instructors in this field. You should research the instructors and their experience to make sure you’re getting the best education possible.
Program Length
Certificate programs can vary drastically, so be sure to check how long your program of choice will take. You can avoid a four-year degree and instead opt for a program that will only take a couple of months. Check program length and choose which option works best for you and your needs.
Tuition Cost
Make sure you can afford your digital marketing education. Student debt is a growing issue in the United States, and it can be debilitating for some people. Expensive programs are not always the best. Try to choose a balance between quality and cost.
Job Placement
Check how long it takes recent graduates to land a job as a digital marketer. You should also review if they found positions in top-rated technology companies or startups. Most established schools will feature this information on their official websites. You can check the average salary of digital marketing graduates as well.
Certification Options
Most of the programs below are certificate programs, but some also offer professional certifications. These certifications look good on your resume and indicate your proficiency in specific topics. For example, some programs include Google Ads certification or an Online Marketing Certified Professional (OMCP) certification on top of your certificate or diploma.
Accreditation
It is important to check whether a program is accredited. This will prove that the quality of education follows industry standards. If you choose an unaccredited program, you might have issues transferring schools or getting a job in the field. Accreditation mostly applies to colleges and universities.
The Best Digital Marketing Schools of 2021
Read below to learn more about the best digital marketing schools and programs. Each has different pros and cons, so be sure to check which is best for you.
Content Marketing University
Programs
Content Marketing Certificate
Accreditation
None
Online Options
Online only
Content Marketing University gives you the opportunity to prove your digital marketing skills on a refined level. The platform features a specialized program designed for professionals who want to upskill or brands who want to train their employees. Each course is taught by marketing experts like Robert Rose and Andrew Davis.
Content Marketing Certificate Curriculum
Basics of content marketing
Operating models
Business storytelling
Four types of strategic content
DePaul University
Programs
Digital Marketing Fundamentals Certificate
Accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
Online Options
Available
DePaul University offers a six-week program for marketing practitioners to advance their knowledge. If you are a professional seeking a promotion or raise, you should consider this particular program. The school designed the program for sales experts, social media account managers, public relations workers, and marketing researchers.
Digital Marketing Fundamentals Certificate Curriculum
Using consumer data to increase traffic
SEO
Email marketing
Social media marketing
Mobile marketing
Web analytics
Digital Marketing Institute
Programs
Certified Digital Marketing Professional, Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing, Certified Social Media Marketing Specialist, Certified Search Marketing Specialist, Certified Digital Strategy & Planning Specialist
Accreditation
American Marketing Association
Online Options
Online only
Digital Marketing Institute is known for its certification courses in digital marketing. It includes many different options if you want to specialize in social media, search marketing, and more. If you want to get a professional certification, DMI is a great place to start. It also offers short individual courses and even a master’s degree program.
Digital Marketing Certification Curriculum
Marketing on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter
Paid searches
Content marketing
Email marketing
Google Analytics
Website optimization
Duke Continuing Studies
Programs
Digital Media and Marketing Certificate
Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Options
Online only
Duke Continuing Studies offers this digital marketing certificate to help you get a job in the field. This self-paced program is part of Duke’s online college. This is a great option because it offers you specific training to get your OMCP certification. The program also offers rolling registration so you can get your certificate anytime from anywhere.
Digital Media and Marketing Certificate Curriculum
Advanced SEO
Content marketing
Mobile marketing
Web analysis
Social media marketing
Harvard Extension School
Programs
Marketing Management and Digital Strategy Certificate
Accreditation
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Online Options
Available
If you want to get a certificate from one of the best schools in the country, try this program from Harvard Extension. According to its official website, over 83 percent of extension students work full-time, so you will be able to keep your job while you study. With a requirement of only four courses, this program is a great option.
Marketing Management and Digital Strategy Certificate Curriculum
CRM management
Marketing communication
Market research
Strategic planning
Sustainability marketing
Luxury marketing
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Programs
Executive Certificate in Strategy and Innovation
Accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Options
Available
MIT offers a certificate program in strategy and innovation, which includes digital marketing. You can take the digital marketing analytics course as part of your certificate to gain a well-rounded education. It is a self-paced online course that only takes six weeks to complete. The program takes a highly personalized approach to learning.
Executive Certificate in Strategy and Innovation Curriculum
ROI
Integrated digital marketing
Predictive analysis
Optimization
Oregon State University
Programs
Digital Marketing Certificate
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Online Options
Online only
Gain access to this six-month certificate program to help advance your marketing career. The online instructor-led course will help you develop an inside perspective on digital marketing. It only includes four courses: Audience Segmentation, Content Marketing Strategy, Transmedia Storytelling, and Business-to-Business Marketing.
Digital Marketing Certificate Curriculum
Social media strategy
Target audiences
Transmedia storytelling
C2B and B2B marketing
Pennsylvania State University
Programs
Integrated Digital Marketing Certificate
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education, AACSB
Online Options
Available
The digital marketing certificate program will give you the proper skill set to navigate the digital industry with ease. You will be able to identify opportunities in internet marketing, evaluate campaign performance, and create high-value content. This program has an emphasis on SEO, perfect for anyone who wants to become an SEO specialist.
Integrated Digital Marketing Certificate Curriculum
Search engine optimization (SEO)
Search engine marketing (SEM)
Tracking campaign performance
Cohesive marketing strategies
ROI
Effective communication
University of California, Irvine
Programs
Digital Marketing and Communications Certificate
Accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission
Online Options
Available
If you want to specialize in both digital marketing and communications, this program is a great option for you. By the end of the program, you will have plenty of writing, design, analytics, and research skills. This program will help you prepare efficiently for managerial positions with top-tier skills to manage any marketing department.
Digital Marketing and Communications Certificate Curriculum
Marketing performance optimization
Marketing communications
Market research
Product management
Sales management
Digital marketing strategy
University of Washington
Programs
Certificate in Digital Marketing
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Online Options
Available
This flexible digital marketing program offers online self-paced, online real-time, and in-person course options. You will learn how to create exceptional digital marketing strategies to maximize business profits. The program takes approximately eight months, but it will vary if you opt for the self-paced option.
Certificate in Digital Marketing Curriculum
Google Analytics
Paid search
Digital marketing trends
SEO
Email and affiliate marketing
Social media marketing
How Much Can You Earn as a Digital Marketer?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average digital marketer’s salary is $54,672. The highest-paid digital marketers work in Richmond, California and earn an average salary of $66,895.
To increase your salary, you should consider getting more work experience or attaining more certifications. There are job positions that pay triple the amount an entry-level digital marketer earns. A Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing is one of the best ways to get a higher position.
The Highest-Paying Digital Marketing Roles
Role | Required Education | Average Salary |
---|---|---|
Vice President of Digital Strategy | Bachelor’s degree | $182,836 |
Vice President of Digital Marketing | Bachelor’s degree | $143,863 |
Director of Digital Marketing | Bachelor’s degree | $104,259 |
Digital Marketing Manager | Bachelor’s degree | $71,914 |
Digital Marketing Analyst | Bachelor’s degree | $64,040 |
Why You Should Be a Digital Marketer in 2021
You should become a digital marketer in 2021 because this field is becoming more and more popular. To build authority in the industry, business owners rely on digital marketers. With most businesses going online, the competition in the market is now stiffer.
Through such professionals, businesses can now realize their potential and cement their presence in the virtual world. Digital marketers work with web designers, web developers, and other marketing professionals to create a digital presence for businesses.
If you like working remotely, this will be an exceptional career path. Through this career, you will be able to have a great work-life balance. You can easily curate your schedule to suit your needs. There is no better time than now to start your digital marketing career.