Get Matched With Marketing Programs

If you have always been curious about why people are drawn to make certain purchases, a career in marketing could be for you. Marketing professionals spend their career figuring out why some products interest people and others don’t. They then take that information and use it to create marketing strategies and advertising campaigns that appeal to the studied market. If this sounds interesting to you, then an online associate degree in marketing will help you get your foot in the door with marketing firms and let you start to learn the ropes.

While you’re in school, either in a traditional classroom or using flexible online learning, you will learn about the psychology of consumers and study trends. You will also gain some business acumen from studying business courses. With a two-year online associate degree in marketing, you’ll be able to jump into the field of market research or sales and start an interesting and satisfying career. Below are just some of the areas online students might study before they begin a career in the field of marketing and embark on an associate degree in marketing.

  • Integrated Marketing Communications
  • Public Relations
  • Digital Marketing
  • Email Marketing
  • Marketing Research
  • Business to Business Marketing
  • Business Administration

There are always pros and cons when it comes to getting a degree, whether you choose to do so on-campus or not, and an associate degree in marketing is no exception. School is a large commitment of both time and money, so it makes sense for prospective students to consider both the positive and negative aspects of attending.

PROS

The pros of attaining an online associate degree in marketing include:

  • More income. Workers who have more education can often negotiate better pay than those without a degree.
  • More opportunities for advancement in your career. Many companies only hire employees with degrees for certain positions, especially management positions.
  • Honing and substantiating skills you already possess. You might know how to execute many tasks in the marketing field, but having a degree backs up with you already know. Employers often need the reassurance a degree provides, especially those looking to hire marketing managers and other long-term career opportunities.
  • An online associate degree can be earned while you continue to work, giving you more flexible options for earning an associate degree. This gives online students the ultimate flexibility to earning an online marketing degree.

CONS

Of course, there are reasons why getting a degree might not be a good idea, even an associate degree in marketing. These include:

  • Expense. Going back to school means either a rather substantial monetary outlay for you or taking out student loans and paying them back later. Even online degrees often require loans in order to cover all costs.
  • No guarantee of employment. Even though a degree will make you more desirable and open up more employment opportunities for you, there’s still no guarantee you’ll be hired.
  • Going to school takes up a lot of time. If you’re juggling a job and family or other personal responsibilities, adding classes, homework, and exams to the mix might be a lot to handle. Even a marketing online associate degree program might be too much to handle without careful thought.

Compare Popular Online Marketing Programs

Top 25 Online Associate in Marketing Programs


1

Florida Tech

Score: 78.78

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $43,670
    • Out-of-State: $43,670
  • Net Price: $30,752
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,315
  • Undergrad Students: 3,364
  • Graduate Students: 4,951
  • Grads Salary: $48,700
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Florida Tech
2

Lake Area Technical College

Score: 76.99

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,718
    • Out-of-State: $6,718
  • Net Price: $12,735
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,238
  • Undergrad Students: 2,238
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $37,200
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Lake Area Technical College
3

Dakota County Technical College

Score: 73.11

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,419
    • Out-of-State: $6,419
  • Net Price: $11,339
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,717
  • Undergrad Students: 2,717
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $41,300
  • Student-to-faculty: 23:1
  • Dakota County Technical College
4

University of Northwestern Ohio

Score: 72.48

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,470
    • Out-of-State: $12,470
  • Net Price: $16,860
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Graduation Rate: 59%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,615
  • Undergrad Students: 2,576
  • Graduate Students: 39
  • Grads Salary: $42,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • University of Northwestern Ohio
5

Southeast Technical College

Score: 71.33

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,650
    • Out-of-State: $7,650
  • Net Price: $16,048
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 58%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,453
  • Undergrad Students: 2,453
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $37,600
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Southeast Technical College
6

Brigham Young University-Idaho

Score: 71.29

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,536
    • Out-of-State: $4,536
  • Net Price: $7,899
  • Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Total Enrollment: 43,023
  • Undergrad Students: 43,023
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $35,800
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Brigham Young University-Idaho
7

Lakeshore Technical College

Score: 71.07

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,562
    • Out-of-State: $6,713
  • Net Price: $9,327
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 69%
  • Graduation Rate: 48%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,154
  • Undergrad Students: 3,154
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $38,200
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Lakeshore Technical College
8

Fox Valley Technical College

Score: 70.46

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,826
    • Out-of-State: $6,977
  • Net Price: $10,220
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 74%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Total Enrollment: 11,181
  • Undergrad Students: 11,181
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $36,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Fox Valley Technical College
9

Central Penn College

Score: 69.63

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $19,404
    • Out-of-State: $19,404
  • Net Price: $13,803
  • Acceptance Rate: 34%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Graduation Rate: 36%
  • Total Enrollment: 943
  • Undergrad Students: 918
  • Graduate Students: 25
  • Grads Salary: $36,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Central Penn College
10

Moraine Park Technical College

Score: 68.57

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,641
    • Out-of-State: $6,793
  • Net Price: $9,339
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,074
  • Undergrad Students: 3,074
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $34,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Moraine Park Technical College
11

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Score: 68.51

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,642
    • Out-of-State: $6,793
  • Net Price: $10,302
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 66%
  • Graduation Rate: 46%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,364
  • Undergrad Students: 8,364
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $37,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Chippewa Valley Technical College
12

Lake Region State College

Score: 67.03

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $5,436
    • Out-of-State: $5,436
  • Net Price: $10,765
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 66%
  • Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,679
  • Undergrad Students: 1,679
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $37,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • Lake Region State College
13

Cambridge College

Score: 66.2

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $17,190
    • Out-of-State: $17,190
  • Net Price: $21,178
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 100%
  • Graduation Rate: 43%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,135
  • Undergrad Students: 840
  • Graduate Students: 1,295
  • Grads Salary: $37,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • Cambridge College
14

Seminole State College of Florida

Score: 66.18

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,131
    • Out-of-State: $11,456
  • Net Price: $3,144
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Graduation Rate: 43%
  • Total Enrollment: 14,323
  • Undergrad Students: 14,323
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $32,200
  • Student-to-faculty: 26:1
  • Seminole State College of Florida
15

Kennebec Valley Community College

Score: 65.1

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,687
    • Out-of-State: $6,567
  • Net Price: $8,491
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 52%
  • Graduation Rate: 44%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,119
  • Undergrad Students: 2,119
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $34,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Kennebec Valley Community College
16

Gateway Technical College

Score: 64.83

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,766
    • Out-of-State: $6,917
  • Net Price: $8,274
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,881
  • Undergrad Students: 9,881
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $28,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • Gateway Technical College
17

Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Score: 64.65

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $5,900
    • Out-of-State: $5,900
  • Net Price: $10,596
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,282
  • Undergrad Students: 5,282
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $35,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Minnesota State Community and Technical College
18

Northland Community and Technical College

Score: 64.37

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,243
    • Out-of-State: $6,243
  • Net Price: $13,100
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 66%
  • Graduation Rate: 40%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,495
  • Undergrad Students: 2,495
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $36,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Northland Community and Technical College
19

Miami Dade College

Score: 64.26

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $2,838
    • Out-of-State: $9,661
  • Net Price: $5,478
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 65%
  • Graduation Rate: 45%
  • Total Enrollment: 47,245
  • Undergrad Students: 47,245
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $30,400
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Miami Dade College
20

Blue Ridge Community College-Flat Rock

Score: 64.18

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $2,648
    • Out-of-State: $8,792
  • Net Price: $7,677
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 69%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,794
  • Undergrad Students: 2,794
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $28,100
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Blue Ridge Community College-Flat Rock
21

Itawamba Community College

Score: 63.5

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,160
    • Out-of-State: $5,360
  • Net Price: $3,972
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,599
  • Undergrad Students: 4,599
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $26,300
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • Itawamba Community College
22

Berkeley College-Woodland Park

Score: 63.01

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $28,600
    • Out-of-State: $28,600
  • Net Price: $17,068
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 64%
  • Graduation Rate: 44%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,078
  • Undergrad Students: 1,944
  • Graduate Students: 134
  • Grads Salary: $35,700
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Berkeley College-Woodland Park
23

Lewis-Clark State College

Score: 62.72

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,999
    • Out-of-State: $20,252
  • Net Price: $11,476
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 35%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,746
  • Undergrad Students: 3,744
  • Graduate Students: 2
  • Grads Salary: $34,900
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Lewis-Clark State College
24

Coastal Pines Technical College

Score: 60.46

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $2,759
    • Out-of-State: $4,906
  • Net Price: $4,335
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 43%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,747
  • Undergrad Students: 3,747
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $24,500
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Coastal Pines Technical College
25

Northcentral Technical College

Score: 60.2

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $3,791
    • Out-of-State: $5,512
  • Net Price: $10,866
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 32%
  • Total Enrollment: 6,069
  • Undergrad Students: 6,069
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $34,500
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Northcentral Technical College

Certificate vs. Associates


Any additional education in a field is never a bad thing, so getting a certificate in some aspect of marketing will only make you that much more valuable to an employer. You can get an online or in-person certificate in marketing from a variety of schools, and the online associate programs range from a few months to 18 months to complete. A certificate that is based on your current position will help you perform your current job and additional certificates in other areas will make you a more viable candidate if positions that use that skill set open up.

Find Online Marketing Schools

What Marketing Associate Degree Programs are Available?


A two-year online education in marketing is available in several forms, both online and on-campus. There are distinctions between the AA/AS and AAS/AAB degrees, and that is the AA and AS degrees are generally equal to the first two years of an online marketing bachelor’s degree, while an associate degree in marketing will be a career degree designed to allow a graduate to work in their chosen field.

  • An Associate of Arts (AA) degree is a humanities- and social science-focused program. Along with marketing courses, students also take social science and humanity courses when completing this online associate degree program.
  • Associate of Science (AS) degrees focus on math and science. Extra courses in math and science are paired with marketing and business courses when students aim to earn a marketing degree at this level.
  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees train a student in a chosen field with a math and science bent. In the case of a marketing associate degree, an AAS might help a person working in marketing become a better market researcher.

An Associate of Applied Business marketing program has a heavy concentration on business courses with a specialization, one of which is marketing. With this associate degree in marketing, you can secure an entry-level job with a marketing firm or another business with a marketing department. Almost every company has a marketing department or marketing manager with some of the following marketing programs: marketing research, digital marketing, social media marketing, traditional marketing and customer relationship management. These companies offer both entry level positions and marketing management technology positions based on experience and marketing education.

Admission Requirements


For entrance into an Associate in Marketing degree program, potential students must do the following:

  • Attain and send prospective schools a high school diploma or GED
  • Take any required standardized testing (ACT or SAT)
  • Meet the GPA requirement for entry into the school (at least a 2.0, but higher is better)

Some marketing associate degree programs require students to apply for admission directly with the program. Check with the school you are considering to determine the proper process of declaring a marketing major. Also, some marketing programs are part of the humanities department, while other schools include marketing as a business department offering. This is something else you’ll want to research before choosing one of these marketing programs and applying. It may affect how many classes prospective students can expect in public relations vs. digital marketing, email marketing, or business to business marketing while earning your associate degree in marketing.

How long does it take to earn an associate degree in marketing online?


As with most online associate degree programs, it takes roughly two years to attain an online associate degree in marketing, whether you attend online or on-campus. Some students finish earlier by testing out of marketing courses, being able to apply life experience for certain courses, or going to school during the summer. Others might take longer than two years because of work or family obligations, which is part of why students choose to attend online associate programs in the first place.

Sample core courses for an associate degree in marketing to prepare students:

  • Integrated Marketing Communications
  • Digital Marketing
  • Principles of Marketing Strategy
  • Social Media Marketing Strategy
  • Marketing Analytics
  • Marketing Plan Development
  • Mobile Marketing Strategy
  • Human Resource Management
  • Business Law
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Professional Selling & Sales
  • Small Business Management
  • Public Relations
  • Internet Marketing
  • Search Engine Optimization

Potential Careers in Marketing with an Associates


  • Associate Art Director
    This is one of the more creative marketing positions because an art director works with a creative team to come up with marketing and advertising campaigns for the company and its clients. As the associate art director, this person reports directly to the art director and might do most of the day-to-day handling of the creative team. An online associate art director might have a stable of clients assigned to him as well. You will need at least an associate degree in marketing if not a bachelor's degree for this position.
    Average income: $61,200
  • Event Coordinator
    this person plans events for individuals and groups. A few examples of events include weddings, reunions, conventions, seminars, concerts, charity events, auctions, and other gatherings attended by a large group of people. Event coordinators might work for a venue or could be an independent contractor and work independently. An associate degree in marketing would be a great start to become an event coordinator.
    Average income: $42,400
  • Inside Sales Representative
    Many might not realize this, but there is a strong element of sales in some marketing positions. You aren’t just helping other businesses craft the best strategies to sell their products, you’re also selling your business to clients. Inside sales reps sell products and services using the telephone or internet. Sales reps could take inbound or make outbound sales calls. Some are paid an hourly wage, some work on commission, but many earn a combination of a base salary and commission, which will give you the opportunity to earn far above the average for this position.
    Average income: $44,700
  • Marketing Assistant
    An assistant reports to the marketing director and is often tasked with data collection and market research. Once the person has found the needed information, the marketing assistant compiles the data into a report that the marketing director uses to map the best course and draft the most effective marketing plan. You will be able to learn some of the major marketing fundamentals for this position by earning an associate degree in marketing.
    Average income: $38,900

Options to Advance


To advance within the marketing field, obtaining additional degrees and certifications in different elements of markets is a requirement. There is always a new marketing technique or process being rolled out and those who are aware of the most current trends and methods are going to be the most attractive to employers. An additional degree shows employers that you are dedicated to studying and understanding marketing. The more education you have, the more attractive you will be to potential employers. For example, a person with a certificate will be seen more favorably than someone with no certifications, while someone with a degree will be more marketable than someone with just certifications and no degree. Online marketing programs can be a huge help to those who need to earn new certifications or degrees while continuing to work.

Frequently Asked Questions


What are the best options if I have a marketing degree and no experience?

Everyone is always saying to gain some experience by completing an internship while you’re in school, but what do you do if your major has very competitive internships and you don’t get the chance to complete one? Or, if you don’t have the time or income to complete an unpaid internship, and that’s all that’s on offer in your area? After all, those who are working their way through college can’t always just take the time off to complete an internship, even if it is paid. So, what job titles should you be looking for if you’re in this situation? Here is a short list of some excellent options if you need somewhere to start and gain that experience you missed out on in school.

  • Account Coordinator
  • Communications Specialist
  • Marketing Analyst
  • Marketing Assistant
  • Marketing Coordinator
  • Media Assistant
  • Public Relations Coordinator
  • Sales Representative
  • SEO Specialist
  • Social Media Coordinator

Will I be able to work from home with a marketing degree?

The answer to this question is, it depends. But then, that’s the answer to any question about working from home right now, and it will probably stay that way for a while. There are many companies out there that do marketing, and most of them have their own ways of doing things. It might be that, for those just starting out, it will be harder to find work from home positions until they have proven themselves capable. However, there are roles that marketing firms might be desperate to fill and will, therefore, be open to filling with a remote worker. All of this depends on the company or organization you wish to work for, what role you want to fill, how much experience you have, and your skills. If you can’t find a work-from-home role to start with, keep looking. They are out there, they might just be harder to get.

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