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The 10 Best Online Associates in Marketing

Best Online Associates in Marketing - featured image

In a technological-driven era, brand partnerships, product promotions, and social media management have significantly influenced the marketing world. Hence, marketing professionals must have the essential skills and knowledge to stand out in ads and promotions.

Become proficient in understanding market behavior and consumers and facilitate the advertising campaigns of many businesses using various marketing channels by completing an associate degree in Marketing. 

Marketing associate degree programs are ideal for anyone pursuing a marketing profession. The academic program teaches entrepreneurial/business skills and foundational marketing knowledge, preparing them for entry-level careers in different fields, including business strategy, public relations, customer service, and advertising. 


Additional Information: What kind of career and salary can I expect with my online Bachelor of Marketing degree?

Best Online Associates in Marketing - fact

Methodology

Although many schools in the US offer Associate in Marketing degrees, not all of them are created equal! In reviewing the online curriculum, course listings, learning outcomes, and financial aid of the programs we picked, we determined that these were the unique academic features that make each of them stand out:

  • Featured as a 100% online learning program, giving students an option to complete their degree in a convenient, flexible manner,
  • Delivers a set of rigorous coursework featuring marketing courses with a detailed introduction to the discipline, the theories of the discipline, and their application to the real world,
  • Facilitated through a Learning Management System that is well-known as a reliable learning platform providing students secure access to their online coursework,
  • Develops and enhances proficiencies, soft skills, and business ethics in Marketing for students seeking entry-level positions,
  • Offers a robust associates-to-bachelors degree pathway, making the online marketing degree transition easy for students seeking the next step to academic competence,
  • Makes financial aid available to online students through scholarships, federal aid, and similar assistance programs,
  • Marketing experts and seasoned teachers as online instructors,
  • Duly accredited by academic agencies to prove adherence to prevailing standards of online instruction and learning as it pertains to Marketing and similar or related disciplines,
  • Recognized by marketing associations or industry organizations,
  • Consistently receives stellar reviews from current and former students for providing an excellent learning experience.

Visit our Methodology page for details on our college and online associate program selection process. 


Should I focus on a certain concentration of Marketing with my online Bachelor’s degree?

Best Online Schools Offering an Associate in Marketing Degree

Strayer University

Strayer University

Prominent Program Features:

The Associate of Arts in Marketing at Strayer University features 20 associate courses, each taking 11 weeks to complete. The courses highlight short, documentary-style videos describing stories from real people. Through the marketing associate program, students learn how to use different social media and technology platforms for increasing sales and building brands.

Marketing students are guaranteed an academic program that meets high-quality standards, obtaining recognition from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs.

Some of the courses offered include the following:

  • Consumer Behavior
  • The Power of Persuasion
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Principles of Marketing

After completing the associate program, graduates can transfer up to 20 courses directly into the university’s baccalaureate programs.

Did You Know?

Strayer University features an approachable course load for its academic programs, allowing students to complete one to two courses per term. The university also offers a career-crafted curriculum where each course is designed around the expertise of industry professionals.

Thanks to the Strayer Graduation Fund, aspiring students can save up to 25% off the cost of their undergraduate and graduate studies. For every three courses completed, students will receive a course to be earned at the end of the academic program.


Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University

Prominent Program Features:

Rasmussen University’s Associate’s Degree in Marketing program features 24 courses and can be completed in 91 credit hours. Although completion time depends on students’ transfer credits and commitment to learning, the academic program can be completed in only 18 months. The 91-credit program provides a holistic approach to help prepare aspiring marketing professionals to succeed in the industry.

As a transfer-friendly program, graduates can easily ladder up their associate credentials to a bachelor’s degree. The market-relevant curriculum includes the following courses:

  • Public Relations and Advertising Strategies
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Online Multimedia Marketing
  • Internet Business Models and E-Commerce
  • Principles of Management

Upon completing the associate degree, graduates gain diverse skills, including integrated marketing communication, management skills, marketing technologies, and marketing fundamentals.

Did You Know?

Rasmussen University has a competency-based education through its Empowered Learning™, where students can take control of their online academic programs. Through Empowered Learning™, distance learners can use their professional experience and other eligible credentials to demonstrate some proficiencies faster and work with new course content.

Since it has a learn-by-doing approach, students accomplish projects that demonstrate their new expertise and showcase how they can apply it in real-world scenarios.


University of Cincinnati Online

University of Cincinnati - Online

Prominent Program Features:

The University of Cincinnati Online has an Associate of Applied Business in Marketing Management Technology program that prepares students for entry-level roles in marketing. Throughout the associate degree in marketing, students will gain expertise in marketing trends and businesses.

The 100% online program features asynchronous learning with a 7-week and 14-week format. Distance learners can access their learning materials and complete their courses 24/7, with exams either proctored or non-proctored by an exam proctoring software.

Although the associate program is offered through UC Online, students will receive a degree conferred by the University of Cincinnati. A total of 60 credits is required for degree completion. Full-time and part-time learning formats are available to all distance learners. The academic program has six multiple start dates annually, with two start dates during the spring, summer, and fall semesters.

The set of coursework includes the following:

  • Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
  • Managerial Accounting/Financial Accounting
  • Fundamentals of Advertising & Promotion
  • Fundamentals of Consumer Behavior
  • Introduction to Marketing

Did You Know?

The University of Cincinnati’s 100% online academic programs are for students of all ages and academic backgrounds, allowing even working students to complete their degrees without quitting their professions.

27% of UC’s graduating population is committed to inclusivity and comprises first-generation college students. A public research university of more than 45,000 students and is one of the best national universities recognized by the US News & World Report.


Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University

Prominent Program Features:

The Associate of Science in Marketing program offered at Southern New Hampshire University is one of the rare associate programs in Marketing accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs. It is a 65-credit program that can easily transition into a baccalaureate degree in marketing.

Marketing students with college experience can utilize SNHU’s generous transfer credit policy. The university accepts a maximum of 45 credits, satisfying 25% of the 60-credit requirements of the associate program.

The 60-credit hour program includes the following courses:

  • Business Law
  • Human Relations in Administration
  • Social Media & Marketing Communications
  • Principles of Integrated Marketing Communications
  • Introduction to Marketing

Apart from the traditional online courses, SNHU offers a mandatory course focusing on social media marketing strategies that help prepare marketing graduates for the HubSpot Social Media Certification exam. Through the program, students develop and enhance their critical-thinking skills and creativity essential for successful marketing strategies and campaigns.

Did You Know?

Southern New Hampshire University, a fast-growing academic institution in the US, caters to more than 170,000 online students. Formerly a school of accounting and secretarial science, the university offers 200+ academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.


Post University

Post University

Prominent Program Features:

Post University‘s Associate of Science in Marketing program offers a holistic study that helps marketing students become proficient in internet-based marketing trends, consumer behavior and relationships, ethical marketing strategies, and marketing tactics. Through a set of coursework, students discover the measure of the effectiveness of a marketing campaign, develop and maintain a brand’s image, and facilitate marketing strategies.

The ACBSP-Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs has accredited Post University’s Associate in Marketing program requires the following courses in the curriculum:

  • Social Media Marketing
  • Business-to-Business Marketing
  • Sales and Techniques of Selling
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Principles of Management

After completing the associate program, marketing graduates are equipped with the skillset and knowledge required to apply marketing best practices and theories in various industries. Graduates will also have the option to pursue a bachelor’s degree in marketing or any related field. 

Did You Know?

Post University has garnered the Top Workplaces USA award facilitated by Energage for two consecutive years in 2021 and 2022. Through its acquisition of the American Sentinel University, Post University founded the American Sentinel College of Nursing & Health Sciences. The partnership of two academic institutions helps expand Post University’s programs dedicated to health sciences and nursing. 


Coastal Pines Technical College

Coastal Pines Technical College

Prominent Program Features:

The Associate of Applied Science in Marketing Management program at Coastal Pines Technical College requires 62 credits for degree completion. As part of the study plan, marketing students must have one specialization, including Retail Management, Entrepreneurship, or Marketing Management. To enroll, prospective students must submit the following requirements: 

  • Accomplished application form
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
  • Official high school transcripts (If available)
  • Official college transcripts (If available)
  • Placement exams

Apart from the specialization courses, the 62-credit program requires the completion of Business Selection, Marketing Selection, Digital Presentation Selection, and Occupational Courses, among many others. An internship or practicum in Marketing is also required for degree completion.

Did You Know?

Coastal Pines Technical College offers an Adult Education program where students can start anytime and earn their HiSET and GED. The Technical College System of Georgia has multiple alternatives for completing high school equivalency. The school provides classes developed for direct adult learners, allowing them to compete in the modern workplace easily.

The Adult Education initiative features online and on-campus classes, no-cost instruction, academic counseling, and special reading instructions. Day and evening classes are also available in the initiative.


Bryan University

Bryan University

Prominent Program Features:

Bryan University has an Associate Degree in Digital Marketing program that can be completed 100% online. A total of 60 credits is required for degree completion, where students take two courses simultaneously. The online associate in digital marketing degree is a rare program not commonly offered nationwide.

Distance learners can upgrade their skills through a stackable, dual enrollment program. They can enroll in the Business Administration Undergraduate Certificate while completing the Associate Degree in Digital Marketing. After completing the certificate, students can start their work while accomplishing the associate program. Graduates can pursue further studies, such as enrolling in BU’s Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Marketing program.

Some of the online courses that students will take include:

  • Applied Digital Marketing
  • Workplace Technologies
  • Business Communications
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Management Principles

The online Marketing associate degree program helps students gain real-world experience through simulated job tasks, completing coursework requirements, and simulating related job tasks. They also receive valuable practice in qualifying and passing certifications through Hootsuite, Meta Blueprint, and Google Ads, in which two certification attempts are already included in the tuition.

Did You Know?

Bryan University has a tuition lock guarantee, where online students enjoy the same tuition throughout the program. Apart from affordable tuition, the university is one of the most innovative schools in the US.

It features user-friendly learning tools and resources, such as simulated job tasks and adaptive digital textbooks, allowing distance learners to understand more accessible and up-to-date knowledge. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission.


California Coast University

California Coast University

Prominent Program Features:

California Coast University‘s online Associate of Science in Business Marketing program requires the completion of 20 courses, consisting of Core, General Education, and Elective Courses. Completing the program requires 60 semester units featuring self-paced, online courses to fit into students’ busy schedules. Given the program is self-paced, there is no need for fixed exam dates, scheduled meeting times, and no group projects. Since it is not structured in quarters and semesters, students can start their program anytime during the academic year.

The following core courses must be completed to earn the AS in Business Marketing degree:

  • Marketing Management
  • Advertising and Promotions
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Customer Service
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Introduction to Business

CCU also offers interest-free payment plans that students can choose from to help ease the burden of paying for their tuition expenses. The university has tuition discounts for CCU graduates, government employees, firefighters, law enforcement, veterans, and active-duty military. A 10% tuition discount is also available for Corporate Partner employees.

Did You Know?

Since its establishment in 1973, California Coast University has been a pioneer in distance learning, providing flexibility, affordability, and accessibility to high-quality programs to its student community. The university continuously met the needs and preferences of professionals who have limitations in completing an academic program due to personal and professional obligations. CalCoast has also received accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.


Gateway Technical College

Gateway Technical College

Prominent Program Features:

Gateway Technical College has an online Marketing Associate Degree program that can be completed on a full-time or part-time learning basis. It is a two-year academic program with project-based learning applications if completed full-time. Throughout the program, students comprehensively understand different marketing strategies for companies and individuals.

Apart from that, the program teaches them the skills required to evaluate information through various marketing research processes. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs accredits GTC’s associate program.

The 61-credit program features the following courses:

  • Marketing Research
  • Social Media Strategies
  • International Marketing
  • Marketing Principles
  • Marketing/Sports & Event Intro

Distance learners can pursue a certificate in Sports and Event Marketing or Marketing/Sales to strengthen their career path based on their interests. Associate graduates can pursue a bachelor’s degree in Marketing by transferring their credits to any of the 21 schools with articulation agreements with Gateway.

Did You Know?

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Gateway Technical College was established in 1911 as the country’s 1st publicly funded technical college. Now, the school caters to more than 21,000 students per year in 70+ programs.


Madison Area Technical College

Madison Area Technical College

Prominent Program Features:

The online Associate Degree in Marketing program offered by Madison Area Technical College is designed to teach and prepare students the cutting-edge skills to find successful careers in the digital marketing field. Students have the option to attend full-time or part-time.

Although program length depends on various factors, graduates can earn their associate degree within two years of full-time learning. To graduate, they must accomplish 61 credits of coursework completion. Financial aid is available for qualified students.

Students must take the following required courses as part of their plan of study:

  • Introduction to Public Relations
  • Digital Marketing
  • Marketing Design Strategies
  • Advanced Social and Mobile Marketing
  • Leadership Ethics in the Digital Age

After completing the associate program, students can pursue further studies through several transfer opportunities with the school’s partner agreements. As an easier reference, the school with articulation agreements with Madison College include the following:

  • Bellevue University
  • Capella University
  • Cardinal Stitch University
  • Colorado State University – Global Campus
  • Concordia University
  • Franklin University
  • Herzing University
  • Lakeland University
  • Milwaukee School of Engineering
  • UW Oshkosh

Did You Know?

Madison Area Technical College was founded in 1912 as Madison Continuation School. Adults and teens enrolled so they can gain new career skills. Today, the Madison-based community college covers 40 school districts and has several regional campuses. The school is considered UW’s #1 source of transfer students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What careers can graduates pursue with an online Associate in Marketing degree?

The online associate in marketing degree graduates can enjoy many career opportunities, qualifying for entry-level positions as brand ambassadors, content creators, event organizers, and marketing assistants. They can work under the supervision of marketing managers or pursue sales-related and marketing careers.

Advertising Sales Agents

Advertising Sales Agents sell advertising services to potential clients. Some services include single-piece designs and ads, advertising space, and campaign management. These professionals collaborate with print ad companies to create advertising materials for their clients, participate in trade shows, and create presentations.  

Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers

Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers facilitate campaigns and programs to promote products and services. They supervise and collaborate with marketing assistants and representatives. Although most of these professionals have a bachelor’s degree, an online associate degree in marketing is enough, coupled with several years of experience.

Insurance Sales Agents

Insurance Sales Agents sell their clients one or more insurance plans and coverages. They work with individuals and companies to evaluate the best insurance for their needs and preferences. These professionals provide their clients with policy details, help them choose the best insurance plan, process plan renewals, and manage account changes.

Marketing Assistants

Working as a Marketing Assistant is one of the most common entry-level roles in the marketing field. They perform administrative roles and help gather data for market research. Other responsibilities include creating presentations for clients and gathering audience feedback through surveys.

Marketing Representatives

Marketing Representatives advertise the products and services of companies and businesses. They keep track of customer feedback and reactions through surveys.

Market Researchers

Market Researchers are knowledgeable in consumer demand, market trends, and opportunity analysis, utilizing data to facilitate research. They also conduct surveys and competitor evaluations as part of their primary responsibilities.

Sales Copywriters

Sales Copywriters develop ad copies for advertising platforms to engage target markets or audiences. Many of these professionals either work full-time in a company or as freelancers serving multiple clients. Other specializations include digital marketing, print ads, online marketing, SEO, and keyword optimization.

What is the job outlook for graduates with an online Associate in Marketing degree?

Completing an online degree in marketing increases one’s potential to find lucrative careers. Aspiring marketing professionals with an associate degree can pursue a career in business management, sales, advertising, retail management, and entrepreneurship.

Some marketing professions are in demand compared to others. Between 2022 to 2032, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that a decline in Advertising Sales Agents can be expected. However, within the same time range, Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers have 6% career growth, indicating a faster-than-average growth than other occupations. Market Research Analysts enjoy the most promising growth, with a 13% job outlook.

How long can students typically complete an online Associate in Marketing degree?

Completing an online associate in marketing degree typically requires two years of full-time learning. However, program completion depends on certain factors, including prior academic or professional credentials, learning format, transfer credit, and students’ commitment.

Aspiring students with qualified transfer credits can bypass courses and can graduate earlier. Online students with professional and family obligations can enroll part-time, adding a year or more before completing their associate degree.

Schools also have accelerated programs that allow students to become associate degree holders within 18 months. Courses in accelerated or fast-tracked programs can last five or six weeks, requiring more rigorous work from distance learners.

What are the continuing education opportunities for graduates with an online Associate in Marketing degree?

Many online associates in marketing degree graduates transfer their academic credits toward a baccalaureate program. Graduates can pursue a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, communications, business administration, or marketing communications strategies. Completing a bachelor’s degree involves two years of additional learning.

Marketing graduates can also pursue a variety of marketing-related certifications. Some prominent certifications include Content Marketing Institute Online Training and Certification, HubSpot certifications, Google Analytics Certification, and Google Ads Certification. All certifications provide students with essential marketing skills and critical business skills that strengthen their specialized expertise for a specific marketing career.

What are the enrollment requirements for pursuing a Marketing Associate degree online?

Like most academic programs, enrollment requirements for each school’s online associate in marketing degree vary. Many online programs require a high school diploma or GED equivalent and official transcripts. Some schools also require the submission of application essays, letters of recommendation, and college entrance test scores. Many programs accept transfer credits, while others have credit for work experience.

Other online associate programs waive test scores and GPA requirements to provide a more accessible college education for every student. Most online associate degrees in marketing programs will only require the submission of an enrollment application.


Check this out: The Best Online Schools for Bachelor of Science in Marketing Programs

Rowan Jones
Chief Editor