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Online Marketing Bachelor's Degree
An online marketing bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate business degree that builds broad knowledge of consumer behavior, branding, and promotion. Most programs cover foundational business and marketing topics, then let you tailor electives or a concentration based on your goals.
Depending on the school, the credential may be a BA (Bachelor of Arts) in marketing, a BS (Bachelor of Science) in marketing, or a BS in business administration with a marketing concentration – so compare curriculum and requirements across schools rather than the degree title alone.
For a full map of this program area, start here: Marketing Program Guide
Quick Answers
What is an online bachelor’s in marketing?
An online bachelor’s in marketing is an undergraduate business degree that covers consumer behavior, branding, promotion, and marketing strategy through online coursework.
Is a BA different from a bachelor’s in marketing?
BA stands for Bachelor of Arts and BS stands for Bachelor of Science. The distinction generally reflects emphasis (broader liberal arts versus more quantitative business coursework) rather than career outcomes, so compare curriculum and requirements at each school.
How are online marketing bachelor’s programs typically structured?
Most programs include general education, a business core, a marketing major core, electives or a concentration, and a capstone or applied project course.
What classes are common in a marketing bachelor’s?
Coursework typically includes marketing principles, consumer behavior, market research, digital and social media marketing, advertising, and marketing analytics, alongside general business courses such as accounting and management.
What admissions requirements are common?
Requirements vary by school and student type, but commonly include a high school diploma or equivalent and official transcripts.
Can transfer credits reduce required coursework?
Transfer credits can reduce how many courses you need, but policies vary by institution and by how recently coursework was completed.
At a Glance
- Degree type: Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Marketing
- Typical duration: 4 years full-time
- Credits: ~120 semester hours
- Format: Online, often asynchronous with weekly deadlines
- Accreditation: Verify institutional accreditation; some business divisions hold AACSB or ACBSP accreditation
How online bachelor’s programs are structured
Core degree components
Most online marketing bachelor’s programs follow a similar structure:
- General education courses, such as communication, math, and social science
- A business core covering accounting, economics, and management fundamentals
- A marketing major core that builds shared foundations
- Electives or a concentration that lets you specialize, such as digital marketing or brand management
- A capstone, applied project, or integrative course in the final term, depending on the school
Typical online course features
Online formats may be asynchronous, but many still include weekly deadlines and participation requirements. To compare how online formats differ, see How Online Marketing Degrees Work.
If you are trying to move faster, compare this timeline to accelerated pacing: Accelerated Online Marketing Degrees.
Typical curriculum in a marketing bachelor’s
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Principles of Marketing | Core concepts, terminology, and the marketing mix |
| Consumer Behavior | How psychological and social factors shape purchasing decisions |
| Market Research | Designing studies, collecting data, and interpreting results |
| Digital and Social Media Marketing | Channel strategy, content, and platform-specific tactics |
| Branding and Positioning | Building and managing brand identity |
| Advertising and Promotion | Campaign planning and message development |
| Marketing Analytics | Measuring campaign performance and interpreting metrics |
| Business Ethics | Ethical and legal considerations in marketing practice |
Skills you may build
Program outcomes vary, but many curricula emphasize:
- Market research and data interpretation
- Written and visual communication for brand and campaign work
- Digital channel strategy and basic analytics literacy
- Project and campaign management
Admissions requirements
Admissions requirements vary by school and student type. Some programs admit first-time college students; others focus primarily on transfer students.
Common requirements include:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Official transcripts
- Placement requirements, when applicable
- Transfer credit evaluation for applicants with prior college coursework
Transfer credits and degree planning
Transfer credits can reduce how many courses you need, but rules vary by institution.
Before you enroll, confirm:
- Maximum transfer credits allowed
- Minimum grades required for transfer courses
- Whether credits apply to the marketing major core or only to general electives
- Residency requirements, meaning a minimum number of credits that must be completed at the institution
For cost-side planning, see Affordable Online Marketing Degrees.
Accreditation and program quality checks
Accreditation is a baseline quality indicator. Verify that the institution holds accreditation from a recognized institutional accreditor – examples include the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), SACSCOC, ACCSC, and DEAC – then compare how the program is structured, supported, and delivered online.
Bachelor’s vs other marketing degree levels
| Level | Typical Credits | Typical Duration | Common Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | 60-64 | 2 years | Marketing assistant, social media coordinator |
| Bachelor’s | 120-128 | 4 years | Marketing coordinator, digital marketing specialist, market research analyst |
| Master’s | 30-60 | 1-2 years | Marketing manager, brand manager, marketing director |
If you are comparing degree levels, see the Marketing Program Guide and Online Master’s in Marketing.
For a value and fit discussion, see: Is a Marketing Degree Worth It
Data verified: July 30, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.
Back to Online Marketing Degrees Guide: Levels and Career Paths