Best Marketing Degrees https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/ Your guide to an education in marketing Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:16:45 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.7 https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/bestmarketingdegrees-36x36.png Best Marketing Degrees https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/ 32 32 The 20 Best Online Digital Marketing Agencies Ranked By Effectiveness https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/most-effective-marketing-agencies/ Mon, 03 Aug 2020 16:58:28 +0000 https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/?p=7542 Making Magic: The Necessity of Marketing in a Digital World  Gone are the days of optional marketing budgets, quick-shot promotions, and bland TV advertisements (though some of these persist like […]

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]]> Making Magic: The Necessity of Marketing in a Digital World 

Gone are the days of optional marketing budgets, quick-shot promotions, and bland TV advertisements (though some of these persist like the stubborn remnants of a species fastly approaching extinction). Truth is that every business is fighting tooth and nail to get their product into the public eye. We live in an age of billion dollar marketing budgets where a triple A blockbuster movie might cost $500 million to make in its entirety, but the marketing budget will double that figure. 

Sure you can ignore these demands and seek alternatives, but there is no denying that marketing has become standard for any industry that benefits from consumer attention. This has placed marketers into an enviable position. They are the gatekeepers to going viral, building brands, and multiplying customer bases. A good marketer is the key to unlocking the upper tiers of success in the modern day. 

And in the case of marketers, two is better than one; and only established marketing agencies land the best contracts–agencies who can tackle even the most titanic of budgets. These agencies are responsible for the catchy advertisement that you can’t get out of your head, the one-liner that made you follow a company’s social media account, and the reason why you find yourself gravitating toward one product over another. The best marketing agencies shift the tides of entire industries like Moses splitting the Red Sea and their accomplishments are no less miraculous 

So let’s take a look at the best marketing agencies around and figure out what kind of secret sauce they use to make magic happen. We’ve ranked these agencies by effectiveness defined as follows: 

  • Industry clout: The most successful marketing agencies have demonstrated their skill with their own brand and have succeeded in marketing their own brand. The marketing agencies with most industry clout are those whose name every marketer knows. 
  • Achievement: In the case of marketing, certain achievements speak for themselves. Some agencies, for instance, have taken small local brands and built them into international titans of industry. These kinds of achievements were our primary interest. 
  • Reputation: It is a hard thing to finagle high end corporate success while maintaining a good reputation. The marketing agencies that have pulled this off certainly deserve recognition. 
  • Cool Factor: If it’s cool, it sells. Sometimes a marketing campaign sticks with you because it’s truly original. Old Spice and Red Bull both had marketing campaigns that have become the backbone of the products themselves. We looked for marketing agencies–big and small–who made success look cool. 

The 20 Best Marketing Agencies 

Distilled – Seattle, WA

Team Size: < 40

Client Size: All Sizes

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • SEO
  • Digital PR Strategy
  • E-Commerce 
  • Content Marketing
  • Experimentation

What makes them special?

Distilled takes the #1 spot on our ranking and it will be clear why that is. Ever wonder who was the team behind Red Bull’s marketing? That was Distilled. How about Ebay’s marketing? Yep, that was Distilled, too. So they must be one of the largest marketing agencies around with tremendous resources at their disposal, right? Amazingly, Distilled has racked up its impressive portfolio all while managing a team of only around 20 core employees. 

Distilled is one of those companies that every marketer knows of, and probably dreams of working for someday. What really makes Distilled special is that despite their high level of success and notoriety, they have remained small and maintained a high level of mobility that allows them to choose the clients they want to work with–both big and small. Distilled is the type of marketing agency you can point to when you want to describe ‘marketing done right.’ Click here to learn more. 

Straight North – Chicago, IL

Team Size: < 25

Client Size: Small and Large

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • SEO
  • PPC Management
  • Email Marketing 
  • Graphic Design
  • Custom Web Design

What makes them special?

Straight North takes the #2 spot on our list for a multitude of reasons. They offer a unique real-time lead reporting tech, maintain strong industry clout, and land year over year successes in national campaigns. But foremost among these is that they are able to do all of this and compete with some of the largest agencies, all while employing the numbers of a much smaller local agency. They have worked with big clients like Raider Painting and the Thoma Foundation, and ServiceSkills eLearning, as well as smaller clients like Chicago Tag Label. 

Straight North excels particularly in the area of lead generation, but where they really distinguish themselves is through their ‘real-time lead reporting’ capabilities. With this technology Straight North can provide reports, lead profiles, and activity projections in real time. This gives clients an enormous amount of control over their lead generation campaigns while simultaneously offering a throttle that can help mitigate the risks of downtime such as that during A/B testing. Click here to learn more. 

Disruptive Advertising – Lindon, UT

Team Size: > 100

Client Size: Mostly Large

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • Paid Search (Google, Bing)
  • Paid Social
  • Email Marketing 
  • Audio Ads
  • Conversion Rates, Analytics

What makes them special?

Disruptive Advertising has landed top-tier national accounts such as Fandango, Guitar Center, and Adobe. Disruptive Advertising would probably land higher on this ranking, however we are trying to give credit to the smaller teams that pull off such high levels of success, but Disruptive Advertising certainly reigns as one of the most dominant marketing agencies in the world with an impressive collection of awards and accolades that indicate they are not only successful, but also a pleasure to work with.

Disruptive Advertising distinguishes itself through a top-down comprehensive approach to business analytics. In many ways, they are more than a marketing company, marketing happens to be their primary tool of driving success. For this reason, the team at disruptive is known for diving into every nook and cranny of their client’s business and goals in order to develop the best plan of attack. If you are lucky enough to work with Disruptive Advertising, you can rest assured you will have a lifelong partner in building your brand. Click here to learn more.

Seer Interactive – San Diego, CA

Team Size: > 100

Client Size: Mostly Large

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • PPC
  • Paid Social
  • SEO 
  • Creative
  • Conversion Rates, Analytics

What makes them special?

Seer interactive is a unique agency that has managed to strike the difficult balance between high levels of success and a down-to-earth philosophy. Seer Interactive has managed to build a humanistic approach into their agency’s foundation where they prioritize building trust between the client and the agency, as well as trust between the client and their customers. 

Seer has demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach through the tremendously successful campaigns for numerous AAA organizations like Intuit, Harvard University, and Linkedin. Seer manages paid search marketing budgets of over $40 million to drive innovation and stoke explosive growth, while working closely with client-managers to encourage developmental evolution within the client-company’s infrastructure. In this way, they take marketing to a whole new level and look to give their client’s more than just successful marketing campaigns but organizational face lifts as well. Click here to learn more. 

Klientboost – Costa Mesa, CA

Team Size: > 50

Client Size: All Sizes

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • PPC
  • Landing Pages
  • SEO 
  • Paid Search Marketing
  • Ad Words (Google, Bing

What makes them special?

Klientboost is an agency that doesn’t just focus on link-building and conversion rates. They focus on teaching clients valuable tools and skills along the way. Their work has been responsible for the explosive growth of companies like Airbnb and Stanford University. One notable feature of their strategy is building customer bases into families centered around their client’s brand. 

Klientboost pushes lead generation and funneling in directions of innovation and creativity. Klientboost marketers believe that convenient and simplistic systems create a healthier relationship between their clients and their customers–which they then leverage to convert leads into scalable sales. It is an attractive model that many try to emulate but few pull off with the same fidelity. Click here to learn more. 

Fractl – Delray Beach, FL

Team Size: > 150

Client Size: Budgets over $10k

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • Organic Search
  • Content Marketing
  • SEO 
  • Marketing
  • Digital PR

What makes them special?

Fractl is one the most well-known 100+ agencies, and for good reason. Much of their work with previous clientele now double as case studies for demonstrating industry benchmarks for lead generation, conversions, and brand rebounding. Industry pundits look to Fractl for industry standards and trends with their research covered by Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Marketwatch–just to know a few. This gives new meaning to the phrase ‘the work speaks for itself.’ 

Despite their size and notoriety, Fractl still works with smaller size companies given that they can afford the buy-in of the minimum marketing budget. Fractl has an impressive track record in clientele as well, having worked with industry titans like Discover, Indeed, and DirectTV. Click here to learn more. 

SEO Inc – Carlsbad, CA

Team Size: < 500

Client Size: All Sizes

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • PPC Advertising
  • Social Account Management
  • SEO Copy
  • Mobile Optimization
  • Web Accessibility

What makes them special?

For more than 20 years SEO inc has demonstrated both success and evolution in the field of marketing. As any marketer knows, the industry changes massively from decade to decade and SEO Inc has demonstrated their adaptability by meeting these changes head on, growing to a team of over 500 specialized marketers today. Further demonstrating their clout is their successful accounts with Marriot, Beach and Sandals Resorts, and Burt’s Bees.

But what really makes SEO Inc special is that they provide an emphasis on organic search building and lead generation. Many marketing companies that reach SEO Inc’ level of success begin to shift their focus to more easily automated paid search options. SEO Inc has earned its reputation as an industry leader in both principles and results. Click here to learn more. 

Amp Agency – Boston, MA

Team Size: > 400

Client Size: Budgets over $100k

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • UI/UX Design
  • Paid Social
  • SEO 
  • Mobile Optimization and Installation
  • Digital Product Promotion

What makes them special?

Founded in Boston in 1995, Amp Agency has grown into a massively successful marketing agency with locations in Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, and Austin, Texas. Amp’s specialization is in web development, UI/UX design, PPC, and social media marketing strategy, but as a full service agency there are few if any aspects of a job that would fall outside of its wheelhouse. As a veteran agency of the industry with decades of success, AMP Agency mainly takes on larger clients with extensive marketing budgets and high-end target ROIs such as their clients, Starbucks, Nike, and Patagonia.

Where AMP Agency really stands out however, is in its flexibility. Client reviews all convey a similar idea, that is, AMP Agency worked with them day and night to adapt to their needs. Many clients reported having to alter their direction or freeze budgets in the middle of a project, hazards which AMP met without resistance and still managed to deliver on targeted goals. This type of mobility is rare for a marketing giant as large as AMP Agency, and is rarer still to be delivered so consistently. Click here to learn more. 

Infront Webworks – Colorado Springs, CO

Team Size: < 50

Client Size: Small to Large

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • PPC
  • Search Engine Marketing
  • SEO 
  • Website Development
  • E-Commerce

What makes them special?

Infront Webworks has racked up an impressive array of accolades as a small marketing agency, ranking as a finalist small agency in the US Search Awards. One of the consistent features in mentions of Infront Webworks is their client service. Clients of Infront Webworks are met in-person and are cared for throughout their partnership and often beyond. Despite their smaller size, their industry clout has been proven time and again by their landing of top-tier accounts such as YMCA, Goodwill, and the National Museum of World War II Aviation. 

One of the most impressive things about Infront Webworks is you can land them with only a small marketing budget (usually those over $1,000). It is rare for smaller marketing budgets to stick out their neck for clients on such small budgets, but it is a risk that Infront Webworks takes regularly, and delivers on with solid results that one would normally associate with one of the larger marketing agency giants. Click here to learn more. 

McGary Bowen – Chicago, IL

Team Size: 600

Client Size: Mostly Large

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • Brand & Design
  • Innovation
  • SEO 
  • Production
  • Conversion Rates, Analytics

What makes them special?

Founded in 2002, McGary Bowen has become a powerhouse of success, and now stands as a global force in marketing and advertising. They have one of the robust portfolios on this list, having worked with a host of industry giants: Hershey, American Express, Budweiser, United Airlines, Subway, Oscar Meyer, Disney, Hallmark, Verizon, Brita, Olive Garden, Reebok, Clorox, and Kool-Aid. 

While it is certainly impressive to take stock of what a smaller agency can do, sometimes you just have to give credit where credit is due and recognize what the pinnacle of success looks like for a large marketing agency. When you look at what McGary Bowen has been able to achieve in two decades of explosive growth, you start to get a good picture of where they are going, and it’s nothing short of amazing. Many marketing agencies around the world aspire to this level of success and notoriety. Click here to learn more. 

SKDKnickerbocker – Washington DC

Team Size: > 100

Client Size: Mostly Large

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • Crisis Communications
  • PR Management
  • SEO 
  • Direct Mail
  • Market Research, Analytics

What makes them special?

Founded in 2004, Knickerbocker has become an agency of prestige in the marketing world. In 2019 they took home a Holmes Report Award for the ‘best public affairs agency of the year.’ And this is a clear indication of their approach to marketing–they are truly a full-service agency and might be more compared to a full-on management company due to the extensiveness of their services list. Their speciality however, lies in the intersection between policy, privacy, and the press, since they have worked with clients in both government and politics.

Their unique clientele will give you a clearer picture of what distinguishes from Knickerbocker from the competition. They have worked with Americans for Securing All Packages, The Rockefeller Foundation, and the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health. But perhaps most notable of their clients is their recent partnership with Joe Biden’s presidential campaign. If you are interested in full-service marketing delivered by top-tier PR specialists, look no further. Click here to learn more. 

Web Mechanix – Columbia, MD

Team Size: < 50

Client Size: Budgets over $10k

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • PPC
  • Web Development
  • SEO 
  • UI/UX Design
  • Conversion Rate Optimization

What makes them special?

Web Mechanix was founded in 2009 and has grown to a small, but elite group of marketers. Web Mechanix targets mid-sized enterprises and has mastered its approach. Their focus is twofold: on the one hand they work to improve marketability and brand value in the eyes of investors and sponsors, while simultaneously working to improve efficiency and ROI in their daily product sales and lead generation. This is clearly a winning formula because Web Mechanix brings in a number of awards from various institutions year after year.

While their main focus is mid-sized operations, they have demonstrated success with larger accounts as well such as Amazon Brands, Trinity University, Social Solutions, and Learning Tree. While there is certainly something to be said for tailoring a custom marketing plan for each client, Web Mechanix demonstrates the value of sticking to a winning formula. Click here to learn more. 

Silverback Strategists – Alexandria, VA

Team Size: > 50

Client Size: Budgets over $10k

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • Google Analytics
  • Ad Words
  • SEO Strategy
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Content Marketing 

What makes them special?

Founded in 2007, Silverback Strategists has since grown as an agency to a team sized at around 40 members with a second office in Philadelphia. Silverback is known for boosting mid-market operations through a focus on google search optimization and the strategic use of keyword marketing. Through combining this approach with a simultaneous push across social media platforms, Silverback Specialists has been able to deliver clients with consistent success. 

Silverback Strategists have worked with some notable clientele including Strayer University, Mattress Warehouse, and Discovery Education. Client reviews and their awarded history shows that Silverback Strategists are able to deliver on a whole slew of marketing services, and can bring any mid-to-large sized enterprise up to the speed of industry leaders. Click here to learn more. 

Avalaunch Media – Lehi, UT

Team Size: >50

Client Size: Budgets over $1k

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • Web Design
  • PPC
  • SEO 
  • Creative Strategy
  • Content Marketing

What makes them special?

Avalaunch Media was founded in 2012 and has since become an industry leader in content marketing with a specialization in video and audio content marketing. Avalaunch is credited with automating mid-sized company’s marketing campaigns through the creation of top-tier reusable content that usually becomes the company’s flagship marketing materials. 

Avalaunch has mastered the approach to working with companies on a smaller budget, and stretches their client’s dollar to an impressive extenet. Where Avalaunch really distinguishes itself though is in clientele care, that is, many of the client-reviews report that the Avalaunch team worked with them closely every step of the way with prompt replies and quick problem solving delivered through a collaborative working relationship. Click here to learn more. 

SEO Works – Sheffield, United Kingdom

Team Size: < 50

Client Size: Budgets over $1k

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • PPC & Paid Social
  • Web Design
  • SEO 
  • Ad Words (Google, Bing)
  • Brand Management

What makes them special?

Sometimes you need to look outside the United States to find the marketing agency that best meets the unique needs of your operation. SEO Works is aware of this, and has maintained global relevance by specializing in niche keyword vectors. These areas include: automotive, b2b, ecommerce, education, health, manufacturing, and professional services. One of their most successful campaigns involved a PPC strategy targeting pharmaceutical conversions.

One of the strong suits of SEO Works is their specialization in certain keywords. Many marketing agencies will tailor strategies on the fly to meet the needs of a client’s unique SEO demands. But by building experience in targeted areas of the industry, SEO works becomes more specialized and more desirable to those companies that work within their specialized range. Click here to learn more. 

Coalition Technologies – Culver City, California

Team Size: > 100

Client Size: Budgets over $1k

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • WordPress Development
  • PPC
  • SEO 
  • E-Commerce Development
  • Web Design

What makes them special?

Founded in 209, Coalition Technologies has demonstrated enviable growth since its inception, having expanded their team to over 100 members after opening additional offices in Seattle, Washington and Austin, Texas. This level of success represents the dream for many smaller marketing agencies, and Coalition Technologies found their success in PPC search engine optimization. Despite their relatively young company and smaller size, Coalition has landed some outstanding accounts such as Harvard University, Whataburger, and Paypal.

What really sets Coalition apart from the rest is its proven track record demonstrated in over 600 case studies with high-margin ROIs. They deliver on these results time and again through a focus on an AI-facing future. That is, Coalition employs state of the art statistics analysis and high tech strategies backed by hard science. There is very little guesswork in marketing when Coalition Technologies is involved–a selling point in itself to many clients who are skeptical of promised outcomes. Click here to learn more. 

Directive – Irvine, California

Team Size: < 75

Client Size: Budgets over $5k

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • PPC
  • Content Marketing
  • SEO 
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Conversion Rate Optimization

What makes them special?

Founded in 2014, Directive has carved out its corner of the market by specializing in marketing for software companies. Likely leveraging their fortuitous geographical location to this end, Directive has stayed intentionally small and intentionally focused on their target industry, i.e. computer software. This strategy has proved immensely successful as they have been able to stay about the same size, while increasing their operational capacity and professional achievements year over year. 

What really takes Directive to the next level is their choice of specialization. By specializing in computer software marketing with a homebase in close proximity to the computer software capital of the world, they have absorbed a tremendous amount of clout in the global eye of marketing industry. In many ways, this has placed Directive in the throne of software marketing, attracting customers from all over the world looking to catch the wave of the new trends and strategies, to which Directive is inevitably privy. Click here to learn more. 

  • Fruition – Denver, CO

Team Size: < 50

Client Size: Budgets over $1k

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • Web Development & Design
  • Social Media Marketing
  • SEO 
  • UX/UI Design
  • Digital Design

What makes them special?

Fruition is a full-service marketing agency that specializes in working with small to mid-market businesses. Fruition leverages its smaller size to maintain a high level of professional mobility, that is, they are able to employ a variety of skill sets to each their client’s goals. While their focus is smaller to mid-sized operations, they have demonstrated success with larger clients, too: US Department of Energy, the City of Ontario, and American Golf. Client reports and reviews suggest that Fruition is successful at tackling a surprising number of problems. 

Fruition’s unique approach to marketing is delivered in a three-fold strategy of building, growing, and finally, protecting. The idea is Fruition will first focus on building the necessary infrastructure of a marketing effort, then focus on growing leads and ROIs, before then focusing on protecting data, customer information, and hosting systems. Click here to learn more. 

Infographic World – Great Neck, New York

 

Team Size: 50

Client Size: Budgets over $5k

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • CRO
  • Social Media Marketing
  • SEO 
  • Graphic Design
  • Visual Content Production

What makes them special?

Founded in 2009, Infographic World (IGW) has proven the success of its unique approach to content marketing for the past decade, particularly over the past several years, and now consists of a star studded crew of expert marketers (many previous team members from Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram). IGW specializes in visual content marketing, and delivers data through visually pleasing forms of content. They further specialize in some specific keyword vectors: healthcare, business industries, IT, and advertising. 

Despite their seemingly focused approach, IGW employs their visual marketing strategies as the foundation of their full-service marketing package. What clients typically go to IGW for however, is their industry-leading approach to converting data into easy-to-digest graphics, which can in-turn, function as client’s funneling content, landing page, or promotional content.

PBJ Marketing – Washington D.C

Team Size: < 20

Client Size: Budgets over $5k

Focus: B2B & B2C

  • PPC Advertising
  • Digital Strategy
  • SEO 
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Marketing Analytics

What makes them special?

Despite having a small team of under 20 members, PBJ marketing maintains two offices, one in D.C and one in New York City. PBJ works with mid-size businesses to accommodate a variety of marketing needs. It is often the case that a marketing agency is only as good as its data, and this is a principle that PBJ leans into. By delving deep into the market analytics most relevant to their client’s goals, they are able to find strategies that other agencies would have missed. While PBJ focuses more on mid to small size enterprises, they have done work with some heavy hitters such as the University of Maryland, MillerCoors, Czech Board of Tourism, and the Hawthorn Group. 

What really sets PBJ Marketing apart from competitors however, is its stellar results, which have been recorded in the form of case studies. FactoryPure reported a 40% increase in ROAS; MPower Financing reported 146% increase in overall revenue; and BelcaraHealth reported 2,500% increase in leads combined with a 357% cost reduction to lead generation. These are the type of results you expect to see in much larger marketing agencies, which makes PBJ marketing an exemplary small agency and a benchmark of success for those who aspire to similar achievement. Click here to learn more. 

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]]> The 20 Most Affordable Online Marketing MBA degree Programs https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/the-most-affordable-online-marketing-mba-degree-programs/ Mon, 01 Oct 2018 21:17:33 +0000 https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/?p=7091 Are you a natural marketer? Do you have great leadership skills, a background in business, and a desire to engage with and satiate specific markets in a hyper-competitive world oversaturated […]

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]]> Are you a natural marketer? Do you have great leadership skills, a background in business, and a desire to engage with and satiate specific markets in a hyper-competitive world oversaturated with marketing campaigns? If so, a Marketing MBA can bring you new job opportunities, or a promotion from your position in your current organization. The Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that:
  • In 2017 Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers earned a median pay of $129,380.
  • The entry-level education for these positions was a Bachelor’s degree, so an MBA will set you apart from some applicants for these roles.
  • There were 249,600 of these positions in 2016.
  • Between 2016-26, BLS expected a 10% growth in these positions, translating to 23,800 new jobs.
In these roles you’ll work to manufacture interest in products or services through a wide array of methods. You’ll utilize research, digital media, and an advanced understanding of consumer behavior and desires to further organizational goals. Marketing Managers plan, direct and coordinate marketing policies and programs. They develop pricing strategies based on their potential (or existing) customer bases to maximize profit and marketshare. Marketing isn’t just a one-way street. To do it effectively you’ll need to:
  • Have an excellent understanding of your target audience, and what they want.
  • Engage in a relationship with your target audience and assess its responses to your marketing.
  • Respond to its reaction to your marketing directly, indirectly, and in subsequent marketing campaigns.
On this list, we’ve prioritized online, affordable MBA’s, so you can earn your degree with minimum intrusion to your ongoing responsibilities. We ranked the following schools based on:
  • Cost per credit hour
  • Percent of students who receive financial aid
  • Flexibility and specializations offered
  • Among other factors including national rankings.
Let’s see which schools made the cut:

FEATURED ONLINE PROGRAMS

  • University of Denver – University College Denver, CO & Online
    >Master’s in Marketing Communication
    Create integrated marketing campaigns that are driven by strategic objectives, reach clearly defined audiences, and deliver desired results. You’ll discover the power of brands and determine how to craft, deploy, and measure campaigns from start to finish. Receive hands-on experience as you evaluate traditional and digital marketing communication tactics and dig deep into marketing trends: social, mobile, email, search, and more. Highlights:
    • Top 100 university
    • 100% online
    • No GRE
SPONSORED

1) Rivier University

Rivier is a private, Catholic liberal arts university in Nashua, New Hampshire. It was founded in 1933 by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary and Sister Madeleine of Jesus, and named for Blessed Anne Marie Rivier. It offers over 50 programs leading to associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as the first Doctor of Education and the first combined Doctor of Psychology degrees in the state of New Hampshire The school serves over 2,400 students with a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Popular majors at Rivier include Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Business. Rivier offers traditional courses, online courses, and hybrid courses. Rivier offers an online MBA in Management. It takes approximately two years to complete, and its next start date is 10/29/18. The program requires 36 credits, and courses are conferred over 7 week sessions. The program uses open education resources to help students save money on textbooks. Its curriculum tackles central areas of business and business processes, and builds versatile leadership, problem-solving, and strategic management skills. Graduates will be qualified for many management and leadership positions in organizations regardless of their size or industry, in addition to nonprofit and government leadership roles. Graduates work as financial managers, management consultants, investment bankers, operations managers, and in many other roles.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 8th ($595)

2) Grand Canyon University

GCU is a private liberal arts school in Phoenix, Arizona. The school was founded in 1949, and is based out of Phoenix, Arizona. GCU was purchased by Grand Canyon Education Inc. in 2004, and became a for-profit, Christian research university. It’s the first for-profit Christian college in the country. Currently, GCU serves over 75,000 students online with undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in education, liberal arts, business, science, engineering, math, Christian theology, and health care, with a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio. GCU has had a powerful impact on Arizona’s economy, and an economic impact study conducted in 2015 estimated GCU contributes $1 billion into its state’s economy each year. GCU offers an online Master of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Marketing. It requires 54 credits and its courses can be completed in 8-week sessions. This program focuses on technology and scholarly research to help graduates understand what it takes to work in corporate marketing. Students will analyze current trends and issues that face corporations. They’ll figure out strategies that target diverse markets through inspecting language, aesthetics, religions, business customs and attitudes to specific marketing strategies. Graduates will be prepared to work as marketing executives, directors, managers or in other business leadership positions.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 5th ($575)

3) University of Saint Mary

Saint Mary is a private, Catholic-affiliated liberal arts university headquartered in Leavenworth, Kansas. It was founded in 1923. Over 1,300 students attend USM, which has a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio. USM offers 26 bachelor’s degree programs and six master’s degree programs, including Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Education, Adaptive Special Education, and Teaching. It has strong online education offerings, in addition to traditional and evening deliver formats, and degree completion programs. Saint Mary offers an online MBA program. Courses are offered over 8-week sessions. It’s a 36 credit hour program, that has six start dates. The program also offers with six concentrations: Leadership and Organizational Health, Finance, General Management, Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, and Marketing and Advertising Management. Students will learn to take calculated risks and earn the respect of those they work with. The program prizes ethical business decisions. This program can be completed in a year, and gives students significant utility in designing their class schedule.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 12th ($630)

4) Azusa Pacific University

Azusa Pacific University (APU) is a private, evangelical Christian university headquartered near Los Angeles in Azusa, California. It was founded in 1899. APU offers more than 100 associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs on campus, online, and at seven California locations. University College, the San Dimas campus, has over 2,300 students, and a 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio. In 2017, USNR ranked Azusa at 183 on their Best National Universities list. APU has had excellent success with Fulbright, especially considering the size of the school. Since 2003 15 APU faculty members and 39 students have been named Fulbright scholars. APU offers an online MBA. It requires 42 program units. In the program students will study accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, international business, marketing, organizational science and sport management. Classes are conferred in 8-week sessions, and can earn their degree in 15-30 months depending on whether they take one or two classes each session. Students who aren’t in a rush can take less classes, but must complete the program within 5 years. This program is also available through several of APU’s campuses.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 14th ($648)

5) Liberty University

Liberty is a private, non-profit Christian doctoral research university in Lynchburg, Virginia. The school was founded in 1971 by religious leader Jerry Falwell. Liberty has over 75,000 students attending its courses worldwide, and offers them an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Liberty offers 290 bachelors, 315 masters, and 32 doctoral degrees through 17 distinct colleges. The vast majority of Liberty students take classes online, and there are over 300 different degrees and certifications offered through Liberty’s online wing. Liberty has been classified as a doctoral research university by the Carnegie Classification. It has consistently been ranked highly for its Online Bachelor’s Programs, MBA program and other graduate business programs, graduate Criminal Justice programs, graduate Education programs and graduate Nursing programs. Liberty offers an online MBA in Marketing. It requires 45 credit hours. The program gives students an advanced understanding of advertising, market research, promotions, and consumer behavior. It features 8-week courses, and eight different start dates each year with no set login times. Up to 50% of the credit hours can be transferred in from other programs. This business program is taught from a Christian worldview. Sample courses include Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research, Supply Chain Management and Marketing Promotions. Online Liberty students get the chance to network with leaders and experts in the Business and Management across the country, and can access its incredible alumni network.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 4th ($565)

6) Benedictine University

Benedictine University is a private Roman Catholic university that was established in 1887 and is located in Lisle, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. It offers 59 undergraduate majors through four colleges. They also offer 19 graduate programs, 34 graduate certificates, and 4 doctoral programs for those who’ve earned their Bachelor’s. It partners with two Chinese universities, Shenyang University of Technology (SUT) and Shenyang Jianzu University (SJZU), to offer MBA’s and other degrees abroad. USNR ranked Benedictine 221st among National Universities in their 2019 rankings, and Forbes has ranked it among “America’s Top Colleges” for the past eight years. 5,100 students attend BU, which has a very low 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Benedictine offers an online MBA in Marketing. You’ll come away well versed in digital marketing, branding, advertising, public relations and global markets. The program emphasizes experiential learning. Students will complete mini capstone experiences that let them put what they’ve learned to the test under the supervision of their instructors. These mini capstones might include building an integrated marketing plan, constructing a marketing communications plan and other marketing projects. Sample courses include Marketing Strategies in the Digital Age, Marketing Communication, and Consumer Behavior, among many others.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 9th ($600)

7) Averett University

Averett is a private, non-profit college in Danville, Virginia. It was founded in 1859. In 2011 it renewed its affiliation with the Baptist Church, which it had previously maintained between its founding and 2005. Averett offers Associate and Bachelor’s programs in approximately 30 majors. There are also two Master’s degrees students can take through Averett: Master of Education degree and a Master of Business Administration degree. Its online or non-traditional programs are attended by over 650 students, who enjoy an intimate 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Averett offers an online MBA with a Marketing concentration. It’s aimed at working professionals that identify product opportunities, analyze consumer behavior and/or demonstrate their company’s products and services in their current jobs. This program will take your abilities and experience in marketing to a higher level. Students will take courses that cover marketing to global audiences, brand management, market research, project design and analysis, consumer behavior, and much more. This program culminates with a capstone research project that lets students explore a marketing area or problem they’re interested in.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 16th ($655)

8) Mercer University

Mercer is a private university in Macon, Georgia. It was founded in 1833, making it the oldest private school in the state. The school is comprised of 12 colleges and schools including liberal arts, business, engineering, education, music, continuing and professional studies, law, theology, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and health professions. It’s known for its Mercer University Health Sciences Center which oversees Mercer’s medical, pharmacy, nursing, and health professions programs. USNR Report has ranked Mercer as the second highest private Univeristy in Gerorgia for the past 25 years and it has outranked every private college in Georgia for the last 25 years according to USNR. Over 8,600 students attend Mercer, which has a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Mercer offers an online MBA program with concentrations in Finance, Economics, General Business, Human Resources, Healthcare Management and Marketing. The program can be completed in as little as 18 months. It’s ranked within the Top 100 online MBA’s in the country by U.S. News and World Report. There are five start times per year for this program (August, October, January, March and May). Students will take foundational courses depending on their undergraduate experience, then 21 hours of core MBA courses, 12 hours of their concentration, and then finish the program with a Capstone Project that demonstrates what they’ve learned in the core and specialization courses.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 20th ($755)

9) Touro University Worldwide

Touro is a private university system, headquartered in New York City. It also has branches throughout the US and the word. It was founded in 1971. It’s the largest private university in America with a Jewish background. Its NYC branch is ranked #142-#187 in Regional Universities North. The school serves over 1,300 students while offering an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Students can take classes online, undergraduate through 12 different colleges and universities worldwide, and graduate programs in seven different ti-state area colleges and universities. Toro began offering a 100% online MBA program in 2014. It comes with concentrations in Accounting, Finance, Global Management, Human Resources Management, Artificial Intelligence Management, Cybersecurity Management, Nonprofit Management, Physicians and Healthcare Executives, Health Administration Management, and Marketing. It can be completed in just 12 months. The program takes a scholar-practitioner approach. Its curriculum focuses on how the foundational theories it covers can translate instantly to better business performance.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 3rd ($500)

10) Central Michigan University

CMU is a public research university in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It was founded in 1892. Over 23,200 students attend CMU, which offers a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It offers 200 undergraduate, graduate, specialist, and doctoral programs through colleges of Business Administration, Arts and Media, Education and Human Services, Health Professions, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Medicine, Science and Engineering, and Graduate Studies. Approximately 7,000 students attend CMU through its online programs, which are offered from 60 locations worldwide. CMU offers an online MBA with a Marketing emphasis. It requires 36 credits. Students must submit their applications on either June 1st (for a Fall start), October 1st (for Spring), or March 1st (for Summer). It has been cited as one of the Best Online MBA Programs by U.S. News & World Report. The marketing emphasis will build students strategic planning and methodology in areas like advertising, brand management, market research, new product development, communications, and public relations. Sample courses include International Marketing, Voice of the Customer, and Market and Sales Forecasting, among many others.
  • Cost per credit hour: 11th ($625)

11) Concordia University Wisconsin

Concordia University Wisconsin is a private liberal arts university in Mequon, Wisconsin. The university was founded in 1881 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. For 83 years it focused on theology education and only served male students. In 1964 the university became coed and expanded its curriculum drastically. Today it’s one of the nine-member Concordia University System, which is run by the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS). Almost 7,300 students attend the school, which has an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It’s known for its extremely strong School of Pharmacy, and its schools of Business and Legal Studies, Human Services, Arts and Sciences, and Adult and Continuing Education. In total, Concordia Wisconsin offers 78 undergraduate majors and minors, 17 graduate programs, eight accelerated adult education programs and three doctoral/professional programs. Concordia Wisconsin offers an online MBA in Strategic Marketing. It can be taken on campus or online over 8 week courses. The program can be finished in less that two years, but is generally completed in 26 months. It requires 39 semester hours. In the program you’ll understand how to measure and be accountable for direct marketing. You’ll see how marketing impacts an organization’s goals and strategies. Instructors will give you practical skills so you can research products, consumer behaviors and interests, marketing plans and their results, and much more. Students will also become well-versed in the digital tools that have revolutionized marketing. As part of this program students will work at an internship at an approved business for 120 hours to put the skills they’re learning to the test.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 18th ($699)

12) Bryan College

Bryan is a Christian liberal arts college based out of Dayton, Tennessee. It was founded in 1930. Bryan was founded in part in response to the 1925 Scopes Trial, and is named after anti-evolutionary activist and politician William Jennings Bryan. Nearly 1,400 students attend Bryan, which has a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Bryan is ranked 71st among Regional Universities South and 40th among Best Value Schools by USNR for 2019. The school offers Associate’s degrees, a Bachelor’s degree in 20 majors and 60 distinct options, and three Master’s (Business Administration, Christian Studies and Education). Bryan offers an online MBA in General Management. Students can choose to specialize in Human Resources, Healthcare Administration, Sports Management, Ministry, or Marketing. The program features 9-week accelerated courses, a Christian worldview, and requires 36 credit hours. It can be completed in as little as 18 months if students take two courses in each semester. Sample required courses include Legal Framework of Decisions, Quantitative Methods for Business, Managerial Economics, and Strategic Marketing. The program ends with a Capstone Project that simulates an actual business challenge.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 5th ($575)

13) Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University is a private, for-profit university that was founded in 1993. It specializes in distance education. The school is based in Orange Beach, Alabama. Over 20,800 students attend CSU, which has a 65:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Columbia Southern has been accredited by the Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC), and approved to offer up-front tuition assistance through the U.S. Army’s centralized tuition assistance portal, GoArmyEd. Columbia Souther University offers 26 degrees at the associate, bachelor, and master levels, as well as 21 certificate programs, all online. CSU is known for its open enrollment and low tuition. CSU offers an online MBA that comes in several concentrations. These include General, Finance, Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Public Administration and Project Management. This program offers students significant flexibility in how quickly they complete courses, and when they complete assignments for courses over the terms they attend them. In the program you’ll figure out how to understand and predict consumer behavior, do quantitative and qualitative market research and take charge on strategic marketing campaigns. CSU is committed to developing student leadership skills, so you can be a driving force in an organization’s marketing strategies and rollouts.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 1st ($300)

14) Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University is a private, nonprofit university headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It was founded in 1964 with an initial class of 17 students. Its motto is, “engage, inspire, achieve.” NSU has 16 colleges, featuring 150 programs and more than 200 majors. It offers degrees in law, business, osteopathic medicine, allied health, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and nursing. Nearly 20,800 students attend Nova, which has a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. NSU has been consistently recognized as a quality research and community engaged university. It’s 1 of only 50 universities in the country to be awarded Carnegie’s Community Engagement Classification. USNR ranks it tied at 191st among all National Universities in their 2019 rankings. Nova offers an online MBA with a concentration in Marketing. Sample courses include Marketing Analytics, Brand Management, Marketing Research, Social Media Marketing, and much more marketing-specific courses. Students also take a marketing internship as part of this program. The program looks to build versatile marketing skills that can be applied throughout the corporate world, especially strategic thinking, valuing customers and understanding consumer behavior. Upcoming admissions deadlines are October 5th for the Fall semester, and then December 14th for the Winter semester.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 31st ($899)

15) Endicott College

Endicott is a private college in Beverly, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1939. It offers 23 Bachelor programs, 27 concentrations, and 27 minors. Endicott confers degrees through schools of Arts and Sciences, Business, Communication, Education, Hospitality Management, Sport Science and Fitness Studies, Nursing, Visual and Performing Arts, and Graduate and Professional Studies. The school’s most popular major is Business Management. In 2019 USNR has ranked Endicott 25th among Regional Universities North, 46th among Best Value Schools, and 11th in Most Innovative Schools, among other commendations. Nearly 4,800 students attend Endicott, which has a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Endicott offers an online MBA program. It can be completed in 18 months, and students are given significant utility to choose their schedule, and customize their coursework. The program has 14 concentrations, including Marketing. Sample marketing courses include Digital Marketing, Sales Force Management, Marketing and Product Management, and Customer Relationship Management. Graduates will be able to apply market research, situational analysis, and make useful recommendations to solve modern business problems, among many other outcomes. You’ll build writing, speaking, research and leadership skills throughout the program.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 19th ($739)

16) Bellevue University

Bellevue University is a private, non-profit university based out of Bellevue, Nebraska. It was founded in 1966. Bellevue’s identity is focused on adult education, with the majority of its undergraduate students aged 25 and over (80% as of 2011). Over 8,600 students attend the school, which has a 40:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Common features of Bellevue programs include accelerated, cohort-based, and/or online delivery. In the 80’s Bellevue almost closed, but was able to bounce back and eventually expand its offerings. Bellevue’s online programs have been consistently ranked in the top ten in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. Bellevue offers an online MBA that comes with a whopping 21 different concentrations students can choose from, including Marketing. In order to take the Management concentration, you need to earn a Master of Arts in Management from Bellevue, then you can take 18 credits of marketing courses to qualify for a second Master’s degree in Marketing. The courses you’ll take in the Marketing Concentration are: Financial Reporting & Analysis, Financial Management & Strategy, Operations & Logistics in the Value Chain, Accounting for Performance Management, Marketing & New Media Strategy, and Strategy, Innovation & Integration.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 5th ($575)

17) California Lutheran University

CLU is a private, liberal arts university in Thousand Oaks, California. It was founded in 1959, and is an affiliate of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. USNR ranks it 15th among Regional Universities West, and 11th in Best Value Schools for 2019. It offers 37 undergraduate majors and several master’s degree and doctoral programs. It’s known for serving the community and its students in many ways. Some include through its Center for Economic Research and Forecasting, Community Counseling Centers and Center for Nonprofit Leadership. Over 4,200 students attend CLU, which has a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. CLU offers an online MBA in Marketing. It will prepare you to use marketing research tools and concepts throughout domestic and foreign markets. You’ll identify factors that influence marketing strategy, analyze environments your marketing would enter, plan campaigns and much more. This program lets you choose three electives from a long list. Sample electives include International Marketing, Strategic Public Relations, Marketing Management, Marketing for Nonprofit & Social Enterprise, and much more.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 25th ($820)

18) Missouri State University

MSU is a public university in Springfield, Missouri. It was founded in 1905, and has gone through several incarnations before assuming its current form. Today it has four campuses, in Springfield, MO, West Plains, MO, Mountain Grove, MO, and Dalian, China, along with its online, distance education. MSU students are offered 100 majors and 122 minors for undergraduates, as well as more than 50 graduate programs USNR ranks it 32nd among Top Public Schools. Nearly 23,700 students attend MSU, which has a 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio. MSU offers an online MBA program. In it, students take 18 hours of foundational courses like Fundamentals of Economics, Managerial Finance and Legal Environment for Business Managers, among others. Then they take elective courses in Marketing, which can turn into a Graduate Certificate in Marketing on top of their MBA degree. There are significant written projects required in each course that are based on graduate research. There’s also an accelerated version of the program students can apply to that will apply to their undergraduate or graduate degree. MSU offers many different delivery formats for this program, so make sure to find the one that’s best for you if you’re interested.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 10th ($617)

19) Webster University

Webster is a non-profit private university based out of Webster Groves, Missouri. It was founded as a Catholic’s women’s college in 1915, but has grown into an independent, non-denominational university with multiple branch locations across the United States. Webster offers undergraduate and graduate programs in liberal arts, fine and performing arts, teacher education, business and management. Webster serves over 12,700 students (12:1 student-to-faculty ratio), which represent 50 U.S. states and 140 countries. The university has produced about 170,000 graduates globally. In 2019, USNR ranked it 56th among Best Value Schools, and 23rd among Regional Universities Midwest universities. Webster offers an online MBA. It comes in the following specializations: Business and Organizational Security Management, Cybersecurity, Environmental Management, Gerontology, Health Administration, Human Resources Development, Human Resources Management, Information Technology Management, International Business, International Relations, Management and Leadership, Marketing, Media Communications, Procurement and Acquisitions Management, or Project Management. The marketing specialization emphasizes technology and international business. There are a number of delivery formats for these programs. Throughout, you’ll study accounting, economics, finance, marketing, production operations and strategic management. You’ll also gain the tools and techniques you need to thrive no matter your business environment or the challenges you face.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 21st ($780)

20) University of Houston-Victoria

UHV is a public, state university in Victoria, Texas. It was founded in 1973. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through schools of Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, Education & Human Development, and Nursing. It’s ranked in the 96th-127th bracket in the USNR 2019 Regional Universities West ranking, and also tied at 405th for its business programs. Its business courses are accredited through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Over 4,300 students attend UHV, which has a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. UHV offers an online Global MBA. Concentrations include finance, management, marketing, entrepreneurship, economic development, and human resources management. You’ll learn the finer points of international business, and gain the competencies and cultural skills to succeed worldwide. Students take courses like International Finance, International Marketing, Financial Management, and Statistics & Research Methods. Then you’ll go on to take two marketing-specific courses on top of that core curriculum. The program requires 36-39 credits.
  • Homepage
  • Cost per credit hour: 27th ($851)

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]]> The 10 Most Affordable Online Associates in Communications Degree Programs https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/the-most-affordable-online-associates-in-communications-degree-programs/ Sat, 29 Sep 2018 20:19:57 +0000 https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/?p=7079 Digital technologies have upended everything we thought we knew about traditional communication (at least the kind practiced since Gutenberg). The ability to amplify a message instantly across multiple mediums has […]

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]]> Digital technologies have upended everything we thought we knew about traditional communication (at least the kind practiced since Gutenberg). The ability to amplify a message instantly across multiple mediums has tremendous advantages — but comes with serious downsides as well. Do-overs are increasingly rare. Mistakes are costlier than ever. How do you say what you mean to say, and how do you ensure your audience understands? Every organization is being forced to face these problems, and they’re doing so by hiring: advertising, marketing, and promotions manager roles are projected to increase 10% over the next decade; public relations specialist jobs are expected to grow by 23,000. In all, the media and communications industry will add over 43,000 jobs through 2026 with a median annual wage of $56k. Colleges and universities have taken notice. Communications programs are on the rise, and online degrees have streamlined education for students in need of high-quality, affordable instruction. If you’re interested in a communications career but unable to commit to a full bachelor’s, an associate degree may be the right fit (and allows you to transfer into a bachelor’s program). For your convenience, we’ve ranked the ten most affordable online communications programs below. Keep reading to find the right degree for your needs!

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1) Northeast Mississippi Community College

Northeast Mississippi Community College is a two-year public school serving certificate and associate programs for residents of Alcorn, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo and Union Counties (AA and AAS). All degrees underscore career-driven, industry-tailored instruction, and classes are highly flexible and customizable to accommodate a variety of non-traditional students and adult learners. Online classes deliver through the Mississippi Virtual Community College and offer several tools, from group discussion boards to chat rooms and tech support. Nearly all students receive some form of financial aid, and the 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio promotes a vibrant, collaborative atmosphere and an intimate classroom experience. Northeast Mississippi offers an affordable online associate’s in Marketing Communications and PR designed for students interested in pursuing manager-level roles in advertising, marketing, promotions, media, and more. Graduates of the program can transfer into the University of Mississippi’s bachelor’s in Business Administration. In addition to in-depth coursework, students are encouraged to complete an internship to gain hands-on experience in the field. Areas of study may include market research, marketing strategy, sales, advertising, promotion, pricing, product development, and public relations, among other business subjects.

2) American Public University

Founded in 1951 as a subsidiary of the American Military University, American Public University is a leading online education center, with a total enrollment of more than 50,000 students, 60% of which are active duty or military veterans; 17,000 are enrolled through the GI Bill. All students receive some form of financial assistance, and the university’s 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio promotes a dynamic learning experience that combines tailored instruction, peer-to-peer education, and skill-building coursework and professional development. American Public University’s affordable online associate’s in Communication prepares students to pursue careers in journalism, marketing and public relations, business management, public policy, or corporate training. Major coursework includes Information & Digital Literacy, Making Writing Relevant, Interpersonal Communications, Information Literacy and Global Citizenship, Human Relations, Public Speaking, and more. Embedded electives allow students to create a customized curriculum, and monthly start dates mean you can begin the program at your convenience. Upon completion of the degree, students will be able to: describe the basics of communications theory; articulate and apply interpersonal and intercultural communication practices; demonstrate an understanding of communication ethics, the dynamics of small group communication, and communication between genders.

3) Mesa Community College

Mesa Community College, founded in 1965, is the largest of the 10 community colleges in Maricopa County, with an enrollment of about 26,000. The average student age is 25, and 70% are enrolled part-time, highlighting Mesa Community’s emphasis on flexibility to accommodate working professionals, adult learners, and non-traditional students. The 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio fosters a tight-learning environment. 96% of MCC students say they would recommend MCC to a friend or family member; 98% of 2014-15 MCC graduates said they were satisfied or very satisfied with their instructors. Credit for life experiences, academic and career counseling, and on-campus day care for students’ children are also available. Mesa Community’s online AAS in Business includes a Business Communication track for students interested in bookkeeping, business communication, management, marketing, real estate, international business, or project management. Major coursework includes Interpersonal Communication, Elements of Intercultural Communication, Project Management In Quality Organizations, Technical and Professional Writing, Society and Business, Business Communication, and more. All online courses are highly customizable, and elective options allow students to tailor the degree to areas of professional interest. Other business specializations include Management, Marketing, Management Information Systems, Web Technology, Small Business, Multimedia Technology, and more.

4) Rasmussen College

Founded in 1900, Rasmussen College offers associate’s degrees, applied associate’s, bachelor’s, certificates, and diplomas across 23 campuses and the school’s extensive online campus. Designed for adult learners, working professionals, and non-traditional students, all Rasmussen programs are highly flexible, including accelerated tracks and cost-saving opportunities such as flex paths, scholarships, discounts, and a generous transfer policy. With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Rasmussen combines tailored instruction opportunities with a vibrant, collaborative educational community. Additional benefits include credit for life experiences, academic and career counseling, and military support services. Rasmussen offers an affordable online associate’s in Marketing that blends traditional practices and concepts with skills for the modern digital economy (i.e., market research, public relations, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and product management). Major coursework includes Online Multimedia Marketing, Internet Business Models and E-Commerce, Public Relations and Advertising Strategies, Communicating in Your Profession, Computer Applications and Business Systems Concepts, Business Law, and more. From there, students can concentrate in either Digital Marketing or Sales Management, and elective options provide the track with a customizable component. Graduates of the program have gone on to careers in accounting, healthcare, finance, insurance, government, and retail and hospitality. The degree can be completed in as little as 18 moths.

5) Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University, founded in 1914, has a total enrollment of about 8,200. The American Council of Trustees and Alumni named Colorado Christian one of just 20 schools to earn an “A” rating on its annual assessment (which it’s earned several years in a row), and as a member of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities, CCU is ranked among the top universities in the country. The university’s online campus is designed to fit the needs of adult learners and working professionals, with flexible scheduling, self-paced classes, and transfer credit opportunities. Washington Monthly named CCU one of the “Best Four-Year Colleges for Adult Learners” by in 2016. With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, CCC combines collaborative learning with intimate, individualized instruction. Colorado Christian offers an online associate’s degree in Communications that balances affordability with a theoretical and practical approach to the field, preparing students for careers in business, media, journalism, politics, or nonprofit work. Coursework includes Research Writing, Information Literacy, Effective Business Communication, Oral Communication, Introduction to Mass Communication, Communication and Technology, and Communication Law, among others. Electives allow students to tailor the associate’s program to areas of professional interest, new classes start every 5-7 weeks, and course blocks deliver in accelerated 5-week terms; most students complete the degree in two years or less. The track is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

6) Waldorf University

Founded in 1903, Waldorf University is a private liberal arts school with an enrollment of 2,000. Offering a range of certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs, Waldorf’s online offerings have expanded to to fit the scheduling needs of adult learners, working professionals, and non-traditional students. The 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio encourages a dynamic, collaborative learning community, and nearly all students receive some form of financial aid, which covers over 80% of tuition costs. Waldorf offers an affordable online associate’s degree in Leadership Communication that’s built for both current and aspiring professionals in social media, public relations, communication strategies, public speaking, and related fields. Major requirements include Communication Skills for Leaders, General Psychology, and Attitudes and Persuasion. From there, students choose two electives to tailor the curriculum; available courses include Creative Thinking and Problem Solving, Graphic Core, Digital Core, Public Relations Skills, Crisis Management, and Speech Communications. For students who want to pursue further instruction, the associate track fulfills requirements for the Leadership Communication concentration for Waldorf’s bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership. Full-time students can complete the degree in as little as two years.

7) Raritan Valley Community College

Raritan Valley Community College offers more than 150 online courses and a growing number of online programs, each of which include rigorous academics and expert instruction from RVCC’s faculty. Asynchronous 100% coursework allows students to complete classes on their own schedule, and provides maximum flexibility to accommodate a variety of working professionals, adult learners, and non-traditional students. 60% of RVCC students are enrolled on a part-time basis, and over half are over 21 years old. Additional benefits include credit for life experiences, dual credits, academic and career counseling, and on-campus day care for students’ children. Raritan Valley’s online associate’s in Communication Studies is highly affordable and prepares students in careers or future studies in public speaking, communication, media production, and journalism. Major coursework includes Introduction to Mass Communication, Speech, Intercultural Communication, and more. Communication electives allow students to customize the degree to areas of professional interest, and co-op, internship, and service learning projects provide a hands-on component. Upon graduation, communication students will be prepared to: write effectively across media, organize and deliver effective oral presentations, understand the relationship between media and society, recognize where and how communication breaks down, and analyze visual communication media.

8) Harrisburg Area Community College

Founded in 1964, Harrisburg Area Community College has over 20,000 students, making it one of the largest two-year universities in the region. Harrisburg’s extensive online offerings feature over 50 unique programs designed to accommodate adult learners, working professionals, and non-traditional students with a variety of customized delivery methods, including accelerated degree paths. The 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports a combination of collaborative learning with intimate, personalized instruction, and nearly 80% of students receive some form of financial aid. Credit for life experiences, dual credits, academic and career counseling, and on-campus day care for students’ children are also available. HACC offers three affordable online communications associate degrees in Human Communication, Journalism, and Public Relations. Major coursework includes Mass Media and Society, Theories of Communication, Intercultural Communication, and a Communication capstone. From there, students select their specialization, and electives are available to help shape a unique, customized curriculum. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to communicate effectively in diverse personal, professional, civic, and social relationships; express ideas orally and in written form; analyze issues in the history, theory, and criticism of human and mass communication; and transfer into a bachelor’s program in one of the three available specializations.

9) Central Penn College

Central Penn College Affordable Online Associates in Communications Degree Programs Central Penn College, founded in 1881, has a total enrollment of 1,047 and ranks among the best colleges in the North region according to US News. With associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s programs, Central Penn’s 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio fosters a tight-knit learning community that combines collaborative education with a tailored, personalized instruction approach to accommodate every student’s needs. Nearly 70% of classes have fewer than 20 students and none over 49. For those interested in financial aid opportunities, 83% of full-time undergrads receive some form of tuition assistance. Additional benefits include credit for life experiences, academic and career counseling services, and weekend and evening delivery. Central Penn’s affordable online associate’s degree in Communications instructs students in foundational theories and a variety of skills to succeed in the modern workforce. Coursework includes Media Writing, Public Relations, Journalism, Survey of Mass Communication, Communications Ethics, Advertising, Communications Law, and more. Specifically, students will focus on social media content production, editing, and strategy, how to write press releases and other written communications, and industry standards for media copy and materials. In addition to built-in electives, students are required to complete an internship or capstone course to earn real-world experience and develop professional skills. Graduates of the program have gone on to careers in as copywriters, content producers, broadcasters, and more.

10) Franklin University

Founded in 1902, Franklin University is a private school designed for adult learners, working professionals, and non-traditional students, with a growing roster of online degree programs. The average student is in their mid-30s, and 90% of students transfer into a program using prior academic credits. All programs utilize maximum flexibility to fit students’ schedules, and multiple accelerated paths are available for students who want to fast-track their education. The 13:1 student-to-faculty supports a tight-knit educational setting and personalized instruction by expert faculty. Student support services include career development, academic advising, credit for life experiences, tech support, online tutoring, enrollment assistance, and more. About 40% of full-time undergrads receive some form of financial aid. Franklin offers an affordable online associate’s degree in Communications that teaches students how to to create professional communications solutions through creative, strategic, and technical skills. Major coursework includes Interpersonal Communication, Marketing, Business & Professional Writing, Communication Ethics, Organizational Communication, and Communication in Groups and Teams. In particular, Franklin’s program emphasizes interpersonal, organizational, and media communications, and how communications professional can help business discover and utilize their voice. Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue careers as communications associates, marketing coordinators, public relations specialists, and copywriters, among other roles.

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]]> The 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Public Relations https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/the-most-affordable-online-bachelors-in-public-relations/ Sat, 29 Sep 2018 20:03:15 +0000 https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/?p=7068 Public Relations is a challenging, growing field that encompasses a number of career paths. With infinite voices vying for attention, organizations of all types are desperate to communicate their messages […]

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]]> Public Relations is a challenging, growing field that encompasses a number of career paths. With infinite voices vying for attention, organizations of all types are desperate to communicate their messages and value to an oversaturated market. Working in PR, you’ll do:
  • Extensive research
  • Craft messages that further organizational goals
  • Plan publicity strategies and campaigns
  • Organize and execute promotional events
  • Act as the face of your organization
  • And so much more.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found the 2017 median pay for public relations specialists was $59,300 annually. They also found there were approximately 259,600 of these positions, and projected a 9% growth between 2016-26 (about 23,000 new jobs). The typical entry-level education for these roles is through a Bachelor’s program. As a PR professional you’ll find job opportunities in:
  • Business
  • Advertising
  • Media
  • Journalism
  • Politics
  • Non-profits
  • And working for any other organization that interacts with segments of the public.
Communications and Public Relations Bachelor degrees are some of the most popular undergraduate degrees available, in part because of the versatility they allow. Students who study Communications or PR can be found working in just about every sector of the economy, and/or go on to study a wide breadth of subjects impacted by communication in their graduate studies. We’ve gone through an ocean of PR Bachelor’s degrees to offer you the following affordable options. We ranked these programs using the following methodology:
  • Undergraduate tuition
  • Percent of undergraduates that receive financial aid
  • National rankings
  • Delivery format (online, on-campus, or hybrid)
  • Time the degree takes to earn.

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Let’s get into our excellent, affordable Bachelor’s in Public Relations options:

1) Columbia College

Columbia College is a private, non-profit independent liberal arts school in Columbia, Missouri. It was founded in 1851. Columbia has a covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The Missouri institution is the flagship for dozens of Columbia College campuses in 13 states, the Internet, and Cuba. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, and certifications, through departments of Art, Business Administration, Humanities, Science, Nursing, History, Criminal Justice and many more. Columbia received the designation of a “Best Midwestern University” by The Princeton Review in 2014. Nearly 13,500 students attend Columbia, which has a 27:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Throughout its history Columbia has been determined to modernize and evolve higher education. Columbia offers a Public Relations and Advertising Major. Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in this discipline, and students can take classes at the Columbia and Fort Sill, Oklahoma campuses. Students choose a Public Relations or Advertising Track within this major. Sample Public Relations courses include Organizational Behavior, Intercultural Communications, International Business, Crisis Management, and much more. You’ll learn how to create and promote a public image for people, businesses and other organizations. The program focuses on visual, verbal, and written elements of successful public relations.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 11th ($8,700)

2) University of Florida

UF is a senior member of the State University System of Florida. It was established in 1853, and operates from Gainesville, Florida. Over 52,600 students attend the school, which offers a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio. UF is a public, sea-grant, space-grant, and land-grant research school with an incredible reputation. Some of the degree topics offered include: environmental management in agriculture and natural resources, health education, biology, entomology, industrial and systems engineering, and Latin. Students also can pursue doctoral degrees in education, audiology, philosophy, classical studies, nursing practice, public relations and pharmacy. The University of Florida is also consistently ranked as one of the top-value schools in the country by sources like Princeton Review and Smart Money Magazine. In 2018 it was ranked the ninth best public university in the country by USNR. UF offers an online Bachelor of Science in Public Relations. Graduates will leave the program ready to get between organizations and the environments and people they interact with. In the program you’ll build significant skills and understanding in areas like writing, research, strategy, mass communication law and visual communication. Students will learn to anticipate reaction to events, analyze and communicate public opinion, advise management on plans of action, then create and deploy an organization’s response to events, or advocate for policies/perceptions that are beneficial to it. Students will be prepared to work as Media Coordinators, Fundraising Managers, Communications Specialists, Account Executives and much more.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 1st ($3,876)

3) Arkansas Tech University

ATU is a public university founded in 1909. It’s headquartered in Russellville, Arkansas. That campus concentrates on undergraduate and graduate education, while the ATU-Ozark Campus is focused on Associate’s degrees and certifications. It conveys degrees through Colleges of Applied Sciences, Arts & Humanities, Business, Education, Natural & Health Sciences, and Professional Studies and Community Outreach. Since 1995 ATU has invested $180 million into upgrading its infrastructure, and has added more than 40 programs of study. There are over 11,800 students at ATU, which offers a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Arkansas Tech offers a Bachelor of Professional Studies that comes in concentrations of Workforce Technology, Applied Leadership, Criminal Justice, Industrial/Organization Psychology, Child Development, Interdisciplinary Studies, Agricultural Business, and Public Relations. Students will work on their verbal and written communication, research and problem solving abilities, leadership, and much more. Upper level public relations courses include Community Journalism, Project Design, Group Communication, Persuasive Theory and Audience Analysis, among many others. The program culminates in a Capstone Project in which students build an ePortfolio demonstrating what they’ve learned throughout the program.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 3rd ($6,624)

4) University of Memphis

U of M is a public research university headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. It was founded in 1912. The school is comprised of thirteen colleges and schools, including Arts and Sciences, Business and Economics, Communication and Fine Arts, Education, Engineering Nursing, Law, Music, and more. It also is home to several centers for advanced research in technology, earthquakes, intelligent systems, distributed learning, along with business and economic research. U of M offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees, in addition to graduate certificates. Over 21,500 students attend the school, which offers a low 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Its online programs are ranked 125th on USNR’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs list. U of M offers an online (and on-campus) Bachelor’s in Public Relations. Through it, students will have opportunities to work with local clients on actual communication problems. Senior students have also worked on campaigns for the school’s football team. Students have interned at organizations like St. Jude, FedEx, Archer Malmo and Obsidian PR. In the program students will learn to build awareness and positive associations with an organization, monitor the media to see how their organization or client is being portrayed, take action when the image of an organization, product or client is threatened, and much more. Students can also join Meeman 901 Strategies, which is a student-run strategic communication firm.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 12th ($9,125)

5) University of Alabama at Birmingham

UAB is a public university that was established in 1969. Over 20,900 students attend UAB, which has a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Over 110 countries are represented in its student body. The school offers 140 programs broken into 12 academic divisions leading to bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees. Top areas of study include social and behavioral sciences, the liberal arts, business, education, engineering, and health-related fields. UAB is ranked 129th among all National Universities, and 80th among Best Value schools by USNR. UAB has more funding than all other Alabama universities combined. UAB offers an entirely online Bachelor of Science in Marketing. You’ll learn how to create ideas, work within a budget, make moves that result in profit, and manage, massage and create media. Students will learn how to incorporate social and technological trends into PR campaigns. This is a versatile program, and students will be prepared for careers working in advertising, public relations, marketing, and sales. This program also lets students access HireABlazer, UAB’s online career management service. UAB has been named among the Top 100 “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs” by USNR, and has also been commended by the Princeton Review for four consecutive years for its diversity.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 7th ($8,040)

6) Point Park University

Point Park is a private, non-profit university based in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It’s a comprehensive doctoral-level university that has an illustrious liberal arts tradition. Point Park was founded in 1960. Over 4,200 students attend the school, which has a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Point Park conveys over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and is divided into four schools: School of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, School of Communication and Conservatory of Performing Arts. USNR ranks Point Park 105th among Regional Universities North (one of the more competitive regions in the country). Point Park offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising. It helps students gain experience in advertising, as opposed to just PR, and focuses on hands-on courses. The program culminates in a a capstone project where you will students work with an agency to create a marketing campaign for a corporate or nonprofit client. The program can be completed in 2-4 years, and its next start date is October 21st, 2018. It’s offered in a fully digital, flexible environment that includes student support from application through graduation. You’ll get to choose from electives like Branding and Corporate Identity, Graphic Design, Media Planning and Buying, Mass Media Internship, among many others.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 21st ($12,875)

7) West Virginia University

WVU is a public, land-grant university known for its intense research activity, and has been classified as an “R1” Research University (Very High Research Activity) by Carnegie. It was established in Morgantown, West Virginia in 1867. Over 28,400 students attend WVU, which has a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The school offers students 191 different bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs through 15 colleges in campuses throughout West Virginia and around the world. WVU boasts schools of pharmacy, medicine, public health, law, media, education & human resources, business & economics, creative arts and more. WVU offers an online Regents Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in Public Relations. It prepares students for careers in media relations, event planning, corporate communications, community relations, crisis management, publicity and promotion, public affairs, and government relations, among other positions. The PR emphasis portion of this degree is comprised of two prerequisite courses (6 credit hours) and four 300-level courses (12 credit hours). Sample courses include Writing for Public Relations, Applied Public Relations, Media Ethics and Law, and IMC for Public Relations.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 6th ($7,992)

8) Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University is a public research university founded in 1909. It’s the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University system. Nearly 14,000 students attend Arkansas State, which has a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. In 2017, USNR ranked it #61 in the Southern region. It offers master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees through colleges of Agriculture and Technology, Business, Education, Engineering, Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Media and Communication, Nursing and Health Professions, and Sciences and Mathematics. In recent years, ASU has been increasing its selectivity, and has seen a growth in average GPA of its students and an uptick in its Honors College student body in response. Arkansas State offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. Students have the option to pair this degree with other online A-State degrees like a B.A. in Criminology, B.A. in Political Science, or B.A. in Sociology. This program gives students a versatile look at communication from many perspectives, including public relations. The curriculum tackles communication theory through experiential learning that will forge graduates into effective interpersonal, professional and organizational communicators. Sample courses include Organization Communication, Principles of Persuasion, Communications Research Methods, among many others.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 4th ($6,990)

9) University of Texas Permian Basin

UTPB is a public university in Odessa, Texas. It was founded in 1973, and is part of the UT System. The school is named after the geological formation, which has created an oil boom, prompting significant growth at UTPB and the area. It conveys Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees through colleges of Nursing, Engineering, Education, Business, and Arts and Sciences. In total, students can access 35 undergraduate and 18 graduate programs through UTPB. It consistently ranks among the top 5 Texas public universities for students employed or accepted in graduate/professional school one year after graduation. Over 7,000 students attend UTPB, which offers a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio. UTPB offers an entirely online Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Courses are offered in 7-week sessions, quicker than usual. Students can also choose from six start dates for the program. The program gives students a look at the communication theories and the influence of modern media on businesses, societies and cultures worldwide. USNR has ranked UTPB’s online Bachelor’s among the nation’s top 50 Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs. Sample courses include Research Methods, Theories of Communication, and Argument and Persuasion, among many others. Students can also choose to minor in psychology or sociology as part of this program.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 2nd ($5,774)

10) University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota is the state’s oldest school. In fact it predates the state it self. UND was founded in 1883, six years before North Dakota. It has over 14,400 students, and an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio. UND offers students access to 224 fields of study, with 90 undergraduate majors, 73 undergraduate minors, 54 master’s programs, 27 doctoral programs, two professional programs (medicine and law), and a specialist diploma program in educational leadership. It also has an interdisciplinary program allowing students to earn a degree in a customized course of study. Its online program has received consistent high marks from USNR, and it also has been commended for being a military-friendly online school. UND offers an online (or on-campus) Communication (B.A.). It will teach students to create effective messages in any medium, and focuses on the significant impact of language throughout society. In the program, students can choose an area of focus from the following: Strategic Communication, Digital Journalism, Advertising, Social Media Strategy, Digital Analytics, and Public Relations. Students will have the opportunity to intern at a news agency, broadcast company, advertising firm or other, comparable organization. They’ll also have a shot at studying abroad and specializing in international communication. The school notes that 94% of UND Communication graduates are employed or pursuing graduate degrees.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 8th ($8,136)

11) New England College

NEC is a private, non-profit college based out of Henniker, New Hampshire. Currently over 2,800 students attend the school, enjoying an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It offers 37 bachelor’s degree programs, 12 master’s degree programs, and one doctoral degree program through schools of Arts & Sciences, Education, Management, and Natural & Social Sciences. USNR ranked New England #146-#187 in its “Regional Universities – North, Tier 2” in 2018. It also ranked tied for 107th out of 1,388 on the USNR “Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs” list. The school puts an emphasis on experiential learning over theoretical. NEC offers a 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a Concentration in Public Relations and Advertising. Sample courses include Advertising and Promotion, Principles of Public Relations, Cross-Cultural Communication, and Advertising: History and Criticism. The program prepares students for a number of careers, including working as a manager in Public Relations, Advertising, Social Media, and much more. In the program you’ll learn what goes into a successful PR or advertising campaign. NEC focuses on how cross-cultural communication can help individuals and organizations. Students will learn about the fundamentals of PR, analyze advertising, look at consumer trends and tackle challenges to PR professionals.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 19th ($12,150)

12) California Baptist University

BU is a private, Christian, liberal arts headquartered in Riverside, California. It was founded in 1950, and is affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention. Currently the school serves over 9,900 students, and offers a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio. CBU offers 76 majors and 52 minors for undergraduates, as well as 31 Master’s and three Doctoral programs. USNR has ranked CBU 32nd among Regional Universities West, 20th among Best Value Schools, and 7th among Most Innovative Schools for 2019. CBU offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. It can be completed in just 16 months. The program begins with foundational communication and journalism courses, then goes on to cover a breadth of topics that includes interpersonal communication, media law, ethics and copy, editing for print and online media, principles of marketing, layout and design principles, and public relations campaigns and strategies. CBU has ensured the program looks at PR from a Christian perspective. Students will be prepared to work as Speechwriters, Copywriters, in Corporate Communications, Training & Development, and much more.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 20th ($12,444)

13) Grand Canyon University

GCU is a private liberal arts school, established in 1949. It’s based out of Phoenix, Arizona. GCU was purchased by Grand Canyon Education Inc. in 2004, and became a for-profit, Christian research university, making it the first for-profit Christian college in the country. Currently, GCU serves over 75,000 students online with undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in education, liberal arts, business, science, engineering, math, Christian theology, and health care. It has a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio. GCU has had a powerful impact on Arizona’s economy. An economic impact study conducted in 2015 estimated GCU contributes $1 billion into the state’s economy annually. GCU offers an online and on-campus Bachelor of Arts in Communications. On-campus courses are conferred in 15 weeks, but only 7 weeks online. The program will help students unearth how to, “construct messages, common characteristics of effective communication and contextual factors that influence individuals personally or as business professionals.” All of the skills gained will apply immediately to jobs in public relations, political communication, human resources, sales and marketing. Students will build competencies in research development, conflict and advocacy, public relations, organizational and small group communication and much more through the program. Up to 90 credits of the 120 required for this program can be transferred in.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 29th ($17,050)

14) University of Louisville

The University of Louisville (UofL) is a public university in Kentucky. It was established in 1798. Louisville is a member of the Kentucky state university system. When it was founded, it was the first city-owned public university in America. Louisville offers bachelor’s degrees in 70 fields, master’s degrees in 78, and doctorate degrees in 22 through 12 schools and colleges. Over 21,400 students attend UofL, and it has a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Louisville offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Communication. The program features 100% online classes, exciting internship opportunities, and professional student advising to help students plan their degree format. Students will focus on research and coursework that delves deep into the rhetorical, organizational, interpersonal, and mediated contexts and perspectives that make up modern communication. Louisville also offers a Bachelor of Science in Communication that requires more communication credits, whereas the B.A. requires more foreign language and liberal arts credits and fewer credits in communication.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 25th ($15,034)

15) Regent University

Regis University is a private Jesuit university founded in 1877 and located in Denver, Colorado. The university is highly regarded as U.S. News & World Report ranked it 201st among National Universities for 2019. Over 9,400 students attend Regis, which has a 42:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Regis is divided into five different colleges: Regis College; The Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions; the College of Contemporary Liberal Studies; the College of Computer and Information Sciences; and the College of Business and Economics. It offers 30 different online bachelor degrees, including Accounting, Computer Science, and Nursing. The university also offers 42 different online graduate degrees including a masters of Information Assurance, a masters of Business Administration, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Regent offers an online (and on-campus) B.A. in Communication Studies with a focus in Advertising-Public Relations. You’ll learn the theories and practices that lead to successful branding and marketing. You’ll be prepared to work as a Copywriter, Account Manager, Media Relations Specialist, and a Marketing Coordinator, among other positions. Learning outcomes include familiarity with marketing communication campaigns, media choice, creative development and media analysis. You’ll learn how public relations pieces support marketing plans, and design communications that accomplish organizational goals. Regent has several related degrees to this program at the Bachelor, Master and Doctoral level.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 26th ($16,438)

16) University of Minnesota Crookston

UMC is a four-year, public university in Crookston, Minnesota. It’s one of five campuses that make up the University of Minnesota system. Crookston was founded in 1966. Students can access 34 undergraduate degree programs (majors), 39 areas of concentration, and 22 minors through four academic departments: Agriculture and Natural Resources; Business; Liberal Arts and Education; and Math, Science and Technology. In 2004 the school got approval from the University of Minnesota Board of Regents to offer 14 more majors, fulfilling a commitment to expand programming. Over 2,800 students attend the school, which has a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. UMC has ranked in the top four on the U.S. News & World Report “Best Colleges” in the “Midwest Public Regional Colleges” category consecutively from 1998 to 2017. UMC offers an online (and on-campus) Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communication. In it, students choose from one of three three areas of emphasis: writing, organizational communication/public relations, or communication studies. No matter the emphasis area, students will study “communication theory and practice in the creation, presentation, and evaluation of coherent messages.” The Organizational Communication/Public Relations curriculum will prepare graduates to work in Media Relations, Public affairs and information, Corporate communication, and much more. Students will also work on portfolio-building materials that can be used in their career.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 15th ($11,700)

17) Drexel University

Drexel is a private research university with three campuses in Philadelphia. Nearly 24,200 students attend Drexel, which has an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It offers students access to over 70 undergraduate programs and more than 100 master’s, doctoral, and professional programs. The school was founded in 1891 by financier and philanthropist Anthony J. Drexel. A unique aspect of Drexel is the school offers students a co-opeducation program (co-op) in which they can get 18 months of paid, full-time work experience in the field they’re studying before graduating Drexel. In 2017, U.S. News & World Report ranked Drexel tied for 96th among national universities in the United States, and tied for 14th in the “Most Innovative Schools” category. Drexel offers an online BS in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. They also offer a BA version of the program. Students will learn how to announce news, plan conferences, appear on television on behalf of an organization, or work on special events, press conferences, media plans, video production, or writing and editing content. Many communication graduates continue on to graduate study of law, business, or communication. This program begins with a common core of courses that cover communication theory and methods. Then, in the PR concentration students will learn how to assist organizations as they deal with communication and relationship challenges they face interacting with their target audiences.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 31st ($22,371)

18) Arizona State University

Arizona State University is one of the largest public higher education institutions in the country. Over 51,100 students attend ASU, which has a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio. It was established in 1885. USNR’s 2019 rankings named ASU No. 1 among the Most Innovative Schools in America. It was the fourth year in a row that they received the distinction. Some of ASU Online bachelor’s degrees include communications, art history, business, film, and justice studies. It also offers master’s degrees in legal studies, nutrition, English, electrical engineering, as well as doctoral degrees in behavioral health and leadership and innovation. Its online resources include enrollment counselors, academic advisers, and success coaches. ASU Online lets students choose from six start dates each year. ASU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Communication. Its next start date is 10/10/18. Its courses cover business and professional communication; leadership, persuasion, and social influence; conflict and negotiation; intercultural communication in the global marketplace; the impact of gender, race, and class on communication; and training and development. It will prepare students for a career in sales, human resource management, public relations, event planning, nonprofit management, and any other position that prizes critical thinking, statistics and research, and effective communication. There are 40 total classes in the program, and classes are offered in 7.5 week sessions. This program is fast track eligible, so students can plan a schedule that works for them with an academic advisor.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 13th ($10,370)

19) Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian is a private, interdenominational Christian university based in Lakewood, Colorado. It was created in 1914. CCU serves nearly 7,400 students, offering a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Its degrees are conferred through its College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies. CCU students can access over 100 degree programs and licensure and certification programs through them. The American Council of Trustees and Alumni has given CCU an “A” grade many times, based on a comparison of CCU and over 1,000 other universities. The schools were measured for their strengths in composition, literature, foreign language, American history, economics, mathematics and science, then given the grade. CCU offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. Classes are offered in 5-week blocks. The next start date is October 8th. The program is aimed at helping students function in a variety of business and marketing environments. You’ll be educated on how to manage people or messaging for an organization. As a graduate of the program you’ll be desired by organizations with need for public relations, medial or legal communication help. You’ll also learn practical skills, like how to write speeches or market products.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 34th ($29,360)

20) National University

NU is a private, nonprofit California university, founded in 1971. Nearly 17,100 students attend the school, which has a 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio. NU conveys programming through its College of Letters and Sciences, the Sanford College of Education, the School of Business and Management, the School of Engineering and Computing, the School of Health and Human Services, and the School of Professional Studies. Its online programming was designed to maximize engagement and interactivity. It utilizes streaming videos, real-time discussions, multimedia learning material, and online classrooms. Its online programs are often concentrated (with some taking only 4 weeks to complete). NU designed its online programming this way to help working, adult learners take classes compatible with their lifestyles. NU’s endowment is within the top 200 in the country. NU offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications. It prepares students for careers in marketing, sales, advertising, fundraising, PR, or any other persuasive positions. You’ll build traditional communication skills along with specific comms skills in print, broadcast, social, personal and mobile media. Sample courses include e-Marketing, Communication Campaigns, Persuasion, Critical Thinking and Ethics, among many others. You’ll learn the importance of high-quality research, and see how it can impact and improve effective communication.
  • Homepage
  • Undergraduate Tuition: 5th ($7,195)

The post The 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Public Relations appeared first on Best Marketing Degrees.

]]> What Marketers Need to Know about Data Science https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/what-marketers-need-to-know-about-data-science/ Fri, 29 Jun 2018 18:11:39 +0000 https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/?p=6882 Data science has been called many things, including the “sexiest job of the 21st century” and “the latest in-demand skill for marketers.” “Big data” has captivated the popular imagination. And […]

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]]> sexiest job of the 21st century” and “the latest in-demand skill for marketers.” “Big data” has captivated the popular imagination. And ads so well targetted they’re creepy are the new norm. Beyond the hype, a great deal of marketing is all about data (well, information…more on that in our write up on business intelligence analysis). Think about marketing today. What do all of the following have in common?
  • Customer Engagement
  • Customer Retention and Loyalty
  • Marketing Optimization and Performance
First off, they’re some of the most needed marketing elements in nearly every industry. Secondly, you’ll never keep up in these key areas without a substantial amount of data and the ability to make sense of it. Undoubtedly the ability to effectively gather, make use of, and present data is useful in many fields today. But there’s one additional point that makes marketers with data chops particularly well suited to do their own analytics: all the data chops in the world don’t matter if you don’t know what data to gather, and what data is important. Here’s where the first-hand experience of marketers becomes extremely valuable when coupled with data science tools. Marketers have knowledge of what metrics matter, where to obtain metrics that matter, and industry knowledge of stakeholders, KPI’s, and value for clients. With that said, there is undoubtadly value for marketers that know data science. But the question is, how much data know-how is necessary?

What Marketing Role?

First, we’ll need to distinguish between marketing roles. Copywriters need to be data literate to obtain feedback on their content, same with those in public relations, user experience, and so forth. Depending on your role as a marketing analyst, you could be compiling reports, and setting up data pipelines. This is to say that while most marketing roles benefit from at least a level of data literacy, not all need data experts. Below are some common marketing roles with the level of data expertise necessary for those roles in contemporary marketing organizations.
  • Marketing Specialist – Data Literate through Data Expert
  • Social Media Manager – Data Expert
  • Search Engine Optimization Specialist – Data Literate through Data Expert
  • Email Marketing Manager – Data Expert
  • Web Content Writer – Data Literate
  • Web Producer – Data Literate
  • Product Manager – Data Literate through Data Expert
  • Marketing Analyst – Data Literate through Data Expert
  • Advertising Coordinator – Data Literate
  • Advertising Manager – Advertising Coordinator
  • Public Relations Manager – Data Literate
  • Brand Manager – Data Literate
  • Media Buyer – Data Literate through Data Expert
  • Chief Marketing Officer – Data Literate through Data Expert
  • Digital Marketing Manager – Data Literate through Data Expert
  • Digital Marketing Director – Data Expert
  • eCommerce Manager – Data Expert

Data Literacy Vs. Expertise

While almost all marketing positions deal with processing data into information in some form, there are many components of a solid data-driven process that require greater expertise. Establishing data pipelines, data warehousing and storage, large scale data mining, data cleaning, online analytical processing, live data, and business activity monitoring tools (just to name a few) are often matters that need to be created and monitored by data experts. Where most of a data literate team may interact with these data sources in more user-friendly formats — like online dashboards or spreadsheets — data experts help to establish the information systems and policies themselves, playing a much more crucial role for many organizations.

Data Scientist in Marketing vs. Marketing Data Analyst

A good case study of the difference between demand for data literate versus data expert employees can be seen in comparing marketing data analyst roles vs. data scientists who work in marketing. Just looking at salaries, the average marketing data analyst salary in the United State is $53,993. The average salary for data scientists working marketing is $93,146. Data scientists performing marketing data analysis are paid almost twice as much as marketing analysts without as extensive of a data background. That’s because data analysis is truly only part of the job. Greater statistical, querying, scripting, scraping, cleaning, warehousing, and training skills are needed in truly data heavy jobs in marketing. All aspects of the data pipeline are necessary prerequisites for solid analysis of marketing data. Unless you obtain data from external parties, or have another branch of your business generating your data for you, marketing departments have continued to embrace the need for well rounded data experts among their ranks.

How Data Scientist Skills Align With Marketing Positions

To hone the link between a variety of marketing job descriptions and data science more, lets take a look at a common data science toolkit and how it pairs up with marketing jobs. While marketing-centered expertise and experience is necessary as well, many marketing positions are centered around what are essentially data science skillsets. Common skillset of Data Scientist
  • Exploratory data analysis
  • Generate prescriptive insights
  • Selection of Methods and Metrics for reporting to a variety of stakeholders
  • Training of Employees to understand important data and data use
  • A/B testing
  • Aiding Management With Data Pipeline
Common Marketing Positions Centered Around Data Science Skills
  • Exploratory data analysis — Brand Manager, Digital Marketing Director, eCommerce Manager
  • Generate Prescriptive Insights — UX Manager, Advertising Manager, Media Buyer, eCommerce Manager
  • Selection of Methods and Metrics — Brand Manager, Media Buyer, Chief Marketing Officer, SEO, Advertising Manager
  • Training of Employees to understand data — Digital Marketing Manager
  • A/B Testing — UX Manager, UX Designer, Advertising Manager, Social Media Marketer, Media Buyer, eCommerce Manager, SEO, Email Marketing Manager
  • Aiding Management With Data Pipeline — eCommerce Manager, SEO, Email marketing manager, Social Media Manager

Where to Learn Data Science Skills For Marketing

While many quantitative degrees will offer some portion of a data science skillset, the standard for data scientists “in the wild” is a master’s in data science. There is a wide variance in data science programs, however, as some focus on singular industries (say healthcare, or aeronautics, or banking). To this aim, we’ve compiled a marketing-centered ranking of data science master’s degrees. If you’re more interested in a combination of data science, business, and marketing knowledge, make sure to check out our other rankings particularly MBA’s, Master’s in Marketing, and Graduate Level Certificates in Marketing. However you find a program that suits your needs, note the following skills are central to data science roles in marketing today. Important Skills For Marketing Data Scientists
  • Scripting Language Like R or Python
  • SQL
  • Statistical or Machine Learning-Based Predictive Modeling
  • Exposure to Internet Marketing Data
  • Communication Skills

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]]> The 20 Best Online Master’s in Data Science Degree Programs https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/the-best-online-masters-in-data-science-degree-programs/ Wed, 27 Jun 2018 22:06:53 +0000 https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/?p=6864 Marketing is awash in data. Every step you take in a big box store, the hundreds of ads you see every day, what your hobbies are, and where you live, […]

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]]> Marketing is awash in data. Every step you take in a big box store, the hundreds of ads you see every day, what your hobbies are, and where you live, all are data used for successful marketing campaigns. And while most marketers are (or should be) data literate, the demand for real data gurus is massive. That’s what led data science to be called many things, including the “sexiest job of the 21st century” and “the latest in-demand skill for marketers. The payoff isn’t bad either. While the average marketing data analyst makes a little over $53,000 a year, data scientists in marketing make an average of over $93,000. If you could almost double you salary in less than two years of school, would you? If the answer is yes, we’ve already narrowed down your search some below. And if it’s just a maybe, note that almost all of the programs below were created with busy adult learners in mind. Methodology:
  • Affordability (1/4): the average out-of-state (if applicable) tuition per credit hour.
  • Flexibility (1/4): the range and quality of support features, and flexibility-enhancing components for adult learners.
  • Academic Quality (1/4): a composite metric looking at many academic success indicators including student-faculty ratios, graduation rates, retention rates, number of full-time faculty, and more.
  • Core Content Areas (1/4): whether or not each data science master’s degree covers core content areas related marketing in their curriculum including marketing data, data scraping and mining, business intelligence, and web analytics data.

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1. Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington (IUB) is a public research institution. This flagship university is located in Bloomington, Indiana. There are 49,695 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits IUB to award comprehensive degree programs and professional certifications. The U.S. News accolades are endless including: 90th best school in the nation, 52nd best college for veterans, 14th best undergraduate teaching college 6th best marketing program, 3rd best entrepreneurship program, 9th best management program, 2nd best school for online graduate business programs and 2nd best school for online MBA programs. If that weren’t enough, IUB is well-known globally for its active visual and performing arts programs. This well-rounded school supports student success with remedial support, academic and career counseling, placement for completers, employment services for students, and even credit for life experience. Not only that, but IUB currently offers 20 online degrees and professional certifications. One of the many online opportunities offered through IUB is their online Master of Science in Data Science. We selected this course for the high academic quality, flexibility, and wide-range of courses available. The program is 30 credit hours and costs approximately $715 per credit hour. 15 credit hour are devoted to electives- meaning that you can literally tailor this program to your precise interests. All students will study: statistics, machine learning and artificial intelligence, data science, data analytics and visualization (of which there are many to choose). You may specialize in precision health or cyber security. For a top-notch master’s in data science that gives you the freedom to pursue your unique passion, you can’t go wrong with IUB.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability: $715
  • Flexibility: Tailor your degree to meet your needs
  • Academic Prestige: 3/50

2. Dakota State University

Dakota State University is a public 4-year institution located in Madison, South Dakota. There are 3,190 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Dakota State University to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. New Dakota State ranks as the 118th best college in the region and 34th best public school. The university supports their students with remedial help, academic counseling, career counseling, and credit for life experiences. Their academic offerings hone in on a few career-ready degree programs including in the fields of biomedical science, medical informatics, kinesiology and exercise science and special education. Currently, there are over 25 online degrees and professional certifications available including their online associate degree in system, networking and LAN/WAN, online bachelor’s in special education, and online master’s in information sciences. Dakota State University (DSU) offers a Master of Science in Analytics. We selected this program for the affordable tuition rate, and for the number of options. You can follow one of three tracks: general, healthcare informatics, or information systems. This online degree prepares you for a career as a data scientist, data architect, market analyst, financial analyst, and more. The core courses include: Data Warehouse and Data Mining, Data Analytics, Big Data Analytics, Statistical Programming, Modern Applied Statistics I and II. If you follow the general track you will study business finance, business analysis for managerial decisions, economics for decision making, strategic marketing, and structure and design programming. We think this is a high value degree. For a straightforward route towards your master’s in data science, this is a great option.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability: $444.25
  • Flexibility: Three tracks available
  • Academic Prestige: 17/50

3. Pennsylvania State University (Penn State)

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is a public research university located in University Park, Pennsylvania. There are 47,789 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. The Middle State Commission on Higher Education accredits Penn State to award comprehensive degrees and professional certifications. U.S. News ranks Penn State as the 52nd best school in the nation, 20th best school for undergraduate engineering, and 14th best public school. The university offers comprehensive student support services including remedial help, academic and career counseling, placement for graduates, employment for students and credit for life experience. Penn State’s global ranking is 66th. We think it’s so high for the incredible academic and research powerhouse this flagship institution has become. Students are spoiled for choice and can literally choose from just about any academic discipline thinkable including women’s studies, veterinary science, substance abuse counseling, forestry, and opera. The other factor that likely contributes to their incredible influence in academics is their global university where students can select from over 100 online degrees and professional certifications. Penn State University offers a Master of Professional Studies in Data Analytics. We selected this program for the high quality of academics and flexible two options. Students may either select to study the base option or the business analytics option. Both are 30 credit-hour master’s degrees. If you select the base option and really want to gain knowledge of business analytics, you can tack on their online business analytics certification. The MPS in Data Analytics focuses on the following courses: Foundations of Predictive Analytics, Data Mining, Applied Statistics, Large-Scale Database and Warehouse, Data-Driven Decision Making, Database Design Concepts, Principle of Demography, GIS, and more. For a top-notch degree that gives you options, check out these programs from Penn State.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability: $930
  • Flexibility: Two options
  • Academic Prestige: 8

4. Bellevue University

Bellevue University is a private 4-year institution located in Bellevue, Nebraska. There are 8,896 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 31:1. U.S. News ranks Bellevue 153rd for online bachelor’s programs, and 120th for online graduate business programs. The student support services include academic and career counseling as well as credit for life experience. Their largest academic schools are in the fields of business, computer information sciences, and homeland security. Practically all of their academic programs are also available online including the online bachelor’s in education, online master’s in management science, and online bachelor’s in graphic design. Bellevue University offers an online Master of Science in Business Analytics. We selected this course for the affordable tuition rate and quality of the academic programming. The program requires 36 credit hours for completion and costs $545 per credit hour. Students are prepared to engage with data science in myriad of settings. The curriculum is divided into three main component parts: business foundation courses, information systems foundation courses, and business analytics courses. The business foundation courses are where you focus on business management, marketing and new media strategy, business analysis, and more. The information systems courses which are 9 credit hours of the course have some wiggle room You can select from the following courses: survey or system development, business system programming, infrastructure,information security management, managing emerging technologies, information technology project management, and IT strategy and policy. The remaining 12 credit hours of this program are in the are of business analytics and include: SAS programming for business analytics, enterprise data and information management, advanced business analytics, and advanced data mining applications. This is a well-rounded affordable program that works well with a number career paths.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability: $545
  • Flexibility: Information Systems Electives
  • Academic Prestige: 21

5. DePaul University

DePaul University is a private Roman Catholic institution located in Chicago, Illinois. There are 23,110 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits DePaul University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News DePaul University ranks as the 120th best university in the nation, 79th best value school, and 78th for best business programs. The university lends students support with remedial services, academic counseling and career counseling. DePaul is a great place to head for their wide range of academic offerings. Their degrees include programming in theater, playwriting, social work, anthropology, law, Italian, curriculum and instruction, computer graphics, real estate, and so much more. Currently, there are 15 online degree programs offered like their online master’s in medical informatics, and online bachelor’s in information technology. DePaul offers an online Master of Science in Data Science with four concentrations. We selected this course for the number of concentrations and high quality of the academic programming. Student may elect to focus on the computational methods concentration, health care, hospitality, or marketing. Each program requires 52 credit hours for completion and each are very thorough. Each degree culminates with a capstone experience that will either take the shape of a data analytics projects, course, internship, or thesis. With so many concentrations and so many electives you have an opportunity to tailor your programming to meet your specific needs. That’s why we love this option.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability:$830
  • Flexibility: 4 areas of concentration
  • Academic Prestige: 21/50

6. Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac University is a private institution located in Hamden, Connecticut. There are 9,900 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Quinnipiac University (QU) to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. U.S. News ranks QU as the 13th best university in the region, 5th best college for veterans, 41st best value school, and 35th best online graduate school for business programs. The aid in student success the university provides academic counseling, career counseling, and placement for graduates. Academic life is varied at QU and includes some exciting programs in medical microbiology, adult health, civil engineering, Spanish language teaching, psychology and cinematography and film among others. Their online presence continues to grow and includes a number of courses in business and even graphic design. QU offers an online Master of Science in Business Analytics. We selected this course for the high quality of the academic programming and diverse course material. This is a great option for individuals looking to mine data, interpret big data, and make sound analytical business choices. This 33 credit hour degree costs $925 per credit hour. Though not our cheapest pick, we think this course has good value. Here’s what you’ll study: business analytics, predictive modeling, data management, data warehousing, data mining, text mining, data visualization, and you will complete a business analytics capstone. The electives are where you can stretch out and hone your choices to match your passions and include courses like: web analytics and web intelligence, insurance analytics, programming for data analytics, Health Care analytics, business design and object-oriented analysis, and project management. As you can see, this program has endless potentials. Looking for a quick and flexible route towards a degree in data science? This may be the one.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability: $925
  • Flexibility: Tons of electives
  • Academic Prestige:7

7. West Virginia University

West Virginia University (WVU) is a public research university located in Morgantown, West Virginia. There are 28,488 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits WVU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. According to U.S. News WVU ranks as the 187th best school in the nation, 99th top public school, 151st top school for business programs, 15th for online graduate computer information technology programs, 47th for online MBA programs, and 63rd for best online graduate business programs. The university offers the full gamut of student support services including academic and a career counseling and even credit for life experiences. As you may have expected this flagship institution offers a wide-range of academic opportunities including degrees in fields like agriculture, computer analysis, education, Art, and sociology. WVU currently offers 23 online degree programs. WVU offers an online Master of Science in Business Data Analytics. We selected this program for the high quality of the academics and accelerated pace. This 30 credit hour program is 10 courses in length may be completed in one year. You will practice hands-on using GoFirst Cluster, so practicum is truly woven into the curriculum. The 10 courses are as follows: foundations of business intelligence, ethics and data collections, data management, business statistics I and II, business data mining, decision science and analytics, business simulation modeling, business data visualization, and a business analytics practicum. Are you looking for a fast solution to your career goals? This program is a no brainer.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability: $993
  • Flexibility: May be completed in one year
  • Academic Prestige: 1/50

8. Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University (OSU) is a public research university located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. There are 25,622 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits OSU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks OSU as the 156th best school in the nation, 80th best public school, 30th best school for online MBA programs, 37th best online graduate engineer programs, and 42nd for best online graduate business programs. Not only does OSU make programming accessible to all types of learners, but also successful with their myriad student support programs. The university offers remedial help, academic counseling, career counseling, and even credit for life experience. Academically, there’s a lot to choose from including some very unique programs like their PhD in animal nutrition, bachelor’s in soil sciences, Music teacher education, Russian language and literature, and much more. Currently, there are 30 online degree programs available. OSU offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics. This interdisciplinary program made our list for the high quality of the academic programming. Those who selected this program will learn to tackle data science from many angles making you a more marketable more diverse and desirable candidate for a job. You’ll even receive three certifications as a part of this degree. Online students study this program part time, so if you are busy with other commitments, this may be the right pacing for you. The program breaks down into two main areas: core courses and elective tracks. The tracks are either statistics or marketing analytics. Each program requires just 33 credit hours for completion and uses the same core courses. To get a comparison, let’s take a look at the course for each track as those differ. For the marketing analytics track you will examine marketing management, MBA financial reporting, and then 5 credit hours of your own choosing. The statistics track is different and focuses on Statistics for Experimenters, Time Series Analytics, Categorical Data Analysis and then 3 credit hours of your choosing. No matter what you choose as your focus, the academic quality is superb and requires the same time commitment.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability:$1004
  • Flexibility: two tracks
  • Academic Prestige: 5/50

9. University of Alabama in Huntsville

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) is a public research university located in you guessed it..Huntsville, Alabama. There are 8,468 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits UAH to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks UAH as the 216th best college in the nation, 122nd best public school, 183rd for business, and 89th for best online graduate nursing programs. The city itself is filled with scientists and researchers as this was one of the first NASA locations. It may come as no surprise that computer science, engineering, business, and physical science are among their most robust programs. Their online university provides 20 degree opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students alike. UAH offers a Master of Science in Management Science with an emphasis in Business Analytics. We selected this program because it’s accelerated and affordable. The degree requires 30 credit hours for completion and cost just $727 per credit hour. This program is divided into three main component parts including: Management Science Core, Business Analytics Core, and Program Electives. You can elect to study ACC Information systems, games and networks, econometrics, supply chain management, enterprise resource planning, and operations management. This is a great option for individuals living in Huntsville.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability: $727
  • Flexibility: May be completed in one year
  • Academic Prestige: 21/50

10. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private university located in Manchester, New Hampshire. There are 73,177 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 30:1. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits SNHU to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks SNHU as the 86th best university in the region, 83rd best value school, and 1st most innovative school. The on campus student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. The university includes student support services like remedial help, academic counseling, career counseling, and credit for life experiences. The majority of their academic offerings are online and in career-ready fields like transportation, business, education, and health. Right now, SNHU offers 82 fully online degrees including an online degree in graphic design, online master’s in psychology, and online associate’s degree in accounting. SNHU offers a Master of Science in Data Analytics. We selected this course for the affordable tuition rate and for the accelerated pace. This 36 credit hour degree costs just $627 per credit hour and may be completed in as few as little as 15 months. The courses include: foundations of data, enterprise data management, decision methods and modeling, presentation and visualization of data, optimization and risk assessment, predictive analytics, project management, and a capstone in data analytics. If you are ready to skyrocket your career in data science and want to do it affordably and quickly, this program is a great pick.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability: $627
  • Flexibility:Accelerated
  • Academic Prestige: 15/50

11. University of Wisconsin Systems

University of Wisconsin System is a system of 26 universities located across the state of Wisconsin. Their flagship institution is located in Madison, Wisconsin which enrolls 42,582 students and has a student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits UW to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. U.S. News ranks University of Wisconsin as the 46th best school in the nation, 18th best college for veterans, 14th best undergraduate teaching school, 10th best school for marketing, and 7th best for online graduate engineering programs. The university supports its students with academic counseling, career counseling, employment for students and placement for graduates. This institution offers a ton of engineering programs, business programs, biology and biomedical programs, and foreign language programs. Their ethnic studies college is also robust. In other words, you’ll find a wide range of degree options both on campus and online. In fact, the University of Wisconsin System now offer an entire university completely online through their conveniently connected University of Wisconsin system. The University of Wisconsin offers a Master of Science in Data Science. We selected this online degree for the high value tuition rate and the fantastic quality of academics. This program requires 36 credit hours for completion and costs $825 per credit hour. Though not our cheapest pick, this is still a huge savings when compared to other similar degree programs. Your total cost for tuition is less than $30,000. The degree is offered entirely online and offered at a flexible pace so that you can work on your course content any time any where. Before starting, you must have the following prerequisite courses: elementary statistics, and intro to programming, and an intro to databases. For the main program you will take the following exciting classes: foundations of data science, statistical methods, programming for data science, data warehousing, big data, communicating about data, data mining, visualization and unstructured data analysis, ethics of data science, prescriptive analytics, and data science and strategic decision-making. This program culminates with a capstone experience. For any individual looking to create dynamic career opportunities, this master’s in data science is the way to get there.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability: $825
  • Flexibility: N/A
  • Academic Prestige: 5/50

12. Northeastern University

Northeastern University is a private research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. There are 20,381 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Northeastern to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks Northeastern University as the 40th best university in the nation and 67th best value school, 6th most innovative school, 9th best international business school, 51st best school for online graduate business programs and 76th best school for online MBA programs. The university offers student support with remedial help, academic counseling and career counseling. This heavy research university offers programming in music, illustration, industrial engineering, finance, animation, and so much more. Currently, there are over 60 online programs available. Northeastern offers a Master of Professional Studies in Analytics. We selected this online course for the quality of the academic programming. The program is 45 credit hours long and divided into 4 main areas: core courses, electives, experiential learning, and an experiential capstone. All students will study an introduction to analytics, probability theory and introductory statistics, predictive analytics, data warehousing and SQL, an introduction to data mining, an introduction to enterprise analytics, decision support and business intelligence, and communication and visualization of data. This program cost just $646 per credit hour.
  • Affordability: $646
  • Flexibility: N/A
  • Academic Prestige: 18/50

13. CUNY School of Professional Studies

CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) was founded in 2003 to address the growing educational needs of adult learners. The university provides online and on campus programs to adult learners including online bachelor’s degrees online master’s degrees and in-person degrees in theater, urban studies, disability studies and much more. The campus, like many of the CUNY institutions, is located in New York, New York. CUNY SPS ranks 16th for best online bachelor’s programs according to U.S. News. CUNY SPS offers a Master of Science in Data Science that prepares your for a great career as a data scientist, informatics engineer, data analyst, data mining engineer and more. We selected this program because it’s affordable and high quality. The program requires 30 credit hours for completion and costs just $560 per credit hour. 21 of those credit hour are required core courses while the remaining 9 are electives. This is a great way to tailor your degree to meet your interests and includes everything from urban sustainability to machine learning, to quantitative finance. The core courses include among them advanced programing techniques, statistics and probability of data analytics and business analytics and data mining. This is why a number of prerequisite courses are required. CUNY SPS does offer some bridge courses for individuals who may be “rusty” at programming and statistics. This is a great affordable option for a master’s in data science.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability: $560
  • Flexibility: N/A
  • Academic Prestige: N/A

14. Fairfield University

Fairfield University is a private Jesuit Catholic university located in Fairfield, Connecticut. There are 5,137 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Fairfield University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. U.S. News ranks Fairfield as the 3rd best university in the region, 3rd best undergraduate teaching university, and 19th best value school. The university supports its students with remedial help, academic counseling, career counseling and employment for their students. There are a number of fantastic academic programs from which to choose including a master’s in special education, bachelor’s in computer engineering, and an MBA. Currently, Fairfield offers 7 online degrees and certifications. Fairfield offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics. We selected this program for the high quality of academics. This is certainly an interdisciplinary degree that merges programming and data mining with business. Students have the freedom to selected from 3 areas of specialization: marketing analytics, healthcare, and accounting. There are 21 credit hours devoted to core courses that include an introduction to business analytics, business forecasting and predictive analytics, python for business analytics, databases for business analytics, business intelligence, data mining, and a capstone experience. The remaining 9 credit hours focus on your chosen specialization. For now, this program is a great fit for Fairfield residents. However, their mini MBA and other certifications are projected to move online by the Summer of 2018.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability: $925
  • Flexibility: Three specializations
  • Academic Prestige: 21/50

15. University of Colorado Denver

University of Colorado Denver (UC-Denver) is a public research university located in Denver, Colorado. There are 23,960 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits UC Denver to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. According to U.S. News UC Denver ranks as the 207th best university in the nation, 113th top public school, and 91st best business program. The university offers student services like academic counseling and career counseling as well as placement for graduates. This location has a large biology and biomedical sciences department, robust health department, education department, and more. When it comes to online degrees, UC Denver currently offers 26 online degree programs including their online MBA, online bachelor’s in Speech Communication and Rhetoric and online master’s in information science. UC Denver offers a Master of Science in Business Analytics. We selected this program for the high quality of academics. The TFE Times ranked this program as the 24th best program in business analytics. The degree is just 30 credit hours in length and costs $1315 per credit hour. Though not our cheapest option, we believe the program is still a high value. You will take 10 courses: predictive modeling, statistics for business analytics, operations management, project management, decision analysis, forecasting, supply chain management, marketing research, computing for business analytics, simulation modeling, and VBA for business analytics. An exam is not required. As you can see, this is truly an interdisciplinary program and one that will surely open doors to a number of career opportunities.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability:$1315
  • Flexibility: two tracks
  • Academic Prestige: 21/50

16. Regis University

Regis University is a private Roman Catholic Jesuit institution that enrolls over 8,700 students and is located in Denver, Colorado. The student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1 where 60 percent of the student body is female. According to U.S. News Regis University is the 27th, 17th best college for veterans, and 28th best value school. G.I Jobs ranks Regis as one of the top military schools. Other accolades include the 25 best colleges online according to SuperScholar . GetEducated.com lists the Master of Nonprofit management as a “best buy online master’s degree.” Though all campuses are located in Colorado and primarily in Denver, Regis University is home to a large online degree program with dozens of degrees and certificate in fields like nonprofit management, healthcare, data science, nursing and several others. This university accepts credit for life experience. Regis University offers a Master of Science in Data Science. We selected this program for the high quality of academics, affordable tuition rate, and accelerated pace. This degree requires 36 credit hours for completion and costs just $710 per credit hour. 18 credit hours are core courses. 12 credit hours are data science electives, and 6 are degree completions requirements (practicum). The electives are a great way to fine-tune your degree to match your areas of interest and include data collection and preparation, big data design, exploratory data analysis, statistics inference and predictive analytics, visualization, visualization using open source tools, machine learning, text analytics, and optimal decision making.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability: $710
  • Flexibility: accelerated
  • Academic Prestige: 21/50

17. La Salle University

La Salle University is a private 4-year institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There are 5,197 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits La Salle to award comprehensive degrees and professional certifications. According to U.S. News La Salle ranks as the 34th best university in the North, 18th best college for veterans, 27th best value school, and 216th for best business programs. The student support services include remedial help, academic counseling, career counseling, placement for graduates, and employment for students. When it comes to academics the university offer a wide range of options including programming in American Civilization, accounting, nursing, chemistry, clinical psychology, theology, and digital arts. There are currently 11 online degrees available including the online master’s in human resource development, and online master’s in forensic science. La Salle University offers a Master of Science in Data Analytics. This program is online, and requires just under two years to complete. We selected this course not only for the accelerated format but also for the high value pricing- just $875 per credit hour. The program requires 30 credit hours to complete and is just 10 8-week courses. You will study: analytics, statistics for data analytics, optimization methods for data analytics, modeling and simulation for data analytics, database management systems, data mining, data warehousing, leadership and assessment evaluation. This is a great course for working professionals.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability: $875
  • Flexibility: accelerated
  • Academic Prestige: 21/50

18. University of Oklahoma

University of Oklahoma (UO) is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. There are 27,918 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits UO to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as postbaccalaurate programs. U.S. News ranks UO as the 97th best university in the nation, 128th best value school, 106th best school for high school counselor programs, and 30th best for online graduate computer information technology programs. The university supports its students with remedial help, academic counseling, career counseling, placement for graduates, employment for services, and even credit for life experience. UO offers a vast range of academic programs from architecture to cartography; aviation to zoology. Currently, there are 19 degrees available online including their online master’s in accounting and online master’s in petroleum engineering. UO offer an online Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics. We selected this online degree for the flexible format, quality of academics and for the affordable tuition rate. When taken full-time this program may be completed in as little as 14 months. This 33 credit hour degree costs just $791 per credit hour. The program is divided into two main components: core courses and electives. Your elective programs include: data analytics and media, an introduction to R, data analytics and meteorology, time series analysis, financial engineering, Bayesian statistics, text analysis, and data mining. For a fast and affordable program that sets you up for a wide variety of career options, the online Master of Science at UO is a great option.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability: $791
  • Flexibility: Full-time or Part-time. 14 month completion when taken full-time
  • Academic Prestige: 19/50

19. South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University (SDSU) is a public research university located in Brookings, South Dakota. There are 12,600 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits SDSU to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News SDSU ranks as the 216th best school in the nation and 122nd top public school. The university offers remedial help, academic and career counseling, and credit for life experience as part of their student support services. The academic offerings are vast and wide-ranging including everything from printmaking to plant science. Currently SDSU offers 25 online degrees. SDUS offers a Master of Science in Data Science. We selected this online degree for the affordable tuition rate and accelerated pacing. This 30 credit hour degree costs just $444.25 per credit hour and may be completed in one year. Students have the option to take longer if needed. You will hone your skills in operations research, data mining, big data programming and management, data visualization, forecasting, statistics, and more. This is the perfect program for any individual who needs an affordable and fast track to an advancement in their career.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability: $444.25
  • Flexibility: accelerated
  • Academic Prestige: 21/50

20. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university located in Tempe, Arizona. There are 51,869 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 23:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits ASU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News ASU ranks as the 115th best school in the nation, 70th best college for veterans, 110th best value school, 2nd best school for online graduate business programs, 4th best online bachelor’s programs, 5th for best online MBA programs, and 11th for best online graduate engineering programs. To support their students success, ASU offers academic counseling, career counseling, and employment for students. Carnegie classifies ASU as an R:1 research university and ASU lives up to its classification. In fact, students may select from a vast range of degrees including in Hebrew Language studies, Geography Education, Informatics, Women’s Studies, Graphic Design and so much more. Currently, there are 15 online degrees available not to mention their global university. ASU offers an online Master of Science in Business Analytics. We selected this program for the high quality of the academic programming. As one of the best online schools in the world, ASU continuously provides and creates high-quality online degrees. This program covers data mining, data science, and data science for marketing, and is likely to set you up for a career advancement or a pay boost. This 30 credit hour program costs $1456 per credit hour. You will take 10 classes including enterprise analytics, applied analytics, data mining, data-driven quality management, analytics decision making tools, data mining, business analytics strategy, marketing analytics, and complete this degree with an applied project. The program is a fantastic fit for any individual working in business or data science.
  • Homepage
  • Affordability: $1456
  • Flexibility: N/A
  • Academic Prestige:12/50

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]]> The 10 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Public Relations https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/the-most-affordable-online-masters-in-public-relations/ Tue, 26 Jun 2018 16:08:02 +0000 https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/?p=6857 To succeed in Public Relations, you’ll need to have a very full toolbox. You’ll need the soft skills required to manage relationships, communicate across cultures, and craft a convincing organizational […]

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To succeed in Public Relations, you’ll need to have a very full toolbox. You’ll need the soft skills required to manage relationships, communicate across cultures, and craft a convincing organizational message. You’ll need the hard skills necessary to research markets, analyze audiences, and calculate returns on investment. You’ll also need advanced skills in crisis management, critical thinking, leadership and creative problem solving. A Master’s Degree in Public Relations can provide the training you’ll need to succeed. And one of our Most Affordable Master’s in Public Relations can get you there quickly, conveniently, and for an affordable price tag.

“PR is a mix of journalism, psychology, and lawyering – it’s an ever-changing and always interesting landscape.” – Ronn Torossian
The career outlook in public relations is strong for those with a master’s degree. Professionals in the field of public relations may work as Public Relations and Fundraising Managers, Advertising, Promotions and Marketing Managers, PR Specialists, or Event Planners. Salaries vary by position, with PR specialists earning a median salary of $59,300, and Public Relations and Fundraising Managers earning an average salary of $111,280. Job growth is also robust, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting 9-10% growth in the field of public relations through 2026, well ahead of the national average. More importantly, 4 out of 5 professionals employed in PR reported that they were “highly satisfied” with their work.

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This interdisciplinary field draws on a variety of areas of study, and a typical online master’s in PR may cover topics in like Audience Research, Social Media Analytics, Mass Communications, and International Public Relations. Many include a project portfolio or capstone course, or offer specific areas of concentration. A great number of students at the graduate level, especially working professionals, opt to pursue an online master’s in public relations. Such degree programs are designed to deliver the same course content and academic quality as a traditional on-campus degree, but are more flexible, more affordable, and, thanks to a dynamic digital interface, often more engaging as well.

For a look at some of the most affordable options out there, check out our guide to the 10 Most Affordable Master’s in Public Relations. Each school offers an established, accredited, and fully-online graduate degree in PR, and along with the most affordable tuitions on the market (listed by cost per out-of-state credit). Explore your options and see how affordable this valuable PR credential can be.

1. Ohio University

Headquartered in Adelphi, Maryland, the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) is public, not-for-profit institute. In addition to its Academic Center in Largo, UMUC operates campuses throughout Maryland, the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, many located one military bases. The university grew out of an evening program for adult learners operated by the University of Maryland, which proved so popular that, by 1947, the program officially became a separate college, while still remaining affiliated with the university. With a total global enrollment of 90,000 students, UMUC is one of the world’s largest online universities. UMUC prides itself on offering affordable, convenient, career-relevant online bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees and certificates, with over 120 areas of study and specializations available. Popular areas of study at UMUC include business management, computers/information technology, Public Relations, criminal justice/legal studies, and social sciences. The school has an open enrollment policy, accepting all applicants, and provides a host of academic support services to distance learners. 


University of Maryland University College awards an incredibly affordable online Master’s in Management with a Public Relations specialization. The workplace-relevant curriculum was developed in conjunction with with industry leaders and an advisory board of senior PR executives, and reflects current standards of practice and today’s in-demand skills. In this affordable degree program, students learn tactical planning and execution, strategy development, social media management, and crisis communications. Graduates will be qualified to sit for the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) credential examination, further distinguishing themselves from other job candidates. The degree requires the completion of 26 credits total: three courses in the Management Core, seven in the Public Relations Specialization, and a cumulative Capstone Course. Public Relations class titles include Crisis Communication Management, Global Public Relations, and Public Relations Campaigns. This up-to-date and career-relevant degree is available at the exceptionally affordable price of $458 per credit, making UMUC our #1 in Most Affordable Master’s in Public Relations.

2. University of Alabama

Mount Saint Vincent University (“the Mount”) is a public university which is based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The school was founded as a women’s school in 1873 by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, with the primary goal of training women to become teachers. In educating women, who lacked such basic rights as the right to vote at the time, the school was highly progressive, and by 1925, had become the first full, degree-granting college for women in the British Commonwealth. Today, The Mount serves a coeducational student body of 2,433 students, through 38 on-campus undergraduate and graduate programs and an additional 14 affordable online degree programs. Other certificates and professional programs include Nutrition, Business Administration, and Tourism and Hospitality Management. The school is home to 16 research centers and institutes, and operates the only education program in the Halifax area snd the only school psychology graduate program in Atlantic Canada.

Mount Saint Vincent University offers an incredibly affordable online Master’s in Public Relations. In this master’s degree program, students explore the theory, research and practice of public relations. The program is open to those holding a bachelor’s in communications or a related field, while those with an undergraduate degree in a non-communications discipline are required to submit a PR portfolio in order to be accepted. The course of study can be completed in as little as a year and a half, and requires the completion of ten classes in all, including a culminating, project-based seminar. Required classes include Quantitative & Qualitative Research in Public Relations, Organizational Theory & Public Relations Leadership, and Public Relations Ethics and Law. Course content is delivered both live and asynchronously, and students are able to exchange ideas and collaborate through virtual discussion boards and digital forums. With tuition priced at $523 per credit, the master’s in public relations from The Mount is an extremely affordable option.

3. California Baptist University

Located in Riverside, California, California Baptist University (CBU) is a private, liberal arts, Christian institute. The school was originally located in El Monte, California, but came under the administration of the California Southern Baptist Convention shortly after its founding, and was re-located to Riverside shortly thereafter. CBU has a student body of 9,941, and provides faith-focused liberal arts education with small class sizes, maintaining a student to faculty ratio of 18 to one. The campus spans 160 acres, and has a distinctive Mission Revival style of architecture, including several spacious plazas, throughout. Many students participate in International Service Projects, three-week study abroad and ministry programs which have been conducted in over 40 countries. CBU is ranked 31st in Regional Universities West by U.S. News & World Report, and, in recognition of its affordable tuition, 30th in Best Value Schools.

California Baptist University awards an incredibly fast and remarkably affordable online Master’s in Public Relations. The program provides a solid foundation in corporate communication, reputation management, crisis management and community relations, as well as contemporary issues like social media direction and quantitative measurement of return on investment. As with all disciplines at CBU, the online public relations degree program also emphasizes biblical teaching and ethical professional practices. The course of study comprises 33 credits, and can be completed in as little as 12 months. Required courses include Legal, Ethical, and Social Foundations of Public Relations, Specialized Writing for Public Relations, Critical Thinking and Crisis Management, and New Media Strategies. This fast-paced degree comes with a surprisingly affordable tuition of only $563 per credit.

  • Cost Per Credit Hour: $563

4. Liberty University

Liberty University is a large, nonprofit, evangelical Christian university, which is located in Lynchburg, Virginia. The school was established in 1971 by the Reverend Jerry Falwell as the Lynchburg Baptist College, becoming a full university in 1984. Liberty is one of the largest Christian universities in the world, and the nation’s largest private, non-profit university by enrollment. The massive student body includes 21,800 on-campus students and an additional 112,500 enrolled online. The school offers no less than 297 bachelors, 319 masters, and 32 doctoral programs, through 17 colleges, including a school of medicine and a school of law. The massive, 7,000-acre campus boasts such advanced learning and research facilities as an astronomical observatory, and extensive recreational centers, such as a synthetic ski slope and paintball field. Liberty has been operating distance learning programs since 1985, when it provided recorded lectures on VHS tapes to students via mail delivery. Today, the majority of Liberty’s students are enrolled in the school’s affordable and extensive online degree programs. Niche ranks Liberty #1 as the Best Online College in America, and News and World Report ranks Liberty 231st in National Universities.

Liberty University awards an affordable and fully online MBA with a concentration in Public Relations. The program provides students with a thorough understanding of corporate messaging, media technologies and strategic digital communication, as well as a complete grasp of business management and administration. All classes are taught by taught by professors who are seasoned business professionals and incorporate Biblical teachings and ethical business principles. This affordable online MBA degree is both affordable and accelerated, and students can complete their studies in under two years’ time. A total of 45 credits are required for graduation, and classes include such topics as Media Technologies & Communication Strategies, Communication & Conflict, and Strategic Communication Campaigns for the Digital Age. All online students have access to extensive supports, such as an online library and writing center, and tuition for this online degree is very affordable, at a price of $565.

5. Ball State University

Ball State University (BSU) is a public research university which is based in Muncie, Indiana, and operates additional campuses in Fishers and Indianapolis, Indiana. The university dates back to 1876 with the founding of a private teacher training institute, the Eastern Indiana Normal School. This school was later taken over by two bothers and industrialists in 1917, and officially given to the State of Indiana as Indiana State Normal School – Eastern Division, soon renamed “Ball State University.” Today, the school has a student body of 22,513, and is known for strong academics, affordable tuition, and excellent distance learning programs. Ball State awards 190 different undergraduate majors and 130 minors, and over 140 master’s and doctoral degrees and certificates through eight academic colleges. Ball State is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a “doctoral university with higher research activity,” and U.S. News and World Report ranks the school 187th in National Universities and 99th in Top Public Schools.

Ball State University offers an affordable master’s in public relations which can be taken online, on-campus, or in a blended format. The up-to-date curriculum incorporates training in in-demand skills such as media analytics, which involves measuring the success of digital communications. All classes are taught by accomplished faculty with professional backgrounds in public relations, journalism, advertising, and marketing, and provide students with internships and industry connections. The course of study consists of 33-39 credits, and can be completed in as little as five semesters, at the rate of 2-3 classes per semester. Students take classes such as Mass Communication Research Methods, Public Relations Theories and Applications, and Business Fundamentals and Entrepreneurship in Public Relations. The program includes 3-6 credits in Electives, as well as a research-based Capstone. Students may choose to purse either of two available concentrations: Public Relations Leadership or Media Analytics. Tuition for this accelerated and specialized degree is very affordable, at the low price of $590 per credit.

6. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, not-for-profit university which is located in Manchester, New Hampshire. The institute was founded in 1932 as the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science, a school for business studies. Today, SHNU serves a total of 73177 students, of which 60,000 are enrolled the the university’s extensive and affordable online programs. SNHU is widely recognized for innovation, and has been the cite of many firsts, including the state’s first carbon-neutral campus, and a distance learning approach which combines traditional nonprofit university instruction with for-profit school’s operational practices (such as customer service, data analytics, accountability). U.S. News and World Report ranks SNHU 1st in Most Innovative Schools and 86th in Regional Universities, North, as well as 83rd in Best Value Schools, in recognition of its excellent academics and affordable tuition.

Southern New Hampshire University confers a fast and affordable online Master’s in Communications with a Concentration in Public Relations. In addition to a highly affordable base tuition, the school offers a 25% discount for both U.S. military service members and spouses of those on active duty. This affordable degree program is also accelerated, allowing students to earn their degree in as little as 125 months at a pace of two courses per 10-week term. The program public comprises seven Communications Core Classes, four Public Relations Specialization Classes and a project-based Capstone Course, which requires students to research, plan and execute a real-world public relations campaign. Class titles include Reputation Management, Crisis Communication, Integrated PR Campaigns & Measurement, Law and Ethics, and Social Medias Practices. With an affordable tuition of $627 per credit, this fast and prestigious online degree is an excellent all-around value.

7. Montana State University – Billings

Montana State University – Billings (MSU Billings) is a state university which is based in Billings, Montana. The university was originally launched as the Eastern Montana Normal School, a teacher training institute, in 1927, becoming a college in 1949 and a full university in 1994. Today, MSU Billings awards degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s level through a total of five colleges, including a College of Arts and Sciences, a College of Business, and a College of Allied Health Professions. The most popular majors at MSU Billings are Business, Management and Marketing, followed by Education, and by Psychology. The university maintains a low student to faculty ratio of 17 to one. About 40% of the school’s 4,336 students are non-traditional learners, primarily working adults pursuing degrees on a part-time basis, and many pursue on line education from the school’s suite of 240 online undergraduate and graduate courses. U.S. News and World Report ranks MSU Billings 96th in Regional Universities West.

Montana State University – Billings offers an affordable online Master’s in Public Relations which features a number of concentrations. The program is intended to thoroughly train students in practical, advocacy-related skills for facilitating communication between individuals, groups, and organizations. The course of study consists of 30 credits: 21 credits in Core required courses, and 9 credits in Emphasis Courses. Public Relations class topics include Issues in Organizational Communication, Media Criticism, Public Relations Ethics, and Communication Theory. As part of the core, students may choose one elective, and must also pass a comprehensive examination covering all previous coursework. MSU Billings’ online master’s program includes four Public Relations Emphases: Public Relations Theory, Health Communication, Public Communication, and Media & Society Communication. Tuition for this specialized program is very affordable, at a price of $675 per credit.

8. Webster University

Webster University is a nonprofit, private, nondenominational Christian university with its main campus in Webster Groves, Missouri. The school was first established as Loretto College, a Catholic women’s college, in 1915 by the Sisters of Loretto. The school became co-educational is 1962 and was an early proponent of integration in the state, admitting African American students in 1944. Today, Webster serves a total of 14,053, and maintains a very low student to faculty ratio of 15 to one. The university is organized into five colleges, including a College of Arts & Sciences, a School of Business & Technology, a School of Communications, and a School of Education. U.S. News and World report gives Webster a number of top rankings, including 15th in Best Colleges for Veterans, 23rd in Regional Universities Midwest, and recognized the school’s affordable tuition relative to academic quality with a score of 55th in Best Value Schools.

Webster confers an affordable online Master’s in Public Relations through its School of Communications. The program is designed to blend theoretical and practical understanding, and give students solid knowledge of how entrepreneurship, ethics and globalization shape the current practice of public relations. Critical thinking, insight and analysis are emphasized throughout. A total of 36 credit hours are required for graduation: 27 credit hours in Public Relations Core Courses, and 9 credits selected from among 17 potential Electives, allowing students a high degree of specialization based on academic interests. Public Relations classes include Media Organization and Regulations, International Communications, Strategic Communication Applications, and Media Research.

9. Marist College

Marist College is a private, coeducational liberal arts institute, which is based in Poughkeepsie, New York. The 180-acre campus overlooks the Hudson River and features a number of distinctive historical stone buildings and spacious quads. In addition, Marist operates a branch campus in Florence, Italy and study sites in 26 countries globally. The school was first established by the Marist Brothers, a French Catholic society dedicated to education, in 1905. The school was originally called “Saint Ann’s Hermitage” and dedicated to the education of young men, becoming co-educational in 1968. Today, Marist is a secular institute which retains a dedication to service and community, serving a student body of 7372 undergraduate and graduate students. The school has a strong liberal arts focus, as well as well-regarded business education, and offers 56 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and 21 certificate programs. Marist also has a longstanding partnership with IBM, and is extensively connected with the company through joint ventures, student placements, and research endeavors. Marist has earned impressive rankings from U.S. News and World Report, which ranks the school 9th in Regional Universities North, 2nd in Best Colleges for Veterans. In recognition of Marist’s excellent academics and affordable tuition, the same source also ranks the school 32nd in Best Value Schools.


Marist offers an affordable online Master’s in Integrated Marketing Communication with a focus on Public Relations. The program is intended to equip marketing graduate students with a comprehensive grasp of public relations as a strategic function of marketing, corporate imaging, and brand management. Students learn to work with organizations to understand and develop their public relations goals and to plan and execute public relations campaigns, and, in the course of their studies, develop a real-world public relations plans that meet specific business and communication needs. The online master’s degree consists of 10 three-credit asynchronous courses, for a total of 30 credits. This fast-paced program can be completed in as little as three semesters on a full-time basis. This accelerated degree from a prestigious school is available at the affordable price of $780 per credit.

10. Full Sail University

Full Sail University is a private university which is located outside of Orlando in Winter Park, Florida. Full Sail was first established as Full Sail Recording Workshop in 1979 in Dayton, Ohio, with the goal of providing training in production for students in the music and recording industry. The institute moved to Florida in 1980 and began offering programming in the related fields of entertainment and media. Today, Full sail awards 49 certificates and degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s level, including film, design, computer animation, and entertainment business. Most programs are available in a highly accelerated format, and many are offered online as well as on-campus. Total enrollment comes to 16,100. Full Sail has earned a number of specialized distinctions, including the Technical Excellence and Creativity award for Best Recording School/Program from Mix magazine, and inclusion by Rolling Stone among the “five best music programs in the country.”

Full Sail offers a highly accelerated and very affordable online Master’s in Public Relations. In this fast-paced program, students learn a variety of current and in-demand PR skills, including developing an effective PR media plan, marketing and consumer research, and establishing relationships with influential voices in social media. Class topics include Public Relations in a Digital World, Media Relations, and Social Media Metrics and Return on Investment. The curriculum is intensive, tech-heavy, project-based and hands on, including a student-produced and social-media integrated portfolio website. The entire program can be completed in just 12 months, roughly half the time required to earn comparable degrees. This accelerated program is also affordable, costing only $816 per credit.

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]]> The 10 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Communications Degree Programs https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/the-most-affordable-online-masters-in-communications-degree-programs/ Tue, 26 Jun 2018 15:59:27 +0000 https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/?p=6853 From political parties, to news outlets, from charities to corporations, every organization wants to reach an audience. But capturing a viewer’s attention, holding their interest, and convincing them to form […]

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]]> From political parties, to news outlets, from charities to corporations, every organization wants to reach an audience. But capturing a viewer’s attention, holding their interest, and convincing them to form an opinion or take action requires a host of interdisciplinary skills. To craft a message with impact, you’ll need serious training in Communications. To develop an advanced skill set, and stand out from the competition in the field of communications, you’ll want to earn a Master’s in Communications. And if you’re like most people, you’ll want to find a convenient and affordable path to your degree. Current trends in Master’s in Communications curriculum include an increasing emphasis on global and multicultural communications, digital media and quantitative methods, including statistical market research and impact analysis. Online degrees are also gaining popularity, especially with busy working professionals looking to advance their existing careers or change professional tracks. For both on-campus and online degrees, the curriculum of a Master’s in Communications program varies by school, but typically covers topics in small group or business communications, media, international communications, ethics, and market research. Many on-campus and online master’s degree programs end with a capstone course or cumulative project. Pursuing a degree with an affordable tuition can make a Master’s in Communications yield an exceptionally high return on investment. Those with this credential, according to PayScale, earn an average salary of $59,500 in the 4 years after graduation, and an average of $67,500 after 10 years’ experience. Job growth in the field is also robust: the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects high demand for communications-related positions through 2026, including public relations (10% growth), marketing (9% growth), technical writing (11%) and market research (23%).

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To maximize your return on investment, and get started on this lucrative career, you’ll want to find an affordable online master’s in communications degree program. With on-demand course content for learners, and a low overhead for the school, online degrees tend to be far more flexible, convenient and affordable than traditional on-campus programs. Many also offer special supports and specializations to distance students, such as online academic coaches and accelerated degree tracks. Our guide to the Most Affordable Master’s in Communications includes many prestigious schools with fast and flexible programs, all with incredibly affordable tuition, listed by out-of-state credit hour. Read on, and find a flexible and affordable online path to a lucrative future in communications.

1. Ohio University

Ohio University (OU) is a public, research university which is located in Athens, Ohio. It is the state’s oldest university, dating back to 1787. This large school has a total enrollment of 36,800, with most students living on campus. There are over 250 areas of study available at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Ohio University is widely recognized for outstanding academics and affordable tuition, having been ranked among the nations best value schools by publications such as BusinessWeek, Fortune, and Forbes. The Carnegie Foundation classifies Ohio as a “Research University with Highest Research Activity,” and the The Chronicle of Higher Education has has designated it one of the nation’s top sources of Fulbright scholars. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school 151st in National Universities and 78th in Top Public Schools. Ohio University awards a remarkably affordable online Master’s in Communication, which represents a truly exceptional value in light of the university’s reputation for academic excellence. The program is offered through the OU School of Communications Studies and the Scripps College of Communication, and is designed specifically with working adults in mind. The curriculum is designed to add value to organizations by teaching students to understand, apply, and think critically about topics in communication in strategic workplace decision making, and problem solving. The entire program can be completed in as little as 15 months, at a pace of two classes per semester. Class topics include Instructional Training & Development in Communication, Cross-Cultural Communication, and Communication and Information Diffusion, and all online master’s students complete a 6-credit Capstone Course. The dynamic online learning format includes online class discussions and group projects, and video conferences with instructors, and comes at an exceptionally affordable cost of $243 per credit, making OU an easy choice for #1 in Most Affordable Master’s in Communications.
  • Cost Per Credit Hour: $243

2. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama (UA) is a public research university which is based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It is the flagship of the University of Alabama System, and dates back to 1820, making it the oldest public university in the state. It is also the largest, with a student body of 38,563 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students, enrolled in 13 academic divisions. The Carnegie Foundation classifies UA as a “Research University with High Research Activity.” The university was among the first in the nation to offer degrees in Engineering, and currently enrolls more students than any other such program in Alabama. UA students have won a great number of prestigious academic distinctions; the school has produced 51 Goldwater Scholars, 15 Rhodes Scholars, 16 Truman Scholars, 32 Hollings Scholars and 11 Boren Scholars. In addition to excellent academics, UA is known for affordable tuition, and is ranked 76th in Best Value Schools by U.S. News and World Report. The same source ranked the university 110th in National Universities. The University of Alabama offers an affordable online Master’s in Communication Studies with a specialization in Organizational Leadership. The program is fast, affordable, and comprehensive, covering both theoretical and applied studies in public discussion, negotiation, persuasion and interpersonal communication. The specialization in Organizational Leadership positions graduates to take on positions of responsibility within their companies and become drivers of change. A total of 30 credits are required for the online master’s degree, and the entire course of study can be completed in less that 2 years. Classes include Conflict and Negotiation, Gender and Political Communication, and Relational Communication. The final component of this affordable online master’s program is a Professional Project and Capstone Portfolio, based on each student’s individual interests. With tuition priced at $367 per credit, this well-rounded program is rigorous, fast, prestigious, specialized and affordable.
  • Cost Per Credit Hour: $367

3. National University

National University (NU) is a private, university which is headquartered in La Jolla, California, and operates 26 additional campuses throughout the state, as well as one in Nevada. The school was established in 1971 by a retired United States Navy lieutenant commander in order to deliver high-demand, professionally-focused degree programs to working adults. Today, NU serves a total of 23,909 students, and awards associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, teaching credentials, and certificate programs, with popular fields of study including Business and Management, Health, and Computing. In order to serve non-traditional learners, tuition is made highly affordable, the majority of on-campus classes are scheduled for evenings and weekends, and a large proportion of classes are delivered in a flexible online format. National University awards a dynamic and affordable online Master’s in Strategic Communications through its liberal-arts-focused College of Letters and Sciences. The curriculum focuses on equipping students with practical and analytical communication tools in order to conduct to strategic thinking, logical analysis, and problem solving in a workplace context. A total of 9 classes are required for the degree, including a final Capstone Project. Classes include Research Methods, Crisis Communications, Campaign & Program Management, and Legal and Ethical Issues. All online courses are affordable, efficient, and interactive, featuring streaming videos, real-time discussions, multimedia learning material, and online classroom forums. Tuition for online classes are very affordable, costing only $416 per credit.

4. Quincy University

Quincy University (QU) is a private, nonprofit, liberal arts-focused, Roman Catholic institute which s located Quincy, Illinois. This small school is distinguished by its focus on service learning and Franciscan tradition. The university was founded in 1860 as St. Francis Solanus College by a group Franciscan friars from Germany, who had emigrated in order to serve the German population of the frontier-state of Illinois. Originally an all-male institute, the school began admitting women in 1932. Today, QU serves a coeducational student body of 1,100, and offers 32 major areas of concentration, three graduate degrees, an Associate of Science degree in Aviation, and a number of non-degree programs. U.S. News and World Report ranks QU 83rd in Regional Universities Midwest. Quincy University offers a flexible and affordable online Master’s in Communication, with several available concentrations. The program features a focus of technology and current industry practices, hands-on classwork, and a project-based approach designed to build students’ portfolios. Students build a foundation in communication fundamentals for electronic media, public relations, news editorial and professional communication, and can then choose to concentrate in Multimedia Journalism, Public Relations and Strategic Communication, or Sports Communications through a selection of specialized classes. Classes include Communication and Human Behavior, Comparative Media Systems, Legal Research, and Small Group Communication. All online classes are taught by award-winning and practiced multimedia professionals, and tuition is very affordable at a price of $460.

5. Concordia University

Based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Concordia University is a liberal arts university which dates back to 1893. The school is a member of the Concordia University System, operated by the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. The university serves a total of 4,792 students through 80 degree programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate and degree completion programs. Concordia is known for having one of the most affordable tuitions of any school in Minnesota, as well as outstanding academics offerings. U.S. News and World Report ranks Concordia 106th in Regional Universities Midwest, and TheBestSchools.org ranks it Best online college in Minnesota. Class sizes at Concordia are relatively small, with a student to faculty ratio of 17 to one. Concordia University offers a rigorous and affordable online Master’s in Strategic Communication Management. The program is designed to train working professionals to develop creative solutions to communication challenges using strategic thinking and logical analysis. The up-to-date curriculum covers emerging technologies, industry innovation, leadership approaches, and intercultural communication. A total of 36 credits are required for this affordable online degree, and classes include Project Management and Analytics, Digital Communication, Leadership Communication, and Media Strategies. The course of study culminates in a comprehensive, three-credit Capstone Course, designed to synthesize prior learning. With an affordable tuition of $475, this up-to-date and leadership-focused program represents an excellent value.

6. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa (UI) is a flagship, public research institute which is based in Iowa City, Iowa. The school was established back in 1847, making it the oldest university in the state. A total of 33,334 students attend UI, enrolled in 200 areas of study and seven professional degree programs. nUI has been the cite of many progressive firsts in American higher education, including the first public university to open as coeducational, the first coeducational medical school, the first public school Department of Religious Studies, and the first LGBT student organization. The school is widely recognized for its outstanding programs in in health care, law, and the fine arts. The Carnegie Foundation classifies UI as a “Doctoral University with Highest Research Activity,” and the university has produced some 46 Pulitzer Prizewinners. U.S. News and World Report ranks UI 78th in National Universities and 31st in top Public Schools, as well as 83rd in Best Value Schools, in recognition of its highly affordable tuition. The University of Iowa awards an affordable online Master’s in Communications. The program includes the opportunity to pursue electives from within the program or across the university, or to take a professionally-relevant externship, allowing students to develop an area of academic expertise through their course selections. Classes within the online communication’s master’s program include Strategic Communication Writing, Internal Communication, and Leadership Communication. The program concludes with a Capstone Project, designed to serve as a bridge from the academic to professional world. Course content is available to students 24/7, while instructor-led classes take place on weekly basis scheduled for early evenings. This comprehensive degree from a highly-ranked aren’t institution is offered at a surprisingly affordable price of $492 per credit.

7. Washington State University

Washington State University (WSU) is a public, land-grant research university which was established in 1890, and is located in Pullman, Washington. The school was founded in the same year that Washington achieved statehood, as a co-educational institute of Agriculture and Science. With a total student body of 29,686, WSU is the second-largest university in the state, and offers 200 fields of study, including 95 majors, 86 minors, and over 140 graduate degrees. In spite of its high enrollment, the university maintains a remarkably low student to faculty ratio of 15 to one. The school is widely recognized for affordable tuition and rigorous academics. U.S. News and World Report ranks WSU 140th in National Universities, 70th in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report, and 87th in Best Value Schools. Washington State University awards an exceptionally prestigious and affordable online Master’s in Communications. The program is offered through WSU’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, which has been ranked among the country’s top 25 communication programs by both NewsPro Magazine and the National Research Council. The Online Master’s Degree in Strategic Communication itself has also won multiple accolades, including “Best Online Master’s in Communication and Public Relations” from NonprofitCollegesOnline.com, and (in recognition of low tuition relative to academic excellence) inclusion in the country’s Most Affordable Graduate Communication Degrees by Affordable Colleges Online. The program is highly focused on real-world applicability, and online students learn to use advanced media tools, create data-based communication plans and design and deliver integrated promotional campaigns. Classes include Professional Multimedia Content Creation, Crisis Communication in Global Contexts, and Ethics for Professionals. This practical and prestigious online master’s degree is available at the affordable price of $509 per credit.

8. Park University

Founded in 1875, Park University is a private university which has its main campus in Parkville, Missouri, and its Graduate School in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The school operates an additional 41 campuses in 22 states, the majority of which are satellite locations on military bases. The original vision for the school included the offer of free tuition and board in exchange for half-days spent working on the school’s farm, electrical shop or printing plant, and student labor was used to construct Mackay Hall, the main campus’ flagship building. Today, the distinctive limestone tower is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With affordable tuition and high salaries for graduates, Park has been ranked 2nd among the nation’s private universities for Return on Investment ROI by PayScale. Park is also consistently ranked in the top three in the nation in “Best for Vets” by such sources as Military Times and Victory Media. U.S. News & World Report ranks the university 126th in Regional Universities Midwest. Park University offers an affordable online master’s in Communication and Leadership, which can also be taken in a hybrid, online/on-campus format. With its emphasis on leadership, the program is designed to equip students to serve as strategic and innovative agents of change within their organizations. The course of study consists of 36 credit hours, including a 15-hour Communications Core, 15 hours in the Organizational Leadership Emphasis, and 6 credits in electives. Class topics include Leading Organizational Change, Cross-Cultural Communication, and The Epistemology of Communication. Electives may consist of coursework, a thesis or project based on a student’s areas of interest. This rigorous and flexible online degree is also very affordable, with tuition costing only $535 per credit.

9. Bellevue University

Located in Bellevue, Nebraska, Bellevue University is a private, non-profit institute which was founded in 1966, and is dedicated to providing high-quality, career-relevant education to working professionals. The vast majority of Bellevue’s 10,000 students are enrolled in full-online programs, and some 80% are working adults over the age of 25. The school’s most popular programs are in the fields of healthcare and business, and Bellevue offers affordable degree programs in a variety of formats, including accelerated, cohort-based, in-class, and online. The school has earned a number of recognitions; Washington Monthly designated Bellevue among the Top Ten Universities for Adult Learners, and Chief Learning Officer magazine awarded it two awards for Excellence in Learning Practice. Bellevue’s popular online division has also been ranked 7th in the US by Guide to Online Schools for 2013. Bellevue University offers an interdisciplinary, fully online and very affordable Master’s in Business and Professional Communication. This flexible degree is focused on training to students to assess complex communication challenges and implement innovative solutions, based on a thorough grasp of business communication, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving skills. All students complete a 24-credit Business and Professional Communication core, then select one of seven available 12-credit concentrations: Business, Computer Information Systems, Executive Coaching, Human Resource Management, Project Management, Transnational and Cross-cultural Communication, or Interdisciplinary Studies. All classes are 3 credits, and include such topics as Twenty First Century Communication Technologies, Leadership and Organizational Communication, Conflict and Negotiation, and Ethics and Decision Making. The program concludes with a project-based Business and Professional Communication Capstone. Tuition costs just $545 per credit, making Bellevue’s online master’s in communication a high affordable option.

10. University of Florida

The University of Florida (UF) is a large, public, public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant university which is located in Gainsville, Florida. The school was established in 1835, making it the oldest university in the state of Florida. With a total enrollment of 54,854 students, it is also the state’s third-largest university. Although not required to do so, a total of 75% of undergraduates choose to live on the vast, 2,000 acre campus, which houses no less than 900 buildings. UF operates sixteen academic colleges and more than 150 research centers and institutes, and awards 123 master’s degree programs, 76 doctoral degree programs in eighty-seven schools and departments. Greek life is popular, with over 20% of students participating in UF’s 60 fraternities and sororities. The student body is also notably diverse, and UF is ranked 2nd in the US for number of bachelor’s degrees awarded to Hispanic students and 2nd for African-Americans. The school is designated as a “research university with very high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation, and U.S. News and World Report ranks UF 40th in National Universities and 14th in Top Public Schools. With strong academics and affordable tuition, the same source also0 ranks the university 93rd in Best Value Schools. The University of Florida awards an affordable online Master’s in Mass Communication through the school’s prestigious College of Journalism and Communications. This cutting-edge digital communication degree includes no less than seven available concentrations, more digital specializations than any other online graduate communications degree program. Options include concentrations in Digital Strategy, Global Strategic Communication, Political Communication, and Public Relations. Depending on concentration, the course of study can vary from 36-39 hours, and in slides a Communications Core, Concentration-specific Electives, and a Capstone. Class content is delivered through both live and asynchronous classrooms, and instructors are accomplished professionals from corporations such as Google, Disney, Udacity, and Microsoft. All students also have access to online Success Coaches and academic advisors to provide guidance and support. This highly specialized and prestigious program is an outstanding value, with an affordable tuition of $552 per credit.

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]]> The 10 Fastest Online Bachelor’s in Marketing Degree Programs https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/the-fastest-online-bachelors-in-marketing-degree-programs/ Mon, 25 Jun 2018 19:42:46 +0000 https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/?p=6847 Image is everything, and a great marketing campaign can make all the difference in a brand’s visibility, relevance, and reputation. But what’s in the “secret sauce” of a successful marketing […]

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]]> Image is everything, and a great marketing campaign can make all the difference in a brand’s visibility, relevance, and reputation. But what’s in the “secret sauce” of a successful marketing endeavor? That’s a complex blend of methodical research, creative genius, calculated-risk, and audience targeting, and it takes a team of trained marketing professionals to pull it off. Qualified marketing professionals are highly valued by corporations, and are very well compensated. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists make an average salary of $71,450, while Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers earn an average salary of $129,380 per year. If you love the idea of helping brands to elevate and celebrate their products or services, you’ll want to start with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. A typical bachelor’s program will provide a solid understanding of marketing essentials like Market Research, Consumer Behavior, Product and Brand Management, Promotion and Public Relations, and Global Marketing. Many programs also offer experiential components (like internships), specializations, or include hands-on learning through projects and portfolios. It typically takes 4 years to earn a bachelor’s degree, but if you’ve got serious drive and ambition, you’ll want to find a fast paced bachelor’s program that will allow you to get started on your career much sooner than that. We’ve compiled our guide to the 10 Fastest Online Bachelor’s in Marketing to help you get on the fast track to this essential degree. All of the programs included in our ranking can be completed in under four years, and all are delivered fully online, allowing you to complete your coursework when and where it’s most convenient for you. Within these top ten, we’ve further ranked our Fastest Online Bachelor’s in Marketing based on a number of additional metrics that make your degree more prestigious, more flexible, and more affordable.
  • Affordability (1/3): an institution’s cost per credit hour for out-of-state residents provided by degree program or institutional website.
  • Flexibility (1/3): the number of options—including acceptance of prior college credits, self-paced learning initiatives, accelerated courses, and number of specializations—that allow students to complete a program at a pace of their choosing.
  • Academic Prestige (1/3): an institution’s placement in relation to similar institutions according to either regional or national ranking indexes.

FEATURED ONLINE PROGRAMS

  • University of Denver – University College Denver, CO & Online
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SPONSORED

1. Colorado State University – Global Campus

Colorado State University – Global Campus (CSU-Global) is the online campus of the public Colorado State University System. The Global Campus was established in 2007, with the goal of providing high quality distance learning options to working adults, and has its physical headquarters in Greenwood Village, a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Rather than a division within a campus branch of the Colorado State University System, CSU- Global is a fully-independent and self-governing member of the University System, and the school defines itself as “the first statutorily-defined, non-profit, online state university” in the nation. CSU- Global offers top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as degree completion programs and certificates, and also provides professional development to a number of government organizations and corporate entities, including Otterbox, Great West Financial, AT&T, and United Airlines. Colorado State University – Global Campus offers an extremely fast Bachelor’s in Marketing. Students in this Bachelor of Science program can expect to develop a thorough grounding in consumer behavior, promotional strategies, public relations, sales, and market research, along with current issues and trends such as digital/social media and integrated marketing. The curriculum blends theory with practical skills and quantitative tools with communication and management. The course of study consists of 120 credits, including 10 three-credit core courses in Marketing, a Capstone, and Practicum. Class topics include Consumer Behavior, Product and Brand Management, Promotion and Public Relations, and International and Multi-Cultural Marketing. Tuition is one of the most affordable of any school included in our Fastest Bachelor’s in Marketing Ranking, at just $3560 per credit. CSU Global offers a number of ways for students to accelerate their degree, including transfer credits, fast track classes, and alternative credit options, pathways which grant academic credit for approved job training, military training, professional development, work experience or placement testing. In fact, with maximum transfer credits, fast track classes and alternative credit pathways, a student can earn a fast online bachelor’s in marketing from CSU- Global in as little as one year. Prestige, flexibility and a super accelerated degree track make CSU- Global our #1 choice for 10 Fastest Online Bachelor’s in Marketing.
  • Homepage
  • Shortest Time to Completion: 1 year

2. Colorado Technical University

Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Colorado Technical University (CTU) is a private university with a strong focus on distance education. The university was got its start in 1965 as a technical school aimed at training veterans in civilian professions. Today, CTU continues to emphasize industry-relevant higher education, and popular areas of study include Accounting, Computer Science, Business Administration, and Health Sciences. CTU awards degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. The school’s online offerings are popular, longstanding, and robust. CTU has been offering online degrees since 2000, and more than 92% of the school’s 26,000 students are enrolled in fully online programs. Colorado Technical University offers a highly affordable and incredibly fast online Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. The university’s high-quality, flexible and fast bachelor’s program has been ranked 115th in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for four years in a row by U.S. News and World Report. The program is designed to equip students not only proficiency in business operations, but also special skills in sales, marketing communications, channel development, and consumer behavior. A total of 180 credits are required for this fast online degree: 66 in general education, 86 in the major core, and 28 in the Marketing Concentration. Classes within the marketing concentration include Consumer Behavior Fundamentals, Applied Marketing Management, Marketing and the Virtual Marketplace, and Advertising and Public Relations. This high-quality degree can be accelerated in several ways. Tuition very low, at a cost of just $325 per credit, making it one of the most affordable schools included in our Fastest Bachelor’s in Marketing ranking. CTU offers a generous transfer credit policy, allowing up to 75% of the degree’s 180 required credits to be transferred in, with approval, from another institution. The program also offers “Fast Track” exams, allowing students to earn credit for demonstrated prior knowledge of course content. CTU also awards academic credit for past experience, training, and certification. By maximizing all available transfer and alternative crediting options, students can earn a fast bachelor’s in marketing from CTU in as little as 2 years.
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  • Shortest Time to Completion: 2 years

3. Western Governors’ University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, nonprofit, university which is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah and offers classes exclusively online. The school originated in 1995 from a proposal by the then-governor of Utah to establish an innovative, multi-state distance learning network to provide quality education to working adults. WGU was officially founded two years later, with the backing of 18 other state governors. Today, WGU serves a total of 78,709 non-traditional learners through online, student-centered learning. Almost the entire student body is over the age of 25 and employed full-time, and classes are therefore delivered with maximum flexibility in terms of credit assessment and scheduling (WSU even chose a “night owl” as the school mascot). In order to support distance learners through the challenges of pursuing a degree while maintaining outside obligations, WSU pairs leach student with an individual academic mentor, who serves as their academic advisor, coach, mentor and school liaison. Western Governors University awards an affordable and fast online Bachelor’s in Marketing Management. WGU’s degree program aims to arm students with a solid knowledge of nine core content areas, including Quantitative Analysis, Project Management, and Business Law and Ethics. A total of 35 classes are required for graduation, and marking management courses include Marketing Fundamentals, Marketing Applications, Principles of Management, and Marketing Management Tasks. The school offers a generous transfer credit policy, and the average WGU student is able to transfer in a total of 32 credits from previous coursework. In addition, all classes are competency-based, meaning that credit is awarded for demonstrating aptitude through assessments, and students can progress through the program as rapidly as they are able to acquire and demonstrate their grasp of the content. By taking full advantage of transfer credits and accelerated courses, it’s possible to earn this flexible and fast bachelor’s in marketing in just two years, just half the time of a traditional undergraduate degree. Fast learners save money as well as time; WGU charges a flat fee per semester, so those completing their degree in an accelerated time frame will pay less tuition overall.
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  • Shortest Time to Completion: 2 years

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5. Southern New Hampshire University

Located in Manchester, New Hampshire, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a nonprofit, private institute. The university dates back to 1932, with the founding of the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science. SNHU now serves 73,177 students in 6 schools and colleges, awarding undergraduate and graduate degrees, and certificates. Of this large student body, as many as 60,000 are enrolled in SNHU’s popular and innovative online programs. In recognition of the school’s approach to online learning, which blends the student-centered format of for-profit schools with the academic quality of a nonprofit university, U.S. News and World Report has consistently ranked SNHU 1st in Most Innovative Schools, as well as 83rd in Best Value Schools and 86th in Regional Universities, North. Southern New Hampshire University offers an affordable and fast and affordable online bachelor’s in marketing, with the option to pursue a concentration in social media. The program is intended to ground students in a thorough understanding of brand communications, consumer behavior, market research and international marketing. A total of 120 credits are required for graduation, and classes take place in a self-paced format of six 8-week terms per year, allowing students to accelerate their pace of completion. Marketing courses include Principles of Integrated Marketing Communications, Social Media and Marketing, Strategic Brand Management, and Consumer Behavior. For those interested in pursuing an advanced degree at an accelerated pace, SNHU also offers an accelerated BS-to-MS pathway, allowing students to potentially earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in two years- half the time typically required to earn a bachelor’s degree alone.
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  • Shortest Time to Completion: 1 year

6. Sullivan University

Sullivan University is a private institute which is based in Louisville, Kentucky, with 6 additional satellite campuses located throughout the state. The school dates back to 1962, when it was established as a one-year vocational school, with a student body of just 300. With an enrollment of 3,165 (2,625 undergraduate), Sullivan is Kentucky’s largest private university. The university awards diplomas, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, and continues its traditional emphasis on career-oriented disciplines like Business, Hospitality, Education, and Health and Nursing. The school prides itself on offering its body of non-traditional learners affordable tuition, flexible scheduling, and extensive supports. Sullivan offers a fast Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Students in the program gain a comprehensive foundation in business principles, such as accounting, business law, economics, financial management, and conflict management, while also developing a specialization in marketing. For this 180-credit degree, students complete a 104 credit Business Core, followed by 16 credits in the Marketing Concentration, with classes such as Marketing Research, Sales Management, and Building a Brand. Professors have backgrounds in business and marketing and bring their real-world experience to their online instruction. Tuition is extremely affordable at a price of $320 per credit. Those with an associate’s degree or other relevant prior coursework can complete the entire program in as little as 18 months. Distance learners have access to remote support services like academic advising, library resources, career assistance and even a mentoring team.
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  • Shortest Time to Completion: 1.5 years

7. Rasmussen College

Rasmussen College is a private institution based in St. Paul, Minnesota, which operates 22 satellite campuses throughout the nation. The school got its start in 1900, when it was founded by Walter Rasmussen in Stillwater, Minnesota, as the Rasmussen Practical School of Business. Currently, Rasmussen awards over 70 diplomas, certificates, associates and bachelor’s degrees and has a total enrollment of more than 13,600 students nationwide. True to its roots as a school of business, Rasmussen has a strong focus on career-oriented disciplines, and popular areas of study include Health Sciences, Business, Education, Criminal Justice, Nursing, and Technology. The school began offering online classes back in 2002, and today, a large proportion of Rasmussen’s students are enrolled in online, with most of these pursuing professionally-focused degrees on a part-time basis while also maintaining their current careers. Rasmussen offers an exceptionally affordable and fast Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. The program is intended to prepare students to succeed in the modern marketing profession, and includes studies in both traditional and online marketing channels, market research, public relations, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and product management. Students may also chose between two specializations: Digital Marketing or Sales Management. Classes include Marketing Management Foundations, Visual and Social Media, and Integrated Marketing and Sales Planning. Rasmussen’s accelerated bachelors in marketing degree program employs the school’s signature “Credential Ladder,” which automatically awards students enrolled in the bachelor’s program an associate’s degree once they have completed sufficient required bachelor’s coursework, giving them a credential with immediate workplace applicability. The program also employs Rasmussen’s “Flex Choice” format, which allows students to combine traditional courses with competency-based learning or self-directed assessments to build a customized degree path, allowing for flexible scheduling and accelerated completion. Through transfer credit and the use of Flex Choice to place out of credit requirements, the entire degree can be completed in as little as 1.5 years.
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  • Shortest Time to Completion: 1.5 years

8. Regis University

Regis University is a Roman Catholic, private, liberal arts school which is based in Denver, Colorado. The school dates back to 1877, when exiled Italian Jesuits priests founded Las Vegas College, a small institute in Nevada. The same group later founded Sacred Heart College in Morrison, Colorado, and the two eventually merged to become Regis. In keeping with the Jesuit tradition, Regis has a longstanding and extensive commitment to community service and social justice, which is manifested in the school’s many community service and outreach projects, such as serving food to the homeless. Liberal arts play a major role in all areas of study, and ethics are interwoven across disciplines. The most popular majors include health sciences, followed closely by business and management. U.S. News and World Report ranks Regis 23rd in Regional Universities, West. Regis offers a well-respected, fully online and fast bachelor’s in business with a concentration in marketing. Students in this degree program gain a solid grasp of business fundamentals, along with specialized studies in marketing, including how to coordinate market research, marketing strategy, sales, advertising, promotion, pricing, product development, brand management and public relations. A total of 128 credit hours are required for the degree, with 30 credits in foundational courses, 33 in upper division requirements, 20 electives, and 9 in the marketing concentration. Class topics include International Marketing, Digital Marketing, Influencing Buyer Behavior, and Marketing Communications. With maximum transfer credits, this fast, rigorous, and well-respected program can be completed in just one year. Students interested in an advanced degree can pursue an accelerated Bachelor of Applied Science with Management specialization and M.S. in Organization Leadership by applying up to four graduate courses towards their undergraduate degree.
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  • Shortest Time to Completion: 1 year

9. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) is a large, public university which is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona and operates multiple satellite campuses throughout the Greater Phoenix area. The university was founded in 1885, and actually predates the founding of the state of Arizona itself. ASU got its start as as the Arizona Territorial Normal School, in order to train teachers, with just 33 students in its first class. Today, ASU has no less than 82,060 students: 66,309 undergraduates and 15,751 graduate students, making it the nation’s largest public university by enrollment. The university has an outstanding reputation for both education and research, with a number of top nationally-ranked programs in business, law, engineering and education. The Carnegie Foundation classifies ASU as a “research university with very high research activity,” recognizing its advanced contributions in the fields of energy efficiency, business, and aerospace and defense. The university is ranked 115th in National Universities, 110th in Best Value Schools, 53rd in Top Public Schools and 1st in Most Innovative Schools by U.S> News and World Report. Arizona State University offers an accelerated online Bachelor’s in Business with a concentration in Communication through its prestigious W. P. Carey School of Business. This reputable and fast degree is best-suited for those with a strong in terse in business who wish to shape and deliver message-related behaviors for the purpose of improving communicative interactions in the workplace and with consumers. The degree requires the completion of 120 credit hours, including 51 Upper Division Hours, for a total of 41 classes. The curriculum includes such classes as Communication in Business, Communication, Conflict, and Negotiation, Communication Training and Development, and Small Group Communication. Courses are fast paced, lasting just 7.5 weeks. Those interested in pursuing a master’s degree from ASU can accelerate their pace of completion through the school’s “Fast Track” option, which allows bachelor’s degree students to complete credit hours toward their master’s degree during their senior year, earning a graduate degree in one year instead of two. With maximum transfer credits, under the university’s generous transfer policy, the entire bachelor’s program can be completed in 2.5 years. Tuition is very reasonably priced for a school of ASU’s caliber, at $521.50 per credit.
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  • Shortest Time to Completion: 2.5 years

10. Full Sail University

Full Sail University is a private institute based in Winter Park, Florida, a suburb of Orlando. The university got its start back in 1979 in Dayton, Ohio, as as Full Sail Recording Workshop, with the aim of providing instruction in the production end of the music industry. By 1980, the new school had relocated to its current home in Florida, and soon began offering expanded academics other fields of entertainment and media. Nowadays, Full Sail has a student body of 16,100, and confers 49 degrees and certificates at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s level, in disciplines like computer animation, film, video production, design, and business. Many programs are offered online, and most are available in an accelerated format. The school has earned several distinctions, such as FAPSC School/College of the Year, the Technical Excellence and Creativity award for Best Recording School/Program from Mix magazine, and placement in the “five best music programs in the country” from Rolling Stone magazine. Full Sail has an accelerated online Bachelor’s in Internet Marketing. This affordable and fast degree is specific to digital commerce, and is intended to thoroughly train students in developing dynamic content, search engine optimization, direct advertising, and market-related data analytics, to help companies reach their target audience. Internet marketing course topics include Search Engine Optimization, Display Advertising and Email Marketing, and Web Analytics and Reporting. Throughout the program, students complete hands-on project and portfolio based courses, and graduate with a selection of professional work to demonstrate their aptitude to employers. The entire degree can be earned in just 29 months, and tuition is reasonably priced at $450 per credit.
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  • Shortest Time to Completion: 2.5 years

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]]> What is a Business Intelligence Analyst? https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/what-is-a-business-intelligence-analyst/ Mon, 25 Jun 2018 16:05:16 +0000 https://www.bestmarketingdegrees.org/?p=6841 If you’re reading this, you’re likely aware that data is currency in marketing. Data is how you know your marketing worked, how you know it didn’t work, and how you […]

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]]> If you’re reading this, you’re likely aware that data is currency in marketing. Data is how you know your marketing worked, how you know it didn’t work, and how you know what to change in the future.

Wait up a sec… we should add that data is just the start of all of that. Data in and of itself isn’t worth that much, unless it can be coerced into something meaningful. To show you what we mean, let us introduce the DIKW hierarchy.

You see what we mentioned in the intro is true, but only using the popular conception of “data.” Technically, data in and of itself doesn’t tell us much until it’s processed. What do we mean by processed? Well that depends on how much (and how quality) the processing is. To illustrate this point, here are examples of what constitutes each step of the DIKW heirarchy:

  • Data includes logs, measures, addresses, phone numbers, names, number of clicks, and so forth, but without any interrelationships mapped. Data in and of itself does not answer any meaningful questions, but is rather the material out of which answers can be constructed. To fully illustrate this point, data is just a collection of symbols. On it’s own it might as well be written in a language foreign to you. What many people commonly refer to as data is actually information.
  • Information is what many people mistakenly refer to as data. Information is data with a context, or that has been organized into a structure. A list of subscribers to a service and their ages is data. Wrangling the data to provide percentages in certain age groups is information. Following the example, once you know that 90% of your subscribers have kids and are in their 40’s, you can start to answer questions like “who, what, when, where.” Creating information through the processing and refining of data is a crucial portion of a business intelligence analyst’s role.
  • Knowledge is more abstract than information, but easy to identity when we see it. Knowledge applies personal experience and mental rules (whether knowingly or unknowingly) to information. Put simply, knowledge answers “how” to implement or integrate understandings from information. Knowledge is often exhibited when information is provided to high-level decision makers or those experienced in their field. Knowledge is knowing what to do with your information.
  • Wisdom can be seen as related to knowledge over time. In a business setting, wisdom extrapolates from knowledge and faces the future. Application of a businesses’ values, providing vision into the future based on knowledge, and having the leadership to provide this vision are what wisdom is all about. While elusive, wisdom is seen through “visionary” acts informed by information and knowledge.

So what does this have to do with the role of a business intelligence analyst? A quick look at what “business intelligence” is should make this clear. Business intelligence refers to

  • Technologies
  • Applications
  • And practices

that are used in the collection, analysis, integration, and presentation of information. In short, business intelligence analysts take an organization’s data, and make it something more valuable in an effort to support business goals. Let’s look at a few components of business intelligence analysis below.

Training of Business Intelligence Analysts

Business intelligence analysts may come from a variety of academic backgrounds or be self taught. With this said, most major employers require at least a bachelor’s degree for business intelligence roles. While any quantitatively-focused major will do including hard sciences, math, computer science, or engineering, many “softer” degrees coupled with training in informational analysis tools and business processes will also do. As a great deal of data gathered in business settings has to do with the presentation and honing or services or products, marketing is a common degree for business intelligence analysts. Many bachelor’s level degrees in marketing work on data literacy and learning about the types of information that are useful in marketing settings. Master’s degrees in either marketing, data analytics, or business administration further hone marketing-specific tools and data management processes.

For those interested in business intelligence, yet who have degrees in other fields, graduate certificates in marketing may also provide a time and cost effective way to hone skills in the field.

Tools of Business Intelligence Analysis

We’ve mentioned a few of the routes to learning tools needed for business intelligence analysis, but what exactly are these tools? Depending on your precise role in your team, business intelligence analysis can range between fully data science-centered roles (more technical) all the way to report creation (less technical). Categories of tools used in this process include the following:

  • Spreadsheets
  • Online Analytical Processing
  • Reporting and querying tools
  • Digital dashboards
  • Website Analytics Services
  • Data Mining Technologies
  • Business Activity Monitoring Tools
  • Data Warehousing Practices and Tools
  • And Data Cleansing Techniques and Tools

Examples of these software and technology types include:

  • Microsoft Office or Google Sheets
  • IBM Cognos or Micro Strategy
  • BIRT Report or Jasper Reports, SQL
  • Tableau or Domo
  • Google Analytics among others
  • Scripting languages or pre-built tools
  • TaskCentre or KnowledgeSync
  • Ab Initio Software or Amazon Redshift
  • OpenRefine among others

This may seem like a large “stack” of tools, techniques, and technologies. But it’s likely that your role as a business intelligence analyst will focus on one subset of data collection, analysis, integration, or presentation. Furthermore, your employer will likely have a select group of tools already in place, lowering the number of tools you’ll need to be familiar with at any one time.

Business Intelligence Analyst Jobs

So now that you have your bearings a bit, what does the business intelligence analyst job market look like? First off, business intelligence analyst positions can go by a number of names including business analyst, ETL analyst, data warehouse analyst, data scientist, data miner, data processor, analytics solution expert, and so forth. With the basic stack of tools and techniques above a guiding point, there are over 10,000 openings as of the time of this article’s writing for business intelligence analyst and similar jobs. These positions range from entry level through C-Level analytics and analyst professionals and are available in every state and metro area in the nation. In fact, there’s quite a large shortage of those with data analysis and related skills. That’s part of why many publications have named data science as the “hottest” profession of the 21st century.

Business Intelligence Analyst Salary

So you’re intrigued by the job description, and maybe could see yourself in a role related to intelligence analysis. What sort of career trajectory can you hope for? First off, this greatly depends on your location and the given field you choose to work in. Analysts work in pretty much every sector and for employers ranging from non-profits to high finance, from city governments, to space agencies. With that said, business intelligence analysts bring home a hefty wage for the requisite education requirements to start. Many entry level data analysts will bring home over $55,000 a year. While senior business intelligence analysts often bring home over $100,000 in salary and additional compensation. As with many information economy jobs, large business hubs and tech-centered economies boast even higher salaries. Experienced data scientists in Silicon Valley have been known to bring home $300,000+ in salary and additional compensation. While this isn’t the norm, for enterprising, driven, and talented business intelligence analysts in the making a wide range of opportunities are available.

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