Distance education is becoming a very practical and convenient option for individuals who are interested in earning a college degree or a professional certificate. With so many different public schools and private schools offering their own distance education classes, and accredited online schools offering programs for students across the nation, more and more people are enrolling in degree programs. If you work full-time, are a full-time parent, or you live in an area where commuting to a campus is difficult, you may be wondering if you can earn a marketing degree online. While it is possible to earn a marketing degree online, not all programs are created equal and it is important for prospective students to choose the right program from the right school.
Are Online Degrees in Marketing Recognized By Employers and Business Schools?
When you think of college, you probably picture a big campus, but with advancing technologies making distance education possible, your own room could become the classroom. What many students pursuing a career in the field of marketing worry about is enrolling in an online degree program just to find that their degree is not recognized. When online education programs were first rolled out, some students found that they were taking distance courses from a school that was not accredited.
Now, most online degree programs have earned accreditation. In addition to this, about 7000 of the colleges and universities in the United States offer their own long-distance programs even though they have a campus location. Since distance institutions can earn a accreditation, and traditional schools do have online programs that are not always advertised, an online degree is becoming just as effective to marketing employers than a traditional degree at all levels.
What to Look for in a Quality Online Marketing Degree Program
Online degree programs may be much more convenient than traditional programs, but as a marketing student, you need to make sure that you gain the knowledge and skills that you need to gain to compete in this highly competitive industry. There are several different factors that prospective marketing students should consider before selecting any type of online or distance education program.
The first factor to consider with any program is accreditation, but this is not as easy as you might think. There are hundreds of different accrediting agencies, and knowing which agencies are recognized for setting high standards by the US Department of Education is very important. Some of the less reputable online schools have been known to claim that they are accredited by creating their own agencies, and this is a tactic you should know about. To avoid choosing a school with a worthless accreditation, be sure to verify that the school has a valid accreditation.
Another factor to consider is the duration of the program. You can find Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and MBA programs with a focus in Marketing online. Many online programs are accelerated so that students can complete school in a shorter period of time, but make sure you can keep up with the pace. Many times, marketing students are too ambitious. Check graduation rates to gauge how difficult the program is to complete.
Studying marketing online is a great alternative if you choose the right degree program. Make sure to consider all of your options, map out the right educational path, and enroll. Once you complete your degree, you can pursue a fulfilling career in the field of marketing with a leading firm or organization.
