Which Schools Offer the Best Masters in Social Media Marketing Degree Programs

by Alex Morgan · April 26, 2024

schools with social media marketing degree programs

Social media marketing is the pillar of online marketing strategies. It helps brands and businesses stay connected with their audiences, while also assisting new brands taking off with an unmatched platform. That’s why, qualified experts are necessary to run such social media campaigns, preferably people with qualifications or a proper degree in social media management.

Now, there are quite a few options for marketing or business graduates, that can help them become master’s in social media marketing. So, which digital media online or on-campus program should you pursue? Which college or university offers the best or one of the top curriculums? We’ll answer that and more, so let’s get right into it.

Types of Social Media Marketing Programs

Social media marketing programs come in many shapes and course types. There are bachelor’s degrees, of course, but there are also graduate and certification programs. Other than that, there are associate specializations for social media marketing as well.

However, universities rarely title these programs as “social media master’s” or MBA in social media marketing, as most of them fall under three main categories, such as:

Digital Marketing Masters Programs
Masters In Digital Marketing Online
Online Social Media Certificate Programs

Now, as the title of each program suggests, they are specializations offered through various means. For instance:

Digital Marketing Masters Programs

Digital marketing master’s programs are on-campus graduate degrees. Ideally, you’d find something near you, so you can attend classes at the school offering this program. These programs have distinctive qualities and provide specific expertise in digital marketing areas, such as:

Social media marketing;
Search engine optimization;
Consumer or customer behaviors;
Analytical expertise;
And content marketing.

While coursework depends entirely on the university and the degree specialization, digital or social media marketing-focused programs would usually have such courses. And these on-campus degrees tend to develop skills alongside qualifications as well.

Masters In Digital Marketing Online

The online digital marketing graduate programs, aka master’s programs, are completely remote. These social media marketing online programs can be attended from anywhere, given that they provide an at-your-pace course or something you can attend anytime.

These remote programs differ in specializations, course names, and degree titles. However, at their core, they are social media or digital marketing-focused programs. Besides, they would also offer expertise in key areas like:

Social media management, marketing, and analysis;
Search engine optimization and content;
Paid marketing, such as PPC or SEM;
And other digital marketing-relevant courses.

These digital marketing online programs also offer electives, like their on-campus counterparts. Besides, it’s more likely that you find a social media-focused program in an online capacity, than you will on campus. That’s because it suits the nature of work, and a lot of accredited universities offer it, such as Full Sail.

Online Social Media Certificate Programs

Social media marketing certifications are usually very short and focused programs. These programs usually last 4-6 weeks, and could be on-campus or online, but they are mostly taken online.

They provide specializations with specific courses, which could help the course taker advance in their workplace, or find a higher position in their industry.

10 Accredited Schools for Master’s in Social Media Marketing

Now let’s talk about the leading graduate degrees and schools where you can find digital or social media marketing master’s. Each one is picked according to their degree type, acceptance rate, as well as the overall value the degree presents. So, here are the 10 best options today:

1: Full Sail University – Master’s in Digital Marketing

Full Sail University is one of the top-rated private institutions in the state of Florida, and it has quickly become one of the favorites of people who need an online degree. While the university has been around since 1979, its online degrees have put it on the radar.

Program: MS in Digital Marketing
Acceptance Rate: 95-100%
Degree Type: Online

With programs like MS in Digital Marketing, Full Sail provides some of the best social media postgraduate courses, such as:

Digital Marketing Fundamentals
Digital Storytelling and Branding
Consumer Behavior and Analysis
Digital Design and Usability
New Media Marketing
Advanced Digital Marketing Strategies
Digital Analytics and Optimization
Digital Marketing Campaign Development

That’s why it’s the best option for anyone needing an affordable and easy-to-take online social media marketing master’s degree.

2: University of Florida – MA in Communications

The University of Florida is another great institution from the Sunshine State and offers one of the best options you can take for social media marketing. Their Master in Communications degree with a social media concentration is the ideal post-graduate route to take.

Program: MA in Communications – Social Media Management Concentration
Acceptance Rate: 23%
Degree: On-campus

While it’s not an online master’s in digital communication, it’s a solid choice for those looking for an on-campus degree, as it features a strong curriculum:

Introduction to Social Media
Introduction to Multimedia Communication
Social Media Metrics and Evaluation
Branding Using Social and Mobile Media
Social Media and Emerging Technology
Social Media Community Management
Social Media Management

And with courses like these, it’s a good path to take and advance in the marketing industry.

3: University of Southern California (USC Annenberg) – MS in Digital Social Media

The University of Southern California is one of the top institutions in the Golden State. So, if you’re looking for a social media marketing degree in California, there isn’t likely to be a better option. Although it has a very tough acceptance rate, it is one of the top-rated universities in the US today.

Program: Master of Science in Digital Social Media
Acceptance Rate: 12%
Degree: On-campus

This MS in Digital Social Media program is arguably the best program you’ll find currently across the US. That’s because it’s filled with incredible courses, such as:

Introduction to Digital Social Media
Managing Technologies for Digital Media
Analytics and Research Methodology

Besides that, the reputation of the University itself might be enough to help you land a higher position.

4: Pace University – MS In Social Media

Pace University is another incredible university with a lot of great degree programs. It also offers an 83% acceptance rate, which is ideal for many. Out of the programs they offer, one is their Master of Science in Marketing with a double specialization in Social Media and Mobil Marketing.

Program: MS In Marketing, Social Media, and Mobile Marketing
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Degree: On-campus

This program is made of many great courses, which are ideal for social media and digital marketing in general. These courses include:

Driving Marketing Performance
Business Analytics and Statistics
Marketing Research
Foundations of Social and Mobile Technologies
Foundations of Social and Mobile Technologies
Social Media and Mobile Marketing Strategies
Interactive and Direct Marketing
Advertising and Sales Promotion

Thus, giving us yet another option to ponder, and an ideal choice for New York residents.

5: Rutgers University – MS in Digital Marketing

Rutgers University is one of the top business institutions in the US. The university is known for its unique and all-encompassing business programs, and for providing specializations for modern business necessities.

Program: Master of Science in Digital Marketing
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Degree: On-campus

This includes their MS in Digital Marketing, which features one of the best curriculums, as it offers:

Social Media Marketing
Consumer Behavior in a Digital World
Customer Journey Analytics
Digital Marketing Strategy
Content Marketing
Digital Advertising & Promotions
Mobile Marketing and Innovation
Retail Marketing in a Digital World

Thus, it’s yet another great university to pick.

6: New York University – MS in Integrated Marketing

New York University is another top university in the US that offers a unique marketing graduate program. This integrated marketing degree focuses on digital marketing with a major concentration. However, it’s not a social media manager degree online.

Program: Master of Science in Integrated Marketing – Digital Marketing Concentration
Acceptance Rate: 12%
Degree: On-campus

Besides that, the university is also a bit tough to get into with a 12% acceptance rate. But it’s worth it, as it’s a prestigious institution, and it offers outstanding courses too:

Social Media & The Brand
Search Marketing
E-Commerce Marketing
Operations Strategy

7: University of Illinois Chicago – MS in Marketing

University of Illinois Chicago might be the top university in the state of Illinois, and it has some of the best programs too. One of them is the Master of Science in Marketing program, which has an incredible curriculum.

Program: Master of Science in Marketing
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Degree: On-campus

And while it encompasses the entire marketing spectrum, it has special courses that focus on digital and social media marketing:

Digital Marketing Research
Digital and Social Media Marketing
Advanced Marketing Research
Content Marketing
Consumer Market Behavior
Marketing and Sales Channels
Marketing Research

8: Miami Ad School – Master’s in Social Media Strategy

Miami Ad School is one of the top advertising institutions in Miami and has become the best choice for those who wish to become advertisers and marketers online. With programs covering both the online and on-campus spectrum, it’s an ideal choice for students who wish to specialize in the social media niche.

Program: The Social Strategy Master’s Degree
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Degree: On-campus

The degree on offer here is a Master’s in Social Strategy, and offers the most unique curriculum on this list:

Video Storytelling
Thinking Strategically
Pop Culture Engineering
Global Communications
Social Media
Decode a Social Campaign
Theories of Mass Communication
Law and Ethics in Mass Communications

And with courses like these, it can prepare you for any challenge in social media marketing today.

9: University of Tampa – M.A. in Social and Emerging Media

The University of Tampa is another great university in Florida that offers quite a few great degree options. This includes their MA program for Social and other Emerging Media, as this degree is meant to tackle all the modern challenges in online marketing.,

Program: M.A. in Social and Emerging Media
Acceptance Rate: 26%
Degree: On-campus

The post-graduate degree offers a complete curriculum, which has some of the best courses:

Emerging Technologies and Applications
Visual Design for Emerging Media
Audio and Video Production for Emerging Media
Social and Emerging Media Strategy and Analytics
Emerging Media: Industry, Policy and Law
Advanced Production in Emerging Media
Ethics and Communication Law
Motion Graphics and Visual Effects for Social and Emerging Media

10: Liberty University – M.S. in Marketing

Liberty University is another great option for those who want a university that’s easy to get into and something affordable. The program here is a Master of Science In Marketing, with a Social Media Management concentration.

Program: M.S. in Marketing – Social Media Management
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Degree: On-campus

This on-campus program has an incredible curriculum, that includes:

Applied Market Research
Brand Management
Effective Media Analysis
Setting Social and Interactive Goals

Master’s Degree in Social Media Management Job Prospects

A master’s degree in social media management or marketing can provide many job opportunities. According to BLS, the average increase in job outlook for this field currently is around 6%, but it’ll increase by 2032 by more than 10%.

Besides that, senior positions such as social media managers can earn upwards of $150,000 per year. So, there are quite a few benefits to pursuing a job in social media management and marketing such as:

High potential salaries post-graduation or master’s;
High chances of finding a reliable job;
Job abundance and security;
And a variety of niches or industries to work in.

That’s why, people pursue degrees after graduation as a master’s in digital marketing ensures a high salary and a better position. Mostly, these degrees are pursued by graduates who are working in social media or digital marketing capacity.

However, it’s also ideal for those who are looking to switch over from their jobs or niches and find something in social media marketing. So, a basic social media degree salary is plausible, but having a master’s can certainly help you score a job with high pay.

Conclusion

These are some of the top degree options around the United States, and the schools that offer them. All of these programs have outstanding courses and each one offers a unique method of developing skills and qualifications for social media marketing/management. If you are pursuing a career in digital marketing then the best courses offered by these schools will help you progress in that direction. Moreover, each school has unique courses that will help you get into the specialized niche that you are aiming for in the social media marketing world.