Guide to Online Advertising Degree Programs
Below is a list of accredited colleges around the nation that offer Advertising degree programs. You can find more schools or other degrees that may interest you with the search widget on the left or further down. Either way, you can request free information from each school by filling out the “Request Information” form with the links provided. We encourage you to seek info from at least four schools with similar degrees to help you better compare your options.
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How do I earn an advertising degree online?
Earning an advertising degree online is convenient for many people who have family and work commitments. While the courses are completed on your own time, they still require dedication and hard work, so be sure you access your schedule in a frank way before signing up for an advertising degree online. First find an online advertising program that fits your needs. Consult with a school advisor to get an idea of what courses will be like. The advisor will be able to tell you how much time you can expect course work to take and if any existing credits you have will count towards your online advertising degree. You need to have a personal computer and reliable Internet connection that will allow you to study, conduct research and prepare for exams.
You also have to be motivated enough to complete course work on your own. While your class syllabus will provide an outline of how to go about studying for a course, it is up to you to become a disciplined student. Look at your schedule prior to registering for an online advertising degree to decide how many courses you’re capable of taking. If you are returning to college for the first time in many years or aren’t familiar with computers, it may be in your best interest to take on one or two courses as opposed to taking the plunge for a full load of classes.
Online advertising degree school rankings?
There is no official ranking system for online degrees. Any lists you may come across online are arbitrary and have no concrete evidence to back up claims or rankings. The most important thing you look for when finding an online advertising degree program is to make sure the program is accredited. This will be the deciding factor in whether or not the degree is worth your time and effort and will ultimately further your career. You can check a school’s accreditation at this site of the U.S. Department of Education. The online advertising degree program should be accredited by a regional or national accreditation source. Ask your school advisor for the program’s accreditation and keep in mind that just because an online school boasts accreditation from a legit source in one program does not mean the institution is accredited in all programs they offer.
Do not bother with unaccredited programs. There are many programs on the web that claim to be valid online schools, when in fact, they are nothing more than diploma mills. It’s important you do your own research to throughly explore a potential school and online advertising program before writing out a check, since you want the degree to expand your career options and earning potential.
What kind of career can I have with an online advertising degree?
Sales – In this case, you’re looking to sell advertising space in a variety of media outlets. This can be a very lucrative career depending on how good (and comfortable) you are with the art of selling. It is a good position for those who can easily strike up a conversation with anyone and isn’t afraid of negotiating.
Market researcher – In this advertising job, you’re doing ample research for a product or client. It can deal with launching a new product or exploring product placement to gain advertising. This is a growing area in advertising due to the Internet and research that must be conducted to appeal to the online consumer.
Account manager – The account manager works as the link between the advertising agency and the client. It is a job that brings much stress and reward. In some cases, you may serve as an account manager for a couple of clients while a large project can make you the account manager for a long duration of time.
How to explain an online advertising degree to your employer
Online degrees are becoming more and more normal, but they are still a foreign idea to some employers. The world of advertising has many creative minds, but also many straight-laced types who are by-the-books. The employer’s background may give you an idea of how receptive they will be towards your online advertising degree.
You do not have to address the fact that you attended an online advertising program. On your resume, state your school and the program in which you graduated from. If you are asked if your degree was obtained online, do not lie. Instead, point out the fact that an online advertising degree worked best for you lifestyle and schedule and you are confident in the material you learned. Many employers understand that attending a conventional college when you have a family and must hold down a full time job is very difficult and as long as the prospective employee shows they are capable of the position, they do not look down on online degrees.
Advertising is an industry that largely relies on networking and connections, so it’s important that you try to gain an internship when still in school. This will give you hands-on experience in the field and also help you network for a permanent position. Some schools offer extensive career resources, so this is an area to inquire about when sitting down with a school advisor.
What is a class like when you earn your advertising degree online?
The principle lessons taught during a regular college class are the same you’ll get from an online advertising degree. After registering for classes, you’ll be given a website to visit where you’ll set up a username and password to access all of your online courses. In most cases, all of your classes will be accessible under the same web platform. These web platforms are designed by programmers to be user friendly, even for those who do not have an extensive background in computers.
Your class syllabus will be visible online and give you a clear outline of what material should study and at what pace. These lessons are usually done in 1 or 2 week increments, giving students an idea of what should be studied during this time. Any quizzes, major projects or exams will be on the syllabus, so you can plan your time wisely. Though you are studying on your own, it’s important to stay on track so you aren’t stuck cramming at the last minute. In some cases, you’ll be able to see your grades online.