Internet Marketing MBA + Online Options

Did you know that there are more than 38,000 Internet searches conducted across the world every second? Digital marketing has opened up a massive new audience for all types of businesses to reach. One of the ways that you can tap into this growing trend is to earn an MBA in internet marketing.

In internet marketing MBA will provide you with the skills that are necessary to maximize your company’s brand potential in the major search engines. You also will be able to maximize your firm’s exposure in social media and mobile platforms. These skills are very important because there is such a high level of competition on the internet. No matter how good your product or service might be, it is always very easy for the consumer to go to another website and buy a different product.

It is clear that earning your MBA in internet marketing will offer you a better business and marketing background so that you can compete better in the global job market.

What Is an Internet Marketing MBA?

An internet marketing MBA is typically a two year, online degree that is perfect for the experienced business professional who wants to learn more about the best practices and trends in digital marketing. This type of MBA can be appropriate for online managers, or for any type of business professional who wants to learn more about digital marketing.

There are certain skills that you will need to develop so that you can take full advantage of the evolving technological advances that are occurring in the industry. Some of what you will learn in an internet marketing program include:

• Discover how to explore internet marketing more from a strategic perspective
• Gain skills and knowledge in online marketing to increase your level of expertise in internet marketing
• Explore new digital marketing channels, including email, social, mobile and video
• Discover how you can engage with audiences more directly, and react and measure their responses
• Obtain a deeper understanding of how you can leverage marketing automation technologies

There are some new and exciting trends that we will see take off in the next few years in the internet marketing space:

• Live video streaming: Social media users want to see more immediate content; this is being driven by faster internet speeds and because mobile devices are commonplace.
• Data visualization tools will be more common. Quantitative data is used to tell people who is buying what, when and why. You will be able to craft your marketing campaigns more precisely when armed with this data.
• Brands target niche markets: Online marketing is crowded, so a good way to get more exposure is to focus on a narrower product topic. If you target a very small number of highly motivated potential buyers, you actually can increase sales.

Specific Requirements

To qualify for an MBA in internet marketing, you will need to have a strong application, good grades, and plenty of work experience. In fact, MBA programs are getting more competitive as the economy is recovering. MBA admissions panels also often believe that one’s work experience is the most critical factor in predicting how one will do in an MBA program.

Below are other common requirements for many online MBA programs in this speciality:

• GMAT or GRE test scores may be required, but can be waived for people with significant work experience
• 5 minimum GPA is usually required
• Updated resume that shows relevant work experience
• Statement of purpose detailing business and career goals
• Three professional references

It is advised that you also should have at least two years of work experience. You also should have an educational background in business and marketing for many online internet MBA programs.

Types of Courses to Expect

All MBA programs require you to take core classes in accounting, finance, management and other core subject areas. You also need to take classes specific to internet marketing. For example, Benedictine University requires you to take the following specialized courses:

• Social Media: Designing, implementing, and evaluating effective social media strategy that utilizes video, blogs, photos and social networks.
• Conversion Optimization: Convert your customers to clients by studying how customers use websites; look at conversion planning and structure, as well as how to build momentum and measure internet marketing outcomes.
• Web Analytics: The basic concepts of web analysis, and learning how to increase proficiency in testing. Leverage analytics including A/B splits and multivariate tests.
• Search Engine Optimization: SEO best practices, keyword research and analyzing; how to build links and to do effective copywriting.

This program also is designed to adapt during the two year program so that you learn new skills as they internet changes. This is effectively a real-time curriculum that will truly power your internet marketing career to new heights.

It also features a capstone experience that will let you apply your learnings to scenarios in the real business world. This occurs in a controlled environment however and under the supervision of an instructor. You will, for example, have the chance to do a mock conversion optimization test plan, and to look at the web analytics of a real company.

Career Path and Salary

The job outlook for the marketing professions overall is good, with 6% increase in job demand expected in all these fields by 2029. Generally, advertising, promotions and marketing managers are responsible for marketing efforts that increase interest in products and services. People with an MBA in internet marketing will usually find that they will be a strong contender for a digital marketing management position.

The roles of managers in the advertising and marketing fields that can include internet marketing managers include:

• Advertising managers: Create more interest in potential online buyers of services or products. You may do this for a certain line of online products or for the entire company.
• Promotions managers: Direct marketing programs that blend advertising and buying incentives to boost online sales. Given the amount of competition online and the ease with which people can buy from competitors with a mouse click, you will need to use all of your MBA skills to be able to create good promotions that will build sales.
• Marketing managers: Make estimates on the number of products that may be sold in a given time period. They also are responsible for estimating the possible demand for the products of a company.

While the demand for paper based and TV based marketing and advertising is in decline, there is a boom in demand for skilled marketing professionals for the internet. It is very important for online marketing managers to have a high skill level with advertising management software and other types of software that can improve online advertising and marketing potential. Online marketing managers are very important to the revenue of an organization today. This is why it is thought that demand in this specific area will be higher than average.

Also, remember that people who have earned their MBA in internet marketing will have the specialized skills that companies look for to compete in the global marketplace.

The salary potential for all marketing-related managers is good, with a median salary of $141,490, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% will earn more than $208,000 per year.

May 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job growth figures for Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers represents national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data Accessed May 2021.