Master’s in Digital Marketing in the USA: Top Universities & Job Prospects

Updated on 25 September, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

Your master’s in digital marketing in the USA will be a one-two year course, and specializations include MBA, MS, and even MA. The approximate tuition fees for an MS in digital marketing in the USA range between $23,000 and $76,000. Digital marketing is one of the top global careers today, and the USA is no exception. The internet and technology boom has created multiple opportunities for trained graduates. Average salaries stand at $135,900 annually, making digital marketing an ideal career for those with the knack and ability. 

Reasons for studying for a master’s in digital marketing in the USA

Doing an Master's in digital marketing in USA is beneficial for several reasons: 

  • The USA is the epicenter of the technology and internet boom, home to some of the biggest technology companies like Google (Alphabet), Facebook, and Amazon, to name a few. 
  • Students here have access to thriving job networks while getting an opportunity to study at the leading global universities for digital marketing. 
  • Employment percentage is high in the USA, especially for digital marketing and other related functions. 
  • As per reports, the digital marketing sector is forecasted to grow exponentially over the next decade in the USA, outstripping the national average. 
  • Along with digital marketing specialists, market research analysts may also find higher employment possibilities in the country. 
  • Digital marketing spends are consistently growing for almost every company and in every business sector. It is creating more opportunities for graduates in the field. 

Course Highlights 

Typically, MS digital marketing USA requires completion of 30 to 36 credits for two years. Given below is an overview for a gamut of programs:

Duration 

1–2 years

Average Tuition Fee 

$23,000–$76,000

Exams Required

TOEFL: 80

IELTS: 6.5

GMAT: 600–680

GRE: 307–315

Specialization 

MBA, MS, and MA

Top Recruiters

Cartier, Booz Allen, Michael Kors, FIG, Disney, Diesel, IBM, etc

MS vs MBA in Digital Marketing in USA

We have enlisted some of the basic differences between MBA and MS in digital marketing in USA: 

Basis  MBA  MS 
Duration  Bachelor degree with minimum 50% Four-year bachelor's in cognate courses
Job Opportunities 1,11,000 Job Openings 1,35,700 Job Openings
Leadership Positions The program emphasizes the development of cross-functional leadership skills. MS marketing programs focus on deep, practical knowledge of marketing.
Average Salary Per Year

$119,689

$70,000 

MS in Digital Marketing in USA- Leading Universities 

While learning about digital marketing jobs in the USA for Indian students is a smart move early on, getting into a good university is also important. Here is a list: 

Institution Name

University Type 

Ranking

Course

Application Deadline 

Costs

University of Southern California Annenberg Private Research University

134

 

MS in Digital Social Media January 15, 2023 $68,384
NYU Stern School of Business Private MBA Digital Marketing March 15, 2023 $123,253
Bellarmine University Private MS in Digital Media February 1 $43,173
Sacred Heart University Private  MS Digital Marketing

-

$985/credit 
University of Connecticut Public =350 MBA Digital Marketing Strategy (elective)   $39,444 
Pace University Private MS in Marketing, Social Media and Mobile Marketing September 15 $45,642 per year
Southern New Hampshire University Private   Master’s in Digital Marketing April 15 $627/credit (36 credits total)
Georgia Institute of Technology Public 88 MSDM (MS Digital Media) February 1st, 2023  $50,270
University of Connecticut Public 350 MBA Digital Marketing Strategy (elective) $39,706/ year

Many USA universities offer on-campus and online digital marketing programs. To access the best courses and institutions at an affordable cost, you should check out upGrad Abroad

Cost of Studying MS in Digital Marketing in USA

The cost of studying digital marketing can be bifurcated into pre-arrival cost and living expenses in the country. 

Pre-Arrival Cost

Factor 

Cost 

Visa Cost

$160 

Health Insurance

$2,000

Flight Fare

$675

IELTS 

INR 15,500 

TOEFL 

$190

GRE 

$228

Living Expenses in US 

Apart from managing tuition fees, you will need to take care of other expenses as well. 

Factors 

Expense 

Accommodation 

$9,800 – $11,100 per year

Food & Groceries 

Off-Campus: $400 – $600 per month

On-Campus: $250 per month

Travel Expenses 

$300 – $700 per year

Books & Materials 

$900 – $2,000 per year

Phone Subscription

$50 per month

Home Internet

$45 – $50 per month

It will be a prudent choice to keep $2,000 as additional living expenses in USA for Indian students.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Students should have completed their four-year undergraduate course in a relevant discipline. Three-year degrees are not preferred in the USA. 
  • Students must furnish proof of proficiency in the English language. They should successfully clear TOEFL or IELTS. 
  • Students should score a GPA of 3.0 out of a 4-point scale in their undergraduate courses. It is equivalent to a B Grade or 83–86% marks. On a 10-point CGPA scale, it is equal to 7.5–8.5. 

 

GMAT or GRE Criteria at Top Universities

Some of the USA’s leading universities for digital marketing have their criteria for GRE or GMAT scores. Here’s taking a closer look at the same: 

Institution Name

Criteria for GMAT or GRE

Northern Illinois University

GMAT is necessary

NYU Stern School of Business

GMAT is necessary

Sacred Heart University

GMAT/GRE is not required

Georgia Tech

GRE waived off currently

USC

GRE (154-verbal, writing-4.0)

Pace University

GMAT is necessary

University of Connecticut

GMAT-600 to 680 or GRE-307-315 is necessary

Yeshiva University

GMAT/GRE is not required

Bellarmine University

GMAT/GRE is not required

Criteria for Proficiency in the English Language

There are varying criteria for measuring English language proficiency throughout universities in the USA. International students must furnish proof of the same for obtaining admission into leading institutions. Here’s taking a closer look:

Institution Name

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Georgia Tech

TOEFL- 95

NYU Stern

IELTS- 7.0,

TOEFL- 90

Sacred heart

IELTS-6.5,

TOEFL- 80

Northern Illinois University

IELTS- 6.5,

TOEFL- 80

University of Connecticut

IELTS- 6.5, TOEFL- 79

Pace University

IELTS- 6.5,

TOEFL- 80

Bellarmine University

IELTS- 6.5, TOEFL- 80

Yeshiva University

It is not needed for students completing bachelor’s degrees in English-speaking institutions. 

USC

TOEFL-114,

IELTS-8.0

Documents for Applying

  • Official academic transcripts
  • Writing Sample (required by Bellarmine University and some other institutions)
  • Essays that answer questions prescribed by the institution
  • Two-three LORs are always necessary
  • SOP (Statement of Purpose) stating the reason for choosing the course and institution. 
  • Resume or CV

Visa Procedure for Aspirants

All non-native aspirants will need valid student visas for enrolling in digital marketing programs in the USA. Students should have some required documents for starting the process. They include: 

  • Receipt of payment for the application fee ($160)
  • Form DS-160
  • Valid passport of a student with the validity of at least six months. 
  • Original academic transcripts and mark sheets
  • Form I-20
  • Application Charge Payment Receipt. 
  • Scores in standardized tests like IELTS and TOEFL
  • Proof of funds (bank statements) for covering tuition fees and living costs
  • Return flight ticket, demonstrating the student’s desire to come back home after completing the course

Once you apply with the fees and compulsory documents, the authorities will process your application. You have to schedule two appointments, one at your nearest center for submitting biometric data and one for the personal interview with an officer. 

Your performance in the interview, documents, and credentials will determine the success of your student visa application. The rates of acceptance are close to 90% as per estimates. 

Scholarships for Studying a Master’s in Digital Marketing 

If the tuition fees seem excessively high, you can always invest time and effort into securing scholarships. They will help you meet tuition costs while easing the financial burden on your shoulders. Let us look at the best grants available for digital marketing aspirants:

Scholarship Name

Criteria

Amount Offered

Bright Futures Scholarship Students must commit to any relevant project with one faculty member

$213.55 per credit hour

QS Scholarships Applicable only for specific partner-institutions and courses in the USA. $5,000-$10,000 
Pace University Dean’s & President’s Scholarships Meritorious students.

May Vary

Go Clean Scholarship Those who are academically bright, scoring GPA-2.5 at least

$3,500 

You should do your homework on available scholarships before applying to a university of your choice. Without an iota of doubt, pursuing digital marketing in the USA is the gateway to a rewarding career ahead. 

Job Prospects after Masters in Digital Marketing in USA

Finding well-paying job opportunities is possible after completing your MS in digital marketing in the USA. Every industry and business presently requires digital marketing specialists to drive their advertising and consumer engagement needs.

Upon completing MS in Digital Marketing in the US, graduates have innumerable options to choose from. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 10% increase in job demand for marketing professionals by 2026. This increase exceeds the national average for all occupations. We have enlisted some of the common job profiles with the expected remuneration. 

Job Profiles 

Average Salary Per Annum (USD)

Digital Marketing Manager

$1,30,392 

Web Content Manager

$73,270 

Brand Manager

$68,703

Search Marketing Strategist

$89,557

Content Marketing Strategist

$66,484 

Source: Glassdoor

Along with these employment opportunities, there are several other jobs available in the market. Those with skills like SMO, SEO, SEM, advertising, media planning, media buying, and copywriting may also find attractive employment opportunities across business sectors. Considering the robust job market and economic growth in the USA, it is a good decision to pursue digital marketing there.

FAQs

How much does a digital marketer earn in the USA?

Digital marketing professionals usually earn salaries between $45,000 and $156,000 in the USA. It equates to anything between roughly INR 33.53 lakh to INR 1.16 crore. Digital marketing managers, brand managers, and those in analytics roles may earn the highest salaries across various sectors and companies. Median salaries for experienced professionals may touch $135,900 or INR 1.1 crore per year in the USA. It goes to show that digital marketing is a well-paid career in the country.

How many digital marketing agencies are there in the USA?

The digital marketing industry in the USA is estimated to be worth $19.8 billion (by way of revenues) as of 2021. The handsome market size has naturally been driven by countless digital marketing agencies and brands in the USA. As per estimates, by the beginning of 2021, there were around 5,523 digital advertising/marketing agencies in the country. This figure reportedly increased by 13.7% in comparison to the year 2020.

Is GMAT/GRE mandatory for MS in digital marketing in the USA?

Students need to secure a GRE score between 307 and 315 to be eligible to pursue an  MS in digital marketing in the USA. 

What can I do with a master's in digital marketing in the USA?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average or higher-than-average growth rate for jobs in digital marketing and media. You can work in varied profiles, including, Digital Marketing Manager, Web Content Manager, Brand Manager, Search Marketing Strategist, Content Marketing Strategist, and more. These profiles will help you to earn between $66,484 and $1,30,392. 

What is the eligibility criteria for studying MS digital marketing in the USA?

Students’ undergraduate/12th GPA must be more than 3.0 on a scale of 4 to be admitted to their desired college for studies with 16 years of formal education. For MS in Digital Marketing in the USA, the required IELTS score is a minimum of 7.0 and a TOEFL score of 80-85.

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upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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