Englisch 
Deutsch 
Contents
- Online Marketing and Social Media Marketing in Distance Learning
- Online Marketing vs. Marketing vs. Business Administration: Why Online Marketing Is Not the Best Study Choice for Everyone
- Master in Marketing: Requirements and Opportunities
- Study Contents for Typical Marketing Degrees
- Costs for a Bachelor's/Master's Degree in Marketing Distance Learning
I have been working in marketing for many years as a lateral entrant and am currently studying management part-time at a university. In this post, I will show all the possibilities for studying marketing, marketing management, and online marketing while working.
A marketing distance learning program is suitable for professionals who find a business administration degree too comprehensive and want to build a career in the marketing field. However, compared to the field of business administration, the range of marketing distance learning courses with bachelor's or master's degrees is still limited.
Nevertheless, I will present a range of relevant courses and compare them in detail in terms of tuition fees, admission requirements, and course content.
All Marketing Distance Learning Courses at a Glance
We have a total of 30 courses in the field of Marketing.
Marketing Management
- Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium
- 4 Semester
- German
- Management framework, communication & soft skills for executives, marketing policy and strategies, success- and finance-oriented corporate management,…
Marketing and Sales Management
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 4 Semester
- German
The distance learning course "Marketing and Sales Management" offers comprehensive training in the areas of marketing and sales. Participants acquire knowledge in brand management, marketing research, market and advertising psychology, …
Marketing management
- IU International University
- 4 Semester
- German or English
Management expertise combined with comprehensive knowledge in the areas of marketing and sales: With our Master's programme in Marketing Management, you will delve into topics such as Strategic Management, International …
Sales & Marketing
- University of Wismar
- 4 Semester
- German
The Master Distance Learning Programme Sales & Marketing at Wismar International Graduation Services GmbH (WINGS) offers comprehensive knowledge in areas such as corporate strategy, marketing fundamentals, sales psychology, market analysis, …
Online Marketing
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- German
This part-time master's program was created in cooperation with the Leipzig School of Media. The program combines practical expertise from the fields of digital integrated marketing, marketing management, strategic communication, …
Marketing
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
Our marketing course introduces you to the tools, objectives, and strategies of marketing. You systematically and scientifically prepare yourself for a role as a specialist and leader in national and …
Online marketing
- AKAD University
- 6 Semester
- German
In this course of study at AKAD University, you will systematically engage with all aspects of online marketing. Throughout the bachelor's programme, you will delve into an area of your …
Sales and Management
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- German
The Bachelor of Arts course "Sales and Management" at the European Distance University Hamburg is aimed at working professionals and offers a solid education in the field of sales and …
Growth Hacking
- IU International University
- 4 Semester
- English
In this master's programme, you will systematically engage with advanced techniques of growth hacking to learn how to steer companies towards growth even in the digital age. For example, you …
Online Marketing
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
With this distance learning course, you enter the exciting field of online marketing. After an introduction to traditional marketing, you will be extensively trained in all areas of online marketing. …
Online Marketing
- IU International University
- 2 Semester
- German or English
This part-time Master's programme provides you with systematically deepening knowledge in online and social media marketing, performance marketing, digital analytics and strategies. Topics such as digitalization, ethics, and internationality are …
Digital marketing
- SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University
- 4 Semester
- German
- Empirical Social Research, Digital Marketing Strategies and Campaign Management, Media Law, Online and Social Media Marketing, Digital Leadership & Tr…
Marketing
- University of Wismar
- 8 Semester
- German
The Bachelor distance learning programme in Marketing offered by Wismar International Graduation Services GmbH (WINGS) leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree in 48 months with a workload of 24 …
Product management
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
This distance learning course systematically teaches you to understand, apply, and transfer market trends and digital technologies into promising product ideas and marketing strategies. The focus of the course is …
Customer Centricity
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
In this course of study, you will learn innovative, integrative concepts for customer acquisition. In 6 full-time semesters or in part-time studies, you will engage with topics such as sustainability …
International marketing
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
With this bachelor distance learning course, you will prepare for your career as a marketing professional for globally operating companies within 6 semesters of full-time study or part-time study. You …
Growth Hacking
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
In this distance learning course, you will learn both the fundamentals of business administration and everything about marketing, market research, and growth strategies for companies. Within 6 semesters of full-time …
Online marketing
- AKAD University
- 4 Semester
- German
The Master of Arts in Online Marketing at AKAD University Stuttgart offers a challenging distance learning programme aimed specifically at executives, consultants, and professionals. This course covers essential topics in …
Digital Marketing
- European School of Innovation and Perspective
- 6 Semester
- German
- Strategic marketing in the digital world, Digital distribution policy, Digital communication policy, Change management, Digital market research & Big …
Online marketing & marketing management
- IST University of Management
- 6 Semester
- Düsseldorf
- German
Discover the world of digital marketing with the Bachelor's programme "Online Marketing & Marketing Management" at IST University. This programme combines current marketing knowledge with modern technologies such as AI …
Marketing & Communication
- Brand University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- German
The Bachelor's programme "Marketing & Communication" at the Brand University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg provides comprehensive knowledge and skills in modern marketing, business administration, market research, digital communication, and …
Online Marketing & Digital Commerce
- University of Applied Sciences for SMEs
- 6 Semester
- German
- Business English, General Studies, Team Management, Presentation & Moderation, Digital and E-Commerce, Fundamentals of Online Marketing, Shop & Conten…
Digital Marketing Management
- ISM International School of Management
- 4 Semester
- English
- Applied Statistics & Advanced Market Research, Innovation & Strategic Management, Ethics & Law, Leadership, Negotiation & Consulting, Digital Bootcamp…
Digital product management
- IU International University
- 2 Semester
- German
In the master distance learning course "Digital Product Management" at IU Distance Learning, students acquire specialized knowledge in the field of digital product management. The programme focuses on the challenges …
Product Management
- IU International University
- 4 Semester
- English
In the master's distance learning programme "Product Management" at IU Distance Learning, students acquire in-depth knowledge and skills in the field of product management. The programme places a special focus …
Digital Commerce, Marketing & Psychology
- University of Wismar
- 4 Semester
- German
The master's distance learning programme Digital Commerce, Marketing & Psychology offered by Wismar International Graduation Services GmbH (WINGS) lasts for 24 months and comprises a total of 90 ECTS credits. …
Online marketing and e-commerce
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
By studying for a Bachelor's in Online Marketing and E-Commerce at IU International University, you will lay the foundation for a successful career in digital marketing. The programme combines practical …
Marketing and digital media
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- German
The Bachelor distance learning programme in Marketing and Digital Media at IU International University offers you the opportunity to prepare flexibly and practice-oriented for the requirements of the modern job …
Digital Marketing & Data Management
- E-Learning Group
- 18 Months
- Online
- German
- Marketing Innovation Management, Academic Research Skills, Web Development Digital Marketing Tools, Marketing Intelligence, Marketing Perspectives, D…
Online Marketing and Social Media Marketing in Distance Learning
Online marketing has evolved rapidly in recent years due to digitalization, offering exciting new possibilities and tools for marketers, such as web analytics. However, there is currently only a very limited range of distance learning courses focusing on online marketing.
Aside from basic business administration, a bachelor's degree in online marketing covers topics like user experience and even web development. An example of the course content for the distance learning course Online Marketing (B.A.) at IU International University:
- 1st Semester: Business Administration, Introduction to Academic Work, Cost and Performance Accounting, Marketing, Statistics, Consumer Behavior
- 2nd Semester: Media Law, Collaborative Work, Introduction to Data Protection and IT Security, Digital Business Models, Market Research, Seminar: Current Topics in Digitalization
- 3rd Semester: Online Marketing, Design Thinking, Media Platforms and Systems, Web Analytics, Digital Publishing, Project: Cross Media Marketing
- 4th Semester: Search Engine Optimization - SEO, Search Engine Advertising - SEA, Design and Ergonomics of User Interfaces, User Experience, Basics of Web Programming, Project: Search Engine Marketing
- 5th Semester: Digital and Mobile Campaigns, Content Marketing, 2 specializations of choice
- 6th Semester: Customer Relationship Management, Agile Project Management, 1 specialization of choice, Bachelor's Thesis
Currently, there are only 2 master's programmes focusing on online marketing - the M.A. Online Marketing at Hochschule Fresenius and the M.A. Online Marketing at IU International University.
Here is an overview of distance learning courses in the field of online marketing:
| Course | University | Course contents | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Marketing, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | European School of Innovation and Perspective | Strategic marketing in the digital world, Digital distribution policy, Digital communication policy, Change management, Digital market research & Big Data management | from 12000 € total | |
| Online marketing, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | AKAD University | Management of digital transformation in practice: Digital motivation, tools and services, theoretical foundations, basics and applications of business informatics, business mathematics, statistics, da… | from 13284 € total from 219 € monthly | |
| Online Marketing, Master of Arts Distance learning program | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | Compulsory modules from the module groups Management, Marketing, Research, Marketing Management and Communication Management, Data-Driven Marketing as well as from Module Group I for selection (three … | from 11880 € total from 295 € monthly | |
| Online Marketing, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | Business Administration, Introduction to Academic Work, Cost and Performance Accounting, Marketing, Statistics, Consumer Behavior, Media Law, Collaborative Work, Introduction to Data Protection and IT… | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Online marketing, Master of Arts Distance learning program | AKAD University | Social Media Marketing, Project: Practical applications of marketing issues in data science with Python, Project: Practical applications of marketing issues in data science with Python, Ethics and Law… | from 12924 € total from 539 € monthly | |
| Online Marketing, Master of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | International Marketing, Online and Social Media Marketing, Customer Relationship Marketing, Market Research, Design, Lean and Game: Social and creative methods, Marketing Project, National and Intern… | from 10099 € total from 475 € monthly | |
| Online marketing & marketing management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IST University of Management | Marketing - Basics and strategies, scientific work and learning methods, Basics of Business Administration, Microeconomics, Statistics, Business Ethics, Business Informatics of the Digital Age, Introd… | from 13644 € total from 379 € monthly |
Online Marketing vs. Marketing vs. Business Administration: Why Online Marketing Is Not the Best Study Choice for Everyone
I've been working in online marketing for about 10 years. I entered the profession as a lateral entrant. At that time, there were simply no training opportunities in online marketing. Since then, online marketing has changed enormously, and there are now entire degree programs in the field of online marketing.
As a marketer, I work in areas such as:
- Content Marketing. I run an agency in the field of content marketing that develops strategies with its clients to create content for their target audiences. The goal is primarily to increase the visibility of customers and their brands, to generate attention. An exciting job that, in my view, however, does not only require a pure online marketing degree. To be able to think strategically, you should have studied business administration or management, and to understand content, you must have a penchant for creativity and possibly be a good writer.
- SEO. SEO, or search engine optimization, has changed enormously in recent years. Essentially, SEO is about strategically placing content in search engines and directing a portion of the traffic to our own offers. To understand SEO, an online marketing degree is advantageous because the degree also teaches basic IT knowledge. However, pure SEO will become less important in the coming years.
- SEA. Search engine advertising, i.e., placing ads in search engines, but also on social media, is a very complex field that requires a lot of specialist knowledge. However, I believe that the requirements will decrease in the coming years because ads are already being placed and optimized with the help of artificial intelligence or machine learning.
- Social Media. Social media marketing is an exciting field for marketers, but it also overlaps with content marketing. Here, too, fewer specialist experts are needed, and more creative generalists who can quickly adapt to the constant changes in social media.
However, the big advantage of an online marketing degree is that technical basics are also taught during the course. As an online marketer, you need basic knowledge in all areas of web development and a certain technical understanding. Depending on the job, you may not necessarily work operationally in development as an online marketer, but you must be able to communicate efficiently with developers. This is something you don't learn in a traditional business administration degree.
Conclusion: For those who are passionate about technology, do not shy away from programming and web development, and who are familiar with usability, a bachelor's distance study in online marketing could be a good fit. Others would be better off studying business administration or marketing, and possibly specializing in certain areas during the course of their studies.
Master in Marketing: Requirements and Opportunities
A master's degree in marketing is a good complement to a business administration degree, an economics degree, or a bachelor's degree. Particularly interesting are MBA degrees, preparing for leading positions or even entrepreneurship in the marketing field.
The following table compares the requirements of several master's programs in the field of marketing:
| Degree Program | University | Degree | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Management | Zentrum für Fernstudien im Hochschulverbund | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
|
| Marketing and Sales Management | Europäische Fernhochschule Hamburg | Master of Arts (M.A.) |
|
| Marketing Management | IU International University | Master of Arts (M.A.) |
|
| Sales & Marketing | University of Wismar | Master of Arts (M.A.) |
|
| Online Marketing | Fresenius University | Master of Arts (M.A.) |
|
Study Contents for Typical Marketing Degrees
Most of the bachelor's distance learning degrees that I present here provide basic economic foundations such as business administration and accounting, of course, modules on marketing, sometimes even project management, up to business start-ups in the initial semesters. In many degree programs, you can deepen your knowledge in the areas of your choice after the "basic studies" or in the last semesters.
As an example of a marketing degree, here is the full-time study plan for the B.A. in Marketing at IU:
- 1st Semester: Academic Work, Business Administration, Business Mathematics, Accounting and Balance Sheets, Marketing
- 2nd Semester: Computer Training, Statistics, Service Management, Cost and Performance Accounting, Business Ethics, Market Psychology
- 3rd Semester: Law, Market Research, Economics and Market, Applied Sales
- 4th Semester: Investment, Commercial Law, Marketing Seminar, Price Policy, Controlling, Project Management
- 5th Semester: Business Start-up and Innovation Management, 1 specialization of choice, International Marketing and Branding, Online and Social Media Marketing
- 6th Semester: 1 specialization of choice, Business Management, Bachelor's Thesis
The master’s programs have more different course contents. In the MBA Marketing Management at the ZFH, for example, the study plan looks like this:
- 1st Semester: Management Framework, Communication & Soft Skills for Executives, Marketing Policy and Strategies
- 2nd Semester: Success- and finance-oriented corporate management, Marketing: Market Research & Customer Management, Management: Economics & Quantitative Analyses
- 3rd Semester: Management Techniques in the International Economic Area, International Marketing Management, Marketing Instruments: Strategy, Operation, Policy
- 4th Semester: International Master's Thesis Seminar, Master's Thesis with Colloquium
For details on the content of specific bachelor's and master's programs, refer to the detailed pages of each course.
By the way, pay attention to whether your desired course includes mandatory face-to-face events. Presence seminars usually incur hidden additional costs for travel and accommodation, making distance learning slightly less flexible but can also help you build interesting professional and personal contacts with your fellow students.
Costs for a Bachelor's/Master's Degree in Marketing Distance Learning
As most marketing distance learning programs are offered by private universities, you will pay correspondingly high tuition fees. However, at almost all universities, you pay the fees in monthly installments. In return, you will receive not only high-quality study materials but also more intensive support than is the case at many public universities.
Here is a comparison of total costs for bachelor's and master's degrees in the field of marketing:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Management, Master of Business Administration Distance learning program | Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium | 4 Semester | from 8400 € total | |
| Marketing management, Master of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 4 Semester | from 10099 € total from 475 € monthly | |
| Online Marketing, Master of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 2 Semester | from 10099 € total from 475 € monthly | |
| Marketing, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | University of Wismar | 8 Semester | from 10320 € total from 215 € monthly | |
| Sales & Marketing, Master of Arts Distance learning program | University of Wismar | 4 Semester | from 10600 € total from 442 € monthly | |
| Marketing and Sales Management, Master of Arts Distance learning program | European Distance Learning University Hamburg | 4 Semester | from 11880 € total from 495 € monthly | |
| Marketing, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | AKAD University | 6 Semester | from 13284 € total from 219 € monthly | |
| Digital marketing, Master of Business Administration Distance learning program | SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University | 4 Semester | from 13350 € total from 534 € monthly | |
| Sales and Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | European Distance Learning University Hamburg | 6 Semester | from 14352 € total from 299 € monthly | |
| Marketing, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly |
About the Author Christian Wolf
Study Advice
Questions on the topic? Use our study advice, we are happy to help.
or post as a guest