Online M.S. in Digital Marketing

Digital marketing strategy is the process of planning and coordinating online marketing efforts across channels such as search engines, social media, email and paid advertising to achieve business goals. In NIU’s M.S. in digital marketing program, you'll learn how to develop digital marketing strategies that integrate these channels to support effective marketing campaigns.

AI marketing involves using artificial intelligence tools and technologies to support marketing strategy, audience analysis, content development, campaign optimization and decision-making. Our program shows you how to use AI responsibly and effectively to solve real-world marketing challenges, utilizing skills you'll learn in classes such as optimizing agentic AI and prompt engineering.

NIU’s digital marketing degree can prepare you for careers such as digital marketing manager, SEO specialist, content strategist, social media manager, marketing analyst and other leadership-focused digital marketing roles. You'll develop expertise in digital marketing strategy, analytics, AI-powered tools and emerging marketing technologies that employers value.

Yes. We evaluate applications holistically, so no single area determines eligibility. If your GPA is below 2.75, we will ask you to provide an additional statement explaining the lower GPA to online student success specialist Joe Woolford. He will send it to Jaclyn Crawford, director of digital marketing programs for the College of Business, for consideration when your application is submitted. Previous or current work in a marketing-related field may also strengthen your application.

The core classes that serve as prerequisites for the electives are only offered in the spring and fall semesters. Once you have started the program, you can take electives during the summer semester.

A digital marketing portfolio is a great way to showcase your work to prospective employers. It typically includes a resume, professional background information and work samples. These samples may highlight your experience in content marketing, social media marketing, marketing research and other areas. NIU's M.S. in digital marketing program provides opportunities to build your portfolio throughout your studies, helping you demonstrate your skills and expertise to employers as you pursue new career opportunities or a promotion.