Applied Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Marketing Digital Marketing

Applied Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Marketing

  • Program Length: 3 - 4 Years
  • Courses: 35
  • Credits: 130
Availability:
  • California Institution
  • New Mexico Institution

Businesses across every industry need skilled digital marketers to drive visibility, engagement, and revenue online. As companies compete for attention across search, social media, mobile, and online marketplaces, the demand for professionals who can plan, execute, and optimize data-driven campaigns has never been greater.

The Applied Bachelor's Degree in Digital Marketing offered by CIAT prepares students with the strategic, analytical, and technical skills required to plan, implement, and optimize modern digital marketing campaigns. The program integrates marketing strategy, consumer behavior, SEO, paid digital advertising, analytics, AI applications, and e-commerce strategy.

Students gain hands-on experience designing digital marketing strategies, optimizing customer journeys, analyzing performance data, and managing multi-channel campaigns across search, social media, mobile, and online marketplaces, with an emphasis on data-driven decision-making and emerging technologies. You'll work with the platforms and tools employers actually use, helping you stand out in today's job market.

Our program is tailored to support learners at all levels. Through flexible, live online classes led by industry experts, one-on-one tutoring, unlimited access to workshops and support, and personalized career services, CIAT helps you achieve your academic and professional goals.

To ensure the best possible completion outcomes, CIAT delivers this degree using a strategic 2 + 2 approach. Students first complete an Associate of Applied Science (or equivalent transferable Associate's level degree) before progressing to upper-division courses, building a solid foundation before advancing to more complex strategy, analytics, and campaign management concepts.

Enrollment Deadline: September 11th, 2026
Download Program Guide
Accreditation & Financial Aid Notice

ACCET has initiated a pilot to accredit applied bachelor’s degree programs. Full bachelor’s-level accreditation is pending Department of Education approval. All other programs remain ACCET-accredited.

Title IV eligibility is currently limited to lower-division (associate-level) coursework within the 2-Step Associate-to-Bachelor’s pathway. Alternative financing options are available.

Courses

Have more questions? Reach out today and admissions advisor will answer any other questions you have!

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Digital Marketing Skills You'll Learn:

CIAT's digital marketing program focuses on helping students develop marketable skills including:

  • SEO & paid search strategy
  • Social media marketing
  • Marketing analytics & reporting
  • Conversion rate optimization
  • E-commerce strategy
  • AI & marketing automation
  • Brand positioning & messaging
  • Content strategy & design
  • Email & CRM marketing
  • Digital advertising

Applied Bachelor's Degree in Digital Marketing - Program FAQs

This program is ideal for creative, analytical individuals who want to build a career in modern marketing. It's particularly well-suited for individuals interested in:

  • Starting a career in social media, content marketing, SEO, or paid advertising

  • Building data-driven skills in analytics, conversion optimization, and marketing automation

  • Gaining hands-on experience with the platforms and tools employers use

  • Preparing for marketing roles shaped by AI and emerging technologies

No prior experience is required, making the program accessible for beginners while also offering depth for students with previous marketing experience.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Have a high school diploma or GED; eligible transfer credits may be accepted

  • Complete an Associate of Applied Science or an equivalent transferable associate-level degree before beginning upper-division coursework

  • No prior digital marketing or industry experience is required

The program follows a 2 + 2 structure, allowing students to complete their associate-level education before progressing into upper-division bachelor's degree coursework.

To graduate from the program, students must:

  • Complete all required coursework within the 35-course, 130-credit curriculum

  • Maintain at least 80% cumulative attendance

  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0

  • Earn three required industry certifications

The program can typically be completed in approximately 3–4 years and consists of 35 courses delivered across 175 weeks.

The curriculum is divided into lower-division core courses, upper-division core courses, upper-division electives, and general education requirements.

Lower-Division Core Courses

  • Computer Fundamentals

  • Foundations of Digital Marketing

  • Content & Strategy Design

  • Introduction to Spreadsheets and Understanding Data

  • Website Design & Conversion Strategy

  • Effective Presentations

  • Business Communications

  • Social Media Marketing

  • SEO & Paid Search Strategies

  • Digital CRM & Email Engagement

  • Marketing Insights & Analytics

  • Digital Portfolio & Professional Presentation

Upper-Division Core Courses

  • Digital Consumer Behavior & Social Media Strategy

  • Paid Media Strategy & Conversion Rate Optimization – Part 1

  • Paid Media Strategy & Conversion Rate Optimization – Part 2

  • SEO On and Off Site

  • Marketing Analytics & Data-Driven Decision Making

  • Digital Marketing Law, Ethics & Data Privacy

Upper-Division Electives

  • AI Applications in Digital Marketing

  • Influencer Marketing

  • E-Commerce & Revenue Growth Strategies

  • Omnichannel Marketing & Automation Systems

  • Mobile Marketing & App-Based Customer Engagement

  • Digital Branding & Positioning Strategy

  • Digital Marketing Senior Project

English Language, Communication, and Critical Thinking

  • Technical Writing

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

  • Public Speaking

Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning

  • College Algebra

  • Statistics

  • Pre-Calculus

  • Calculus 1

  • Calculus 2

Arts and Humanities

  • Technology, Society, and Culture

  • Professional Practice in Ethics

Social and Behavioral Sciences

  • Introduction to Psychology

  • Sociology

  • Economics

Natural and Physical Sciences

  • General Biology

  • Principles of Chemistry

  • Physics

Personal and Professional Development

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

  • Career and Technology

Graduates may pursue digital marketing, analytics, content, and campaign management roles such as:

  • Digital Marketing Specialist

  • Social Media Manager

  • SEO / Paid Search Specialist

  • Marketing Analyst

  • Email & CRM Marketing Specialist

  • E-Commerce Marketing Manager

  • Content Strategist

We understand the financial commitment required to pursue your education. Eligible students may qualify for federal financial aid, scholarships, private loans, payment plans, and other funding opportunities. Our admissions counselors can help you explore available options and answer questions about the financial aid process.

Have more questions? Reach out today and admissions advisor will answer any other questions you have!

Request Info
CIAT Career Services

CIAT’s dedicated Career Services department customizes support to your unique career goals.

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Career Opportunities for Applied Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Marketing

  • Digital Marketing Specialist
  • Social Media Manager
  • SEO / Paid Search Specialist
  • Marketing Analyst
  • Email & CRM Marketing Specialist
  • E-Commerce Marketing Manager
  • Content Strategist
Invest in your future with confidence.

Flexible Financing

At CIAT, we’re committed to delivering an affordable return on investment, with financing options designed to meet you where you are. From flexible payment plans to military benefits and over $5M in scholarships awarded, we make it easier to take the next step without putting your goals on hold.

Your career journey is an investment and we’re here to help you fund it, every step of the way.

Scholarships for California Students

Scholarships

Employer Benefit Tuition Options

Employer Benefits

Military Benefits for California Students

Military Benefits

No Interest Options for California Students

No Interest Options

Your final tuition cost will vary based on program selection, credits transferred from other institutions, and potential scholarships applied. Our Admissions and Financial Aid team will prepare a personal financial aid projection with tips on how to maximize your educational investment, plan your ROI, and reduce out of pocket expenses. *Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

This program is currently pending VA and Title  IV approval.

Earn up to $15K in Scholarships!

Take the first step to receive a personalized financial plan that complements your education and career goals. Get instant access to complete program details including tuition rates, career paths, and more. Your personal Admissions Advisor will connect with you to help you through the process.

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$15K in Scholarships
Transfer Credit Evaluation
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Already have a degree, or want to transfer your current college experience and credits?

Use your previous degree or prior college experience to bypass the general education requirements and enroll in an accelerated program to earn the skills and certifications you need to advance in your career.

Ready to start your journey?

Take the first step to receive a personalized financial plan that complements your education and career goals. Download our Applied Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Marketing program guide program guide to get instant access to complete program details including tuition rates, career paths, and more. Your personal Admissions Advisor will connect with you to help you through the process.

How to Apply

Applying is easy, and submitting an online application is free! Your admissions advisor will walk you through every step of the way, including choosing your program, transferring your prior college credits, and making sure you have everything you need to be prepared as a student.

Simply follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to enrolling:

Program Eligibility

Prior industry experience needed: None

Prior industry certifications required: None

  • Book an Appointment

    Book an Appointment

  • Apply Online

    Apply Online

  • Complete Financial Consultation

    Complete Financial Consultation

  • Submit Documentation

    Submit Documentation

That’s it! Simply follow these steps to enroll in your desired program. We can’t wait to meet you!

Apply Now

Admissions FAQs

First Time College

At CIAT, we take a skills-based, career-focused approach to education. Our programs are designed to provide you with the practical, hands-on experience employers seek beyond just the theoretical knowledge you'd get at a typical university. You'll graduate with specialized capabilities and industry-relevant certifications to thrive in your chosen field.

We understand that navigating higher education can be daunting, especially for students new to the college experience. That's why we provide comprehensive student support services, including dedicated Admissions Advisors, Student Services Advisors, and Career Services Advisors. They'll work closely with you every step of the way to ensure you have the guidance, resources, and confidence to reach your full potential.

Affording college is a significant concern for many first-time students. At CIAT, we're committed to making your education accessible and affordable. In addition to accepting federal financial aid, we also offer a variety of scholarships, grants, and flexible payment plans. Our financial aid experts will help you explore all your options to create a personalized funding strategy.

Many of our career-focused programs can be completed in 3.5 years or less. We understand the importance of getting you into the workforce quickly. Our accelerated, year-round schedule allows you to earn your degree faster without sacrificing the quality of your education.

Experiential learning is a core part of our curriculum. Through classroom projects, simulations, labs, and other real-world applications, you'll have the chance to apply your newfound knowledge and skills in practical, industry-relevant settings. This gives you a significant competitive advantage when entering the job market.

The first step is to connect with one of our Admissions Advisors. They'll learn about your unique goals and needs and help you determine the right program path. From there, you can quickly complete our streamlined online application, submit any required documents, and explore financial aid options - all with personalized guidance.

College Transfer

CIAT accepts up to 75% of eligible credits earned from previous institutions, including community colleges, technical schools, and 4-year universities. Our admissions team will evaluate your official transcripts to determine how many credits can be transferred to your desired program.

In addition to standard college coursework, we also accept credits earned through military training, industry certifications, and general education platforms like CLEP, Straighterline, and Sofia Learning. We aim to help you maximize the value of your past educational investments.

We understand the importance of timely assessment of your eligible transfer credits. That's why our transfer credit evaluation process is fast and efficient, usually completed within 24-48 hours of receiving your transcripts.

No problem! We're experienced in reviewing transcripts from multiple institutions and determining the optimal way to apply your accumulated credits toward your degree program at CIAT. Our advisors will work closely with you to ensure a smooth transfer process.

Absolutely! We have a dedicated Transfer Scholarship and other resources like flexible payment plans to help make your education affordable. Our financial aid experts will collaborate with you to identify all the available funding opportunities.

The process is simple. Start by requesting a transfer credit evaluation from our admissions team. Once we've reviewed your transcripts, you can complete our streamlined online application. Our admissions advisors are here to assist you if you need any guidance.

You can bypass those courses entirely if you've already completed your general education requirements at a previous institution. We'll work with you to determine which credits can be transferred to provide the most efficient path to your degree.

Working Adult

Our 100% online, accelerated degree programs are designed to provide maximum flexibility for working adults. With 5-week courses, you can focus on one subject at a time and complete your program at your own pace without sacrificing your job or other commitments.

Absolutely! CIAT offers challenge exams that allow you to translate your industry certifications, professional licenses, and relevant job experience into college credits. This can help you save time and money on your degree.

Our accelerated, 5-week courses enable you to move through your program expeditiously. Depending on your schedule and the number of credits you can transfer, you can earn your degree in 1-2 years. We'll work closely with you to create a customized academic plan.

The admissions process for our online programs is tailored to working adults. In addition to your previous education and work history, we evaluate factors like your motivation, time management skills, and alignment with your career goals. Acceptance is based on a holistic application review and a mandatory technical assessment.

We understand that cost is a significant consideration for working students. We offer competitive tuition, generous scholarship opportunities, and flexible payment plans. Our financial aid experts will work with you one-on-one to create an affordable education plan.

CIAT has multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing you to begin your program when it's most convenient. Our rolling admissions process means you don't have to wait for a specific semester to enroll.

Military Students

At CIAT, we understand active duty service members' and veterans' unique challenges and demands. That's why we offer flexible, 100% online programs that can be completed at your own pace, no matter where you're stationed. We also provide dedicated military student support services and accept various military tuition assistance and benefits.

CIAT proudly offers military tuition assistance and benefits to service members in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. This includes GI Bill® benefits, Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E), VA STEM Scholarship, VA Yellow Ribbon Program, Active Duty Tuition Assistance, MyCAA Scholarship Programs, and more. Our financial aid experts will work with you to maximize your available funding.

We understand the challenges of attending in-person classes for active duty and deployed service members. That's why we offer a Hybrid Campus Plan, where you only need to attend your final exam session at our National City campus. All other coursework can be completed 100% online.

Whether advancing your military career or transitioning out, CIAT is dedicated to helping you reach your professional goals. Our career-focused programs, small class sizes, and personalized career counseling services ensure you graduate with the skills, competencies, and confidence to thrive in the civilian workforce.

Yes, CIAT offers a variety of exclusive scholarships and grants for active duty, veterans, and military spouses, including the GI Bill®, VA STEM Scholarship, VA Yellow Ribbon Program, MyCAA Scholarship, and more. Our financial aid experts will work with you to identify all the funding opportunities for which you qualify.

CIAT has multiple start dates throughout the year to accommodate your schedule. Our rolling admissions process means you don't have to wait for a specific semester to enroll. Once you connect with our military admissions advisors, they'll quickly guide you through the application and enrollment steps.

In addition to our flexible online programs, military students at CIAT also have access to a range of dedicated support services. This includes academic advising, disability counseling, career counseling, and a community of fellow military-affiliated students and faculty. We're here to ensure your success every step of the way.

Returning Students

We understand that life sometimes gets in the way of your academic goals. If you previously withdrew, were dropped, or were dismissed from your CIAT program, you can petition for consideration of re-enrollment. Our admissions team will work with you to understand the circumstances and determine the best path forward.

The re-enrollment process includes:

  1. 1. Schedule an appointment with an admissions representative to discuss your renewed academic goals.
  2. 2. Completing a new enrollment application and signing the Gainful Employment Disclosures.
  3. 3. Submitting a 250-word essay detailing your goals, how CIAT can help you achieve them, and how you'll address any previous obstacles.
  4. 4. Completing a formal interview with the Director of Admissions.

The CIAT management team will review your re-admission application, previous academic history, attendance, and reason for departure. Each case is evaluated individually - prior admission does not guarantee re-admission. The final decision will be made in writing within 10 business days.

If your re-enrollment is approved, any coursework you completed with a grade of "C" or better will be transferred to your new enrollment if you re-enroll within 12 months of your withdrawal.

Yes. Suppose you're an active-duty service member who had to withdraw due to deployment or other service requirements. In that case, we'll waive the formal re-admission interview and essay steps to make the process easier for your transition back.

Our rolling admissions process means you don't have to wait for a specific semester to re-enroll. Once you complete the re-admission requirements, you can start your program at the next available term.

Have more questions? Reach out today and admissions advisor will answer any other questions you have!

Request Info

California Institution

401 Mile of Cars Way #100, National City, CA 91950

New Mexico Institution

1717 Louisiana Blvd., NE., Suite 208 Albuquerque, NM, 87110

California Institute of Applied Technology participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

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California Institute of Applied Technology has shared ownership and management of two distinct institutions. California Institute of Applied Technology located in California, and California Institute of Applied Technology located in New Mexico.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. CIAT is approved to offer VA benefits. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

* Students are encouraged to take certification exams while actively enrolled in their Bootcamp, Certificate or Degree program. Unlimited certification exam attempts expire 180 days after program completion. Select exams are not eligible for unlimited retakes - see certification exam policy for details. Industry certifications and/or courses may change at any time to address industry trends or improve student outcomes.