Why Should You Pursue an MBA in Digital Marketing?

"Instead of interrupting, work on attracting." A successful marketing endeavor understands the importance of this statement. Professionals who analyze consumer behavior and develop brand-building strategies for organizations also agree.  

However, marketing is innately a complex field and is continuously evolving. This is why brands prefer skilled and specialized experts for new-age marketing positions. They are people who understand the intricacies of new technologies, platforms, and strategies. 

Therefore, this article tries to explain the benefits of pursuing a digital marketing MBA. It explores the impact on people trying to break into digital-first marketing careers. 

What is Marketing?     

People confuse the concept of marketing with sales, or advertising and social media. Whereas it is the culmination of all the above aspects. Marketing involves all the aspects that help turn prospective audiences into satisfied customers. 

It is the practice of creating strategies and campaigns through data-driven decisions. Furthermore, it creates, communicates, and delivers products and services as an essential part of its value chain. It helps create offerings that add value to its customers. 

Marketing operates across physical and digital space. Its job responsibilities and skill requirements change with each domain. Hence, it is an integral part of business and one of the most common MBA specializations, with 35% of the students specializing in marketing. 

Understanding Digital Marketing MBA 

Business management broadens with marketing functionalities. It demands a thorough understanding of marketing principles, skill sets, and methodologies. This is especially true as the world has shifted to a more digital-first marketing strategy. 

Digital marketing, like conventional marketing, promotes brands and connects with potential customers. However, it does so only with the use of digital channels and the internet. This involves tactics like email campaigns, social media interactions, search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click advertising, and multimedia messaging.  

Hence, a digital marketing MBA proves beneficial for prospective students. It offers a unique combination of business acumen and digital marketing expertise. The specialization includes understanding economic analysis, customer behavior, branding, and online advertisements. 

Furthermore, it hones skills in product management, growth analytics, and the use of advanced digital tools. This holistic approach prepares graduates to strategically lead digital marketing efforts. They adapt better to evolving industry trends and drive business growth. This in turn lets them negotiate higher compensations with companies. 

Who Can Pursue a Digital Marketing MBA? 

A digital marketing MBA is ideal for recent graduates and professionals alike. It helps people break into new age marketing careers like brand, growth, product, and e-commerce. Individuals with backgrounds in marketing, business, or related fields can raise their expertise.  

They can use this degree to prepare for leadership positions and climb up the corporate ladder. It is also for people from various backgrounds who are transitioning into marketing positions. It empowers students to acquire vital skills and seek specialized careers in the digital space. 

A digital marketing MBA is a specialist course. It is meant to impart comprehensive knowledge around building, deploying, and selling products. It explores subjects like consumer research, user trends and behavior, advertising, design, media, analytics, and sales technology. It further imparts technical expertise in working with rapidly evolving digital platforms.  

Hence, entrepreneurs and business owners seeking to enhance their digital marketing skills also greatly benefit from this course. Finally, having a real interest in digital technology, social media, and online marketing is critical for success. This is where specialization can be the logical next step in your career. 

Benefits of a Digital Marketing MBA 

The necessity of specialist courses like the digital marketing MBA or PGP cannot be dismissed. It offers a blend of creative, theoretical, and technical expertise necessary in the digital marketing landscape.  

Here are the key benefits of pursuing this degree: 

• Gain In-Depth Knowledge: An MBA specialization in digital marketing supports the holistic development of candidates. In addition to offering in-depth knowledge in digital marketing, it helps build business acumen by offering knowledge of other business functions like finance, operations, sales, analytics, human resources, and strategy. 

This comprehensive approach is further elevated through projects, case studies, and internships. It helps candidates gain hands-on experience to tackle real-world challenges. This is something highly required in the current job market. 

• Cross-functional expertise: Digital marketing is a broad space. Hence the degree teaches cross-functional skills across various areas. It encompasses advertising on the internet, promotional content, social media strategy, search engine optimization (SEO), data analysis, and much more. 

Roles like marketing generalist have expertise across various areas of marketing. This highlights the broad benefits of this degree. Such professionals collaborate, leverage insights, and optimize marketing efforts better. Thus, helping businesses drive the desired results.   

• High Demand for Skilled Professionals: The demand for skilled marketing professionals is eight times more than the current supply and is growing at a CAGR of 19-23%. Businesses are rapidly shifting towards digital strategies and innovative technologies. 

Hence, the demand for such experts will only continue to grow. An MBA in this field therefore provides students with a competitive advantage. They are in high demand among organizations trying to improve their internet presence. 

• Diverse Career Opportunities: Graduates of an MBA in this specialization gain a competitive advantage to succeed in new-age marketing careers. Such roles are some of the fastest-growing careers in the industry.   

According to the LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise report for 2024, out of the 25 most in-demand roles in India, 7 were marketing roles. The report included roles like influencer marketing specialist, design specialist, and growth manager. Other roles were creative strategist, campaign associate, media buyer, and insights analyst. 

• Competitive Salaries: An MBA helps nurture competitiveness among individuals who are well revered in the market. They can in turn command higher salaries. The demand for such a talent pool will remain high and display upward mobility in the industry.   

Job roles like marketing manager, social media marketer, digital marketer, brand management executive, eCommerce executive, etc. are some of the roles that experience significant salary hikes post-MBA.    

Top Institutes to specialize in Digital Marketing 

 Let’s explore some of the institutes to pursue a specialization in digital marketing. Note that, conventionally, colleges provide an MBA in marketing. Additionally, some of them may offer an MBA in digital marketing online and certification courses.  

Hence, this section will only explore the colleges providing a digital marketing specialization and not just marketing. It can be an online, full-time, or certification program. 

Chandigarh University: 

Chandigarh University (CU) offers the PG course digital marketing MBA  

Highlights: 

• Mode: Full Time 
• Duration: 2 Years 
• Program fee: ₹ 7.97 Lakh 
• Ranking: This course holds the 18th rank in Business & Management Studies in the QS World Ranking.   
• Average Package: ₹ 6.57 LPA 
• Eligibility Criteria: Candidates with a bachelor's degree in any discipline, passing with 50% marks. Entrance exam scores of XAT, MAT, GMAT, CAT, and more are accepted. 

Amity University:

Amity University provides an MBA in digital marketing in Delhi, NCR. 

Highlights: 

• Mode: Full Time 
• Duration: 2 Years 
• Program Fee: ₹13.44 Lakh 
• Ranking: Ranked among the top 10 private institutes. Ranked in top 2 private colleges (North India and NCR) in the Outlook-ICARE India MBA rankings 2023. 
• Average package: ₹ 8 LPA 
• Eligibility Criteria: 60% aggregate during graduation from any university. Exams like XAT, GMAT, MAT, NMAT, and CMAT, CAT are accepted 

Indian School of Business (ISB):

The ISB Executive Education is an online certification program. It specializes in digital marketing and analytics. They leverage the expertise of senior industry professionals as guest faculty members to teach students.  

Highlights: 

• Mode: Part-Time (4-6 hours a week) 
• Duration: 12 Weeks
• Program Fee: ₹1.08 Lakh + GST 
• Ranking:  Recognized as the #1 in India for the third consecutive year and ranked #26 globally in the Financial Times (FT) Executive Education Custom Rankings 2024. Additionally, according to FT Executive Education Open Rankings 2023, ISB is ranked #3 in India and #65 globally. 
• Eligibility criteria: Any Graduate/ Diploma Holder along with competitive exam scores. 

S.P Jain School of Global Management:

The S.P. Jain School of Global Management, along with the EdTech company Simplilearn, offers the digital marketing certification course. 

Highlights: 

• Mode: Online Bootcamp 
• Duration: 8 Months 
• Program Fee: ₹1.01 Lakh 
• Ranking: SP Jain School of Global Management is ranked #7 in the Asia-Pacific region by Bloomberg Businessweek.  
• Eligibility Criteria: Bachelor's degree in any discipline. Additionally, 2 years of work experience is preferred. 

India Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta:

IIM Calcutta offers the Executive Program on Digital & Social Media Marketing Strategy (EPDSMMS). It is a certificate program that hones general management skills. It further incorporates advanced principles of marketing in social and digital media platforms. 

Highlights: 

• Mode: Part-time hybrid course (mix of online and campus-based sessions) 
• Duration: 9 Months 
• Program Fee: ₹ 3.82 Lakh + applicable taxes 
• Ranking: IIM Calcutta is ranked 5 among government colleges by the NIRF ranking 2024. 
• Eligibility Criteria: The candidate must have graduated with at least 50%. A minimum of two years of experience in media, advertising, start-ups, social or digital media, e-commerce, or a related field is necessary. 

Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Ghaziabad:

IMT, Ghaziabad provides a professional digital marketing curriculum in collaboration with Simplilearn. It is a certification course, featuring a mix of theory, case studies, and extensive hands-on experience. 

Highlights:   

• Mode: Online live virtual classes 
• Duration: 5 Months 
• Program Fee: ₹ 8.47 Lakh + GST 
• Ranking: IMT, Ghaziabad is ranked 35 among management institutes according to the 2024 NIRF ranking. 
• Eligibility Criteria: Roughly 0–5 years of work experience. An undergraduate degree in any field. Background in digital marketing and similar domains is desirable but not mandatory. 

The Altera Institute’s PGP in Applied Marketing

If you are considering a career switch in digital marketing or aspiring to be at the forefront of specialized education, consider the Altera Institute’s 1-year PGP in Applied Marketing. The institute specializes in brand, growth, e-commerce, and product-related careers. 

It offers an unparalleled learning experience, designed and delivered by industry leaders. They hail from companies like Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), Amazon, Nestle, and many more. 

What makes Altera Institute stand out?  

• 100% Industry-Designed Curriculum: Experts from leading companies such as HUL, Amazon, Flipkart, Mamaearth and WPP Group crafted the curriculum to ensure you learn what is truly needed in the industry.  
• 100% Taught by Industry Mentors: Learn directly from experienced professionals who have held leadership positions in brands, sales, eCommerce, and product roles across leading organizations.  
• Industry Backed: The PGP is uniquely positioned to bridge the skills gap in the industry, which is backed by industry giants such as Hindustan Unilever Limited, Mamaearth, and Mullen Lowe Lintas Group.  

The Altera Institute offers an exclusive opportunity to acquire specialized marketing skills through its PGP in Applied Marketing.  

Highlights: 

• Mode: Full time Offline program based out of Cyberhub campus, Gurugram 
• Duration: 12 months on campus learning + 3 months internship 
• Program Fee: INR 13.44 Lakh 
• Average CTC: 15 LPA 
• Eligibility Criteria: Candidates with 0–5 years of work experience. An undergraduate degree in any field. 

Take the next step toward becoming a marketing leader. Explore the Altera Institute's PGP in Applied Marketing today.  

Learn more about Altera Institute and the PGP in Applied Marketing. 

FAQ’s 

Q1: Is a digital marketing MBA worth it? 

Ans: The answer to this question depends on your level of interest in this specialization. Does topics like digital marketing, social media, and brand development excite you? If yes, then the digital marketing specialization is worth it. Those seeking advanced skills or leadership roles and higher earning potential in the growing field of digital marketing will find this course highly beneficial. 

Q2: Does digital marketing MBA have scope? 

Ans: The digital marketing space is an ever-evolving field. It is an integral part of business and the most common MBA specialization, with 35% of the students specializing in marketing. Businesses are prioritizing digital strategies. They offer diverse job opportunities and career growth in these fields. Hence, the demand for digital marketing talents will only grow.  

Q3: What is the highest salary of MBA in digital marketing graduate in India? 

Ans: The highest package can go beyond 20–25 lakhs for senior positions. However, the package may vary based on industry, specific role, location, and skill set of the individual.   

Q4: Can I do digital marketing without an MBA? 

Ans: Yes, you can pursue a career in digital marketing without an MBA. There are certification courses available provided by some of the most popular colleges in India. For example, the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Hyderabad offers a certificate course in digital marketing. 

Students can also gain experience and skills through practical projects and online courses in digital marketing. However, an MBA may provide a competitive edge for leadership roles. 

Summing Up 

The digital marketing MBA blends business acumen and specialized digital marketing expertise. Today, industries are changing due to digital transformation. Professionals possessing the necessary skills are therefore in great demand. 

This degree equips you with strategic tools and hands-on experience regardless of your background—you can be a fresh graduate, a marketing expert trying to grow in your field, or an entrepreneur trying to expand your company. A degree in this field could open doors to a variety of rewarding job options.