MBA in Digital Marketing vs. Certification: Which is Better for Career Growth?
Many of you who want a rapid growth in digital marketing might think that an MBA in digital marketing is the ultimate path to career success. But is it really the right choice for digital marketing? You will be surprised to know that a digital marketing certificate could actually be a smarter choice. The Digital Marketing Certificate program helps you move straight into hands-on training unlike an MBA in Digital Marketing which takes years. This means you will learn the exact tools and skills you need to start working in digital marketing almost immediately.
Although an MBA in digital marketing may sound good, it usually covers many general business topics, leaving less time to focus on the latest digital marketing trends. On the other hand, certificate programs focus on the skills and technologies that companies need today.
Now, it is very important that you understand that there are a lot of job opportunities in the future of digital marketing, so which MBA or degree option will give you the best start. In this guide, we’ll explain what each option offers and how it could shape your future. So, let’s dive in and see which one might be the best fit for you.
What is an MBA in Digital Marketing?
The MBA in Digital Marketing is a master’s degree that focuses on both business and digital marketing. If you follow this program, you will learn business basics, such as how to manage people (HR), how to handle budgets and how to keep records. But they also delve into digital marketing to learn enough to understand its role in business management. However, an MBA in Digital Marketing does not delve into practical digital marketing skills.
This program is mostly about learning how to run and grow a business, with some knowledge of digital marketing so they can work with experts effectively.
What is Master Certification in Digital Marketing?
A Digital marketing certification course mainly focuses on teaching practical, hands-on digital marketing skills. Here, you get to learn “how to”of digital marketing in detail.
The best online digital marketing course will be broad, covering all key digital marketing skills, or specific, focusing on areas such as Google Ads, SEO, social media, email marketing, etc. There are many benefits of digital marketing certification for people who want to learn real digital marketing skills to use directly in the workplace.
Digital Marketing MBA vs. Master Certification in Digital Marketing
If you are stuck in choosing between an MBA in Digital Marketing and a certification in Digital Marketing, this comparison will help you understand and easily decide which one is best for you according to your goals.
What Will You Learn?
As you already read, the MBA in Digital Marketing covers the basics of business and how they relate to digital marketing. It’s very theory-focused, which means you’ll learn about digital marketing and business concepts but may not do many practical projects. For example, you’ll read about creating ads or websites, but you may not create one yourself.
A Digital Marketing certification is all about learning by doing. Instead of just reading about digital marketing, you’ll get real-world experience through practical exercises and projects. The courses are usually taught by digital marketing professionals who work in the field, so they teach you the exact skills they use every day. This means you will learn things that can help you start a career in digital marketing right away, whether it’s at a big company, a startup, or even if you’re starting your own business.
Key Takeaway: If you want more hands-on experience, a digital marketing certification may be better. An MBA is ideal if you want a stronger focus on business theory.
Admission Requirements
To get an MBA in digital marketing, you’ll typically need a certain level of education and grades, and you may have to pass some exams to get in, such as CAT. An MBA is usually aimed at people with a university background.
A digital marketing certificate is usually open to anyone who wants to learn digital marketing. You do not need a university degree, and it is open even to students who have just finished their Grade 12 exams. The main requirement is a strong interest in digital marketing.
Key Takeaway: If you want something flexible without strict academic requirements, a certificate course may be more suitable.
Hands-On Training
An MBA in Digital Marketing is all about learning the ropes in theory, so you will read a lot about digital marketing but won’t get many opportunities to try it yourself.
Getting a certification in digital marketing is all about practising the skills. Instead of just reading about creating a website, you’ll actually be able to create one. You’ll also learn how to place ads on websites by actually doing it, which is much more beneficial for your future job.
Key Takeaway: For those who prefer learning by doing, a certificate course is ideal. For those who like to study theories, an MBA can be a good option.
Course Length
An MBA in Digital Marketing typically takes about two years to complete, so it is a longer commitment.
Most digital marketing courses can be completed in about 6 months, so it is much faster than any digital marketing master’s degree.
Key Takeaway: If you want to get started in digital marketing quickly, a certificate program may be the perfect solution.
Job-Focused Learning
Businesses want people who can handle real-life digital marketing tasks, like creating ads and running campaigns. A digital marketing certificate gives you the practical skills you need to feel instantly confident at work.
Since the certification involves a lot of professional training courses, you will be seen as a strong candidate for digital marketing jobs once you complete it.
Key Takeaway: If you are looking to get a job quickly, a certificate program gives you the skills to start working sooner.
Flexibility
For an MBA in Digital Marketing, you will have to attend campus classes virtually. This can be one of the biggest difficulties if you already work somewhere or are short on time due to your daily schedule.
Digital marketing courses are usually available online which helps you attend classes anywhere in the world due to their flexibility. You can learn from home, which is great for people with busy schedules or those who want to learn at their own pace. Some academies like Kalpavriksha provide 24/7 access to recorded sessions, so you can study when you have the time.
Key Takeaway: If you need flexibility, a certification course may be a better fit as you can often take it online.
Course Cost
An MBA in Digital Marketing can be expensive, and you may also need to pay additional costs such as travel, food and accommodation if the campus is far from home. These costs add up over two years.
Certificate courses in digital marketing are generally affordable, with an emphasis on skills you will use in the job market. They often waive the extra cost since you can learn from home.
Key Takeaway: If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to start a career in digital marketing, certification courses are usually a more budget-friendly option.
Career Opportunities on Digital Marketing Certifications
There are many career opportunities after completing a digital marketing course and obtaining its training certificates. They are as follows:-
Digital Marketing Manager
Digital marketing managers used to oversee a team of experts of the organization in areas like social media, SEO and online advertising. This person is responsible for combining different digital strategies to achieve company goals, such as increasing brand visibility, increasing sales, and connecting with customers. They coordinate team efforts and report on progress to senior executives and ensure that digital marketing strategies are on track and effective.
As a manager, you’ll need to stay updated with the latest digital marketing trends and understand how to mix different methods, such as paid advertising, content marketing and social media, to get the best results. This role provides a balance of creativity, leadership and strategic thinking, making it exciting and impactful.
SEO Specialist
SEO specialists are the ones who help businesses in ranking in the top spots on search engines like Google. People type certain words into their search engines, SEO specialists discover those keywords. Once they get a hold of these keywords, they optimize content so that more people click through to the site. Along with SEO strategies, their job is to also audit the website and ensure things are all in place on the site level like meta tags, image tags etc. and logical structure of the site.
SEO specialists also track the performance of SEO campaigns, measure traffic, and adapt to search engine algorithm changes to maintain high rankings. The goal is to make websites easier for people to find, and boost brand visibility and credibility online. This role requires analytical and technical skills as well as the ability to understand how people search for information.
Social Media Marketing Expert
A social media marketing specialist helps a brand to get closer to its audience on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn. As a social media marketing expert, the role involves creating strategies that involve how a brand interacts with users through posts and ads and interactions. They create and manage advertisement campaigns to ensure the content is delivered to a target audience with interests that are likely to engage. They take note of the brand’s presence on each platform and enhance it accordingly, and adjust strategies based on what works best.
Social Media Manager
A social media manager plays a huge role in guiding a company’s overall social media presence. Unlike a social media marketing specialist, who may focus on ads and individual posts, the manager oversees a team and creates a big-picture social media strategy. They coordinate efforts across different platforms, ensure the consistency of messaging and branding, while leading the team in developing creative ways to engage audiences.
This role requires strong leadership and communication skills as you will be managing multiple people and ideas. Social media managers play a vital role in shaping any brand’s image and ensuring that online interactions are authentic, consistent and impactful.
PPC Specialist (Pay-Per-Click)
A PPC specialist is responsible for creating and managing paid online advertising that operates on a pay-per-click basis. This means that the company only pays when someone clicks on the ad. A PPC specialist conducts keyword research to find the most effective terms for ads, designs attractive landing pages, and tests different ad versions to see what attracts the most clicks.
They also manage bidding, which controls how much the company spends on each ad, making sure to get the best results within a set budget. The goal of a PPC specialist is to maximize your return on investment (ROI) by creating ads that attract the right customers. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys data analysis and creative design, as you will need to continuously track performance and optimize ads to get better results.
Content Marketing Manager
A content marketing manager oversees the creation and management of all content produced by a company, from blog posts to newsletters and videos. They work with writers, graphic designers, and sometimes influencers to produce content that speaks to a brand’s audience. This role involves planning and organizing content to ensure it aligns with company goals, whether that is to educate the audience, build trust, or increase sales.
Content Marketing Managers also coordinate guest blogging and PR efforts, extending the brand through partnerships and media coverage. They are responsible for managing email communications and creating a content calendar to keep everything organized. This role is ideal for someone who loves storytelling, has strong organizational skills, and enjoys working with a variety of content formats.
Become a Certified Digital Marketer Today!
A digital marketing certification gives you a solid understanding of digital marketing and opens up a lot of the best opportunities quickly. The course teaches all the essential skills needed to succeed in digital marketing without being as expensive as an MBA. Kalpavriksha Academy offers an affordable way for anyone to learn and build a career in this field. With hard work and dedication, anyone can become a skilled digital marketer by enrolling in a digital marketing course with Kalpavriksha Academy. We offer one of the best certification programs to help you seize the best opportunities in the world of digital marketing.
Register now to start your journey in digital marketing and build a successful career!
FAQs
1. Which is better for career growth: MBA or certification in Digital Marketing?
It totally depends on your goals. If you aim to work in management or lead marketing teams, an MBA may offer broader opportunities. If you want to become a digital marketer, a certificate in digital marketing can help you.
2. Who should consider getting a Certification in Digital Marketing?
The Digital Marketing Certificate is suitable for individuals who want to create and implement digital marketing strategies rather than supervise. It is ideal for those who aspire to work in roles like digital marketing manager, social media manager, SEO specialist, etc.
3. Is a digital marketing certificate enough for career growth in the digital field?
Yes, a digital marketing certificate can be very valuable, especially if you are looking to build a career with a strong focus on digital marketing skills. One of the best things about certification is that it is usually shorter, cost-effective, and provides hands-on experience that companies value in roles such as SEO specialist, content marketer, or digital strategist.
