How to study digital marketing in the US

Is this for me?

What employers usually ask for

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for market research analysts, with no work experience in a related occupation required [1]. O*NET, the US Department of Labor's occupation database, says of market research analysts and marketing specialists: "Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not" [2].

In plain terms: a degree is the usual route, and our courses do not replace one. A course and a portfolio help you find out whether you like the work and give you something to show, whichever route you take.

What you will be able to do

• Explain how search, social, email and paid ads fit together, in plain words.
• Run a basic SEO check and set up Google Search Console.
• Plan social media content for a brand and measure it.
• Write and schedule an email campaign.
• Plan a small paid search campaign without spending money.
• Audit a brand online and write a 90 day plan.

Essentials, the foundations path: You will be able to audit a brand's digital presence and write a 90 day marketing plan across search, social and email, which is the first task most employers and first clients hand a new marketer.

How long it takes

Lessons take about 20 minutes each, so they fit around classes, a part time job or exams. Essentials has over 50 lessons, about 18 hours in total, or about four months at three lessons a week. Deluxe has 100 lessons and Expert over 150. Short courses have 12 to over 30 lessons. Every course comes with 12 months access from the date of purchase.

Your study options, side by side

Competitor prices checked on October 10, 2026 on each provider's own page. College figures are tuition or enrollment fees only. Prices and inclusions differ, so check the provider's page before you decide.

More detail: us vs community college, us vs bootcamps and university certificates, us vs the Google certificate, and all options.

Federal student aid and college credit

Federal student aid. To get federal student aid, you must be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program [10]. Our courses are not one, so federal aid cannot be used for them. Not every college certificate qualifies either: UCLA Extension says "Federal Financial Aid is not available" for its digital marketing certificate [7]. Ask a college's financial aid office about the program you want. At $499, paid once, most learners do not need a loan for our courses.

Credit recommendations. The Google certificate carries an ACE recommendation of up to 9 college credits [8]. The American Council on Education says actual credit awarded is solely at the discretion of the college or university [11], so ask the college you plan to attend.

For parents: why it costs less, and what it is not

It costs less because it is self paced. There is no campus, no cohort to run and no live class schedule, so the price covers the lessons, the practice brief, tutor support and updates when the platforms change.

What it is not: it is not a degree, it is not live classes and it is not a job guarantee. What it is: lessons updated when the platforms change, a portfolio piece your child can show, a Certificate of Completion and a 30 day money-back guarantee from the date of purchase (terms).

Where to start

Every course ends with a portfolio brief

You do not need a business, a website or an ad budget of your own. Each course ends with a practice brief on an obviously fictional business, and you finish with a piece of work you can show an employer or a first client. Present it as a practice project, never as work for a real client.

Who teaches you

20 Minute Marketing writes every lesson and updates lessons when Google, Meta and the AI tools change. Tutor support from Adrian Prokopiec, who runs digital marketing for two national brands, during your 12 months of access.

Frequently asked questions