MBA in Digital Marketing vs MBA in Marketing – Find Out Which One Should You Opt For!

Updated on: Apr 8, 2024

If you’re looking for the ultimate guide on MBA in Digital Marketing vs Marketing – then this blog has come to your rescue! You will certainly have a better picture regarding both, MBA in Digital Marketing & Marketing and be able to make a choice for yourself by the end of this!

An MBA degree in India is considered very important and of high regard. It has been an academic aspiration of almost every student. But as the time passes, courses get evolved and currently, there’s an ongoing debate on MBA in Digital Marketing vs Marketing among the students which is quite interesting.

The reason is that MBA’s are designed to train students intensively and along with subject knowledge, equal training is given on managing, leading, and adapting to different real-life corporate scenarios.

Although with changing times, there have been fluctuations in the percentage of students preferring an MBA over the years, it’s still a significant part of India’s education system.

Thus, if you’re looking to pursue an MBA and are confused between the specializations of Digital Marketing & Marketing, this blog is what you need to read. 

It has a fair comparison of both the specializations and important details you might need for making an informed decision based on your requirements.

Also Read: List of MBA Specializations in India – 2023’s Top 11 Streams

When we look at Digital Marketing & Marketing, the aim of both is to market and advertise a company’s products/services and brand image. But they both take completely different routes to reach the end goal. That’s the biggest differentiating factor. 

An MBA in Marketing has been around for several years and is a very successful degree whereas an MBA in Digital Marketing is a recent addition to MBA specializations but has gained immense popularity because of its emergence as an important factor in every business. 

Hence, let’s dive right in and check out both in depth. 

What is an MBA in Digital Marketing?

An MBA in Digital Marketing is a post-graduation course, generally, a 2-year program, which teaches students all the disciplines of Digital Marketing, ie, to market products and services through all digital channels. 

It prepares them to take up responsibilities and operations at the mid-senior managerial level under the Digital Marketing umbrella. Most of the institutes offer internships and practical projects to further train you intensely in every real-world business scenario.

You May Also Like: MBA in Digital Marketing Guide for 2023

What is an MBA in Marketing?

An MBA in Marketing is a postgraduate course that focuses on imbibing traditional marketing methods and channels. It is typically a 2-year degree course. 

The traditional channels of marketing are equally significant even today and thus it is a very competitive field and requires creativity and innovation.

Both specializations have the same target to achieve but completely different channels and approaches. Thus, choose one based on your expertise and the channels which appeal more to you. 

A basic eligibility criterion for both specializations is a graduation degree from a recognized university. And further eligibility criteria depend from institute to institute. 

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for an MBA currently but wish to pursue Digital Marketing and start early in your career, check out this industry-preferred Online Digital Marketing Course

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MBA in Digital Marketing vs Marketing: Scope

The Internet has taken over the world, including India. Every person belonging to different demographics is present online on various social media platforms. We’re adapting to online shopping and entertainment right now more than ever. 

Given below is a statistic highlighting the growth in the number of internet users in India:

MBA in digital marketing vs marketing

Source: Google Trends

Now, a marketer obviously wants to go where all his potential customers are spending their time. Connecting both the dots, Digital Marketing is here to stay, and why not? 

It is a very effective tool that lets marketers go global and reach larger target markets at comparatively lesser costs. Thus, the scope of digital marketing in India is very promising.

This directly indicates that the scope of an MBA in Digital Marketing is equally bright and something you should look out for

With an MBA in Digital Marketing, you can bag job offers right at the managerial verticals instead of starting as an executive. 

On the other hand, the scope of an MBA in Marketing in India is also quite impressive. It is one of the oldest specializations in management studies. 

We’re all aware of how marketing is the powerhouse of any organization and is indispensable. If you have an inclination toward entertainment, sales, and traditional marketing activities, then this is the right course. 

Again, with an MBA in Marketing, you can directly be hired at top high-paying positions in organizations. 

Thus, the scope of both MBA specializations is encouraging and favorable although Digital Marketing is picking up faster. 

MBA in Digital Marketing vs Marketing: Syllabus

The syllabus of an MBA in Digital Marketing focuses on all the digital channels and aspects that a digital marketer must be conscious of. The following modules make up for it:

1. Inbound Marketing 

  • Introduction to Digital Marketing
  • Website Creation
  • Search Marketing

2. Outbound Marketing

  • Content Marketing
  • Social Media Marketing & Management
  • Video Marketing

3. Media Management & Automation 

  • More forms of Digital Marketing 
  • Integrated Marketing 

4. Managerial Skills and Soft Skills 

  • Soft Skills
  • Agency Skills 

5. Compulsory Internship & Thesis

  • 2-Month Compulsory Internship
  • Capstone Project 

The syllabus of an MBA in Marketing stresses more on conventional/traditional marketing activities and channels with an emphasis on the overall marketing sphere. A brief overview of digital aspects is also included as it is the need of the hour. The following modules are generally covered:

  1. Consumer Behaviour 
  2. Marketing Management
  3. Retailing
  4. E-commerce
  5. Managerial economics
  6. Brand Management
  7. Marketing Research
  8. Salesforce Management
  9. Operations Management
  10. Forecasting and Modeling

MBA in Digital Marketing vs Marketing: Career Opportunities

As previously mentioned, if you graduate with an MBA in Digital Marketing or Marketing, both are going to help you land jobs directly at the mid-senior managerial level. So let’s take a look at some job designations that you can opt for with an MBA in Digital Marketing:

  • Digital Marketing Manager
  • Social Media Manager
  • Brand Manager 
  • Client Servicing Manager
  • Content Marketer
  • Paid Media Expert
  • SEO Expert
  • Business Development Manager
  • Media Strategist, etc

Must Check Out: Careers After an MBA in Digital Marketing

Now, let’s look at some of the job profiles you can apply for with an MBA in Marketing:

  • Sales Manager
  • Market Analyst
  • Marketing Manager
  • Business Development Executive
  • Brand Manager
  • Media Planner
  • Product Planner
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • TV Producer, etc

MBA in Digital Marketing vs Marketing: Salary

The digital marketing industry is very well-paying but only for those who maintain to stay updated with the new advancements and latest trends of the industry. It is important to be able to climb the corporate ladder. 

The average starting salary for a Digital Marketing Manager is around 6+ LPA. And with 3 or more years of work experience, you can expect it to go as high as 10+LPA. 

Digital marketing salary - MBA in Digital Marketing vs MBA in marketing

Source: Ambitionbox

For more insights on salaries for different digital marketing roles, you can refer to this article on Digital Marketing Salary in India 2023: 10-Year Plan Included.

Digital Marketing is a part of the Marketing sphere. Naturally, the marketing roles are also well-paying and it varies on the job profile you apply for and the level of responsibility that is levied. 

Being an MBA graduate in Marketing, the average salary of a marketing manager is approximately 5-6 LPA. Further jumps in salary and designations highly depend on the performance and the targets achieved. 

Marketing salary - MBA in Digital Marketing vs MBA in marketing

Source: Ambitionbox

Also Read: MBA Salary in India For All Specializations: 2023

MBA in Digital Marketing vs Marketing: Best Institutes 

 

Top Institutes offering an MBA in Digital Marketing in India

  • IIDE – The Digital School, Mumbai – IIDE has introduced an MBA-Level Post Graduation in Digital Marketing which is an upbeat version of the traditional MBA structure. It is a program that gives intense hands-on experience around digital as well as managerial skills just like an MBA in just 11 months. It also includes a compulsory 2-month internship and 100% guaranteed placements. For working professionals, it also offers an option to choose weekend batches.
  • IIKM, Business School, Chennai
  • Suryadatta Institute of Business Management, Pune
  • RIMT University, Punjab
  • Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

 

Top Institutes offering an MBA in Marketing in India

  • Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Bangalore
  • SP Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai
  • Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi 
  • NIILM Centre for Management Studies, Delhi
  • MIT School of Business, Pune

Many institutes and colleges also offer a PGDM in Marketing. You can check with the institute. 

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MBA in Digital Marketing vs Marketing: Final Take

All-in-all, the marketing industry has been scaling newer heights over the years, and the introduction of Digital Marketing has enabled a completely new division in marketing and gained immense popularity because of its effective waywardness.

Thus, to graduate in either of them – MBA in Digital Marketing or Marketing is definitely going to help you build a prosperous and roaring career. 

So choose a specialization based on your liking & interest. If the digital world appeals to you and if you think you can be a valuable asset in this industry then an MBA- Level Post Graduation in Digital Marketing is the ideal choice.

Although if you believe that your contribution to traditional marketing methods and sales will be more beneficial, then pursuing an MBA in Marketing makes complete sense.

Conclusion

We hope this blog has helped you understand both the MBA Specializations in-depth and what they have to offer. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

It would be great if you let us know about your views in the comments section below. 

If you are still confused between MBA in Digital Marketing vs MBA in Marketing, get in touch with our senior counselor at +91 96199 58615 or write to [email protected]  to book a FREE counseling session today!

 

FAQs

  1. MBA in digital marketing vs marketing: Which is better for leadership?

Ans. Though both the positions are a true testament for gaining skills, an MBA in marketing will have a greater impact in bagging leadership positions.

 

  1. Is MBA in digital marketing worth it?

Ans. Absolutely. In this cut-throat competition, every other business is competing with each other to gain its target audience’s attention.Mastering in digital marketing opens realms of opportunities where one can not only just help other businesses, but can start their own entrepreneurial journey and use these digital skills to grow their business.

 

  1. MBA in digital marketing vs marketing: Which degree is right for me?

Ans. There is no specific answer to this as different individuals have different priorities, but if you’re someone who’s willing to learn and grow in the digital world, a degree in digital marketing is a right fit for you whereas, if you’re looking for a holistic growth where you want to learn about marketing and business simultaneously, a degree in marketing is something that you should go for.

 

  1. Is digital marketing and marketing management the same?

Ans. People generally confuse when it comes to digital marketing and marketing. Marketing management is all about creating and generating marketing ideas to promote the business whereas, digital marketing focuses on implementing marketing ideas and quantifying them with digital marketing tools to track results and KPIs like impressions, shares, reach, revenue, CPA, etc.

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IIDE Course Recommendation

Post-Graduation in Digital Marketing & Strategy

Offline

Post-Graduation in Digital Marketing & Strategy

Post-Graduation Programme

11 Months

Placement Assistance

View Course
Advanced Online Digital Marketing Course

Hybrid

Advanced Online Digital Marketing Course

Certification Programme

4-6 Months

Exclusive Access to Bookmark

View Course
Digital Marketing Certification Courses

Online

10+ Digital Marketing Certification Courses

Certification Programme

7+ Hours

1-on-1 Mentorship

View Course
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He has over 19 years of experience in the Digital Marketing and Design space. He is someone who understands all the elements of the Digital gamut ranging from User Experience, Graphics Design, SEO, SEM, Analytics, Media Planning.....[Read full bio]

23 Comments

  1. Harsh Vardhan Choudhary

    IN THIS BLOG OF MBA IN DIGITAL MARKETING VS MARKETING I CAME TO A CONCLUSION THAT I SHOULD GO FOR DIGITAL MARKETING INSTEAD OF MBA IN MARKETING AS IN MBA IN DIGITAL MARKETING WE WILL BE TAUGHT ABOUT THE CURRENT MARKET TRENDS LIKE HOW CAN YOU BUILD YOUR MARKETING SKILLS IN
    E- COMMERCE,ETC., WHERAS IN MBA IN MARKETING WE WILL BE TAUGHT ABOUT THE TRADITIONAL MEHTODS ABOUT MARKETING WHICH ACCORDING TO ME IS OF LESS USE THAN THE LATEST METHODS OF DIGITAL MARKETING.
    THANK YOU!!

    Reply
  2. Christina Samuel

    This blog shares a wide perspective to students who opt to choose MBA in Digital Marketing or Digital Marketing as a course. An MBA in Digital Marketing focuses on online strategies, data analytics, and digital tools, preparing graduates for roles in the digital landscape. Traditional Marketing MBA covers broader marketing principles, consumer behavior, and strategic planning, offering a wider range of career opportunities.

    Reply
  3. Unnati Jain

    The article provides a comprehensive comparison of MBA in Digital Marketing and MBA in Marketing, helping readers choose between the two specializations based on their interests, skills, and career goals.

    Reply

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