Paid search specialist education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a paid search specialist. Paid search specialists usually study business, marketing, or communication. 68% of paid search specialists hold a bachelor's degree, and 12% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 114 real paid search specialist resumes to see exactly what paid search specialist education sections show.

The most common colleges for paid search specialists are the University of Chicago and the University of Chicago.

There are also many online paid search specialist courses to help get the education required to be a paid search specialist.

What education do you need to become a paid search specialist?

What degree do you need to be a paid search specialist?

The most common degree for paid search specialists is bachelor's degree, with 68% of paid search specialists earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 12% and master's degree degree at 12%.

Bachelor's, 68%

Master's, 12%

Associate, 12%

High School Diploma, 5%

Other Degrees, 3%

What should I major in to become a paid search specialist?

You should major in business to become a paid search specialist. 24% of paid search specialists major in business. Other common majors for a paid search specialist include marketing and communication.

Business, 24%

Marketing, 19%

Communication, 7%

Finance, 6%

Other Majors, 44%

Most common colleges for paid search specialists

Paid search specialists often get their degrees at University of Chicago, University of Houston, and University of Florida. Here are the most common colleges for paid search specialists in the US based on their resumes.

Paid search specialist common college	Percentages
University of Chicago	11.11%
University of Houston	7.41%
University of Florida	7.41%
University of Pittsburgh	7.41%
Portland State University	7.41%

Show more common paid search specialist colleges

Best majors for paid search specialists

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Business	23.9%
2	Marketing	19.4%
3	Communication	7.5%
4	Finance	6.0%
5	History	4.5%

Show more common paid search specialist majors

Best colleges for paid search specialists

The best colleges for paid search specialists are Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University.

A paid search specialist with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for paid search specialists. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become paid search specialists.

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

3. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

4. Villanova University

Villanova, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,308

Enrollment

6,819

5. San Diego State University

San Diego, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,488

Enrollment

30,018

6. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

7. Bentley University

Waltham, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$49,880

Enrollment

4,177

8. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

9. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,530

Enrollment

4,571

10. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN • Private

In-state tuition

$14,760

Enrollment

31,451

20 best online courses for paid search specialists

Advertising disclosure

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

This Specialization will teach you to optimize website content for the best possible search engine ranking. You'll learn the theory behind Google search and other search engine algorithms; you'll also build practical, real-world skills that you can apply to a career in digital marketing or online content development, including on-page and off-page optimization, optimizing for local and international audiences, conducting search-focused website audits, and aligning SEO with overall business...

2. Digital Consumer Search and Marketing

Digital Consumer Search and Marketing builds on the foundations of digital consumer behaviour and digital marketing. You will learn how to optimise marketing efforts across digital channels.\n\nBy the end of the specialization, you will have a good understanding of the design and implementation of digital marketing strategies, as well as the importance and use of digital media and tools including:\n\nSearch Engine Optimization (SEO) Content Marketing Social Media Marketing Mobile Marketing Pay...

3. Google Search-Master Class

(577)

Use Google Search as a Professional...

4. Master Course in Advanced SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

(257)

Digital Marketing, Keyword Search, Website Traffic, Link Building, SEO Audit, Google Ads and PPC, Word Press, Local SEO...

5. Splunk Search Expert

By completing Search Expert 101, 102 & 103, you will be able to write efficient searches, perform correlations, create visualizations, and leverage subsearches and lookups. This course will also show you how to get started using your machine data to provide actionable reports and dashboards for your organization...

6. Splunk Search Expert 101

This course helps you understand the basics of machine data. You will learn about Splunk components, its basic functions, and be introduced to apps, which becomes your workspace. It teaches you how to navigate Splunk, get you familiar with search anatomy to run searches using fields and basic commands...

7. SEO in 2018 - SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

4.3

(764)

SEO training expert with 20 years Search Engine Optimization experience shows you how to promote your website in Google...

8. SEO Training Academy: Learn Search Engine Optimization

4.3

(791)

Master the art of search engine optimization by learning fundamental SEO principles and techniques in this course...

9. Search Engine Marketing (SEM): #1 Step-by-Step Tutorial

4.3

(320)

SEM For Word Press: Discover How To Easily Convert Your Website Visitors Into Sales!...

10. SEO: Master Search Engine Optimization and SEO Link Building

(388)

Secrets of 2017 To Boost Search Rank, Conversions, Content, Traffic, Sales, Shares & Links for Wordpress & Other Sites...

11. Do-It-Yourself Patent Searching Using Free Web Resources

4.8

(278)

Is what you invent patentable? Use free websites to thoroughly search patents. For the novice inventor and entrepreneur...

12. Google Advanced Search: Find Stuff Like a Boss

(1,163)

Become an Expert Googler...

13. Boolean Search for Recruitment & Sourcing (Human Resource)

4.4

(2,370)

Boolean Search, Boolean Operators, Boolean String, Google Advanced Search, Xray Search for HR Professionals...

14. CREATIVE AND ADVANCED: SEO Keyword Research

4.5

(278)

Rank #1 in search with savvy SEO keyword research strategies using the Google Keyword Planner to boost traffic...

15. SEO Strategy: Keyword Research, Audit & Link Building

4.2

(1,059)

Successfully rank your website on the 1st page of Google. Select the best keywords, optimize your site and build links...

16. [2023] Career Hacking: World's Bestselling Job Search Course

4.6

(9,128)

Supercharge your job search! Boost your resume, Linked In® Profile, cover letter, interviewing & networking skills +more!...

17. Wix Website SEO Wix SEO Wix Search Engine Optimisation

4.1

(312)

Rank Your Wix Website In Google, Yahoo & Bing With An Easy To Follow Wix SEO Strategy...

18. Google Ads 2023: How to Drive Sales With PPC!

4.4

(316)

Get started with Google Ads and launch effective PPC advertising campaigns to reach new customers and grow your business...

19. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Essentials & Tricks

4.5

(446)

More than 80,000 business owners have taken my class. Now available in 11 languages...

20. Modern SEO - Safe, Effective Search Engine Optimization

4.5

(661)

Learn safe, White Hat SEO that works, and won't get your site penalised...

Top 10 most affordable universities for paid search specialists

The most affordable schools for paid search specialists are SUNY Farmingdale, baruch college of the city university of new york, and california state university - dominguez hills.

If the best universities for paid search specialists are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for paid search specialists.

1. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

2. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

3. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

4. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

5. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

6. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

7. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

8. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

9. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Cost of attendance

21,623

10. Minot State University

Minot, ND • Private

In-state tuition

$7,064

Cost of attendance

15,576

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for paid search specialists

The hardest universities for paid search specialists to get into are Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, and Stanford University.

Some great schools for paid search specialists are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for paid search specialists based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,508

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,492

3. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,497

4. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

5. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

6. Villanova University

Villanova, PA • Private

Admissions rate

29%

SAT average

1,407

7. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

8. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

9. Bentley University

Waltham, MA • Private

Admissions rate

43%

SAT average

1,338

10. George Washington University, The

Washington, DC • Private

Admissions rate

42%

SAT average

1,380

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for paid search specialists

The easiest schools for paid search specialists to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, gwynedd mercy university, and barry university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a paid search specialist without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for paid search specialists.

1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

2. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private

Admissions rate

92%

SAT average

1,031

3. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

4. Holy Names University

Oakland, CA • Private

Admissions rate

70%

SAT average

849

5. Felician University

Lodi, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

999

6. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

7. La Roche College

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

99%

SAT average

1,008

8. Manor College

Jenkintown, PA • Private

Admissions rate

94%

SAT average

898

9. Ottawa University

Ottawa, KS • Private

Admissions rate

78%

SAT average

1,024

10. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,139

Average paid search specialist salary by education level

Paid search specialists with a Doctorate degree earn more than those without, at $76,071 annually. With a Master's degree, paid search specialists earn a median annual income of $76,047 compared to $66,803 for paid search specialists with an Bachelor's degree.

Paid search specialist education level	Paid search specialist salary
Master's Degree	$76,047
Bachelor's Degree	$66,803
Doctorate Degree	$76,071
Some College/ Associate Degree	$54,084

Paid search specialist education FAQs

What is the best college for Paid Search Specialists?

Have more questions? See all answers to common computer and mathematical questions.

Search for paid search specialist jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse computer and mathematical jobs