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Search advertising strategist education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a search advertising strategist. Search advertising strategists usually study marketing, business, or communication. 82% of search advertising strategists hold a bachelor's degree, and 8% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 52 real search advertising strategist resumes to see exactly what search advertising strategist education sections show.

The most common colleges for search advertising strategists are the Eastern Michigan University and the Eastern Michigan University.

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

What education do you need to become a search advertising strategist?

What degree do you need to be a search advertising strategist?

The most common degree for search advertising strategists is bachelor's degree, with 82% of search advertising strategists earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 8% and master's degree degree at 8%.
  • Bachelor's, 82%
  • Master's, 8%
  • Associate, 8%
  • High School Diploma, 3%

What should I major in to become a search advertising strategist?

You should major in marketing to become a search advertising strategist. 23% of search advertising strategists major in marketing. Other common majors for a search advertising strategist include business and communication.

Most common colleges for search advertising strategists

Search advertising strategists often get their degrees at Eastern Michigan University, Pennsylvania State University, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Here are the most common colleges for search advertising strategists in the US based on their resumes.
Search advertising strategist common collegePercentages
Eastern Michigan University8.70%
Pennsylvania State University8.70%
Southern Illinois University Carbondale8.70%
New York University4.35%
University of Connecticut4.35%

Best majors for search advertising strategists

RankMajorPercentages
1Marketing23.1%
2Business15.4%
3Communication15.4%
4Psychology7.7%
5Economics7.7%

Best colleges for search advertising strategists

The best colleges for search advertising strategists are Northwestern University, Stanford University, and Northeastern University.

A search advertising strategist with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for search advertising strategists. 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 search advertising strategists.

1. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

2. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

3. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

4. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

5. University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • Private

In-state tuition

$10,610

Enrollment

40,329

6. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Enrollment

34,564

7. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,522

Enrollment

13,760

8. San Diego State University

San Diego, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,488

Enrollment

30,018

9. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,530

Enrollment

4,571

10. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Enrollment

32,072

20 best online courses for search advertising strategists

Advertising disclosure

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

coursera

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. Concepts, Strategies, and Analytics in Performance Marketing and Digital Advertising

coursera

This specialization takes a critical look at digital advertising tactics for small business. Students will learn how to generate and launch ad campaigns on small budgets with limited-to-no design skills. These courses include: 1) search (Google Ads), 2) social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and 3) native advertising (Taboola). Students who complete our search course will also gain a résumé credential through the official Google Ads Search Certification and a certification through...

3. Cost Accounting: Introduction to Management Accounting

udemy
4.6
(1,071)

Learn Cost Accounting for Management. Includes Process Costing, ABC Systems, Variance Analysis, Cash Budgets and more...

4. IT Project Budget & Cost Management

udemy
4.4
(290)

Project Management tips to manage a million dollar IT Project budget from start to finish...

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

udemy
4.4
(316)

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

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

udemy
4
(257)

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

7. Managerial and Cost Accounting: A Comprehensive Guide

udemy
4.6
(1,763)

Unlock Financial Insights, Make Informed Decisions: Optimize Business Performance, Maximize Profitability...

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

udemy
4.3
(764)

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

9. Cost Accounting and Financial Management - A Complete Study

udemy
4.8
(268)

Learn theory and practical concepts in Cost Accounting and Financial Management with loads of video lectures...

10. Google & YouTube Ads, Bing Ads, Retargeting & ChatGPT Course

udemy
4.3
(333)

Learn Google Ads, You Tube Ads, Bing Ads & Google Retargeting. Use Chat GPT. Learn Google Max Performance & Display Ads...

11. Budgets, Cashflow Forecasting and Management Accounts

udemy
4.5
(817)

Financial Management and Making A Profit For Charities, Not-For-Profits & Small Businesses...

12. Facebook Ads 2023: Launch Your Best Advertising Campaign

udemy
4.5
(283)

Move from simple to compelling advertising campaigns with Facebook Ads and increase your value in the business...

13. Proven & PROFITABLE Amazon PPC Advertising Course (2023)

udemy
4.7
(1,407)

Learn the PROVEN System to Slash Your ACOS & Skyrocket Sales EVEN IF You've Failed. 2023 Amazon PPC Advertising Course...

14. Basics of Accounting

udemy
4.3
(333)

Accounting Concepts & Principles...

15. Meta Advertising for Beginners: Facebook Ads & Instagram Ads

udemy
4.6
(458)

Set Up Facebook Business Page & Meta Business Manager. Use Meta Business Suite. Launch Traffic & Lead Generation Ads...

16. Run Search Ad In Google Ads & Easy SEO For Beginners-2023

udemy
4.4
(287)

Get ready to run your first PPC ad in a very simple yet detailed training...

17. Partnership Accounting - Financial Accounting

udemy
4.7
(272)

Unlocking the Power of Partnership Accounting: Strategies for Effective Management and Financial Decision Making...

18. KAM - Key Account Management - made simple

udemy
4.4
(360)

How to master KAM - Key Account Management process...

19. Managerial Accounting & Bookkeeping (Cost Accounting)

udemy
4.6
(297)

Management Accounting & Bookkeeping Basics. Accounting & Bookkeeping Concepts. Learn Accounting & Bookkeeping...

20. Building an Organizational Budget

udemy
4.4
(440)

Design program budgets from a simplified approach along with conceptual understandings...

Top 10 most affordable universities for search advertising strategists

The most affordable schools for search advertising strategists are University of Florida, florida state university, and brigham young university.

If the best universities for search advertising strategists 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 search advertising strategists.

1. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

2. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Cost of attendance

21,623

3. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

4. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

5. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

6. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

7. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

8. USF St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,821

Cost of attendance

19,849

9. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

10. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,410

Cost of attendance

20,456

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for search advertising strategists

The hardest universities for search advertising strategists to get into are Northwestern University, Stanford University, and Northeastern University.

Some great schools for search advertising strategists 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 search advertising strategists 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

8%

SAT average

1,508

2. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

4%

SAT average

1,497

3. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

19%

SAT average

1,466

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. Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, MO • Private

Admissions rate

15%

SAT average

1,506

7. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

8. University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL • Private

Admissions rate

32%

SAT average

1,365

9. University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • Private

Admissions rate

7%

SAT average

1,520

10. Southern Methodist University

Dallas, TX • Private

Admissions rate

51%

SAT average

1,395

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for search advertising strategists

The easiest schools for search advertising strategists to get into are Kean University, barry university, and notre dame college.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a search advertising strategist 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 search advertising strategists.

1. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

991

2. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

3. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

4. Cardinal Stritch University

Milwaukee, WI • Private

Admissions rate

71%

SAT average

1,035

5. William Paterson University of New Jersey

Wayne, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

93%

SAT average

994

6. Waynesburg University

Waynesburg, PA • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,080

7. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

Admissions rate

82%

SAT average

983

8. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

9. Linfield College

McMinnville, OR • Private

Admissions rate

81%

SAT average

1,117

10. Grand View University

Des Moines, IA • Private

Admissions rate

92%

SAT average

1,060

Average search advertising strategist salary by education level

Search advertising strategists with a Doctorate degree earn more than those without, at $61,705 annually. With a Master's degree, search advertising strategists earn a median annual income of $61,694 compared to $57,426 for search advertising strategists with an Bachelor's degree.
Search advertising strategist education levelSearch advertising strategist salary
Master's Degree$61,694
Bachelor's Degree$57,426
Doctorate Degree$61,705
Some College/ Associate Degree$51,093

Search advertising strategist education FAQs

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
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.

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