Do you need a degree to work in SEO?
SEO Career
No, a degree is not required to work in SEO. Most hiring managers in 2025 prioritize skills, case studies, and demonstrable results over formal education. Employers often ask: “Can you show me how you improved traffic or rankings for a site?”
A degree in marketing, communications, or computer science may help, but it’s not mandatory.
Instead, focus on building a portfolio:
(1) Optimize a personal blog or niche website.
(2) Document before/after results in traffic and rankings.
(3) Contribute to open SEO communities and write thought pieces.
Certifications (Google Analytics, HubSpot SEO, Semrush Academy) help validate knowledge but aren’t replacements for real-world skills.
Further reading: