2024 Best Online MBA in Marketing Programs

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An online marketing MBA can help you advance your expertise and qualifications in the field of marketing.

MBA in Marketing Programs

Earning this type of degree can increase your understanding of consumer audiences and how to differentiate a company’s products or services from those of the competition.

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It can also develop your knowledge of topics like marketing analysis, brand management, and digital media services and strategies. An understanding of how to influence behavior and customer decisions can be essential for any business.

Online Marketing MBA Programs

Marketing MBA Programs

An online MBA in Marketing can be useful in almost any corporate career path related to marketing, advertising, and promotions. Most of these careers involve working at corporate offices or advertising agencies.

Professionals in these types of occupations make decisions about what media a company should use for advertising—such as print ads, online media, or billboards—and then negotiate advertising contracts.

They may need to work closely with financial staff members to determine budgeting for projects. In order to be successful in the field of marketing, it is helpful to understand human thinking and behavior as well as the financial aspects of running a business.

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Since social media has become a bigger part of people’s lives in recent years, many online marketing MBAs are starting to put a greater emphasis on digital marketing in addition to traditional media.

Here are some subjects you’ll likely study while earning an MBA in Marketing online:

  • Marketing
  • Consumer behavior
  • Market research
  • Sales
  • Communication methods and technology
  • Business law
  • Economics
  • Management

Studying these subjects can help prepare you to plan promotional campaigns to generate interest in your company’s products or services. Most business schools require the same coursework for students in online MBA marketing programs as for traditional students taking classes on campus.

Marketing Careers & Salaries

Marketing Careers & Salaries

An MBA in Marketing can help prepare you for a variety of careers in business and marketing. An MBA can also help you develop your leadership, communication, and analytical skills.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median annual salaries for some careers that tend to require business and marketing skills.

Careers Annual Median Salaries
Chief Executives $185,950
Marketing Managers $142,170
Advertising and Promotions Managers $133,460
Sales Managers $132,290
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers $118,430
General and Operations Managers $103,650
Business Operations Specialists $71,450
Community College Teachers $68,510
Market Research Analysts $65,810
Public Relations Specialists $62,810

The majority of advertising and promotions managers are employed in advertising, public relations, and related services. Meanwhile, professional, scientific, and technical services employ the most marketing managers.

Marketing MBA Curriculum

Marketing MBA Curriculum

Here are some examples of courses you might take while earning an MBA for marketing.

  • Business Strategy: This course covers a variety of topics related to business, including finance, sales, marketing, and operations.
  • Marketing Strategy, Analysis, and Development: In this course, you’ll study the best marketing practices to maintain good public relations for your company.
  • Global Brand Strategy: This course teaches you how to create a brand and market it on an international scale.
  • Pricing Policies: This course helps you learn to set optimal prices for your company’s products and services using the economic concept of supply and demand.
  • Digital Marketing: This course teaches you about best practices for marketing products on social media or elsewhere on the Internet.
  • Marketing Research: This course teaches you to conduct research and to think scientifically to determine the best marketing practices for your company.
  • Pricing and Market Analytics: This course helps you understand the factors that affect how pricing changes over time, and it explores how to set prices for new products that are being launched.
  • Brand Management Workshop: You’ll use current data to conduct a brand review for a firm and present your findings to the client.
  • New Product Strategy: This course teaches you how to develop effective marketing campaigns to introduce new products to consumers.
  • Advertising Strategy: You’ll study how to create an advertisement that will persuade an audience to want to purchase a product or service.

Exact course requirements will vary at different schools. Some marketing MBA programs may also require you to complete a thesis, capstone project, or internship.

How to Choose an Online MBA in Marketing Program

Online MBA in Marketing Program

Here are some factors you may want to consider when choosing an online marketing MBA program:

  • Tuition rates and other costs. Some universities charge more or less than others.
  • Availability of financial aid. Some universities have grants or scholarships available for students. Attending an accredited school can help you qualify for federal aid.
  • Program length. Most marketing MBA programs take 2 years to complete, but some universities offer accelerated options that take just 1 year. The number of required credit hours can affect your completion time as well.
  • Synchronous or asynchronous format. In asynchronous online courses, as long as you meet certain deadlines, you can complete all the work according to your own schedule. Synchronous courses may require you to log in at certain times and be present for class discussions, similar to a traditional on-campus class.
  • Opportunities to connect with other students. Online degree programs vary in how much contact they enable students to have with each other. In synchronous programs, students often have class discussions that are conducted over the Internet. Universities that offer asynchronous programs sometimes have discussion forums to enable students to connect.
  • Thesis, capstone project, or internship. Some marketing MBA programs require you complete one of these, so you may want to consider which, if any, you prefer.

Many factors can influence your choice of an MBA marketing online program.

Admissions Requirements

MBA in Marketing Programs Admissions

Admissions requirements vary by school, but here are some common requirements for admissions to a marketing MBA program:

  • Bachelor’s degree, preferably in business, marketing, or a related field
  • Undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0
  • Professional experience
  • Letters of recommendation (only some schools require them)

Some schools may also require GRE or GMAT scores, but a growing number of schools are no longer requiring these.

Accreditation

MBA in Marketing Programs Accreditation

Regional accreditation agencies are third parties who evaluate the quality of a university’s academic programs, faculty, and student resources.

A degree from a regionally accredited university is often preferred by potential employers. In addition, course credits from an accredited school are more likely to be accepted for transfer credit at other schools.

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Before enrolling in a marketing MBA program, you may want to find out if the school you are planning to attend is accredited. This information is usually available on the school’s website. For more information on accreditation, you can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Financial Aid and Scholarships

MBA in Marketing Programs financial aid

There are many financial aid opportunities available to students who are wanting to earn marketing MBAs online. You may be able to qualify for federal aid, state aid, grants, or scholarships.

Some companies contribute to their employees’ educational expenses, especially if more advanced knowledge of business or marketing could be useful to the company. If you are currently employed, you may qualify for employer programs or tuition reimbursement programs.

To see if you qualify for federal financial aid, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Are Online MBAs Respected?

Online MBAs

Online degrees, whether it’s a bachelors, masters, or a PhD in Marketing online, are respected if they’re from an accredited institution. Most universities require online students to complete the same coursework as students who are on campus.

You do not need to state on your resumé that your degree was earned online. You may need to be prepared to answer questions about your education in job interviews, especially if your resumé indicates that you were working while earning your degree.

What Can I Do with an MBA in Marketing?

MBA in Marketing degree

With an MBA in Marketing, you could pursue a position in marketing, advertising, promotions, public relations, or sales. This can be a useful degree to have if you want a management position leading teams.

Most jobs in these fields require a bachelors degree, but earning a Master of Business Administration in Marketing can enable you to develop your business, leadership, and marketing expertise.

Marketing experts are needed in organizations and companies in a variety of industries, so there are many different career paths you could take with a marketing MBA. Professionals in the field work as marketing managers, public relations managers, market research analysts, and chief executives.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Marketing MBA Online?

online marketing MBA program

A typical online marketing MBA program can be completed in 1 to 2 years. If a program only requires 36 credit hours with no thesis requirement, you may complete it in just 1 year with full-time, year-round enrollment.

You’ll likely need more time if a thesis is required or if you only attend school part-time. When planning how many courses you want to take each term, you may want to consider how quickly you want to complete your degree.

What Jobs Can I Get with an MBA in Marketing?

MBA in Marketing jobs

The business and marketing expertise you can develop in a marketing MBA program can lead to a variety of opportunities in many different industries.

Professionals in the field tend to work as advertising, promotions, and marketing managers, public relations and fundraising managers, and sales managers. Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers create marketing plans and budgets, and they also determine pricing strategies.

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Public relations and fundraising managers can plan funding campaigns and look for ways to improve their organization’s public image. Sales managers evaluate their company’s sales statistics and try to find new clients for their company’s products and services. They often work in wholesale trade or manufacturing.

What’s the Difference Between an MBA vs. Masters in Marketing?

Here are some common differences between a marketing MBA and a masters in marketing.

MBA in Marketing Masters in Marketing
  • Broad curriculum that includes marketing as well as business management, leadership, finance, and economics
  • Applicable to a wide variety of business careers
  • Focus is on practical applications
  • Specialized curriculum that includes advanced marketing theory and its applications
  • Applicable primarily to marketing careers
  • Focus is on theoretical knowledge

There is some overlap in the coursework required to obtain either a marketing MBA or a masters in marketing.

What’s the Difference Between an Executive MBA vs. MBA?

Here are some differences between MBA and executive MBA programs.

MBA Executive MBA
  • Intended for students who have less work experience
  • May be full-time or part-time program
  • Often requires choosing a major or concentration within the program
  • Intended for professionals who have considerable work experience
  • Usually part-time program
  • Does not usually require choosing a major or concentration

Either degree option could be appropriate for someone planning to advance their career in the business world.

What’s the Difference Between Traditional Marketing vs. Digital Marketing?

Here are some differences between traditional and digital marketing.

Traditional Marketing Digital Marketing
  • Makes use of non-Internet channels, such as billboards or print ads
  • Tends to change marketing campaigns more slowly
  • Usually shows ads to broad audiences
  • Makes use of websites and social media
  • Tends to change marketing campaigns very quickly
  • Usually shows ads to targeted audiences

A marketing MBA program will likely include instruction on traditional marketing as well as digital marketing strategies, both of which are important in the modern world.

Is an MBA in Marketing Worth It?

Yes, an MBA in Marketing is worth it for many professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for marketing managers is expected to grow 7% over the next decade, which is faster that the average growth rate for all occupations.

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If you want to work in business or marketing, earning an MBA with a concentration in marketing can help you develop new skills, enhance your expertise, and qualify for new job opportunities.

Universities Offering Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers an online Master of Business Administration program with courses in marketing and marketing management. Each of the 17 classes needed to graduate is 5 weeks long. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and 2 professional letters of recommendation to be eligible for the program.

Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Babson College

Babson College

Babson College offers a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.

To graduate, students must complete 45 credits, with 9 dedicated to marketing. The program can be taken part-time or full-time. When applying, applicants must complete some short answer questions and an interview and submit a professional recommendation and transcripts.

Babson College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University offers an online program for a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. To graduate, students must complete 36 credits, with 9 credits dedicated to marketing. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.7 or higher.

CMU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Dallas Baptist University

Dallas Baptist University

Dallas Baptist University offers a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing. Students may also choose to take a dual concentration program to take two concentrations at once. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and 12 hours of graduate work with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Dallas Baptist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University offers an online program for a Master of Business Administration in Marketing. To graduate, students must complete 46 credit hours, with 12 credits dedicated to the concentration. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and 4 years of work experience.

FAU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Florida International University

Florida International University

Florida International University offers a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing Channel Strategy. To graduate, students must complete 42 credits, including 2 specialization courses. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, a resume, and 2 letters of recommendation.

Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Florida State University

Florida State University

Florida State University offers a Master of Business Administration with the option to add a Marketing specialization.

To graduate, students must complete a minimum of 39 credit hours. To be eligible for the program, applicants must submit a portfolio of past academic performances or work experiences, GMAT or GRE scores, and letters of recommendation.

Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University

Golden Gate University offers an online program for a Master of Business Administration with a Marketing concentration.

Students must complete 54 credits to graduate, with 12 credits dedicated to the major. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants that don’t meet the GPA requirements must submit a statement of purpose and a resume.

GGU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and its Senior College and University Commission.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University offers an online program for a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Students must complete 54 credit hours, with 12 credits dedicated to the concentration. Applicants must submit letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and an essay to be eligible for the program.

Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Northeastern University

Northeastern University

Northeastern University offers an online program for a Master of Business Administration with a Marketing concentration.

The program requires 50 credits to graduate and can typically be completed in 2 years. Those interested in the program must have an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, 5 years of work experience, and 2 letters of recommendation.

Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.

Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University offers a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Students must complete 15 credits to graduate. To be admitted into the program, applicants must submit a statement of purpose, a resume, a letter of recommendation, and official transcripts from any post-secondary institutions attended.

Pepperdine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges – Senior College and University Commission.

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University offers a Master of Business Administration with a Marketing Analytics concentration.

Students have to complete 48 credits, with 9 credits dedicated to the concentration, to graduate. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and need to submit transcripts from any post-secondary schools attended, 2 references, a portfolio, and an essay.

The Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Purdue University

Purdue University

Purdue University offers an online program for a Master’s in Business Administration with the option to add a concentration in Marketing. The program, which offers 6 week classes, requires students to complete a minimum of 60 credits to graduate. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree.

Purdue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Rice University

Rice University

Rice University offers an online program for a Master of Business Administration with a number of electives in marketing.

The program requires students to obtain 54 credit hours to graduate and can typically be completed in 24 months. Applicants must submit GMAT or GRE scores unless they have a terminal degree or seven years of work experience.

Rice University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Rivier University

Rivier University

Rivier University offers an online program for a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.

The program can typically be completed in 2 years, and courses are 7 weeks long. To graduate, students must complete 36 credit hours. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and need to submit official transcripts.

Rivier is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.

Rutgers University

Rutgers University

Rutgers University offers an online program for a Master of Business Administration with the option to obtain a certificate in Marketing. To graduate, students must complete 42 credit hours, with 12 credits dedicated to electives. Applicants must submit transcripts, a personal statement, 2 letters of recommendation, and their GMAT or GRE scores.

Rutgers is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University

Santa Clara University offers an online program for a Master of Business Administration with courses dedicated to a concentration in Marketing. Students must complete 70 credit hours to graduate. Courses are either 10 weeks or 5 weeks long. Applicants must submit official transcripts, 3 essays, and 2 letters of recommendation.

Santa Clara University is accredited by The WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Temple University

Temple University

Temple University offers an online program for a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Students must complete 12 courses but may take the courses at their pace. A final capstone project is required to graduate. Applicants must submit an essay, 2 letters of recommendation, and GMAT or GRE scores.

Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Maryland Global Campus

University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an online program for Master of Business Administration with a number of courses in marketing.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and official transcripts to apply. The program requires 36 credit hours to graduate and can typically be completed in 18 months. Each course requires a grade of B or higher.

The University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Massachusetts – Amherst

University of Massachusetts - Amherst

The University of Massachusetts—Amherst offers an online program for a Master of Business Administration with the option to add a Marketing focus to the degree. To graduate, students must complete 45 credits. Applicants must submit 2 letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a resume when applying.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill offers an online program for a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.

To graduate, students must complete 62 credit hours. To be eligible for the program, students must submit a resume, official transcripts, 2 letters of recommendation, an essay, and GMAT or GRE scores.

The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Saint Mary

University of Saint Mary

The University of Saint Mary offers an online program for a Master of Business Administration with a Marketing concentration. To graduate, students must complete 33 credit hours. Courses are 8 weeks long. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a GPA of 2.75 or higher and need to submit official transcripts and a resume.

The University of Saint Mary is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

University of Southern California

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California offers an online program for a Master of Business Administration that focuses on core subjects, such as marketing.

To graduate, students must complete 51 credits. Those interested in the program must have an undergraduate degree and at least 2 years of work experience. Official transcripts, 2 essays, and 3 letters of recommendation must be submitted when applying.

The University of Southern California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Senior College and University Commission.

University of Texas – Dallas

University of Texas Dallas

The University of Texas—Dallas offers a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Students must complete 53 credit hours to graduate. Students may start their studies at the beginning of any semester. Applicants must submit transcripts, GMAT or GRE scores, 2 essays, and a letter of recommendation.

The University of Texas at Dallas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Washington State University

Washington State University

Washington State University offers a Master of Business Administration in Marketing. To graduate, students must complete 36 credit hours and a capstone project. The program can typically be completed in 29 months. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a letter of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and GMAT or GRE scores.

Washington State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Earning Your Marketing MBA Online

Marketing MBA Online

There are many options available for completing your marketing MBA degree. Much like getting your online bachelors in marketing, earning your marketing MBA online could be an affordable and convenient way to learn more about marketing and business while expanding your career opportunities.

Coursework in this type of business degree program can also provide you with the opportunity to broaden your skill set. You’ll likely study brand management, advertising, social media strategy, and marketing analytics.

If you’re ready to advance your expertise in this growing field, you can start exploring online marketing MBA programs or online masters in marketing programs from accredited universities today.

Ready to start your journey?
Amy Wilson
WRITTEN BY
Amy attended the University of Georgia, enrolling in both online and on-campus classes. Her research and writing focuses on how differing education methodologies can affect student outcomes, as well as making education accessible to more students.