Is it beneficial to pursue a PhD in Marketing online when marketing is essentially a practical business skill?
In the wake of shifting consumer behaviors and evolving media and communication landscapes, there’s enormous change happening in some fundamental areas of marketing science and methods.
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As a result, a number of marketing leaders are viewing online Ph.D. programs as an intriguing next step in their careers.
Online PhD in Marketing Degree Programs
Large marketing campaigns and multinational marketing initiatives can require big investments.
Effective marketing strategies can involve complex market survey methods, concepts related to consumer behavior, and tactics that rely on skillfully deploying AI and machine learning software. There are inward-facing marketing strategies too, such as sales team training, sales force investment strategies, and pricing strategies.
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Online marketing doctoral degree programs can offer you the opportunity to pursue expertise in a range of topics:
- Market modeling and forecasting
- Consumer behavior and psychology
- Services marketing methods
- Multinational marketing
- Advanced research methods and applications
As you start exploring online marketing PhD programs, you’ll discover that schools vary in their curriculum designs and in the areas of specialization that they offer.
Marketing PhD Careers & Salaries
Getting an online PhD in Marketing can open doors to a variety of opportunities. Experts in the field may seek roles in senior marketing management, business development, private consulting, or research and academia.
Important segments within the field of marketing include branding, market research, creative content development, pricing strategy, salesforce management, customer retention, and marketing analytics.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marketing qualifications and related skills are applicable to many well-paid careers.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Marketing Managers | $142,170 |
| Financial Managers | $134,180 |
| Advertising and Promotions Managers | $133,460 |
| Sales Managers | $132,290 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | $118,430 |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $80,790 |
| Market Research Analysts | $65,810 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $62,810 |
| Survey Researchers | $59,870 |
| Advertising Sales Agents | $54,940 |
Marketing efforts typically require collaboration between many specialized designers, copywriters, advertisers, and sales team members. Professionals with marketing expertise often lead and monitor larger marketing teams and initiatives.
In other cases, a marketing professional might specialize in e-commerce startups or in highly entrepreneurial settings. Information-age innovations are changing marketing tools and strategies, so this could be a strategic time to advance your education and research in this fast-changing field.
With a doctoral degree, you might also consider teaching in postsecondary institutions, working with business and marketing consulting firms, serving in marketing management or freelancing as a marketing consultant.
Marketing Doctorate Curriculum
Online PhD marketing programs vary by school. Most will give you a chance to study more advanced topics in the field, choose a distinct focus area, such as buyer behavior vs. modeling and analytics, and engage in experimentation and research.
- Buyer Behavior and Psychology: You’ll explore and extend key concepts related to the study of buyer behavior, examining and modeling key findings and experimental research.
- Social Psychology in the Market Place: You’ll learn how to profile consumer culture, psychology, and behaviors and how to translate this data into strategic marketing insights.
- Product Development and Pricing Strategies: You’ll learn advanced methods and strategies for product pricing and positioning in relation to specific marketing objectives.
- Digital Branding: You’ll learn about experimental approaches to comprehensive digital branding strategies relevant to large businesses, multinational footprints, and entrepreneurial contexts.
- Market Modeling and Forecasting: You’ll learn analytic tools and practices that will allow you to provide valuable analytic modeling for data-driven marketing and decision making.
- Applied Marketing Models: You’ll explore and test modeling tools in conjunction with different objects of analysis, such as buyer behavior, conversion rates, or marketing ROI.
- Multinational Marketing: This course will give you tested strategies for scaling up all aspects of marketing operations for large-scale business settings.
- Marketing Technology: You’ll examine current topics in marketing technology innovations and applications and related ethical topics.
- Services Marketing: This course helps you apply strategies specific to both entrepreneurial and large-scale e-commerce initiatives.
- Quantitative and Qualitative Research Models: You’ll study scientific marketing analysis methods in the context of key aspects of marketing psychology, marketing communications, and marketing investments.
These are just examples of courses you might take in a PhD marketing program. While courses and their content will vary by school and program, you can expect to learn from seasoned marketing management professionals and to engage in advanced topics and analytic thinking and research.
How to Choose an Online Doctorate in Marketing Program
Just as when exploring online bachelors degree in marketing or online MBA in Marketing programs, it can also be helpful to consider your own interests, professional goals, and gaps in knowledge as you look for online marketing PhD programs.
- Concentration offerings. You can look for a program with study tracks and specializations in the branches of marketing that most interest you.
- Flexibility. There are many online program options, so you may want to decide if you need or prefer a program with more flexible asynchronous study options.
- In-person vs. online. You may want to avoid hybrid programs if you don’t want any in-person learning requirements or expect you’ll be living too far from campus.
- Program preferences. Academic rigor, faculty qualifications and accomplishments, tuition costs, and the required number of credit hours can all vary significantly from school to school. You may want to look for schools offering a learning experience that meets your expectations.
As you check out different programs, you may get an even clearer picture of your different options and what kinds of curriculum designs are available to choose from.
Admissions Requirements
Some online doctorate in marketing programs require you to have a masters degree, but others don’t. Admissions requirements can vary greatly by school and program. Some common requirements include:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree
- GRE or GMAT scores (if required)
- Satisfactory GPA
- Relevant professional experience
- Letters of recommendation (if required)
Relevant work experience may be required more often for a professional doctorate than a PhD program. Admissions officers may request additional criteria as well to ensure that you’re prepared for doctoral-level coursework.
Accreditation
A school with regional accreditation has been evaluated by an outside agency and has been found to meet standards of academic quality. An accrediting organization also evaluates a school’s student services.
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Accreditation can impact credit transfers as well as financial aid offers. These are just a few of the benefits of sticking with fully accredited schools and programs. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) has more information about accreditation as well as a database of accredited schools.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Many professionals who qualify rely on financial aid to help them advance their education.
Need-based financial aid might be available to you in the form of federal or state aid. You may also pursue financial assistance through employer-based tuition programs and need-based or merit-based scholarships.
Student loans are part of many financial aid packages. Terms for loans and aid packages can vary, so it’s beneficial to review all offers carefully. If you’ll be applying for need-based aid, you can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Marketing Professional Organizations
If you know you’re headed for a career in marketing, it’s never too soon to connect with one of the professional associations in the field:
- American Marketing Association (AMA)
- eMarketing Association (EMA)
- Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS)
The benefits of your membership can include keeping up with industry trends, finding out about professional development offers, and boosting your networking opportunities.
Should I Get a PhD in Marketing?
There could be many reasons why someone pursues a PhD in Marketing. Each person’s motivations can differ greatly, but here are a few benefits of earning a marketing PhD:
- A sense of personal accomplishment. If you have a passion for marketing and the profession, you may want to get a PhD to live out that passion.
- Senior roles and higher pay. Getting a PhD can boost your resume, and a PhD program can help you qualify for senior roles in the field. In addition, a doctoral education often leads to higher earning potential.
- Opportunities in academia. Getting a PhD, conducting original research, and writing a dissertation can all be essential first steps for building a career in academia.
- Intellectual drive. If you like probing topics and following new threads of thought and research wherever they lead, a PhD program can provide an outlet for abstract inquiry and for rigorous applications of scientific method and analysis.
Pursuing a PhD can be very rewarding, but it also requires a big commitment. It can be beneficial to weigh your own pros and cons before enrolling in a doctoral program.
What Can You Do with a PhD in Marketing?
With a PhD in Marketing paired with work experience, you could be qualified to pursue senior or leadership roles in marketing.
Some marketing specialists work in senior advertising, promotions, or marketing roles. Depending on your specialization, you might also qualify to work in financial analysis roles. A professional in this position can help companies analyze marketing investments and returns or help manage a private marketing firm.
Some marketing professionals with a PhD continue actively learning and researching, applying their research interests and accomplishments in consulting roles or in academia.
How Much Does a Marketing Manager Make?
How much you make as a marketing manager can vary based on your professional skills and experience, where you live, and what kind of organization you work for.
That said, effective marketing investments and strategies can directly drive revenues and profits for many companies. This kind of success can also reward marketing directors with good pay.
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, advertising and marketing managers, financial managers, sales managers, and public relations managers are careers that, on average, reward workers with salaries well above $100,000. The median annual salary for marketing managers in particular is $142,170.
How Long Does a PhD in Marketing Take?
How long it takes to get an online doctorate in marketing can vary by school and program. The time you need to complete a dissertation can also impact how long your doctoral program takes.
Marketing doctoral programs generally take 3 to 5 years to complete. If no dissertation is required, it may be possible to finish in 3 years with full-time study.
What’s the Difference Between Marketing vs. Advertising?
Advertising is just one of the many components within marketing. Marketing managers may have the following responsibilities:
- Oversee marketing budgets
- Coordinate marketing strategy
- Manage marketing team members, such as advertisers and copywriters
- Study consumer behavior, market trends, and marketing economics
Advertising specialists typically do the following:
- Work within a larger marketing team
- Create advertising campaigns for specific products and services
- Plan how to promote a specific product or service
- Create advertising collateral with the input of marketing team members
Both marketers and advertisers can engage in creating concepts and branding. Marketing directors, though, tend to use research and business decision-making skills to inform broad branding and marketing strategies. They measure marketing results, and advertisers create actual ad collateral for specific products or services.
What’s the Difference Between a DBA vs. PhD in Marketing?
In marketing and other professional fields, getting a professional doctorate is a common alternative to getting a PhD. A DBA is a professional doctorate in business administration, and marketing is a common concentration option.
Here are some key differences between the two types of degrees:
| PhD in Marketing | Doctor of Business Administration |
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A doctorate in business administration is less specialized than a degree in marketing, so you may want to look into online DBA programs that offer a marketing pathway.
What’s the Difference Between Digital Marketing vs. Social Media Marketing?
Social media marketing is a component of digital marketing. Both of these marketing strategies live in a digital world and seek to build out a company’s digital presence.
- Digital marketing: Digital marketing seeks to attract and engage prospective customers through both direct advertising online and through many forms of less directive online content.
- Social media marketing: This specialty field within digital marketing focuses on using social media platforms to engage prospective customers through social media posts, ads, and conversations.
While social media marketing specifically utilizes social media platforms to create ads and build brands, digital marketing utilizes a wider range of tools and resources. For example, digital marketing can encompass websites, landing pages, blog posts, and email campaigns.
Is a PhD in Marketing Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Marketing is worth it for many professionals. Marketing is a highly competitive, essential, and dynamic branch of business strategy and marketing management. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 7% job growth for marketing managers over the next ten years.
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A marketing PhD program can help you develop your expertise and learn new marketing concepts, such as content marketing, social media marketing, and service marketing. PhD graduates may seek senior marketing roles, work in business and marketing consulting, or even pursue jobs in academia, so this marketing degree is worth it for many people who want to work in this field.
Universities Offering Online Doctorate 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.
Alliant International University offers an online program for a Doctor of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.
The program can usually be completed in 3 years and includes an internship and a dissertation. Applicants must complete a faculty interview, have a master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and submit a personal statement, resume, and 2 letters of recommendation.
Alliant International University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Bellevue University offers a Doctor of Business Administration program with a number of courses focused on marketing. To graduate, students must complete 91 credit hours, with 36 credits coming from the student’s master degree. Applicants must have a Master of Business Administration or 5 years of work experience in the field.
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
California Baptist University offers an online Doctor of Business Administration program with a number of courses focused on marketing. To graduate, students must complete 56 credit hours, including a dissertation. Applicants must have a Master of Business Administration and need to submit a resume and a personal statement when applying.
California Baptist University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
California Southern University offers a Doctor of Business Administration with a number of concentrations for students to choose from.
To graduate, students must complete 60 credits, including a 14 credit doctoral project and a comprehensive essay examination. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a government-issued ID, and a personal statement when applying.
California Southern University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
City University of Seattle offers an online Doctor of Business Administration program.
Students in the program may add a 12 credit specialization of their own design by proposing a Specialized Study to the program director. To graduate, students must complete 91 credits. Applicants must have a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, 5 years of professional experience, and 3 references.
City University of Seattle is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Concordia University—Chicago offers an online Doctor of Business Administration that includes a number of marketing courses. To graduate, students must complete 60 credit hours, a dissertation, and 3 residencies. Applicants must have a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and 5 years of experience.
Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Drexel University offers an Executive Doctorate in Business Administration.
This part-time program allows students to learn about a number of business-related fields, including marketing. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a graduate degree with a GPA of 3.3 and need to submit GMAT or GRE scores, an essay, and 2 letters of recommendation.
Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Felician University offers a Doctor of Business Administration program with courses on marketing theory.
The program is self-paced and completely online. Students must obtain 61 credits and finish a dissertation to graduate. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have an MBA and need to submit a resume, official transcripts, and a personal statement.
Felician University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Florida International University offers a Doctor of Business Administration program that includes courses on marketing.
Though the program is online, four 2-day residencies are required. The program usually takes 3 years to complete, with the final year dedicated to a dissertation. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have 10 years of work experience.
Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Franklin University offers a Doctor of Business Administration with a focus area in marketing.
The program requires 58 semester hours to be completed and can usually be finished in 3 years. To graduate, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0. Applicants must have 30 hours of graduate courses in a business field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
George Fox University offers a Doctor of Business Administration with the option to add a concentration in marketing.
Students must complete 56 credit hours to graduate. The courses are offered online as cohorts, but two 4-day residencies on campus are required. Applicants must have a bachelor’s and master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
George Fox University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Grand Canyon University offers an online Doctor of Business Administration in Marketing. Students must complete 60 credit hours, including a dissertation, to graduate. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and need to submit an online application with official transcripts to be eligible for the program.
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Johnson and Wales University offers a Doctor of Business Administration that includes a number of marketing courses.
The program can typically be completed in 3 years and classes are 8 weeks long. To graduate, students must obtain 54 credits, including a dissertation. Applicants must submit official transcripts and have 2 references willing to fill out an online survey.
JWU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Liberty University offers an online Doctor of Business Administration in Marketing. The program usually takes 3 years to complete. Courses can be taken online and are 8 weeks long. To graduate, students must complete 60 credit hours. Applicants must have a master’s degree in a business-related field with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
LIGS University offers a PhD in Marketing. The program can usually be completed online in 3 years. Students must finish 10 courses, including 2 electives and 2 specialization courses of their choice. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a master’s degree and need to submit a CV, an official transcript, and government-issued ID.
LIGS University is accredited by Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities.
National University offers a PhD in Business Administration with a specialization in Strategic Marketing. To graduate, students must complete 20 courses, which can be taken online. The program offers weekly start dates, allowing students to apply at any time. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a master’s degree.
National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Temple University offers a Doctor of Business Administration program with the option to take courses in marketing. To graduate, students must complete 54 credit hours, including a dissertation in the final year. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation and 2 essays and take part in an interview.
Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Thomas Edison State University offers a Doctor of Business Administration program with courses in Marketing.
Students may complete 13 courses that are 8 weeks long over the course of 32 months. Applicants must have a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.0. If an applicant’s GPA is less than 3.0, applicants may submit a resume and a personal statement to improve their application.
Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Trident University International offers a PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. To graduate, students must complete 10 classes and a dissertation. A comprehensive exam is held at the end of each course. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Trident University International is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Dallas offers a Doctor of Business Administration online program. Among the courses required to graduate is one dedicated to marketing and marketing research.
To graduate, students must complete a dissertation and 33 other credits. Those interested in the program must fill out an online application with 2 letters of recommendation and a resume before attending an admission interview.
The University of Dallas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Missouri—St. Louis offers a Doctor of Business Administration. To graduate, students must complete 60 credit hours, including courses in marketing and a final dissertation. Those interested in the program must submit an application with a resume, 2 references, official transcripts, and 2 essays.
The University of Missouri-St. Louis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of South Florida offers an online program for a PhD in Business Administration with the option to add a Marketing Concentration. The program requires 72 credit hours and usually takes 3 years to complete. Applicants must submit a resume, a transcript, and a statement of purpose.
The University of South Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Walden University offers a Doctor of Business Administration in Marketing. Students have 8 years to complete the minimum requirement of 37 credit hours.
While the courses are online, two face-to-face academic residencies are required as well. Applicants must complete an online application that includes employment history, academic history, and official transcripts.
Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Westcliff University offers a Doctor of Business Administrations program with a number of courses in marketing.
Students must complete 50 credit hours to graduate, including a final dissertation project. Applicants must submit an application with official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary schools, a personal statement, and government-issued ID.
Westcliff University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Wilmington University offers a Doctor of Business Administration program with an advanced marketing seminar.
To graduate, students must complete 54 semester hours and a dissertation or research project. Courses are 7 weeks long and can be taken completely online. Applicants must submit an application with official transcripts, a resume, and 3 letters of recommendation.
Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Earning Your PhD in Marketing Online
Today’s marketing experts can make valuable contributions to a company’s success. With so many new and evolving marketing management strategies and communication channels, advanced studies in marketing may offer you increased career value.
If you like business dynamics and have a penchant for rigorous, systematic study and research-design methods, you might be well suited for this intriguing online graduate degree pathway.
If you’re ready to advance your education and expertise in this lucrative field, you can start by exploring online PhD marketing programs from accredited universities.
