Online Master’s Degrees in Marketing: Finding Your School

Author: Shannon Lee

Shannon Lee

Author

Shannon Lee has over 20 years of experience writing thousands of articles in the higher education sector, including college and career features for graduate students. Drawing on her personal background as the daughter of two professionals who retired from major hospital systems, she specializes in nursing, education, and social work.

Expertise: Graduate Ed.CareersOnline Learning

Editor: Kimberly Zaski , MA

Kimberly Zaski, MA

Editor

Kimberly has worked in higher education for more than 30 years as a writer, editor, and marketing director for lifelong learning and professional studies at the University of Nevada, Reno, and as chief membership officer for the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) in Washington, DC. During her tenure at Nevada, Kim and her team received top national honors for excellence in advertising, print publications, and logo design. She began her career as a news reporter and editor in North Lake Tahoe, covering news and political beats from northern California to Reno.

Expertise: EditorialGraduate Ed.Online Learning

Updated: 05/05/2025

Are You Ready for an Online Marketing Master’s Program?

Applying to a graduate program is a big decision. Take a moment to honestly assess your motivations and preparedness for an online marketing master’s. Success in a master’s program depends on your goals, learning style, and commitment.

1. What specific marketing skills or expertise do I want to gain from this degree, and how does it align with my career goals?
2. Can I commit the necessary time and effort to succeed in an online program while balancing my work, family, or other obligations?
3. Am I prepared to engage with data and analytics as part of the curriculum, and strengthen my quantitative marketing skills?
4. How do I plan to apply a master’s in marketing to my career (e.g., to transition into a marketing role or advance in my current field)?
5. Is a specialized marketing master’s (MS) the right choice for me, or would a broader business degree like an MBA better suit my objectives?

Program Breakdown: Inside Three Popular Online Marketing Master’s Programs

Paying for Your Online Marketing Master’s

Total tuition for an online marketing master’s can range from about $15,000 to $40,000 for a 30-36 credit program. Other expenses may include technology fees or online learning fees. The online format helps reduce some costs, since you won’t need to relocate or commute as you study, and many programs charge the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students. Budget for textbooks and supplies and remember to explore financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance to help offset these expenses.

After Graduation: What Can You Do with a Master’s in Marketing?

Earning a master’s in marketing can open doors to roles such as marketing manager, digital marketing strategist, brand manager, market research analyst, or marketing director in tech, finance, healthcare, retail, and others. With your new analytical and strategic skills, you can lead marketing campaigns, manage teams, and influence high-level business decisions.

A master’s degree may also give you a competitive edge for leadership roles. Employment for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to grow faster than average at about 8% from 2023 to 2033, and marketing managers also enjoy high earning potential, with a 2023 median pay around $157,000 per year. 

FAQs from Prospective Marketing Master’s Students

Do I need a bachelor’s in marketing or business to pursue a master’s in marketing?

A bachelor’s degree in marketing or business is not required, but you will need a bachelor’s degree to apply. Programs value a diversity of perspectives — non-majors are welcome as long as you demonstrate a clear interest in marketing.

How is an MS in Marketing different from an MBA with a marketing concentration?

An MBA provides broad business training across disciplines, whereas an MS in Marketing offers focused marketing expertise. The MS curriculum is devoted entirely to marketing courses, while an MBA includes core classes in other business areas (finance, accounting, operations, etc.) in addition to some marketing coursework. If you want to specialize in marketing, the MS is ideal. If you prefer a broader business education that still covers marketing, an MBA may be a better choice.

Will employers respect an online marketing master’s degree?

Yes, as long as your degree is from an accredited university. Nearly 87% of companies have hired candidates with online degrees and paid them the same as traditional graduates. Ultimately, employers care more about the skills and knowledge you bring from the program.

Can I work full-time while earning my online marketing master’s?

Yes. Many students in online marketing master’s programs continue working full-time. Programs often feature asynchronous classes and accelerated course formats to accommodate a busy schedule You might take just one course at a time, allowing you to study during evenings or weekends while you work. Strong time management is important, but with discipline and support you can balance a full-time job with online graduate studies.

Do online marketing master’s programs require the GRE or GMAT?

Many online marketing master’s programs waive the GRE/GMAT or make it optional in lieu of a decent GPA or relevant experience.While the trend is moving away from requiring these exams, some programs still request a test score. Check each program’s specific admissions requirements.

Best Online Master’s Programs in Marketing

To help you find the top online marketing master’s programs, we developed a data-driven ranking based on U.S. Department of Education statistics and data from over 7,700 colleges. Our methodology examined factors including tuition, financial aid availability, the number of online programs offered, accreditation status, and student support services (academic advising and career counseling). The result is a list of high-quality marketing master’s programs that deliver flexibility, support, and strong value for your investment.