Whether you’re a seasoned marketer looking to sharpen your skills or a professional from another field looking to pivot into the dynamic field of marketing, an online master’s degree can be just what you need. Discover schools offering master’s degrees in marketing that focus on innovative strategies and data-driven decision-making and let OMD help you explore top programs and learn where your future degree can take you.
Author: Shannon Lee
Expertise: Graduate Ed.CareersOnline LearningEditor: Kristin Marino
- Are You Ready?
Reflective questions to help me determine if this degree aligns with my goals and readiness…
Read more - Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - Salary/Pay
What Can You Earn with a Master's in Marketing?
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Top Programs
A list of today’s best online and hybrid programs based on quality, affordability, and student support…
Read more
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.
- What specific marketing skills or expertise do I want to gain from this degree, and how does it align with my career goals?
- Can I commit the necessary time and effort to succeed in an online program while balancing my work, family, or other obligations?
- Am I prepared to engage with data and analytics as part of the curriculum, and strengthen my quantitative marketing skills?
- 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)?
- 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?
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Program Breakdown: Inside Three Popular Online Marketing Master’s Programs
University of Alabama — Master of Science in Marketing
University of Alabama’s online MS in Marketing is a fully online program designed for working professionals. Coursework emphasizes both digital and traditional marketing strategies, data-driven decision making, and customer engagement.
Students can tailor their education by choosing one of three concentrations: Marketing Analytics, Digital & Social Media, or Professional Sales. Collaborative projects and case studies prepare grads for roles such as marketing manager, digital media specialist, brand manager, or marketing analyst.
Duration: 30-33 credit hours (1–2 years)
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $480 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Resume/CV
- Two letters of recommendation (
- GRE or GMAT scores
University of Illinois Chicago — Master of Science in Marketing
Students focus on marketing management, consumer behavior, digital and social media marketing, analytics, and global marketing in the online University of Illinois Chicago’s Master of Science in Marketing Program. Courses are delivered online in an asynchronous 8-week format, providing flexibility for working professionals. UIC welcomes both experienced marketers and career changers, and offers an optional customer-focused marketing concentration.
Duration: 32 credit hours (8 courses); 12 months full-time
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $857 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (3.0 GPA in last 60 credit hours)
- One recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume/CV
Arizona State University — Master of Science in Marketing
Arizona State University’s online Master of Science in Marketing focuses on modern marketing strategy and analytics, including digital marketing techniques, consumer behavior, and data-driven decision-making. Students complete 10 courses (5 weeks each) for fast-paced yet flexible study.
Experienced faculty and an industry-relevant curriculum provide graduates with marketing expertise for leadership roles. No GMAT or GRE scores are required.
Duration: 30 credit hours (10 courses); 1 year (full-time)
Mode: 100% online
Cost: $39,390 total tuition (same for in-state and out-of-state)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 credits)
- Official transcripts
- Essay question responses
- Resume/CV
- One letter of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency (if non-native)
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.
| School & Program | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama MS in Marketing | 30-33 | $480 | $14,400-$15,840 |
| University of Illinois Chicago MS in Marketing | 32 | $857 | $27,424 |
| Arizona State University MS in Marketing | 30 | $1,313 | $39,390 |
What Can You Earn with a Master’s in Marketing?
A master’s in marketing prepares you for leadership roles across brand strategy, digital marketing, consumer insights, and growth. Graduates work as marketing managers, brand directors, content strategists, and CMOs — spanning industries from consumer goods and tech to healthcare and financial services. The degree is especially valuable for those looking to move from execution-level roles into strategic leadership.
Marketing managers are well-compensated, particularly in large organizations and high-growth industries where brand and demand generation sit close to the revenue line. Earnings scale with the size of the budget and team you oversee.
Check the salary table below to see how marketing manager pay varies by state, and get a sense of the financial trajectory this career path offers.
Marketing Managers
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $166,790 | $216,410 | $293,610 |
| Alabama | $120,160 | $164,800 | $225,300 |
| Alaska | $116,270 | $152,910 | $196,800 |
| Arizona | $132,220 | $172,000 | $225,150 |
| Arkansas | $136,520 | $178,310 | $223,680 |
| California | $193,620 | $271,360 | $326,400 |
| Colorado | $182,730 | $223,470 | $289,870 |
| Connecticut | $169,240 | $219,830 | $283,930 |
| District of Columbia | $177,170 | $231,330 | $291,740 |
| Florida | $142,620 | $203,490 | $261,310 |
| Georgia | $160,760 | $205,400 | $277,180 |
| Hawaii | $117,770 | $164,810 | $218,210 |
| Idaho | $142,090 | $197,240 | $251,590 |
| Illinois | $162,860 | $212,040 | $276,340 |
| Indiana | $136,260 | $178,210 | $233,460 |
| Iowa | $131,120 | $166,830 | $203,180 |
| Kansas | $154,510 | $202,580 | $243,790 |
| Kentucky | $128,930 | $170,720 | $204,550 |
| Louisiana | $120,650 | $155,140 | $208,180 |
| Maine | $135,380 | $186,160 | $232,310 |
| Maryland | $154,160 | $200,080 | $256,260 |
| Massachusetts | $212,020 | $261,420 | $310,510 |
| Michigan | $138,510 | $181,720 | $222,910 |
| Minnesota | $173,300 | $219,250 | $303,350 |
| Mississippi | $100,940 | $156,020 | $209,090 |
| Missouri | $130,550 | $173,580 | $226,700 |
| Montana | $165,580 | $207,160 | $212,760 |
| Nebraska | $110,570 | $145,660 | $194,650 |
| Nevada | $107,550 | $167,660 | $221,890 |
| New Hampshire | $143,280 | $187,870 | $229,920 |
| New Jersey | $180,040 | $228,520 | $298,870 |
| New Mexico | $122,980 | $161,550 | $204,770 |
| New York | $181,200 | $233,730 | $324,310 |
| North Carolina | $165,480 | $210,580 | $274,100 |
| North Dakota | $125,580 | $157,830 | $198,340 |
| Ohio | $132,330 | $175,750 | $224,990 |
| Oklahoma | $126,920 | $162,480 | $210,760 |
| Oregon | $161,560 | $215,250 | $280,020 |
| Pennsylvania | $150,810 | $207,490 | $246,320 |
| South Carolina | $143,290 | $192,520 | $275,430 |
| South Dakota | $167,750 | $233,820 | $233,820 |
| Tennessee | $131,990 | $173,180 | $222,680 |
| Texas | $147,880 | $200,430 | $259,200 |
| Utah | $139,830 | $179,180 | $229,240 |
| Virginia | $187,820 | $246,900 | $292,430 |
| Washington | $172,270 | $224,170 | $293,590 |
| West Virginia | $98,750 | $150,170 | $194,200 |
| Wisconsin | $133,600 | $176,080 | $211,990 |
| Wyoming | $161,580 | $193,100 | $220,380 |
Source: BLS, OEWS, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 49 entries | Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.
FAQs from Prospective Marketing Master’s Students
Do I need a bachelor’s in marketing or business to pursue a master’s in marketing?
No, 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, and 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 busy schedules.
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?
Not all of them. 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.