Marketing is an exciting career that matches a company’s products and services with a well-researched and targeted audience. It includes identifying customers, including their numerous details about them such as their age, income, needs, and purchasing tendencies, and determining how best to reach them. While many marketers start with a bachelor’s degree, a master’s in marketing online degree gives you a huge boost in opportunity and salary potential. Studying online offers you the flexibility necessary to meet work and other obligations while attending school.
To help you find the right online master’s in marketing, we’ve created a detailed ranking of today’s best programs. It includes cost, quality, and financial aid data, and looks at online program availability and student services. Check out 2023’s top online master’s in marketing programs according to our data experts.
Best Online Master’s Degrees in Marketing for 2023
St. Joseph’s University’s marketing MS provides students with the tools, theories, and practical knowledge necessary for career advancement in marketing. Coursework includes consumer behavior, marketing and consumer trends, marketing analytics, and marketing research. Students will have a chance to apply what they learn in real-world experiences while developing core marketing competencies and focusing on analytics to help collect and evaluate data to optimize marketing campaigns. Graduates will be prepared for careers as chief marketing officer, advertising executives, brand managers, content creators, and marketing managers. The program is fully online, designed to meet the needs of working professionals. The virtual classes are small, allowing for connection with peers and professors. It can also be completed on a part-time basis. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, completed online application and fee, transcripts, resume, two letters of recommendation, personal statement, essay, and GMAT or GRE score (which may be waived in some situations).
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Marketing
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $1,163 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
Graduates of Webster University’s marketing MS program will study the impact of the business environment and human behavior on marketing endeavors, including the examination of effective marketing practices, procedures, and analytics required to produce impactful marketing decisions. Students will be able to evaluate and analyze data, create effective marketing campaigns and strategies, manage creation, and improve personal skills such as communication and personal brand management. Students also have the choice to complete a dual degree with the MBA program, which includes the required MBA courses (33 hours) and coursework in the additional degree program, for a total of 54-57 hours. Admission requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in business or business-related (if students do not have a business degree, they have the option to complete prerequisite courses), transcripts, a complete application, and a 2.5 GPA.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Marketing
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $700 per credit hour
- Mode: Online or on campus
- Accreditation: Council for Business Schools and Programs/li>
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Brenau University’s Master of Business Administration in Marketing provides students with the skills needed to progress in their marketing career or move into the field of marketing. Students will explore the major areas of the field including new product development, sales management, advertising promotions, services marketing, and international marketing. Graduates will be equipped with the skills they need to advance their careers to positions in corporate marketing management. The program provides the strategic thinking, analytical tools and tactical skills required by marketers to build strong brands, implement growth strategies and direct the marketing planning efforts of an organization. Admission requirements include transcripts, resume, 3.0 GPA, Bachelor’s degree, and complete application.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration in Marketing
- Credits: 45
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $785 per credit hour
- Mode: On campus or online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
West Texas A&M University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Marketing Specialization consists of 37-46 credit hours and is available to applicants with a four-year bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university. Students must first establish proficiency in finance, accounting and statistics, and they will complete nine hours of the marketing specialization. The program focuses on four core learning objectives: professional communication, leadership, business environment, and business integration. It is designed with flexibility in mind, with courses available 100% online in an asynchronous format, to meet the degree requirements. Students that do not want to complete their entire program online can also complete some courses on campus in addition to the online mode. The program culminates in a capstone course.
Program Highlights:
Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Marketing Specialization
- Credits: 37-46
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $500 per credit hour (Resident); $540 per credit hour (Nonresident)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Graduates of William and Mary’s online master’s in marketing will develop expertise in the digital tools, technologies, and strategies used by forward-thinking marketers across industries. They will be prepared for a new career in marketing or advancement to upper management and the C-suite. Coursework focuses on digital and analytics-based skills that drive innovative decision-making, learning about rapidly evolving technology and its role as a catalyst for collaboration and insight. There is an on-campus residency course, and the program culminates in a capstone project. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and at least two years of professional work experience with marketing exposure.
Program Highlights:
Master’s in Marketing
- Credits: 33
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $1,125 per credit hour
- Mode: Fully online, with on-campus residency
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools’ Commission on Colleges
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | COMTA |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
Master’s in Depth: Detailed Look at 3 Marketing Programs
There are numerous online marketing master’s programs to choose from but not all programs are created equal. To help with your search for online marketing programs at the master’s level, we’re highlighting three schools that stand out in terms of affordability, flexibility, and education quality.
Florida International University
The Master of Science in Marketing online program at Florida International University is accredited by the Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, which means it meets the highest levels of business education quality. Students take classes that focus on three main areas of marketing strategy: marketing analytics, digital marketing, and brand development.
The curriculum consists of 30 credits and is set up to allow students to complete their degree quickly in 10 months, or take as many as 16 months if they want to engage part-time. The program is set up as a cohort model, which means students progress through the program at the same pace as their classmates.
The curriculum is 100% online. Therefore, there are no on-campus visits or other in-person requirements to meet. During their learning, students can earn certifications in Tableau, Google Ads & Analytics, Lean Six Sigma, and Interactive Sales.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is one of the leaders in online education, with a plethora of undergraduate and graduate online programs to choose from. One of their more popular offerings is the Master of Science in Marketing Online degree. This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and consists of 36 credits, although students can transfer up to 12 credits from an approved graduate school.
One of the biggest advantages of earning an online marketing degree from Southern New Hampshire University is the selection of concentrations, which include:
- Digital marketing
- Marketing research and analytics
- New media and communications
- Social media marketing
To make the admissions process as easy as possible, there is no GRE or GMAT requirement, even for applicants who do not have significant marketing experience. Additionally, applications are accepted any time, with admissions decisions made on a rolling basis. If accepted, students can choose to enroll in one of the five graduate terms that start each year.
William and Mary Raymond A. Mason School of Business
The AACSB International-accredited Online Master’s in Marketing at William and Mary consists of 10 classes, which equals 33 credits. Most of the curriculum can be completed online, with one on-campus residency requirement. The residency is a three-day trip to William and Mary’s campus, where students complete a one-credit introductory class and have the opportunity to interact with their classmates and professors. The primary goals of this residency are to help students learn how to better collaborate, become a part of the college’s culture, and network with fellow students and staff.
The curriculum creates what William and Mary calls the “Renaissance Marketer.” This is a professional who possesses various skills across many different areas and can bring those skills together to stand out as a leader and innovator in marketing. Prospective students should have at least two years of marketing experience before enrollment.
Advantages of Earning an Online Master’s in Marketing
To advance your career in marketing, a master’s degree is usually a solid option to consider. But given its financial and time cost, you want to make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for, especially if you already have a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Below are three major advantages that come with stepping up to a marketing master’s degree in an online environment.
-
Flexible learning
Online learning enables students to take classes at a time that’s most convenient for them. This is especially useful since many students have full-time jobs or other possibly strenuous commitments, such as family, when they enroll in the program.
-
Gaining new skills and knowledge
Marketing is a constantly changing field. The internet, social media, big data, analytics, and increasing numbers of individuals working and studying from home means companies need to adjust their marketing strategies. An online master’s degree in marketing is one of the best ways to learn these emerging marketing concepts.
-
Networking
Like any other business field, professional advancement depends as much on what you know as who you know. Whether it’s a hybrid marketing master’s program or a 100% online program, earning this degree gives students unique opportunities to establish connections with peers, faculty, and industry professionals.
What You’ll Learn in Master’s in Marketing Online Programs
Marketing is all about figuring out who needs or wants your company’s product or services, why they need it (what problem does it solve), and how best to reach them. These can potentially shift based on numerous factors such as new technology and the economy. Tools and methods for learning this information also change. The curriculum of a master’s in marketing online program not only teaches consumer behavior and theories, but also the most recent advancements in marketing tools, such as social media and analytics. Let’s take a look at a few potential courses.
Popular Courses
-
Consumer Behavior
Consumer marketing is all about the customer, whether it’s an individual or another business. This class examines how to obtain insight into how the consumer thinks at both a conscious and subconscious level. Students learn to use both quantitative and qualitative skills to make these determinations.
-
Analytics for Evaluation and Situation Analysis
One of the emerging areas of marketing theory is using analytics to critically analyze a specific target market. For instance, this course teaches students how to use data analytics to see trends, recognize opportunities, and determine who will purchase products and services and at what price.
-
International Market Strategy
Given the diversity of this country’s population, as well as the level of international trade between the United States and other countries, understanding international markets is a very useful skill to have. This class teaches students how to analyze foreign market conditions and what features to include in a successful international marketing campaign.
-
Marketing Research
Marketing decisions rely on solid marketing data, which comes from research. In this class, students learn how to conduct marketing research, including different methods of data gathering and analyzing the data collected.
-
Capstone Project
The capstone marketing project is one of the last courses taken and serves as a chance for the student to apply all they have learned to a simulated marketing project while working as a hypothetical marketing manager. The project culminates with a presentation that is given to faculty members or the rest of their class.
Specialization Options
The marketing industry changes quickly, especially with the fast pace of technological development and integration into our society. The specializations available in most master’s in marketing online programs give students the chance to learn more about these advancements. They also offer a chance for students to target the kind of marketing they do, such as sports marketing or public relations. Below are some of the most popular marketing concentration options available.
-
Digital Marketing
Thanks to the ubiquity of smartphones, computers, and broadband internet access, the digital world is the new marketing frontier. This concentration covers marketing principles and concepts to ensure newer technologies have the best reach to communicate with an intended audience.
Learn more about online master’s degrees in digital marketing
-
Marketing Analytics
This specialization is perfect for marketing professionals who want to learn how to use advanced data analysis to make marketing decisions. Courses cover the underlying theories in how data is analyzed, as well as how to best utilize the information to make the best marketing decisions possible.
-
New Media and Communications
This specialization teaches students about the emerging forms of digital communications and how to optimally use them in marketing campaigns. These communication tools include social networking sites, blogs, video sites, and smartphones.
-
Social Media Marketing
People often use social media as their primary source for news, as well as communication with friends and family. This concentration teaches students how to create social media marketing campaigns that not only increase profits but also build a company’s standing in the community. With this specialization, students are ready to obtain specific certifications, such as the Hubspot Social Media Certification.
-
Sports Marketing and Media
The sports marketing and media specialization teaches students skills and strategies to promote and advertise within the sports and athletic environment. Students learn about the financial aspects of amateur and professional sports, as well as public-relation principles, and how to manage the brands of sports teams and athletes.
Accreditation for Online Marketing Master’s Programs
Accreditation is the process by which an independent organization determines whether a school or program meets certain minimum standards of quality. This is important because it means the academic credential will be recognized by future employers, graduate schools, and financial-aid providers.
There are two main types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation covers the entire school as an educational institution. Most institutional accreditation comes from regional accrediting bodies, although there are some national accrediting bodies.
Programmatic accreditation refers to the accrediting of a specific program. When it comes to the accreditation of master’s in marketing online degree programs, there are two main organizations: AACSB International and ACBSP. Ideally, you want to attend a program that’s accredited by either organization, but at the very least, you must make sure your program belongs to a school that has institutional accreditation.
What You Can Do with a Master’s in Marketing
Many marketing positions require a bachelor’s degree to start working in an entry-level position. However, these are jobs where you are more likely going to carry out a specific marketing plan. By earning a master’s in marketing online degree, you will be the one developing and creating the marketing plan. Below are some of the professions that enable you to take advantage of a master’s degree in marketing.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers control entire marketing strategies and plans. This includes identifying target markets, calculating demand for a client’s products or services, and coordinating the execution of a marketing campaign. A marketing master’s degree is an excellent opportunity to obtain the advanced skills necessary to carry out these tasks and understand how they fit into the client’s goals.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$71,010 |
$136,850 |
$208,000+ |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts help their clients understand their target market to more effectively sell their products or services. This includes reviewing marketing data, conducting research, and helping create new campaigns. The master’s degree not only teaches these high-level skills to conduct more complex analyses but also teaches how to take on a leadership role in marketing research.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$34,350 |
$63,790 |
$122,630 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Advertising and Promotions Manager
Most advertising and promotions managers only require a bachelor’s degree. However, the online master’s degree in marketing teaches in-depth skills for planning and coordinating advertising and marketing campaigns that create consumer interest in purchasing a given product or service. This includes planning and coordinating marketing collateral.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$61,930 |
$125,510 |
$208,000+ |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Fundraising Manager
Fundraising managers sell ideas and causes to help raise money. Since this requires a similar skill set as that of a conventional marketing professional, many of the skills and information conveyed in an online marketing master’s program translate to the fundraising process.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$64,790 |
$116,180 |
$208.000+ |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Sales Manager
Sales managers create and implement sales strategies for an organization. They identify sales targets, review past sales data, and direct members of sales teams in accordance with their assessments. The master’s degree in marketing, while not usually a required qualification, can be helpful because it provides training on how to gather and analyze data, as well as make use of the conclusions drawn from the data.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$59,810 |
$126,640 |
$208,000+ |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Costs and Financial Aid for Online Marketing Master’s Programs
Before enrolling in a master’s in marketing online degree, have an idea of how you’re going to pay for it. Sources of financial aid can include scholarships, grants, fellowships, and student loans. In the business world, one relatively common financial-aid option is employer tuition reimbursement. Some businesses help pay for their employees to go back to school to earn a relevant degree. However, they usually expect some sort of commitment from you to return and work for them after the education process is done. To discover more financial aid options and how they work, visit our financial aid page.
What Your Online Master’s in Marketing Could Cost
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
30 |
$420.00 |
$12,600.00 |
|
|
36 |
$565.00 |
$20,340.00 |
|
|
30 |
$626.00 (in-state) |
$18,780.00 (in-state) $21,930.00 (out-of-state) |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Marketing Master’s Degrees
What are the admissions requirements for an online master’s in marketing?
Contact the admissions office for its admissions criteria and application requirements. However, most programs require the following information and materials to complete their admissions application:
- Application
- Application fee
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (with or without a minimum GPA)
- Letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Statement of purpose
When it comes to prior professional experience or GRE/GMAT test scores, every school is different. Some do not require either. Some require one, but only if the application is deficient. For example, some schools do not require a GMAT or GRE if the applicant has at least two or three years of relevant work experience.
How long do online marketing master’s degrees take to finish?
Most master’s in marketing online programs consist of 30 to 36 credits. This means some students can accelerate their learning and obtain their master’s degree in less than a year. But those who wish to attend school part-time might take longer, such as 16 months. Florida International University is a program that gives students this option. The vast majority of students can earn their master’s degree in marketing in less than 18 months.
Can I earn a master’s in marketing 100% online or do I need to visit campus?
There are many online marketing master’s programs that are 100% online and do not require students to visit campus or any other on-site location to graduate; but some hybrid curriculums allow the majority of classes to be completed online, with one or two practicums that must be completed in-person. Some programs may have an on-campus residency that lasts a few days and serves primarily as an opportunity for students to spend face-to-face time with their peers and professors.
