Want to advance your marketing career without pausing your full-time job? An online MBA in Marketing offers the flexibility to study on your schedule while building skills for high-paying leadership roles — marketing managers earned a median salary of $157,620 in 2023.
In this OMD guide, you’ll learn what to expect from an online MBA in Marketing, including program structure, costs, and career outcomes. It’s a smart path to boost your resume and grow your expertise.
- 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 - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Career Options
What doors open after graduating with my master’s degree…
Read more - Resources
Resources for Online MBA in Marketing Students and Professionals
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Comparing Online MBA in Marketing Programs
UNC-Chapel Hill
UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School offers a highly ranked MBA@UNC degree program with a Marketing concentration. This program delivers the same curriculum as UNC’s on-campus MBA program and is taught by renowned faculty members in live online classes. The Marketing concentration includes elective courses in customer and product management, market analysis, and global marketing strategy.
Beyond coursework, the MBA@UNC program provides extensive career coaching and networking, including optional in-person Summit immersions in cities worldwide for hands-on learning. The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and well-regarded by employers.
Highlighted Program: MBA in Marketing
Duration: 18 to 36 months (62 credits)
Mode: Fully online, with optional in-person immersions
Cost: $125,589.06 total tuition
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (in any field)
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Essay
- Minimum two years of professional work experience
- GMAT or GRE score is required if the student has less than five years of experience
- TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers
Indiana University
Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business offers an online MBA degree program with a Marketing concentration. The program is known for its flexible pacing and top-tier faculty members. Students can customize half of the curriculum with elective courses; options include brand management, consumer insights, and digital marketing strategy.
Courses are delivered primarily online with weekly live class sessions; students must attend two in-person residencies that foster networking and practical experience. Kelley Direct emphasizes its programs’ return on investment (ROI); 85% of online MBA students earned a promotion or raise while participating in the program. It is accredited by the AACSB and valued by employers nationwide.
Highlighted Program: MBA in Marketing
Duration: 2 to 4 years
Mode: Mostly online, with two in-person residencies
Cost: $94,944.42 total tuition
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official transcripts from all schools attended
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Essay
- Minimum two years of professional work experience
UMass Amherst
The Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst offers a fully online MBA degree program that can be customized with a Marketing concentration. It combines the rigor of a flagship MBA program with the convenience of online study. Students take the same core business courses as on-campus MBA students, and they can choose elective marketing courses like product marketing, marketing analytics, and services marketing.
The pace is flexible — students can earn a degree in as little as two years or spread courses out to balance work and/or family responsibilities. All coursework is offered fully online, though Massachusetts-based students can take some classes in person if desired.
Isenberg’s online MBA degree program is known for its affordability, with competitive per-credit tuition and available discounts (e.g., 10% off for UMass alumni). The program is accredited by the AACSB and is consistently ranked among the top online MBA degree programs in the Northeast.
Highlighted Program: MBA with Marketing concentration
Duration: 2 years
Mode: Fully online
Cost: $925 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Resume
- One or more letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Ways to Pay: Funding an Online MBA in Marketing Degree Program
The cost of this type of program can vary widely, based on the school and the program’s structure. Key factors include the number of credits required, the tuition rate per credit, and any additional fees. Generally, public universities offer lower per-credit tuition rates (especially for in-state students) than private institutions. For example, the cost of a state school program might total approximately $35,000, while the cost of a top-ranked private program can exceed $120,000.
Most online MBA degree programs charge a technology or program fee, and hybrid programs might require travel costs for residencies. On the other hand, online students often save on relocation and commuting expenses, and they can continue earning an income while studying. Many students utilize financial aid, employer tuition assistance, and/or scholarships to help offset costs.
The table below compares three online MBA in Marketing degree programs and their tuition costs.
| School/Program | Number of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNC-Chapel Hill | 62 | $2,025.63 | $125,589.06 |
| Indiana University | 54 | $1,758.24 | $94,944.42 |
| UMass Amherst | 37-39 | $925 | $34,225 – $36,075 |
Answering Online MBA in Marketing Degree Program FAQs
Q: Can I work full-time while pursuing an online MBA in Marketing?
A: Yes; online MBA degree programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Most programs offer flexible schedules that let students attend classes on evenings or weekends and study part-time. Many courses are asynchronous (so you can learn on your own time) and offer some live sessions.
Students typically continue working while studying; 85% of Indiana University’s online MBA students received a promotion or raise while enrolled, which shows that you can advance your career before graduating.
Q: Is an online MBA in Marketing degree program worth the investment?
A: The ROI for an MBA in Marketing degree program is strong for many students. Graduates often move into higher-paying leadership roles — for example, marketing managers earned a median annual salary of $131,870 in 2023. And the median starting salary for MBA graduates was $120,000 in 2024 — significantly higher than the salary for graduates with only a bachelor’s degree.
Beyond salary, an MBA degree can accelerate your career progression and lead to executive positions. The networking, advanced skills, and credibility that you gain often pay off in the long run, though it’s important to choose an accredited program that aligns with your career goals.
Q: How much time do I need to dedicate to an online MBA degree program each week?
A: The time commitment varies by program and course load, but most online MBA students should plan for approximately 15 to 20 hours of study per week when taking a few classes. This includes time for watching lectures, reading, participating in discussions, and completing assignments or group projects.
The weekly number of hours will be lower (e.g., one course might require 8 to 10 hours per week) for students who take fewer courses at a time. The workload for this type of program is not light, but the flexibility of online programs lets you schedule those study hours around your job and personal life. Strong time management and discipline are key to balancing an online MBA degree program with other responsibilities.
Q: What is the online learning experience like in an MBA in Marketing degree program?
A: Online MBA programs strive to offer an engaging, interactive learning experience that is similar to an on-campus program. Students use a digital platform to access course materials, submit assignments, and interact with professors and peers. Many programs include weekly live class sessions via video conference for case discussions, team presentations, and Q&As with faculty members.
Students generally collaborate on group projects using tools like Zoom, Slack, and/or virtual break-out rooms — so teamwork and communication are a big part of the experience. The best online MBA degree programs also provide networking opportunities and support services (like career coaching, library resources, etc.) entirely online. Students often report that they form surprisingly strong connections with classmates and professors despite not meeting in person.
Overall, you can expect a mix of self-paced study and real-time interaction that brings the marketing curriculum to life in a virtual format.
Q: Why is accreditation important for an online MBA in Marketing degree program?
A: Accreditation is a quality stamp for an MBA degree program. Students should choose a program that is accredited by a respected organization, like the AACSB. Only approximately 5% of business schools worldwide achieve AACSB accreditation, which signals that the school meets high standards in faculty qualifications, curriculum rigor, and student outcomes.
Accreditation can affect your ability to receive tuition reimbursement or pursue a PhD later. Students should always verify that an online MBA degree program (and the business school that offers it) holds up-to-date regional and programmatic accreditation before they enroll.
Salary and Career Info for MBA in Marketing Graduates
An MBA in Marketing degree program can lead to advanced roles across industries. Graduates often move into management positions, where they craft marketing strategies, lead teams, and drive business growth. They might oversee branding and advertising campaigns, analyze consumer data to guide product development, or manage sales and client relationships at a high level.
This degree is also valuable for roles in market research, digital marketing analytics, and consulting. In these careers, the skills honed during an MBA degree program — like strategic thinking, data-driven decision-making, communication, and leadership — are put into practice daily.
Successful marketing leaders tend to be creative problem-solvers who understand consumer behavior. They can coordinate across departments (such as sales or finance) to execute effective marketing initiatives.
An MBA degree can add to your credibility and often accelerates your path to senior roles like Marketing Director, Brand Vice President, or Chief Marketing Officer in the future.
In the table below, we highlight a few career paths for MBA in Marketing graduates, along with growth outlook and earning potential.
| Career | Projected Growth | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager | 8% | $156,580 | $239,200 |
| Sales Manager | 6% | $135,160 | $239,200 |
| Market Research Analyst | 8% | $74,680 | $137,040 |
| Public Relations Manager | 7% | $130,480 | $239,200 |
Resources for Online MBA in Marketing Students and Professionals
Online MBA in Marketing students benefit from textbooks and lectures plus tapping into real-world tools and industry networks. Listed below are 10 marketing-specific resources — including professional associations, certification platforms, and trend insights — to support your education and career development.
- American Marketing Association (AMA) — The AMA is one of the largest and most respected professional associations for marketers. Members can gain access to webinars, networking events, marketing journals, and job boards that are tailored to the field. Student memberships are available at discounted rates.
- Google Career Certificates — This free learning platform by Google and Coursera offers certification in areas like digital marketing, SEO, and e-commerce. The Foundations of Digital Marketing course is particularly helpful for MBA students who want to build technical marketing skills.
- HubSpot Academy — HubSpot’s learning hub features free certifications in inbound marketing, content strategy, and CRM use. These credentials are recognized across industries and add credibility to your resume or LinkedIn profile.
- LinkedIn Learning — This site offers thousands of marketing-focused video tutorials and micro-courses on topics like email campaigns, branding, Google Ads, and analytics. Students can use these resources to expand their skills alongside an MBA curriculum.
- Content Marketing Institute (CMI) — This site is a hub for content marketing strategies, research reports, and best practices. CMI’s blogs, podcasts, and annual conferences (like Content Marketing World) are valuable for keeping up with evolving trends.
- MarketingProfs — This membership-based platform offers training courses, newsletters, and templates for everything from campaign planning to analytics. Its newsletter is great for keeping your finger on the pulse of modern marketing tactics.
- DigitalMarketer — This site offers digital marketing certifications and strategy guides that are used by professionals and start-ups alike. Topics include customer acquisition, social media strategy, and marketing automation — perfect for MBA students who want to build practical expertise.
- Adweek — This is one of the top publications for marketing, advertising, and branding news. MBA students can stay on top of industry changes, new campaigns, and agency strategies through articles and trend forecasts.
- The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) — This professional organization represents brands and marketers across industries. ANA members gain access to industry reports, leadership development programs, and events geared toward marketing leaders.
- SmartBrief (Marketing Strategy Articles) — This website offers a free email newsletter that curates top marketing headlines, strategy insights, and thought leadership articles from major outlets. It’s a quick way to stay informed with minimal effort.