Online Master's Degree in Marketing - Best of 2023

Search Programs

Why Earn a Master’s in Marketing (MMkt)?

While you can get into marketing with an online or traditional associate or bachelor’s marketing degree, you’ll find it easier to work your way into management or department head positions with a master’s in marketing. You might even find that, with a master’s, you rate opportunities in the C-suites of larger corporations. An online master's degree will prepare you for the challenges associated with business management, which will pair well with a bachelor’s in the same field, business, or even finance. If you are looking to earn a master’s after gaining experience in the real world, you might even find that your experience translates into credit hours. Many schools offer credit hours to students for real world experience, especially those that offer business degrees. Make sure you check out all your opportunities, from both on-campus and online master's in marketing, in order to make sure you are getting everything you can out of your master's program.

PROS

A master's in marketing in the marketing field is essential for any individual seeking a managerial, executive, or C-level position within the profession. In fact, the marketing field is becoming so competitive that many companies require a marketing master’s degree or a master of business administration (MBA) focused on market research, marketing management, brand management, global marketing, etc. for any management position. At the moment, there are so many intricate aspects in the field, from marketing analytics to the constant changes in online search engine optimization algorithms for page rankings, that only individuals with a higher degree are truly qualified to lead marketing teams and departments as marketing managers. With a traditional or online master’s degree, you will also be more qualified for positions over people with a bachelor’s degree, and you will be able to make a significantly higher salary than them. Such a degree will also make it possible to complete professional and organizational certifications that require you to have completed a master’s marketing program and are seen as necessary continuing education for career advancement and experienced marketing professionals.

CONS

One of the biggest potential cons is the chance that you don’t make your investment in the master's degree back from salary increases. Some of the most prestigious marketing programs offer an online master’s for $50,000 or more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the pay increase from a bachelor’s degree to a Master of Science in Marketing is an average of $12,000. If your job market does not pay well enough and you do not plan to move to a more competitive and higher-paying market, taking on $50,000 or more in debt may not be wise. Another potential drawback is the amount of time it takes to complete, particularly if you have full-time obligations to work, the community, or home. Many people find the balance to be too difficult and never complete the master's degree, even if they are taking the degree online. Although, by earning an online master's in marketing, you can work at your own pace and complete the program in a longer period of time. While the benefits of a master’s in marketing are significant, you have to decide whether this higher level marketing degree is right for you.

Search Programs

What are the Best Online Master's in Marketing College Programs?

Johns Hopkins University

Tuition
- In-State: $58,720
- Out-of-State: $58,720
Net Price: $20,680
Acceptance Rate: 8%
Retention Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 95%

Total Enrollment: 32,049
Undergrad Students: 6,132
Graduate Students: 25,917
Diplomas Awarded: 145
Grads Salary: $90,000
Student-to-faculty: 6:1

Boston University

Tuition
- In-State: $59,816
- Out-of-State: $59,816
Net Price: $25,852
Acceptance Rate: 19%
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 89%

Total Enrollment: 36,104
Undergrad Students: 18,229
Graduate Students: 17,875
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

William & Mary

Tuition
- In-State: $23,812
- Out-of-State: $47,038
Net Price: $18,399
Acceptance Rate: 37%
Retention Rate: 93%
Graduation Rate: 91%

Total Enrollment: 9,517
Undergrad Students: 6,543
Graduate Students: 2,974
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Tuition
- In-State: $15,804
- Out-of-State: $33,005
Net Price: $11,803
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 84%

Total Enrollment: 50,804
Undergrad Students: 36,152
Graduate Students: 14,652
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Michigan State University

Tuition
- In-State: $19,714
- Out-of-State: $38,638
Net Price: $8,738
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 92%
Graduation Rate: 82%

Total Enrollment: 49,659
Undergrad Students: 38,574
Graduate Students: 11,085
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Santa Clara University

Tuition
- In-State: $25,170
- Out-of-State: $25,170
Net Price: $48,469
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Retention Rate: 94%
Graduation Rate: 91%

Total Enrollment: 8,918
Undergrad Students: 5,895
Graduate Students: 3,023
Diplomas Awarded: 29
Grads Salary: $92,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Brandeis University

Tuition
- In-State: $53,498
- Out-of-State: $53,498
Net Price: $35,147
Acceptance Rate: 39%
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 88%

Total Enrollment: 5,558
Undergrad Students: 3,591
Graduate Students: 1,967
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

Indiana University-Bloomington

Tuition
- In-State: $11,333
- Out-of-State: $38,352
Net Price: $13,386
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 81%

Total Enrollment: 45,328
Undergrad Students: 34,253
Graduate Students: 11,075
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Molloy University

Tuition
- In-State: $22,590
- Out-of-State: $22,590
Net Price: $25,540
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 70%

Total Enrollment: 4,910
Undergrad Students: 3,308
Graduate Students: 1,602
Diplomas Awarded: 15
Grads Salary: $85,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

The University of Texas at Dallas

Tuition
- In-State: $14,564
- Out-of-State: $39,776
Net Price: $12,924
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 72%

Total Enrollment: 29,696
Undergrad Students: 21,446
Graduate Students: 8,250
Diplomas Awarded: 58
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 26:1

Yeshiva University

Tuition
- In-State: $34,800
- Out-of-State: $34,800
Net Price: $36,807
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 80%

Total Enrollment: 5,501
Undergrad Students: 2,657
Graduate Students: 2,844
Diplomas Awarded: 19
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 7:1

Southern Methodist University

Tuition
- In-State: $30,672
- Out-of-State: $30,672
Net Price: $41,986
Acceptance Rate: 53%
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 82%

Total Enrollment: 12,385
Undergrad Students: 6,908
Graduate Students: 5,477
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $83,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Regis University

Tuition
- In-State: $14,063
- Out-of-State: $14,063
Net Price: $27,735
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Retention Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 62%

Total Enrollment: 5,566
Undergrad Students: 2,745
Graduate Students: 2,821
Diplomas Awarded: 11
Grads Salary: $86,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

Penn State World Campus

Tuition
- In-State: 36,882
- Out-of-State: 46,896
Net Price: $24,012
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 72%

Total Enrollment: 88,914
Undergrad Students: 73,476
Graduate Students: 15,438
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Saint Joseph's University

Tuition
- In-State: $47,940
- Out-of-State: $47,940
Net Price: $33,438
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 89%
Graduation Rate: 83%

Total Enrollment: 6,464
Undergrad Students: 4,196
Graduate Students: 2,268
Diplomas Awarded: 22
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

Florida International University

Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State: $18,963
Net Price: $9,398
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 67%

Total Enrollment: 56,664
Undergrad Students: 46,415
Graduate Students: 10,249
Diplomas Awarded: 147
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Tuition
- In-State: $9,780
- Out-of-State: $9,780
Net Price: $12,305
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Retention Rate: 69%
Graduation Rate: 54%

Total Enrollment: 7,467
Undergrad Students: 5,540
Graduate Students: 1,927
Diplomas Awarded: 4
Grads Salary: $81,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Florida Institute of Technology

Tuition
- In-State: $22,338
- Out-of-State: $22,338
Net Price: $32,314
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Retention Rate: 82%
Graduation Rate: 66%

Total Enrollment: 7,830
Undergrad Students: 3,491
Graduate Students: 4,339
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $83,000
Student-to-faculty:14:1

Temple University

Tuition
- In-State: $17,378
- Out-of-State: $30,602
Net Price: $23,224
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Retention Rate: 86%
Graduation Rate: 75%

Total Enrollment: 35,626
Undergrad Students: 25,967
Graduate Students: 9,659
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

University of Houston

Tuition
- In-State: $8,713
- Out-of-State: $17,857
Net Price: $14,339
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 62%

Total Enrollment: 47,031
Undergrad Students: 38,581
Graduate Students: 8,450
Diplomas Awarded: 37
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

Fordham University

Tuition
- In-State: $23,112
- Out-of-State: $23,112
Net Price: $37,583
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 83%

Total Enrollment: 16,986
Undergrad Students: 9,904
Graduate Students: 7,082
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Concordia College at Moorhead

Tuition
- In-State: $9,990
- Out-of-State: $9,990
Net Price: $23,890
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Retention Rate: 82%
Graduation Rate: 74%

Total Enrollment: 1,919
Undergrad Students: 1,883
Graduate Students: 36
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Texas Tech University

Tuition
- In-State: $11,852
- Out-of-State: $24,122
Net Price: $17,057
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 63%

Total Enrollment: 40,542
Undergrad Students: 33,132
Graduate Students: 7,410
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

Messiah University

Tuition
- In-State: $13,050
- Out-of-State: $13,050
Net Price: $23,895
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 77%

Total Enrollment: 3,276
Undergrad Students: 2,495
Graduate Students: 781
Diplomas Awarded: NA
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

The University of Alabama

Tuition
- In-State: $11,620
- Out-of-State: $31,090
Net Price: $21,263
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 89%
Graduation Rate: 72%

Total Enrollment: 38,316
Undergrad Students: 31,685
Graduate Students: 6,631
Diplomas Awarded: 137
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

Types of Online Degrees Available for Master's

What Online Marketing Master’s Degrees are Available?

Marketing is a hugely popular and competitive job market and, as such, colleges and universities have capitalized on the need for higher online marketing degrees. You will find both traditional marketing degrees and progressive online master’s programs that offer several online degree options in less time, such as those with available concentrations in marketing research, marketing strategy and consumer behavior, or marketing communications. Some of these options are available through online learning platforms.

Master of Arts (MA) in Marketing:
Because marketing is a creative field with social science influences, MA in marketing programs are available in some colleges and universities. You will likely focus more on communication, writing, content, visuals, and psychology than in other marketing master’s degree programs.
Master of Science in Marketing:
A Master of Science in Marketing or MS in Marketing will place more importance on the technical and analytical aspects of marketing than an MA program. You will gain experience with marketing tools, critical thinking, data analysis, different types of strategies, and the program may require the completion of an internship before you can graduate.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing:
An MBA in Marketing is also referred to as an MBA with a marketing major, emphasis, concentration, or specialization. The title simply depends on the college or university and does not change the nature of the program in general. The difference between a Master of Science in marketing and an MBA in Marketing is that the MBA program provides a specialization in marketing with a greater emphasis on marketing management and high-level business concepts at the same time.
Master’s Degree in Marketing to MBA dual degree program:
Today, as colleges and universities attempt to solidify a greater market share of those who seek a master’s degree in marketing, many higher learning institutions are beginning to provide a dual degree program that combines both a Master’s Degree in Marketing and an MBA in Marketing. These programs minimize the time and cost it would take to complete both degrees and provide you with the best of both programs as required by exceptional marketing professionals.

Admission Requirements for a MS in Marketing

Most online marketing master’s degree programs will examine several aspects of your personal, academic, and professional life to determine your acceptance status. They will examine your undergraduate marketing degree GPA, whether or not you have any relevant work experience as a full-time employee or through an internship, your short-term and long-term goals, any community service and extracurricular participation, your communications skills, and your potential leadership capabilities. Some schools may even require the completion of a graduate school entrance exam with a minimum score to be determined by the program. Each college and university will have unique requirements including completing your bachelor's degree. Often times, the more reputable the program the more stringent and grueling the application and admissions process. This is the same for an online master's degree; don't think that, just because you're planning to attend an online program, your admissions will be significantly less rigorous.

How long does it take to earn a Marketing Master’s?

The time it takes to complete an online master’s degree in marketing will greatly depend on the amount of time you are able to commit to the marketing program each term. If you can dedicate yourself to a classroom-based, fast-paced marketing program, you can complete a marketing master’s degree in as little as 10 months. The vast majority of online marketing degree programs at this level take between one and two years. An online master's marketing program may take longer despite requiring fewer credits in some cases, particularly if you must dedicate most of your time to work, family, or your community. Keep in mind that regardless of the length of time it takes to complete an online master degree, many employers will reimburse you for your continued education as long as you enroll in an accredited program from an approved college or university and maintain a certain GPA.

Your courses, no matter what background you come from, will be the same. Here are just some of the subjects those looking to work as marketing managers or other high-level marketing professionals are likely to study in a Master of Science in Marketing online program.

Marketing Research/Market Research
Consumer Behavior
Marketing Strategy
Integrated Marketing Communications
Marketing Management
Global Marketing
Brand Management
Marketing Analytics
Strategic Marketing
Marketing Metrics
Marketing Plans Development
Digital Marketing

Potential Careers with a MS in Marketing

Director of Sales and Marketing:
As a director of sales and marketing you will be responsible for executing product, service, and marketing development initiatives. It will be your job to think strategically in both the short-term and the long-term and to delegate responsibilities.
Typical Education Required: Master's in Marketing
Median Salary: $83,300
Social Media Marketing Manager:
A social media marketing manager is responsible for the overall social media marketing program campaigns, the execution of company directives, and the analyzing of those results. You must determine the efforts that work and those that do not.
Typical Education Required: Master's in Marketing
Median Salary: $52,600
Public Relations (PR) Director:
A public relations director might work for a PR company, a corporation, a non-profit, a government entity, a sports team, start their own firm, or more. In this position, it is your job to establish relationships with influential sources to project the best image of your employer or client as possible.
Typical Education Required: Master's in Marketing
Median Salary: $85,900
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO):
A CMO is becoming more and more commonplace in the business world. As a C-level executive, you will address the high-level issues of marketing strategies and initiatives. You will determine the message of the organization and the brand directives that are to be followed exactly.
Typical Education Required: Master's in Marketing or PhD
Median Salary: $174,000
Vice President (VP) of Marketing:
As a VP of marketing, you are likely to be responsible for the spending and budgeting of the entire department. You might also spend much of your time reviewing the success and failures of campaigns and you must have a solid understanding of all marketing methodologies both a traditional and a digital marketing program.
Typical Education Required: Master's in Marketing or PhD
Median Salary: $148,600

Options to Advance

Marketing is one of the most competitive and necessary fields in business today due to the introduction of digital marketing and marketing research. The most effective marketing strategies use psychology, which is the analysis of human behavior, as a basis for successful marketing program campaigns. If you wish to reach the highest levels of career aspirations in the marketing profession, you should complete a PhD or a doctorate. Such a marketing degree will allow you to understand human behavior to the highest degree and ensure that you use psychological strategies ethically, legally and, respectfully. You will only succeed in this profession as long as you are following the rules of human decency and do not cross the line. A master’s degree, a PhD, or an alternative doctorate will help you learn how to keep within ethical and legal boundaries and to become an industry leader as a vice president or a chief marketing officer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for a master’s degree in marketing?

There can be a huge disparity between the requirements for one program and another. Each university decides itself what it wants from it’s students, so you might find some programs where you can easily gain admission and others where you need another year of work experience or to complete a couple prerequisite courses before you can even apply. However, there are some requirements that tend to be the same from program to program. Here are just some of those.

A bachelor's degree from an accredited university, usually in in a business-related field such as marketing, business administration, or management or a significant amount of relevant experience.
A minimum GPA in a previous program. This is often around a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, though this also varies.
Some programs may require applicants to submit scores from standardized tests such as the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Programs may require applicants to have relevant work experience to gain admission.
Most programs will require applicants to submit essays or personal statements as part of the application process. These are used to evaluate an applicant's goals, background, and fit with the program.
Some programs require that applicants submit letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors on their qualifications and potential for success.

Best Online Masters in Marketing Degrees for 2023

Search Programs

Why Earn a Master’s in Marketing (MMkt)?

PROS

CONS

Search Programs

What are the Best Online Master's in Marketing College Programs?

Johns Hopkins University

Boston University

William & Mary

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Michigan State University

Santa Clara University

Brandeis University

Indiana University-Bloomington

Molloy University

The University of Texas at Dallas

Yeshiva University

Southern Methodist University

Regis University

Penn State World Campus

Saint Joseph's University

Florida International University

Fairleigh Dickinson University

Florida Institute of Technology

Temple University

University of Houston

Fordham University

Concordia College at Moorhead

Texas Tech University

Messiah University

The University of Alabama

Types of Online Degrees Available for Master's

What Online Marketing Master’s Degrees are Available?

Admission Requirements for a MS in Marketing

How long does it take to earn a Marketing Master’s?

Potential Careers with a MS in Marketing

Options to Advance

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for a master’s degree in marketing?

sources:

Search Programs