Marketing jobs are in demand, and an online MBA degree with a marketing concentration can help you break into the field or improve your career prospects.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers to grow by 8% from 2023 to 2033, which is higher than the national average rate of 4% growth projected for all occupations during the same time period.
Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) and the rapidly evolving social media landscape are driving companies to seek out skilled marketers who are up to date on best practices within the field.
An online marketing MBA program can help prepare you to step into these roles, with curricula focused on teaching business fundamentals and current best practices within the field.
We ranked some of the best online marketing MBA programs based on factors like affordability and student outcomes to help you pick the best option for you.
Marketing MBA Highlights
In BestColleges' 2024 Online Education Trends Report, 94% of online MBA and master's students and graduates surveyed said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
Marketing managers earn a median annual salary of $159,660 as of May 2024, according to the BLS.
The BLS also projects marketing managers will experience an 8% job growth rate from 2023 to 2033, which is higher than the average rate of 4% for all occupations.
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Best Online Marketing MBA Programs
Why You Should Get a Marketing MBA Degree
Upskill in Recent Tech Developments: Business schools that offer marketing MBA degrees have started focusing on AI, data analytics, and other in-demand tech-related skills in recent years.
Get Up to Date on Best Practices: A marketing MBA program usually focuses on analytics and best practices in the digital landscape, meaning you'll learn relevant skills.
Expand Your Network: Online marketing MBA programs frequently use a cohort model to foster collaborative learning and networking.
Qualify for Management Roles: MBA programs typically offer courses in organizational behavior, strategic management, and leadership development to equip students with the managerial skills necessary for leadership positions.
Benefits of Getting a Marketing MBA Degree Online
Online MBA programs are geared toward working professionals, offering more flexibility than in-person programs, so you won't have to stop working to get your degree.
According to our 2024 Online Education Trends Report, 97% of online MBA and master's students and graduates surveyed say they would recommend online education to others.
More than three-quarters of the online MBA and master's students and graduates surveyed said they think an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus.
How to Choose the Best Marketing MBA Program for You
Dr. Angélica S. Gutiérrez, an associate professor of management at Loyola Marymount University, says it's important to consider which learning format (online, in person, or hybrid) best fits your schedule.
"It is also important to consider your career interests and find a program that has the type of curriculum, including specialty or concentration, that will provide you with the skills and knowledge to advance in your career," Gutiérrez added.
Other key factors when comparing options include accreditation, cost, program length, and potential career opportunities.
How Much Does a Marketing MBA Degree Cost?
Master's in Business, Management, and Marketing, 2019-20
Online
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$10,995
Avg. Net Price
$8,534
In-Person
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$21,974
Avg. Net Price
$15,428
The cost of a marketing MBA degree can vary significantly from school to school.
Typically, programs at well-known universities are much more expensive than those offered by regional universities. At the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler School of Business, for instance, the price tag for an online MBA degree is more than $125,000.
However, online MBA programs typically cost less than half of what their in-person counterparts cost. And financial aid can reduce this already lower cost even more.
Also, keep in mind that studying at a public institution is generally cheaper than a private university, and some schools offer in-state tuition at a discounted rate.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Marketing MBA?
Typical # of Credits
36-60 Credits
Typical Program Length
2-3 Years
MBA programs traditionally take two years to complete if you're a full-time student.
Part-time MBA programs, on the other hand, take longer since you'll take fewer courses each semester. The upside is that these programs offer greater flexibility for working professionals who need to balance their studies with other responsibilities.
You can also consider accelerated MBA programs. These programs typically have similar curriculum as traditional MBA programs but are condensed to allow students to graduate in about a year.
Application Requirements
The usual application requirements for an online marketing MBA program include:
GMAT or GRE scores, if required
Letters of recommendation
Undergraduate transcripts
Resume
Essays, if required
Accreditation for Marketing MBA Programs
Enrolling in a marketing MBA program with programmatic accreditation can help boost your career opportunities after graduation.
Programmatic accreditation guarantees that a degree program meets the standards of a recognized accrediting organization.
For example, MBA accreditors may assess programs based on factors like faculty qualifications and post-graduation employment rates to determine if a program is worth it for prospective students.
Here are some of the major programmatic accreditors to look for when comparing programs:
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Ask an Expert: How Important Is Accreditation for Marketing MBAs?
"Accreditation for MBA programs in marketing is critical. It basically signals that the program has met high-quality curriculum standards and provides skills that students may apply in their marketing careers."
What Can You Do With a Marketing MBA Degree?
Marketing MBA degrees can set you up for several leadership positions within the marketing industry.
These programs usually feature courses on branding, digital marketing, social media strategies, and other key skill sets that can help prepare you to become an advertising, marketing, or promotions manager.
According to the BLS, employment for these positions is projected to grow at a faster-than-average rate from 2023 to 2033.
Other roles you can potentially qualify for with a marketing MBA degree include brand manager, market research analyst, public relations manager, and product manager.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | $76,950 | Analyze consumer trends to help businesses make decisions about their products |
| Marketing Managers | $161,030 | Lead an organization's marketing efforts, including brand management and a brand's digital presence |
| Marketing Managers">Advertising Managers | $126,960 | Create an advertising strategy and promote a brand through paid and earned media initiatives |
| Public Relations Managers | $132,870 | Serve as a media liaison and public-facing spokesperson for a company or organization |
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Is a Marketing MBA Degree Worth It?
MBA degrees are generally tied to higher earnings and can help you qualify for in-demand positions such as marketing manager, which earns a median annual salary of $161,030 as of May 2024, according to the BLS.
Additionally, if you enroll in an online program, you can continue working and fulfilling other responsibilities while you study. In fact, online MBA programs are often built with working professionals in mind. This means that they offer flexible scheduling options and asynchronous courses so you can complete your degree at your own pace.
Education Beyond a Marketing MBA Degree
Your MBA degree doesn't have to be the end of your education. Many schools offer additional online credentials and certificates to boost your skill set even further. For example, Harvard University recently launched an online credential in digital innovation and strategy.
If you're interested in teaching at the university level, you can consider pursuing a doctorate in business administration. This advanced degree is typically research-focused and emphasizes the practical application of findings to real-world business challenges and leadership scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marketing MBA Degrees
A marketing MBA program typically includes courses in digital marketing, strategy, brand management, and social media. You'll also take general MBA courses in fundamental areas like accounting.