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Earn An Online MBA in Marketing
Although the MBA in general is one of the most popular postgraduate degrees available because graduates can apply it toward multiple fields, an MBA in marketing may be even more valuable. According to PayScale, employees with an MBA in marketing see a 108 percent increase between their starting and mid-career salaries. And online programs have made the degree more accessible than ever. Read on to learn about the different types of programs and benefits of an online MBA in marketing.
Milestone Map: The Marketer's Path
Not all MBA students come from the same background or go on to achieve the same career goals after graduating. Here's just one example of how an MBA can act as a cornerstone accomplishment in a marketing professional's life.
High School: Scores highly in statistics, runs school's spirit store
Bachelor's Degree: Majors in marketing, minors in a foreign language
First Job: Gets feet wet as an advertising sales agent
MBA: Completes online MBA in marketing
Promotion: New credentials lead to marketing manager role at Internet retailer
Keynote Speaker: Gives inspiring brand strategy speech at major conference
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Popular Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
What It's Like to Earn a Marketing MBA Online
There are many benefits to online education, the most obvious being convenience and flexibility. For many MBA students, the flexibility online MBA programs allow is simply desirable, but for mid-career professionals who cannot take time off work to further their educations, it may be essential.
Online MBA programs are also great for people who are not in the business sector but want to switch careers without first leaving their current position. In that sense, getting an MBA online is cost effective because students not only cut down on transportation costs, but can also continue working while studying.
While students may have to log into their classes at specific times for live discussions, many other formats used in online MBA programs allow students to log in whenever it is convenient for them. Along with live discussions, simulations and projects, online courses often utilize asynchronous forums, where students can discuss the course and complete assignments. Recorded lectures are another common format used in online education.
One benefit of business school is the numerous networking opportunities, so prospective online students might be skeptical about their ability to connect with new and interesting people. Luckily, business schools with online MBA programs tend to understand their students' needs for networking opportunities and have devised ways to connect peers. For instance, some universities have residency requirements that bring students together in person for events before or during their MBA studies. Such events may involve an introduction to the online MBA curriculum, intensive for-credit courses or team projects with classmates.
Other programs spend time fostering strong social media communities and student organizations. Further, live video discussions, team projects and simulations in the curriculum allow students to connect with peers and educators in a manner similar to a traditional classroom experience.
Online MBA Program Tracks
Prospective marketing students may choose to get their MBAs at various points in their lives and careers, so it's no surprise that online business schools offer different types of MBA programs to fit the needs of their students. By picking programs that align with their level of work experience and availability, students set themselves up to complete their program while balancing work and personal commitments. There are three common online program options: executive, full-time, and part-time.
Executive (1 - 2 years)
Often, it's not possible for people to give up two years of earnings to go back to school. However, the MBA in marketing credential can benefit upper-management professionals looking for a promotion by helping them branch out to a new career area and further improve their leadership skills.
Prospective students caught in between the need for job security and the desire to advance in their company are perfect candidates for executive online MBAs in marketing because executive MBAs are flexible by design and are often sponsored (at least partially) by companies. Earning one online adds another level of convenience. If frequent travel is part of a prospective marketing student's life, an on-campus MBA program probably won't work. Online study circumvents this problem by allowing students to log into classes when and wherever works best for them.
Full time (1 - 2 years)
A full-time MBA may be ideal for students who have just finished their undergraduate degrees or for professionals who are looking to make a career change and don't mind taking time off work to go to school. Typically, full-time students can get an MBA in marketing in two years. During that time, there may be a few months — often between the first and second year of study — when students can get marketing internships. The opportunity to intern at a marketing company may appeal to those who aren't already in the field.
Part Time (2-5 years)
Getting an online MBA in marketing through a part-time program is best for students with relevant work experience who want to stay at their company but seek a higher-paying position. Although part-time students generally do not do a marketing internship, they instead get to practice their new skills in their current position. Thus, a part-time online program offers significant flexibility. However, it's important that part-time marketing students be self-disciplined and have strong time management skills.
How to Plan for an Online MBA in Marketing
Keeping track of the tasks they need to complete before their MBA program start date can help students prepare themselves for their online MBA in marketing. Prospective students can make a schedule of important dates to make sure they fulfill the program's requirements and don't miss key deadlines. Below is an example schedule for a prospective marketing student.
Time Before Program Start Date
Step 1 Earn bachelor's degree
2 years, 3 months
Step 2 Gain entry-level work experience in marketing-related field
2 years
Step 3 Take GMAT
13 months
Step 4 Submit applications
11 months for first round of admissions 8 months for second round of admissions
Prospective students can give themselves a leg up by preparing for their MBA education as early as high school. They should continue preparing by taking certain classes and developing skills throughout their undergraduate education and career.
Start your own business in high school, even if it's just mowing lawns or washing dogs. You'll show that you have entrepreneurial drive and can sell a product or service to a specific audience.
Take a theater or improv class. Thinking on your feet is an important part of marketing.
Learn how to code or take an online design class. You never know when you're going to have to jump in with some design tweaks.
Get related work experience. While some MBA programs highly recommend it, others require it.
Not all curricula are the same, but certain courses and skills are commonly found in quality online marketing MBA programs:
Marketing Management
Many programs begin by giving students a general overview of business practices in marketing. Marketing management courses, which include lessons on pricing, promotion and distribution, often serve as the foundation for learning how to operate market-driven organizations.
Marketing Research
Marketing research courses are designed to help students understand consumer behavior and use that information to make decisions. Students may learn how to effectively utilize focus groups, samples and questionnaires. They should also gain skills in analyzing research results and secondary source data.
Consumer Behavior
These classes can be highly theoretical studies of sociological, environmental and psychological influences on consumer decisions and may explore the practical implications of consumer behavior as it relates to marketing.
Digital Marketing and Advertising
Digital marketing courses allow students to learn about and implement marketing strategies related to social networks, mobile apps, email and other digital platforms. These courses can be hands-on, and students should be prepared to make profiles on various social media sites in order to complete projects.
Advertising and Promotion
Advertising and promotion courses give students the skills needed to formulate promotional advertising and sales strategies. Such skills include setting objectives, creating budgets, finding target audiences and selecting the right media for projects. Topics such as ad effectiveness, scheduling, creative strategy development and communication theory may be covered.
Tips for Selecting a Marketing MBA College
Choosing the right business school isn't always easy. To narrow down their options, students should think about what qualities are most important to them in an online marketing MBA program. Here are some things to consider when comparing online business schools:
Decide which program type works best for you, and eliminate programs from your list that don't align with your professional and personal goals.
Make sure you meet GPA and other requirements, such as work experience or GMAT scores.
Check the school's accreditation.
Visit the schools you are interested in. If that's not possible, get in touch with the admissions office and ask to be connected with students in the program.
Ask about what services are available to online students. For instance, will you be able to access career counselors?
Research the financial aid options offered by the program and school.
Compare the cost of tuition with your own budget, and determine if it is reasonable.
Why Accreditation Matters for Marketing MBAs
When sorting through business schools with online marketing MBA programs, students should determine whether schools are accredited and, if so, by which bodies. Accreditation is an optional, ongoing process that schools or programs undergo to both prove they are quality educational institutions and remain eligible for federal financial aid. Unaccredited institutions often make employers nervous, so they may be less likely to hire students who graduate from programs lacking accreditation.
Online marketing MBA programs are often accredited by the same organizations as other MBA concentrations within a business school. Visit our primary MBA page for a deeper look at online MBA accreditation.
Career Possibilities with an Online MBA in Marketing
Most marketing jobs only require a bachelor's degree, but applicants with higher credentials are more likely to get hired for managerial positions. The following are a few higher-level marketing positions that students can vie for upon completing their online MBA in marketing.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers are usually in charge of finding marketing opportunities and organizing campaigns for those opportunities. Marketing managers need strong organizational skills to oversee whole projects and effectively enlist employees to brainstorm ideas.
Advertising Manager
Advertising managers are similar to marketing managers in that they devise and oversee projects, but these managers focus specifically on the advertising aspect of a marketing campaign. They monitor projects and analyze their results, tracking trends to help the company maximize profits.
Sales Manager
Sales managers set their sights on the internal functions of a company's sales team, setting targets and making sure staff hit them. They also are charged with finding new clients and keeping them, thus broadening demand for the company's products.
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts go through reams of data to figure out what products the market wants, which consumers would buy them, and how much they would pay. Market research analysts must be able to go through information and accurately assess it to increase company profits.
Public Relations Manager
Public relations managers can be found in numerous industries, where they are in charge of creating and maintaining a positive image of a company. They execute campaigns to make the public aware of their company, and they work to ensure that public opinion is favorable.
Marketing careers generally don't require certification, but certain types of careers can still benefit from the extra distinction certification provides.
Marketing Research Analysis
Professional Researcher Certification This certification, offered through the Marketing Research Association, is available to market research analysts. Analysts who wish to become certified must be part of a professional organization, have three years of relevant work experience and pass an exam.
Public Relations Management
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) By passing an exam on strategy, best practices and ethics in the field, public relations specialists can become accredited by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). The PRSA recommends that professionals have five years of work experience before applying.
Related Online Graduate Programs
If an MBA in marketing sounds interesting, prospective students should consider some related MBA programs.
Students in finance MBA programs can enter a range of careers helping people and companies manage their money, make investment decisions and discover new markets.
Students looking to go abroad and learn about global markets and business relations should consider an MBA in international business.
Online MBA in Marketing Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
Cost per Credit: In-State | $472 Out-of-State | $472
Credits to Graduate: 36
UTRGV's online MBA program features multiple required marketing courses, which complement a well-rounded generalist core. Required marketing classes cover both strategy and analytics, helping students become proficient in marketing campaign design and assessment. Additional core courses explore accounting, financial analysis, economics, strategic management, organizational behavior, and other business essentials.
The UTRGV online learning experience is mainly asynchronous, which maximizes flexibility. MBA students proceed in compact seven-week semesters, moving through material at an accelerated pace. Thanks to this structure, full-time learners can earn their MBA in 12 months.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,857
Out-of-state
$20,097
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,002
Out-of-state
$14,562
Retention Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
31,559
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
78%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cost per Credit: In-State | $1,248 Out-of-State | $1,248
Credits to Graduate: 48
Penn State's online MBA program offers 25 distinct concentration options, making it one of the most varied programs of its kind in the country. The program's rigorous 48-credit structure includes 39 required credits and nine credits (three courses) in a concentration. Marketing students can select specializations in business-to-business marketing or marketing analytics.
All online Penn State courses use an asynchronous delivery format, presenting material through pre-recorded lectures. Students can learn anytime and anywhere while interacting with peers through discussion platforms and group projects.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,400
Out-of-state
$25,084
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$23,189
Out-of-state
$39,248
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
88,914
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
54%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Cost per Credit: In-State | $800 Out-of-State | $800
Credits to Graduate: 40-46
FAU's online MBA in marketing program supplements a standardized business core with 12 credits of marketing coursework. Concentration courses focus on topics including marketing strategy, brand management, sales techniques, analytics, and other key areas. Marketing MBA students also have the option to add special topics courses to their concentrated program.
FAU designed its online learning experience to facilitate full-time study without any interruptions to professional activities. Learners can continue working and still complete their MBA in 16-23 months.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,642
Out-of-state
$19,642
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,467
Out-of-state
$16,695
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
29,592
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
65%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cost per Credit: In-State | $253 Out-of-State | $1,312
Credits to Graduate: 36
UNT's online MBA program uses a compact and accelerated schedule to guide full-time students to graduation in as few as 14 months. Marketing courses account for one-third of the program's required 36 credits. All marketing students complete coursework in consumer behavior, advanced marketing analytics, and metrical analysis.
All online UNT students have access to a host of specialized resources, including academic counseling, success coaching, and a virtual career center. The program's design supports learning outcomes combining strong general management skills with deep, specialized insights that support a variety of marketing career paths.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,295
Out-of-state
$18,111
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,350
Out-of-state
$13,694
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
42,441
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cost per Credit: In-State | $1,250 Out-of-State | $1,250
Credits to Graduate: 45
U of A's online MBA program allows marketing students to supplement concentrated coursework with additional electives in data mining, data visualization, global business, and other relevant topics. The marketing concentration features five courses, with students choosing at least three from options in marketing communications, strategy, social media, pricing strategy, and marketing research.
Faculty present coursework in the context of today's fast-changing, globalized business environment. Asynchronous delivery formats optimize flexibility, allowing learners to study anytime and anywhere. GMAT scores are not required.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,990
Out-of-state
$33,739
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,348
Out-of-state
$32,290
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
51,134
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Cost per Credit: In-State | $763 Out-of-State | $763
Credits to Graduate: 36
WSU's online MBA program features a three-course marketing specialization with required courses in business research and consumer behavior. Marketing MBA students can also complete advanced coursework in new-venture marketing, international marketing, social media and digital marketing, and business sustainability. These electives build on concepts introduced in the program's core course in marketing strategy.
Offered through the renowned Mike Ilitch School of Business, the program offers accelerated learning options and GMAT waivers to qualified students. All MBA learners have full access to a dedicated career center uniquely available to Mike Ilitch School of Business students and alumni.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,532
Out-of-state
$31,060
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,920
Out-of-state
$36,650
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
24,919
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
79%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Cost per Credit: In-State | $1,733 Out-of-State | $1,733
Credits to Graduate: 54
UMD's online MBA program features a customizable learning experience: Learners can study entirely online or blend virtual and campus-based courses. The STEM-certified curriculum strongly emphasizes quantitative and analytical skills. Classes in the marketing concentration cover consumer behavior, consumer equity management, and marketing analytics.
UMD's AACSB-accredited Robert H. Smith School of Business also offers unique experiential learning opportunities. MBA students can participate in the management of a $1 million equity fund. All online learners also complete a four-credit "action learning project," which prompts students to collaborate in proposing solutions to real-world business problems supplied by UMD partner organizations.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,695
Out-of-state
$36,683
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$16,238
Out-of-state
$35,388
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
44%
Students Enrolled
40,792
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
33%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Program Cost: In-State | $13,153 Out-of-State | $13,153
Credits to Graduate: 30
Lamar's online MBA in marketing develops high-demand skills covering strategy, research methods, analytics, and international marketing. Students also engage with entrepreneurship topics while building a versatile set of general business management skills.
Learners who did not study business as undergraduates may enter the program pending their completion of foundational pre-MBA classes in finance, accounting, and business communications. Lamar uses a unique points program to evaluate applicants, combining GMAT scores with cumulative undergraduate GPA performance to identify qualified candidates.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,228
Out-of-state
$16,020
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,471
Out-of-state
$13,815
Retention Rate
59%
Acceptance Rate
84%
Students Enrolled
16,914
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Program Cost: In-State | $13,836 Out-of-State | $21,180
Credits to Graduate: 42
TTU's online MBA program features marketing analytics as one of three available concentration options. The marketing specialization emphasizes data analysis, teaching advanced techniques for collecting, organizing, and evaluating consumer, product, and market information.
The 100% online program has a customizable format. Full-time students can graduate in as little as one year, thanks to flexible start dates and self-paced learning options. TTU also fully supports part-time students and working professionals. Learners who balance their studies with full-time employment usually graduate in around two years.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,934
Out-of-state
$21,174
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,956
Out-of-state
$15,136
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
67%
Students Enrolled
40,378
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Cost per Credit: In-State | $998 Out-of-State | $998
Credits to Graduate: 42
CSU's online MBA program delivers concentrations through certificate programs, which students complete concurrently with their core MBA studies. The marketing management certificate takes an analytical approach to marketing decision-making, teaching students to apply structured, systematic methods for solving real-world problems.
CSU hosts a diverse body of MBA students from a wide variety of academic backgrounds. To qualify for entry, applicants require at least two years of professional experience in a business-related role. Full-time students can complete the program in just 21 months.
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,903
Out-of-state
$29,861
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,834
Out-of-state
$26,564
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
91%
Students Enrolled
33,361
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
50%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
How We Rank Schools
Accredited Schools Online uses trusted data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools based on quality, affordability, and reputation. When ranking schools, we look at factors like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition and other costs, financial aid, and program offerings. All our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation.
This ranking is from 2024. Explore our rankings methodology to learn more about how we rank schools.
All data was collected between 6/14/21 and 7/3/21. Respondents were fielded by Lucid LLC. All 343 respondents in the study were screened by multiple quality checks, including systems like Relevant ID, and responses were manually reviewed to ensure consistency and accuracy. Survey participants include 169 currently enrolled MBA students and 174 graduates from MBA programs within the past 6 years. Respondents are between 21 and 78 years of age and identified as 45% Female, 54% Male, and 1% non-binary.
Student testimonials have generally been obtained with the offer of compensation for completion of a survey (e.g., entrance into a gift card drawing). Such testimonials are the opinions of such students and surveys are designed to avoid influencing such testimonials either positively or negatively. All student respondents were supplied by Lucid LLC.
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