Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Badge for BEST ONLINE MBA IN MARKETING
By Dave Tomar
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

We rank the best online MBA in marketing degree programs. Get the career boost that you are looking for with these programs.

Key Takeaways

  • The online MBA in marketing degree is a graduate degree with a focus on marketing, promotions, and advertising.

  • Getting the online MBA in marketing degree can lead to a wide range of careers in digital marketing, marketing analytics, brand management, and much more.

  • A growing number of online schools offer a fully online MBA with a marketing concentration.

See our complete guide to MBAs for more information.

Featured Programs

An online MBA in marketing is an excellent area of focus for business students interested in subjects like global marketing, consumer behavior, digital marketing, and more. Fortunately, prospective students have many excellent online MBA in marketing programs to choose from.

The best online MBA programs can lead to well paying leadership roles in marketing management, marketing research, and even in global marketing strategies.

Most students who complete online marketing MBA programs will enter into careers related to advertising and promotions. However, there are numerous related career paths that you could take including public relations, business analytics, and general strategic management of your organization.

Find out more with a look at our Guide to Online Degrees. Otherwise, read on.

 

About Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs

Students in the online master of business administration in marketing degree program will study topics such as brand management, services marketing, and sales management.

These skills can easily be transferred to careers in other business contexts including human resource management, managerial finance, and operations management.

In most cases, however, marketing MBA graduates will be prepared for leadership roles such as marketing manager or market research analyst.

This advanced degree can lead to immediate and well-paying opportunities in the field. Marketing managers are capable of earning a median salary of $133,380 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Admission Requirements for the Online MBA in Marketing

Business schools offering an online MBA in marketing have different admission requirements.

These are the admission requirements common to schools offering the online MBA in marketing:

  • A completed online application
  • An accredited bachelor’s degree
  • Official college transcripts
  • A cumulative college GPA of 3.0 - 3.5
  • Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) Score or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Score
  • Personal statement or essay
  • Reference Letters
  • Professional Resume or CV

Key Point: Some programs might also require an interview process.

Learn more about online MBA admission requirements.

Curriculum and Courses

Schools offering MBA marketing online programs have different courses, although there are similarities in programs. Online students will typically complete a set of core courses specific to the marketing specialization along with electives and an individualized capstone project.

The typical marketing courses offered in the online MBA in marketing program include:

  • International Marketing
  • Building Marketing Campaigns
  • Qualitative Marketing Research Methods
  • Strategic Marketing Management
  • Marketing Channel Strategy
  • Managerial Economics
  • Digital Media and Web Analytics
  • Core Marketing Principles
  • Integrated Marketing Communication

Key Point: Online MBA in marketing programs will cover topics such as brand management, managerial economics, and digital media marketing.

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Careers for Online MBA in Marketing Degree Holders

Graduates with the online MBA in marketing have the credentials to qualify for several marketing careers, including:

  • Marketing Manager

    • Marketing Managers are in charge of organizing and managing marketing campaigns, while analyzing new markets and customers. Their ultimate goal is to bring awareness and generate demand for whatever product or service they are trying to promote.

  • Marketing Campaign Director

    • A Marketing Campaign Director’s role is to develop plans and strategies to market their company’s products and services. They will carry out the entire process of planning, executing, and reviewing a campaign to make sure that goals are reached. This may include creating messages, designing ads, and delegating tasks to other members of the marketing team.

  • Public Relations Specialist

    • Public Relations Specialists are in charge of promoting the company’s image to the public and shaping the public’s perception. They, of course, want to put their company in the best possible light and showcase the strengths of their company. They will create media releases and social media programs to attract potential clients and customers.

  • Promotional Director

    • A Promotional Director is in charge of directing and coordinating advertising programs to create interest in products or services. They use different strategies and tools for doing this, such as creating posters, social media campaigns, giveaways, or coupons.

  • Brand Manager

    • Brand Managers oversee all aspects of marketing related to a company’s brand. They work with research, content, social media, and design to ensure that all branding decisions result in stronger sales.

  • Market Research Analyst

    • Market Research Analysts collect data to analyze consumers and competitors. They will then use their analyses to inform how they serve and market to customers, using customer preferences, business conditions, and any other factors that affect potential sales.

Key Points: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings for marketing managers are projected to grow by 10% from 2021 to 2031.

The picture is even brighter for those who use their graduate degree to pursue careers as market research analysts. Jobs for these positions are expected to grow by 19% from 2021 to 2031.

See what else you can do with an online MBA.

Group of young professionals working in marketing
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Factors for Choosing Online MBA in Marketing Programs

If you aspire to a career in marketing, you must be sure that you can tackle the challenges of an accredited online MBA in marketing program.

Choosing a top-notch online degree program will help to make your professional journey easier by allowing you to balance your pursuit of an advanced degree with any existing professional demands.

Furthermore, an online degree program in a reputable college or university should have the integrity, reputation, and track record to convince employers that their graduates deserve a place in the employer’s organization.

Here are the factors that you need to consider when choosing a school that offers the online MBA in marketing degree:

  • Accreditation: Accreditation is vital. It signifies that the school’s education is in compliance with the standards of the Department of Education and the accrediting body. A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its students.

    • In addition to institutional accreditation, be sure your degree in online MBA in marketing is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This national board provides programmatic accreditation, which is an important mark of credibility for the master’s of business administration degree.

  • Cost: Cost is an inherent element of every educational pursuit. But since cost differs from one school to another, you must ensure that the online school you choose is affordable while still providing a quality education.
  • Financing Options: Accredited colleges and universities will offer financial aid options including grants, scholarships, and loans for students who qualify. Some will also offer work-study programs.
  • Course Delivery: Online education courses are delivered in three different ways: synchronous (live online classes), asynchronous (classes that can be attended anytime), and blended or hybrid (a mix of both synchronous and asynchronous). Choose a school that offers the type that suits your schedule.
  • Academic Support: Academic support is a valuable element of distance learning. Give due credit to schools that provide students with online resources such as references and tutorials. You will need these to gain a deeper understanding of your lessons.

Learn how to find accredited online MBA programs.

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The 10 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Syracuse University

    Syracuse , NY
    #1 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #4 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #25 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #5 Best Research Universities in New York 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Syracuse University

    Cost of Degree: $44,790
    Expenses: $20,812
    Starting Salary: $81,730
    Salary after 4 years: $119,662
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Syracuse University known for?

    Syracuse University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Syracuse University?

    Syracuse University was formed in 1870 as an affiliate of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Becoming a secular institution in 1920, this private research university is noted today for nationally renowned programs in areas like business administration, architecture, and public administration.

    Syracuse University serves more than 21,000 students. Syracuse also boasts a strong roster of alumni, including 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden.

    • Syracuse University is great for students who:

      Are seeking advanced degrees. Syracuse is noted as an R1 university for its high level of research activity.

    • Syracuse University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Don’t prefer an urban educational experience. Syracuse University is primarily concentrated in downtown Syracuse.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ
    #3 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #13 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2024 #19 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Arizona 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/25

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of Arizona

    Cost of Degree: $14,015
    Expenses: $18,350
    Starting Salary: $66,021
    Salary after 4 years: $86,156
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about the University of Arizona?

    University of Arizona is a public university based in Tucson, Arizona. The research university was formed in 1885, which makes it the very first university in the territory that would eventually become the state of Arizona.

    University of Arizona serves more than 50,000 students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, making it one of the ten largest schools in the U.S.

    • University of Arizona is great for students who:

      Enjoy college athletics. The Arizona Wildcats have won numerous championships across various Pac-12 Conference sports.

    • University of Arizona might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer an intimate college experience.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati , OH
    #10 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    48K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/26

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of Cincinnati

    Cost of Degree: $14,902
    Expenses: $16,990
    Starting Salary: $58,594
    Salary after 4 years: $76,463
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Cincinnati known for?

    University of Cincinnati’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about University of Cincinnati?

    University of Cincinnati was founded in Cincinnati in 1819, which makes it the oldest institution of high learning in the city. And with more than 44,000 students annually enrolled, University of Cincinnati is also the second largest university in the state of Ohio.

    Today, the public university is noted for its high level of research activity and its top-ranked medical teaching college.

    • University of Cincinnati is great for students who:

      Are looking for options. University of Cincinnati offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across 13 schools and four constituent campuses.

    • University of Cincinnati might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a more intimate campus experience.

    Compare school
    4. Smiling woman on the phone holding a box

    Grand Canyon University

    Phoenix , AZ
    #8 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Arizona 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Arizona 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Arizona 2024
    Other Rankings

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Grand Canyon University

    Cost of Degree: $11,638
    Expenses: $14,300
    Starting Salary: $69,092
    Salary after 4 years: $101,160
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Grand Canyon University?

    Grand Canyon University serves more than 90,000 students, which makes it the largest Christian university in the world.

    Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit university that was initially established in 1949 as Grand Canyon College. Today, the Southern Baptist institution served more than 70,000 students online. Interestingly, Grand Canyon is the only for-profit school that competes in NCAA Division I athletics.

    • Grand Canyon University is great for students who:

      Are interested in doctoral, nursing and health care professions, and theology.

    • Grand Canyon University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Require a degree with regional accreditation.

    Compare school

    Baylor University

    Waco , TX
    #1 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #4 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #6 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #10 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024
    Other Rankings

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Baylor University

    Cost of Degree: $38,772
    Expenses: $18,433
    Starting Salary: $68,974
    Salary after 4 years: $100,987
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Baylor University known for?

    Baylor University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Baylor University?

    Baylor University was formed in 1845 by the last Congress for the Republic of Texas just before its admission to statehood. This makes Baylor the oldest continuously operating university in the state. The Waco-based private research university can also lay claim to the largest Baptist university campus in the world, with more than 1000 acres sitting on the banks of the Brazos River.

    Today, Baylor University is home to more than 20,000 students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, many pursuing degrees in top-ranked business, education, and science programs.

    • Baylor University is great for students who:

      Are seeking a beautiful campus with thoughtful architecture. Students describe Baylor’s main campus as warm and welcoming.

    • Baylor University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Have financial constraints. Baylor University is a comparatively costly private institution.

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    Southern New Hampshire University

    Manchester , NH
    #5 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
    Other Rankings

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Southern New Hampshire University

    Cost of Degree: $19,470
    Expenses: $21,900
    Starting Salary: $59,289
    Salary after 4 years: $86,807
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    What do we love about Southern New Hampshire University?

    Southern New Hampshire University is a private university located near Manchester, New Hampshire. SNHU is unique for its predominant emphasis on distance learning. While the main campus is home to 3000 students, another 135,000 SNHU students are currently earning online degrees.

    Southern New Hampshire University is one of the fastest growing universities in the U.S.

    • Southern New Hampshire University is great for:

      Adult learners as well as those pursuing professional certifications..

    • Southern New Hampshire University might not be the best fit for:

      Students seeking a traditional on-campus experience.

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    University of North Texas

    Denton , TX
    #6 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2024 #9 Best Grad Schools In Texas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of North Texas

    Cost of Degree: $8,252
    Expenses: $15,158
    Starting Salary: $58,122
    Salary after 4 years: $75,848
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of North Texas known for?

    University of North Texas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about University of North Texas?

    University of North Texas was formed in 1890 as a coeducational teachers college. Just over a decade later, the Denton, Texas school joined the state’s public university system. Today, University of North Texas is noted for its high level of research activity and the popularity of its business, management, and marketing programs.

    With more than 100 degree programs offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels, University of North Texas serves more than 42,000 students. This makes it the fifth largest university in the state.

    • University of North Texas is great for students who:

      Are interested in areas like science, math, and engineering. University of North Texas excels in these areas among the state’s public research universities.

    • University of North Texas might not be the best fit for students who:

      Plan to commute by car. Many students describe the scarcity of on-campus parking as a constant source of frustration.

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    University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Birmingham , AL
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024
    Other Rankings

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Cost of Degree: $8,424
    Expenses: $20,077
    Starting Salary: $57,061
    Salary after 4 years: $74,463
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Alabama at Birmingham known for?

    University of Alabama at Birmingham’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about University of Alabama-Birmingham

    University of Alabama-Birmingham was formed in 1936 as a small regional “academic extension center.” Over the next three decades, the school grew into a public research university boasting 140 undergraduate and graduate programs across 12 academic departments.

    From its humble regional beginning, the University of Alabama-Birmingham today serves more than 22,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In fact, the university is also the single largest employer in the state, with more than 75,000 people working as faculty, staff, and in various jobs across the university health system.

    • University of Alabama-Birmingham is great for students who:

      Want balance between big city life and a small town feel. Students describe the campus and surrounding Birmingham as offering a safe community in a vibrant urban setting.

    • University of Alabama-Birmingham might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a broad selection of on-campus activities. Some students describe options as limited in this area.

    Compare school

    University of Nebraska–Lincoln

    Lincoln , NE
    #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024
    Other Rankings

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of Nebraska–Lincoln

    Cost of Degree: $7,781
    Expenses: $17,210
    Starting Salary: $62,131
    Salary after 4 years: $81,079
    Cost Recoup Time: 4 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Nebraska–Lincoln known for?

    University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

    University of Nebraska-Lincoln was formed in 1869. The Lincoln-based public university is the flagship university in the state’s university system. This also makes it the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of Nebraska.

    In addition to serving more than 24,000 students, across 200 undergraduate and graduate level degree programs, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln can claim an alumni network of more than 300,000 members.

    • University of Nebraska-Lincoln is great for students who:

      Enjoy an excellent college sports tradition. The school’s Cornhuskers compete in the Big Ten Conference and the men’s football team claims five national titles.

    • University of Nebraska-Lincoln might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking an intimate campus experience. With more than 19,000 undergraduates, and roughly 5000 graduate students, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is organized into nine separate colleges across three campuses.

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    Seton Hall University

    South Orange , NJ
    #21 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2024
    Other Rankings

    Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Seton Hall University

    Cost of Degree: $34,328
    Expenses: $20,532
    Starting Salary: $75,234
    Salary after 4 years: $110,152
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Seton Hall University known for?

    Seton Hall University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Seton Hall University?

    Seton Hall University was founded in 1856 by a Catholic bishop named James Roosevelt Bayley. This makes the private South Orange, New Jersey university the oldest diocesan university in the nation.

    Seton Hall University enrolled 60 students in its first year. Today, Seton Hall serves nearly 10,000 students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

    • Seton Hall University is great for students who:

      Are pursuing careers in business. The Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall is highly ranked, as is its University School of Law.

    • Seton Hall University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Do not wish to attend college in an urban setting.

    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Marketing Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Marketing/Marketing Management

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $12,287
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,819
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $65,917
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $86,020
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 5 years
  • Job Growth: 8.62%
  • Number of Jobs: 2,070,000
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Marketing Managers6.61%$121,728
Sales Managers4.06%$117,002
Advertising and Promotions Managers1.62%$110,533
Fundraising Managers5.04%$103,968
Business Teachers, Postsecondary7.01%$86,765

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$52,480$91,488$155,413

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 New York5% higher than average$124,962
#3 Michigan15% higher than average$94,978
#4 Georgia13% higher than average$94,639
#5 New Jersey13% higher than average$122,883
#6 Virginia5% higher than average$102,618

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Marketing Managers$121,728
Sales Managers$117,002
Advertising and Promotions Managers$110,533
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Save money on your way to an MBA by checking out some free MBA courses at some of the best business schools in the world.

Or find out what your options are with a look at our full List of University Rankings.

Student Submitted Questions about the Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs

We discussed the topic of online MBA in marketing programs with current college students to see what questions they had. Below you’ll find these questions and our answers to them provided by our editor, Chloe Dembski. If you have questions of your own, you can submit your question using the form below and we’ll answer it right here in this article!

Conor asked, “Is an MBA in marketing worth it?”

This largely depends on your career goals. Getting an advanced degree in business could help you obtain higher management roles, shift to a different field, provide networking opportunities, and receive higher pay. Keep in mind that it is a significant investment in time and money, so be prepared for that going in. However, if it would help you reach your ultimate career goals, then it might very well be worth it.

Madelyn, “Will I be less prepared going into the workforce if I get my MBA online?”

Online education has come a long way in recent years, and many agree that an online education is of the same quality as an in-person education. Typically, the same curriculum is taught both online and in-person programs and if that field requires in-person experience, the online programs will make that a requirement. Make sure to go to a school that is regionally accredited and has a strong academic reputation. In the marketing field, networking is essential, so make sure to see how the school can support you in that and do your due diligence to seek out networking opportunities.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here