Best Online Master’s in Marketing and Advertising

Badge for BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN MARKETING & ADVERTISING

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley

Published: Jul 6, 2021
Updated: Feb 28, 2024

Find top-ranked online master’s in marketing and advertising degree programs for students wanting to qualify for leadership roles as marketing managers, promotions managers, chief executives, and sales engineers.

Top 10 Online Master's in Marketing Degrees

Boston University
Syracuse University
University of Cincinnati
University of Arizona
Fordham University
University of Alabama
Brandeis University
Baylor University
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
DePaul University

Boston University
Brandeis University
University of Arizona
Syracuse University
Fordham University
University of Cincinnati
University of Alabama
Yeshiva University
Baylor University
University of Nebraska–Lincoln

University of Mississippi 97%
Southern New Hampshire University 96%
Wichita State University 95%
Roosevelt University 88%
University of Arizona 87%
University of Cincinnati 86%
Mercy College 86%
University of Massachusetts Lowell 86%
University of Texas at Dallas 85%
University of Alabama 80%

University of Texas at Dallas 27 to 1
Florida International University 24 to 1
University of North Texas 23 to 1
Southern New Hampshire University 22 to 1
Texas Tech University 21 to 1
Wichita State University 20 to 1
University of Alabama 19 to 1
University of Cincinnati 18 to 1
DePaul University 17 to 1
University of Massachusetts Lowell 17 to 1

Boston University $62,360
Brandeis University $62,322
Syracuse University $60,135
Fordham University $58,467
Fairfield University $54,455
Baylor University $51,738
Seton Hall University $48,960
Yeshiva University $48,800
DePaul University $42,840
Roosevelt University $33,068

Boston University $61,050
Brandeis University $55,104
Syracuse University $43,428
Baylor University $38,772
Yeshiva University $34,800
Seton Hall University $33,528
Fordham University $23,112
Roosevelt University $22,764
DePaul University $21,719
Fairfield University $20,034

Wichita State University
Southern New Hampshire University
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Mercy College
University of Texas at Dallas
Webster University
Golden Gate University
Seton Hall University
Fairfield University
Roosevelt University

Mercy College
Southern New Hampshire University
Golden Gate University
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Fairfield University
Webster University
Roosevelt University
Wichita State University
University of Texas at Dallas
Seton Hall University

Boston University 14%
Brandeis University 39%
Baylor University 46%
Fairfield University 52%
Syracuse University 52%
Fordham University 54%
Webster University 55%
Yeshiva University 63%
Florida International University 64%
Texas Tech University 67%

Yeshiva University 7 to 1
Brandeis University 10 to 1
Boston University 11 to 1
Roosevelt University 11 to 1
Webster University 12 to 1
Fairfield University 12 to 1
Golden Gate University 13 to 1
Fordham University 14 to 1
Seton Hall University 14 to 1
Syracuse University 15 to 1

Florida International University $4,721
Wichita State University $6,848
University of Nebraska–Lincoln $7,770
University of North Texas $8,295
Texas Tech University $8,935
University of Mississippi $9,072
University of Cincinnati $10,656
Golden Gate University $11,088
University of Alabama $11,100
University of Arizona $11,210

Wichita State University $5,544
University of Nebraska–Lincoln $6,138
University of North Texas $6,350
Texas Tech University $6,956
University of Mississippi $9,072
Florida International University $9,119
University of Alabama $11,100
University of Arizona $12,348
Webster University $12,600
University of Cincinnati $13,224

Table of Contents

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Marketing and Advertising Degrees

Why get a master’s in marketing and advertising?

As consumer trends change and social media plays a more prevalent role in business, so does the need for marketing professionals who have an up-to-date understanding of the field. Earning a master’s degree in marketing and advertising is a great way to advance one’s career while also taking a closer look into the marketing strategies, principles, and theories that make for successful practices.

How long does it take to get a master’s in marketing and advertising?

Students can typically complete this two-year, 30- to 45-credit degree either online or in person.

What topics do courses focus on while getting a master’s in marketing and advertising?

Courses cover topics such as branding, market research, and business statistics. Students are typically also required to complete a thesis or final project.

What can you do with a master’s in marketing and advertising?

Graduates will qualify for leadership roles as marketing managers, promotions managers, chief executives, and sales engineers.

Learn more about what you can do with a master’s in marketing.

How do we determine the best online marketing and advertising master's degree programs?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

Best Online Master’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs

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

Career	Job Growth	Avg. Salary
Marketing Managers	6.61%	$121,728
Sales Managers	4.06%	$117,002
Advertising and Promotions Managers	1.62%	$110,533
Fundraising Managers	5.04%	$103,968
Business Teachers, Postsecondary	7.01%	$86,765
Web and Digital Interface Designers	15.18%	$71,800
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists	13.43%	$61,603
Survey Researchers	-4.55%	$60,589
Fundraisers	5.24%	$57,772

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%	Median	Top 10%
$52,480	$91,488	$155,413

Promising Job Markets

State	Cost of Living	Avg. Salary
#2 New York	5% higher than average	$124,962
#3 Michigan	15% higher than average	$94,978
#4 Georgia	13% higher than average	$94,639
#5 New Jersey	13% higher than average	$122,883
#6 Virginia	5% higher than average	$102,618
#7 Minnesota	4% higher than average	$102,057
#8 Missouri	16% higher than average	$87,759
#9 North Carolina	11% higher than average	$91,869
#10 Texas	10% higher than average	$92,363
#11 Colorado	3% higher than average	$105,681
#12 Wisconsin	7% higher than average	$95,261
#13 Utah	4% higher than average	$97,909
#14 Tennessee	14% higher than average	$87,322
#15 Ohio	14% higher than average	$87,406
#16 Delaware	2% higher than average	$103,156
#17 Washington	7% higher than average	$105,396
#18 Illinois	7% higher than average	$91,244
#19 Arkansas	16% higher than average	$82,373
#20 Alabama	13% higher than average	$82,269
#21 Kentucky	14% higher than average	$81,156
#22 Rhode Island	20% higher than average	$113,045
#23 Indiana	11% higher than average	$83,978
#24 Florida	6% higher than average	$88,645
#25 Pennsylvania	5% higher than average	$88,784
#26 Iowa	9% higher than average	$84,048
#27 Kansas	9% higher than average	$83,689
#28 California	26% higher than average	$114,522
#29 Oklahoma	13% higher than average	$77,794
#30 South Dakota	7% higher than average	$82,749
#31 Arizona	5% higher than average	$84,726
#32 New Hampshire	13% higher than average	$99,909
#33 Massachusetts	24% higher than average	$109,753
#34 Montana	3% higher than average	$84,808
#35 Oregon	11% higher than average	$96,174
#36 New Mexico	7% higher than average	$80,846
#37 South Carolina	8% higher than average	$79,261
#38 Vermont	13% higher than average	$96,995
#39 Connecticut	18% higher than average	$100,394
#40 North Dakota	average	$84,526
#41 Maryland	18% higher than average	$98,739
#42 Louisiana	9% higher than average	$75,569
#43 Nebraska	6% higher than average	$76,812
#44 District of Columbia	49% higher than average	$121,422
#45 Mississippi	18% higher than average	$66,716
#46 West Virginia	11% higher than average	$70,724
#47 Idaho	7% higher than average	$73,113
#48 Maine	9% higher than average	$85,510
#49 Nevada	5% higher than average	$80,991
#50 Wyoming	2% higher than average	$67,817
#51 Alaska	23% higher than average	$83,533
#52 Hawaii	40% higher than average	$79,561

Top Industries

Industry	Avg. Salary
Marketing Managers	$121,728
Sales Managers	$117,002
Advertising and Promotions Managers	$110,533
Fundraising Managers	$103,968
Business Teachers, Postsecondary	$86,765
Web and Digital Interface Designers	$71,800
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists	$61,603
Survey Researchers	$60,589
Fundraisers	$57,772

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.

Student Submitted Questions on Best Online Master’s in Marketing and Advertising

Peter asks, “What specific career services are provided to students in an online master’s in marketing and advertising program?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: This will vary based on the specific institution but universities want to make sure their students are set up for success and able to find a job in a field they are passionate about upon graduate. Career counseling, resume and cover letter assistance, networking opportunities, job search resources, and alumni mentorship programs are all typical resources for students looking for employment. Internships and professional development workshops are also great ways for students to make connections and grow in the skills they will need after graduation.

Aaron asks, “What are the specific marketing and advertising theories and models covered in the curriculum of these programs?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: Every institution will have different theories and models that they stick to, but several core concepts are taught in most of the universities in the US. Consumer Behavior Models, the 4P’s of Marketing, STP Marketing Model, Brand Equity Models, and Digital Marketing Models are some of the most common areas covered. Check out the courses offered in the program to see what will specifically be covered.

Mckinley asks, “What is the average salary increase or ROI for graduates of an online master’s in marketing after completing their degree?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: This will depend on a variety of factors such as the specific institution you go to, geographic location of employment, what specific industry you’ll work in, and prior work experience. Generally speaking, many graduates of a master’s in marketing degree can expect a 20% to 50% increase in salary according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you want to get a more accurate measure, I would suggest looking at the starting and projected salaries of students from the particular program you’re interested in, taking into account how much you make now and what the cost of the program is.

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

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Best Online Master’s in Marketing and Advertising

Top 10 Online Master's in Marketing Degrees

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Marketing and Advertising Degrees

Why get a master’s in marketing and advertising?

How long does it take to get a master’s in marketing and advertising?

What topics do courses focus on while getting a master’s in marketing and advertising?

What can you do with a master’s in marketing and advertising?

Best Online Master’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Boston University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Syracuse University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of Cincinnati

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of Arizona

Online Degrees

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Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Fordham University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of Alabama

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Brandeis University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Baylor University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at DePaul University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Texas Tech University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Yeshiva University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of Mississippi

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Florida International University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of North Texas

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Roosevelt University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Fairfield University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Seton Hall University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Golden Gate University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Webster University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of Texas at Dallas

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Mercy College

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at University of Massachusetts Lowell

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Southern New Hampshire University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Concentrations

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Marketing degree at Wichita State University

Online Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for Students with Marketing Degree