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Online business programs offer a convenient path to career-boosting academic credentials. Find out whether a concentrated MBA marketing degree aligns with your goals and interests.
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Business schools offer concentrated MBA programs that combine general management training with advanced coverage of a targeted proficiency. Online MBA in marketing programs focus on the skills and strategies business professionals use to promote products and attract customers.
The Graduate Management Admission Council's (GMAC) 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey had good news for marketing-focused MBA students. The survey found that employers were most likely to hire MBA graduates with marketing, consulting, and strategic innovation specializations.
Marketing specialists also enjoy employability and job security advantages. Corporate strategy experts note that businesses continue to invest in marketing even during significant economic downturns to maintain strong brand recognition amid turbulence.
This guide explores the defining features of specialized MBA programs in marketing. It includes a ranked list of the best online MBA in marketing programs for distance learners. Compare programs, explore careers, and research admission standards and curricula to plan your educational journey toward a rewarding marketing career.
Popular Online Marketing Master's Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Marketing MBA Programs
We use trusted sources like
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
OnlineMBA.com 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.
#1 Best Online MBA in Marketing Programs
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
4 years
Online + Campus
UNC-Chapel Hill became a part of the UNC system in 1972. The campus's focus on global matters allows learners to study abroad, research new pathways, and get involved in worldwide issues.
Online MBA-Marketing Concentration
Offered by the Kenan-Flagler Business School, UNC Chapel-Hill's online MBA strengthens STEM-focused business skills, such as analytical thinking and strategic economics. Although the program offers courses online, each enrollee must complete two in-person summits with networking, leadership development, and practical skill-building experiences.
In the online MBA in marketing concentration, students learn advanced marketing theories and work with industry-leading tools. The program covers crucial topics in today's business world, like digital marketing, market research, and sales tactics.
Students can access virtual roundtable discussions, recorded lectures, collaboration tools, and weekly live classes to enhance their learning.
UNC-Chapel Hill's Affordability
UNC-Chapel Hill lets learners move at their own pace, allowing up to 36 months to complete their degrees. The program-based tuition rate remains the same regardless of a student's completion time, helping enrollees budget for their programs from the start.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
Tuition: $125,589/program
Required Credits: 62 credits
Program Length: 18-36 months
Delivery Format: Online (synchronous and asynchronous) with some in-person requirements
Admissions
Process: Each applicant must submit official transcripts, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and two essays. They also complete an interview after applying.
Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE
Cost: $150
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,019
Out-of-state
$34,198
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,552
Out-of-state
$28,278
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
25%
Students Enrolled
30,092
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Best Online MBA in Marketing Programs
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX
4 years
Online + Campus
UTRGV hosts events and activities to bring students and the community together. The university has five campuses, including a coastal studies lab for environmental and marine sciences.
Master of Business Administration-Marketing Specialization
At UTRGV, the MBA in marketing program has six start dates each year to help students begin when ready.
After completing foundational MBA courses in accounting, business research, and organizational behavior, learners move into the marketing concentration. This portion covers unique but necessary marketing perspectives, such as healthcare and social media marketing. A Hispanic marketing course also prepares degree-seekers for careers in the Rio Grande Valley.
At the end of this program, each enrollee completes a seminar spanning marketing theory in the past and present.
UTRGV's Affordability
UTRGV's accelerated online MBA in marketing lets learners complete one or two classes per seven-week block to earn their degree in as little as one year. At just $472/credit, the program's total cost falls around $17,000.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
Tuition: $472/credit
Required Credits: 36 credits
Program Length: 1 year
Delivery Format: 100% online
Admissions
Process: UTRGV requires an application, transcripts, and five short essays.
GPA: 3.0
Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE
Cost: $50
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,233
Out-of-state
$17,049
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,458
Out-of-state
$13,820
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
32,441
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online MBA in Marketing Programs
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
Located in Champaign, Illinois, U of I extends its reach globally through study abroad programs, international research, and partnerships with institutions worldwide. The university boasts one of the largest academic libraries in the world.
iMBA
The iMBA from U of I immerses students in the marketing industry through live lectures, peer engagement, and leadership and career development. For added flexibility, U of I gives learners up to five years to complete the program.
Students can choose one of four core specializations, including strategic leadership and management or managerial economics and business analysis. Marketing professionals should consider the value chain management core, which builds marketing, project management, and accounting skills. Learners can specialize further with a digital marketing focus.
The iMBA program requires students to complete three tuition-free capstones, which last 2-4 weeks.
U of I's Affordability
A low tuition rate of $320 per credit makes the total cost of this degree just over $23,000. Illinois also has a relatively low cost of living, which could make pursuing a degree affordable for Illinois residents who attend online.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: HLC, AACSB
Tuition: $320/credit
Required Credits: 72 credits
Program Length: 2-3 years
Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous)
Admissions
Process: A degree-seeker must provide transcripts from an AACSB-accredited institution, a personal statement, a resume, and two reference letters.
GPA: 3.0
Standardized Tests: Optional
Cost: $70
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,317
Out-of-state
$33,824
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,016
Out-of-state
$27,187
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
52,679
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online MBA in Marketing Programs
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD
4 years
Online + Campus
Located near Washington, D.C., UMD enhances social well-being through its dedication to research, inclusion, and cultural diversity. The university's Fearlessly Forward campaign encourages students to engage with and improve local communities.
Online Master of Business Administration-Marketing Specialization
Offered by UMD's Robert H. Smith School of Business, the online MBA in marketing brings real-life business skills and experiences to students. Learners attend weekly live classes, allowing them to connect with their peers and faculty while maintaining a flexible schedule.
The program lays the foundation for national and global business expertise by exploring operations management, corporate finance, and supply chain management. The marketing concentration adds consumer behavior, marketing analytics, and customer equity management.
Each enrollee must attend a three-day residency on campus before beginning the program. Learners complete the program with a simulation capstone that applies course topics to real-world business situations.
UMD's Affordability
UMD's assistants and fellowships help graduates pay for their programs with non-repayable stipends. Grants, scholarships, loans, and federal work-study programs can also reduce students' tuition and fees.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Public
Accreditation: MSCHE, AACSB
Tuition: $1,733/credit
Required Credits: 54 credits
Program Length: 24 months
Delivery Format: Online (synchronous and asynchronous) with some on-campus requirements
Admissions
Process: In addition to an online application, each UMD business applicant must submit official transcripts, a resume, a letter of recommendation, and an essay.
GPA: 3.0
Standardized Tests: Optional
Cost: $75
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,824
Out-of-state
$34,936
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,158
Out-of-state
$29,250
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
51%
Students Enrolled
40,709
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Online MBA in Marketing Programs
Babson College
Wellesley, MA
4 years
Online + Campus
Named after its founder, entrepreneur Roger Babson, Babson grew strong roots as a business and entrepreneurship school. The college continues this tradition with immersive experiences that develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills for business.
MBA in Marketing
Babson offers its part-time online MBA in marketing through the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business. The program includes live classes for enhanced engagement and skill development but still offers significant flexibility for scheduling.
The Babson MBA has 18 core and 27 elective credits, allowing learners to build a custom program according to their preferences and goals. Elective options include strategy for CEOs, negotiations, and corporate finance.
Students take nine marketing-focused credits in the marketing concentration, such as digital marketing, global marketing strategy, and persuasive business presentations.
Babson's Affordability
Babson allows each student to create a timeline that fits their schedule and budget. While some enrollees complete their degrees in 18 months, others may take up to four years, giving them a longer stretch for tuition payments.
Program at a Glance
School Type: Private
Accreditation: NECHE, AACSB
Tuition: $1,990/credit
Required Credits: 45 credits
Program Length: 3-4 years
Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous)
Admissions
Process: Each candidate submits their transcripts, a resume, answers to short questions, and a letter of recommendation with their application. They can also write an optional essay.
Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT
Cost: $100
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$54,144
Out-of-state
$54,144
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$89,550
Out-of-state
$89,550
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
27%
Students Enrolled
3,340
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
79%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
How We Choose Programs
At OnlineMBA.com, we rely on reputable sources to rank the best MBA programs. We use trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to find standout programs. We consider four metrics: affordability, reputation, academics, and program availability.
This list has not been updated for 2024. Visit our rankings methodology page to learn more about how we rank programs.
Why Get a Marketing MBA Degree?
Greater Earning Power
Online MBA in marketing programs can dramatically increase your earning potential. According to Payscale data from July 2024, professionals with bachelor's degrees in marketing earn about $71,000 per year. Meanwhile, marketing MBA graduates make an average base salary of $99,000 per year — that's a difference of nearly 40%.
Job Access
GMAC's 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey found that 90% of companies globally plan to hire MBA degree-holders. Thanks to these results, GMAC recognized the MBA as the single most in-demand academic credential across all industries.
Advancement Potential
An MBA can lead to high-ranking upper management and executive roles. According to the Wall Street Journal, 35% of all C-suite executives held an MBA as of 2021. The Wall Street Journal also noted that an MBA degree makes it easier for professionals to switch employers to land roles with C-suite potential.
What to Expect From an Online MBA in Marketing Program
The internet has dramatically changed the way that businesses approach marketing. Core concepts like branding and promotional strategy remain important, but new and powerful ways of connecting with consumers have also gained a strong foothold. These include data analytics, social media, and multichannel tools for attracting, serving, and retaining customers.
Online MBA in marketing programs have responded to these changes through their course content. They explore concepts like market and consumer research, product presentation and positioning, branding, and persuasion in the context of the modern customer journey.
The following sections cover degree options, delivery formats, admissions, curricula, costs, and other essentials.
Degree and Format Options
MBA programs usually comprise 30-36 credits. If you study full time, you can usually complete your degree in about two academic years.
Some online MBA in marketing programs offer more targeted specialization options. Examples include:
Also, note that an MBA is not your only advanced degree option: Many schools also offer master of arts (MA) and master of science (MS) programs in marketing. Concentrated MBA programs have a dual focus on business management and the specialization area. MA and MS programs deal exclusively with marketing.
Delivery and format options also include:
Fully online, face-to-face, and hybrid programs
Synchronous (real time) and asynchronous (recorded) classes and lectures
You can also study on a full-time or part-time schedule as required. Many schools accommodate students who need to alternate their enrollment style.
Should You Get a Marketing MBA or a General MBA?
Concentrated MBAs often appeal to aspiring business managers looking to pursue specialized interests. However, general MBA degrees also explore marketing while building versatile skill sets that may have broader transferability.
Many business students struggle with choosing between general and specialized MBAs. The following table offers a comparison of general and marketing-focused MBAs, which can help you better understand each option.
Comparing Marketing MBAs and General MBAs
Key Factor
Marketing MBA
General MBA
Program Length
Two academic years
Two academic years
Credit Requirements
30-36
30-36
Topics Studied
Advertising, Brand management and strategy, Digital marketing, Market research, Product management and sales, Public relations, Operations management, Strategic management
Accounting, Business analytics, Finance, General marketing, Human resources, Operations and information management, Strategic management
Related Career Paths
Advertising or marketing manager, Brand marketing manager, Digital marketing manager, Market researcher, Media or public relations director
Business analyst, Entrepreneur, Financial analyst, General manager, Operations manager, Project manager, Strategy consultant
Broadly speaking, a concentrated degree may be better if you aspire to work in marketing. Otherwise, a more versatile generalist program might make a better match and keep your options open.
Admission standards vary among schools, but they generally include:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited school
A strong academic record
Evidence of your commitment to the program and your ability to complete it successfully
To support your candidacy, you may need to submit the following documentation:
Academic transcripts
Multiple letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose or personal essay
If you have relevant professional experience, the school may evaluate your application more favorably. In the past, GMAT or GRE scores were required, but a growing number of business schools continue to adopt test-optional admission policies.
Business schools offer various courses in their online MBA in marketing programs. While curricular details vary among schools, most marketing MBA degrees share some common elements. These include a blend of core and elective courses, which culminate in experiences that prompt students to apply everything they have learned throughout the program.
Some of the courses you may encounter include:
Marketing Strategy and Analytics
This core course explores legacy and contemporary marketing strategies, as well as the key performance indicators used to measure their success. Students emerge with a well-rounded understanding of major approaches to marketing, product positioning, brand management, and sales techniques.
Strategic Leadership and Management
Most MBA programs include required coursework in strategic management and organizational leadership. The course develops students' understanding of strategic management frameworks, cross-functional coordination, and organizational diagnostics. Assignments build familiarity with advanced tools for navigating and managing the complexities of business management and operational strategy.
Pricing Strategy and Analytics
Often offered as an elective, this course explores the microeconomic factors marketers and product developers must consider when setting price points. It introduces and builds proficiency with analytical tools and techniques for optimizing price points that strike the right balance between consumer accessibility and business profitability.
Capstone
Online MBA in marketing programs often culminate in capstone projects, which require students to display the sum of their gained knowledge in a long-form, analytically focused academic work. Some MBA programs divide their course content into themed modules, and require students to submit mini-capstones as they complete each academic segment.
How Much Do Marketing MBA Programs Cost?
MBA programs have a reputation for being expensive. However, online programs may offer a path to significant savings.
First, consider NCES graduate tuition data for the 2021-2022 school year. This data set reveals the following national averages, broken down by institution type:
Public institutions: $12,596
Private for-profit institutions: $14,161
Private nonprofit institutions: $29,931
Many business schools apply premium rates to MBA students, so it is reasonable to expect higher averages for MBA programs as compared to these more generic figures.
Meanwhile, tuition data from the NCES Data Lab shows significant savings potential for online learners. In 2020, MBA students at schools offering fully online programs paid an average of $4,964 in tuition and required fees.
You may need help meeting your education costs, even if you choose a more affordable online program. To that end, prioritize non-repayable aid sources like scholarships, fellowships, and grants. Use federal and private loans only as a last resort, since they create costly debt.
Online MBA in marketing programs can lead to careers with strong salaries. As an example, consider the advertising, promotions, and marketing manager position profiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This highly relevant role paid a median salary of more than $156,000 per year as of May 2023.
Some of the career paths available to professionals with specialized MBA degrees in marketing include:
Marketing managers lead marketing teams and departments. They collaborate with executives to formulate, implement, and monitor the effectiveness of marketing and promotional strategies. They also commission targeted market research studies, make strategic contributions to advertising campaigns, and participate in customer acquisition and retention initiatives.
These managers hold leadership positions in sales departments or within sales teams, coordinating their activities in the context of organizational sales strategy. While many sales managers come from professional backgrounds in sales, others may have experience as marketing specialists. Larger organizations often require their middle managers to coordinate complex logistics, making management skills a valuable asset.
This C-suite position essentially marks the apex of corporate careers in marketing. The chief marketing officer, or CMO, leads organizational activities in brand development and management, consumer and product research, public relations, and marketing strategy. A CMO typically reports directly to a company's top executive, the chief executive officer.
Choosing the right MBA concentration requires careful thought and consideration of multiple factors. To navigate the selection process, take stock of school-specific elements. These include:
Prestige and reputation
Recruitment and networking opportunities
Cost and return on investment (ROI) potential
From there, compare the relative merits of the MBA concentrations available at each school under your consideration. Evaluate considerations like:
Whether a concentration offers advanced access to careers you find appealing
How well the skills taught in the program will hold up over your career
The concentration's relevance to current and future economic conditions
A full-time student can usually complete a regularly paced MBA program in about two academic years. Online MBA in marketing programs usually cover 30-36 credits or 10-12 courses across 3-4 semesters.
What is the difference between an MBA and marketing?
MBA degrees teach general strategic and operational management skills, while marketing programs focus on branding, product positioning, and sales. Concentrated MBA programs in marketing combine both. You can also pursue MA or MS degrees exclusively in marketing if you prefer to build highly targeted expertise.
Which is better: an MBA in finance or marketing?
Neither degree is inherently better than the other: The right choice depends on your personal interests and career goals. Both concentrations can lead to high-paying careers with strong growth potential.
Are marketing MBAs worth it?
Marketing MBA programs often generate a highly favorable ROI. GMAC's 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey specifically identified marketing as one of the most in-demand MBA concentrations among employers. According to the BLS, marketing managers earn a median salary well above $150,000 per year.
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