Why This Matters

  • MARKETING MANAGERS MAKE $149,200 PER YEAR

    With a median hourly wage of $71.73, marketing managers make $109,390 more than the median salary for all U.S. occupations.

  • DEMAND FOR MARKETING MANAGERS IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE 6%

    Job growth for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to be faster than the national average as companies depend on innovative campaigns to reach new consumers and increase their market share.

  • 19,100 MORE MARKETING MANAGERS ARE NEEDED BY 2029

    There will be 305,400 marketing managers in the United States by the end of the decade. Demand is particularly high for marketers who have a deep understanding of the digital landscape.

Our Research

This list covers undergraduate and certificate programs in marketing that prepare students for careers as account executives, brand managers, marketing managers, and market research analysts. Degrees offered include Bachelor of Science in Marketing, Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communication, Bachelor of Arts in Marketing, and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Students can choose from online, on-campus, and hybrid learning formats.

Marketing programs that uphold high academic standards are recognized with national and regional accreditations. The schools on our list are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.

  • 70 hours to write this article
  • 181 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 264 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Marketing Degree Programs

Best Marketing Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree

When choosing an undergraduate degree program, you should also consider pursuing a bachelor’s in communication degree. Communication programs teach students how to create effective messaging and develop solutions for many types of communication challenges. Marketing deals with messaging that’s centered on advertising or the selling of goods and services. Students who hold a communications degree can pursue careers in public relations, strategic planning, and corporate communication. A marketing degree prepares students for roles in marketing or advertising. Determine which career path is right for you when choosing a degree program.

Certifications help graduates demonstrate their expertise and advanced knowledge to potential employers. Marketing is a competitive field, and students should consider obtaining certifications given by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). The Communication Management Professional certification and Strategic Communication Management Professional certification are designed for marketing and communication professionals. You should also consider additional certifications, such as the Google Analytics Individual Qualification and PCM – Digital Management Certification.

The job outlook for marketing graduates is positive, with a projected growth rate that’s faster than the national average. Demand is expected to be highest for professionals who hold additional certifications and expertise in digital and mobile marketing.

What’s Next?

When researching marketing degree programs, ask yourself these questions:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Undergraduate marketing programs are open to students from all educational backgrounds with a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs also require a minimum GPA and standardized test score.
  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? It takes four years of full-time study to obtain a bachelor’s degree. The length of certification courses varies by program. The bachelor’s programs on our list require between 64 and 128 credits to graduate.

Application requirements and deadlines are different for each program. Find details about the program to which you’re applying by visiting the school’s website or contacting the admissions department.

Pursuing higher education requires financial investment. Consider how you’ll cover the cost of your studies. There are scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities available. You might also be eligible for federal student aid. Turn in all financial aid applications on time to be considered for the maximum amount possible.