Best Marketing Degree Programs of 2023
Clear communication and creative strategies are key to attracting consumers and maintaining existing customer relationships. Prepare for a role in the ever-evolving field of marketing with a degree in marketing.
Why This Matters
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MARKETING MANAGERS MAKE $153,440 PER YEAR
With a median hourly wage of $73.77, marketing managers make over $100,000 more than the median salary for all U.S. occupations.
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DEMAND FOR MARKETING MANAGERS IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE 10%
Job growth for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to be faster than average as companies depend on innovative campaigns to reach new consumers and increase their market share.
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CHOOSE FROM A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES
Marketing managers are employed in many different fields, including finance, insurance, manufacturing, and wholesale trade.
Our Research
This list features some of the best marketing degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list are available at accredited institutions, including The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), both reputable organizations who assess business programs for educational excellence and a commitment to quality education.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for on-campus students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of marketing degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to..
The Top 50 Marketing Degree Programs
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.