Why This Matters

  • THE U.S. NEEDS 18,800 MORE MARKETING PROFESSIONALS BY 2029

    With a projected 6% job growth through 2029, you’re entering a field with an in-demand degree and unlimited earning potential. An MBA in marketing ensures you stand out from the competition in this fast-growing field.

  • EARN $135,900 PER YEAR AS A MARKETING MANAGER

    The median average earnings for all occupations is around $53,000 per year. As a graduate-level marketing executive, you can expect to make at least six figures per year because the median income is above $130,000.

  • CHOOSE FROM THREE PROFESSIONAL SPECIALTIES

    Marketing managers with a master’s degree keep their specialization in marketing but have the option to branch out into promotions or advertising. Lead a team of skilled staff as you help achieve business goals.

Our Research

Our research focuses on graduate programs housed within the business colleges of various universities. An MBA in marketing provides students with advanced education in business principles, business applications, and the role of marketing within business. The graduate-level curriculum also emphasizes leadership, talent acquisition, and data analytics. Programs we reviewed include online, traditional, and blended formats.

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is the primary accrediting body for most of the programs we reviewed. The AACSB is an international accrediting body for business schools and programs. Other accrediting entities include the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Some programs have been awarded regional accreditation from entities such as the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Earning a degree from an accredited school means the quality of your education has been verified and credits are more transferable to other programs.

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.

  • 52 hours to write this article
  • 180 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 294 education programs we compared

The Top 50 MBA in Marketing Degree Programs

Best MBA in Marketing Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree

An MBA in marketing is similar to a traditional master’s in business administration but with a focus on the strategic application of marketing principles and data analytics. In addition to providing well-rounded coursework in business administration, the MBA in marketing prepares students for leadership positions in the marketing field.

As you’re researching MBA in marketing programs, pay attention to the program’s accrediting body. This may include international accreditation, such as from the AACSB, or regional accreditation from the MSCHE, NECHE, or NWCCU. Accreditation lends credibility to your education and ensures your curriculum meets established standards in marketing practice and leadership.

With faster-than-average projected job growth, marketing managers and executives are in high demand. That also means you’ll have more competition in the marketplace as others vie for the same positions. Look for programs offering coursework that prepares you for the future of marketing, such as a focus on data analytics and digital marketing.

Though not required, certifications related to the field of marketing can give you a leg up on the competition when you apply for jobs. Check out the American Marketing Association’s many certification options, which include a general Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) certification and subspecialties, such as PCM Content Marketing and PCM Sales Management.

What’s Next?

Some questions to consider when researching an MBA in marketing degree include:

  • Am I eligible for this program? To be eligible for an MBA in marketing, you must have completed your bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA. You also need a minimum score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Though it’s not always a requirement that your undergraduate degree be in business or marketing, it will enhance your chances of acceptance to an MBA in marketing program.
  • What licensing or certifications are required? There are no licensing or certification requirements associated with an MBA in marketing. However, you may choose to gain a competitive edge by voluntarily obtaining certifications in Google Analytics, Machine Learning, and Digital Marketing. You may also pursue industry-specific certifications and credentials from the American Marketing Association to boost your résumé.

When researching MBA in marketing degree programs, pay close attention to application deadlines for admission and financial aid. Contact the school’s graduate admissions and financial aid departments for requirements specific to each program. You might also find relevant information on schools’ websites.

To finance your graduate education, you must be diligent in your search for assistance by first completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. You might be able to earn additional help paying for school through student employment or graduate assistantships.