Natural storytellers with a passion for business often excel in marketing, and an MBA degree may be just what you need to enter this field. These programs are designed to equip students with the necessary skill set to thrive in this dynamic industry and can offer a pathway to lucrative career opportunities. Graduates can pursue roles such as marketing manager, brand manager, or market research analyst, with average salaries ranging from $74,680 to $156,580 annually.
As a bonus, online MBA programs give students additional flexibility to complete degree requirements on their schedule, with most graduating in 18 months to two years. The average annual cost of graduate school tuition is $12,596 at public universities and $28,017 at private universities.
We spoke with Michelle Pickett, director of Northern Illinois University’s Academic Advising Center, for her expert advice on choosing an MBA program and excelling in an online learning environment.
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The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best online MBA in Marketing degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 50 Accredited Online MBA in Marketing Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
West Texas A&M University
Intelligent Score: 98.52In-state: $5,748
Out-of-state: $7,195
In-state: $4,968
Out-of-state: $4,968
SAT: 920-1130
ACT: 18-23
$500
Online
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
37
UMass Amherst
Intelligent Score: 97.22In-state: $15,791
Out-of-state: $35,779
In-state: $14,014
Out-of-state: $14,014
SAT: 1200-1390
ACT: 27-32
$925
Online, Hybrid
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
45
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Intelligent Score: 96.98In-state: $7,770
Out-of-state: $24,900
In-state: $6,138
Out-of-state: $6,138
SAT: 1110-1320
ACT: 22-28
$675
Online
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
48
UMass Lowell
Intelligent Score: 96.1In-state: $15,791
Out-of-state: $35,779
In-state: $14,014
Out-of-state: $14,014
SAT: 1200-1390
ACT: 27-32
$655
Online, On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
42
Fayetteville State University
Intelligent Score: 95.76In-state: $2,982
Out-of-state: $14,590
In-state: $3,438
Out-of-state: $3,438
SAT: 840-1000
ACT: 16-20
Resident: $224
Non-Resident: $887
Online, Hybrid
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
36
University of Wisconsin-?Whitewater
Intelligent Score: 95.09In-state: $9,273
Out-of-state: $37,161
In-state: $10,728
Out-of-state: $10,728
SAT: 1260-1460
ACT: 27-32
$678
Online
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
36-42
University of South Dakota
Intelligent Score: 94.64In-state: $7,697
Out-of-state: $11,172
In-state: $6,062
Out-of-state: $6,062
SAT: 1000-1245
ACT: 20-25
$470
Online, On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
36-42
UT Dallas MBA
Intelligent Score: 94.46In-state: $11,448
Out-of-state: $40,032
In-state: $12,028
Out-of-state: $12,028
SAT: 1210-1470
ACT: 26-33
Resident: $914
Non-Resident: $1,622
Online, On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
53
UF Warrington School of Business
Intelligent Score: 94.33In-state: $4,477
Out-of-state: $25,694
In-state: $10,770
Out-of-state: $10,770
SAT: 1290-1460
ACT: 29-33
$1,208 - $1,500
Online, On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
32-48
North Carolina State University
Intelligent Score: 94.23In-state: $6,535
Out-of-state: $26,654
In-state: $9,095
Out-of-state: $9,095
SAT: 1230-1410
ACT: 27-32
Resident: $525
Non-Resident: $1,635
Online, On-Campus, Hybrid
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
40
Lehigh University
Intelligent Score: 93.64In-state: $54,790
Out-of-state: $54,790
In-state: $27,000
Out-of-state: $27,000
SAT: 1260-1433
ACT: 29-33
$1,295
Online, On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
36
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Intelligent Score: 92.53In-state: $7,019
Out-of-state: $34,198
In-state: $10,552
Out-of-state: $10,552
SAT: 1280-1490
ACT: 28-33
$2,025
Online, On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
62
Colorado State University
Intelligent Score: 91.88In-state: $9,426
Out-of-state: $28,147
In-state: $10,520
Out-of-state: $10,520
SAT: 1070-1280
ACT: 23-29
$998
Online, On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
42
Oklahoma State University
Intelligent Score: 91.52In-state: $5,357
Out-of-state: $20,877
In-state: $5,531
Out-of-state: $5,531
SAT: 1020-1250
ACT: 21-28
In-State: $489
Out-of-State: $530
Online, On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
33
University of Maryland
Intelligent Score: 90.98In-state: $8,824
Out-of-state: $34,936
In-state: $13,158
Out-of-state: $13,158
SAT: 1270-1480
ACT: 30-34
$1,733
Online, On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
54-56
Wichita State University
Intelligent Score: 88.67In-state: $6,843
Out-of-state: $16,208
In-state: $5,544
Out-of-state: $5,544
SAT: 1020-1250
ACT: 20-27
$456
Online, On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
36-51
City University of Seattle
Intelligent Score: 88.44In-state: $13,658
Out-of-state: $13,658
In-state: $11,812
Out-of-state: $11,812
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$735
Online, On-Campus, Hybrid
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
39-51
Louisiana State University
Intelligent Score: 87.61In-state: $8,038
Out-of-state: $8,038
In-state: $9,132
Out-of-state: $9,132
SAT: 1090-1300
ACT: 23-28
$479
Online, On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
30
How To Choose an Online MBA in Marketing Program
Choose your area of study
Many online MBA in marketing programs will allow you to select a concentration and focus your studies on a particular niche in this field. As a result, it’s essential to carefully consider your interests and career goals before deciding on which program you will attend.
“Researching the growth opportunities for a career is important,” says Pickett. “It helps individuals understand the full scope and opportunities for an area they are interested in pursuing. A helpful resource is the Bureau of Labor Statistics’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, which provides a wealth of career information, including the career outlook and educational preparation needed for different occupations.”
For example, a concentration in digital marketing will prepare you for a career in social media marketing and help you build a skillset in search engine optimization, content marketing, and data analytics. On the other hand, a concentration in market research can equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills for a career focusing on consumer behavior and market trends. Other options for areas of specialization include marketing strategy and product management. Some schools may have concentrations unique to their institution.
Research schools and programs
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your MBA in marketing program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). These programmatic accrediting organizations have particularly high standards for business education.
You’ll want to carefully review each program’s curriculum to ensure it is comprehensive, up-to-date, and aligned with your intended specialization and career goals.
It’s also essential to assess each school’s learning format. “The online experience is more individual and personalized,” Pickett says. “Students considering enrolling in an online college should ensure that they’re focused and motivated and can practice good time management and self-discipline skills, especially for self-paced programs.”
Consider flexibility, interactive components, and technological resources to narrow your scope. In general, programs that provide a robust online learning platform and support services for their virtual students can enhance your learning experience and future job prospects.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Your standardized test scores and the overall application are crucial to making a positive and lasting impression on an admissions committee. Thorough preparation is key to achieving the most significant impact.
First, familiarize yourself with the test structure for the GMAT or GRE by utilizing official study material and resources. Consider enrolling in test preparation courses or using online study guides and practice tests to enhance your skills and proficiency. This way, when it comes time to take the test, you’ve done all the necessary work to demonstrate your full potential. It’s worth noting there are online MBA programs that don’t require GMAT scores, though.
Application requirements vary by school and program. Undergraduate transcripts are usually required, and you may also need to submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement. Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
“Proper access to resources and a supportive environment are very important for student success,” says Pickett. “It’s essential for individuals pursuing online degree programs to understand their learning styles and to have access to adequate technology resources to take their classes.”
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Speak to financial aid counselors at the schools you’re interested in for the most accurate and specific information about program cost. A variety of options are available to help you finance your degree, including scholarships and grants specifically designed for graduate students pursuing business degrees. Many universities and external organizations offer these funding opportunities based on merit or need, and applying for these scholarships can significantly offset the cost of your education.
Additionally, many MBA students qualify for tuition reimbursement programs through their employers. Check with your employer to see if this is an option for you.
Another valuable resource is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing the FAFSA can help determine your eligibility for federal loans and work-study programs. While graduate students may not be eligible for specific federal grants, they can still access federal student loans with favorable terms.
What Can You Expect From An Online MBA in Marketing Degree Program?
An online MBA in marketing program will help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles and strategies you’ll need to master to meet your career goals. The topics covered in these programs typically include consumer behavior, market research, advertising, brand management, digital marketing, and promotional strategies. Some MBA programs may also cover business fundamentals like finance, operations, and strategic management.
Throughout most programs, you can expect a combination of online coursework and group projects to enhance your marketing skills and decision-making abilities. Other programs may encourage students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, such as completing internships or capstone projects. Many students prefer programs with these requirements, as they provide a unique, practical application of concepts while enhancing your resume to help you stand out on the job market.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online MBA in marketing program
- Marketing Strategy: Often considered a core requirement, this course explores the development of marketing strategies to achieve organizational goals. Students gain expertise in conducting market analysis, identifying target markets, and formulating effective marketing plans. They study market segmentation, competitive positioning, and marketing mix optimization concepts.
- Consumer Behavior: This class delves into understanding the psychological, social, and cultural factors influencing consumer decision-making. Students will examine theories and concepts related to consumer motivation, perception, attitudes, and purchasing behavior.
- Digital Marketing: As more and more marketing and advertising campaigns take place on the internet and social media, skills in digital marketing are more in demand than ever before. An essential component of most MBA in marketing programs, this course is structured to help students master various digital marketing channels, including social media, search engine optimization, content marketing, and online advertising.
- Brand Management: While some programs consider this a cornerstone of marketing and include it as a core requirement, others offer it as an elective. This class examines the strategies and techniques for building and managing strong brands. Students learn to develop brand positioning, conduct brand audits, and create brand equity.
- Marketing Analytics: This course focuses on using data analysis and metrics to optimize marketing decision-making. Students learn to collect, interpret, and analyze marketing data to gain insights into consumer behavior, evaluate marketing campaigns, and measure marketing effectiveness.
What Can You Do With an Online MBA in Marketing?
Career outlook
Students graduating with an online MBA in marketing have a broad range of career options available. Most will work in business and industry, but a significant minority may find work in the educational or government sectors. Although many marketing jobs are available for those with undergraduate degrees, an MBA opens the door to leadership positions and more lucrative posts.
Here are some possible career paths for those with an MBA in marketing:
- Advertising, promotions, or marketing manager — Plan advertising and promotional campaigns and supervise marketing staff.
- Median annual salary: $156,580
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New job openings projected: 34,000 annually
- Market research analyst — Help organizations understand consumer preferences by analyzing market data, conducting surveys and polls, and preparing reports.
- Median annual salary: $74,680
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 13%
- New job openings projected: 94,600 annually
- Top executive — Coordinate the work of an organization by establishing goals, overseeing activities, and appointing department heads and managers.
- Median annual salary: $103,840
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New job openings projected: 311,600 annually
Online MBA in Marketing Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online MBA in marketing degree program?
To apply for an online MBA in marketing degree program, research the program’s admission requirements and deadlines. While many programs have similar needs across the board, like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose, others may have additional prerequisites unique to the program or institution. Keep an eye out for any necessary supplemental essays or work experience criteria.
Additionally, many programs still require standardized test scores, like the GRE or GMAT, while others have moved to test-optional policies. Be sure to carefully review the application requirements for each school you plan on applying to so you’re well prepared to submit all relevant application materials before the deadline. Moreover, reaching out to an admissions counselor before applying can help you gain a clear understanding of the admissions process, specific requirements, and any additional materials needed.
How much does an online MBA in marketing cost?
The average cost of graduate school tuition is $20,513 per year. The most affordable MBA programs cost about $310 per credit hour. In general, private schools are more expensive than public schools, though public schools tend to charge out-of-state students a much higher tuition rate than in-state students.
How long does it take to earn an online MBA in marketing degree?
Due to factors such as enrollment status, program structure, and pace of study, completion time can vary. Typically, full-time students can earn their degree in about 18 months to two years, while part-time students may take longer, around two to three years. Online degrees often offer flexibility, allowing students to learn independently and at their own pace, which can expedite or extend the completion time. The total number of required credits also affects program length, with some institutions requiring just 36 credits to graduate and others requiring up to 54.
Is an online MBA in marketing worth it?
An MBA in marketing equips graduates with skills and knowledge that allow them to pursue high-level, lucrative positions in the business world. Marketing is crucial in driving success for nearly every for-profit and nonprofit organization. An MBA in marketing offers a comprehensive understanding of marketing strategies, consumer behavior, market analysis, and, increasingly, digital marketing.
In addition, the need for marketing professionals is increasing across the board, and a broad range of jobs will be available in the field over the coming decade. These positions can be fulfilling and engaging and often pay well.
Earning your degree online offers flexibility and convenience that isn’t found in on-campus programs and is an excellent choice for adult learners who may have work or family commitments. Online programs feature the same curriculum and resources as their on-campus counterparts and are seen positively by employers and hiring managers.