Do you pay close attention to fonts on advertisements or consider how commercials make you want to purchase – or avoid – certain products? Marketing is a multibillion-dollar business that requires thousands of well-educated and trained professionals. Whether you wish to work for a Fortune 500 company, focus on nonprofit fundraising, or choose another industry, an online marketing MBA can help you reach your highest career goals.
By pursuing your MBA in marketing online, you can graduate more quickly without sacrificing dedication to your work or personal life, and it may be more affordable than a traditional MBA, too. Choosing to pursue an MBA is a big decision, and it’s normal to have lots of questions about the process. We’re here to answer those questions while also providing research-backed info on the best available programs, common classes, available jobs, and tuition costs. Keep reading to learn everything you need to make an informed decision on your online marketing MBA program.
B-School Spotlights: Top-Ranked Online MBA in Marketing Programs in 2023
You can find countless MBA in marketing programs online these days, making it challenging to narrow your options and determine which program best serves your needs. Whether you value accreditation, flexibility, or affordability, the three programs spotlighted below check all those boxes and more. In addition to holding AACSB accreditation, all three also provide lower-than-average tuition rates. These spotlights will give you a good idea of what you should expect from the degree program you ultimately choose. Be sure to check back later for our full rankings list of online MBA in marketing programs.
Lamar University
Operating as part of the Texas State University System, Lamar University in Beaumont offers an MBA in marketing online program that you can complete in as few as 12 months. The school features one of the most affordable tuition rates going, allowing you to earn your degree for $13,153. All told, you will complete 30 credits in both core and specialized courses in subjects like international marketing, consumer behavior, marketing research, and strategic cases in services marketing and management.
Lamar University’s business degree programs are accredited through the AACSB, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a top-rated program. It supports students from business and non-business undergraduate backgrounds, providing a set of leveling courses for those who need to get caught up. It also offers five start dates throughout the year to help you fit your studies into your already busy schedule.
Admission requirements include a completed application and a $25 fee, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, official transcripts from any schools previously attended, and evidence of sufficient undergraduate business coursework. You may receive a GMAT waiver if you meet specific requirements.
St. Bonaventure University
Located in New York State, St. Bonaventure University offers an AACSB-accredited MBA with a marketing concentration that can be completed 100% online. SBU uses a seven-week term schedule, with most students graduating in two years. However, highly-motivated students can earn their diplomas in as few as 20 months. At no point will you need to visit the campus, making this a great program choice if you need maximum flexibility.
Required business classes include organizational behavior, financial management, and accounting practices and analysis. Required marketing classes include marketing research, marketing management, and consumer behavior.
To receive admissions consideration, you’ll need to provide a completed application, updated resume, evidence of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, official transcripts, and letters of recommendation. If you possess a 3.3 GPA or a 3.0 GPA and two years of relevant work experience, you can receive a GMAT/GRE waiver.
Barry University
From its campus in Miami Shores, Florida, Barry University offers a fully online MBA in marketing that can help you reach the discipline’s highest echelons. Comprised of 36 credits, motivated students can complete all degree requirements in as few as 12 months. Like the other programs highlighted in this guide, Barry University’s degree program is accredited by the AACSB.
In addition to core business coursework, students complete specialized marketing courses in buyer motivation and behavior, global marketing, and marketing strategies. The current per-credit tuition rate is $635, meaning that you can earn your degree for a total tuition cost of $22,860. The program offers six different start dates each year: two each in the spring, summer, and fall.
If you want to apply to Barry’s online marketing MBA, plan to submit evidence of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, a professional resume, two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and official transcripts. Applicants with a previously earned master’s degree or bachelor’s degree with 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA and at least two years of professional experience can bypass the GMAT submittal requirement .
What to Expect from an MBA in Marketing Online Program
Pursuing an online MBA in marketing exposes you to cutting-edge research that informs new and innovative ways of reaching customers. In addition to building skills in data and analysis, new product management, and retailing principles, you’ll also better understand the market forces and consumer trends that can make or break your marketing plans. As you near the end of your online marketing MBA, plan to complete a culminating capstone course that allows you to apply all of the knowledge and skills you’ve gained in your degree studies in a comprehensive project.
Earning your marketing MBA online can help free up time and make it possible for you to further your education without sacrificing personal and professional commitments. Programs employ both synchronous and asynchronous course delivery methods, meaning you’ll be able to complete some coursework at times that suit you best. Other program components will require real-time interaction with your peers and professors. You will use a mix of video software, forums, chat programs, and project management software to meet all degree requirements. Below are descriptions of several courses common to most online marketing MBA curriculums.
Common Marketing MBA Online Courses
Marketing Management
Taken as a foundational course, marketing management helps you develop the necessary marketing skills and understand to apply them to benefit the company you work with. Course topics commonly explored include market segmentation and targeting, branding concepts, pricing strategies, distribution models, and promotion tactics.
Consumer Behavior
Understanding what customers and clients want and how to make them happy are among the most important responsibilities of marketing professionals. This course looks at consumer behavior basics and how to use ideas around motivation, psychological processes, and brand perception to inform marketing strategies.
Advertising Management
Advertising plays a vital role in integrated marketing communications, making it essential that you know how to deploy it successfully. This course teaches students how to develop and evaluate advertising strategies, understand what types of advertising motivate their customers, and find creative uses for the variety of advertising outlets available.
Marketing for Social Impact
Whether working for a nonprofit, government agency, or corporation, more and more organizations are looking to have their brands associated by the public to issues with positive social impact. This class provides the skills needed to identify what consumers care about, partner with like-minded groups, and highlight social impact initiatives in marketing materials.
Strategic Brand Management
When you think about brands America loves, you soon realize the marketing professionals behind them use very strategic planning to shape perceptions. This course looks at how you can cultivate brand loyalty and build a group of consumers that praise and recommend the products and/or services your company offers.
What You Can Do with an MBA in Marketing
An MBA in marketing is a versatile degree that can lead to challenging and rewarding positions with companies and organizations in all sectors of the economy. Whether you work for an environmental nonprofit and focus on fundraising or at a startup tech company that seeks to streamline payment processes, your skills will be in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that marketing manager jobs will grow by 6% between 2019 and 2029, faster than the national average for all jobs combined. Many positions also offer six-figure salaries, especially for MBA graduates. Check out some in-demand, well-paying roles open to you once you’ve earned your marketing MBA degree.
Marketing Manager
Marketing managers lead their organizations’ branding and marketing efforts, creating plans to increase interest in products and services. They work closely with graphic designers, website designers, and advertising sales agents to create the overall look and feel needed for successful marketing campaigns. They also negotiate contracts, create promotional events, and manage budgets.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$61,930 | $125,510 | $208,000 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
Art Director
Art directors are responsible for the overall look of marketing and branding materials. They oversee photo shoots, liaise with designers, and select marketing materials that best convey their organization’s image and goals. They’re additionally responsible for approving all artwork and graphics and working with other creative professionals to achieve the desired look and feel of their brand.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$53,240 | $94,220 | $188,750 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Marketing Research Analyst
Marketing research analysts spend their days studying the market and determining how to best position their clients within them. Whether working in-house or as a consultant, these professionals regularly review sales and marketing trends, collect data on marketing campaign effectiveness, and consult with others in the organization to tweak marketing strategies based on the most current information available.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$34,350 | $63,790 | $122,630 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Public Relations and Fundraising Manager
To improve their organization’s public image, these professionals create press campaigns, organize interviews, and train staff on corporate image tactics. When working in a nonprofit setting, they may also develop fundraising campaigns, court potential donors, and plan events to raise both their organization’s profile and much-needed funds.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$64,790 | $116,180 | $208,000 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Sales Manager
Using their in-depth knowledge of marketing and sales tactics, sales managers work to increase their organization’s income. They review sales statistics, work with other marketing professionals to develop campaigns, and train sales staff on effective strategies. They also manage budgets, create specialized pricing plans, and set sales quotas.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
$59,810 | $126,640 | $208,000 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Costs and Financial Aid for Online MBA Degrees in Marketing
How much you pay for your online MBA in marketing program can vary dramatically based on the school you attend and how much financial aid you secure. Public schools, in general, offer lower tuition rates than private institutions. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can help you qualify for federal student loans, grants, and work-study opportunities. Your chosen school may offer additional scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships. Financial aid doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but you need to start looking early to ensure the best chance of finding the funding resources you need.
How Much Your Online MBA in Marketing Might Cost
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
36 | $635 | $22,860 | |
30 | $438 | $13,153 | |
30 | $436 | $13,080 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Earning Your MBA in Marketing Online
What are the typical admissions requirements for online MBA marketing programs?
As with other components of online MBA in marketing programs, admission requirements depend on the individual school. Some may set more rigorous guidelines, while others look to accept a larger number of learners. You’ll need to review carefully the particular admissions requirements of every program you’re considering, but in general, you can expect some version of the followings:
- Completed application and application fee payment
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school
- Minimum GPA
- Official transcripts from all schools attended
- Letters of recommendation
- Professional resume
- Statement of purpose/goals
- GRE/GMAT scores (if waiver unavailable)
- Interview
- TOEFL/IELTS scores for international students
Are there online MBA marketing programs that don’t require the GMAT?
If taking the GMAT fills you with dread, there’s good news! More and more schools now bypass this requirement entirely or allow qualifying applicants to apply for a waiver. Most waivers require meeting a minimum GPA and/or minimum number of years of professional work experience. If you want to skip taking the GMAT, consider schools such as Maryville University, Northcentral University, and Syracuse University.
How long will it take to finish my MBA in marketing online?
The amount of time you spend earning your degree will depend on such factors as the total number of required credits, whether you enroll on a full- or part-time basis, if you have previously earned credits you can transfer into your MBA program, and if your chosen school offers year-round courses. If you can register full-time, you may be able to finish the program in as few as 12 months, as evidenced by the marketing MBA program at the University of Texas at Tyler. If part-time study is what you’re looking for, plan to spend between 18-36 months to complete your degree. Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business offers one such program.
Can I earn my MBA in marketing 100% online, or do I need to go to campus?
You can complete many online MBA in marketing programs without ever stepping foot on your school’s campus. This is especially important if you decide to attend a university far away from where you live. In-person components, if there are any, typically consist of one or more intensives lasting less than a week each. Other in-person activities may incorporate international travel to learn from marketing leaders across the globe. If traveling goes beyond your educational budget, however, rest assured that there are plenty of programs out there with no such requirements.
What’s the difference between an MBA in marketing and a master’s in marketing?
As you research available online MBA in marketing programs, you will likely notice that master’s in marketing programs are also available. The main difference between these two degree types lies in the fact that MBA programs offer a more comprehensive, well-rounded education. Besides studying marketing concepts, you’ll also touch on foundational business topics such as economics, finance, and organizational management. If you pursue a master’s in marketing, you will focus solely on marketing-related subjects.
Does a master’s in marketing sound like the better grad degree choice for you? If so, check out OMD’s complete guide to the best online master’s degrees in marketing.