Online Master’s in Marketing Programs in 2024

Interested in a career as a Chief Marketing Officer, top sales executive, or manager of advertising and promotions? Then a master's degree in marketing might be the right choice for you. This advanced degree teaches students the ins and outs of sales and marketing, from consumer behaviors and research to advertising principles, marketing strategy, and business management. Some programs are offered as part of a broader Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, while others are offered as a standalone Master of Arts or Master of Science in Marketing program.

A master's degree in marketing can lead to careers such as:

• Chief Marketing Officer
• Sales & Marketing Manager
• Director of Advertising & Promotions
• Consumer Research Manager
• Sales Manager
• Social Media and Online Marketing Manager
• Public Relations Manager

Once you've decided to take the next step in pursuing a master's-level degree in marketing, you must find the right school and program to fit your career aspirations. Online degree options can make it even easier to pursue a degree while continuing to work or fulfill family obligations, putting your marketing career goals within reach.

Choosing an Online Master's in Marketing Program

With a large number of online master's in marketing programs across the country to choose from, selecting the right program can be a daunting task. However, the decision becomes much simpler if you keep a few key factors in mind when considering a school: program accreditation, cost, program length, and focus area and/or course load. Here's what to look for when considering an online masters in marketing program.

Accreditation

It is important to select a program that has achieved program accreditation by a legitimate accrediting organization. Accreditation means the program has been evaluated according to rigorous academic standards and met or exceeded these standards, so you can be assured of that program's high quality. The primary accrediting organization for master's in marketing programs is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Other regional accrediting bodies include the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Higher Learning Commission.

Program Cost

There are a number of factors that can impact the total cost of a master's in marketing program, including the size and type of school, geographic location, a student's residency status, and the program length. When considering the total cost of a program, make sure to include mandatory school fees, books, and other program materials in addition to the tuition price.

While online programs may be more affordable than their traditional on-campus counterparts, this is not always the case. As an example of program costs, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers an online Master of Business Administration in Marketing program that costs $1,728 per credit hour for the 2017-2018 academic year. This cost includes student fees, simulations, assessments, technology platform licensing and support, global immersions, and some academic materials. Textbooks, as well as transportation to and from two global immersions, are not included in this price.

Program Length

The average master's in marketing program generally takes 2-3 years to complete, although some students may choose an accelerated program that allows them to graduate in 12 to 18 months. Factors that may impact a program's length include whether students enroll on a full- or part-time basis and if any on-campus classroom time is required and when. A key benefit to online programs versus on-campus programs is that many online programs admit students on a rolling basis, so students can begin their studies in the fall, spring, or even summer semesters.

Admissions Requirements

In order to gain admission to a master's in marketing program, students should keep in mind the following admissions requirements:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree, ideally in marketing, business, communication, or a related field
• GPA of 3.0 or above in their undergraduate coursework
• Transcripts from all undergraduate colleges attended
• Letters of recommendation and/or a personal statement
• Scores from applicable graduate school tests, such as the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

In many cases, master's in marketing programs require applicants to have completed at least two years of relevant work experience in business, marketing, or communications. In addition to the requirements listed above, prospective students may also need to submit a resume detailing their relevant work experience.

Classes and Courses

Coursework for a master's in marketing program may include the following topics, which are part of Texas A&M University in Commerce's online Master of Science in Marketing program:

• Finance for Decision Makers
• Applied Marketing Research
• Product Innovation and Supply Chains
• Interactive and Digital Marketing
• Marketing Strategy & Decision Making
• Consumer Relationship Marketing
• Consumer & Buyer Behavior
• Integrated Marketing Communications & Promotions

Advantages of Online Master’s in Marketing Programs

An online master's in marketing is ideal for students who have full- or part-time jobs, family commitments, or other obligations that restrict their availability to pursue a master's degree. Online coursework allows students to study and complete required classes on their own schedule, from home, or wherever is convenient. In addition to the flexibility, online programs are often more cost-effective options than traditional on-campus programs, as students do not need to factor commute costs into the total price tag. Online programs also allow students to choose from a larger number of schools than what is geographically near their homes, opening up a range of options to those who live in rural or remote settings. Some folks may want to consider the business side of marketing. Learn more about an online MBA in Marketing.

Colleges That Offer Accredited Online Master’s in Marketing Programs in 2024

Select Your State: Select StateMassachusettsMichiganNebraskaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew YorkPennsylvaniaVirginia

Massachusetts

Michigan

Nebraska

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New York

Pennsylvania

Virginia