Online Master’s In Marketing

Earning an online master's degree in marketing can lead to new career opportunities. Here, we list the top programs available.

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Updated August 24, 2023

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Online Master’s In Marketing

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Are you ready to find your fit?

Marketing involves promoting a product or service by determining a price, developing campaigns, and selecting a target audience. Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers make these and related decisions. Other typical job responsibilities include performing market research studies and mentoring inexperienced staff. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these managers earn a median salary of $141,490 per year.

The BLS projects employment for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers to grow 6% from 2019-2029. Although they may enter a strong job market, aspiring marketing managers often need every advantage to impress employers. A master's in marketing demonstrates in-demand skills and may qualify graduates for a promotion or raise.

Popular Questions to Ask when Pursing a Master's in Marketing


What can I do with a marketing master's degree?

Common positions for graduates include financial manager, market research analyst, and public relations and fundraising manager. Some roles may require professional experience in addition to a marketing master's degree.

How many years is a master's degree in marketing?

A typical master's degree requires 18-24 months to complete, depending on graduation requirements. Some students finish their marketing program faster by taking additional courses each semester.

Do marketing jobs pay well?

Marketing managers earn a median salary significantly higher than the national median for all occupations. Marketing professionals working in the advertising and public relations sectors earn higher median salaries than those in the information and wholesale trade industries, according to BLS data.

Is there a demand for marketing majors?

Demand varies based on career path. The BLS projects employment for marketing managers to increase 7% from 2019-2029. However, the BLS projects opportunities in the advertising and promotions specialization to contract slightly.

AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Featured Online Programs

Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.

Why Get a Degree in Marketing?

The BLS projects a strong job market with many high-paying positions for master's in marketing graduates. The field also allows professionals to use their creativity in tasks such as designing a product's packaging. Master's students prepare for lucrative careers by selecting a specialization, such as advertising, event planning, or social media.

Online learning features multiple benefits, such as the flexibility to attend out-of-state universities without relocating. Some online marketing programs offer asynchronous curricula, which do not require degree-seekers to attend courses at specific times. Instead, learners schedule their education around work or other responsibilities.

How Much Does a Marketing Degree Cost?

The tuition rate for a master's in marketing program depends on several factors, including the type of institution. Public schools typically charge the lowest tuition rates, with discounted rates for in-state students. Private institutions usually charge higher tuition rates. Learners should also consider the cost of fees, such as technology fees for online degree-seekers.

Calculating a degree's total cost involves researching the school's tuition-reduction programs and institutional financial aid. Many universities offer tuition discounts to veterans and alumni. Students who work for one of the school's partner companies may also qualify for discounted tuition rates.

Prospective students can consider learning online to save money on education-related expenses. Online degree-seekers do not typically pay for campus services, such as housing and meal plans. Many schools waive facilities fees for online learners, and these students often save on transportation and childcare services.

Break down your current financial situation, and receive a college tuition estimate you can afford to pay.

How Much Do Marketing Majors Make?

Marketing salaries vary based on factors including geographic location. Advertising and promotions managers living in New York, New Jersey, and Colorado earn annual median salaries $20,000-$40,000 higher than the national median for these professionals. California and Ohio also feature high-paying positions. However, professionals working in these states may face a higher cost of living than graduates in other parts of the country.

An individual's industry also impacts their earning potential. Marketing managers working in the pharmaceutical, medical equipment, or cable programming industry earn median salaries exceeding $170,000 per year. Other high-paying fields include public relations and electronic component manufacturing.

Professionals can further increase their salary potential by gaining relevant experience and earning industry certifications. Additional options include completing professional development courses to hone analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Courses in Marketing

Marketing program curricula vary by school and by concentration area. Specialization options often include digital marketing, new media, marketing research, and social media marketing. However, all degree-seekers in the field gain the skills necessary to develop and manage a brand from conception to final product.

The sample curriculum below features three courses common to most marketing master's degrees. Graduation requirements vary by school, and course offerings can significantly impact students' career trajectories. Prospective degree-seekers can review a program's website or contact an academic advisor for details.

Certifications and Licensure for Marketing

Although the BLS projects strong growth for the marketing field, professionals may need more than a master's in marketing to attain a lucrative and fulfilling position. Earning a certification may qualify workers for a promotion or raise. Many employers prefer job candidates who hold industry certifications.

The Digital Marketing Institute (DMI) partners with the American Marketing Association to offer this credential. Candidates need at least 30 credits in areas including social media marketing, Google Analytics, and website optimization, and they must pass an exam. Interested professionals must join DMI before starting the certification process. Certified members receive additional marketing resources without paying a higher membership fee. Google developed this free credential to recognize marketing professionals with honed data collection, administration, and planning skills. Candidates take two study courses covering introductory and advanced analytics techniques before taking the one-hour certification exam. Candidates must score at least 80% on the exam and may retest. Marketing professionals can earn this certification to demonstrate their skills in creating effective ad campaigns and to network with other certified workers. Microsoft recommends but does not require candidates to take exam preparation courses. Microsoft offers more than two dozen prep courses in areas including shopping campaigns, Microsoft Audience Network, and universal event tracking. Candidates do not pay a certification fee.

Scholarships for Marketing

Students pursuing a master's in marketing degree can qualify for financial aid from sources including their institution and government agencies. Learners can also apply for private scholarships such as those below. Many organizations award funding to academically gifted students majoring in marketing or a related field. Each scholarship in the following list features a 2021 application deadline. Typical eligibility criteria include a satisfactory GPA and recommendation letters.


Marketing Scholarships
Scholarship Amount Who Can Apply

The Kay-Grant Group Scholarship

$1,000 Applicants for this scholarship submit a two-minute video describing their educational goals and financial need. Students attending any accredited U.S. university may qualify.

NAFA Corporate Aviation Business Scholarship

$1,000-$5,000 The National Aircraft Finance Association awards this competitive scholarship to the next generation of corporate aviation professionals. Interested students apply through their school's financial aid office.

Reputation Resolutions Scholarship

$2,000 Reputation Resolutions awards this scholarship to one undergraduate or graduate student. Applicants submit a 750- to 1,500-word essay describing their passion for entrepreneurship.

Online Master's in Marketing Programs

#1 Online Master’s In Marketing

Saint Leo University

  • Saint Leo, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Florida-based Saint Leo University educates graduate degree-seekers online and on campus. At the private institution, distance learners can earn a master's degree online. The school's graduate options include a flexible and affordable master of business administration in marketing.

Master's students begin the online program by completing core coursework to develop foundational knowledge. The MBA program also includes advanced classes and electives, which allow degree-seekers to tailor the curriculum to their interests. Faculty members provide mentorship, and students can participate in experiential learning activities.

Graduates with a master's in marketing can pursue leadership roles. Graduate students and alumni can receive professional assistance and resources from the institution's career counselors.

The institution holds accreditation, which means degree-seekers with financial need can qualify for federal grants and loans. Distance learners can apply for scholarships and fellowships to reduce the cost of earning a master's degree. At the school, 100% of graduate students fund their education through financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$23,100
Out-of-state
$23,100
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,296
Out-of-state
$7,296
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
72%
Students Enrolled
10,912
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
72% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Online Master’s In Marketing

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University educates undergraduate and graduate degree-seekers on campus and online. The private institution delivers an online master's in marketing. Ideal for working professionals, the flexible program qualifies graduates for advanced marketing positions.

Faculty advisors help master's students examine complex issues and develop a strong overall understanding of the field. The program features a rigorous curriculum that helps enrollees develop transferable skills and specialized knowledge. In addition to covering foundational marketing knowledge, the curriculum emphasizes career-specific analytical and leadership skills.

Affordable tuition rates and institutional funding make pursuing graduate studies easier for many learners. Graduate degree-seekers can explore funding options with the help of the institution's financial aid counselors. The school's affordable tuition rates make graduate studies more accessible.

Liberty University Fast Facts:

Online Master's Programs: 68

Total Online Programs: 161

Number of Online Students: 78,511

Average Per-Credit Fee: $750

Graduate Tuition In-State: $7,980

Graduate Tuition Out-of-State: $7,980

Transfer Credits Toward Degree: Yes

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,417
Out-of-state
$15,417
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,980
Out-of-state
$7,980
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
51%
Students Enrolled
85,586
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Online Master’s In Marketing

Bellevue University

  • Bellevue, NE
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Bellevue University offers an online marketing program for distance learners. Located in Nebraska, the school enrolls 505 students in its online courses. The school's online offerings include a master of science in strategic marketing. The accredited program provides a rigorous course of study valued by employers. The program's advanced training prepares graduates for marketing careers.

Learners benefit from a student-to-faculty ratio of 27-to-1, which means one-on-one attention from faculty. The program's website provides more information about support services and student organizations. Distance learners pay affordable tuition rates and receive financial aid. This helps graduate students complete a master's degree with less debt. The institution reports a graduation rate of 24% for its programs.

Bellevue University Numbers:

Total Online Enrollment: 11,008

Number of Online Master’s Programs: 24

Graduate Tuition: $10,530/year in-state; $10,530/year out-of-state

The school has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$7,176
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,530
Out-of-state
$10,530
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,637
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Online Master’s In Marketing

Colorado State University Global Campus

  • Aurora, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online

Colorado State University Global Campus is a leader in online learning, with distance programs including a master of science in marketing. Prospective students can use test scores to bolster their application. The school's advisors, IT support professionals, and other support staff help online learners earn their degree. The school's virtual classrooms let students interact with faculty and peers.

Students complete affordable degrees at the school. Grad students use financial aid such as loans and scholarships to cover tuition expenses. While completing their master's program, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to impress employers.

Colorado State University Global Campus Fast Facts:

Total Online Student Enrollment:

Online Master's Degrees: 12

Graduate School Tuition Rate: $9,000 in-state and out-of-state

Colorado State University Global Campus is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an independent accrediting agency.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,400
Out-of-state
$8,400
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,000
Out-of-state
$9,000
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
99%
Students Enrolled
12,670
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#5 Online Master’s In Marketing

Tiffin University

  • Tiffin, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Graduate degree-seekers can enroll in online and in-person programs from Tiffin University. The private institution delivers an online MBA in marketing for distance learners. Ideal for working professionals, the affordable, accessible marketing program qualifies graduates for high-level roles.

Graduate students can discuss the marketing field and plan their academic track with experienced faculty advisors. Enrollees complete a rigorous curriculum and gain field-specific training. Along with core marketing knowledge, coursework emphasizes analytical and leadership skills applicable to roles in the industry.

The school's affordable tuition rates make it easier for learners to pursue graduate degrees. Graduate students can explore funding options with the help of the institution's financial aid counselors. Learners at the school access institutional funding, which can reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Tiffin University Numbers:

Online Master's Programs: 24

Total Online Programs: 54

Number of Online Students: 1,498

Graduate Tuition In-State: $12,600

Graduate Tuition Out-of-State: $12,600

Transfer Credits Counted: No

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$25,710
Out-of-state
$25,710
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,600
Out-of-state
$12,600
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
2,926
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
51% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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