MBA Marketing
Online

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

An Online MBA in Marketing program encompasses an advanced curriculum focusing on strategic marketing management. Participants explore market analysis, consumer behavior, and digital marketing strategies. The program emphasizes leadership skills, brand management, and marketing integration with overall business strategy. Students engage in case studies, projects, and discussions, gaining practical insights into creating effective marketing campaigns. The flexibility of online learning allows professionals to balance their studies with work commitments, fostering a dynamic and interactive educational experience.

Curriculum for an Online  MBA in Marketing Program

Depending on one’s marketing emphasis, these courses vary from program to program. Students might also consider pursuing a dual degree, which allows them to pursue multiple degree programs with different focuses to combine their education and cut the time of their overall degree. However, these are some common courses offered to online MBA marketing students.

• Advertising, Audience Engagement, and Promotion
  This course helps students understand how to strategically implement advertising and sales campaigns to drive audience engagement with a product or service. Skills also include budgeting, project management, and researching target audiences and markets.
• Consumer Behavior
  This course dives into the consumer’s mind to help students understand how demographics and experience can impact conversion and interest and how marketing professionals can influence consumers and their behavior.
• Digital Marketing and Advertising
  Digital marketing is becoming more and more relevant as more brands turn to the internet, apps, social networks, and other digital platforms to strategically market their product or services. These courses are typically more hands-on, requiring students to get real-life, relevant experience with actual brands.
• Marketing Management
  This course strongly focuses on project management and strategically managing marketing campaigns, teams, or other initiatives within a company or organization. Topics may include strategically and effectively promoting, budgeting, and distributing resources.
• Market Research
  This course helps students understand how to take consumer behavior analysis and use that information to make strategic, data-backed decisions. Students may learn how to conduct questionnaires and focus groups to understand the market and consumer insights better and learn how to analyze research results and data best while also looking into secondary source data to back their findings.

Skills Gained in an Online MBA in Marketing Program

MBA in marketing graduates are encouraged to become strategic leaders in the workplace, operating with high-level skills that come with completing an online MBA program. Students can obtain these competitive skills through courses, lectures, collaboration, coursework, and professional, hands-on experience in the workplace. Some common skills students can expect to learn and refine include:

• Strategic Marketing Management: Developing and implementing effective marketing strategies aligned with business goals.
• Market Analysis: Evaluating market trends, competitor behavior, and consumer preferences.
• Brand Management: Building and maintaining a strong brand identity through strategic positioning and communication.
• Leadership: Acquiring skills to lead marketing teams and drive organizational success.
• Consumer Behavior Understanding: Analyzing and interpreting consumer motivations and decision-making processes.
• Digital Marketing: Using online channels and tools for effective marketing campaigns.
• Data Analytics: Leveraging data to make informed marketing decisions and measure campaign success.
• Communication and Presentation: Effectively conveying marketing strategies, ideas, and results to diverse stakeholders.
• Product Management: Overseeing the entire product lifecycle, from development to marketing and sales.
• Strategic Planning: Formulating long-term marketing plans aligned with organizational objectives.

Common Specializations for an Online MBA in Marketing

Many online MBA in marketing programs allow students to customize their education by choosing a specialization within the marketing branch. Below are some of the most popular MBA marketing emphases students gravitate towards.

Graduation Timeline

Completing an MBA in Marketing usually takes 18 months to two years, depending on program structures and individual pacing. Credit requirements vary, with students typically completing 36 to 54 credits. This timeline accommodates a comprehensive curriculum covering strategic marketing, consumer behavior, and leadership. The flexibility caters to working professionals balancing studies and career commitments, ensuring a well-rounded education in marketing.

Accelerated MBA in Marketing

Accelerated MBA programs offer a fast-track route to earning a Master’s in Business Administration, which is particularly beneficial for MBA in Marketing prospective students seeking swift career advancement. Aspiring students should research program structures, curriculum depth, faculty expertise, and industry relevance to make informed decisions. A comprehensive understanding of these factors ensures a tailored learning experience and maximizes the benefits of an accelerated MBA in Marketing. Here are a few examples of accelerated MBA in Marketing programs:

• Louisiana State University¹
• Southern Utah University²

Acquiring an MBA in Marketing involves obtaining a bachelor’s degree in any discipline, preferably in marketing or a related field, and may necessitate relevant work experience. Depending on the student’s educational background and chosen specialization, prerequisite courses might be necessary before commencing the master’s program. Admission requirements vary across programs and colleges, but most accredited institutions generally require the following:

• Application form and fee
• A bachelor’s or an undergraduate degree in marketing
• Official Transcripts
• Work Experience- Marketing
• GPA of 3.0 and above
• GMAT and GRE  Scores
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation

Although many MBA programs require prospective students to take the Graduate Management Admission (GMAT) test, more and more colleges and universities are moving away from standardized tests, including the GMAT. The GMAT, a four-part exam, requires intensive study and multiple test times. Some online programs, such as Northeastern University³ and Louisiana State University⁴ online MBA in marketing degrees, do not require GMAT or GRE scores.

Accredited Programs

When researching programs, it is important to ensure each one has proper accreditation, providing evidence of its offering relevant, recent, and quality education. Programmatic accreditation for MBA in marketing programs usually needs eligibility through one of the three main accrediting bodies, which also approve most business programs: 

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business⁵
•  Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs⁶
• International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education⁷

Universities can also be accredited nationally or by one of six regional accrediting agencies:

• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Read the Accreditation Guide to learn more about accreditation.

Within marketing, individuals can explore free courses to boost their industry understanding, many offering insights into professional practices. Although participants may receive certificates, it’s important to note these may not hold the same recognition as accredited courses endorsed by relevant organizations. Here are some free online marketing courses:

The cost of an online MBA in marketing can seem overwhelming initially, but it’s important to remember that many options exist to help fund the degree. Many students fund their education through scholarships and awards or other methods to help cover the cost of the graduate program. Some ways of funding an online MBA marketing degree are:

Scholarships

A scholarship is a form of funding for students to apply for in terms of merit. It is provided based on one’s educational qualification and other merits like sports, music, etc., and need not be paid back.

Grants

Organizations, including educational institutions, non-profits, and government entities, may provide grants to students. Unlike scholarships, grants are often awarded based on financial need rather than solely on merit, offering financial assistance to individuals requiring support for their education.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships offer financial support to graduate students along with valuable professional experiences. These roles usually include teaching, research, or administrative duties. Students in such positions often receive stipends, tuition waivers, or additional benefits, contributing to their academic and professional growth during their graduate studies.

Paid Internships

Paid internships provide valuable work experience while compensating participants. These opportunities offer financial support, allowing interns to apply classroom learning in real-world settings and gain industry-specific skills.

Student Loans

Student loans are financial aid that help cover educational expenses. These loans must be repaid with interest after graduation. They enable students to pursue higher education and bridge the gap in funding.

FAFSA

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s a form that U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens complete to determine their eligibility for financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and federal student loans. Completing the FAFSA is a crucial step in accessing various forms of educational financial assistance.

Read the Financial Aid Guide for more information on funding higher education.

Scholarships for Online MBA in Marketing Students

Scholarships for MBA in Marketing students offer financial support, reducing the burden of tuition fees. Prospective students should meticulously research available scholarships, considering eligibility criteria, application processes, and deadlines. Successfully securing scholarships eases financial strain, recognizes academic achievements, and promotes educational opportunities. Below are a few scholarships that are available to current and prospective graduate students who plan to focus on marketing:

PRSA Houston Scholarships¹¹

The PRSA Houston Scholarship Program grants scholarships to first-year students, sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate students pursuing a degree in public relations or related fields. Candidates must either belong to the southeast Texas Region or attend a college/university in southeast Texas.
Award/Amount: $1,000 to $3,000
Deadline: Varies

Axia Public Relations Scholarship¹²

The Axia Public Relations scholarship aids outstanding students facing financial obstacles in their journey toward careers in public relations or related fields, encompassing areas like advertising, journalism, hospitality, event management, design, human resources, and beyond.
Award/Amount: $2,000
Deadline: April, annually

Students earning an online MBA in marketing gain a competitive edge in career opportunities. Eligibility varies based on factors like job markets, company structures, and personal knowledge. Common job prospects for online MBA graduates are listed below, along with annual median salaries, job growth percentages, and career-specific duties.

Certifications and licenses are not typically mandatory for MBA in Marketing graduates, as the degree itself is highly recognized and often sufficient for pursuing careers in marketing. However, obtaining relevant certifications, such as those in digital marketing or analytics, can enhance skills and marketability, depending on specific career goals and industry requirements. Here are two certifications MBA in Marketing students can consider:

HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification¹⁷
The HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification imparts a comprehensive grasp of inbound marketing strategies, encompassing content creation, lead nurturing, social media promotion, and conversion optimization. This certification validates proficiency in drawing, engaging, and delighting customers using inbound marketing techniques, cultivating enduring customer relationships, and fostering business growth.

Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI) Certification¹⁸
A sales and marketing certification program is crafted to assess the knowledge, skills, and capabilities essential for a specific job. Successfully passing the certification exam signifies an individual’s professional competence, often serving as a requisite for employment or practice in certain professions.

Those interested in pursuing an online MBA in marketing may benefit from various professional organizations and networking platforms in this field. These resources can help students better understand marketing current events, network with other professionals in the field, and find careers. Here are some to explore:

• American Marketing Association¹⁹
  The AMA works to offer the most relevant, up-to-date information for the marketing community. Their website hosts extensive resources for students and professionals, and users can also learn about branding, consumer metrics, audience engagement, and more.
• Association of National Advertisers²⁰
  The ANA can help students and professionals connect with peers in the field, hear from global thought leaders, access training and educational material, and participate in webinars and various workshops.
• Internet Marketing Association²¹
  The IMA is an Internet marketing group that offers resources for current and aspiring marketing professionals, with members in different fields, including sales, entrepreneurship, marketing, programming, and creative development.
• Public Relations Society of America²²
  The PRSA is a leading national organization for communications professionals for professional development, advocacy, ethics, and more. They host various student chapters on college and university campuses (PRSSA) with opportunities for student involvement and membership.
• Society for Marketing Professionals²³
  SMPS comprises more than 6,000 marketing professionals, with support from around 3,500 marketing organizations and firms throughout the U.S. Active members have access to networking events, job alerts, and full access to the SMPS online marketing center.