Online MBA in Marketing Programs

Marketing has undergone monumental changes in the last decade—from billboards to our smartphone screens, from direct mail to email, and from phone directories to search engines. But as the number of platforms to reach customers grows, their attention spans dwindle and companies struggle to get their message across.

While the Internet has made it easier for people to enter the marketing field, it has also increased the demand for professionals with specialized skills and knowledge. An MBA in marketing provides professionals with contemporary and traditional marketing know-how and skills, giving them a competitive edge in a crowded field.

These programs typically include a strong practical component that helps students keep pace with the ever-changing marketing landscape. It helps savvy marketers develop new skill sets and strengthen marketing fundamentals such as customer research, effective communication, and developing a relationship with target prospects. In a day and age where information is available in a few clicks, students in these programs learn how to best represent their brand and win consumers.

Marketing forms the backbone of any successful organization, and graduates may be eligible to work in various departments such as PR, advertising, brand management, analytics, and research. A specialized business degree in marketing also can prepare students for top-level positions such as marketing director, business development manager, and marketing manager.

This guide closely examines top online MBA in marketing programs.

Featured Marketing Programs
University of North Carolina MBA@UNC Online MBA - Marketing View Full Profile
Pepperdine University Online MBA - Marketing View Full Profile
Syracuse University Online MBA - Marketing Management View Full Profile
Southern New Hampshire University Online MBA In Marketing View Full Profile
Grand Canyon University Online MBA - Marketing View Full Profile
Purdue Global Online MBA - Marketing View Full Profile
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Featured Online MBA in Marketing Programs

1University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business SchoolView Full Profile

The online MBA@UNC with a specialization in marketing explores the evolving world of the industry across mobile technology, social media, and e-commerce. The program is mostly online other than two required in-person immersions. These immersive experiences expose students to new perspectives on today’s most pressing business challenges and strengthen their relationships with classmates and professors.

The program is broken into 62 credits of core, elective, and cross-university courses. Marketing-related elective courses include marketing: analysis and development; global brand strategy; managing modern customers and markets; pricing; services marketing; sales; and information for product and customer strategy. While students are not required to have a minimum GPA, they must have at least two years of professional experience before being accepted into the program.

Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Expected Time to Completion: 18 to 36 months
2American University, Kogod School of BusinessView Full Profile

The online MBA@American program with a focus on marketing teaches students about brand management, advertising account management, sales promotion, media planning, and market research. Students learn how to create successful marketing campaigns and take courses in brand strategy, integrated marketing communication, business intelligence, and business insights through analytics, databases, and big data.

The 48-credit program can be completed mostly online with two required in-person immersions in various locations around the country and abroad, called “Business in Capitals” immersions. At least one immersion takes place in Washington D.C. on American University’s campus.

Students must submit a GMAT test score with their application. Work experience is not required; however, it is factored into students’ admission decisions.

Location: Washington, D.C.
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Expected Time to Completion: 15 months

Purdue Global offers an online MBA program with a concentration in marketing. To apply, candidates must submit proof of a GPA of 2.5 or greater in a bachelor’s degree program. No GRE or GMAT scores are required.

Purdue Global’s 76-credit online MBA program features instruction in business perspectives; business communications; business analytics; financial accounting principles and analysis; measurement and decision-making; strategic human resource management; marketing management; economics for global decision-makers; financial management; designing, improving, and implementing processes; managing the value chain; strategic management; ethics in business and society; leadership strategies for a changing world; and an MBA capstone.

The concentration courses for marketing include advertising; marketing research; salesforce management; and consumer behavior.

Location: West Lafayette, IN
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
4Pepperdine University, Graziadio School of Business and ManagementView Full Profile

In the online MBA in marketing at Pepperdine, students learn about the concepts, techniques, and tools required for creating marketing strategies and programs. They can continue working while enrolled in the program, and graduate in as little as two years.

The 52-credit curriculum is divided into 15 courses taken over six 14-week trimesters. The core courses include behavior in organizations; integration in business operations; and prices, profit, and the market economy. Students must also complete an on-campus weekend residency as part of the personal and leadership development course. Notably, this program was ranked in the top 25 Best Online MBA Programs by U.S. News & World Report.

The marketing concentration includes courses such as global brand management; market innovation and commercialization; marketing communications and the digital age; and global business intensive.

Location: Malibu, CA
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
5Maryville University, John E. Simon School of BusinessView Full Profile

Maryville University’s accelerated one-year program is designed for recent graduates as it does not require work experience. The 39-credit curriculum can be completed entirely online. Students in the marketing concentration take eight core courses in business ethics; global business; accounting for managers; corporate financial policies; and more.

They also complete four specialization classes in consumer behavior; social networking and search engine optimization; branding; and integrated marketing communications. They learn about consumer behavior, social networking, search engine optimization, branding, and integrated communications to create high-level marketing campaigns.

Location: St. Louis, MO
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Expected Time to Completion: 14 months
6Syracuse University, Whitman School of ManagementView Full Profile

The MBA@Syracuse online program has been ranked at #11 among the top programs of its kind by Fortune Education, and one of the best programs for military veterans by The Military Times. Students can concentrate on one of six tracks, including marketing management. All students complete 54 credits: 36 core, 15 elective, and the last three residencies. Most of the coursework is online; however, students must participate in three in-person residencies throughout the program.

The core classes are in data analysis and decision-making; microeconomics; managerial finance; and the legal and ethical business environment, among others. In the marketing management specialization, students take courses in market research; strategic brand management; global marketing strategy, and marketing and the Internet.

Applicants must have at least two years of professional work experience and a minimum 3.0 GPA in previous schooling. GMAT scores are not required. All students must have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university.

Location: Syracuse, NY
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

An online MBA in digital marketing from Benedictine University provides students with a solid foundation in digital marketing, technology and research, international marketing, and developing a marketing strategy that aligns with a company’s goals. This online MBA program comprises 39 credits, with nine of them being marketing-focused. Professionals with considerable work experience need not submit GMAT scores, though a GPA of 2.75 or above is required.

This concentration-based curriculum covers topics such as advertising on several platforms, increasing web traffic that leads to improvement in sales, listening to the audience, and publishing social media content.

By the time they complete the program, students are well-equipped to develop and implement marketing strategies for organizations across various industries. They can look forward to job roles such as financial analyst, chief operating officer, and chief marketing director. Notably, Benedictine’s online MBA program with a concentration in digital marketing can also be completed in a one-year accelerated format.

Location: Lisle, IL
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 18 months
8Grand Canyon University, Colangelo College of BusinessView Full Profile

Grand Canyon University offers an online MBA in marketing enabling working professionals to develop an in-depth understanding of organizational development and strategic management. This online concentration enables students to pursue meaningful work within a wide range of sectors, including banking, hospitality, logistics, media, information technology, and healthcare. Some of the career opportunities that graduates can pursue include chief executives, sales managers, project management specialists, management analysts, and general and operations managers.

Made up of 54 credits, the program includes courses such as leadership and organizations; applied business probability and statistics; marketing management; managerial accounting; operations management; strategic management; services marketing; and international marketing.

Location: Phoenix, AZ
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Seton Hall University’s MBA curriculum is frequently evaluated by professionals in nonprofits, small businesses, and research firms. This ensures that it is updated with the ever-changing rules of modern marketing. Admission requirements include submitting GRE and GMAT scores (optional) and having a GPA of at least 3.0. The program consists of 40 credits.

The marketing concentration includes coursework in marketing research; the science of persuasion; corporate branding strategy; and digital marketing. The program teaches students how to make strategic decisions and interpret data. The program also provides students with hands-on experience with marketing software used by professionals such as SPSS for statistical analysis of data.

Along with marketing, students also build a solid foundation in business fundamentals such as corporate social responsibility, the legal environment, and quantitative analysis. This prepares them for leadership roles such as operations manager, sales and marketing manager, and financial manager.

Location: South Orange, NJ
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 to 36 months

An MBA in marketing from SNHU prepares students to tackle complex marketing challenges. To be accepted into the program, students must have a GPA of 2.75 or greater. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for admission.

The marketing concentration trains students to manage promotional campaigns, develop effective strategies, communicate with their target market, and use analytics for measuring results.

The MBA program includes core business courses such as leading people and organizations; organizational strategy in a global environment; measuring success in an organization; and optimizing brands. Courses in the concentration include promotions management; consumer behavior and marketing; and brand management.

Students graduating from this program can pursue a career in fields such as advertising and promotions, brand management, product management, public relations, and sales and marketing management.

Location: Manchester, NH
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months

The online MBA at Villanova has been recognized as one of the best MBA schools in the nation and one of the best programs for veterans by U.S. News & World Report. The 48-credit flexible schedule can be customized with one of seven specializations, including marketing.

All students complete 15 credits of foundational courses, six credits of leadership-related courses, 4.5 credits in data & analytics, emerging technologies, and innovation & entrepreneurial thinking, 7.5 credits in capstone courses, and 15 credits of electives. With a specialization in marketing, students will be able to learn how to analyze and access data in order to brand businesses in the B2B and consumer sectors, as well as develop an in-depth understanding of direct-to-market strategy.

Aspiring MBA students must submit GMAT scores and an up-to-date resume, as previous work experience and schooling are factored into the school’s decision for admission.

Location: Villanova, PA
Accreditation: Middle States Association Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

The MBA in marketing and advertising at the University of Saint Mary is a one-year online MBA program that trains students to implement winning marketing strategies. The program consists of 33 credits, including eight core courses and three marketing concentration courses. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.75 or greater.

The program covers important concepts such as market research, buyer behavior, and market plans. Courses include advertising in the 21st century; buyer behavior and marketing research; and advanced marketing strategy and planning. In addition, students gain real-world skills such as working in harmony with other department heads, collaborating with sales, and creating pricing strategies. An MBA from Saint Mary can help candidates rise to the top of their field and take up rewarding roles such as marketing analyst, brand manager, and marketing director.

Location: Leavenworth, KS
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC); International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)
Expected Time to Completion: 12 months
13Washington State University, Carson College of BusinessView Full Profile

Washington State University ranks among the top fifty “Best Online MBA Programs”, as per U.S. News and World Report. Its MBA in marketing equips students with both practical skills in the field and theoretical know-how.

Candidates are not required to submit GMAT scores, provided they have adequate work experience. They must have a GPA of 3.0 or greater. The MBA program comprises 36 credits, and those without a bachelor’s degree in business might be required to take up to 16 credits of foundational courses.

The marketing concentration focuses on international marketing management; new product marketing; and promotional marketing. Students learn how to conduct demographic assessments, develop high-level marketing concepts, and evaluate promotional strategies. They participate in discussions and activities that strengthen their learning throughout the program.

This degree opens up several opportunities for students such as marketing manager, marketing director, and business development manager. This is an ideal career path for those who wish to shape an organization’s marketing strategy and develop business relationships from the ground up.

Location: Pullman, WA
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Expected Time to Completion: 22 to 29 months

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s online MBA program has five concentrations: finance, marketing, health services, management information systems, and business analytics. The marketing concentration comprises 39 credits. While applicants need not submit GMAT scores, they must have at least three years of professional work experience. The program is completely online, and students are welcome to study on their own schedule.

This specialized marketing degree teaches students vital concepts such as market analysis and decision-making, applied market research, and healthcare marketing. Students also gain an understanding of customer value, marketing mix, and using software to analyze data. The program also includes core business courses spread over 12 credits, including accounting and finance, economics, and management. Overall, this program is ideal for professionals pursuing management-level positions in marketing.

Location: Birmingham, AL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months
15New Jersey Institute of Technology, Martin Tuchman School of Management
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New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Martin Tuchman School of Management offers an online MBA in marketing, consisting of 36 credits. The curriculum emphasizes decision-making and problem-solving skills as students learn to navigate complex business issues. The program also focuses on how technology impacts business and marketing.

Applicants with sufficient work experience can qualify for a GMAT waiver, though they must have a GPA of 3.0 or more. The marketing concentration courses focus on developing high-technology products, marketing planning and analysis, sales and distribution, and internet marketing. The program also includes core business fundamentals such as economics, finance, management accounting, and organizational behavior.

The online MBA trains students in digital marketing, data collection, report writing, communication, and market research. They learn how to oversee a company’s marketing activities, analyze market segmentation and customer relationship management, and measure campaign results. In addition, they also develop valuable budgeting and planning skills.

Location: Newark, NJ
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB International)
Expected Time to Completion: 30 months
16Tulane University, Freeman School of Business
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Tulane University’s AACSB-accredited online MBA program enables graduates to learn to think not only more critically and strategically, but also creatively. Students in this program join a collaborative environment where they work with their peers to build and develop a solid foundation of managerial and business concepts.

This 46-credit program includes 28 credits of core courses in central business areas such as accounting, business law, analytics, finance, management, and economics. To fulfill the remaining 18 required credits, students may choose to complete two of three available concentration options in marketing, business analytics, and finance. The marketing concentration includes courses such as strategic brand management; social media & online marketing; management of technology & innovation; and web analytics.

Location: New Orleans, LA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB International)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Rivier University offers an online MBA in marketing that provides students with holistic skills in problem-solving, strategic management, and leadership. This online marketing MBA also includes specialized education in sales management, strategic brand management, and digital marketing and analytics.

This online ACBSP-accredited online MBA in marketing includes 36 credits of coursework and is offered in a flexible and convenient format allowing students to complete their classes while working full-time and maintaining their commitments. Accepting up to nine transfer credits, this program includes courses such as accounting for managers; marketing and new product development; digital marketing & analytics; public relations and decision making; sales management; marketing research and analysis; and strategic brand management.

Location: Nashua, NH
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Expected Time to Completion: 24 months

Professors to Know in Online MBA in Marketing Programs

  • Daniel Ladik, MBA, PhD - Seton Hall University

    Dr. Daniel Ladik teaches marketing at Seton Hall University. His students fondly refer to him as “Dr. Dan-o”. Prior to teaching at Seton Hall, he served as a faculty member at Suffolk University in Boston in the Sawyer Business School. His expertise lies in personal selling and sales, marketing strategy, social media, and servant leadership, and much of his research work is focused on these areas too. Dr. Ladik holds a PhD in marketing from the University of South Florida in Tampa. He also has completed a BS in economics, an MA in international marketing, and an MBA degree from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

  • Rajiv Mehta, MBA, PhD - New Jersey Institute of Technology

    Dr. Rajiv Mehta is a professor of marketing in the Martin Tuchman School of Management, New Jersey Institute of Technology. He teaches courses such as global marketing, sales management, marketing channels, personal selling, and principles of marketing at the EMBA, MBA, and undergraduate levels in traditional classroom settings as well as online. Prior to joining NJIT, he was a faculty member at Loyola University, New Orleans.

    Dr. Mehta’s research has been published in acclaimed peer-reviewed journals, including the MIT Sloan Management Review, the Journal of Business Research, Industrial Marketing Management, the Journal of Personal Selling and Sales, and the European Journal of Marketing. He has also coauthored two university-level textbooks: Personal Selling: Building Customer Relationships and Partnerships (2014) and Sales Management: Building Customer Relationships and Partnerships (2009).

    Notably, Dr. Mehta received the Martin Tuchman School of Management Award for Excellence in for Innovative Teaching in 2018. Also, in 2015, Dr. Mehta received the best paper award for a manuscript entitled “Empirical Research of Inter-firm Capital Relationship in Yokokai Using IDE Spatial Model,” which was presented at ICAROB in Oita, Japan.

Farheen Gani
Farheen Gani
Writer

Farheen Gani is an expert in online MBA programs, having covered MBA programs in computer science, economics, healthcare management, and fraud and forensics, among others, since 2018. She writes about healthcare, technology, education, and marketing. Her work has appeared on websites such as Tech in Asia and Foundr, as well as top SaaS blogs such as Zapier and InVision. You can connect with her on LinkedIn and Twitter (@FarheenGani).