Best Online MBA in Marketing 2025
A degree from a reputable MBA in Marketing program can mean more responsibility, a higher salary, and more job satisfaction. Learn about the advantages of obtaining a degree in this field.
An MBA can be useful in any field, but a marketing MBA is a different beast. Before enrolling in a marketing MBA program, you should understand what it can do for you. An MBA in marketing is about acquiring the necessary skills to succeed in marketing and thinking strategically and creatively, two essential qualities of any good marketer.
A degree from an MBA in a marketing program is a business degree that can give you the competitive edge you need to be successful in this field, and you will have the knowledge and skills to take on any marketing challenge that comes your way. You’ll develop creative and effective marketing strategies to help a company achieve its goals.
What’s New for 2025
For 2025, we’ve updated some tuition information, linked to some new sources with updated business projections, and audited our ranking of the 15 Best MBA in Marketing programs.
In this guide, you will learn the following:
- Who Should Pursue an MBA in Marketing?
- 15 Best MBA in Marketing Programs for 2024
- What do Marketing Professionals Do?
- What Skills do Marketing Professionals Need?
- Admissions Requirements for an MBA in Marketing
- The Types Of Courses You’ll Take
- MBA Marketing: Job Opportunities and Salaries
- MBA Marketing Professional Career Path
Who Should Pursue an MBA in Marketing?
Want to upgrade your career in marketing? Then an MBA in marketing is the right degree for you.
An MBA in marketing provides you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to be a successful marketer. The coursework covers various topics, such as market research, consumer behavior, advertising, and international marketing.
Working professionals with about four years of experience who want to advance their careers in marketing-related fields should consider an MBA in Marketing program. Although some applicants work in the marketing industry, this degree is also appropriate for those seeking a career change.
15 Best MBA in Marketing Programs for 2025
Knowing what you know about the marketing profession, you’ll want to look at the best MBAs in Marketing to advance your education and career. We’ve ranked 15 of the top online programs with our unique methodology, plus a callout explaining a particular reason why we picked this program. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our detailed methodology here.
1. University of Wisconsin–Whitewater
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus offers a 100% online MBA in Marketing where students can take courses full or part time. They boast a placement rate of 100% upon graduation from their program. Coursework is completed online through discussion boards and online assignments. Students will need one of the following to apply: A 3.0 undergraduate GPA, a GMAT score of at least 1100, work experience or be a veteran or current military personnel. Students in the online program receive the exact same program as those who attend on-campus.
Credits: 36 credits
Modality: Online
Cost: $678/credit
GMAT Required: No
AACSB Accredited
Why we picked this program: Their perfect placement rate shows confidence in their program and their commitment to their graduates.
2. LSU Online – Shreveport
MBA with Marketing Concentration
Louisiana State University – Shreveport campus has an online MBA with a marketing concentration that consists of 30 credits of coursework. Designed for a busy professional, the program can be finished in as few as 10 months and has a lot of start dates. The core courses are management-related, including Financial Management, Economic Analysis for Management and Organizational Behavior. The marketing concentration is filled with data-driven courses.
Credits: 30 credits
Modality: Online
Cost: $479/credit
GMAT Required: Waiver available
AACSB Accredited
Why we picked this program: We like the marketing management focus and the short program length – allowing graduates to get back to working and earning more much more quickly, plus it’s affordable, with a total program cost under $15k.
3. UMass Global
The MBA in Marketing at UMass Global is made for working professionals, with rolling start dates and flexible entry, no GMAT or GRE required and a 2.75 GPA to qualify as an applicant. The MBA curriculum includes core requirements like Data Analysis, Marketing Management and Financial Management, while the marketing concentration consists of seminars in Marketing Research, New Product Development, Advertising and Promotion, and International Marketing. The online classes are asynchronous, allowing for a lot of flexibility.
Credits: 24 core credits, 12 Marketing, 36 total
Modality: Online
Cost: $730/credit
GMAT Required: No
Accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Why we picked this program: This program’s relaxed admission provides greater accessibility to a diverse population who may not have originally planned on graduate school.
4. Stony Brook University
Stony Brook University has an on-campus MBA in Marketing where you can take most of the classes online, and a 100% online MBA that offers a concentration in Innovation which has a focus in Marketing. Students with a previous undergraduate degree in business can take the 36-credit option and students with any other bachelor’s degree will take the 48-credit option. Courses include Strategic Brand Management, Marketing and Society, Digital Marketing and Data Mining. As a member of the State University of New York system, SUNY has offered discounted tuition to out-of-state students, including online students.
Credits: 36 credits if you have a business undergraduate degree, 48 credits without
Modality: Online or on campus
Cost: $750/credit
GMAT Required: No
AACSB Accredited
Why we picked this program: We like their discounted tuition and also the curriculum focus on innovation, as that will give graduates a bigger range of opportunities once they are finished.
5. Syracuse University
MBA with Marketing Management Specialization
Another New York university, this time in update New York, Syracuse University makes our list with their MBA with Marketing Management Specialization. Students will take 36 credits for the online MBA, with marketing core classes in Strategic Brand Management, Managing New Product Development, and Marketing Analytics. Students can complete this online MBA in as few as 24 months. With this program, you do have three in-person residencies, and these are in major cities throughout the U.S. to provide students an opportunity to network and connect. The curriculum is done through live classes and interactive coursework.
Credits: 54 credits
Modality: Online
Cost: $1872/credit
GMAT Required: No
Why we picked this program: While we love that that online component allows you flexibility with work and home life, we feel like the in-person residencies really bring something unique and valuable.
6. Montclair State University
The online MBA with an emphasis in Marketing from Montclair State University has self-paced courses and interactive discussion boards so students can attend classes at their own pace. For admission, students need a bachelor’s degree, a letter of recommendation, a resume, a personal essay, and transcripts. Students will take classes in three semester terms, with 1-2 classes per semester, and can finish in about 24-26 months. Coursework for the Online MBA, Marketing contains classes found in traditional MBA programs such as Accounting and Managerial Economics, but also has other courses in the Marketing specialization like Integrated Digital Advertising Planning and Omni-Channel Retailing.
Credits: 36-39 credits
Modality: Online
Cost: $743.67/credit hour
GMAT Required: No
Why we picked this program: While not all online MBAs are self-paced, we wanted one on our list that is for our extremely busy working parents and other adults. Also, their marketing concentration contains unique courses you won’t find elsewhere.
7. Pepperdine University
Online MBA in with Marketing concentration
The online MBA with Marketing concentration wants working professionals in their MBA program, specifically, with at least two years of work experience. The program consists of 15 courses and can be completed in as few as 24 months. Their marketing concentration has a global focus, and students can attend an optional one-week global intensive to get even more collaborative learning and interactive course work with peers in the program. Pepperdine’s program does not require a GMAT or GRE, although students may submit scores for further consideration. Students must submit an application fee, transcripts, a resume and a statement of purpose for admission.
Credits: 52 credits
Modality: Online
Cost: $2,115/credit
GMAT Required: No
AACSB Accredited
Why we picked this program: When else will you get the chance to go to a school as prestigious as Pepperdine with a lower barrier to entry? We love the focus on a diverse student population, as that will most closely reflect what you’ll see in the real world. We also love the live weekly classes, because you can get the connection and networking aspect that is absent in many online programs.
8. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
One of the most expensive programs to make our list – UNC Chapel Hill defends their cost by pointing to their curriculum – marketed as the most in-depth top-ranked online MBA program. Their curriculum includes core courses in Strategy, Accounting, Finance, and Operations, and the marketing specialization has classes in Global Brand Strategy, Pricing, Sales, and other courses necessary to run marketing operations. One of the great things about the UNC program is their connection to alumni and their career support.
Credits: 62 credits
Modality: Online
Cost: $2,025.63/credit hour or $125,589.06 for the entire program
GMAT Required: Waiver available
Why we picked this program: We like the focus on operations within their curriculum and the real-life interactions with other students and graduates.
9. Washington State University
The Online MBA in Marketing from Washington State University is a fully online program that takes as few as 22 months to complete. With curriculum in International and Product marketing, and courses that allow you to interact with other students, the online MBA sets you up for future success. To apply, students should have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, letter of recommendation, a good GMAT/GRE score, personal statement, and a completed application. WSU also offers an Executive MBA that can be finished even more rapidly.
Credits: 36 credits (add 16 credits if you don’t have a degree in business)
Modality: Online
Cost: $898/credit, $788/credit for active-duty military and veterans
GMAT Required: Waiver available
Why we picked this program: WSU has been doing a lot of work on their online curriculum, and we like this lower-cost version of a graduate degree.
10. Baylor University
The Online MBA from Baylor University can be taken 100% online, with the ability to finish the program in as little as 12 months. In the Marketing concentration, students will take courses in things like Marketing Analysis, Strategic Brand Management, Strategic Marketing, and Crisis Communication Management. To apply, students will need 7-10 years of work experience, three letters of recommendation, a resume, and official transcripts. With five start dates per year, the Baylor University Online MBA offers flexibility in start dates.
Credits: 48 credits
Modality: Online and on campus
Cost: $1,068/credit hour
GMAT Required: No
Why we picked this program: The 35,000-member strong Baylor Business Alumni Network is a great feature students will have access to during and after completion of this program.
11. Bowling Green State University
Online MBA with Concentration in Marketing
The Online Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing from Bowling Green State University is offered 100% online with six start dates: Spring 1 and 2, Summer 1 and 2 and Fall 1 and 2. This online MBA has a focus on Digital Marketing and leads to certifications in both Google Ads and Google Analytics. To apply, you’ll need at least three years of work experience, three professional references, and at least a 2.75 GPA in your undergraduate degree. If your undergraduate degree is in something other than business, you’ll need to take three prerequisite courses. The BGSU program can take as little at 12 months to complete.
Credits: 30 credits
Modality: Online
Cost: $595/credit hour in-state (Ohio), $606/credit hour out-of-state
GMAT Required: GMAT Waiver
AACSB Accredited
Why we picked this program: We like the focus on Digital Marketing as most every business has a huge online component, and we like the lower work experience requirement, so students can get in the classroom earlier in their career.
12. Franklin University
Franklin University offers a 12-month, 36-credit 100% online MBA program that focuses on digital marketing. Students will take core MBA courses in things like Managerial Economics and Human Resource Management, along with Marketing specialization courses in Marketing Management and Digital Marketing Strategies. To apply, students will need at least a 2.75 GPA in their undergraduate program, and no GMAT or GRE are required. Franklin also has multiple Spring, Summer and Fall start dates, so there is a convenient time for anyone to start.
Credits: 36 credits
Modality: Online
Cost: $670/credit hour
GMAT Required: No
IACBE Accredited
Why we picked this program: We like their Flex Fit program, so students can build an MBA that fits their budget and their flexible admissions requirements.
13. Boise State
The MBA in Marketing Leadership at Boise State University is offered 100% online with six start dates per year. Students can graduate in as few as 12 months and no GMAT or GRE is required to apply. The online MBA curriculum follows a traditional format with classes like Managerial Accounting, Business Law and Ethics, Corporate Finance, and others. For the marketing leadership concentration, students will take classes like Digital Marketing Management and Strategic Product Management. Each class is seven weeks in length.
Credits: 49 credits
Modality: Online
Cost: $640/credit with scholarship
GMAT Required: No
AACSB Accredited
Why we picked this program: We like their 82% graduation rate since that shows that they are really committed to student success.
14. Indiana University
The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University offers an online MBA through their Kelley Direct program. Majoring in Marketing requires successful completion of the second block of the MBA, and 12 specific credits in marketing. To apply, you’ll need to apply to the school and the graduate program, do an interview, take optional tests and get letters of recommendation. The Kelley School of Business creates every program themselves, without using any third-party providers to design the curriculum. You also get the benefit of learning from 125 different full-time Indiana University faculty who design and teach the courses.
Credits: 54 credits
Modality: Online
Cost: $94,944.42 total program cost
GMAT Required: Optional
AACSB Accredited
Why we picked this program: Aside from being a top-ranked program consistently across other major publications, 85% of students in this program boasted of a promotion or a new job while enrolled.
15. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing
For a much cheaper option than many on this list, we’ve selected the MBA with a concentration in Marketing from Southern Oklahoma State. With multiple start dates and flexible admissions, this low-cost MBA will get you the credential you need to advance your career. As a foundational MBA program, there are only 6 credits in the marketing specialization, but this MBA basis allows for a broader knowledge base that can prepare you for a variety of career opportunities.
Credits: 30 credits
Modality: Online
Cost: $11,400 total program cost
GMAT Required: No
Why we picked this program: We like this program’s cost and overall MBA focus with a small concentration if that’s what you are looking for.
What Do Marketing Professionals Do?
Depending on their company, marketing specialists may have many responsibilities. Generally, their job is to promote and sell their products or services. It involves developing marketing plans, creating ads and other promotional materials, monitoring sales and competitors’ activities, and tracking customer feedback.
In many cases, marketing professionals also work with other departments within the company, such as product development, sales, and customer service. They may be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to support these other departments’ goals.
Here’s a comprehensive list of what marketing professionals do:
- Develops marketing plans for a product or service.
- Creates ads, brochures, and other promotional materials.
- Monitors sales and competitors’ activities.
- Tracks customer feedback.
- Develops and implements strategies to support other departments’ goals.
- Sets prices for advertising contracts.
- Examines aesthetics of websites included in marketing campaigns, layouts, designs, and blueprints for a commercial.
- Consults with clients to offer marketing advice or other services.
- Develops price strategies for goods or services promoted to a specific group of people.
- Understands target audiences. Marketing professionals need to conduct research and analyze data to know who their customers are, what they want, and how best to reach them.
- Comes up with catchy slogans, creates persuasive emails and other digital content, and writes compelling social media posts.
So, if you are an advertising manager, media planner, market research analyst, or public relations specialist, you need to be well-versed in many different marketing activities. Keep in mind that the duties of marketing professionals can vary from company to company and even from project to project.
However, the fundamental goal is always to promote and sell products or services.
What Skills Do Marketing Professionals Need?
Marketing professionals are in high demand due to the online landscape, competitive markets, and different social media and ad platforms used to advertise products and services. But what skills do marketing professionals need to be successful?
There are many skills that marketing professionals need, but some of the most important ones include:
Marketing Soft Skills
Communication
Marketing professionals need to be able to communicate with their team and with clients and customers. They need to understand what the customer wants and needs and then relay that information back to the team.
Creative Thinking
Being creative is essential in marketing. Professionals must think outside the box and generate new and innovative ideas in order to creatively demonstrate their target customer’s wants and needs.
Problem Solving
There are bound to be problems with any job that needs to be solved. Marketing professionals must be able to think quickly on their feet and come up with solutions. Because failing to do so may result in the loss of potential customers.
Time Management
Marketing is a time-consuming occupation. Professionals must manage their time effectively to complete all tasks. As a result, they must complete tasks in a timely and effective manner.
Organizational Skills
Marketing professionals need to keep track of all the different aspects of a campaign, from start to finish. It includes organizing and keeping track of files, contact lists, etc.
Interpersonal Skills
Working on a marketing team entails collaborating with team members and clients. Marketing professionals must be able to work well in groups and get along with others. This allows them to develop relationships with clients and customers. Remember that business isn’t just about making money; it’s also about building trust.
Marketing Hard Skills
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
One of the reasons why marketing professionals are in high demand is SEO. To optimize a website for search engines, one must first understand how search engine algorithms work and what factors they consider when ranking a website.
With so much online competition, it’s critical to make a company’s website visible to potential customers—something that can be accomplished by learning and implementing SEO.
Social Media Marketing
Another essential skill for marketing professionals is social media marketing. To be successful, professionals need to understand how social media works and how to use it to reach their target customers. They need to know the best times to post, what type of content is most effective, and create a social media strategy.
Content Marketing
Content marketing is becoming increasingly important as content becomes increasingly important online. Professionals must produce high-quality content that will entice customers and convert them into leads. It entails knowing how to write for various channels, such as blogs, articles, and social media posts, among others.
Email Marketing
Email marketing is still a viable method of reaching out to customers. Professionals must create effective email campaigns that capture the customer’s attention and compel them to act. They must also understand how to track the results of their campaigns to assess their success.
Technology Proficiency
Knowledge of technology is critical for businesses because it allows employees to be more productive and efficient. Employees can easily communicate and collaborate regardless of their location with the right tools. Furthermore, technology can assist businesses in automating their processes and tracking their performance. It has the potential to save time and money while also improving its operations.
The skills listed above are just a few that marketing professionals must have in order to be successful. So, if you want to work in marketing, make sure you have the necessary skills and knowledge. And if you don’t have them yet, don’t worry, you can always learn them. The best way to learn is by doing, so start applying these skills to your marketing efforts and see how you can improve.
Admissions Requirements for an MBA in Marketing
It’s common knowledge that to be successful, you must have the proper tools. An MBA in marketing is an online degree that often requires some prerequisities.
To get the most out of this program, you must meet some minimum requirements. The good news is that these admission requirements are very achievable for most people.
Some of the MBA in marketing admission requirements are:
- A four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0
- 2-5 years’ experience in marketing or business.
- Results of GMAT examinations.
To apply, you must submit a personal statement, a CV, and your undergraduate transcripts. The personal information should include an explanation of what you hope to gain from the program. Your work and educational experience should be listed on your CV. In addition, your undergraduate transcripts should demonstrate how well you performed in school.
Accepted applicants will be contacted to set up an interview, which may take place in person or via video chat, depending on the institution’s assessment of your suitability.
Sample Courses
An MBA in Marketing will provide you with several opportunities to learn about a variety of subjects that will assist you in developing the necessary skills. The program is intended to give students a solid marketing foundation as well as an understanding of business concepts that they can apply in the global marketplace.
Some of the MBA marketing courses you can expect to see are:
Consumer Behavior
This course covers how people decide what products and services they buy. You’ll learn about various psychological theories and concepts related to consumer behavior, such as perceived risks and benefits, perceived needs, and brand loyalty.
You’ll also understand segmentation, targeting, and positioning (STP), a marketing strategy used to identify and understand a target market.
Digital Marketing and Social Media Management
This course will teach you how to use digital marketing tools to reach consumers. You’ll learn about various digital marketing channels, such as search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, and email marketing.
You’ll also learn how to optimize social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for a business. In addition, you’ll learn how to measure the effectiveness of a digital marketing campaign and optimize it for better results.
Salesforce Management
It encapsulates practices of effective sales management. You’ll learn about various aspects of sales, such as territory design, quota setting, and call planning.
You’ll also understand the different selling methods, such as consultative and relationship selling. In addition, you’ll learn about the various channels through which sales are made, such as retail, e-commerce, and direct sales.
Branding Strategy
An in-depth study of branding ideas and methods is the focus of this course. You’ll learn how to create a brand strategy, including developing a brand, positioning statement, and target market.
You’ll also learn about managing a brand, including creating a style guide, developing a marketing plan, and conducting market research.
International and Multinational Marketing
In this course, you will learn about the fundamentals of successful worldwide marketing. You’ll learn about cultural differences that can affect marketing decisions.
You’ll also learn about the various stages of international marketing, such as market entry strategy, market expansion strategy, and product localization. In addition, you’ll understand how to develop a global marketing mix that considers the four Ps of marketing: product, price, promotion, and place.
An MBA in Marketing is not just for those who have worked in the industry. If you are interested in marketing and want to learn more about it, this is the program for you. The admission requirements are reasonable, and the course content is diverse and interesting. So, if you want to advance your marketing career, an MBA in marketing is the degree for you.
MBA Marketing: Job Opportunities and Salaries
Of course, your hard work needs to pay off. And with an MBA in marketing, it will.
Marketing MBA salaries range from $33,530 for a Marketing Specialist to $156,580 for a marketing manager. But that’s just the beginning. As your career progresses and you gain more experience, your potential earnings increase.
MBA marketing holders can earn up to $156,580 per year as senior Marketing Executives. And that’s not counting bonuses, commissions, and other forms of compensation.
An MBA in marketing is the perfect degree for those looking to advance their career in marketing. With this degree, you’ll learn about various aspects of the field and gain the skills you need to succeed.
Here are some job opportunities and their median salaries that you could pursue after earning an MBA in marketing:
- Marketing Manager/Median Pay: $72,161
- Social Media Manager/Median Pay: $57,126
- Product Manager/Median Pay: $70,579
- Brand Manager/Median Pay: $78,213
- Market Research Analyst/Median Pay: $60,591
However, these are national averages that may vary depending on location, company size, and other factors. However, it is a good indicator that having an MBA in Marketing can boost your career and increase your earning potential.
MBA Marketing Professional Career Path
An MBA in Marketing is a good career path for those who want to work in the advertising or marketing field. And here are some of the reasons why:
- Marketing is a vast industry. Globally, firms are expected to pass $1 Trillion in marketing spend in 2024. And it’s changing at a quick pace, leaving the potential for fresh thinking and innovative improvements. It translates into many marketing positions with opportunities for advancement and creativity.
- An MBA in marketing can help you reach high-level positions to impact significantly. For example, you could help distribute messages through a new channel or re-brand a service.
- According to Payscale, the average annual compensation for an MBA in Marketing is an impressive $104,000. With this degree, you can command a higher salary and better position to negotiate with potential employers.
- The skills you learn in an MBA in marketing program are valuable in any field, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis. So even if you decide to switch gears, the skills you acquired will be beneficial later.
So if you’re interested in a career in marketing, an MBA is a great way to achieve your goals. The skills and knowledge you gain will help you excel in this exciting and ever-changing field.
Here are several MBA marketing professional career paths you can pursue:
Marketing Director
- Responsible for developing and implementing the marketing strategy for a company or product line.
- Assembles a marketing calendar for upcoming campaigns and events; sets marketing costs and does market research and competitor analysis.
Marketing Analyst
- Conducts research and analyzes data to help make marketing decisions.
- Arrives at their conclusions after researching market conditions, rival activities, and customer behavior.
Media Managers
- Professionals in communication who plan, create and execute all forms of targeted content across a wide range of media.
- Involved in developing, implementing, and managing media campaigns and relations and advertising planning.
Product Manager
- Determines how a product or feature will help a company meet its goals and the needs of its customers.
- Encapsulates the vision for a product’s accomplishment clearly and motivates a team to make that goal a reality.
Logistics Manager
- Responsible for the movement of goods and materials from suppliers to customers.
- Works with transportation, warehousing, and freight companies to ensure that products arrive on time and within budget.
Social Media Manager
- Carries out marketing plans and campaigns on social media platforms to increase brand and product awareness for their organization’s products and services.
- Designs, creates, and publishes content across all social media channels.
- Strategizes and executes an SEO plan to increase web traffic, improve site ranking, and boost brand awareness.
- Optimizes website content, develops link-building strategies, and tracks progress with analytical tools.
These are just a few of the many MBA marketing professional career paths you can pursue. An MBA in marketing will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in any of these roles.
Discover what it takes to be a game-changer
Going out of our comfort zone is essential to our growth, whether it’s a personal or professional path. So, those seeking to push themselves and advance their careers should consider earning an MBA in marketing. With the wide range of topics, there’s no doubt that it will hone the abilities you’ll need to be successful in this industry.
So what are you waiting for? Pursue an MBA in marketing today!