Best Online MBA in Marketing Programs

Earning an MBA in Marketing online is not only flexible, but can help increase students' job prospects in a competitive field. Graduates of these programs may qualify for a variety of positions, which can not only help increase their chances of finding a job, but also give them the skills to advance to various leadership positions with their unique interdisciplinary skills. According to the University of North Carolina, the marketing field is diversifying so students must have the problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changes quickly. These skills and abilities are part of the training in these online MBA programs. An increase in salary may also be expected from earning an MBA. ''PayScale.com'' reported that those with an MBA in Marketing made a median annual salary of $101,174, as of January 2021, while those with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Marketing had a median annual salary of $61,649, as of the same time period.

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Master's in MBA Marketing?

Earning an online MBA in Marketing typically takes 1 to 2 years. There are some programs that offer an accelerated and/or full-time format that allow students to finish in as few as 12 months. Other programs may provide a part-time format or be designed to be completed at a slower pace to allow students to finish in 2 years. Depending on the program, students may also be able to transfer in some graduate-level credit to help them finish their degree a little faster.

The curriculum for online MBA programs in marketing generally consists of core business-related courses for the MBA portion of the degree and then some concentration courses in marketing. Most of these programs require between 30 and 36 credits of coursework. Depending on the program, students may have the option to earn an additional graduate certificate in marketing in order to add credentials to their resume with few additional courses. Many of these degree programs do not require a culminating experience. Explore the core and elective courses for these programs in more detail in the sections below.

MBA Marketing Foundational Courses

Depending on the program, students may take as many as 21 to 27 credits worth of core MBA courses. Some programs may require some foundational courses that do not count for credit towards the MBA program, but may be necessary for students who do not have a business background. These foundational or leveling courses may be in areas like finance, business communication, leadership, applied statistics, or financial accounting.

Core MBA courses usually provide students with a broad, but more advanced, overview of different areas of business. These courses are intended to help prepare students to become effective leaders in their organization and give them an understanding of business-related principles and methods. Students may be required to take core MBA courses in areas like:

• Accounting for managers
• Research methods
• Strategic management
• Economics
• Financial management
• Marketing management
• Data analysis
• Innovation

MBA Marketing Specialist and Elective Courses

MBA Marketing students may then take around 9 to 12 credits of specialization courses in marketing. Typically, students are able to choose these elective courses from a set list of options. These courses may help give students advanced skills in a particular area within the field of marketing. Students may want to consider their career goals when choosing some of these elective courses to find ones that will best prepare them for a future career of interest. Students may be able to choose elective courses such as:

• Brand management
• Promotions management
• Digital marketing
• Consumer behavior
• Sales management
• Data analytics
• Global brand strategy
• Marketing research

Licensure and Certification in MBA Marketing

Graduates with an MBA in Marketing can choose from a wide range of professional certifications in the field of marketing. While no certification is typically required, students may want to earn a certification to demonstrate their expertise and skills in the field. The American Marketing Association (AMA) is one organization that provides multiple marketing-related certifications. Students can choose from certifications such as the Digital Marketing Pro certification, Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) Marketing Management certification, PCM Content Marketing certification, or PCM Sales Management certification. These certifications require students to pass an exam and then maintain the certification with continuing education every 3 years.

Another organization that offers professional certification in the field is the International Institute of Marketing Professionals (IIMP). This international group offers certifications that are recognized around the globe, like the Certified Marketing Management Professional (CMMP) designation. This certification is available at the associate, manager, executive, and chartered levels.

Admissions standards and procedures vary from institution to institution, so students should be sure to investigate the specific requirements for their program of interest. However, most of these programs require applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree. Although this degree can typically be in any field, students without a business background may be required to take some leveling courses. Some programs may require applicants to meet a minimum GPA, such as a 2.5 or higher. Several online MBA programs in marketing do not require applicants to submit GRE or GMAT test scores for admission, but there are some that may require the test scores for students who have less than 5 years of work experience. Other common application materials for these programs may include official transcripts, letter(s) of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and/or resume.

There are many online MBA in Marketing programs to choose from, so finding the right fit may come down to several different criteria. Students may first want to look for accredited MBA programs. While many schools with online programs hold regional accreditation, many online MBA programs hold an additional level of accreditation that is subject-related. For example, online MBA in Marketing programs may be accredited by groups like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This means that the programs have met business-specific academic standards set by these organizations to help ensure academic quality and preparation for a career in the field.

Other factors to consider when choosing an online program may be format, cost of program, and/or other unique learning opportunities. Depending on a student's personal schedule, they may want to compare full- and part-time MBA programs to figure out which one is a better fit. The cost of a program varies from school to school, but some schools may also offer additional financial aid options that can help students afford the program. Finally, students may want to consider programs that offer additional ways to stand out to employers, such as earning a graduate certificate in the field.

There are a wide range of careers available within the field of marketing, including advanced and leadership-based positions for those with an MBA. There are even positions in marketing that combine other subject areas, such as careers in marketing psychology or more creative positions, like marketing designer jobs. Students may find marketing careers in local organizations or large organizations that reach international markets. Larger organizations may have more positions available, such as global marketing manager jobs or brand managers. The main difference between a brand manager and a marketing manager is that brand managers specialize and focus on developing and promoting a specific brand of product to consumers, instead of generating interest in the various products or services of an organization. Other job titles for MBA in Marketing graduates may include:

• Market research analysts
• Public relations manager
• Media planner
• Advertising executive
• Sales manager

Job Outlook for a Master's in MBA Marketing

Careers in marketing are generally competitive, but the job outlook for those with an MBA in Marketing may be positive due to the various careers they may qualify for. Specific job outlooks vary by position, but per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for marketing managers from 2019 to 2029 was positive growth of 7%. This equates to about 19,100 new positions within the decade. In comparison, the job outlook for other marketing-related positions may be higher or lower. For example, the BLS reported that the job outlook for market research analysts over the same time period was 18%, while the outlook for advertising and promotions managers declined by 1% from 2019 to 2029.

How to Become a Marketing Manager

Those wishing to become a marketing manager need at least a bachelor's degree, but those with a master's degree may be preferred, and such a degree could be beneficial for career advancement. Marketing managers also usually need to have some prior, related work experience to prepare for leadership and management positions. They may begin their careers in areas like marketing, promotions, advertising, or sales. It is important for these managers to have strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills, as well as some creativity for marketing projects.

As of 2019, the BLS stated that marketing managers made a median annual salary of $136,850. These managers must research the markets and competitors to try to determine the demand for a specific product or service. They may search for new markets, assist with pricing strategies, develop marketing plans, and follow market trends. Marketing managers may work in various industries, such as professional, scientific, and technical services; finance and insurance; and manufacturing.

How to Become a Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts also typically need at least a bachelor's degree, but there are some jobs that may require applicants to have a master's degree. Positions that require a master's degree may want professionals to have an MBA, master's in marketing, or a master's in other related areas, and are usually more technical positions and/or have more leadership responsibilities. Although it is not required, market research analysts may pursue professional certification from the Marketing Research Association to demonstrate their expertise. This group offers the Professional Researcher Certification (PRC), for which students must meet education and work experience requirements and pass an exam. Recertification occurs every 2 years through continuing education.

According to the BLS, market research analysts had a median annual salary of $63,790. These analysts are responsible for evaluating markets to provide organizations with information concerning the demand, market, and pricing for a product or service. This requires strong analytical skills as they interpret and predict market trends, analyze data, and present their findings in reports.

Marketing professionals should consider joining a professional organization in the field to take advantage of learning and career development opportunities. Many professional organizations provide membership and offer a wide range of resources that may help professionals connect with other professionals, find jobs, and/or expand their skills and knowledge of the field. Some of these groups may even offer professional certifications and/or scholarships. A couple examples of professional marketing groups include:

• American Marketing Association- The AMA not only provides several different professional certifications in marketing, but also has a number of webinars, virtual trainings, and conferences to help advance professionals in the field. Through the website, professionals can also explore marketing journals and news.
• Data Marketing and Analytics- The DMA works for marketing accountability and advocacy in the field. The group provides ethics guidelines for the field, conferences, webinars, and educational seminars for professionals.

Although online MBA programs in marketing do not usually require students to have a bachelor's degree in a specific field, it may be beneficial for students to enter these programs with a business-related degree to avoid any additional foundational or leveling courses. Students interested in these MBA programs and/or careers in marketing may pursue an undergraduate degree in areas like marketing, advertising, management, or sales. Students may benefit from undergraduate courses in areas such as computer science, management, economics, finance, and math.

Students wishing to continue their studies in marketing at the doctoral level have several options. Although both Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Marketing degree programs are available, DBA programs are more commonly available in an online format. Some of these online programs can be completed in as few as 3 years and students should still look for programs that are accredited by business-related organizations, like the ACBSP. Although these programs are offered online, some may still have a couple of on-campus residencies for face-to-face interaction.

Financial aid options may play a role in students' choice of online MBA Marketing programs, as paying for one's education can get expensive. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) should always be students' first step in the process, as this form notifies students of any federal and/or state loans and/or grants that they may qualify for to help cover costs. Some schools with online MBA programs may offer additional ways to cut costs, such as tuition discounts for U.S. service members and/or spouses.

Students may also decide to research and apply to various scholarship opportunities. Scholarships are available from a wide range of organizations for even more diverse reasons, including merit, financial need, interests, and more. Scholarships do not have to be repaid and may be available for online MBA Marketing students from their institutions of interest or marketing-related organizations. A couple examples of available awards include:

• AMA Diversity Leadership Scholarship- This award offered by the AMA is for African-American, Hispanic-American, or Native American AMA student leaders.
• Indiana University Merit Scholarships- Indiana University, which offers an online MBA with a major in marketing, automatically considers students for a limited number of merit-based scholarships upon admission to the program.