The Best Online MBA Programs in Marketing of 2023

Marketing ranks among the most popular MBA specializations at U.S. business schools. Learn about program features, curricula, and career paths with this guide.

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Online MBAs in marketing equip ambitious learners with versatile, in-demand skills that can transfer across many industries. Marketing careers also tend to pay well — as of February 2023, Payscale reports an average base salary of $98,000 per year for professionals with MBAs in marketing. In addition to high pay rates, marketing professionals appear poised to benefit from expansion in the labor market.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 19% employment growth rate for market research analysts from 2021-2031, nearly quadrupling the average for all occupations. Earning an MBA in marketing online can boost a professional's advancement potential. The BLS also predicts a rapid 10% growth rate for marketing managers, who earn a median pay of more than $133,000 per year.

This guide explains what learners can expect from online MBA programs in marketing, along with available career pathways. Explore a ranked list of the top five online MBAs in marketing for 2023.

What Is an MBA in Marketing?

The top online MBAs in marketing cultivate general business management skills, along with advanced marketing, advertising, and public relations abilities. Students learn to analyze economic trends, markets, and consumers. These professionals also guide other staff in planning and implementing compelling marketing campaigns.

Marketing MBA graduates often hold a competitive edge over bachelor's graduates when competing for high-paying careers such as marketing manager, sales manager, or public relations manager. Given the BLS' 7% projected growth rate for business positions from 2021-2031, an MBA may help to secure your future career advancement.

2023's Best Online MBA Programs in Marketing

An online MBA in marketing can open the doors to lucrative career opportunities, such as project managers, market research analysts, or sales managers. We break down five of the best MBA in marketing online programs in 2023 to help you find the right fit.

#1 The Best Online MBA Programs in Marketing of 2023

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

UNC-Chapel Hill became a part of the UNC system in 1972. The campus's focus on global matters allows learners to study abroad, research new pathways, and get involved in worldwide issues.

Online MBA-Marketing Concentration

Offered by the Kenan-Flagler Business School, UNC Chapel-Hill's online MBA strengthens STEM-focused business skills, such as analytical thinking and strategic economics. Although the program offers courses online, each enrollee must complete two in-person summits with networking, leadership development, and practical skill-building experiences. 

In the online MBA in marketing concentration, students learn advanced marketing theories and work with industry-leading tools. The program covers crucial topics in today's business world, like digital marketing, market research, and sales tactics. 

Students can access virtual roundtable discussions, recorded lectures, collaboration tools, and weekly live classes to enhance their learning.

UNC-Chapel Hill's Affordability

UNC-Chapel Hill lets learners move at their own pace, allowing up to 36 months to complete their degrees. The program-based tuition rate remains the same regardless of a student's completion time, helping enrollees budget for their programs from the start.

Program at a Glance 

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
  • Tuition: $125,589/program
  • Required Credits: 62 credits
  • Program Length: 18-36 months
  • Delivery Format: Online (synchronous and asynchronous) with some in-person requirements
  • Admissions
    • Process: Each applicant must submit official transcripts, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and two essays. They also complete an interview after applying.
    • Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE
    • Cost: $150
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,019
Out-of-state
$34,198
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,552
Out-of-state
$28,278
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
25%
Students Enrolled
30,092
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
91% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 The Best Online MBA Programs in Marketing of 2023

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

  • Edinburg, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

UTRGV hosts events and activities to bring students and the community together. The university has five campuses, including a coastal studies lab for environmental and marine sciences.

Master of Business Administration-Marketing Specialization

At UTRGV, the MBA in marketing program has six start dates each year to help students begin when ready. 

After completing foundational MBA courses in accounting, business research, and organizational behavior, learners move into the marketing concentration. This portion covers unique but necessary marketing perspectives, such as healthcare and social media marketing. A Hispanic marketing course also prepares degree-seekers for careers in the Rio Grande Valley.

At the end of this program, each enrollee completes a seminar spanning marketing theory in the past and present. 

UTRGV's Affordability

UTRGV's accelerated online MBA in marketing lets learners complete one or two classes per seven-week block to earn their degree in as little as one year. At just $472/credit, the program's total cost falls around $17,000.

Program at a Glance 

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
  • Tuition: $472/credit
  • Required Credits: 36 credits
  • Program Length: 1 year
  • Delivery Format: 100% online
  • Admissions
    • Process: UTRGV requires an application, transcripts, and five short essays.
    • GPA: 3.0
    • Standardized Tests: GMAT or GRE
    • Cost: $50
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,233
Out-of-state
$17,049
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,458
Out-of-state
$13,820
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
32,441
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 The Best Online MBA Programs in Marketing of 2023

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

  • Champaign, IL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Champaign, Illinois, U of I extends its reach globally through study abroad programs, international research, and partnerships with institutions worldwide. The university boasts one of the largest academic libraries in the world.

iMBA 

The iMBA from U of I immerses students in the marketing industry through live lectures, peer engagement, and leadership and career development. For added flexibility, U of I gives learners up to five years to complete the program.

Students can choose one of four core specializations, including strategic leadership and management or managerial economics and business analysis. Marketing professionals should consider the value chain management core, which builds marketing, project management, and accounting skills. Learners can specialize further with a digital marketing focus. 

The iMBA program requires students to complete three tuition-free capstones, which last 2-4 weeks.

U of I's Affordability

A low tuition rate of $320 per credit makes the total cost of this degree just over $23,000. Illinois also has a relatively low cost of living, which could make pursuing a degree affordable for Illinois residents who attend online.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: HLC, AACSB
  • Tuition: $320/credit
  • Required Credits: 72 credits
  • Program Length: 2-3 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous)
  • Admissions
    • Process: A degree-seeker must provide transcripts from an AACSB-accredited institution, a personal statement, a resume, and two reference letters. 
    • GPA: 3.0
    • Standardized Tests: Optional
    • Cost: $70
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$14,317
Out-of-state
$33,824
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,016
Out-of-state
$27,187
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
52,679
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 The Best Online MBA Programs in Marketing of 2023

University of Maryland-College Park

  • College Park, MD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Located near Washington, D.C., UMD enhances social well-being through its dedication to research, inclusion, and cultural diversity. The university's Fearlessly Forward campaign encourages students to engage with and improve local communities.

Online Master of Business Administration-Marketing Specialization

Offered by UMD's Robert H. Smith School of Business, the online MBA in marketing brings real-life business skills and experiences to students. Learners attend weekly live classes, allowing them to connect with their peers and faculty while maintaining a flexible schedule.

The program lays the foundation for national and global business expertise by exploring operations management, corporate finance, and supply chain management. The marketing concentration adds consumer behavior, marketing analytics, and customer equity management. 

Each enrollee must attend a three-day residency on campus before beginning the program. Learners complete the program with a simulation capstone that applies course topics to real-world business situations.

UMD's Affordability

UMD's assistants and fellowships help graduates pay for their programs with non-repayable stipends. Grants, scholarships, loans, and federal work-study programs can also reduce students' tuition and fees.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Public
  • Accreditation: MSCHE, AACSB
  • Tuition: $1,733/credit
  • Required Credits: 54 credits
  • Program Length: 24 months
  • Delivery Format: Online (synchronous and asynchronous) with some on-campus requirements
  • Admissions
    • Process: In addition to an online application, each UMD business applicant must submit official transcripts, a resume, a letter of recommendation, and an essay. 
    • GPA: 3.0
    • Standardized Tests: Optional
    • Cost: $75
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$8,824
Out-of-state
$34,936
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,158
Out-of-state
$29,250
Retention Rate
95%
Acceptance Rate
51%
Students Enrolled
40,709
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#5 The Best Online MBA Programs in Marketing of 2023

Babson College

  • Wellesley, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Named after its founder, entrepreneur Roger Babson, Babson grew strong roots as a business and entrepreneurship school. The college continues this tradition with immersive experiences that develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills for business.

MBA in Marketing

Babson offers its part-time online MBA in marketing through the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business. The program includes live classes for enhanced engagement and skill development but still offers significant flexibility for scheduling. 

The Babson MBA has 18 core and 27 elective credits, allowing learners to build a custom program according to their preferences and goals. Elective options include strategy for CEOs, negotiations, and corporate finance. 

Students take nine marketing-focused credits in the marketing concentration, such as digital marketing, global marketing strategy, and persuasive business presentations. 

Babson's Affordability

Babson allows each student to create a timeline that fits their schedule and budget. While some enrollees complete their degrees in 18 months, others may take up to four years, giving them a longer stretch for tuition payments.

Program at a Glance

  • School Type: Private
  • Accreditation: NECHE, AACSB
  • Tuition: $1,990/credit
  • Required Credits: 45 credits
  • Program Length: 3-4 years
  • Delivery Format: 100% online (synchronous)
  • Admissions
    • Process: Each candidate submits their transcripts, a resume, answers to short questions, and a letter of recommendation with their application. They can also write an optional essay.
    • Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT
    • Cost: $100
Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$54,144
Out-of-state
$54,144
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$89,550
Out-of-state
$89,550
Retention Rate
92%
Acceptance Rate
27%
Students Enrolled
3,340
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
79% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

Why Should You Get an Online MBA in Marketing?

As rigorous as their on-campus equivalents, many of the top online MBA programs feature evening or asynchronous class attendance options, which allow for more scheduling flexibility. Online tuition sometimes costs less than on-campus tuition, and online students can save on residency and commuting costs.

Online MBA programs in marketing develop the analytical and creative skills marketing professionals need to assess trends and design marketing campaigns for public, private, and government sector employers. The best online MBA in marketing programs also require capstone research projects and/or internships, which allow students to apply new knowledge and hone their marketing skills.

Professionals from other career backgrounds sometimes use top online MBA programs to transition into marketing careers. Earning an advanced degree may also help marketing professionals obtain promotions. BLS salary data suggests that marketing manager salaries typically range from about $77,680-$192,520 per year.

What Can You Do With an MBA in Marketing?

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers direct the creation and implementation of marketing campaigns. Using analytical and creative skills, these professionals conduct market analyses and influence design elements. Marketers also benefit from communications and project management proficiencies to oversee marketing staff and collaborate with design, sales, and finance teams.

The BLS reports that advertising, promotions, and marketing managers earned a $133,380 median salary in 2021, with a 10% employment growth rate for the field from 2021-2031.


Marketing Communications Director

Marketing communications directors lead marketing and communications departments. These professionals analyze market reports, generate marketing goals and strategies, and oversee staff to implement marketing and communications plans. Marketing communications directors communicate with accounting, sales, and other departments involved in marketing budgets and campaigns.

These professionals require market research skills and advanced abilities in personnel and project management. As of February 2023, Payscale reports the median salary for this career at $86,640 per year.


Marketing Events Manager

Marketing events managers design, plan, and coordinate marketing events. These professionals need strong organization and communication skills to integrate aspects of event planning, budgeting, and vendor management.

As of February 2023, Payscale reports average marketing event manager salaries at more than $62,700 per year.


Public Relations Specialist

Sometimes called media or communications specialists, PR specialists manage organizations' public image by creating media content such as press releases, speeches, and promotional programs. PR specialists may also generate materials or programs to increase public awareness of organizational missions and activities. These professionals also use social media platforms and other tools to assess and respond to public opinion.

PR specialists need advanced management, marketing, and social analysis skills. PR specialists earned a $62,800 median annual salary as of 2021. BLS projects a solid 8% employment growth rate for this career from 2021-2031.


Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts conduct the evaluations needed to create data-driven marketing campaigns. These analysts assess, analyze, and synthesize diverse data regarding customer demographics, competitors, sales trends, and market fluctuations. Market research analysts need advanced reporting and data visualization skills to communicate findings to marketing managers and executives.

These professionals earned a median annual salary of nearly $63,920 in 2021, and the BLS projects an extremely promising job growth outlook of 19% for market research analysts from 2021-2031.

Online MBA in Marketing Curriculum

Online MBA programs combine advanced marketing coursework with general business skills in management, budgeting, and communications. However, classes differ among schools, and some MBA programs concentrate more heavily on marketing than others. See below for marketing courses that often appear in online marketing MBA programs.

Data Analysis: Students in this course learn to make data-driven marketing decisions by using data analysis strategies and tools for statistical analysis and data mining.

Branding: This course focuses on communications and advertising strategies for cultivating brand name recognition and trust.

Digital Marketing and Social Media Management: This course teaches students to strategize, plan, and create engaging marketing content for online platforms. Students also learn advertising performance evaluation methods and may create and evaluate their own social media marketing campaigns.

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How to Choose the Right Online MBA in Marketing Program

Choosing the right online marketing MBA program requires careful consideration of many factors, including degree type, curriculum focus, and school and program accreditation. Marketing master's degrees come in a few varieties.

A master's in public relations emphasizes branding and communications skills-building, while a master's in marketing and communications focuses on customer service and experience improvement tools.

An online MBA in marketing cultivates more general and diverse business management and marketing skills. This skill set supports MBA graduates pursuing lucrative management roles such as marketing or sales manager.

Consider program and school quality as you choose where to apply. Respected schools usually boast regional accreditation from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation's approved agencies, and many top MBA schools also hold accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Prospective MBA students can consider practical factors such as cost, schedule constraints, program timelines, extracurricular requirements, and location. MBA price tags vary significantly — the top online MBA programs often cost more but can lead to higher-paying careers in marketing.

Some programs offer part-time attendance, which extends graduation timelines but enables you to tend to professional obligations while advancing your career. Before applying, check each program's extracurricular and on-campus requirements to ensure that your time and finances allow for any required travel.

Attending well-respected local MBA programs can increase your access to networking, mentorship, internship, and employment opportunities.

Scholarships for Marketing MBA Programs

Schools, government agencies, private companies, and professional organizations offer undergraduate and graduate scholarships based on financial need, academic merit, and identity. The scholarships described below can help eligible online marketing MBA students reduce their financial burden.

Featured Scholarships:

Forté MBA Fellowships

Who Can Apply: Forté Fellowships are valuable, high-profile awards available to both U.S. and international MBA students. Ideal candidates are high-achieving scholars from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate a commitment to advancing the standing of women in business.

Amount: Variable


Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship

Who Can Apply: This scholarship is open to first-year MBA students planning to pursue summer associate positions at the Goldman Sachs investment banking firm. Candidates should be Black, Latino/a, Indigenous American, LGBTQ+, and/or women.

Amount: $35,000 plus summer stipend


Semify Internet Marketing Scholarship

Who Can Apply: Students in programs focused on online or digital marketing are eligible. Each applicant must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.

Amount: $1,000


LAGRANT Foundation Scholarship Program

Who Can Apply: Undergraduate and graduate students of color in accredited advertising, marketing, or public relations programs are eligible for this scholarship. LAGRANT will award a total of 100 scholarships in 2023.

Amount: $3,250 for graduate students


National Black MBA Association Graduate Scholarship

Who Can Apply: Active members of the National Black MBA Association can apply for this award. Candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in full-time business programs at the graduate level.

Amount: Up to $5,000

Professional Organizations for Marketing

Marketing students and professionals can join professional organizations to explore education, networking, and leadership opportunities. These associations may offer online courses, certification programs, job boards, and annual conferences.

Members can bolster their resumes by volunteering for and leading committees, projects, and events. Some organizations also provide mentorship and discounted student memberships.

  • American Marketing Association: Since 1953, AMA has advocated for marketing professionals. This association provides professional development through training, networking events, and leadership opportunities. Other AMA benefits include access to academic journals, marketing toolkits, and discounted subscription rates on industry publications.
  • Association of National Advertisers: As the oldest U.S. advertising association, the ANA provides training, advocacy, and leadership for marketing professionals. This organization also hosts conferences and other networking events.
  • Sales and Marketing Executives International: This international nonprofit supports marketing professionals by facilitating knowledge exchange, professional certification, and networking opportunities. SMEI also offers career resources and student mentorship experiences.
  • Society for Marketing Professional Services: This association helps marketing professionals remain current through relevant career resources, events, publications, and an online marketing center.

Common Questions About Online MBAs in Marketing

Is an online MBA in marketing worth it?

Online MBAs in marketing combine the versatility of master's-level business programs with an in-demand marketing specialization. The BLS projects growth rates of up to 19% from 2021-2031 for some related career paths. In 2022, graduates of top business schools landed starting salaries of up to $175,000 per year. These figures suggest strong rates of return on educational investment.

What skills are needed for an MBA in marketing?

Candidates with bachelor's degrees in related areas (or relevant work experience), along with strong academic track records and high test scores, have strong profiles for MBA marketing programs. Among other proficiencies, MBA marketing programs develop strong data analysis, leadership, strategic thinking, and business management skills.

What type of marketing is most in demand?

Digital marketing continues to enjoy strong growth. Advertisers are eager to connect with consumers through online channels, including social media platforms on desktop and mobile devices.

Which MBA is best for marketing?

Many prestigious business schools offer MBAs in marketing online and in traditional campus-based formats. Marketing and analytical intelligence concentrations are ideal for MBA students considering careers in merchandising, advertising, public relations, promotions, and related areas.

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