Marketing involves researching consumer preferences and using the results to create marketing campaigns. Marketing professionals often develop print advertisements, television commercials, and internet banners.

How long does it take to earn a master's in marketing?

Full-time students typically finish online master's in marketing programs in 1.5-2 years. Degree-seekers with transfer credit and learners in accelerated programs often graduate sooner.

What can I do with a master's in marketing?

Graduating from one of the best marketing master's online programs can qualify learners for management positions. Some master's programs feature specialization options such as international marketing.

What is the difference between marketing and advertising?

Advertising is a marketing subfield. Marketing professionals analyze the needs of their employer or client before planning an advertising campaign. Advertisers execute marketers' plans by creating the advertisements that consumers see and hear.

What is the difference between marketing and sales?

Sales involves contacting potential clients directly, by means such as telephone. Marketing campaigns involve passive advertisements that consumers see during the course of their daily activities.

Best Online Master’s in Marketing Degrees 2021

May 28, 2021 | CollegeChoice Staff

Are you ready to find your fit?

Every day, consumers see advertisements in newspapers, on television, and on the internet. Marketing professionals create video and image advertisements based on market research. The profession includes numerous subfields. For example, digital marketers use targeted advertisements to help companies spread messages online.

Creative individuals with strong communication, research, and interpersonal skills often succeed in the marketing field. Responsibilities vary by position, but marketing professionals all need a passion for continued learning and skills development. Graduates of online marketing master’s programs often become marketing specialists, brand managers, and promotions directors.

Recent college graduates and working professionals with a bachelor’s degree can enroll in online marketing master’s programs. Many online programs feature benefits including flexible scheduling options and discounted tuition rates.

FAQ

What is marketing?

Marketing involves researching consumer preferences and using the results to create marketing campaigns. Marketing professionals often develop print advertisements, television commercials, and internet banners.
How long does it take to earn a master's in marketing?

Full-time students typically finish online master’s in marketing programs in 1.5-2 years. Degree-seekers with transfer credit and learners in accelerated programs often graduate sooner.
What can I do with a master's in marketing?

Graduating from one of the best marketing master’s online programs can qualify learners for management positions. Some master’s programs feature specialization options such as international marketing.
What is the difference between marketing and advertising?

Advertising is a marketing subfield. Marketing professionals analyze the needs of their employer or client before planning an advertising campaign. Advertisers execute marketers’ plans by creating the advertisements that consumers see and hear.
What is the difference between marketing and sales?

Sales involves contacting potential clients directly, by means such as telephone. Marketing campaigns involve passive advertisements that consumers see during the course of their daily activities.

Recommended Online Programs

Career and Salary Outlook for Marketing Master’s Graduates

The best marketing master’s online programs prepare students for careers in advertising, promotions, and marketing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for these professionals to increase 6% from 2019-2029, faster than the median projected growth rate for all occupations. According to the BLS data, marketing managers earn a median annual salary of $135,900, which is more than three times the median annual salary for all careers.

Typical responsibilities of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers include collaborating with other management professionals to plan advertising campaigns. These individuals may create plans for promotions, billboards, and online media. Marketing professionals also evaluate websites’ effectiveness in attracting and retaining customers. Like managers in other fields, marketing managers play a significant role in hiring, training, and mentoring new staff members.

In addition to earning an online master’s in marketing, professionals can increase their earning potential by specializing in a certain area. Marketing managers research consumer needs, while promotions managers develop campaigns that include coupons and discounts. Advertising managers develop advertisements to increase revenue for their employer or client.

Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers

Lowest 10%	Median Annual Salary	Highest 10%
Less than $61,930	$125,510	More than $208,000

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Accreditation for Marketing

Universities that offer online master’s in marketing programs should hold regional accreditation from one of six agencies the U.S. Department of Education charters. These schools should also possess national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC accreditation signifies that a school’s online and on-campus programs deliver the same educational experience and learning outcomes.

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) grants programmatic accreditation to the best undergraduate and graduate marketing programs. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation maintains an online list of all ACBSP-accredited programs.

Courses in a Marketing Program

Online master’s in marketing programs emphasize in-demand skills such as analysis, planning, and critical thinking. Students complete coursework on topics such as marketing strategies, consumer behavior and marketing, and ethical and legal issues in marketing. Degree-seekers who select a concentration take advanced coursework in an area such as digital marketing or social media marketing.

The following sample curriculum highlights five courses common to many online master’s in making programs. Course titles and academic requirements vary by school, so learners should contact their prospective institution for details about course availability and requirements. Some schools also post course syllabi online.

Marketing Strategies

This course examines various methods that companies use to determine and satisfy customers’ needs and wants. Students learn how to identify a market, perform research, and develop an appropriate product. Degree-seekers also explore steps for setting prices, creating advertisements, and handling distribution.
Consumer Behavior and Marketing

Marketing professionals need in-depth knowledge of human psychology, sociology, and economics. This course explores topics that influence consumers’ purchasing decisions. Graduates can apply knowledge and skills from this class to develop effective marketing campaigns and advertisements.
Ethical and Legal Issues in Marketing

Because marketing professionals influence people’s purchasing decisions, individuals in the field must follow the rules and regulations governing advertising, market research, and product liability. Degree-seekers in this class create a personal ethical framework that they can follow throughout their career.
Digital Marketing

This class prepares students to create the marketing campaigns people see while browsing the internet. Course topics include funnel analysis, digital marketing trends, and lead generation. Degree-seekers also become proficient with the software that marketing managers use, which can make graduates more attractive job candidates.
Social Media Marketing

Marketing managers often use social media to reach potential customers. This course explores the relationships between social media and marketing, brand communities, and audience engagement. Students learn how to analyze metrics and use the results to hone future social media marketing campaigns.

Scholarships for Marketing

Even students in the most affordable marketing master’s online programs can benefit from scholarships. Awards, such as those below, provide funding to degree-seekers in the field. Scholarship application materials typically include official transcripts and an essay. Learners should research each scholarship opportunity’s requirements and deadline before applying.

AfterCollege Business Student Scholarship

Who Can Apply: AfterCollege, Inc. awards this competitive scholarship to undergraduate and graduate students earning a business-related degree. Applicants submit transcripts and must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. Interested learners should apply by March 31.

Amount: $500

Advancement of Women in Sports & Entertainment Scholarship

Who Can Apply: The Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation offers this scholarship to women preparing for a career in the sports or entertainment field. Applicants must be enrolled full time and need a minimum 2.75 undergraduate or graduate GPA.

Amount: $1,000

Graduate and Ph.D. Scholarships

Who Can Apply: The LAGRANT Foundation delivers these awards to members of minority groups who are studying marketing or a related subject. Applicants submit a resume, unofficial transcripts, and one recommendation letter. Scholarship winners also receive a free trip to New York City.

Amount: $3,750