Best Online Marketing MBA Programs 2023

A Ranked Guide to Online MBAs in Marketing
Marketing Manager

Find Your MBA

Get matched with top online MBA programs now!

OMBAC Best Online Marketing MBA e1663969053542

Are you interested in crafting brand stories to further organizational goals? Do you enjoy the challenge of pushing a product into a new consumer market? Does the task of meeting customer needs with organizational offerings sound exciting to you? If so, earning an online Marketing MBA can help you advance into senior marketing managerial roles. And, companies need creative marketing specialists who can lead their marketing initiatives. The programs in this Online Marketing MBA ranking are designed to prepare students for a wide array of 21st-century marketing leadership careers. 

The Best Online Marketing MBA Programs

Every program on this list is offered in a convenient, virtual format. They make it feasible for students to balance a degree and career simultaneously. Taking classes online allows professionals from around the country and the world to come together through virtual learning platforms. Students are no longer stuck with the business school closest in proximity. And with hundreds of programs to choose from, this ranking is designed to help future MBA students find the best online Marketing MBA available.

Methodology

We set out to find the best Online Marketing MBA Programs. We began with data from three leading Online MBAMBA, and university ranking systems to find top MBA brands. Averaging these ranking scores a comprehensive view of each Online MBA’s prestige. We then researched the MBA programs with a focused on marketing. The averaged score for each degree was placed on a 100-point scale to reveal their Online MBA Coach Score.

1 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Kenan-Flagler Business School

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill logo from website

Acquire the leadership skills needed to lead the entire marketing department by earning an online Marketing MBA from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This STEM-designated MBA program is ranked among the Best Online MBA Marketing Programs by U.S. News and World Report. Kenan-Flagler is also ranked as the 19th Best Business School. But this program not only offers flexible curriculum. They also offer in-person connection. Students will attend two in-person summits, including a domestic and international experience. Previous international experiences have included Digital Marketing in Finland, Doing Business in China, and Innovation Week in Austria.

Specialized marketing courses include Global Brand Strategy, Managing Modern Customers and Markets, and Marketing: Analysis and Development. Students can also gain hands-on consulting experience with companies such as Coca-Cola, KIND, and NASCAR by enrolling in the Student Teams Achieving Results course. MBA Marketing graduates have assumed successful careers at Colgate-Palmolive, GlaxoSmithKline, and Xerox and earn a mean base salary of $130,284 within four months of graduation. This program is the full package.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 99.31

2 | Indiana University
Kelley School of Business

Indiana University logo

Indiana University prepares students for dynamic marketing careers through their online Master of Business Administration with a marketing major through the Kelley School of Business. This specialty marketing MBA program is highly ranked by U.S. News and World Report and The Princeton Review. Additionally, Financial Services recognized career services amongst the best nationally in 2021. This prestigious MBA brand not only packs a punch in the Bloomington area, but around the nation.

The 54-credit hour curriculum is split equally between required courses and electives and also integrates in-person residencies and immersion experiences. The program launches with the Kelley On Campus residency, which allows students to brainstorm with their teammates for the business case competition, attend networking receptions, and meet with Graduate Career Services. Kelley On Location is the culminating residency and includes leadership training and client consulting. Within six months of graduation, 64% of students reported receiving a promotion. This report not only speaks to the excellent curriculum, but the momentum students graduate with.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 93.92

3 | University of Maryland, College Park
Robert H. Smith School of Business

University of Maryland logo

The University of Maryland, College Park’s Robert H. Smith School of Business features a flexible online Marketing MBA program. This online MBA is consistently ranked amongst the top 10 by U.S. News and World Report. The 54-credit hour curriculum can be completed in as few as 24 months by professionals employed full-time.

Students will meet their cohort during the three-day Opening Residency, meet for weekly live courses, and reconvene in person for the Capstone Residency. There are multiple additional opportunities for experiential learning and peer interactions, including the Action Learning Projects and optional Global Study course. These signature experiences give graduates a competitive edge. Career services offers individualized career coaching and virtual workshops covering topics such as case interviewing, networking strategies, personal branding, and resume building. Graduates recieve all they need to pursue leadership in the marketing field.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 88.30

4 | University of Texas at Dallas
Naveen Jindal School of Management

University of Texas at Dallas logo

Professionals seeking to advance their marketing career can earn an online Professional Master of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing from the world-renowned Naveen Jindal School of Management at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Graduates are prepared to succeed in any market with courses in Digital Sales Strategy, Diversity and Multicultural Marketing, New Product Development, and Social Media Marketing and Insights. The 53-credit hour curriculum also consists of 21-credit hours of electives. The marketing concentration requires 12-credit hours. This still leaves students with elective credits to explore other areas of interest. A wide variety of marketing courses are offered, allowing students to explore different niches within the industry. The possibilities are endless.

This flexible program is designed to accommodate even the busiest professionals, with no on-campus requirements, three start dates per year, and completion times ranging from 21 months to six years. Prospective students can attend a variety of in-person or virtual events, including an MBA Chat with Recent Alumni, PMBA Registration Q&A, or an Elective Lunch session.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 80.66

5 | University of Arizona
Eller College of Management

University of Arizona logo wiki

The University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management offers a transformative online Master of Business Administration with a marketing concentration. The 45-credit hour curriculum can be completed at an accelerated pace in as few as 14 months. On the flip side, students may take a maximum of 48 months. Students who live in Arizona may also be interested in the Professional MBA. This innovative format features two hands-on, in-person workshop evenings per month at the Chandler campus in the Price Corridor. All remaining coursework can be completed online from the comfort of home.

Students become marketing experts through courses such as Integrated Marketing Communications, Marketing Research for Managers, and Social Media Marketing. Technology is heavily integrated into this program. Students will learn how to utilize Excel to build forecast models, manage virtual teams, and the functions of AI in business. An optional Global Business Experience is an exciting way for students to explore business concepts in another country.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 80.31

6 | Syracuse University
Martin J. Whitman School of Management

Syracuse University logo from website

Syracuse University offers a highly reputable online Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing Management. This program is perfect for students ready to embark on the next step in their marketing career. This award-winning MBA, delivered by Martin J. Whitman School of Management, is consistently ranked amongst the top online MBA degrees by Fortune Education, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report.

Marketing Management students are required to take Marketing Research and choose two additional courses. Course options include Managing New Product Development, Marketing Analytics, or Strategic Brand Management. These are all critical topics for marketing leaders.

Students expand their network by attending three residencies throughout the program. Residencies are offered in major U.S. cities, with upcoming options in New York City, Syracuse, and New Orleans. These three-day conference-style events feature prominent business speakers and panels. Within this program, students learn from the best.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 78.23

7 | University of Massachusetts Amherst
Isenberg School of Management

University of Massachusetts Amherst logo

Professionals aspiring to attain senior-level marketing roles can pursue an online Master of Business Administration with a focus on marketing from the Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. This flexible program was ranked 12th online MBA by U.S. News and World Report and 28th by The Princeton Review in 2022. In addition to the top business core, students take nine-credit hours of marketing electives. Options include Fundamentals of Product Marketing, Salesforce for Marketing and Sales, and Web Analytics for Digital Marketing.

The online format is convenient yet offers many opportunities for students to engage with classmates and professors through optional live online class meetings. The program kicks off with an orientation featuring alumni panels and information sessions about resources. Additional networking opportunities are available through MBA student organizations, such as the Graduate Business Association, Graduate Consulting Club, and Graduate Women in Business. Annual conferences also offer students the opportunity to make industry connections. With the business curriculum, marketing focus, and networking, graduates are primed for marketing leadership.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 74.94

8 | Babson College
F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business

Babson College logo from website

The F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College features a student-centric, experiential online MBA with a concentration in marketing. Core courses are offered in three components: Leading Through Opportunity and Design, Leading Through Innovation and Growth, and the Babson Consulting Experience.

Students will develop the art and science of marketing through concentration electives such as Customer Acquisition and Persuasion, Marketing High Tech Products, and Sales in Action. Professional certifications through Google Academy, HubSpot, and HootSuite are embedded into electives to boost your resume.

But the program doesn’t stop at knowledge. They emphasize application. They bring in experts in the field that understand marketing in the workplace and expose student to real-world projects. Professors are accomplished industry experts, including the author of Go-to-Market Strategies for Women Entrepreneurs. Prominent business leaders, such as the CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, enhance class lectures by sharing their real-world business knowledge. Elective Abroad courses allow students to apply what they’ve learned in their classes to an international setting. More than 80 corporations provide consulting project opportunities for Olin MBA students.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 73.55

9 | University of Denver
Daniels College of Business

University of Denver logo

The University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business welcomes world-class leaders seeking career advancement to enroll in their online marketing MBA. The 60-credit hour hands-on curriculum helps marketing students learn to connect with customers through courses such as Brand Management, Integrated Marketing Communication, and Marketing for Social Impact.

The innovative learning platform has been designed by educational and business experts. Students complete weekly self-paced assignments and attend live online classes. There are also numerous opportunities to participate in three-day in-person domestic and global residencies. An additional five days may be added to one of these trips, which includes additional corporate tours. Example residency topics include Global Sustainability in Italy, Cultural Intelligence in Cape Town, and Data Storytelling in Denver.

This degree culminates with a capstone project for a non-profit organization. Dedicated career coaches help students display these experiences on their resumes, and all students receive a LinkedIn premium membership to assist in their career search. Daniels MBA students graduate as marketing leaders.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 67.61

10 | Duke University
Fuqua School of Business

Duke University logo

Duke University delivers two first-rate hybrid Master of Business Administration programs with functional concentrations in marketing through the Fuqua School of Business. The Weekend Executive MBA is a 22-month program featuring three-day residencies monthly and distance learning sessions in between. Residency highlights include corporate presentations, network nights, career expos, and on-campus interviews. The Global Executive MBA transforms the world into the classroom through week-long residencies in the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. During these unforgettable immersions, students will meet with business leaders, visit companies, and attend cultural events.

The programs share many similarities. Both programs feature an on-campus orientation and a final residency. While attending on-campus residencies, students will stay with their cohort at the JB Duke Hotel. Students will work in small groups of five or six members on multiple projects and also complete an individual project. Marketing courses include Emerging Markets Strategy, Healthcare Markets, and Market Intelligence. All students will also complete the Leadership Series, featuring virtual and in-person teamwork challenges. Graduates of the Duke MBA programs not only recieve a prestigious marketing education, they create strong connections with other marketing leaders.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 67.13

11 | University of California, Los Angeles
Anderson School of Management

University of California Los Angeles logo

Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles helps students reach new career heights through the online Executive Master of Business Administration with a marketing specialization. Students may choose to attend courses bi-weekly, monthly with additional asynchronous components, or via a blended format. The blended format consists of alternating in-person and synchronous sessions bi-weekly. Classes meet on Fridays and Saturdays. Additionally, students are required to attend a week-long orientation and an international business residency. The international residency occurs in September of the second year.

The business school is rich with opportunity. The Morrison Center for Data and Analytics hosts multiple conferences for marketing students each year, such as the Quantitative Marketing and Economics Conference and the Evolve series. Sample courses that comprise the marketing specialization include Digital Marketing Analytics, Global Marketing Management, and New Product Development. EMBA students are able to pursue as many business electives (and even some from other departments) as they’d like for no additional cost. This allows students to become well-rounded in multiple arenas. The UCLA programs offer a lot to future marketing executives.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 65.57

12 | University of Virginia
Darden School of Business

University of Virginia logo

The University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business offers an Executive Master of Business Administration and a Global EMBA with a focus area on Marketing. The slate of marketing electives includes Customer Centricity: A Strategic Approach, Emerging and Frontier Markets, and Marketing Technology Products.

The key difference between these programs is the number of required week-long global experiences. EMBA students must complete one global residency, while GEMBA students complete a minimum of four. Global immersions are available in over 80 countries, including Finland, Germany, India, Israel, and Japan.

Both programs begin in August with the “Leading with an Enterprise Perspective” residency and end 21 months later in May with the “Creating the Future” residency. Each of these on-campus residencies is one week long. This program is powerful. Students graduate with a high-powered MBA brand, an extensive executive outlook, and experience in global business.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 65.26

13 | Carnegie Mellon University
Tepper School of Business

Carnegie Mellon University logo from website

Carnegie Mellon University offers a part-time online hybrid MBA with a concentration in marketing through the Tepper School of Business. This STEM-designated degree offers the best of both worlds, connection and flexibility. Students benefit from collaborative teamwork opportunities during live, online classes two nights per week and flexible assignments that can be completed at students’ convenience.

The robust marketing curriculum tackles 21st-century marketing themes. Students explore social media marketing, technology strategy, and using analytics for market decision-making. These are the topics leading the marketing industry.

The program launches with a thorough month-long Basecamp Orientation designed to help students establish relationships with their cohort through team-building field trips, gain a solid understanding of key functional business areas, and prepare for their first set of mini-session classes. All remaining courses begin with an Access Weekend, which consists of a course kick-off, networking, and team presentations. This Carnegie Mellon MBA offers maximum impact.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 63.57

14 | Santa Clara University
Leavey School of Business

Santa Clara University logo

Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business features a high-powered online marketing MBA. Leavey is consistently ranked amongst the Best Grad Schools for Business by U.S. News and World Report. This means that their advanced business education shows consistency in excellence. And this excellence lends itself to a strong MBA brand.

The rigorous 70-unit curriculum can be completed in as few as two years and only requires two on-campus residencies. Electives comprise 26 units, giving students the freedom to pursue courses that are interesting to them and relevant to their career goals. The four domains embedded into the curriculum include Analysis and Interpretation, Communication and Team Building, Innovation and Entrepreneurial Mindset, and Principled Leadership.

Throughout the program, students can earn digital badges for co-curricular accomplishments that are designed to help them grow as leaders. Initial badges may be earned for simply participating in workshops, but as students progress, they may be required to lead an event. Santa Clara not only educates tomorrow’s leaders, they empower them.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 62.04

15 | Rice University
Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business

Rice University logo from website

Rice University’s Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business provides students with a small, intimate setting and individualized support through the online Master of Business Administration with a marketing focus. This elite online MBA received numerous accolades, including being named 4th Best Online MBA by The Princeton Review and ranked 20th by U.S. News and World Report for 2022.

This selective 54-credit-hour degree consists of 36 hours of core courses, 13.5 hours of elective credits, and 4.5 hours of field experience. Suggested courses for marketing students include Brand Strategy, Pricing Strategies, and Strategic Innovation and Competitive Advantage. A unique Marketing Lab course gives students the opportunity to work on a real-world marketing project with a corporate firm. But the education doesn’t stop there. Two field experiences are required: the MBA@Rice Residential and a Global Field Experience. Residencies are jam-packed with group projects, leadership exercises, seminars, and simulations. The GFE requires students to broaden their cultural perspectives by working on a project that benefits an international community or organization. Student benefit a lot from Rice being at the heart of the most diverse city in the nation.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 61.75

16 | American University
Kogod School of Business

American University logo

American University’s Kogod School of Business helps students advance their education in pursuit of their dream marketing career through their online MBA with a marketing focus. Two years is the average time it takes to complete this degree. But this program can be completed by ambitious students in as few as 12 months. In 2022, U.S. News and World Report ranked the online MBA amongst the top 70 programs nationally. The Princeton Review ranked it amongst the top 40 programs. Additionally, QS World University Rankings named this program 16th in North America and 32nd worldwide. This program isn’t just know nationally, it is well-known across the globe.

Students will attend two in-person immersions featuring prominent business leaders spanning the globe. During these immersions, students are able to work with Washington D.C. businesses. The exceptional Career Services conducts virtual networking events and career workshops, and students have access to 24/7 online career resources, such as resume reviews and mock interviews. Students leave this program ready to lead organizations around the world.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 59.13

17 | Lehigh University
College of Business

Lehigh University logo

Lehigh University’s College of Business offers a top-ranked FLEX Master of Business Administration with a marketing concentration. This hybrid program is ranked amongst the top 25 Best Online MBAs by Fortune and U.S. News and World Report for 2022. This dynamic program also earned a spot amongst Best Part-time MBAs by U.S. News and World Report on its 2023 ranking. This type of prestige is great for resume building

Students are able to decide whether to attend classes on campus or virtually daily through the ClassroomLIVE experience. This unique format allows students to network with their peers in person yet log in when away on business trips or on nights they’re still at the office. The average degree completion time is 3.5 years, but students can speed up or slow down the program to fit their particular needs.

The Professional Development Program provides customized personalized executive coaching sessions, leadership seminars, and industry networking events. The breakthrough marketing courses include Future of Marketing, Global Marketing Strategies, and Strategic Brand Management.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 57.48

18 | Pepperdine University
Graziadio Business School

Pepperdine University logo from website

Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School develops values-driven leaders through the online MBA featuring a marketing concentration. This MBA is consistently ranked amongst the best by top publications, including U.S. News and World Report, Bloomberg Businessweek, CEO Magazine, Forbes, Fortune, and the Princeton Review. This type of consensus ensures students are getting a great degree.

The 52-unit curriculum has been developed by industry experts to emphasize forward-thinking. The program kicks off with an on-campus immersion, which introduces students to experiential and team-based models all classes follow. After this experience, marketing students will be immersed in hands-on learning opportunities. Courses include Global Brand Management, Market Innovation and Commercialization, and Marketing Communications and the Digital Age. An Education to Business program provides students with valuable work experience with companies like Adobe and Coca-Cola. A Global Business Intensive gives students the opportunity to go behind the scenes at some of the world’s largest corporations. Prospective students are encouraged to attend a live course or the Student Roundtable Webinar.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 56.61

19 | University of Minnesota
Carlson School of Management

University of Minnesota logo

Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota delivers an online Master of Business Administration with a Marketing focus for professionals ready to take the next step in their careers. Marketing students can specialize in two distinct tracks: Consulting, Insights, and Analytics or Product, Brand, and Marketing Management. Exciting electives within these specializations include Marketing Research: Rapid Insights, Persuasion and Influence, and Power of Story. Specialization courses comprise approximately 12-credit hours of the 52-credit hour comprehensive program.

Several global business courses and study abroad opportunities are available, including International Marketing. The International Marketing course covers marketing strategies employed across the world, with an emphasis on India and China. In this course, students never leave the country, but they collaborate on a real-world marketing project for an international corporation. Students will participate in an in-person residency and one additional week-long elective residency. Within four months of graduation, 84% of students received a promotion or switched to a new role or company that better aligned with their career goals.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 56.38

20 | Arizona State University
W.P. Carey School of Business

Arizona State University logo from website

Arizona State University’s W.P. Carey School of Business offers a highly ranked online Master of Business Administration degree with a marketing concentration. This online MBA is ranked 7th by U.S. News and World Report for 2022. Students have access to all on-campus resources. This includes career services, which recently received a $15 million donation.

A Virtual Experience series features sessions on Building Your Personal Brand, Consulting Foundations, and Digital Ventures hosted by major corporations. The core curriculum features two innovative marketing courses: Create and Deliver Customer Value: Marketing Management and Decisions, Market Structure, and Games. Marketing students continue with electives such as Business to Business Marketing, Global Marketing Strategies, and New Product and Service Development.

All courses in this program are offered in condensed five-week sessions, allowing students to focus on one class at a time. Class projects are incorporated into classes, but teams have the autonomy to choose when and how they meet. Marketing students have all they need to succeed during this program and beyond.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 54.42

21 | University of Wisconsin-Madison
Wisconsin School of Business

University of Wisconsin Madison logo

The Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers a Professional Master of Business Administration. The first year consists of functional core and leadership core courses. Starting in the second year, students are able to customize their studies by earning four professional badges. Each badge consists of three classes. Marketing students can earn the Customer Insight badge, which covers consumer behavior, digital marketing, and strategic pricing. Additional badge opportunities include Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Financial Insight, Global Business, Social Responsibility, Strategic Innovation, and Supply Chain Management. Combining the Customer Insight badge with any of the other badges offers exciting opportunities.

This PMBA degree can be completed between two and five years, depending on the number of badges a student selects. Students will attend one on-campus residency per month and participate in virtual synchronous courses on Wednesday evenings. During residencies, students are able to meet with industry experts and practice hands-on skills. Students can also take advantage of on-campus facilities, such as the Finance and Analytics Lab. The potential ROI is outstanding, with MBA graduates reporting an average salary increase of 38 percent.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 52.65

22 | Texas Tech University
Rawls College of Business Administration

Texas Tech University logo

Texas Tech University’s Rawls College of Business is recognized as a leader for its online MBA with a Marketing Analytics concentration. Marketing courses include Consumer Behavior Research, Digital Marketing Analytics, and Qualitative Research in Marketing. Students will also earn the Microsoft Office Excel Specialist certification.

This degree can be completed 100% online, with no residency requirements. It offers the ultimate flexibility for busy professionals. The 42-credit hour curriculum can be completed in as little as one year by full-time students or in two to six years by part-time students. Rawls Career Management Center offers in-person and virtual career fairs each semester and other events such as the Diversity Symposium, mock interviews, and resume workshops. Automatic scholarships are awarded on a sliding scale in the amount of $500-$2,000 per semester for students with a 3.5 undergraduate GPA and qualifying GMAT scores. Flexible program entry points are offered in January, June, and August.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 52.24

23 | St. John’s University
Peter J. Tobin College of Business

St. Johns University logo

Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University offers a top online Marketing MBA. With this flexible degree, students can choose to take classes online or in person as long as their online courses comprise 50% or greater of their degree requirements. Online courses are offered in an asynchronous and synchronous format.

The 36-credit hour curriculum teaches students to navigate changes in the marketing world. Students will take eight core courses, three concentration courses, and complete a capstone course. Marketing students are also encouraged to join the American Marketing Association to establish professional connections and stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends. Alpha Mu Alpha is a national marketing honor society available for students with a GPA in the top 10 percent. Graduate students are also able to participate in the Global Microloan Program. This is a unique opportunity for students to help entrepreneurs in developing countries. Students in this top program not only get a highly impactful education but are also on the road of an exciting career.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 51.29

24 | Ohio State University
Max M. Fisher College of Business

Ohio State University logo

Ohio State University’s Max M. Fisher College of Business features a top-ranked Working Professional Master of Business Administration with a marketing specialization. This program is ranked 7th Part-time MBA among public universities by U.S. News and World Report for 2023. The curriculum for this 48-credit hour program is highly customizable, with 21-credit hours of electives. Students also have the option of completing all classes online or choosing to take some classes on weekday evenings or on Saturdays.

All marketing students will start off by taking Consumer Behavior and Marketing Research and Analytics. Upon completion of these two classes, students will be able to designate a track in Brand Management or Marketing Communications. Fisher CoB partners with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company on critical marketing research projects through the Nationwide Center for Advanced Consumer Insights. Paid roles are available for MBA marketing students. Other applied learning opportunities include Global Business Expeditions, the Social Impact Challenge, and The Washington Campus. This program is full of opportunity.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 48.13

25 | University of Massachusetts Lowell
Robert J. Manning School of Business

University of Massachusetts Lowell logo

The University of Massachusetts Lowell offers an online Master of Business Administration with a marketing focus through the Robert J. Manning School of Business. This MBA is recognized by U.S. News and World Report for 2022. The Manning School of Business has long been known for their impactful business education. For marketing students, a wide array of marketing MBA classes are available. Topics include Customers and Markets, Digital Marketing, and Seminar in Business-to-Business Marketing.

Students have many opportunities to gain real-world work experience throughout the program. The co-op program offers students jobs at companies such as John Hancock Financial Services, Liberty Mutual, and Wayfair. Study abroad courses have been offered in 25 countries, including International Business in Denmark and Global Entrepreneurship and Innovation in China or India. MBA students have also worked with Francis College of Engineering and the UMass Medical School on placing new life-saving medical products on the market. These resume-boosting opportunities have led to alumni receiving pay raises and being hired by HP, Microsoft, and iRobot.

Online MBA Website

OMBA Coach Score: 46.59

The Best Online Marketing MBA Programs

Companies ultimately are in business to profit. They need marketing professionals to push their products and services to their target market. Pursuing a top online Marketing MBA can help students learn the essential skills needed to

  • increase sales,
  • improve product development, and
  • grab the attention of consumers.

What is an online Marketing MBA?

An online Marketing MBA is a Master of Business Administration degree that encompasses a broad range of business classes with the ability to select electives in marketing. Core courses are generally taken at the beginning of the program and provide students with effective leadership, research, technology, and analytical skills that can be applied to any field of business. Standard MBA foundation courses include

  • Business Analytics,
  • Corporate Finance,
  • General Management, and
  • Organizational Behavior.

Marketing concentration courses will teach students to evaluate market trends, strategies to market new products, and price analysis. Marketing courses may include

  • Digital Marketing and Social Media,
  • Promotions Management, and
  • Strategic Brand Management.

A capstone course is also typically a requirement before graduation, allowing students to work on a real-world marketing project. 

Many students pursuing an online MBA are employed full-time and have limited spare time. If you prefer face-to-face interactions, many programs offer in-person weekend residencies with excellent networking and professional development sessions.

What should I look for in an online Marketing MBA?

Marketing is a very popular concentration, so there is no shortage of MBA programs. The abundance of available programs can make it difficult to determine the best fit for you, but there are a few crucial components you should reflect on when selecting a program. 

Accreditation

You can’t go wrong with a program that holds accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This prestigious accreditation is recognized worldwide and serves members in more than 100 countries.

Business schools that are AACSB accredited are dedicated to providing quality programs, continuous improvement, and creating a societal impact. AACSB has accredited over 950 business schools since 1916, so recruiters trust the reputation of programs with this elite accreditation.

Rankings

Rankings are another valuable and tangible measurement of the quality of an MBA program. The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report are two of the most reputable publications that publish annual rankings on online MBA programs. 

But remember that one ranking cannot be the key for any one student. It would be most advantageous to find multiple ranking systems to use as a guide. This gives students a greater perspective when researching programs.

Specialization Courses

The number of credit hours can vary significantly for an MBA specialization, from as few as nine credit hours up to as many as 21-credit hours, depending on the total number of hours for the MBA program. Some marketing specializations also offer specialty tracks. There are many niches within marketing, such as

  • brand marketing,
  • business-to-business,
  • global, and
  • social media marketing.

Ensure that the type of marketing you’re interested in is offered. You may also prefer a program that provides a wide range of marketing courses so that you can prepare for diverse marketing careers.

Program Duration

Accelerated programs can be as short as 12 months. This helps professionals seeking rapid advancement or career changers make a quick transition. Most programs generally can be completed part-time in approximately two years. If you only have time for one class per semester, some programs allow students to take up to six years to meet all graduation requirements. Some programs are offered in a cohort style and lock you into a set timeframe, but others allow you to speed up or slow down as needed. 

Flexibility

MBA students already employed full-time in marketing careers may be nervous about balancing school, work, and other commitments. However, online MBA programs offer many flexible formats to help you attain your career goals. It is essential to understand the differences, so you can choose a program that fits your schedule.

Some programs are 100% asynchronous, with no residency requirements. This option allows you to decide when you will complete school assignments but requires a higher level of self-discipline. Other programs may have required weekly live courses. The number of residencies can also vary from only one or two to monthly. Some students may view these as a great way to build their network, but others may prefer to have their weekends for family time or relaxation. 

What jobs can I get with an online Marketing MBA?

Advertising agencies or large corporations may employ marketing professionals. Marketing managers are needed for companies as diverse as higher education institutions to significant tourism sites. They may work in the marketing, sales, or public relations department. Long hours, including weekends, may be required near project deadlines and to promote products at large events or conventions. U.S. News and World Report ranks marketing managers 14th in Best Paying Jobs and 24th among the Best 100 Jobs. 

Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers

Marketing managers study market trends and propose strategies to increase interest in a product. The internet has shifted the role of marketing managers and created a higher demand for digital marketing and social media gurus. Companies are in constant need of creative marketing specialists who can create consumer hype for their products and services. They may also work with multiple departments, such as finance, sales, and project managers, on budgeting, project timelines for new products, and pricing. In 2021, the median annual salary for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers was $133,380.

Sales Managers

Sales managers lead all aspects of a corporation’s sales department. They may train and supervise sales representatives. Additionally, they analyze sales reports to set goals, and they may create bonus structures and incentive programs for sales team members. Sales managers may primarily be business-to-business or business-to-consumer, though some may target individuals and corporations. This lucrative position has a median yearly salary of $127,490. 

Public Relations and Fundraising Manager

Marketing majors are naturals at public relations! The skills needed to promote a brand or product can easily be transferred to helping a non-profit organization or company with its messaging. PR and fundraising managers create an identity that aligns with the company’s values. They also communicate with the target audience and the press. The median pay for these managerial roles in 2021 was $119,860. 

Action Step

Students interested in pursuing an online Marketing MBA should research admissions requirements and program deadlines. Now is the time to get these next steps organized and planned out. Prospective applicants must complete a graduate school application and submit official undergraduate transcripts. Additional application components may include a resume’ outlining business and marketing experience, letters of recommendation, and GMAT scores. GMAT scores may be optional but may strengthen your application if you have limited professional experience. Planning out the application process can seem overwhelming, but the more organized you can be, the more you can set yourself up for success. Good luck!

Related Resources:

Guide to a Marketing Online MBA
Best Marketing Jobs
Top Online MBA Marketing Specializations
Top Marketing Podcasts

Find Your MBA

Get matched with top online MBA programs now!