Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranking school for an online master’s in marketing is Northeastern University, followed by Boston University.
- Programs were ranked based on ROI, accreditation, innovative teaching methods, and unique features that offer value.
- Schools offer a range of specializations and formats, from self-paced to cohort-based, catering to diverse student needs.
Marketing is a fascinating and potentially lucrative field, making the idea of returning to school to earn a master’s in marketing online a very appealing one for students with business and non-business backgrounds.
If you’ve decided to take this exciting plunge, remember to look before you leap. Choosing an online master’s marketing degree that’s anything less than stellar could be a costly and time-consuming mistake. Check out our article on what makes a marketing degree worth it.
Featured Programs
To ensure that you choose an online master’s marketing program that provides a real return on investment, we’ve compiled the following list of top-value master’s in marketing online programs.
One common question for those looking into an MBA is does it matter where I go? The short answer is, sometimes. The long answer is in the link just above.
Best Value Colleges for a Master’s in Marketing Online
Beginning with a pool of roughly 35 master marketing online schools, our editors consulted both PayScale.com for information on the schools’ 20-year ROI and each school’s website to learn more about program features such as student organizations, scholarship opportunities, and job placement services (see full ranking methodology below).
Applying this point system, we found many schools to be quite comparable. When two or more schools received the same number of points, we used College Navigator’s information on graduate tuition and fees to break the tie. What results is our listing of the top 19 high-value online marketing master’s degree programs.
If you’re unsure about how to apply to a program, we have a great guide on applying to MBA programs.
Related:
Rating and Ranking Methodology for Best Online Masters in Marketing
Awards and Recognition (Related to Marketing)
• National Level – 2 points
• Regional Level – 1 point
Accreditation
• National Accreditation – 2 points
• Regional Accreditation – 1 point
• Business School Accreditation – 1 additional point
20-Year Net ROI
• Above 500,000 – 4 points
• Above 400,000 – 3 points
• Above 300,000 – 2 points
• Above 200,000 – 1 point
Innovative Programs and/or Teaching Methods in Marketing – 1 point
Marketing Scholarship Opportunities – 1 point
Related Student Organizations and Societies – 1 point
Job Placement Services – 1 point
Wow Factor: awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us – 1 point
#20 – Tiffin University
Online Marketing MBA
Tiffin, Ohio
Website
Points: 4
The master marketing online program offered by Tiffin University is one of the several MBA concentrations offered by the school. Enrolled students progress through nine different academic sessions, each including two courses.
Specialty course topics include Marketing Information Systems, Global Marketing & Management, Strategic Brand Management, and Marketing Field Analysis. This online master’s marketing program does not require students to take the GRE or GMAT, but it does require that they hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,600
#19 – California Coast University
Online Marketing MBA
Santa Ana, California
Website
Points: 4
The master online marketing degree program from California Coast University is a self-paced, 39-semester hour program resulting in an MBA in Business Marketing. The program is comprised of 13 core courses, all of which can be completed at any time of the year, based on the student’s schedule.
Specialty course topics include Management Information Systems, International Business Management, Global Marketing, and Business Ethics. Prior to graduation, all online marketing master’s degree students must complete a capstone project in strategic management.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,970
#18 – Saint Leo University
Online Marketing MBA
Saint Leo, Florida
Website
Points: 4
Saint Leo University offers an MBA marketing online program from its School of Business. Students enrolled in the program have the option to choose between seven different concentrations: Brand Management, E-marketing, Global Marketing, Sales Management, Marketing Research, Advertising and Promotion, and Marketing Innovations and New Product Development.
Master marketing online students have five years to complete the 36-credit hour program, but diligent students can finish in as little as one year.
Accreditation for the program is provided by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,730
#17 – California Miramar University
Online Marketing MBA
San Diego, California
Website
Points: 4
The MBA marketing online program offered by California Miramar University requires that students take nine core courses in business topics related to accounting, economics, and finance. In addition, students may choose four marketing concentration courses, including topics such as Consumer Behavior and Decision Models, International Marketing, Internet Marketing, and Pricing Strategy.
This customization feature allows students to tailor their online master’s in marketing to their future career goals. At the culmination of the program, CMU students will complete a business strategy capstone project designed to hone their planning and decision-making skills.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,840
#16 – American Intercontinental University
Online Marketing MBA
Schaumburg, Illinois
Website
Points: 5
American Intercontinental University offers a master marketing online program resulting in a MBA with a specialization in Marketing. This accelerated 11-month program is comprised of 48 total credit hours, 24 of which are elective courses which can be tailored to individual student interests and career goals.
Some specialty course titles include Strategic Marketing, Product and Brand Management, Research Methods in Marketing, and A Managerial Approach to Marketing.
Online master’s in marketing students must also complete a research-intensive capstone project prior to graduation.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,549
#15 – Southern New Hampshire University
Masters in Marketing Online
Manchester, New Hampshire
Website
Points: 5
The master marketing online degree program offered by Southern New Hampshire University is flexible not only concerning scheduling, but also in regards to academics.
Students can choose from three concentrations: Social Media Marketing, New Media and Communications, and Marketing Research and Analytics. These concentrations, as well as a wide range of available electives, allow students to customize their education to meet their needs.
The online master’s marketing program can be completed in as few as 15 months, and students who complete the program are well equipped to enter positions in a wide variety of industries.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810
#14 – University of the Potomac
Online Marketing MBA
Washington, D.C.
Website
Points: 5
The University of Potomac’s master marketing online program is technically an online MBA with a concentration in marketing. To complete the program, students must take eight core MBA courses as well as four classes in the marketing concentration.
Specialty course topics for master online marketing students include Strategic Marketing, Multinational Marketing, and Digital Marketing Strategy. Students also have the option to complete all classes online or enhance their experience with on-campus visits.
Either way, all students receive the same high-quality instruction and identical degrees as traditional students.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,204
#13 – Northcentral University
Online Marketing MBA
Prescott Valley, Arizona
Website
Points: 5
Northcentral University offers an MBA marketing online specialization from its ACBSP-accredited School of Business and Technology Management. Students enjoy high-quality instruction from experienced faculty members, all of whom hold terminal degrees in their field.
There are no physical residency requirements, yet the school’s learning platform allows students to receive one-on-one instruction from professors.
Master marketing online student support services include a virtual library, a private academic network, and the school’s Academic Success Center (ASC), which provides tutoring and writing assistance.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,171
#12 – New England College
Online Master of Science in Marketing Management
Henniker, New Hampshire
Website – Unfortunately, this program is not available at this time.
Points: 5
The online marketing master’s degree (i.e., MS in Marketing Management) offered by New England College is rigorous, but still flexible enough to accommodate working students. The degree is completely online, so no visits to campus are required. Classes are asynchronous, allowing students to access course materials at their convenience.
Students take two seven-week courses at a time, which allows them to explore each subject thoroughly. This pace is manageable for busier students, but is also quick enough that the master marketing online program can be completed in under two years.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,735
#11 – Colorado Technical University
Online Marketing MBA
Westminster, Colorado
Website
Points: 6
Colorado Technical University’s comprehensive MBA marketing online program is comprised of 48 credit hours, including specialty course topics such as Leadership and Ethical Decision-Making, Strategic Management in Dynamic Environments, and Marketing in the Digital Age. U.S. News & World report has lauded CTU’s master marketing online programs as some of the very best in the country.
Students are generally expected to have a solid business background prior to enrollment, but preparatory classes are available for those new to the field.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,724
#10 – Capella University
Online Marketing MBA
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Website
Points: 6
Capella University’s master marketing online program is made up of 48 total credit hours, all of which can be earned online. This MBA program with a concentration in marketing culminates in a personalized capstone project customized by the students themselves. In addition, students may earn a certificate in Business Management during their coursework.
Specialty course topics include Consumer Behavior, International Marketing, and Sales and Customer Relationship Management. Capella also offers its master marketing online students a unique International Experience option, which allows students to witness global operations firsthand.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,175
#9 – Baker College
Online Marketing MBA
Flint Township, Michigan
Website
Points: 6
The master marketing online program from Baker College is technically an MBA program with a concentration in marketing. The program consists of 33 credit hours devoted to fulfilling business requirements as well as an additional 20 hours to fulfill the marketing concentration.
Specialty course topics for MBA marketing online students include The Marketing Environment, Promotional Management, Marketing Research, and International Marketing.
All Baker College graduates are eligible for the school’s Lifetime Employment Services, which provide job search assistance such as resume writing and interview preparation.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,745
#8 – Indiana University—Bloomington
Masters in Marketing Online
Bloomington, Indiana
Website
Points: 6
The master marketing online program offered by Indiana University – Bloomington allows students to receive the same education as their on-campus counterparts while also enjoying the greater flexibility provided by the online format.
Students can complete the program in as little as one year, but they are allowed up to five years to earn their degree. One potential drawback of the program is its residency requirement. Its two Kelley Connect Weeks are great for students who are able to make it to campus, but make this particular master online marketing program less ideal for distance students.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,442
#7 – Liberty University
Masters in Marketing Online
Lynchburg, Virginia
Points: 6
Liberty University offers an online master’s in marketing with specializations in project management, digital marketing and advertising, sports marketing and media, and public relations.
Some students may prefer this program for its Christian approach to the field, especially if they plan to work in a religious setting. The program is challenging, but it is still flexible enough for working professionals.
All specializations are available online, and courses are asynchronous in order to accommodate master online marketing students whose schedules do not allow them to attend a live-streamed class.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,000
#6 – Post University
Online Marketing MBA
Waterbury, Connecticut
Website
Points: 6
Post University offers a master marketing online degree program from its Malcolm Baldrige School of Business. The program is actually a marketing concentration of Post’s MBA marketing online curriculum. Students must earn 45 credit hours in order to be eligible for graduation.
This sequence includes an optional MBA preparatory class, three MBA foundation courses, six MBA core courses, and four marketing concentration courses. Specialty course topics include New Product Development, Integrated Marketing for Managers, and Driving Growth through Customer Relationship Management.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,500
#5 – Franklin University
Online Master of Science in Marketing & Communication
Columbus, Ohio
Website
Points: 7
Franklin University offers a unique dual-disciplined online master’s in marketing that results in an MS degree in both Marketing and Communication. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to be effective in the field by covering all aspects of marketing.
Students can complete the program in as few as 16 months, but busier students can take more time if needed.
Courses are designed with the help of industry leaders, taught by faculty with professional experience, and are regularly updated. This ensures that master marketing online students receive the most up-to-date education possible.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,240
#4 – Lasell University
Online Master of Science in Management: Marketing
Newton, Massachusetts
Points: 7
Lasell University offers a master marketing online program that is actually an MS in Management with a specialization in Marketing. This program is designed to be accessible to both individuals with prior experience in the field and individuals who are starting a new career.
Students can choose between hybrid and 100% online formats, depending on their needs. All courses are taught by faculty with relevant experience in marketing and management, so all online master’s marketing students receive a high-quality and up-to-date education regardless of the format they choose.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,870
#3 – Bellevue University
Online Master of Science in Strategic Marketing
Bellevue, Nebraska
Website – Unfortunately, this program is not available at this time.
Points: 8
Bellevue University’s online master’s marketing degree is offered in a cohort format. Students in this program are part of a strong, supportive community of peers that takes the same courses at the same time in the same order.
While this format does not allow for as much flexibility as others, there is enough flexibility schedule-wise to accommodate most working students. This master marketing online program is ideal for students who love the structure and community of traditional programs, but have a full time job or live too far away from campus to attend classes in-person.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,900
#2 – Boston University
#2 – Boston UniversityOnline Master of Global Marketing Management
Boston, Massachusetts
Website
Points: 9
Boston University’s master’s in marketing online is technically an MS in International Marketing Management that prepares students for marketing careers in the context of the increasingly global nature of business.
The program focuses on subjects such as cultural differences, socioeconomic environments, and regional adaptations. The online format is perfect for this program, not only because it offers students flexibility, but also because it allows them to interact with peers and professionals around the world.
Master marketing online students are also able to take online courses offered by Boston University’s partner universities, which gives them more options when it comes to academics.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $48,082
#1– Northeastern University
Online Marketing MBA
Boston, Massachusetts
Website
Points: 9
Northeastern University offers an MBA marketing online program with a concentration in Marketing. This program is designed for individuals who already have at least five years of experience in business and leadership positions.
While the program can be completed 100% online, one of the most interesting opportunities available to students is the optional on-campus and international residency courses.
These courses allow master marketing online students to meet in-person with professionals and peers around the world, as well as explore business and marketing from a different perspective.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,061
Sources:
NCES College Navigator Database
Payscale.com
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This concludes our ranking of the top 20 values in masters in marketing online degree programs.
By CVO Staff
October 2016