Best Online Master’s in Marketing Programs

With a master’s degree in marketing, you can pursue various career opportunities in the field such as sales, advertising, and public relations. Professionals with a master’s degree in marketing often advance into management positions more quickly than bachelor’s degree-holders.

After earning a graduate degree in marketing, you can become a social media manager, sales manager, and market research analyst. Many programs offer concentrations in areas such as digital marketing and data analysis to help you build a clear pathway into some of these roles upon graduation.

Keep reading to explore the best online master’s in marketing programs and learn how you can advance your career with a graduate degree.

Best Online Master’s in Marketing Degrees

How We Chose These Schools

At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability so every type of student can find the best fit for them.

This list has been updated for 2024. Learn more about how our formula works on our ranking methodology page.

Why Get an Online Master’s in Marketing Degree?

Graduates with an online master’s degree in marketing often benefit from increased career options. A master’s degree in marketing can qualify you for high-earning positions and leadership roles.

Earning potential for professionals with a marketing degree varies by position and experience. According to May 2024 data from the BLS, market research analysts earn a median salary of $76,950 per year. Marketing managers, on the other hand, earn a median annual salary of $161,030.

Many schools offer accredited marketing master’s degrees online. Online graduate programs provide flexible scheduling options, which can benefit working professionals. Additionally, you can save money on transportation and housing costs.

How Much Does a Marketing Degree Cost?

The average in-state cost of graduate tuition and fees at public colleges and universities was $11,827 in the 2023-24 academic year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

In an online master’s in marketing program, you can save money on commuting or relocating. You can also continue earning an income by working during the day and completing coursework in the evenings.

Before pursuing an online marketing master’s degree, you should also consider costs associated with in-person components such as internships or any on-campus requirements.

Courses in a Master’s in Marketing Program

In an online master’s degree in marketing program, you learn how to analyze data, increase public interest, and communicate effectively. You may take specialized classes based on your interests. Marketing programs may emphasize an area such as management, digital marketing, or analytics.

Classes vary by program and specialization track, but you can expect to take the following courses during an online master’s in marketing degree:

  • Consumer Behavior: This class explores the cognitive and behavioral bases of consumers’ buying decisions. You examine the decision-making process in relation to products and services. This knowledge helps marketing directors and managers make decisions about promotions, campaigns, and marketing strategies.
  • Marketing Research and Analytics: In this course, you learn about marketing research methods and how identify market problems and opportunities. You also learn how to generate and evaluate marketing decisions. You can use these skills to help you make strategy decisions in various marketing careers.
  • Digital and Direct Marketing: This course emphasizes the importance of digital marketing through platforms such as social media. You learn how to assess customer needs and develop full marketing packages. You can use these skills to help brands and companies grow.

Marketing Specializations

Many marketing master’s degrees feature specializations, also called concentrations and tracks. You should consider your career goals to select a program with a relevant specialization option.

If your master’s in marketing program doesn’t offer specialization options, you can explore a marketing subfield through elective coursework. You can also look for MBA programs with marketing specializations. The following list highlights specializations common to master’s degrees in marketing. Available concentrations vary by program.

  • Market Research and Analytics

    This specialization emphasizes research and data analysis. You learn how to analyze data to produce effective marketing strategies for companies and products. After earning an online master’s degree in marketing with this specialization, you can become a market analyst, marketing director, and survey researcher.

  • Digital Marketing

    In this subfield, you explore topics including social media, search engine optimization, and email campaigns. You learn how to optimize campaigns and marketing strategies using online marketing analytics. You can pursue management careers in social media marketing and digital marketing.

  • Public Relations

    The public relations field involves marketing that does not require payment. You learn how to generate interest in a person, company, or organization without paid advertising. You also learn how to develop press releases, write speeches, and interact with the press. This specialization prepares you for a career as a public relations specialist.

How Much Do Marketing Majors Make?

With a master’s degree in marketing, you can pursue leadership roles in advertising, media and communication, and sales. Common positions in the field include marketing director; survey researcher; and advertising, promotions, and marketing manager.

Marketing directors earn an average salary of $102,436 per year according to May 2025 Payscale data. The BLS reports advertising, promotions, and marketing managers earn a median annual salary of $159,660. A master’s degree in the field can help you obtain promotions and higher pay.

According to 2024 BLS data, market research analysts and survey researchers earned median annual salaries of about $76,950 and $63,380, respectively. While bachelor’s degree-holders can qualify for these roles, a master’s degree can make you more competitive for management positions, promotions and raises.

Marketing Careers and Salary Outlook

A master’s degree in marketing can lead to occupations in several fields. Companies, nonprofits, and government agencies need marketing professionals. In your marketing role, you may promote products and services, or even individuals, such as politicians and musicians.

Market Research Analyst

$76,950

These analysts study market conditions and data to examine the potential sales of a product or service. They may pitch and design marketing campaigns and measure campaigns’ effectiveness. Research analysts can work in an office or remotely.

Projected Growth Rate (2024-2034): +7%

Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager

$159,660

These managers work with colleagues to plan advertising campaigns and generate interest in services and products. They may plan promotions such as sales, giveaways, and contests. Most marketing managers work in office settings. Many types of companies and organizations hire these professionals.

Projected Growth Rate (2024-2034): +6%

Survey Researcher

$63,380

Survey researchers often work for research firms, nonprofits, and corporations. These professionals design and conduct surveys and analyze data. They may coordinate surveyors, test surveys’ efficacy, and summarize data. These researchers can work in various fields and settings.

Projected Growth Rate (2024-2034): -5%

Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s Degrees in Marketing

What jobs can you get with a master’s in marketing?

Many graduates with a master’s degree in marketing pursue roles in advertising, promotions, and marketing management. Graduates are often well-prepared and qualified for leadership and strategic positions across these fields. Other common career paths include marketing director, survey researcher, and market research analyst.

How long does it take to get a master’s in marketing?

Most online master’s degrees in marketing require 30-34 credits. Full-time students typically graduate in two years. Some programs offer accelerated tracks.

What are the highest-paying marketing jobs?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), advertising, promotions, and marketing managers earn a median salary of $159,660 per year.