10 Best Deals on Online MBA and Online Master’s in Marketing Degrees

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By Jennifer W. Eisenberg

If you have been employed in the field of marketing for some time, you may now be hearing the siren call of a managerial position–and the lure of the appreciably higher compensation that goes with the desk. Trained and talented marketing professionals are employed in a wide range of marketing fields, from public relations to advertising and promotions. Marketing managers may specialize in the area of strategy, with the aim of developing products and evaluating success. They may also keep track of trends as well as oversee employees. The range of their duties may include, in addition to direct and brand marketing, the added arena of digital marketing in the electronic age. In many cases, once you have the appropriate educational background, you may be able to write your own job description.

For most positions as a marketing manager, a Master’s degree in Marketing or an MBA is the minimum requirement, but perhaps you’ve hesitated to undertake to earn an advanced degree. Fully committing to the process has traditionally meant disrupting your daily life to attend classes at a brick-and-mortar college. Today, however, an online master’s degree in marketing can be achieved with little to no change in your life’s routine. In about two years’ time–the same time frame as with face-to-face classes–you could be engaged in a rewarding career in marketing management.

Graduate schools design their online master’s programs to reflect the coursework found at brick-and-mortar institutions of higher learning. Students will receive instruction in fundamentals as well as the most up-to-date information in the field, all from highly certified educators at the school of their choice.

This list of the ten best deals on online Master’s degrees in Marketing and MBAs will help you find a respected and accredited school that won’t ruin your budget. In the following guide, you will find more information about how to use your Master’s in Marketing degree and MBA and what kinds of positions await you after graduation.

FAQs about Online MBA and Online Master’s in Marketing Degrees

What does someone with a master’s in marketing do?

A job applicant with a master’s degree in marketing may expect to attain a position as a manager in the marketing profession. Daily work responsibilities and duties in a business or institution may include directing marketing and/or advertising, monitoring trends, appraising economic influences, supervising employees, and developing new products. If you focus on digital marketing, you might specialize in inbound marketing or become an SEO & PPC expert.

What does the degree cover?

The typical master’s degree in marketing will include advanced coursework in the principles of marketing, with emphasis on strategic planning, finance, and oversight of databases, to name a few. Students may choose to specialize in a variety of areas, such as consumer behavior, public relations, or digital marketing.

What jobs are available for degree holders and what is the job outlook for the profession?

Available careers for those who hold a Master’s degree in Marketing or an MBA include management positions in sales, public relations, media buying, marketing, advertising and promotions, and social media–all for a wide range of businesses and institutions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job market for marketing managers is expected to increase by about 12% by 2022. The majority of marketing managers are employed in individual businesses and enterprises.

What salaries can I expect?

Marketing managers earn the highest salaries in the business, according to the BLS. In 2015, the median salary for a sales manager was $113,860; for a public relations and fundraising manager, $104,140; for an advertising and promotions manager, $95,890; for a marketing manager, $128,750. Managers in computer systems and the financial investment field earn significantly higher pay. Actual salaries, of course, will depend on the applicant’s experience and the dictates of the job’s geographical location, among other factors.

What is the difference between a Master’s Degree in Marketing and a Marketing MBA?

A chief difference between the two degrees lies in the student’s prior academic background. A Master’s degree in Marketing is usually an MS degree, and the applicants will have already earned an undergraduate degree in marketing; applicants for a Marketing Master of Business Administration degree often have at least a few years of work experience in a business field. They do not always possess a degree in marketing or related fields such as finance, business, or accounting, but they may have degrees in any other field. The Master’s in Marketing degree lends itself toward more theoretical applications, with students encouraged to complete a thesis and to obtain an internship. Students who want to obtain advisory positions in marketing are usually more oriented toward practical applications, and they typically choose to obtain an MBA.

In other words, for applicants who have lots of work experience and who like the field in which they have worked, a Marketing MBA would likely be your best choice. If you are relatively new to the field and are drawn toward the research and analysis side of marketing, a Master’s in Marketing is the right path for you. Either degree will help ensure your future as a manager of marketing.

Why should I study online instead of in a traditional brick-and-mortar college?

The college graduate who has been working in a career and who has adult responsibilities will find that an online degree program has enormous appeal. By pursuing your degree online, you will be able to perform your academic requirements alongside your usual day-to-day obligations. More and more, institutions of higher learning offer decreased rates of tuition to those taking online courses. You will also not incur expenses for transportation to and from school. If you are so inclined and choose to accelerate your course of study, you can even complete your degree in less time than is usual.

Certain online degree programs for a Master’s in Marketing or an MBA degree may include an internship, the requirement of writing a thesis, or a period of on-campus attendance. It is your responsibility as a student to make sure your degree program fits your particular needs.

How do I find the online master’s program that is right for me?

You may undertake a study of online colleges in the same ways that you would critique a traditional college, all without the need to physically visit the campus. Important factors to ascertain are an institution’s accreditation, an appealing student to faculty ratio, courses that fulfill the requirements of the degree, and tuition that fits your budget. All these points may be verified online.

Another important area of an institution’s suitability for your particular needs will involve technical support, which should be available around the clock, seven days a week. You should also be able to count on career resources after graduation.

Does getting an online degree result in a different diploma than the one given to a graduate of traditional colleges?

The diploma you will receive as a graduate from an online college or university is identical to the one bestowed at that school’s graduation ceremony. If you wish, you may attend the same graduation ceremony. The diploma does not contain the word “online.” In many cases, you will be taught by the same instructors in whose classes you would have studied at the traditional brick-and-mortar school.

How will I pay for an online Master’s of Marketing degree or MBA?

Typically, a master’s degree requires eighteen to twenty-four months of full-time study. Most master’s degrees require from 36 to 60 semester credits of study (or 60 to 90 quarter-credits), which equals 12 to 20 college courses. Public or state colleges and universities bestow most master’s degrees. All students, whether they attend online or brick-and-mortar classes, may apply for federal student aid and scholarships in the same way. In addition, some online colleges and universities offer the same course per hour rate to both out-of-state-and in-state students.

What kind of skills does online college require?

Being a successful online student utilizes the same set of skills that you would need as a student in a traditional environment–skills you undoubtedly accessed in obtaining your undergraduate degree–with, perhaps, a greater need for organization and discipline, since you will likely have other personal responsibilities, too. Most schools offer a short online quiz so you can discern whether you possess necessary technological savvy.

How were these rankings arrived at?

Several things were considered in reaching the 10 best deals on online Master’s degrees in Marketing or MBAs. Those factors are shown in detail in the bullet points below. If a tie occurs in rankings, the deciding element will be tuition cost. Other factors are student-to-faculty ratios and bonus points that may be added for offering the same cost per hour to out-of-state students as to those who live in-state. In addition, where applicable, points are given for placement in nationally-recognized assessments of colleges and universities, as in US News and World Report.

Yearly tuition figures come from the out-of-state graduate tuition figures that are reported to the National Center for Education Statistics, an information clearinghouse of the US government. Student-to-faculty ratios and enrollment also come from this source. The per credit hour tuition rate that is included in the school review paragraph is taken from the website of that school and may show a discount from the rate reported by the government.

Rating and Ranking Methodology

Tuition Points

  1. Under $30,000—1 point
  2. Under $27,000—2 points
  3. Under $24,000—3 points
  4. Under $21,000—4 points
  5. Under $18,000—5 points
  6. Under $15,000—6 points
  7. Under $12,000—7 points
  8. Under $9,000—8 points

Student to Faculty Ratio Points

  1. Above 35-1 point
  2. Above 30-2 point
  3. Above 25-3 points
  4. Above 20-4 points
  5. Above 15-5 points
  6. Above 10-6 points

National Recognition

  1. Top 100-1 point
  2. Top 40-2 point
  3. Top 30-3 points
  4. Top 20-4 points
  5. Top 10-5 points
  6. Top 5-6 points

Bonus for special tuition discount for online students

  1. Has special online discount for tuition-3 points
  2. Online students charged standard tuition-0 points

#10 – UNC Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Master of Business Administration in Marketing Online

Website

Points: 8

Enrollment: 29,468

Tuition: $26,854

UNC Chapel Hill is one of the oldest public universities in the US. With a student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1, the school offers an online master of business administration in marketing that is a 66 quarter credit hour program including coursework in business strategy and services marketing. UNC Chapel Hill charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $1,728.46 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#9 – Northeastern University

Boston, Massachusetts

Master of Business Administration in Marketing Online

Website

Points: 9

Enrollment: 20,381

Tuition: $22,633

Northeastern University was established in 1898, and the school motto translates from Latin as “Light, Truth, Courage.” With a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1, the school offers an online master of business administration in marketing that is a 54 credit hour program that includes coursework in digital marketing and market-focused strategy. Northeastern University charges an online graduate tuition rate of $1,560 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

#8 – University of North Texas

Denton Texas

Master of Business Administration in Marketing Online

Website

Points: 9

Enrollment: 38,145

Tuition: $12,794

The University of North Texas started life as a teachers’ college in 1890. With a student to faculty ratio of 26 to 1, the school offers an online master of business administration in marketing that is a 36 credit hour program including coursework in marketing research and financial management. The University of North Texas charges an online, graduate, non-resident tuition rate of $1,317.48 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#7 – Washington State University

Pullman, Washington

Master of Business Administration in Marketing Online

Website

Points: 10

Enrollment: 30,142

Tuition: $24,656

Washington State University is a land-grant public research school that was established in 1890. With a student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1, the school offers an online master of business administration in marketing that is a 36 credit hour program, including coursework in operations management and business law. Washington State University offers an online graduate tuition rate of $585 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

#6 – Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, Michigan

Master of Business Administration in Marketing Online

Website

Points: 11

Enrollment: 25,986

Tuition: $18,216

Central Michigan University’s school motto translates from Latin as “Wisdom, Virtue, Friendship.” With a student to faculty ratio of 22 to 1, the school offers an online master of business administration in marketing that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in data analysis and sustainability. Central Michigan University offers an online, graduate tuition rate of $600 per credit hour, regardless of residency. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

#5 – Golden Gate University

San Francisco, California

Master of Science in Marketing Online

Website

Points: 11

Enrollment: 2,656

Tuition: $17,550

Golden Gate University started life as the YMCA Evening College in 1901. With a student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1, the school offers an online master of science in marketing that is a 33 credit hour program that includes coursework in economics and marketing management. Golden Gate University charges an online graduate tuition rate of $1,015 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission.

#4 – Dallas Baptist University

Dallas, Texas

Master of Business Administration in Marketing Online

Website

Points: 11

Enrollment: 5,156

Tuition: $15,408

Dallas Baptist University is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas and was founded in 1898. With a student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1, the school offers an online master of business administration in marketing that is a 36 credit hour program that includes coursework in managerial accounting and business ethics. Dallas Baptist University charges an online graduate tuition rate of $959 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#3 – Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, Florida

Master of Business Administration in Marketing Online

Website

Points: 12

Enrollment: 14,649

Tuition: $9,630

Saint Leo University is a Roman Catholic liberal arts university that was established in 1889. With a student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1, the school offers an online master of business administration that is a 36 credit hour program including coursework in brand management and marketing innovations. Saint Leo University charges an online graduate tuition rate of $720 per credit hour. Individuals in the military services may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

#2 – University of St Mary (Kansas)

Leavenworth, Kansas

Master of Business Administration in Marketing and Advertising Management Online

Website

Points: 13

Enrollment: 1,409

Tuition: $10,764

The University of St Mary’s school mascot is Spiro the Dragon. With a student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1, the school offers an online master of business administration that is a 36 credit hour program including coursework in the advertising industry in the 21st century and buyer behavior. The University of St Mary charges an online, graduate tuition rate of $615 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

#1 – Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Master of Business Administration in Marketing Online

Website

Points:16

Enrollment: 75,756

Tuition: $8,051

Liberty University was founded by televangelist Jerry Falwell in 1971, and the school mascot is the Flame. With a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, the school offers an online master of business administration in marketing that is a 45 credit hour program including coursework in marketing research and consumer behavior. Liberty University offers an online, full time, graduate rate of $565 per credit hour. The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

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10 Great Deals: Online DBA Programs (Doctor of Business Administration)

This concludes the list of 10 great deals on a master’s or MBA in marketing online.

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