Marketing Master’s Degrees: Best Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Marketing is a powerful tool for companies to propel themselves forward as leaders in their respective fields. This professional field constantly recruits trained individuals with an eye for marketing to lead innovative projects. If you want to access advanced programs in this industry, check out our guide including some of the best marketing master’s degrees of 2021.

In this article, you will see the content covered by top institutions, the best in-person and online options, and potential positions you could get after graduating. Read this article and get your resume in top shape before applying to your dream marketing career.

What Is Marketing?

Marketing is the strategic use of mass communication for business purposes. This discipline integrates advertising, information technologies, sales, communication techniques, computing, and web development to promote a product or service. Digital marketing increases a company’s sales and expands its presence across its specified industry or even worldwide.

What Is a Marketing Master’s Degree?

A Master’s Degree in Marketing is a higher academic level within business communication. This two-year program teaches students to develop sales skills, analytics, strategic planning, and marketing management. A marketing master’s degree is ideal for entrepreneurs, consultants, or professionals in the marketing and strategic business areas.

This academic degree is a postgraduate program designed for university marketing graduates with real-world experience. Professionals with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing can choose this career path to expand their knowledge.

Marketing Master’s Degree Requirements

You must have a university or college undergraduate degree in business, marketing, or another related field of marketing. Additionally, a potential graduate student must register for admission, pay the university’s tuition and fees, and take all applicable entrance exams. However,

How Much Does a Marketing Master’s Degree Cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition and fees for a

graduate degree is $18,416

. However, prices for annual tuition for a Master’s Degree in Marketing will vary from university to university.

Marketing Master’s Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Marketing Master’s Degree

There are several ways to pay tuition for a master’s degree. You can apply for federal financial aid and scholarships. There are also options for deferred tuition, private loans, and the GI Bill.

Best Marketing Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Marketing: Top Marketing Master’s Degree Programs

Below you will see a detailed selection of the best universities where you can study and obtain your Master’s Degree in Marketing. The proven educational quality of these institutions will make you suitable professional marketing for the job market. Choose the university that best suits your budget and career goals.

Master of Science in Marketing | Clemson University

This program teaches students to apply quantitative and qualitative skills to marketing theory. Studying at Clemson equips you with the critical thinking skills hiring managers search for in marketing professionals. This two-year program incorporates a diverse curriculum, including marketing research, buyer behavior, consumer insights, and advanced marketing strategy.

Master of Science in Marketing Science | Columbia University

Columbia University campuses are in New York City. This university provides students with the analytical skills needed to grow in the marketing industry. This program requires students to complete 30 credit hours of coursework before graduation. Students will learn innovative marketing skills in this program and choose two electives to gain more competitive knowledge.

Master of Science in Marketing | DePaul University

DePaul University is a school located in Chicago, Illinois. The professors at this university are professionals with practical marketing experience at large companies such as Frito-Lay. The program has 12 core courses. In addition to marketing theory, classes include analytical tools for marketers, leading business development, advertising and sales promotion, and pricing strategy.

Master of Science in Marketing | Georgia State University

Georgia State University has a campus in Atlanta, Georgia. This program requires 30 credits and can be completed within one year. This institution offers internships to full-time students at the Social Media Intelligence Lab on campus. Georgia State University graduates work for companies like CNN, Georgia-Pacific, and Bank of America.

Master of Science in Marketing | Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is a private research university located in Baltimore, Maryland. This degree requires 36 credit hours of study, and you can complete it in one year. The program offers full-time and part-time schedule options.

This program includes classes on pricing analytics, business-to-business marketing, and strategic market intelligence. Johns Hopkins University graduates have the opportunity to work in the United States Department of Defense and companies such as The Kraft Heinz Company, Procter & Gamble, and Verizon Wireless.

Master of Science in Marketing Research | Michigan State University

This university is based in East Lansing, Michigan, and provides students with essential marketing skills and techniques. The marketing program lasts between 12 to 20 months and requires 34 credits of coursework. Students take courses on new design and methods, online research communities, and applications in predictive analysis.

Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications | Northwestern University

Northwestern University is located in Evanston, Illinois, and has an excellent master’s program in marketing communications. This program guides each marketing student to turn them into experts in digital strategy and marketing. You will develop skills in marketing strategy, consumer insights and analytics, messages and content, and media. This program takes 15 months to complete.

Master of Science in Marketing | Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University campus is in College Station, Texas. Students can complete this program in 16 months and develop their portfolios by working for marketing firms associated with the institution. Students develop projects and real-world experience in the marketing industry. This marketing degree requires 36 credit hours of coursework.

Master of Science in Marketing | University of Southern California

This institution in Los Angeles, California, teaches students analytic and technical skills based on practical experiences. The program requires 30 credits of coursework, which students typically complete in two years. The classes focus on the understanding of consumption patterns in modern society. You will study analytics and consumer behavior.

In addition, you can complete your internships at the university, where you will also obtain a certificate in Business of Entertainment. This specialization will allow you to teach other students about film and television.

Master of Marketing | Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University is a private institution located in Nashville, Tennessee. This academy has a special educational focus on student creativity with its Master of Marketing program. The degree requires 31 credit hours of coursework and you can complete it in 10 months.

You will acquire communication skills through development workshops, peer coaching, networking events, and mock interviews. The program consists of real-world immersive experiences to provide students with job-ready skills.

Best Online Marketing Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best Colleges for Marketing: Top Online Marketing Master’s Degree Programs

Information technology is the basis of the educational strategies of online schools. Through interactive online classes, you will be able to learn fundamental technical skills to succeed in the industry. Take a look below at the best

online programs for marketing

master’s degrees.

Master of Business Administration in Marketing | Concordia University – Wisconsin

This program focuses on creating competitive marketing strategies through better planning, implementing, and managing marketing activities. Students in this program learn various techniques related to the business administration side of marketing, which is a unique skillset.

Master of Science in Marketing | Florida International University

This institution teaches graduate students technical skills in marketing analytics, brand development, and digital marketing. The curriculum for this master’s degree teaches students basic notions of influential marketing dynamics. The academy offers interactive classes on integrated marketing communications, global marketing management, and marketing analytics.

Master of Science in Marketing | Indiana University

This online degree requires students to obtain 30 credit hours before finishing the program. Once students graduate, they earn a diploma from Kelley Business School, an IU affiliate institution. This online marketing degree focuses on research, administration, and management of marketing projects.

Master of Science in Marketing | Liberty University

Liberty University offers specializations in sports marketing and media, social media management, digital marketing and advertising, and public relations. This program requires 36 credit hours and is usually completed in 18 months. Classes include brand management, strategic marketing management, and a marketing strategy capstone project.

Master of Business Administration in Marketing | Regent University

This private Christian institution offers a marketing master’s degree with a concentration on leadership. This program provides students with the skills necessary to maximize communication, ensure ethical standards, and practice strategic tactics in marketing.

Additionally, Regent University’s online program teaches graduate students about basic understanding of marketing. Classes then advance to dynamic marketing courses such as managerial economics, viral marketing, consumer behavior, and marketing psychology.

Master of Science in Marketing | Regis University

Regis University teaches students to become marketing experts for any industry. Students develop skills in discovering practical market segments and communicating commercial ideas. This 30-credit program includes courses on marketing mix decisions, market opportunity assessment, and customer relations development and management.

Master of Science in Marketing | Saint Joseph’s University

This institution teaches through a blend of academic classes and real-world marketing experiences. Classes at this graduate school offer extensive knowledge in marketing analysis, predictive analytics in marketing, and promotional strategy.

Master of Science in Marketing | Southern New Hampshire University

Students in this program study advanced content like International marketing strategy, strategic digital marketing, and integrated marketing communications. This institution offers classes in four major career areas: marketing research and analysis, new media and communications, digital marketing, and social media marketing.

Master of Science Digital Innovation in Marketing | Temple University

This fully online level teaches you the skills of marketing and supply chain management. Courses for this program include digital marketing, data analytics, UX design, and social media innovation. This is a part-time program that can be completed in 16 months.

Master of Business Administration in Marketing | Walsh University

This program teaches students the fundamental leadership and marketing skills necessary to begin their dream careers. Students develop the interpersonal skills required for competitive candidates in the job market. The curriculum includes marketing and business classes specializing in skills like ethical leadership, leadership experience, and strategic management.

What’s the Average Marketing Master’s Degree Salary?

According to PayScale, the average salary for a professional with a

Master of Science in Marketing is $69,000

. However, depending on the job title and location, a marketing professional with this diploma can earn between $44,486 and $118,430 per year.

Top Marketing Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

Best Marketing Master’s Degree Jobs Explained

Public Relations and Fundraising Manager

Public relations and fundraising managers create and maintain relationships between a business and other companies and clients. These professionals improve the public image of the organization in the market. Another role for these professionals includes fundraising.

Senior Marketing Manager

Senior marketing managers oversee the company on a large scale and dictate the flow of data, content, and information necessary to create effective marketing campaigns. These professionals must have excellent interpersonal skills and must efficiently lead the creative and commercial teams.

Marketing Director

• 
  Average Salary
  
  : $91,082
• 
  Job Outlook:
  
  10%*
• 
  Number of Jobs
  
  : 316,800*
• 
  Highest-Paying States
  
  : New York, New Jersey, California*

Marketing directors lead all logistics processes for a particular company. These professionals must have an eye for detail and time management. They’re in charge of designing campaigns to increase their value and services in a specific market.

Digital Marketing Manager

• 
  Average Salary
  
  : $68,136
• 
  Job Outlook
  
  : 10%*
• 
  Number of Jobs
  
  : 316,800*
• 
  Highest-Paying States
  
  : New York, New Jersey, California*

Digital marketing managers

design web and social media expansion strategies. Most of these professionals work with

web development

systems and social media applications.

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists coordinate a company’s communications with the press, financial organizations, and potential clients interested in the company’s services. In addition, this individual utilizes digital advertising to make connections with industry professionals.

Data Analyst

This job position consists of analyzing consumer data to design new marketing strategies. Unlike marketing analysts, these professionals work with a greater volume of data. Data analysts focus on numerical factors for the management of products and services.

Marketing Analyst

Marketing analysts analyze each market segment to detect the target audience and new opportunities for the company. In addition, they explore the consumption patterns of customers.

Account Manager

• 
  Average Salary
  
  : $56,020
• 
  Job Outlook
  
  : 10%*
• 
  Number of Jobs
  
  : 316,800*
• 
  Highest-Paying States
  
  : New York, New Jersey, California*

Account managers optimize the strategies of the company’s clients to increase their sales. In addition, they have the responsibility of directing and supervising the marketing campaigns.

Advertising Sales Agent

Advertising sales agents are in charge of creating an adequate advertising space for businesses seeking market expansion. Additionally, they must have a creative eye for convincing advertisements while maintaining a realistic budget for company expenses.

Marketing Coordinator

• 
  Average Salary
  
  : $45,514
• 
  Job Outlook
  
  : 10%*
• 
  Number of Jobs
  
  : 316,800*
• 
  Highest-Paying States
  
  : New York, New Jersey, California*

Marketing coordinators work alongside the company’s marketing director. These professionals represent the organizational structure of the creative team of the company and create efficient marketing strategies for the company. In addition, marketing coordinators oversee sales teams and finance-related groups.

*Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data on Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers.

Benefits of a Marketing Master’s Degree

• 
  More likely to find work
  
  . A Master’s Degree in Marketing shows prospective employers that you are knowledgeable and committed to your field.
• 
  Wide range of career opportunities.
  
  Marketing skills can be applied to any industry.
• 
  Makes you a competitive candidate.
  
  Although not all marketing positions require a master’s degree, you will have a greater chance of being hired over a less qualified individual.
• 
  Excellent support
  
  . At a university, you will have the support and guidance of marketing strategists with years of professional experience in the industry.

Where to Use Your Marketing Master’s Degrees

Luckily, the job field is absolutely ripe for those with these impressive credentials. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the general field of

advertising, promotions, and marketing managers

is expected to experience an 8% growth over the next 10 years, sporting an impressive salary of $135,900 per year.

A bachelor’s degree is required for a successful career in any of these similar career paths, but having a master’s automatically gives you a valuable leg up over the competition. While marketing master’s degrees are no walk in the park to obtain, they undoubtedly pay off in the long run.

Additionally, these positions will more or less always be in high demand, as the growth of the Internet, as well as the necessity for them for any business, from a mom and pop shop to a Fortune 500 company, is absolutely essential. So don’t worry that this field will dry up in a few years!

Location wise, the states who pay these positions the most are:

• New York
• New Jersey
• Virginia
• Colorado
• California

All of these states pay their marketers at least $170,000, with New York paying the highest amount, handing out a salary of $186,350 to experienced employees.

If you have trouble deciding where to find a solid position, a good rule of thumb is that many employers in the bigger cities pay their marketing employees a significant amount compared to more rural locations.

With that in mind, it should come as little surprise that one of the best metro areas for this field is the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California. This is a hotbed of technology and advertising and is just a stone’s throw away from San Francisco and is in close proximity to Silicon Valley and companies like Google and Facebook.

The Most Famous and High-Paying Corporations for Marketing Master’s Degrees

Along with the average company needing the expertise of a marketing master, there is a wide array of corporate powerhouses, pulling in billions of dollars per year in marketing revenues.

Some of the biggest marketing companies in the world that may catch your fancy are:

• Accenture Interactive
• IBM iX
• Deloitte Digital
• Dentsu
• Epsilon
• Ogilvy
• TBWA Worldwide
• Mindshare
• Mediacom
• Young & Rubicam
• Wunderman

Should You Get a Master’s Degree in Marketing?

Yes, you should get a Master’s Degree in Marketing if you have the time and financial resources for that kind of program. By becoming a marketing strategist, you can be a crucial player in any industry in the world.

A Master’s Degree in Marketing may be the best investment of time and money you will ever make in your business career. This graduate degree offers you the chance to start a successful career in marketing.

With these fantastic marketing degrees, students can complete robust and tested curriculums to understand commerce and consumer behavior in the world around them. This marketing degree is an investment that will become even more useful as time and technology development progress.

Through a comprehensive program and school search, prospective marketing students can tailor their master’s program at any number of these institutions.

If you fall into the category of part-time or full-time students, completing this degree won’t be easy. However, it pays off in spades if you put in the hard work, and will shed light on the way that we as a society interact with products online and off.

After graduation, expect to land a mostly objectively highly paid position at any number of companies who need assistance from a marketing expert. This is one of those degrees that just keeps on giving. If you find yourself in possession of one of these marketing master’s degrees, you can be working at a famous corporation or company in no time, with all of the impressive benefits that come with it.

Marketing Master’s Degree FAQ