Masters in Marketing

What Do You Learn in a Masters in Marketing?

A Master of Science in Marketing may provide students with added skills and insight into the field of marketing beyond what students learn in a bachelor’s degree. Some students may decide to pursue this specific concentration after completing a degree in business or a related field.

Completing this graduate degree in marketing may provide students with new insights and innovations in the industry as well. Students may take a wide range of courses, including those focused on more specific concentrations within the field, including multicultural marketing or global marketing. Many focus on marketing research as another specific area. Students may find some colleges and universities only offer a general master’s in marketing, while others offer the flexibility to pick and choose courses that interest them.

Marketing Masters Programs

Featured Online Programs in Marketing

Marketing Courses May Include

Students may take a range of courses as a component to a master’s degree in marketing. Some of those may include marketing research, marketing analytics, and marketing management. Some degree programs also offer a capstone project as the culmination of their education.

Completing a master’s degree in this area may provide students with a new set of skills or may enhance their education on various topics, including marketing tactics, planning promotional campaigns for various media forms, conducting optimization of campaigns, and conducting brand image research and development. They may also focus on digital marketing for organic social media, social media marketing, search engine optimization, and mobile marketing strategies.

The following are some of the courses students may take in a master’s degree in marketing though a wide range of options may exist.

1st course Marketing Research for Managers

Marketing Research for Managers

In this course, students typically learn about globalization, consumer values, and technology changes. The business of creating and sustaining value in the global market may also be included. This course often provides a foundation for further marketing courses.

2nd course Strategic Marketing

Strategic Marketing

This course typically applies theoretical and applied approaches to marketing. This may be presented on multiple levels of organizations, from corporate to product. Contemporary marketing is often a focal point of this course, and a team based project is sometimes a part of the course.

3rd Course Data Analytics with SAS Base

Data Analytics with SAS Base

This course is typically designed to introduce students to analytics and their many applications in marketing. The use of different analytics tools as well as coding applications are a typical part of this course. Data acquisition, storage, and analysis are often covered as a part of this course.

4th Course Global Perspectives in Consumer Marketing

Global Perspectives in Consumer Marketing

This course usually focuses on understanding and interpreting consumer behavior. Looking at various types of markets and how the consumers react to different types and styles of marketing based on culture, social class, and different age groups is often a part of this course.

5th Course Qualitative Methods and Consumer Insights

Qualitative Methods and Consumer Insights

In this course, students are often taught about qualitative market research. Interpreting, conducting, and evaluating are all topics usually in this course. Students often conduct actual research and analyze and report on their findings.

6th Course R for Marketing Research and Analytics

R for Marketing Research and Analytics

This course generally covers how data analytics is changing industries. An analysis of case studies and examples may be used. Linear regression, logistic regression, decision trees, and factor analysis are often covered in this course.

Top 25 Schools Graduating Students with a Masters in Marketing

The following are the top 25 schools in the U.S. based on the number of students graduating with a Master in Marketing degree in the 2019/2020 school year according to NCES.

College / University GraduatesAcceptance Rate 
Hult International Business School17143%
Johns Hopkins University16211%
Florida International University15558%
Boston University11319%
LIM College10883%
Southern New Hampshire University10788%
NUC University9149%
The University of Alabama7883%
Full Sail University76N/A
University of Toledo7396%
Michigan State University7071%
The University of Texas at Dallas5979%
Liberty University5351%
Emerson College5233%
Vanderbilt University499%
Hofstra University4868%
University of South Florida4748%
University of Pennsylvania438%
California Lutheran University4271%
DePaul University4068%
University of Phoenix-Arizona40N/A
Georgia State University3876%
Nova Southeastern University3880%
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign3559%
Bentley University3347%
  • Some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
  • Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
  • Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access
  • Application fee waiver for students applying to start in Summer 2022.
  • Designed for working professionals, our programs equip you to advance.
  • Master marketing analytics, data visualization, UX, SEO, SEM, branding, packaging, channel management, social media content management and more. 
  • Choose an elective focused on consumer psychology, project management, the customer journey, or web and video development.

5 Most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about a Masters in Marketing

Completing a master’s degree in marketing may be useful for those who wish to focus their education and careers in this field, especially if they did not complete a marketing bachelor’s degree. It may also provide access to new skills and strategies in marketing if a student completed marketing courses long ago.

Many marketing degrees at the graduate level take 1 to 2 years to complete when attending full time. Some programs are accelerated, which may allow students to complete the program within 18 months.

Completing a masters degree in marketing may enable a person to work in positions such as digital marketing executive, brand manager, marketing manager, market research analyst, or social media specialist, among others.

Yes, numerous colleges and universities offer a master’s degree in marketing, which is typically an MS degree. It typically takes 2 years to complete. It may focus on global marketing, marketing research, or other concentrations in the field.

An MBA may include education in both marketing and business. Some colleges and universities offer this type of educational path.

Find Funding

Obtaining funding to cover the cost of a master’s degree in marketing may be necessary or beneficial to many students. Funding options range widely based on what the student’s needs are as well as factors such as what is available from numerous sources. NCES reports that the average cost of a master’s degree during the 2019/2020 school year was $19,792. There may be a few different ways to cover those costs.

Scholarships

One of the first steps many students may wish to pursue is access to scholarships. Scholarships may be available based on qualifications and selection. They may be provided by a number of organizations and typically require students to apply for them directly. The benefit to them is that scholarships often do not require repayment in many cases, though qualifications and restrictions may occur. It is typically work looking for marketing scholarships for masters degree students.

Lagrant Foundation Graduate Scholarship

Who Can Apply: This award is available for U.S. graduate students with a grade point average of 3.2 or higher who are of either African American, Asian/Pacific, Hispanic, or Native American heritage. The applicant must major in a field of study that has an emphasis on public relations, marketing or advertising.

Amount: $75,000

Deadline: February 26

Black Marketing Leaders Grant

Who Can Apply: The Black Marketing Leaders Grant will be awarded to a Black student or recent graduate who plans on (or already is) pursuing a career in marketing at a start-up and shows impact and drive.

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: May 11

HubShout Internet Marketing Scholarship

Who Can Apply: This award is for U.S. and international students who have completed at least one year of postsecondary education and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students must have a demonstrated interest in online marketing.

Amount: $1,000

Deadline: November 1

The Scott Cooper Miami Scholarship

Who Can Apply: The Scott Cooper Miami Scholarship is available for students in Business Management, Marketing, Film, Theater, Communications, Journalism, Education or Fitness. 

Amount: $500

Deadline: January 15

Federal Loans

One of the steps many people may wish to take to obtain funding for their college education at the graduate level is to secure a federal loan. These are loans backed by the U.S. federal government. As a result, they typically need to meet a wide range of requirements. Federal student loans for master’s degree programs are a bit harder to obtain than those associated with undergraduate students. However, some options may exist including the following:

  • Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These are available to graduate schools and professional students. Unlike direct subsidized loans, which are made available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, direct unsubsidized loans do not have a need based requirement. More students may be eligible for them.
  • Direct PLUS Loans: These are made available to professional or graduate level students. They are designed to pay for educational expenses that are typically not paid for through other loans. Eligibility for these loans is often not based on financial need. However, some require a credit check to be performed, and borrowers may not qualify without meeting other requirements in some cases.
  • Direct Consolidation Loans: These loans enable a student to combine all of their undergraduate and graduate level federal debt into one new loan. This consolidation loan is typically provided after a student completes their education.

Private Student Loans

Another option for covering the cost of a college education may come in the form of private student loans. These loans are from third party organizations not associated with the federal government. As a result the terms and conditions of these loans typically differ significantly from one provider to the next. Borrowers may wish to take a closer look at those conditions to be sure they understand the expectations of such loans.

Private loans may differ based on:

  • Interest rates
  • Qualifications (some require credit or work history)
  • Forbearance access
  • Consolidation limitations
  • Refinancing rules

Is marketing manager a good career?

A marketing manager is typically a person that plans, directs, and coordinates the marketing policies of a company or a component of a company. They may work to determine the amount of demand for a product or service or that of its competitors. They may also work to identify potential customers, come up with pricing strategies to maximize the company’s profits, and oversee the process of product development from the view of marketing.

Some of the work a marketing manager may do includes identifying, developing, and evaluating marketing strategy, with careful understanding of the company’s objectives, market characteristics, and cost factors. They may also formulate and direct marketing activities and aid in the promotion of services or products. They may work closely with the advertising and promotion teams. Many times, they evaluate the financial aspects of a product’s development including working to develop a budget, researching appropriations, and the ROI of a product. They may develop pricing strategies and monitor customer satisfaction.

Daily tasks may include developing marketing plans and building strategies, directing sales, marketing, and customer service teams and activities, and working to evaluate a marketing plan’s success. They may analyze data to help with operational decisions or activities. They may also estimate cost or material requirements.

To work in this field, many employers require people to have at least a bachelor’s degree. They may need some experience in the field, a master’s degree, or other specific skills to qualify. Employees may receive some on the job training, but often skill is built in their degree program.

Marketing Masters , Important skills for Marketing managers
  • Active Learning – Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

2020 Median Salary for a Marketing Manager

The following is the median salary for those working as a marketing manager in 2020 in each state, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

StateSalaryStateSalary
Alabama$106,560Alaska$91,410
Arizona$115,340Arkansas$126,830
California$166,300Colorado$164,680
Connecticut$138,810Delaware$156,290
Georgia$129,880Florida$116,940
Idaho$105,840Hawaii$99,600
Indiana$112,400Illinois$127,570
Kansas$130,770Iowa$109,430
Louisiana$88,710Kentucky$104,500
Maryland$133,860Maine$96,280
Minnesota$144,120Massachusetts$141,110
Montana$112,310Michigan$129,600
Nevada$106,080Mississippi$76,800
New Jersey$167,880Missouri$126,650
New York$181,240Nebraska$98,870
North Dakota$110,540New Hampshire$128,970
Oklahoma$114,040New Mexico$86,470
Pennsylvania$136,640North Carolina$136,600
South Carolina$113,030Ohio$132,830
Tennessee$99,830Oregon$126,500
Utah$104,970Rhode Island$156,430
Virginia$165,370South Dakota$137,680
Wisconsin$121,460Texas$143,080
Washington$155,560Vermont$99,720
West Virginia$90,180Wyoming$119,520

Is market research analyst a good career?

Working as a market research analyst may enable a person to research conditions in various markets – online, local, regional, or national – to gather information for potential sales of a service or a product within those areas. They may conduct this research in the development of a marketing or advertising campaign, to gather information on competitors, sales, prices, and methods of marketing and distribution. They may also use search marketing tactics, use web metrics, and develop recommendations to improve target market access including through search engine ranking and visibility.

The work done by a market research analyst may include preparing reports with findings and data to translate complex data into usable details. They may conduct research on consumer opioids and marketing strategies, college data from surveys, opinion pools, or questionnaires, and collaborate with other marketing professionals. They may work to conduct research with statisticians, pollsters, and others in the field. They may measure and assess customer and employee satisfaction.

Day to day activities may include preparing research reports, analyzing consumer trends, conducting surveys within organizations or other groups, and establishing business management methods. They may also measure effectiveness of business strategies and practices.

Many companies expect those who wish to work as a market research analyst to have at least a bachelor’s degree, with some requiring several years of experience in the field. A master’s degree may be necessary in some cases. Some employee training may be done by the employer, but much of their skill comes from their education.

Marketing Masters , Important skills for Market research analysts
  • Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Reading Comprehension – Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Writing – Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

2020 Median Salary for Market Research Analysts

In 2020, the following was the median salary for those working as a market research analyst in each state according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

StateSalaryStateSalary
Alabama$55,010Alaska$65,650
Arizona$57,360Arkansas$61,750
California$73,610Colorado$69,980
Connecticut$68,160Delaware$88,490
Georgia$62,470Florida$55,830
Idaho$55,790Hawaii$54,060
Indiana$54,910Illinois$63,890
Kansas$56,530Iowa$58,890
Louisiana$50,250Kentucky$53,400
Maryland$65,060Maine$66,230
Minnesota$72,900Massachusetts$67,630
Montana$55,800Michigan$62,460
Nevada$55,680Mississippi$40,160
New Jersey$85,210Missouri$57,120
New York$77,460Nebraska$52,500
North Dakota$52,910New Hampshire$63,610
Oklahoma$53,900New Mexico$52,470
Pennsylvania$63,800North Carolina$64,680
South Carolina$57,640Ohio$61,010
Tennessee$57,290Oregon$64,610
Utah$53,220Rhode Island$66,560
Virginia$65,530South Dakota$57,000
Wisconsin$58,060Texas$69,620
Washington$83,880Vermont$53,800
West Virginia$43,930Wyoming$49,710
Sandy B CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sandy Baker

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sandy has extensive experience writing educational articles for topics ranging from online education to college degrees. She’s worked with several Ivy League colleges to create blogs, newsletters, sales material for recruiting as well as “how to manage” college lifestyle pieces. Additionally, she’s written for well-respected study abroad programs helping students to find international opportunities spanning the globe from South America to Africa and Asia.

Sandy’s experience also includes writing about financial aid, FAFSA, scholarship searches, and managing college loans and grants. This includes aiding both students and parents in managing the application and financial aid process from start to finish. Her writing in this area has been featured in The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and several blogs.