Online Masters in Marketing Degrees

If you’re considering pursuing your Masters in marketing online, you’ve come to the right place. Gradschools.com lists an array of online masters in marketing degree programs in marketing and closely related subjects such as communications, digital marketing, public relations, and social media.

Through master’s in marketing online programs, business and marketing professionals could engage in coursework that helps enhance their skills and knowledge in various areas of marketing. Whether pursuing a career as a marketing manager, market research specialist, public relations specialist, or in another area of marketing, professionals may gain knowledge of concepts, theories, methodologies, and practical applications in marketing, management, and business.

Why Pursue a Master’s Degree in Marketing Online?

Pursuing your master’s degree in marketing online might be a great option if you want to apply to a school distant from where you live or depend on having a flexible schedule to meet personal or professional needs and obligations. Colleges throughout the world offer online programs in marketing or closely related subjects so you might be able to find a great program that meets your needs. In many cases, Online Masters in Marketing you to access coursework and assignments at times convenient to you and, sometimes, they even allow you complete coursework and even courses according to your own schedule. Not to mention that through online education, you avoid having to drive to campus, find parking, and attend class. Instead, you simply use your own computer from the comfort of your home or office.

What Are My Options for Pursuing a Master’s in Marketing Online?

Students might pursue one of three types of master’s degrees in marketing online: the Master of Science (M.S.), the Master of Art (M.A.), or the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.). While the M.S. and the M.A. might be in marketing or a closely related field, the M.B.A. will likely be in business administration and emphasize marketing or another closely related field. Read on to learn more about these different types of online master’s degrees in marketing.

The Master of Science (M.S.) and Master of Art (M.A.) Degrees in Marketing

The Master of Science and Master of Art degrees in Marketing help students grow their knowledge and skillset in broad and specific areas of marketing. Students typically learn about marketing tools, techniques, and theories and then learn how to apply these concepts and strategies to on-the-job situations. In many cases, students do so through core and elective courses (all of which will likely emphasize marketing and closely related subjects) over the course of one to two years. Depending on the program, students might pursue their online master’s degree in marketing through part-time, full-time, or intensive study. Students could complete their programs by writing and defending a thesis, participating in an internship, or taking a comprehensive exam.

In online marketing master’s degree programs, students will likely complete the majority, if not all, of their program online. In some programs however, they may have to meet on campus for one or more intensive weeks or complete an in-person internship in the city where they live.

The Master of Business Administration in Marketing (MBA)

Through core and elective coursework, the online Master of Business Administration degree in Marketing, or the online M.B.A. in Marketing, typically emphasizes business and offers a secondary focus on marketing or an area of marketing. Business professionals who want to pursue a career in marketing or learn more about the subject to enhance their current career might pursue this type of degree. In some cases, applicants might have to demonstrate that they have a certain number of years’ experience in business to apply.

Students typically pursue a marketing M.B.A. over the course of one to two years of part time, fulltime, or intensive study. To conclude their programs, they might take a comprehensive exam, write a thesis, or participate in an internship. Similar to online M.A. and M.S. programs in marketing, students might have to meet on campus for one or more intensive weeks or engage in an internship or mentorship where they live.

What Might I Study in a Master’s in Marketing Degree Program?

Many M.S., M.A., and M.B.A. marketing programs are similar, if not identical to, their on-campus counterparts. However, professors in online programs might use distinct teaching tools or adapt materials to fit online formats. If you’re applying to schools with online and on-campus options, talk to someone in the program to determine whether or not the curricula is different and whether or not those differences matter to you.

In general, online masters in marketing programs require students to complete core and elective coursework. In online M.S. and M.A. programs, students typically study basic marketing topics such as marketing management, digital marketing, business and marketing analytics, marketing research, marketing theory and models, marketing metrics and assessment, consumer behavior, marketing strategy, and ethics in marketing as part of their core curriculum.

Elective coursework might help students pursue areas of interest or concentrations designated by the program. Some common areas for concentration include marketing communication, digital marketing, customer experience management, marketing strategy, and entertainment marketing. Some examples of general elective coursework include product development; branding, pricing, and selling strategy; global marketing; visual storytelling; non-profit marketing, political marketing, and public policy and marketing; community organizing and marketing; and promotions. These are just some of the many subjects you might study through elective courses.

In online M.B.A. in marketing programs, students typically study foundational areas of business such as management, accounting, finance, micro- or macro-economics, operations, business law, business ethics, and marketing. Through their elective coursework, students may study areas of marketing in depth. For example, they might study subjects such as social and nonprofit marketing; brand and product management; music, sports, or retail marketing; global or international marketing; big data, business intelligence, and marketing analytics; or multicultural marketing. These are a few of the many subjects students might study as they pursue an M.B.A. emphasis in marketing.

In any online graduate programs in marketing, students may engage in substantial group work, study case studies, compete with classmates on projects and marketing campaigns, and otherwise engage in interactive assignments to develop their knowledge and skills in business and marketing.

What Skills Might I Develop in an Online Masters in Marketing Program?

As they pursue their master’s degree in marketing online, students might develop technological skills, subject-specific skills, and general skills.

By navigating an online platform, interacting with classmates and professors using technology, and managing their own schedule, students might become more skilled at using technology and managing their time and work. For example, they might learn how to use (or become more skilled at using) various online tools (such as social media, videos, online conferencing, and more) and communicating ideas in writing or through teleconferences. Students may also develop their skills in juggling a flexible schedule, taking initiative, and balancing their own coursework with participation in program activities.

Through their coursework, and depending on their programs, students will likely learn to identify target audiences, determine their target audiences’ needs, and develop branding, products, and marketing strategies that reach and persuade their audiences. They might also learn to create effective marketing plans, develop, price, advertise, sell, distribute and promote products and assess the effectiveness of their efforts. Students may become adept at applying marketing tools, concepts, theories, and frameworks to today’s business needs. They may even develop their skills to market digitally or in-person; domestically or globally; or in a particular or broad and diverse market. These are just some of the skills students might develop through their coursework.

Finally, students might develop general skills for the field of marketing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Advertising, Promotions, or Marketing Managers” must have analytical skills, communication skills, decision-making skills, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and a knack for the creative.

“Public Relations Specialists” should have similar skills and also be adept at problem-solving, speaking, and writing, according to BLS. “Market Research Analysts” should have many of the skills mentioned above and also be critical-thinkers and detail-oriented (says the BLS). Through their coursework, internships, and academic practices (study habits and other personal efforts), students might further develop skills in these areas.

Just below you’ll find a list of online master’s degree programs in marketing and other closely related subjects. Browse through the list to get a sense of what’s available and click on the programs you find interesting. You can also contact schools directly for additional information.

GradSchools.com offers 32 Schools with Online Marketing Masters Programs