Best MBA Programs for Marketing Management

Can’t decide between a marketing degree and an MBA? Don’t worry. You don’t have to. 

Earning an MBA in marketing is one of the smartest decisions you can make. You’ll gain skills that can be used in practically any field.

Featured Programs

What Will I Learn in a Full Time Marketing Management Degree?

Most marketing programs are available both part and full time.

These MBA programs vary a bit in their structure. However, you’ll go beyond an undergraduate degree in the courses for your online master. Higher education in marketing will prepare you for all kinds of job opportunities.

You’ll take a variety of classes in your MBA marketing degree to prepare you for in-demand fields. Common course titles include:

• Operations Management
• Marketing Channels
• Marketing Management

You can use these skills to start your own business. You can manage a company. You could even pursue a leadership position in a marketing field. 

Each marketing curriculum will vary in its structure. All will teach you the best ways to manage a successful marketing campaign. Your classes will provide you with the knowledge you need to formulate business strategies to meet sales and marketing needs.

You’ll need to be able to understand the factors that impact markets. That’s along with other core marketing topics like:

• customer relations
• new business ventures
• market research
• communications
• consumer behavior
• digital marketing
• advertising strategy
• customer analytics
• product marketing
• big data analytics in a global economy
• strategic management
• market analysis
• web analytics for e commerce
• financial accounting
• social media management
• product management
• cultural anthropology
• customer behavior and diverse perspectives in marketing

See Also: What Do Employers Think of Online MSN Degree Programs?

Why Should I Pursue These Marketing Programs?

You might be wondering what an MBA in marketing management can do for you. That might be even more true if you have a bachelor’s degree. The short answer? A ton. 

Earning an MBA will give you an edge as you search for jobs. You’ll go beyond just the basics. You’ll learn the skills and techniques you need to be successful in any project you might be working on.

You’ll be eligible for work in a variety of industries after completing marketing MBA programs. These include:

• media
• retail
• technology
• event planning

Graduates of a marketing curriculum go on to work for some of the most well-known and prestigious brands all around the world. Your degree will lead you to a career as a marketing manager. You will be the head of the marketing team. It doesn’t matter whether you work for a large company or a small corporation. You’ll have the ability to oversee sales and development at every stage in the game. 

Don’t think that it’s too late for you to make a difference in your career success. Even if you’re working in another field or you’ve been out of school for quite some time! There should be nothing stopping you. Many of the best MBAs in marketing management feature online or hybrid courses. The best MBA marketing programs are well within your reach!

Ready to get started? We’ve gathered data from all kinds of sources, from employment statistics to U.S. News & World Report, to find the best MBA marketing programs out there. We wanted to find business schools with quality instructors. Each program not only prepares students for a marketing career with world class professors and quality courses. It also ensures students learn the skills they need for lifelong success in any field.

See Also: 10 Best MBA in Entrepreneurship

What Are Some Other Top MBA Marketing Programs to Consider?

The list of the top business schools was tough to compile. We looked at schools accredited by organizations like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Some other top picks you might consider submitting an MBA application to include:

• McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas (in Austin, TX)
• Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University
• Columbia Business School at Columbia University
• Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business
• The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania
• The W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University
• The University of California Los Angeles Anderson School of Business
• The Stanford Graduate School

See Also: Best MBA in International Business

What Are the Best MBA in Marketing Management Degrees?

We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue. You may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking methodology. It is based on the following five aspects:

• 25% Overall Degree Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per year, per school
• 25% Graduation Rate: Number of students who start at the university and actually finish there
• 20% Earnings Potential: Average mid-career salary of school alumni
• 20% Selectivity: The number of students who apply versus the number who actually get accepted
• 10% Online Graduate Offerings: The number of programs offered online in each department

At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one. We want to help you reach your goals.

See Also: 40 Fastest Online Master’s Degree Programs

#1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Marketing MBA Programs

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the flagship school of the University of Illinois system. It opened in 1867. Today, it’s one of the largest schools in the state of Illinois. It has more than 250 different programs of study. You’ll find one of the most close-knit and hands-on marketing management MBA degrees here.

The Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois is one of the best in the country. It is known for its attention to this success of each and every individual student. It is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The school offers an MBA with specialties in areas like:

• accounting
• finance
• business intelligence

Of course, it is also one of the best MBA programs for marketing.

The MBA in marketing at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is available on-campus. It is also online.

The online and on-campus marketing degree programs are identical in their structure and requirements. You’ll learn everything you need about marketing in a business world. That’s even in a digital setting. You’ll gain experience with the techniques and tools you need to communicate with clients. You’ll create effective and profound promotional camping.

Aspiring marketing professionals will take marketing courses like:

• Digital Channels
• Marketing in a Digital World
• Data Analytics
• Digital Analytics/Web Analytics
• Business Administration and Financial Accounting
• Social Media Management
• Market Research/Market Analysis

You will have extensive opportunities to engage on a personal and hands-on level. You be able to develop your professional skills through Illinois Business Consulting. This is the globe’s largest student-run consulting organization. You can also choose to study abroad to gain experience on a larger scale. 

Class sizes here are smaller than what you might find at comparable institutions. There are fewer than six students to every faculty member. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to get to know the instructors in your program. About 90% of these instructors hold doctoral degrees or terminal degrees in their field. There are countless networking opportunities in this full time MBA Marketing degree as well.

Ready to apply? You will need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, along with three years of professional experience, are also required for these marketing MBA programs.

Other requirements include:

• three letters of recommendation
• a personal essay
• GRE or GMAT scores

#2. North Carolina State University

Marketing MBA Programs

NC State University is in Raleigh, NC. It is a public land-grant research university that opened in 1887. It is the largest university in both North and South Carolina combined. This school is one of the three corners of the famed Research Triangle. The other schools are Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

North Carolina State’s MBA in marketing program takes as few as 21 months online. It has a unique accelerated format. It is flexible and attainable for students who are already working full-time jobs. The convenient structuring of this program allows you to take as long as six years to complete your degree.

The program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. It consists of 40 credits. There are two three-day residencies on campus in Raleigh. You’ll complete core business classes along with marketing emphasis courses. These include:

• Experience Innovation and Strategic Design
• Consumer Behavior
• Business Relationship Management
• Advertising Strategy
• Customer Analytics
• Product and Brand Management

One of the best features of this program is its industry partnership. You’ll be paired with an industry client at the beginning of the semester. You’ll solve an issue for the client. To do this, you’ll perform surveys, experiments, and other one-on-one work. This is all to help you gather, analyze, and interpret data. You’ll then come up with a strategic marketing plan for the client.

Graduates from this program are successful when it comes to applying for jobs. Employers and recruiters seek out NC State graduates. They recruit them for top-paying positions with Fortune 100 companies. 

You will need to have an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. You’ll also need two years of work experience. You will need to have completed at least one statistics course. You must also submit:

• transcripts
• a resume
• a personal statement
• two letters of recommendation
• an essay
• GRE or GMAT test scores

#3. University of Saint Mary

MBA Marketing and Advertising Management concentration 

The University of Saint Mary is a private Catholic university in Leavenworth, KS. It opened first as Saint Mary College by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. Once a school for women, this now-coeducational school has one of the best MBA in marketing management degrees.

This best marketing MBA includes a unique focus in advertising management. It is a small college. The University of Saint Mary offers a close-knit school community. It values a customized and accessible approach to education. The marketing concentration isn’t the only option available to MBA students, either. There are five other concentration options available. 

You’ll gain the skills necessary for a competitive job market. Courses are offered in a convenient and flexible online environment. There’s no GMAT or GRE required for admission.

The marketing degree programs here are easy for working professionals to complete. They are available online. You’ll complete 36 credit hours of core business courses. That’s along with those in your marketing and advertising specialization. 

You will take eight core courses. That’s along with three courses in the marketing and advertising management concentration. These courses are:

• Buyer Behavior and Marketing Research
• The Advertising Industry in the 21st Century
• Advanced Marketing Strategy and Planning

#4. Carnegie Mellon University

MBA in Marketing Management 

Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university located in Pittsburgh, PA. It might come as no surprise that this is where you will find one of the best marketing MBAs.

Here you will find the Tepper School of Business. This school offers a business school experience that’s focused on the future. However, it is tailored to the complexities of the modern marketplace. The school is renowned for its research and innovation into core business practices. It is home to a community that is entrepreneurial by nature. 

The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University offers an MBA with a variety of concentrations. These include those in:

• economics
• accounting
• finance
• leadership
• marketing
• organizational behavior

The marketing program is one of the most popular. Formats include part-time, distance learning, and executive MBA studies.

This MBA is one of the few that is STEM-designated. This is a direct reflection of its emphasis on data-driven decision making, course development, and analytics. The faculty here are true pioneers. They work hard to advance the practice of business and marketing management. 

There are also Ph.D. degrees and joint degrees available. Some of the most popular joint degree options include those in:

• health care policy and management
• computational finance
• software engineering
• public policy and management

You’ll gain experience through your coursework. That, along with the many interdisciplinary learning opportunities at Tepper. The Global Treks are personalized two-week trips. These allow you to gain experience in global business practices. If you wish to extend this experience, you can participate in the transitional economics study abroad program. This lasts two full mini-semesters.

#5. University of Chicago

Marketing MBA Programs

At the University of Chicago you’ll have a long list of MBA concentrations available to you. 

Accounting to international business. General management to organizational behavior. This school offers it all. The marketing program specialization is one of the most popular. It is also the most lucrative. The Booth School of Business is one of the best.

This kind of post-graduation success is due in part to the innovative and interdisciplinary curriculum. You’ll learn everything you need to be successful in the core principles of marketing.

Courses in this marketing degree cover:

• statistics
• economics
• psychology

Some of your classes will be theoretical in nature. You’ll also participate in a variety of experiential learning classes. You can apply what you’ve learned to real-life business situations.

Your courses will be focused on the marketing niche, too. Core content in the marketing degree covers things like:

• consumer behavior
• data-driven marketing
• pricing strategy
• marketing strategy

#6. Pace University

MBA in Marketing Management 

There are more than 100 majors distributed among six schools on two different campuses. There’s a campus in New York City. There’s one in Westchester County. With all these factors combined, it’s clear why Pace comes out on top.

If you’re a business major, there’s lots to appreciate at Pace. One unique feature of this school is its ownership of two business incubators. Both of them are designed to help early-stage companies grow in New York City. 

The MBA has several concentrations for you to choose from. Of course, the MBA in marketing management is one of the most popular.

There are also specializations in:

• accounting
• business
• business analytics
• investment management
• corporate finance
• information systems
• marketing analytics
• strategy and international business
• talent management

You don’t have to pick just one, either. You’ll have the liberty to design your own curriculum as you see fit. 

Pace is also home to one of the best MBAs in marketing. This marketing degree consists of 39 credit hours. It takes just one year of full-time study or two years of part-time enrollment. There are fewer required credit hours per year and a shorter overall program. This degree leads to some serious tuition savings per year.

If you’re interested in working in any aspect of leadership, marketing, or business management, there’s no other place in the world that can match the atmosphere of metropolitan New York City.

This is one of the best graduate schools for marketing – the Lubin School of Business. The marketing MBA offers an education from acclaimed experts. They bring their real-world references right into your classroom. 

You’ll participate in internships and other professional connections. You can move outward and upward to some of the best career opportunities around. You’ll access companies with major global prestige by the very nature of the school’s location and reputation. Students have worked with companies like Omnicom, BDO, Ogilvy & Mather, and many more.

Your classes will help you get a serious competitive edge. You’ll gain specialized skills that are in-demand. Faculty are connected to some of the top companies in New York City. You can work with top marketing executives from:

• Microsoft
• Brooks Brothers
• Oracle

In this fast-paced MBA, you’ll take core classes such as:

• Marketing Research
• Strategic Marketing Planning
• New Product Development and Management

#7. St John’s University

Marketing MBA Programs

Five undergraduate schools. Six graduate schools. This university has more than 100 different areas of study in one of the premier learning environments in the entire world. As a student at St. John’s, you’ll learn among some of the best and brightest minds in business. Plus, you’ll be in the fast-paced business environment of the Big Apple.

This top marketing MBA program is offered by Peter J. Tobin College of Business. The MBA in marketing management has 36 credit hours. It is on the St. John’s Queen campus. The goal of the program is to develop skilled marketing executives. They can take a broad, integrated approach to marketing as it relates to the other practices of a business. 

Courses in these top marketing MBA programs have an innovative approach. This allows students to build their skills both in class as well as in experiential opportunities outside of the classroom.

You’ll take eight core courses. These consist 24 credit hours. That’s along with three concentration field courses. There is a required capstone course.

Popular course titles include:

• Law, Ethics, and the Principled Path in Business
• Industrial Economics
• Decisions in Marketing Management

Most students take three years of part-time study to complete the degree. Or you can take as little as three semesters full-time.

You’ll participate in Tobin’s exclusive executive-in-residence program. This program makes it possible for students to provide real consulting work for high-profile clients like:

• the National Grid
• Standard & Poor’s U.S. Equity Research Services
• KPMG

You can also work in the Student Managed Investment Fund. You can invest a portion of the university’s endowment using the cutting-edge Leslie and William Collins Business Analytics Lab.

You will need to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. A degree in business or marketing is not required. You should have some training in basic computer skills and pre-calculus mathematics.

You will need to submit:

• transcripts
• GMAT scores
• a list of professional accomplishments
• letters of recommendation

You will also need to submit a statement of your professional goals and aspirations.

#8. University at Buffalo

MBA in Marketing Management 

You will find another one of the best marketing MBA programs at UB.

The University at Buffalo is a public research university. It has campuses in both Buffalo, NY and Amherst, NY. It was once just a small medical school. The university is today one of the country’s largest and most prestigious research universities.

The University at Buffalo offers MBA candidates a close-knit and highly personalized learning environment. The degree can be completed with one of several different concentrations. Popular options include:

• information assurance
• finance
• analytics
• health care management
• management consulting

You’ll take four total courses (or 12 credit hours) along with two electives to complete the marketing concentration.

Core classes include:

• Marketing Research and Consumer Behavior
• Digital Marketing Analytics
• Marketing Planning
• Advertising and Promotion

There are other opportunities to gain hands-on experience. These include:

• the UB Mentor Program
• the NYC Finance and Law Program
• the MBA Ambassadors program

You’ll build your skills in collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.

#9. University of New Mexico

MBA in Marketing Management 

You will find another one of the best online marketing MBA programs at the University of New Mexico.

This school is a public research university in Albuquerque, NM. The University of New Mexico offered bachelor’s, doctoral, and master’s degrees since 1889. Most students will attend their classes in Albuquerque.

The university also has branch campuses in:

• Los Lunas
• Rio Rancho
• Gallup
• Los Alamos
• Taos

This school has a dedication to research and an individualized approach to student learning. It is one of the best places to earn an MBA in marketing management. You’ll gain the skills you need for marketing careers in things like:

• marketing research
• sales manager
• product marketing
• product management
• supply chain management
• advertising
• customer relations
• distribution

A marketing career is well within reach when you pursue a quality education, either full time or part time, from this school. You will gain a solid foundation through your specialized courses.

In addition to core marketing management principles, this MBA contains numerous other concentrations.

Some of the most popular include:

• international management
• financial management
• information assurance
• accounting
• entrepreneurship

You may also complete an MBA without the addition of a concentration.

This top MBA in marketing management is offered by the Anderson School of Management. This is one of the best graduate schools for marketing.

It will provide you with the dynamic experiences you need to improve your leadership skills. It will help you develop a tactical approach to modern business issues. The curriculum is innovative. It is taught by diverse faculty. They facilitate countless opportunities for experiential learning.

The Anderson MBA offers countless ways for students to complete their degrees. Flexible scheduling includes evening courses. These can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. There are some online courses, too. 

The degree is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. There are several potential pathways to completion. This includes a focused MBA of 43 credit hours. There is an accelerated MBA of 37 credit hours, an executive MBA, and a graduate certificate in management. There is even a 3-2 MBA. It is designed for non-management undergraduate students. There is an alternative MBA in education leadership.

As an MBA student, you can even pursue a dual degree program with a:

• Juris Doctor
• Master of Engineering
• PharmD
• MA in Latin American studies
• Master of Engineering in manufacturing engineering. 

Ready to apply? You must hold a bachelor’s degree. This should be from a regionally accredited university in the United States. A GMAT or GRE score of 500 or better is required. There are test waivers available for some students. Yu must have a GPA of 3.0 or better within your last 60 hours of coursework. 

#10. Syracuse University

Marketing MBA Programs

Syracuse University is in one of the snowiest and chilliest locations in frosty Syracuse, NY. However, it’s MBA in marketing management is hotter than ever.

This top-ranked MBA in marketing management program is in the Martin J. Whitman School of Business. It’s one of the best when it comes to career preparation and alumni outcomes. It utilizes a unique cohort model. The degree blends online learning with dynamic in-person experiences. 

The marketing management specialization develops skills you need to understand customer needs. You will learn the ways in which firms create value by leveraging customer insights. You’ll also find ways to optimize lifetime customer value in this marketing management MBA.

While you take your courses, you’ll have opportunities to gain hands-on experience. You’ll interact with accomplished alumni and career practitioners. You’ll have access to mentoring every step of the way. 

You’ll complete 36 credit hours of study. Your list of required courses begins with a central MBA core. You’ll take classes in topics like:

• microeconomics
• accounting
• finance

Then, you’ll dive into the core marketing curriculum. You’ll take classes like:

• Marketing Analytics
• Marketing and the Internet
• Strategic Brand Management
• Pricing Strategies
• Environmental Influences on Innovation

You’ll complete three on-campus residencies. These are structured just like business conferences. They feature some of the country’s top business professionals as presenters. You’ll engage in professional development activities with faculty and peers through workshops and tours of the host city. 

You will also complete a minimum of six credits of experiential learning. This is through two distinct experiences (at a minimum).

You’ll participate in internships for independent study credit. These are at companies such as:

• Crouse Hospital
• Marquardt Switches

Many MBA students participate in the Whitman Consulting Club. It provides learners with opportunities to attend skill development workshops. You can work on complex, real-world projects as you engage with accomplished professionals. 

Syracuse University is top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report. It is a best school for veterans. It provides learners with all the resources of a large university. There are small class sizes and plenty of opportunities for individualized learning. There are travel abroad opportunities. There are even dual marketing degree programs. These can complement your unique personal and professional interests. 

Best MBA Marketing Programs FAQ

Should I pursue a part or full time marketing MBA?

The answer to this question depends on your current situation and preferences. If you have the financial flexibility to attend a full-time program, it could be a more immersive and engaging experience. This would let you focus more on your studies.

However, if you’re already working and cannot take time off, online programs that are part time could better fit your schedule. Many part- and full time programs offer evening and weekend classes. This allows you to balance work and school.

How is an online master in marketing different than a master of business administration?

Online master’s programs in marketing may not cover general business topics like accounting, finance, and operations that an MBA program would offer. Marketing master’s programs focus on developing skills in market research, data analysis, and digital marketing techniques.

An online program may not offer the same networking opportunities as an on-campus MBA program.

Does it matter if a program is in state or out of state? What about online programs in marketing?

While state residency could impact tuition fees for an MBA program, it should not be the primary factor when considering enrollment. It is also necessary to ensure that the program is accredited.

However, it’s worth noting that some states have more business-friendly environments, which could lead to more employment opportunities within the state. Ensure that online programs are from a reputable institution. They should have an AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation.

Is an online MBA program in marketing good?

Many online programs still offer a rigorous curriculum and flexible course schedules. Some notable online MBA programs include Temple University’s Fox School of Business, University of Massachusetts-Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management, and Indiana University-Bloomington’s Kelley School of Business.

What do students learn in an online MBA program in marketing?

Marketing MBA programs often include courses on digital marketing, brand management, market research, and consumer behavior.

Students will also learn how to analyze data and develop strategies to improve a company’s marketing performance. Many programs offer case studies to provide students with real-world examples of marketing challenges and solutions.

What do I need for an MBA application in the field of marketing?

Most MBA programs in marketing will require candidates to submit academic transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and standardized test scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Some programs may also require a video essay or an interview to learn more about the candidate’s interests, qualifications, and career goals.

Which is the best school of management?

MBA programs in marketing offer excellent opportunities for both personal and career growth. They provide students with the knowledge, skills, and network necessary to contribute positively to any organization. As such, choosing the right program—one that fits your needs, preferences, and career goals—is essential. Any of the picks in this ranking is a great choice!

IF YOU ENJOYED THAT THEN CHECK OUT OUR ARTICLES ON THE 50 HIGHEST PAYING MASTER’S DEGREES & 50 MOST POPULAR ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREES!