According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marketing professionals are in one of the top seven fastest growing fields. For those interested in the field of business and promoting and selling products and services, a graduate degree in Marketing is a solid choice. Persons who complete a Marketing degree can find work as marketing managers, specialists and consultants, market research analysts, sales managers, media planners, and product managers. Many schools are now offering online programs to accommodate working professionals. Below are the most affordable online programs that will lead to a master’s degree in Marketing, taking strictly cost into consideration. Some are MBA programs while others are Master of Science programs. Students interested in a broad business base with a few marketing electives may want to choose an MBA program, while those more interested in diving deeply into specific marketing coursework may choose the Master of Science. Program tuition does not include fees, so please check directly with the institution for a list of comprehensive costs. Our data comes directly from the university websites and from U.S. News and World Report.
#1. Wilmington University
Wilmington University enrolls over 20,000 students and has fourteen locations. They offer an MBA with a specialization in Marketing Management that seeks to prepare its students for careers in product management, sales management, and advertising. General MBA competencies include ensuring efficient operation and fiscal stability in business organizations and preparing strategic plans in order to find new business solutions. The Marketing concentration hopes that persons pursuing this degree will be able to demonstrate knowledge of management issues affecting marketing in global environments and create business strategies that will meet sales, marketing and customer service needs. This 36-hour program is to be completed through a series of accelerated seven-week courses designed for students who work full-time. There is no GRE or GMAT required for entrance.
Accreditation: Wilmington University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Program Tuition: $15,984
#2. Bellevue University
Bellevue University is a private, non-profit institution with over 10,000 students located in Bellevue,
Nebraska. They offer a Master of Science in Strategic Marketing as well as an MBA with a concentration in Marketing. The Master of Science degree is a 36-hour program designed to prepare its students to strategically determine the demand for products and services , identify potential customers, and find new market opportunities. Emphasis is placed on advertising and promotion using both traditional and digital methods, developing pricing strategies, and maximizing market share and customer satisfaction. This degree utilizes a cohort format and students take one course at a time. Coursework includes marketing strategies, buyer behavior, ethical and legal issues, and analytics. The MBA degree is also a 36-hour program but with a more broad business core curriculum. Students pursuing this degree will participate in MBA foundation courses including business performance management, financial reporting, accounting, human capital, and business analysis, as well as a minimum of nine credit hours concentrating specifically on marketing. There is no GRE or GMAT required for entrance. Bellevue University is ranked #141 best online MBA program by U.S. News and World Report. The cost is the same for either degree.
Accreditation: Bellevue University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $18,900
#3. University of Saint Mary
With just over 1,000 students, the University of Saint Mary is a private, liberal arts, Catholic institution located in Leavenworth, Kansas. The university offers an online MBA with a Marketing and Advertising concentration that can be completed in as little as one year but can be tailored to meet a student’s scheduling needs. This program requires 36 credit hours for completion. Persons pursuing this degree learn ethical business practices, critical thinking, and sound decision-making. The Marketing and Advertising concentration covers core concepts of buyer behavior, marketing research, strategy and planning, and modern advertising. No GMAT or GRE required for acceptance into the program.
Accreditation: The University of Saint Mary is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $21,528
#4. Southern New Hampshire University
With more than 3,000 on-campus students and 60,000 online students, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution. They offer an online MBA in Marketing that requires 36 credit hours for completion. Students enrolled in this program will gain knowledge of advertising, branding, communications and consumer behavior as they relate to changing marketing challenges. SNHU hopes that its students will deepen their understanding of business management skills through core MBA classes and learn specific marketing strategies, management of promotional campaigns, and analytical approaches to sales through the Marketing concentration courses. Core MBA coursework includes business environment, accounting, leadership, ethics, and operations management. Upon completion of this program, students will be prepared for careers in marketing management, advertising and promotions, public relations, brand management, product management, and sales management. SNHU also offers a Master of Science in Marketing that is 36 credit hours and does not require the broad MBA core classes — all courses are focused specifically on marketing. Either degree can be completed in just over a year if desired and the two programs cost the same. Online classes are accessible 24/7 so persons pursuing this degree can move at their own pace. No GRE or GMAT required for admission.
Accreditation: Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Tuition: $22,572
#5. Baker College
With locations throughout Michigan, Baker College is a private, non-profit higher educational institution with many undergraduate and graduate degree programs. They offer an MBA in Marketing designed for persons currently working in marketing, advertising, or public relations. This program combines academic training with field-based learning, ensuring that graduates will gain knowledge of various aspects of running organizations and companies. Baker hopes that its students will be able to implement theory into practice, conduct and interpret research, and gain confidence for contributing to long-term corporate success. Core MBA coursework includes human resource management, management of organizations, accounting, research and statistics, and strategy. The Marketing major then requires five classes in international marketing, marketing environment and research and promotional and distribution management. This degree requires 53 credit hours for completion. The GMAT or GRE are not required, but applicants may submit scores if they would like them to be considered for admission.
Accreditation: Baker College is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $23,055
#6. Liberty University
Liberty University is a private, nonprofit Christian institution that offers a Master of Science in Marketing degree as well as an MBA in Marketing. The Master of Science is for persons interested in careers in various divisions of the marketing industry including digital marketing and advertising, sports marketing, project management, and public relations. It requires 36 credit hours for completion and includes core coursework in strategic marketing, marketing promotions, supply chain management, research, consumer behavior, and ethical issues. The MBA program seeks to prepare leaders in the corporate world by educating its students in management, market research, advertising, promotions, and consumer behavior. This 45 credit hour program emphasizes the importance of ethics and marketing practicing while integrating the Christian faith into a professional atmosphere. Core coursework includes strategic marketing, managerial finance, legal issues, and research methods, and students complete three courses specifically geared towards marketing. No GRE or GMAT required for admission for either program. Liberty University is ranked #110 best online MBA program and #75 best online graduate Business program by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: MBA $24,300/MS $19,440
#7. Saint Leo University
Located outside of Tampa, Florida, Saint Leo University is a private liberal arts institution with an enrollment of nearly 16,000 students. They offer an MBA with Marketing concentration that requires 36 credit hours for completion. This program is for persons interested in careers in marketing-related fields such as sales, promotions, brand management, marketing research, and e-marketing. General MBA courses address core business management functions, oral and written business communication, team membership and leadership, ethics and responsibility in business decisions, and business implications of the new economy and the use of technologies in management settings. Marketing concentrations courses require students to study global marketing, sales management, advertising, and new product development. Students enroll in up to two courses per eight-week term, and can complete the graduation requirements in as little as one year or up to five years. Saint Leo University is ranked #100 best online MBA program by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: Saint Leo University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $25,020
#8. Tiffin University
Tiffin University is a private institution located in Tiffin, Ohio with an enrollment of almost 5,000 students. They offer a 36 credit hour MBA in Marketing degree that will provide students with advanced knowledge in marketing products and services. Students in this program will explore practices and techniques for increasing exposure and marketing positions. Core coursework includes financial accounting, marketing management, human resource management, statistical methods, legal and ethical issues, and operations management. Persons pursuing this degree will also gain knowledge in the area of marketing in the international arena. No GRE or GMAT required for admission.
Accreditation: Tiffin University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $25,200
#9. Walsh University
Located in North Canton, Ohio, Walsh University is a private, Catholic institution. They offer an MBA in Marketing degree that requires 36 credit hours for completion. Students enrolled in this program will be prepared to foresee changes in the marketplace and develop strategic and customer-focused approaches. The MBA Marketing degree unites traditional methods of marketing communications with e-commerce and other modern social marketing technologies. Persons pursuing this degree will take core MBA coursework in ethical leadership, organization behavior and communication, financial accounting and management, information systems, and applied organizational research and analysis. Marketing speciality courses include marketing research, social media marketing, services marketing, and integrated marketing communications. Students can complete this degree in as little as one year or at a slower, more flexible pace. The GMAT is not necessarily required for admission but can be used. Walsh University is ranked #126 best online MBA program by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: Walsh University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $25,560
#10. Concordia University-Wisconsin
Concordia University – Wisconsin is a private liberal arts college located in Mequon that enrolls over 8,000 students. They offer a MBA in Marketing that requires 39 credit hours for completion. Students will learn to plan and manage marketing functions, employ marketing strategies, understand measurability and accountability in direct marketing, gain confidence for sales force organization, and utilize social media in marketing efforts. MBA core curriculum includes economics, statistical methods, corporate finance, business ethics, and human resource management. Persons in this degree program choose from several marketing elective options. Students are sure to receive personalized attention from insightful instructors who are industry professionals. There is no GRE or GMAT required for admission. Concordia University-Wisconsin is ranked #141 best online MBA program by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: Concordia University-Wisconsin is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $25,818