2025 Best MBA Programs in Marketing

MBA Programs in Marketing
Tuition, ROI, Graduate Salary, GMAT Requirements

10 Best Ranked | Interactive Table | Salaries | Tuition | ROI | GMAT | Alumni Networking | How We Rank

Executive Summary for MBA Programs in Marketing MBA Programs

The ranking team at MBAGuide.org, evaluated 403 Marketing MBA programs. Here is a summary of our comprehensive findings. Explore the details about the Marketing MBA, compare schools, find states and cities where the degree is offered.

1. Comprehensive comparisons, data and analysis – MBAGuide conducted an in-depth analysis of 403 AACSB-accredited campus MBA programs in Marketing to find the top programs in the country.
2. Ranking metrics you care about – such as average starting salaries, tuition fees, return on investment (ROI), GMAT scores, alumni networks, student-to-faculty ratios, and more with no paywall.
3. Detailed school profiles of Marketing MBA programs their strengths, faculty expertise, alumni networks to help align your program choice

Best 10 MBA Programs in Marketing

The University of Texas at Dallas

Naveen Jindal School of Management

Location:

• Richardson

,

• TX

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business and Accounting

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• Tuition: $35,918
• Graduate Salary: $123,163
• Graduate ROI: 243%
• GMAT Required: Yes
• Avg. GMAT: 689
• Student / Faculty Ratio: 21:1
• Enrollment: 11097

Degree Level(s):

• Doctoral
• ·
• E-MBA
• ·
• Master
• ·
• MBA
• ·
• Undergraduate

Offered As:

• Campus
• ·
• Distance Education
• ·
• Evenings
• ·
• Full-Time
• ·
• Online
• ·
• Part-Time
• ·
• Weekends

• Concentrations: 21

• Accounting
• Consulting
• Corporate Finance
• Data Analytics
• Energy
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• General Business
• Global Management
• Healthcare Administration
• Human Resources
• Information Systems
• Insurance
• International Business
• Leadership
• Management
• Marketing
• Operations Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Other
• Supply Chain

• Best in:

• Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Most Affordable Online MBA
• Best MBA or Masters Program in Texas
• Best Online Concentration Finance Online
• Best Online MBA or Masters in Texas
• Best MBA or Masters Most Respected Online MBA Programs

• Rankings

• City Rank: 1
• State Rank: 1
• National Rank: 1
• Online Rank: 1

• Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
• Better than State Average: GMAT
• Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

Harvard University

Harvard Business School

Location:

• Boston

,

• MA

Control: Private for-profit

Academic Year: Quarter

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business

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• Tuition: $149,820
• Graduate Salary: $175,000
• Graduate ROI: 17%
• GMAT Required: Yes
• Avg. GMAT: 730
• Student / Faculty Ratio: 7:1
• Enrollment: 1945

Degree Level(s):

• Doctoral
• ·
• MBA

Offered As:

• Campus
• ·
• Full-Time

• Concentrations: 24

• Consulting
• Data Analytics
• E-Commerce
• Economics
• Entrepreneurship
• Ethics
• Finance
• General Business
• Healthcare Administration
• Human Resources
• Information Systems
• Leadership
• Management
• Marketing
• Nonprofit
• Organizational Behavior
• Public Administration
• Real Estate
• Science and Technology
• Sports Management
• Statistics
• Supply Chain
• Taxation

• Best in:

• Best MBA or Masters Program in Massachusetts
• Best Concentration Finance
• Best Concentration Entrepreneurship Development Program
• Best Concentration Statistics
• Best Concentration Sports Management

• Rankings

• City Rank: 1
• State Rank: 1
• National Rank: 3
• Online Rank: Not Ranked

• Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
• Better than State Average: GMAT
• Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

University of Washington

Michael G. Foster School of Business

Location:

• Seattle

,

• WA

Control: Public

Academic Year: Quarter

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business and Accounting

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• Tuition: $76,890
• Graduate Salary: $151,322
• Graduate ROI: 97%
• GMAT Required: Optional
• Avg. GMAT: 703
• Student / Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Enrollment: 3211

Degree Level(s):

• Doctoral
• ·
• E-MBA
• ·
• Master
• ·
• MBA
• ·
• Undergraduate

Offered As:

• 1-Year
• ·
• Campus
• ·
• Evenings
• ·
• Full-Time
• ·
• Weekends

• Concentrations: 15

• Corporate Finance
• Data Analytics
• Education
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• General Business
• Human Resources
• Information Systems
• Management
• Manufacturing
• Marketing
• Other
• Supply Chain
• Taxation

• Best in:

• Best MBA or Masters Program in Washington
• Best MBA or Masters Accredited Campus MBA Programs No GMAT Required
• Best Concentration Finance
• Best MBA or Masters Emerging Leadership Program - 1 Year MBA Programs
• Best Concentration Marketing

• Rankings

• City Rank: 1
• State Rank: 1
• National Rank: 4
• Online Rank: Not Ranked

• Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
• Better than State Average: GMAT
• Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Wisconsin School of Business

Location:

• Madison

,

• WI

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business and Accounting

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• Tuition: $55,575
• Graduate Salary: $118,983
• Graduate ROI: 114%
• GMAT Required: Optional
• Avg. GMAT: 665
• Student / Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Enrollment: 4414

Degree Level(s):

• Doctoral
• ·
• E-MBA
• ·
• Master
• ·
• MBA
• ·
• Undergraduate

Offered As:

• Campus
• ·
• Evenings
• ·
• Full-Time
• ·
• Online
• ·
• Part-Time
• ·
• Partnership
• ·
• Weekends

• Concentrations: 21

• Accounting
• Actuarial Science
• Arts
• Consulting
• Corporate Finance
• Data Analytics
• Entrepreneurship
• Ethics
• Finance
• General Business
• Global Management
• Human Resources
• Information Systems
• Insurance
• International Business
• Management
• Marketing
• Operations Management
• Other
• Real Estate
• Supply Chain

• Best in:

• Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Wisconsin
• Best MBA or Masters Program in Wisconsin
• Best Online Concentration Finance Online
• Best Online MBA or Masters in Wisconsin
• Best MBA or Masters Most Respected Online MBA Programs

• Rankings

• City Rank: 1
• State Rank: 1
• National Rank: 5
• Online Rank: 3

• Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
• Better than State Average: GMAT
• Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

Northwestern University

Kellogg School of Management

Location:

• Evanston

,

• IL

Control: Private for-profit

Academic Year: Quarter

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business

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• Tuition: $162,030
• Graduate Salary: $175,000
• Graduate ROI: 8%
• GMAT Required: Yes
• Avg. GMAT: 729
• Student / Faculty Ratio: 8:1
• Enrollment: 3074

Degree Level(s):

• Doctoral
• ·
• E-MBA
• ·
• MBA

Offered As:

• Campus
• ·
• Full-Time

• Concentrations: 20

• Accounting
• Communications
• Data Analytics
• E-Commerce
• Economics
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Financial Management
• General Business
• Healthcare Administration
• Information Systems
• Leadership
• Management
• Marketing
• Organizational Behavior
• Public Administration
• Real Estate
• Science and Technology
• Statistics
• Sustainability

• Best in:

• Best MBA or Masters Program in illinois
• Best Concentration Finance
• Best Concentration Entrepreneurship Development Program
• Best Concentration Statistics
• Best Concentration Healthcare Administration

• Rankings

• City Rank: 1
• State Rank: 1
• National Rank: 6
• Online Rank: Not Ranked

• Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
• Better than State Average: GMAT
• Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Kenan-Flagler Business School

Location:

• Chapel Hill

,

• NC

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business and Accounting

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• Tuition: $100,218
• Graduate Salary: $133,517
• Graduate ROI: 33%
• GMAT Required: Yes
• Avg. GMAT: 706
• Student / Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Enrollment: 2820

Degree Level(s):

• Doctoral
• ·
• E-MBA
• ·
• Master
• ·
• MBA
• ·
• Undergraduate

Offered As:

• Campus
• ·
• Distance Education
• ·
• Evenings
• ·
• Full-Time
• ·
• Online
• ·
• Partnership
• ·
• Weekends

• Concentrations: 14

• Entrepreneurship
• Ethics
• Finance
• General Business
• Healthcare Administration
• Information Systems
• Leadership
• Management
• Marketing
• Operations Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Project Management
• Real Estate
• Supply Chain

• Best in:

• Best MBA or Masters Program in North Carolina
• Best Online Concentration Finance Online
• Best Online MBA or Masters in North Carolina
• Best MBA or Masters Most Respected Online MBA Programs
• Best Concentration Finance

• Rankings

• City Rank: 1
• State Rank: 1
• National Rank: 7
• Online Rank: 4

• Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
• Better than State Average: GMAT
• Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

Brigham Young University

Marriott School of Management

Location:

• Provo

,

• UT

Control: Private

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business and Accounting

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• Tuition: $58,544
• Graduate Salary: $119,281
• Graduate ROI: 104%
• GMAT Required: Yes
• Avg. GMAT: 677
• Student / Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Enrollment: 3875

Degree Level(s):

• E-MBA
• ·
• Master
• ·
• MBA
• ·
• Undergraduate

Offered As:

• Campus
• ·
• Evenings
• ·
• Full-Time
• ·
• Off Campus
• ·
• Part-Time
• ·
• Weekends

• Concentrations: 14

• Accounting
• Corporate Finance
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• General Business
• Human Resources
• Information Systems
• Law
• Manufacturing
• Marketing
• Other
• Public Administration
• Science and Technology
• Supply Chain

• Best in:

• Best MBA or Masters Program in Utah
• Best Concentration Finance
• Best Concentration Entrepreneurship Development Program
• Best Concentration Law
• Best Concentration Marketing

• Rankings

• City Rank: 1
• State Rank: 1
• National Rank: 8
• Online Rank: Not Ranked

• Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
• Better than State Average: GMAT
• Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

Michigan State University

The Eli Broad College of Business

Location:

• East Lansing

,

• MI

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business and Accounting

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• Tuition: $34,564
• Graduate Salary: $119,539
• Graduate ROI: 246%
• GMAT Required: Optional
• Avg. GMAT: 680
• Student / Faculty Ratio: 22:1
• Enrollment: 5115

Degree Level(s):

• Doctoral
• ·
• E-MBA
• ·
• Master
• ·
• MBA
• ·
• Undergraduate

Offered As:

• 1-Year
• ·
• Campus
• ·
• Distance Education
• ·
• Evenings
• ·
• Full-Time
• ·
• Off Campus
• ·
• Online
• ·
• Part-Time
• ·
• Weekends

• Concentrations: 16

• Accounting
• Corporate Finance
• Data Analytics
• Finance
• General Business
• Healthcare Administration
• Hospitality Management
• Human Resources
• Information Systems
• Law
• Management
• Marketing
• Operations Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Other
• Supply Chain

• Best in:

• Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Michigan
• Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Most Affordable Online MBA
• Best MBA or Masters Program in Michigan
• Best Online Concentration Finance Online
• Best Online MBA or Masters in Michigan

• Rankings

• City Rank: 1
• State Rank: 1
• National Rank: 9
• Online Rank: 5

• Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
• Better than State Average: GMAT
• Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

The University of Georgia

Terry College of Business

Location:

• Athens

,

• GA

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business and Accounting

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• Tuition: $30,606
• Graduate Salary: $120,510
• Graduate ROI: 294%
• GMAT Required: Optional
• Avg. GMAT: 672
• Student / Faculty Ratio: 24:1
• Enrollment: 9895

Degree Level(s):

• Doctoral
• ·
• E-MBA
• ·
• Master
• ·
• MBA
• ·
• Undergraduate

Offered As:

• Campus
• ·
• Distance Education
• ·
• Evenings
• ·
• Full-Time
• ·
• Off Campus
• ·
• Online
• ·
• Part-Time
• ·
• Weekends

• Concentrations: 20

• Accounting
• Actuarial Science
• Arts
• Corporate Finance
• Data Analytics
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• General Business
• Global Management
• Human Resources
• Information Systems
• Insurance
• International Business
• Law
• Leadership
• Management
• Marketing
• Real Estate
• Science and Technology

• Best in:

• Best MBA Programs
• Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Most Affordable Online MBA
• Best MBA or Masters Program in Georgia
• Best Online Concentration Finance Online
• Best Online MBA or Masters in Georgia

• Rankings

• City Rank: 1
• State Rank: 1
• National Rank: 10
• Online Rank: 6

• Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
• Better than State Average: GMAT
• Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

University of South Carolina

Darla Moore School of Business

Location:

• Columbia

,

• SC

Control: Public

Academic Year: Semester

Accredited: AACSB

Accreditation: Business and Accounting

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• Tuition: $26,485
• Graduate Salary: $97,819
• Graduate ROI: 269%
• GMAT Required: Yes
• Avg. GMAT: 670
• Student / Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Enrollment: 6369

Degree Level(s):

• Doctoral
• ·
• E-MBA
• ·
• Master
• ·
• MBA
• ·
• Undergraduate

Offered As:

• 1-Year
• ·
• Campus
• ·
• Distance Education
• ·
• Evenings
• ·
• Full-Time
• ·
• Off Campus
• ·
• Part-Time
• ·
• Partnership
• ·
• Weekends

• Concentrations: 19

• Accounting
• Corporate Finance
• Data Analytics
• Economics
• Finance
• General Business
• Global Management
• Human Resources
• Information Systems
• Insurance
• International Business
• Management
• Marketing
• Operations Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Other
• Real Estate
• Supply Chain
• Taxation

• Best in:

• Most Affordable Online MBA or Masters in Most Affordable Online MBA
• Best MBA or Masters Program in South Carolina
• Best MBA or Masters Emerging Leadership Program - 1 Year MBA Programs
• Best Concentration Marketing
• Best Concentration Insurance

• Rankings

• City Rank: 1
• State Rank: 1
• National Rank: 11
• Online Rank: Not Ranked

• Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
• Better than State Average: GMAT
• Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio

Interactive Table of the Best Ranked MBA Programs in Marketing

Easily sort the interactive table below to find the best Marketing MBA programs by Rank, School Name, ROI, Tuition, Average Starting Salary, and Campus or Online to find and to compare MBA programs in Marketing. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.

An MBA program in Marketing will cost you between $7,458.00 to $176,600.00.

• Number of Programs Offering Marketing MBAs: 403
• Average GMAT Score for Marketing MBA Programs: 565
• Average In-State Tuition for Marketing MBA Programs: $40,977.91
• Average Graduate Salary for Marketing MBA Programs: $82,690
• Average ROI for Marketing MBA Programs: 185%

Compare Marketing MBA Program Averages vs Campus

Read about our ranking methodology.

What is the Average MBA Salary for Marketing Graduates?

Though it’s not the only factor, compensation is an important consideration for individuals considering obtaining an MBA degree. Salaries for graduates with master’s degrees in Marketing can be significantly higher than those of graduates with only a bachelor’s degree. In addition, advance salary projections from the US Department of Labor show that average MBA salaries are expected to increase by 13.5% each year through the year 2028 with an annual need of 99,000 new managers needed each year.

MBA salaries differs wildly depending on the program you chose, the industry you enter and the experience you have. After earning an MBA from Grambling State University, the average MBA graduate annual salary is $39,900 . A degree from Stanford University, will provide an annual salary of $182,272.

Average MBA starting salary for graduates from accredited programs is $82,690 with the lowest of starting of $39,900 and the highest reported starting salary of $182,272.

Average Graduate Salaries for In-Person Marketing MBA Programs

• Average Marketing: $82,690
• Lowest Marketing: $39,900
• Highest Marketing: $182,272

Average Salary for Graduate of MBA Programs in Marketing Programs – Interactive Table

Easily sort the interactive table below to find the best Marketing MBA programs by Starting Salary, and Campus or Online to find and to compare MBA programs in Marketing. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.

What is the Average In-Person MBA Tuition for Marketing Programs?

If you plan on attending an MBA program, it’s best to start thinking about fiscal responsibility. A prospective B-Student needs to weigh their tuition options. An AACSB-accredited MBA program can pave the way for a great starting salary or career advancement. An MBA program can provide the flexibility of completing a program while being employed in your respective career.

The average in-state tuition for an MBA in Marketing is $40,977.91 compared to an average campus program Marketing is $40,977.91 .

The lowest AACSB tuition rate at $7,458.00 from Indiana University Northwest.

The highest AACSB tuition rate is $176,600.00 from Columbia University.

Average Tuition for In-Person MBA Programs in Marketing

• Average: $40,977.91
• Lowest: $7,458.00 from Indiana University Northwest
• Highest: $176,600.00 from Columbia University

Interactive Table – Tuition for MBA Programs in Marketing Programs

Easily sort the interactive table below to find the best Marketing MBA programs by Tuition to find and to compare MBA programs in Marketing. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.

What is the Average ROI for MBA Programs in Marketing?

Choosing an MBA program requires more than a glance at the school’s reputation or curriculum. The return on investment (ROI) should take center stage in your evaluation. This measurement reveals the potential value derived from your tuition investment, putting key factors such as starting salary and career progression under the microscope.

By scrutinizing the ROI, you’re not just making a decision—you’re making an informed one. This approach will ensure the selection of an MBA program that provides the most bang for your buck. Checking the ROI might not be an afterthought; it could be the game-changer in your MBA journey.

For MBA programs in across the U.S., the ROI ranges from -40% to 906%.The lowest MBA ROI of -40% is from the program at Rochester Institute of Technology.The highest MBA ROI of 906% is offered by Indiana University Northwest.On average, MBA programs across the U.S. have an ROI of 186%.

Interactive Table – ROI for MBA Programs in Marketing Programs

Easily sort the interactive table below to find the best Marketing MBA programs by ROI to find and to compare MBA programs in Marketing. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.

ROI for MBA Programs

• Average: 186%
• Lowest: -40%
• Highest: 906%

What is the Average GMAT Score Needed for an MBA Program in Marketing?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by MBA schools to assess their applicant pool. The test is strategically designed to measure an applicant’s analytical, verbal, writing and mathematical skills. The GMAT is used as a predictor of success in MBA programs and tests one’s ability to successfully handle the advanced quantitative and qualitative study of business and management.

Even though some B-Schools may not require a GMAT Scores, there’s a good chance that a highly-competitive MBA program does require the GMAT. With that being said, average GMAT Scores for in-person MBA programs in Marketing is 565 with a highest of 737 and the lowest of 370

The average GMAT score needed for a Marketing MBA program from an institution is between 370 from Auburn University at Montgomery to 737 from Stanford University. The average GMAT scores for Marketing MBA programs is 565.

It’s important to note that not all MBA programs require a GMAT Score for admissions, but most reputable programs do. With that being said, if you have your eye on a list of competitive programs, it’s best to boost your GMAT Score accordingly. Outside of a solid GMAT Score, B-School admissions departments look at a candidate’s undergraduate GPA, professional experience, letters of recommendation, CV, and personal statement. A strong undergraduate performance may offset a sub-part GMAT Score. The average GMAT Score for on-campus MBA programs in Marketing is a 565.62 compared to an average MBA program score of 565.62. It is recommended that each B-School applicant take a GMAT diagnostic test in order to determine whether or not further study and/or a prep course is needed to boost your score.

Average GMAT Score for MBA Programs in Marketing

• Average: 565
• Lowest: 370
• Highest: 737

No GMAT or GRE: Best MBA Programs in Marketing

More than 233 AACSB accredited MBA programs do not require their applicants to take GMAT exam. Many well-known programs such as the University of Michigan and the University of California, Los Angeles no longer require the exam. If you are unsure where you would like to take your program, then you should take the GMAT sooner rather than later so you don’t lose time meeting the score requirement of a program.

Alumni from Schools Offering an MBA in Marketing

There are pros and cons when considering the size of your MBA in Accounting program. Larger, more diverse student populations, may lend itself to greater networking and job placement opportunities; whereas smaller programs may provide for more meaningful interactions with fellow classmates.

The importance of networking, whether it’s by way of campus job fairs, student organization members, or faculty mentorship, should not be understated when considering an MBA program. The average MBA enrollment size has a direct impact on your studies, your job prospects, your ability to define your career goals and after graduation connections.

Every B-School has a strategy behind their enrollment sizes. If a prospective B-Student is looking for networking opportunities, wants to attend job fairs, and plans on joining student organizations, B-School enrollment size plays an important role in the decision making process. For the B-Student interested in the smaller cohort-style classroom experience and thrive with face-to-face collaboration with their professors, a manageable enrollment size is the preferred option.

For Marketing MBA programs, the range for full-time enrollment is between 2 and 3,836. For part-time enrollment, the range is between : 2.00 and : 4,558.00.

Average Enrollment for MBA Programs Offering an MBA in Marketing

• Lowest: 2 from Yeshiva University
• Highest: 3,836 from The University of Texas at Dallas
• Average: 291 from 403 MBA Programs.

Student / Faculty Ratio for MBA Programs in Marketing

For most students, their professors are the first exposure to the business world. They are normally practitioners in the field and have successful risen to the top of their respective careers. B-School Marketing Professors can guide you toward a specific concentration, provide the latest industry trends, and put you on the right track, career-wise. The Student/Faculty ratio is important to those interested in building a lasting relationship with their professor. To use them as a networking opportunity and an advisor.

Top 10 Concentrations Available from Schools Also Offering an Degree in Marketing?

Highly competitive B-Schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academic and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective concentrations. To meet the diverse needs of Marketing businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 47 MBA concentrations including:

• Marketing: 403
• Finance: 379
• Accounting: 370
• Management: 355
• General Business: 353
• Corporate Finance: 338
• Data Analytics: 261
• Information Systems: 253
• International Business: 199
• Economics: 198

Here are the top schools offering the widest variety of concentrations to choose from:

• David B. O’Maley College of Business: 30
• Nova Southeastern University: 25
• University of Cincinnati: 24
• Suffolk University: 23
• Drexel University: 23
• Temple University: 23
• Harvard University: 23
• Georgia State University: 22
• The Ohio State University: 22
• University of Baltimore: 22

The Importance of MBA Accreditation for MBA Programs

The importance of accreditation can’t be underestimated. For many, knowing your school is accredited by the AACSB and regionally accredited by the US Department of Education is enough assurance that you will receive a quality education, where credits are more likely to transfer, and you will be qualified for loans, grants, and scholarships.

AACSB accreditation is considered to be the gold standard in business school credentialing. Established to promote high-quality business education in the U.S., AACSB members developed a stringent accreditation process. Members are held accountable for following an established business education framework set forth by the AACSB. With that comes MBA degrees conferrals that are widely recognized by Fortune 500 companies. This results in lucrative job opportunities.

MBA Program Options Available for Marketing MBA Programs

Options for earning your Marketing MBA have never been more flexible. Marketing MBA programs have become adept at offering effective alternatives for you to earn your MBA, no matter your life situation or schedule.

There are 403 Marketing accredited MBA programs. 13 private and 277 public schools offering Marketing MBA programs.

Number of Award Earned for MBA Programs Offering an Marketing Degree

The ranking of MBA programs is certainly not an exact science and plenty of subjective reasoning and biases come into play. We offer insights into ranking as another way to evaluate a potential MBA program.

Of the 403 accredited MBA programs offered in Marketing, 363 of them have been recognized by at least one distinguished publication MBAGuide, PQ, US News, Forbes, BW, FT and Economist garnering an award as one of the best MBA programs in the country.

• University of Washington: 7
• Boston University: 7
• Arizona State University: 7
• Georgetown University: 7
• Georgia Institute of Technology: 7
• Yale University: 7
• Washington University in St. Louis: 7
• The Ohio State University: 7
• Purdue University: 7
• University of California, Berkeley: 7
• University of Wisconsin-Madison: 7
• University of Southern California: 7
• Stanford University: 7
• University of Rochester: 7
• The Pennsylvania State University: 7
• The University of Iowa: 7
• University of Minnesota: 7
• University of Virginia-McIntire: 7
• Emory University: 7
• Harvard University: 7

Publications and the number of awards granted for an MBA degree in Marketing :

• MBAGuide: 363
• US News: 71
• Forbes: 55
• BW: 61
• FT: 37
• Economist: 39

How We Rank the Best MBA Programs in Marketing

MBAGuide.org employs a comprehensive ranking methodology that combines quantitative data (80% of the score) with qualitative assessments (20%) to evaluate MBA programs. The quantitative component considers factors such as student-faculty ratio, tuition, enrollment, and post-graduation salaries, while the qualitative aspect incorporates editorial ratings and school reputation, providing a well-rounded view of each program’s quality and value.

What is an MBA in Marketing?

There’s a reason Marketing is the most popular MBA concentration. It provides students with a well-rounded course of study that includes Project Management, Customer Relationship Marketing, Digital Marketing, Consumer Branding, Product Development Management, Market Research, and Database Management. Some programs, like Boston University’s top-ranked full-time MBA program at the Questrom School of Business, is a bit more traditional featuring a collection of data-driven courses. The curriculum is designed to strengthen a student’s market research skills in a global economy; whereas programs at Southern New Hampshire University MBA program cater to the working adult focusing on marketing theory coursework; aka, the case-study method of learning a business. It really comes down to your preferred learning style.

Outside of the core business classes (Accounting, Statistics, Business Law, Information Systems, and more), an MBA in Marketing program offers specialized coursework in consumer behavior, brand and product management, promotion management and selling strategies. Students are given all the necessary tools for running a company’s integrated marketing campaign. Whether you want to work in business development, PR, advertising, customer relations, sales, or digital marketing, there will be plenty of management opportunities for those with an MBA in Marketing.

Finishing an MBA in Marketing gives you greater insight into the most important stakeholder in a company: the consumer. You begin most MBA’s in Marketing by mastering industry buzzwords like target customer, buyer persona, influencer marketing, and brand recognition. Most programs finish with a complete understanding of how to plan, implement, and analyze a comprehensive marketing strategy. In order to become a subject matter expert in any chosen field, one must have a pulse on their respective industry. With an MBA in Marketing, you have a front row seat in the fast-paced, always changing fields of digital advertising, PR, and marketing.

Supported by solid foundation courses in business administration, an MBA will provide you will a thorough understanding of each specialty within Marketing. From managing a startup’s inside sales team to implementing a PR strategy for an established tech firm, a career in marketing is only limited by ones preferred specialty. An MBA in marketing strikes the perfect balance between a creative and an entrepreneur.

How Do I Become a Marketing Manager?

First and foremost, you want to decide on your specialty. Finishing an MBA program in Marketing will give you exposure to the careers that make up the ever-changing marketing, advertising, and PR industry. After finishing a summer marketing internship and building a “Look Book” or industry portfolio, a Bachelor’s degree is usually enough to secure a position as an entry-level marketing coordinator, account manager, or junior copywriter.

Learning the ropes in an agency setting or working in a corporate environment will afford plenty of opportunities especially if you become a subject matter expert. For example, if you’re a copywriter looking to become a Creative Director, it’s wise to learn a bit about graphic design for the sake of understanding every angle of an integrated marketing campaign.

To make the jump into advertising, a Bachelor’s degree is the preferred baseline credential. An MBA in Marketing is a game-changer. It’s no secret that many marketing managers have an MBA in Marketing or other advanced degrees but they also have extensive portfolios. Building a “Look Book” begins as an undergrad and is always improving during your professional career.

During your MBA, you will meet like-minded professionals interested in pursuing the same career path – an invaluable networking opportunity. This lends itself to job opportunities with fellow students, professors in the field, school administrators with corporate connections, and local companies interested in recruiting the sharpest minds in the marketing field. Employers have the reassurance that recent MBA graduates are up-to-date on the latest industry trends.

Why Do I Want an MBA in Marketing?

According to PayScale.com, individuals holding an MBA in Marketing earn almost $40,000 more per year than those holding a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing by similar employer types. PayScale.com notes that an employee with a marketing BBA working for a company earned a median of $56,683, while an employee with a Marketing MBA working for a company earned a median of $93,804. Marketing employees with digital marketing backgrounds and professional certifications (Google Keywords, Google AdSense, and Hubspot Inbound Marketing) will further differentiate themselves from other job applicants.

In major metropolitan areas, the job market for marketing professionals is fiercely competitive. Where at one time a bachelor’s degree might have been sufficient to enter the field, MBA in Marketing graduates are now accepting entry-level positions with backgrounds in design, PR, advertising, journalism, etc. In some fields, such as market research analyst, a master’s degree may be required. Advertising professionals who can manage inbound marketing campaigns should have an advantage when it comes to finding a job.

Advancing careers in marketing include:

• Advertising Account Executives work within advertising or multi-service agencies, acting as a link between clients and the agency. They are responsible for the coordination of advertising campaigns.
• Art Directors are responsible for the visual style and images in magazines, newspapers, product packaging, and movie and television productions. They create the overall design of a project and direct others who develop artwork and layouts.
• Brand Managers monitor market trends and advertising and marketing activities to ensure the right message is delivered for their product or service.
• Market Research Analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price.
• Marketing Directors are responsible for strategizing and implementing the organization’s marketing campaigns. They see to it that the marketing projects are not only finished on time but bring in profit for the firm or the client.
• Public Relations Specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent. They design media releases to shape public perception of their organization and to increase awareness of its work and goals.
• Sales Manager direct organizations’ sales teams. They set sales goals, analyze data, and develop training programs for organizations’ sales representatives.

Executive Level Marketing Positions Include:

• VP of Brand Development The VP of Brand Development focuses on integrating the company’s core strategic message throughout its products and services. After receiving research and reports from marketing managers that detail market conditions, customer data, and the competitor activities, VP’s of Brand Development adjust the overall strategy with the aim of fulfilling business goals. Their goal is to increase the company’s brand recognition and over buzz of the firm’s most loyal customers.
• VP of Digital Marketing The Vice President of Marketing role strikes the perfect balance of leadership, technical, and business skills. The V.P. of Marketing is the face of the company. As a spokesperson for the company, the VP of marketing is also required to work across departments within the company with the goal of bridging any gaps and strengthening the company’s products and/or services. They are the liaison between customer service, sales, and marketing teams. In addition to promotional and team-oriented activities, the VP of marketing’s role might also include interviewing and hiring for major positions within the company.
• Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) The Chief Marketing Officer, or CMO, is the most senior marketing position. The modern-day CMO does not have a generic, one-size-fits-all background. They are responsible for heading all areas of marketing, including developing, planning, and overseeing the execution of all marketing initiatives. The CMO reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and is ultimately responsible for the ROI of marketing initiatives in the company.

Which Qualities Make Strong Marketing Managers?

Difference Between an MBA and a Masters Degree in Marketing

• Masters in Marketing. The Master in Marketing degree is more specialized than a traditional MBA program. The coursework in an M.S. in Marketing focuses on each niche within the marketing industry. Common courses found within M.S. in marketing specializations include Digital Marketing, Marketing Strategy, Marketing Research Analytics, Consumer Intelligence and Global Marketing.
• Marketing MBA. For those interesting in a balanced program, which teaches all the necessary skills to run your own business while managing organizational teams effectively, the MBA in Marketing is a solid program choice. The MBA signifies a stamp of approval in the business world. The holder possesses an educational credential that is well respected in all other business sectors. It’s easily transferable to most positions in a marketing/advertising industry.

What Are Typical Classes in the Marketing MBA Program?

• Marketing Strategies. This course is a study of the activity by which organizations discover consumer and other organizations’ needs and wants, and then provide satisfaction through a mutually beneficial relationship. Students will explore the topics of selecting a target market, conducting marketing research, and designing product, price, promotional, and distribution strategies through the development of a marketing plan.
• Marketing Analytics. This course will look at a number of quantitative tools and techniques and their application in a marketing context. The course will focus on understanding the relationship among marketing factors, variables, and the consumer. Students will learn how to analyze data in order to guide and support marketing-related decisions.
• Digital Marketing. Provides an introduction to the inbound methodology of marketing – a rapidly growing and evolving area of digital marketing. A practical approach to social media campaign management is analyzed in this course. In addition to learning fundamental constructs and principles of the digital experience, students will focus on learning tools and skills necessary for solving business problems and exploiting business opportunities. Case studies and in-class exercises will be utilized to provide insights and relevancy to this swiftly expanding area of marketing.
• Consumer Behavior. This course focuses on the market’s consumer behavior by investigating its psychological, sociological, economic, and anthropological influences, both theoretical and research-based. Designing effective marketing strategies will be explored using the knowledge of these influences. Understanding consumer behavior in an online environment will help in creating integrated online strategies. All these, together with theories of online campaign development and management, with a hands-on approach to marketing automation and intelligence will provide the framework for a comprehensive understanding of strategic internet marketing.
• Product Innovation. Introduces concepts and methods used for coordinating strategy formulation and the identification and evaluation of new product opportunities; planning and organizing the process of development; testing new products and new markets; and commercialization. Special emphasis is given to issues related to supply chain, marketing, and consumer behavior.
• Ethics and Legal Issues in Marketing. This course examines a range of ethical issues facing marketing managers as seen through the viewpoints of various comprehensive ethical theories. The goal is for students to develop their own ethical framework for making marketing decisions within the knowledge of the various ethical theories and U.S. marketing laws. Traditional topics such as ethics in marketing research, product liability, selling, advertising, and pricing are covered. Emerging ethical issues such as international marketing, competitive intelligence, socially controversial products, privacy, and corporate policies are also examined. However, topics may change to reflect current business concerns. The course is taught using a seminar format utilizing cases and readings.

What is the Career Outlook for an MBA in Marketing?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ 2018-2019 Occupational Outlook Handbook, marketing managers should see a 10% employment growth in the next decade. This is faster than the average compared to other occupations. Depending on your marketing area of specialty, industry growth ranges from 7% to 23%. If your goal is to become a Market Research Analyst, job security won’t be an issue. The Market Research Analyst career is expected to grow by an impressive 23% over the next decade.

With the slow death of print media comes a new era of digital advertising. From content marketing managers to creative directors, understanding the online advertising game is paramount to one’s success as a marketing professional. As much as a Bachelor’s degree in marketing can get you “a foot in the door,” the best way to differentiate yourself is finishing your MBA.

It will give you a distinct advantage from other job prospects. Not only will you have a growing digital marketing portfolio, it an MBA provides a chance to master advertising software programs like Adobe Creative. Your education will also open the doors for industry credentials offered by The Public Relations Society of America and the Marketing Research Association (Professional Researcher Certification).

MBA in Marketing

What is the Salary Range for a Marketing Manager?

The median annual wage for marketing managers is $131,180. An MBA in marketing will increase your salary by $40,000 over those with a bachelor degree. Top 10% of marketing managers make more than $200,000 a year. The median annual wage for advertising and promotions managers is $100,810. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,950, and the highest 10% earned more than $208,000. Simply stated, earning a six-figure salary as a senior marketing manager is achievable. Obtaining an MBA degree in Marketing will ensure the right trajectory for a six-figure salary.

The median annual wages for advertising and promotions managers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

The median annual wages for marketing managers in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

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Julia Peterle

Julia, originally from Germany, earned her MBA degree in 2016 at the Rotterdam School of Management in the Netherlands. She has worked for over 6 years as a Project Manager in the Tourism, Banking and Logistics industry. Eager to explore the world, she has traveled to over 30 and lived in 5 different countries, even exotic far flung places like Papua New Guinea. Now she focuses on her writing career, helping others to find their path in life.

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