Marketing is a consistently high-paying and in-demand field, and earning an online doctorate in marketing can further boost your earning potential and career opportunities. Whether you aim to become a top-level industry leader or an academic expert, an online doctorate in marketing prepares you for these advanced roles. Marketing managers earn a median salary of $157,620, with the top 10% exceeding $239,200. For those pursuing academia, professors earn a median salary of $84,380, but a specialized DBA can propel you to the top 10%, where salaries can reach $182,710.
These programs take about five years to complete, with some allowing up to seven years. According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual cost of graduate school tuition is $20,513, offering a high return on investment.
How to Choose an Online Doctorate in Marketing Degree Program
Choose your area of study
For many students, choosing an area of study for your doctorate should align with your previous coursework and professional experience — but it’s also an opportunity to expand your knowledge base and fuel professional growth. Take some time to reflect on your career goals and interests, asking yourself:
- What marketing-relating challenges are the most exciting to me?
- Where do I see gaps in my current knowledge?
- How can this degree enhance my career?
For instance, students interested in the psychological aspects of marketing will thrive in consumer behavior, while tech-savvy professionals will excel in digital marketing. Those with an international business focus may enjoy global marketing. Additional specialization options include brand marketing, marketing analytics, social media marketing, and nonprofit marketing.
Research schools and programs
With your intended specialization in mind, you can begin researching schools and programs that will best support your educational goals. You may come into this process with a few questions of your own, but here are some others to consider:
- What research opportunities are available in this area?
- Which faculty members specialize in this field?
- Are there partnerships or resources related to my specialization?
- What are the program’s graduation rates?
You can find this information on university websites, by attending a virtual open house, or by speaking with an admissions counselor. Many students also benefit from visiting sites like LinkedIn or Reddit to gain firsthand perspective from current students and alumni.
Prepare for tests and applications
Applying for doctoral programs can be a time-consuming endeavor. To tackle this, start by creating a timeline. This will likely vary depending on the program, but a general timeline might look like:
- Three months before deadlines: Request letters of recommendation and transcripts to allow plenty of time for your recommenders and institutions to respond.
- Two months before deadlines: Write your statement of purpose, illustrating your educational goals and fit for the program.
- One month before deadlines: Revise your resume or CV, highlighting your relevant professional experience.
If a writing sample or portfolio is required, ensure it’s polished and relevant to your intended area of study. Although most doctoral programs don’t require GRE scores, if one of your top choices does, consider enrolling in a test prep program at least four months before applying to boost your scores.
Select your program
When selecting a program, revisit your initial research criteria and evaluate how each option aligns with your priorities — such as curriculum relevance, the faculty you’ll learn from, and research opportunities.
This is also an ideal time to reassess the total cost of attendance, comparing this figure to any financial aid offers to determine overall affordability. By carefully weighing these factors, you can choose the program that best supports your academic ambitions and economic situation.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
To minimize debt while earning your degree, start by exploring scholarships and grants, which don’t require repayment. These can be merit- or need-based and are often available through universities, professional organizations, and private foundations.
Next, consider fellowships and assistantships, which may provide tuition waivers and stipends in exchange for research or teaching duties. If you’re employed, ask if your employer offers tuition reimbursement, which can significantly offset costs.
Federal loans, though widely available, can be used as a last resort to bridge any remaining financial gaps. It’s crucial to avoid overborrowing, as every dollar taken out on a loan must be repaid with interest.
Best 50 Accredited Online Doctorate in Marketing Programs
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best online doctorate in marketing programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online doctorate in marketing programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From an Online Doctorate in Marketing Program?
By earning your doctorate in marketing online, you’ll gain access to a flexible and accessible degree program to advance your knowledge in consumer behavior, brand management, digital marketing, and strategic decision-making. While curriculums vary, you can expect to delve into high-level marketing theories, research methods, and data analytics, preparing you for leadership roles in the industry or academia.
Programs typically require passing comprehensive exams and completing a dissertation, which involves contributing original research to the field. Most programs allow their students to complete coursework and attend lectures entirely online, providing the flexibility that often makes online learning attractive for those balancing their education with a full-time job or other responsibilities.
Considering the inherent flexibility of online programs, they can take three to seven years to complete — depending on your pace and prior education.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online doctorate in marketing program
- Strategic Marketing Management: This foundational course focuses on developing and implementing marketing strategies that align with business objectives. Students will learn to analyze market environments, identify competitive advantages, and create strategies that drive long-term growth and profitability.
- Marketing Promotions: In this course, students explore the tools and techniques used to promote products and services, including advertising, public relations, and digital marketing campaigns. They learn to design and evaluate promotional strategies that effectively reach target audiences.
- Supply Chain Management: This course teaches participants how to manage the flow of goods and services from suppliers to consumers. Lessons cover logistics, procurement, and coordinating supply chain activities to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Marketing Research: This course teaches students methods and tools for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data to make informed marketing decisions. Students learn to design research projects, conduct surveys, and analyze consumer behavior and market trends.
- Consumer Behavior: In this course, students examine the psychological, social, and cultural factors influencing purchasing decisions. Most curriculums emphasize understanding consumer motivations and behaviors to develop effective marketing strategies.
Online Doctorate in Marketing Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online doctorate in marketing degree program?
The admissions process may vary slightly depending on the program, but many institutions share similar criteria, including:
- Master’s degree in a related field
- Minimum GPA (often 3.0 or higher)
- Professional experience in marketing or a related field
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Academic writing sample or portfolio
Don’t hesitate to contact an admissions counselor for extra guidance through this process. They can help you prepare the required documents and answer any questions you might have about the program.
How much does an online doctorate in marketing degree cost?
The cost of these degrees can vary widely, but the average annual tuition for graduate school is $20,513. As an online student, you may see more affordable tuition with additional savings when it comes to commuting and housing expenses. However, it’ll still be necessary to budget for extra costs like technology fees, textbooks, course materials, and software subscriptions.
How long does it take to earn an online doctorate in marketing degree?
Obtaining your online doctorate in marketing usually takes around five years, with two years dedicated to coursework and three years for your dissertation. However, many programs offer part-time options, allowing up to seven years to complete all degree requirements.
Completion time can vary based on the program’s credit requirements, so it’s essential to double-check these details, as they can affect your timeline to graduation.