An MBA in marketing can be a strategic choice for those aiming to amplify their job prospects and stand out in the competitive marketplace. These programs prepare students for high-demand roles, including marketing managers, who earn an average salary of $158,280 — over three times the median salary for all occupations in the United States.
Full-time students can complete their MBA in two years, while part-time students may take three to four years, depending on their schedule. With the average cost of these programs at $19,749 for the 2020-2021 academic year, investing in an MBA in marketing elevates your career trajectory and offers a significant return on investment by providing you with the skills and knowledge to be a leader in this field.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best MBA in Marketing degree 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 post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 34 MBA in Marketing Degree Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
UPenn Wharton School
Intelligent Score: 99.77In-state: $53,166
Out-of-state: $53,166
In-state: $37,678
Out-of-state: $37,678
SAT: 1460-1570
ACT: 33-35
The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is one of the most well-respected names in higher education, and they have many great MBA in marketing programs. The first choice is the aptly-named Marketing Management Major, which serves as the more "traditional" marketing MBA choice. This program focuses on helping you understand different market forces and factors along with how to analyze and overcome the competition. The second choice is the Marketing and Operations degree which is Wharton's only joint major. As the name implies, this degree is about combining marketing proficiency with expertise in fields like product development, supply chain management, brand management, and more.
$1,532
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
57
Northwestern Kellogg School of Management
Intelligent Score: 98.55In-state: $58,227
Out-of-state: $58,227
In-state: $56,067
Out-of-state: $56,067
SAT: 1430-1550
ACT: 33-35
If you're looking for one of the best places to pursue an MBA in marketing, look no further than Northwestern University. First, you get plenty of MBA options here, including a traditional two-year option as well as a one-year accelerated option. There are also options to earn MBAs that integrate engineering, design, and technology elements, as well as an opportunity to get your MBA and JD law degree at the same time. Second, an MBA degree at Northwestern helps to prepare you for success in the real world because you will eventually be able to connect to a network of over 60,000 satisfied alumni who can help you leverage your newfound marketing expertise.
$2,496
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
45
Duke Fuqua School of Business
Intelligent Score: 97.85In-state: $55,880
Out-of-state: $55,880
In-state: $57,900
Out-of-state: $57,900
SAT: 1470-1570
ACT: 34-35
Duke has some of the best graduate programs in the world, especially for those interested in an MBA in marketing. At this school, you can pursue a concentration in marketing as part of your MBA at no additional charge for students enrolled in the Daytime program. Those enrolled in the Global Executive and Weekend Executive MBA programs must pay a small extra fee. The versatility of these programs is convenient because it allows you to pursue the degree you need on your own schedule. And by combining marketing expertise with courses focusing on topics like executive education, you can become the well-rounded marketing guru the 21st century really needs.
$1,153
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
65-79
University of California, Los Angeles
Intelligent Score: 97.69In-state: $11,442
Out-of-state: $41,196
In-state: $11,442
Out-of-state: $11,442
SAT: 1310-1530
ACT: 30-35
$1,638
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
56
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Intelligent Score: 97.61In-state: $9,273
Out-of-state: $37,161
In-state: $10,728
Out-of-state: $10,728
SAT: 1260-1460
ACT: 27-32
In-State: $562
Out-of-State: $1,055
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
48-54
Carnegie Mellon University
Intelligent Score: 97.57In-state: $57,560
Out-of-state: $57,560
In-state: $46,441
Out-of-state: $46,441
SAT: 1460-1560
ACT: 33-35
At Carnegie Mellon University, the Tepper School of Business is proud to offer a robust MBA marketing concentration to interested students. This program is 21st-century focused, basing different instructional techniques on elements like statistical models, machine learning, data mining, and more. Education in these areas develops you into a more skilled marketer, and you can position yourself as someone well-versed in the technological requirements of modern marketing. Coursework also focuses on important topics like marketing via social media, market entry planning, and product management. Ultimately, this curriculum provides the best of both worlds by helping you master classical marketing techniques alongside cutting-edge technological tools.
$841
On-Campus
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
45
Georgetown University
Intelligent Score: 96.94In-state: $57,384
Out-of-state: $57,384
In-state: $53,136
Out-of-state: $53,136
SAT: 1380-1550
ACT: 31-35
$1,196
On-Campus, Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
54
UF Warrington College of Business
Intelligent Score: 96.5In-state: $4,477
Out-of-state: $25,694
In-state: $10,770
Out-of-state: $10,770
SAT: 1290-1460
ACT: 29-33
$1,270
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
32-48
Temple University
Intelligent Score: 96.46In-state: $16,080
Out-of-state: $28,992
In-state: $16,956
Out-of-state: $16,956
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
In-State: $654
Out-of-State: $1,154
On-Campus, Online
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
48
University of Virginia
Intelligent Score: 96.07In-state: $15,772
Out-of-state: $49,819
In-state: $17,076
Out-of-state: $17,076
SAT: 1320-1510
ACT: 30-34
$2,427
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
35-60
University of California, Berkeley
Intelligent Score: 93.61In-state: $11,442
Out-of-state: $41,196
In-state: $11,442
Out-of-state: $11,442
SAT: 1310-1530
ACT: 30-35
In-State: $1,662
Out-of-State: $1,953
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
42
University of South Carolina
Intelligent Score: 92.07In-state: $12,288
Out-of-state: $33,528
In-state: $13,737
Out-of-state: $13,737
SAT: 1140-1340
ACT: 25-31
In-State: $625
Out-of-State: $720
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
41
Emory University
Intelligent Score: 90.23In-state: $53,070
Out-of-state: $53,070
In-state: $43,800
Out-of-state: $43,800
SAT: 1380-1530
ACT: 31-34
$2,809
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
54
University of San Francisco
Intelligent Score: 88.46In-state: $51,930
Out-of-state: $51,930
In-state: $26,640
Out-of-state: $26,640
SAT: 1140-1330
ACT: 24-30
$1,700
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
48-52
The University of Texas at Austin
Intelligent Score: 88.09In-state: $11,448
Out-of-state: $40,032
In-state: $12,028
Out-of-state: $12,028
SAT: 1210-1470
ACT: 26-33
In-State: $876
Out-of-State: $922
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
30
Indiana University
Intelligent Score: 87.8In-state: $9,815
Out-of-state: $36,194
In-state: $9,786
Out-of-state: $9,786
SAT: 1120-1350
ACT: 24-31
In-State: $878
Out-of-State: $1,654
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
33
University of Minnesota
Intelligent Score: 87.51In-state: $13,318
Out-of-state: $31,616
In-state: $17,580
Out-of-state: $17,580
SAT: 1240-1460
ACT: 25-31
In-State: $682
Out-of-State: $873
On-Campus
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
64
Drexel University
Intelligent Score: 86.56In-state: $53,868
Out-of-state: $53,868
In-state: $36,234
Out-of-state: $36,234
SAT: 1180-1380
ACT: 25-31
$1,382
On-Campus, Online
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
49
How to Choose an MBA in Marketing Program
Choose your area of study
While marketing is already a niche field, you can further tailor your education to your career goals by choosing an area of study, often called a specialization.
Options will vary depending on the institution, but popular specializations include digital marketing, for those interested in online advertising and social media campaigns; brand management, ideal for students wanting to build and maintain solid brand representation; and marketing analytics, suited for students with a knack for data analysis and insights.
Speaking with faculty advisors, attending informational sessions, and researching potential career paths can be helpful when you’re making this decision. It’s important to remember that your best fit will be the option that aligns with your interests and the market’s demand — ensuring both personal satisfaction and professional success.
Research schools and programs
Once you’ve decided on your specialization, you can begin researching schools and programs to help you meet your professional goals. Consider guiding your research with these questions:
- Does the program offer a specialization in my area of interest?
- What are the faculty’s credentials?
- How does the program integrate real-world marketing projects?
- What are the career outcomes for graduates?
- Is the program accredited?
You can find this information on program websites by attending open houses and speaking with admissions counselors. These resources offer comprehensive insights into the program’s offerings and overall quality, helping you make an educated decision.
Prepare for tests and applications
Now that you have a shortlist of MBA programs, preparation becomes critical for a successful application.
Start by enrolling in a test prep program for the GRE or GMAT, as a strong score can significantly bolster your application (it’s worth noting there are many online MBA programs that don’t require GMAT scores, though). Also, write a compelling personal statement highlighting your achievements, goals, and why you’re an excellent fit for the program.
Securing solid letters of recommendation from professionals or academics who can vouch for your capabilities and work ethic is essential. Lastly, make sure your academic transcripts and resume are updated and accurately reflect your qualifications and experiences.
Select your program
When acceptance letters arrive, you may have a big decision to make. Fortunately, you can simplify this decision by revisiting your initial research criteria – including specialization offerings, faculty expertise, and career services. Consider practical aspects, such as the total cost of attendance and available financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships. Reflecting on these factors will guide you toward the program that meets your educational needs and professional goals.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Financing your MBA without accruing significant debt may seem impossible, but it is more doable than you think.
Prioritize scholarships and grants first, as these don’t require repayment and are awarded based on merit or need. Assistantships can also be helpful for graduate students, as they often offer tuition waivers or stipends in exchange for research or teaching duties. Federal loans should be considered next to bridge financial gaps, offering lower interest rates and flexible repayment plans.
Don’t hesitate to ask your employer about tuition reimbursement programs; many organizations support employees pursuing further education, especially if the MBA aligns with the company’s goals.
What Can You Expect From an MBA in Marketing Program?
An MBA in marketing offers an all-encompassing curriculum designed to provide students with advanced skills in market research, branding, consumer behavior, sales, and digital marketing strategies. This specialized program delves into the intricacies of market analysis, strategic planning, and the latest marketing tools and technologies, preparing graduates for leadership roles in marketing, advertising, and product management.
Full-time students usually complete the program in two years, while part-time students take three to four years, depending on their schedules and course load.
Beyond marketing-specific courses, MBA students also engage in general business management studies — including finance, operations, and human resources, to develop a well-rounded understanding of how marketing fits within the broader business context. Additional requirements often include internships, capstone projects, and collaboration on real-world case studies, depending on the program.
Potential courses you’ll take in an MBA in marketing program
- Brand Management: In this course, students learn about the importance of branding, brand equity, and brand positioning in the marketplace. It covers strategies for building, managing, and sustaining a brand — including dealing with brand crises, rebranding, and measuring brand performance to ensure long-term brand success.
- Digital Marketing Strategies: Increasingly important in today’s digitally-dominant world, this course covers search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, social media marketing, and email marketing. Students gain hands-on experience developing and implementing digital marketing campaigns, analyzing data to optimize strategies, and understanding the digital customer experience.
- Consumer Behavior: This course explores the psychological, social, and cultural factors influencing consumers’ decisions. Students learn about consumer decision-making processes, the role of perception in marketing, and strategies for influencing consumer behavior, providing a foundation for creating effective marketing campaigns.
- Marketing Analytics: In this course, students are introduced to analytical tools and techniques to gather and interpret data to make informed marketing decisions. They learn how to use data analytics for market segmentation, targeting, and positioning, as well as for measuring the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, providing them with the skills to drive data-driven marketing campaigns.
MBA in Marketing Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an MBA in marketing degree program?
To apply for an MBA in marketing, research programs to find those that best suit your career goals. Then, prepare your application, which typically includes the following:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Relevant work experience, two to five years is often preferable
- A personal statement outlining your professional aspirations and how the MBA will help you achieve them
- Letters of recommendation (many programs request two or three)
- GMAT or GRE scores
- Official academic transcripts
Given the competitive nature of admissions, it’s crucial to speak with an admissions counselor. They can provide valuable insights into the application process, specific program requirements, and tips to strengthen your application.
How much does an MBA in marketing degree cost?
The cost of these degrees can vary significantly by institution. The average graduate tuition for the 2020-2021 academic year was $19,749. However, you’ll want to prepare for additional costs beyond tuition — including books, supplies, accommodation, and living expenses. Depending on the school, library and activity fees may also be involved, which can add up over time.
Financial aid and scholarships are available at many institutions to help mitigate these costs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a financial aid counselor at your school to discover your opportunities and how to apply.
How long does it take to earn an MBA in marketing degree?
Earning this degree typically takes two years for full-time students, while part-time students may take three to four years, depending on their course load.
Part-time enrollment allows students to balance their studies with a full-time job or family responsibilities, making it a preferred option for many. However, this flexibility extends the typical completion time, as students take fewer courses each semester.
The total number of required credits also influences the duration, with programs requiring more credits taking longer to complete.