Online Masters in Marketing

An online master’s in marketing is a graduate degree for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want advanced training in strategy, analytics, or leadership. Some schools offer a dedicated MS in Marketing; others offer an MBA with a marketing concentration. Programs may emphasize digital strategy, analytics, or brand leadership depending on the school.

This page explains how master’s programs are structured, what coursework typically includes, and what to compare across schools.

For a full map of this program area, start here: Marketing Program Guide

Quick answers

What is an online master’s in marketing?

It is a graduate-level program that builds advanced marketing knowledge – typically strategy, analytics, and leadership skills – through online coursework.

What degree titles are common?

Common options include an MS in Marketing, an MA in Marketing, or an MBA with a marketing concentration, depending on the institution and focus.

What types of master’s-level marketing programs are common?

Common options include general marketing master’s programs, digital marketing-focused programs, and marketing analytics-focused programs.

What is typically included in the curriculum?

Most programs include a shared core in marketing strategy and research before electives or a concentration, plus a capstone project or applied consulting assignment.

What do admissions requirements usually include?

Most programs require a completed bachelor’s degree. Common elements include transcripts, a resume, and written statements; some programs also request professional experience or letters of recommendation.

What online formats and pacing options are common?

Programs may use standard term schedules, accelerated shorter terms, or part-time options with lighter course loads for working professionals.

At a Glance

  • Degree type: MS in Marketing, MA in Marketing, or MBA with a marketing concentration
  • Typical duration: 1-2 years full-time
  • Credits: 30-60 semester hours
  • Format: Online, often designed for working professionals
  • Accreditation: Verify institutional accreditation; some business divisions hold AACSB or ACBSP accreditation

Typical topics in a master’s program

Course TopicWhat You Learn
Marketing StrategyDeveloping and evaluating strategic marketing plans
Consumer InsightsAdvanced research methods for understanding audience behavior
Marketing AnalyticsUsing data to measure and optimize campaign performance
Digital Marketing StrategyAdvanced channel planning across search, social, and content
Brand ManagementBuilding, protecting, and extending brand equity
Marketing LeadershipManaging teams, budgets, and cross-functional stakeholders
Capstone or Applied ProjectApplied strategy project, often based on a real or simulated business problem

Skills and outcomes to compare

Outcomes vary by program, but you can compare:

  • Depth of specialization in digital, analytics, or brand strategy
  • Applied project or consulting-style capstone requirements
  • Access to industry tools or platform-specific training
  • Leadership and cross-functional management focus

For pacing and delivery comparisons, see: How Online Marketing Degrees Work

How to compare online master’s programs

  1. Identify the program type (general marketing, MBA with marketing concentration, or a specialized track such as digital marketing or analytics).
  2. Review core curriculum and capstone or applied project requirements.
  3. Check concentrations and electives that fit your interests.
  4. Confirm admissions expectations, including whether work experience is required.
  5. Compare online format and pacing options.
  6. Verify institutional accreditation before applying.
Marketing is not a licensed profession, so there is no programmatic licensure board to check at the master’s level. Instead, verify that the institution holds accreditation from a recognized institutional accreditor – examples include the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), SACSCOC, ACCSC, and DEAC – and consider whether the business division holds AACSB or ACBSP accreditation.

Admissions requirements

Requirements vary by school, but most programs require a completed bachelor’s degree. Common elements include transcripts, a resume, and written statements. Some programs request prerequisite coursework in statistics or business fundamentals, or professional experience.

Master’s vs other marketing degree levels

LevelTypical CreditsTypical DurationCommon Roles
Associate60-642 yearsMarketing assistant, social media coordinator
Bachelor’s120-1284 yearsMarketing coordinator, digital marketing specialist, market research analyst
Master’s30-601-2 yearsMarketing manager, brand manager, marketing director

Compare degree options:

For a value and fit discussion, see: Is a Marketing Degree Worth It

Data verified: July 30, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.