A Ph.D. in Marketing allows you to perform a variety of roles. You might work in teaching, market research and analysis, among other high-level positions. The core curriculum typically includes business administration, economic theory, and advanced marketing ideas. You can expand on this by taking electives and conducting independent research. The primary goal of a Ph.D. marketing degree is to give you skills to acquire, evaluate, and present data.
Should I Pursue a PH.d. Or Doctorate in Marketing?
A Ph.D. in marketing is a high-level academic degree that can equip you for careers in marketing research or academia. This degree often leads to careers in marketing divisions or research organizations. While a Ph.D. is not necessary for all marketing roles, it can provide graduates with an advantage. A Ph.D. in marketing is generally completed in four to five years. It comprises coursework, rigorous examinations, and a dissertation. Students at these business schools take coursework in marketing theory, research methodology, and statistics. They also learn how to develop and carry out marketing research initiatives and evaluate data. Graduates with a Ph.D. in marketing are qualified for many positions.
Featured Programs
Ph.D. vs. Doctorate – What’s the Difference?
Only a handful of online Ph.D. marketing degrees are available from accredited universities. An excellent alternative is an online DBA in marketing. What is the difference? Essentially, the terms “Doctorate” and “Ph.D.” are the same. Therefore, all Ph.D. students are Doctoral students as well. In other words, online marketing phd programs are all quite similar. It just depends on what you want out of your education.
A Ph.D. is a Doctor of Philosophy. It is an academic degree that potential doctoral candidates should consider. In a marketing program, the Ph.D. dissertation aims to provide a novel theory to academic thought on marketing and advertising. Ph.D. marketing graduates often pursue a teaching job in a college or university. However, they may also work in high-level research positions.
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is often regarded as a professional degree. A DBA dissertation in marketing is more likely to apply a fresh and innovative challenge to an existing theory in the field. Many DBA graduates enter the private sector. They might work as research associates or high-level consultants, perhaps at the CEO level. This marketing phd programs rankings article can help you determine which degree is right for you.
The Importance of Accreditation of Your Ph.D. Marketing Program
Accreditation is crucial for a variety of reasons. It provides several benefits to both students and companies. Primarily, it gives you peace of mind by ensuring that your education is high quality. The primary goal of accreditation is to ensure the legitimacy of higher education institutions.
Colleges are accredited by third-party organizations. This aids in providing an unbiased appraisal of the school’s offerings. The United States Department of Education evaluates institutions for accreditation. And every college and university in the nation must be accredited every five years.
There are two types of accreditation: national and regional accreditation. Nationally accredited institutions are not regarded as accredited on a regional level, and vice versa. This implies that students cannot transfer credits between the two types. Incidentally, regional certification is seen as a higher level of accreditation.
Ensuring accreditation is an essential factor in choosing your school. We’ve listed the accreditor for each institution on our list.
Best Phd Marketing Programs
| College | Graduate Tuition | RATING |
| University of the Cumberlands | $4,282 | 100.0 |
| Kennesaw State University | $5,238 | 99.75 |
| California Miramar University | $7,020 | 99.50 |
| Liberty University | $7,847 | 99.25 |
| California Southern University | $8,175 | 99.00 |
| Florida International University | $8,912 | 98.75 |
| Concordia University – Chicago | $9,090 | 98.50 |
| Walden University | $9,651 | 98.25 |
| Grand Canyon University | $10,621 | 98.00 |
| City University of Seattle | $11,812 | 97.75 |
| Washington State University | $12,076 | 97.50 |
| Trident University | $12,180 | 97.25 |
| Westcliff University | $13,050 | 97.00 |
| George Fox University | $14,158 | 96.75 |
| Northcentral University | $16,881 | 96.50 |
| Felician University | $19,440 | 96.25 |
| Alliant International University | $19,484 | 96.00 |
| Marymount University | $20,520 | 95.75 |
| Keiser University | $29,632 | 95.50 |
| Washington University in St Louis | $57,750 | 95.25 |
Best Online Ph.D. Marketing Methodology
Tuition varies widely among colleges offering Phds in Marketing. However, the ranking methodology for this review is simple. The tuition fees listed in this article are based on in-state graduate tuition per academic year. Note that the costs for out-of-state or online computer science students may differ. All figures for our marketing phd ranking come from NCES College Navigator.
The schools are ordered from highest to lowest scores. All of the online programs have been accredited by nationally recognized accreditation boards. And each college has been verified as a non-profit institution.
We looked for approved colleges that provided online Ph.D. and DBA degree marketing online programs with an emphasis on marketing. Here are what we found to be the 20 best online Ph.D. or Doctorate in marketing degrees.
Our Ranking of The Best Ph.D. in Marketing Programs
#1 University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Online Doctor of Philosophy in Business, Specialty in Marketing
The University of the Cumberlands offers an online program for a Doctor of Philosophy in Business. However, students can choose a specialty in marketing. The marketing degree prepares students for employment in academia, research, and other professions. The curriculum emphasizes original market research and the development of new theories. Students will gain the specialized knowledge needed to stay on the cutting edge of business innovation. And you will also have the tools you’ll need to teach at postsecondary institutions.
This fully online Ph.D. marketing degree allows you to get the marketing skills you need without compromising your current career. You can take classes when it works for you. With the consent of the Program Director and the Registrar, students may transfer up to fifteen semester hours of credit from an authorized graduate institution. Some of the required courses include:
- Advanced Managerial Accounting
- Advanced Statistical Applications
- Professional Writing and Proposal Development
- Corporate Finance: Fiscal Management in a Global Climate
- Strategic Marketing: Research and Practice
- Qualitative Research
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $4,282
phd in marketing score: 100
#2 Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia
Online Ph.D. BA – Concentration in Marketing
Kennesaw State University offers an online Ph.D. in business administration. It is a non-traditional doctorate marketing degree certified by the AACSB. Students can choose a marketing concentration. The program provides students with the skills required to undertake scientific-based research. It also prepares students for academic or industrial teaching and research jobs.
The program is structured so students can complete it in as little as three years. Students complete 36 credits of the discipline-specific curriculum in the first two years. After coursework, students enroll in dissertation credit hours until they finish final dissertations. The phd in marketing online is classified as a hybrid program since candidates must complete some course prerequisites on campus. The majority of courses in this online doctorate marketing program are online and include the following:
- Theory and Current Issues in Marketing
- Regression Analysis
- Organizational Level Theories and Contemporary Topics in Information Systems
- Analysis of Variance Designs
- Marketing Strategy and Analysis
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $5,238
phd in marketing score: 99.75
#3 California Miramar University
San Diego, California
Online DBA – Marketing
California Miramar University offers an online DBA in marketing. This marketing specialization goes beyond the basics of MBA programs. It does this by focusing on marketing management and research. In addition, the program covers advanced topics meant to prepare students for jobs as marketing executives. Courses for this online marketing phd are taught by professional instructors in the field.
In addition to the Master’s degree, the DBA needs 61 graduate semester credits. Thirteen of the total necessary credits are accounted for by dissertation preparation courses. A detailed assessment is required before the dissertation proposal may be approved. The ten core courses account for 30 of the 30 semester credits required. Some of the courses offered in this marketing phd online include:
- Advanced International Marketing
- Pricing Theory and Practices
- Strategic Marketing
- Advanced Analytical Marketing Research
- Globalization and Global Business Strategy
- Applied Statistics
Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Tuition: $7,020
phd in marketing score: 99.50
#4-Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Online Doctor of Business Administration – Marketing Specialization
Liberty University offers an Online DBA degree. However, there is a marketing specialization option. The program prepares you for leadership roles at the highest levels of the business world. And it teaches you to analyze management concepts and market research. You will also learn best practices in advertising, marketing, and consumer habits. In addition, this program enables you to improve your communication and leadership abilities and examine how to sell in local and worldwide markets.
Students in this doctorate in marketing online program will become experts in topics including:
- Marketing research
- Marketing promotions
- Strategic marketing management
- Supply chain management
This fully online phd in marketing program requires a total of 60 credits to complete. Students can expect to complete this program in approximately three years. Students may transfer up to 50% of the degree total. Some of the featured courses include:
- Strategic Marketing Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Marketing Promotions
- Marketing Research
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $7,847
phd in marketing score: 99.25
#5 California Southern University
Irvine, California
Online DBA
California Southern University offers a DBA marketing degree program. And it includes several marketing courses with an international business emphasis. Additionally, online students can customize their degrees to meet their professional goals. Candidates can choose from a variety of courses that match their professional objectives. This personalized design is well-known among Cal Southern designer students.
This fully online phd program requires 60 credits and takes four years to finish for full-time students. Students can transfer up to 30 credits from another accredited institution. Featured courses include:
- Ethnography of Corporate Culture
- Lending in Consumer and Corporate Markets
- Leadership, Ethics, and Corporate Governance
- Organizational Development and Design
- Consumer Behavior, Theory, and Analysis
Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
Tuition: $8,175
phd in marketing score: 99
#6 Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Ph.D. in Business Administration – Marketing
The online DBA program at Florida International University is available as a track within the Ph.D. marketing degree. The online PhD is designed for senior-level workers. A variety of business and marketing themes are covered in the courses. Upon completion, You will be equipped for a career in academia at research-intensive universities. Essentially, this program prepares you to be a research scholar. And it gives you the necessary methodological and analytical abilities for conducting solid research. You will also get an understanding of the subject of marketing to produce research worth implementing.
This fully online DBA program comprises 72 credits, face-to-face and online classes, and a three-year program model. Along with online education and a research project, three-day and two-day residencies are held regularly. Students will have the opportunity to work as teaching assistants. Plus, they will get training before taking on teaching responsibilities later in the program. Some coursework for this program includes:
- Marketing Research Methodology
- Seminar in Consumer Behavior
- Advanced-Data Analysis
- Applied Regression Analysis
- Independent Study in Marketing
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $8,912
phd in marketing score: 98.75
#7 Concordia University – Chicago
River Forest, Illinois
Online DBA: Strategic Leadership and Innovation
Concordia University Chicago offers an online DBA marketing degree. This program has a specialization in Strategic Leadership and Innovation. The specialization prepares students to master strategic marketing in a worldwide economy. It is intended for professionals who want to become marketing leaders.
Enrollment in the online DBA program can be done full-time or part-time. The program involves 60 credit hours of online phd instruction, including a six-credit dissertation. Courses last eight weeks, and students generally get their DBA in three years. Some of the featured courses include:
- Global Concepts in Strategic Marketing
- Foundations of the Doctoral Experience
- Governance of Health Care Systems
- Doctoral Research Design for Business
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $9,090
phd in marketing score: 98.50
#8 Walden University
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Online DBA: Marketing Specialization
Walden Institution, situated in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a completely online university. And more than 88 percent of Walden’s teaching faculty holds a Ph.D. degree. The school offers an online DBA with a marketing specialization. The curriculum allows you to study real-world marketing difficulties and possibilities. As a result, you will learn how to be a successful leader and role model for your marketing team while assisting your firm in gaining a competitive advantage. This program’s coursework includes self-analysis tasks as well as case studies.
Students may transfer up to 17 credits. The marketing concentration focuses on the development of writing and critical-thinking abilities. Some of the featured courses include:
- Qualitative and Quantitative Methodology for Applied Business Research
- Organizational Leadership: Doctoral Theory and Practice
- Quantitative Business Data Analysis Using SPSS
- Business Essentials
- Contemporary Challenges in Business
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $9,651
phd in marketing score: 98.25
#9 Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona
Online DBA: Emphasis in Marketing
Grand Canyon University offers a Doctor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing. This program of study was designed from the ground up for online enrollment. Students who complete this program will be prepared for senior-level and executive-level positions. The following are some roles associated with this degree:
- Chief marketing officer
- Chief executive officer
- Entrepreneur
- Chief innovation officer
- Market research director
- Senior management consultant
This three-year program offers a high level of specialized knowledge and training in the field of marketing. A total of 60 credits are needed to complete the degree. Some of the courses at Grand Canyon University include:
- Digital Technology and Consumer Behavior
- Complexity of Marketing
- Economics for Business Decisions
- The Sustainable Future
- Data-Driven Marketing Management
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $10,621
phd in marketing score: 98
#10 City University of Seattle
Seattle, Washington
Doctor of Business Administration With a Marketing Concentration
The University of the Cumberlands offers an online program for a Doctor of Philosophy in Business. The degree prepares students for employment in academia and research. In addition, students can choose a specialty in marketing. First, however, they must propose their desired specialization and get approval from the Program Director.
This program helps professionals advance their skills in organizational interventional thinking. It also teaches agile business practices, leadership, and critical thinking. In addition, students will develop business knowledge in marketing. The curriculum emphasizes original research and the development of new theories. As a result, you will get the knowledge needed to stay on the cutting edge of business innovation. You will also have the tools to teach at postsecondary institutions.
Online coursework includes one hour of live engagement with the professor and marketing students every other week. Candidates may complete the program in three to four years. This fully online program requires 91 total credits. Core requirement courses include:
- Organizational Identity and Culture
- Industry Analysis and Market Innovation
- Organizational Development Theories and Trends
- Technology Implementation and Change Management
- Advanced Research Topics
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Tuition: $11,812
phd in marketing score: 97.75
#11 Washington State University
Pullman, WA
Online Ph.D. – Marketing Concentration
Washington State University offers an online Ph.D. with a marketing concentration. This degree prepares you for a career in research and teaching in AACSB-accredited peer institutions. The program teaches skills in the theory, practice, and research methods required for marketing.
The curriculum includes coursework, comprehensive exams, and dissertation research. You also have access to official and informal contacts and collaborations with academics and others. Students who join the program with a master’s degree in business can finish the Ph.D. in four years of full-time resident study. Students must produce a second-year paper in addition to their coursework. Courses include topics such as:
- Marketing Management
- Consumer Behavior
- Marketing Foundations
- Business Research Methods
- Political Science
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Tuition: $12,076
phd in marketing score: 97.50
#12 Trident University
Cypress, California
Online Ph.D. in Business Administration – Marketing Concentration
Trident University is a fully online institution headquartered in Cypress, California. Veterans and active duty members comprise a sizable proportion of the school’s 6,861 student population. Trident offers an online Ph.D. in Business administration with a marketing concentration. This concentration is for students with a strong foundation in marketing who want to contribute to research on topics like:
- Branding
- Direct sales
- Consumer behavior
- Pricing
- Online promotion
- Social media marketing
Students can select a three, four, or five-year program. Throughout the program, attentive assistance is readily available. There are no criteria for in-person attendance. The degree requirement includes 56 semester hours of needed courses. The maximum authorized time to finish the dissertation is 12 sessions. Students are urged to submit all prior learning credits for evaluation upon enrollment. The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Advanced Strategic Marketing
- Innovation and Creativity in Business
- Applied Statistics for Research
- Case Study and Action Research 4
- Advanced Strategic Corporate Finance
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $12,180
phd in marketing score: 97.25
#13 Westcliff University
Irvine, California
Online Marketing Doctorate of Business Administration – Business Intelligence & Data Analytics concentration
The program is for applicants who have already completed a Master’s program. It is also for those that want to expand their practical and theoretical understanding of the concepts that drive global business. The Business Intelligence & Data Analytics concentration focuses on marketing strategy. The program places a premium on advanced decision-making and leadership abilities. Additionally, it focuses on teaching an in-depth understanding of theory and practical research.
The DBA program is offered fully online or in a hybrid format. You must have a Master’s degree from an accredited school. For graduation, students must complete a Practical Learning Experience (PLE).
Some of the program’s courses include:
- Managing People and Organizations
- Financial Risk Management
- Marketing Strategy & Consumer Behavior
- Business Research Methods
- Time Series & Predictive Analysis for Business
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Tuition: $13,050
phd in marketing score: 97
#14 George Fox University
Newburg, Oregon
Online Doctorate of Business Administration – Business Analytics Concentration
George Fox University offers an Online Marketing Doctorate of Business Administration. The business analytics emphasis focuses on investigating analytics as it applies to marketing. This degree prepares you to be a great generalist in business disciplines. It also helps make you an expert in data analytics and prepares you for leadership in the business teaching/training field.
This program is primarily online but does require students to visit the campus for a residency course. If you cannot attend in person, you may take the residency course through Zoom or online at your leisure. A total of 60 credits are needed to complete this program of study. It is typically completed in four years. Some of the required courses include:
- Foundations of Marketing
- International Business
- Leading in Organizations
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Applied Analytics and Predictions
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Tuition: $14,158
phd in marketing score: 96.75
#15 Northcentral University
San Diego, California
Online Strategic Marketing, PhD-BA
Northcentral University offers an Online Strategic Marketing Ph.D. program. It covers topics including market research, advanced marketing strategies, and more. As a result, this innovative program helps you develop the skills essential for efficient business practice. Additionally, it trains you to be a leader in a range of corporate environments. Students have the benefit of connecting one-on-one with their professors for individual coaching.
This online program is designed to be completed in as little as 45 months. A total of 60 credits are needed to complete this degree. The program is comprised of 20 courses, including topics such as:
- Marketing Leadership
- Consumer Behavior Theories
- Global Strategic Management
- Marketing Strategy
- Integrated Marketing Programs
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $16,881
phd in marketing score: 96.50
#16 Felician University
Rutherford, New Jersey
Online Program in Business Administration: Marketing Focus
Felician Institution is a private Roman Catholic university. The school offers an online DBA with a marketing focus to help you develop your career. You will also participate in transformational research while gaining the skills to lead in the corporate world. The DBA program emphasizes research that will contribute to professional knowledge and practice.
The online platform provides flexibility, allowing you to progress at your own pace. Students will receive personal mentorship and support throughout the program. The curriculum consists of four phases. It included such courses as:
- Historical Perspectives in Marketing
- Historical Perspectives of Decision Theory
- Contemporary Marketing Theory
- Statistical and Quantitative Analysis
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Tuition: $19,440
phd in marketing score: 96.25
#17 Alliant International University
San Diego, California
Online Doctorate of Business Administration, Marketing Specialization
Alliant International University offers an online DBA. The program includes a marketing specialization. The curriculum delves into topics on business procedures focusing on quantitative analysis. Plus, you’ll get hands-on experience and see real-world applications of business. You’ll also complete a competence practicum. The marketing specialization gives students an understanding of how marketing works. In addition, students will learn how marketing is used in organizational strategy for business and politics.
The three-year program is offered entirely online. Students must participate in curricular practical training as part of their experience learning. The course content will concentrate on organizational growth and theories. It will include topics such as:
- Management Theories
- Research Issues
- Business Management
- Social Influencing
- Political Strategy
- Human Behavior
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Tuition: $19,484
phd in marketing score: 96
#18 Marymount University
Arlington, Virginia
Online Doctorate of Business Administration in Business Intelligence
An online DBA in Industry Intelligence program is offered at Marymount University. The program prepares you for senior leadership roles and for “what’s next” in the ever-changing world of marketing and business. The program focuses on the creation of action-based strategies and competitive marketing. In addition, students explore theories of organizational strategy and the evolution of strategic management.
The curriculum is meant to help you improve your higher-order thinking and research abilities. As a result, this will allow you to put theory into practice. It also enables you to confront today’s business difficulties with knowledge, vision, and clarity.
The program allows you to undertake unique applied research relevant to your professional goals. It is a fully online and part-time structure. No residencies are necessary, so you may enhance your profession without putting it on hold. Students can complete the required 36 credit hours in just under three years. The curriculum includes courses like:
- Strategy in a Changing Business Climate
- Ethical Leadership for Success in Uncertain Times
- Maximizing Digital Transformation
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $20,520
phd in marketing score: 95.75
#19 Keiser University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Online Doctor of Business Administration with Specialization in Marketing
Keiser University offers an entirely online doctorate in marketing degree. The program gives you the knowledge and information needed to excel and perform at the highest level in marketing positions. It focuses on theory and practical research, providing you with the skills to significantly influence the marketing world.
A total of 60 credits are needed to complete this degree program. The courses are offered in eight-week terms and can be completed in two years. Students are allowed 18 transfer credits. The curriculum includes courses such as:
- Foundations in Business Research Writing
- Marketing Management
- Strategic Decision-Making for Managers
- Emerging Issues in Marketing
- Global Business
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $29,632
phd in marketing score: 95.50
#20 Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
Online DBA in Marketing
Washington State University in St Louis offers an online DBA in Marketing. The Marketing Quantitative track focuses on economic foundations such as microeconomic theory. The program prepares you for high-level research or consulting roles in firms. But it also prepares you for teaching positions at academic institutions that do not need a Ph.D. or scholarly research.
The DBA in Marketing degree needs 72 credit hours of graduate course study in marketing-related areas to be completed. As a DBA student, you must also prepare, submit, and defend a doctorate thesis. All candidates students are expected to complete the program in four years if they study full-time or in five to six years if they study part-time. The online DBA in Marketing at WU offers more marketing course electives than any school on our list. Some of the featured courses are:
- Marketing Research
- Advanced Cognitive Psychology
- Marketing Strategy 3
- Pricing Strategies
- Digital Marketing and Customer Analytics
- Directed Readings in Marketing
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $57,750
phd in marketing score: 95.25
What Can You Do With a Ph.D. In Marketing?
A Ph.D. in marketing qualifies you for a variety of occupations. Demand is also increasing. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for advertising and marketing managers is predicted to expand by 10% over the next decade. The average median salary is $133,380. And thousands of new employment opportunities will be created in just one marketing business sector.
Here are just a few of the best marketing careers for Ph.D. graduates (or DBA Doctorates). The salaries and job descriptions are according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Marketing Manager
Median Annual Wage: $153,440
What they do: Marketing managers devise, direct, or coordinate marketing plans and efforts. This can include gauging demand for a company and its competitors and discovering new customers. They also create pricing strategies to boost the firm’s profitability.
Chief Executive (CEO)
Median Annual Wage: $213,020
What they do: CEOs develop and formulate policies. They also provide general direction for businesses or private and public sector organizations. They do this within the parameters established by a board of directors or governing body. They plan, direct, or coordinate operations with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
Management Analyst
Median Annual Wage: $93,000
What they do: Management analysts provide recommendations to increase the efficiency of a business. They advise managers on how to boost profitability by reducing expenses and increasing revenues. While some work for the organization they examine, many operate as contract consultants.
Closing Thoughts on a Ph.D. In Marketing
With a Ph.D. in marketing, you won’t just respond to changes in the business landscape. Instead, you’ll drive innovation and help influence your industry’s future. In addition, earning a doctorate in business at one of these top business schools is an opportunity to expand on previous education and work experience. As a result, you will be able to look deeper into what makes firms successful and uncover new opportunities.
This concludes our ranking of the top PhD marketing online programs.
NPCO Staff
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