The Students Before Profits Awards were created to recognize nonprofit colleges and universities offering degrees that put students before profits and education before the bottom-line. For our ranking of the Online Master’s in Marketing award winners, we chose online Marketing degree programs from nonprofit colleges and universities, accredited by independent and trusted accreditation boards, with lower than average tuition costs, and have ranked them by affordability.
Marketing is a crucial function in the business world, and is incredibly vital to the success of any business, small or large. Because of its ever-present need in the world of business, many students are very interested in increasing their knowledge of marketing. As more and more students enter the workforce during earlier in their lives, students must find online programs that work for their current schedule, allowing them to continue their education without it hampering their ability to gain work experience. Many students turn to online degree programs due to this very reason: flexibility of scheduling and course load. Students who are already working as a marketing professional may be considering a Master’s in Marketing to increase their value to current or future employers.
Featured Programs
Job outlook for marketing professionals is quite positive. Students with degrees in Marketing, especially Master’s in Marketing, will find themselves as highly-sought after by employers. All businesses engage in marketing to some degree, and effective marketing can make or break a business. Many companies are seeking out younger, highly-trained marketing professionals as it is believed they have a more innate understanding of newer marketing trends such as social media marketing, or marketing analytics. Whether a business is a local small business or a massive international corporation, all businesses must engage in marketing to some degree, so students should be able to find ample opportunities to apply their education. Marketing requires a creative edge and analytical mind, a unique set of skills and understanding, and a desire to communicate and forge relationships. By studying marketing, students can be assured that they are planning well for their future.
Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit and individual programs may have additional fees.
Ranking the Top Masters in Marketing Online Programs
#1. University of Alabama
The oldest public university in the state of Alabama, the University of Alabama opened its doors in 1820. One year after being admitted into the Union, the General Assembly of Alabama established The University of the State of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, what was then Alabama’s state capital. Influenced by the designed of Thomas Jefferson’s design for the University of Virginia, the University of Alabama’s campus was built with the library at its center. In 1831, eleven years later, the University of Alabama welcomed its first class of students. Now, the University of Alabama is the center of the University of Alabama system. Known for its prestige in research, the University of Alabama enrolls over 37,000 students across its sprawling downtown Tuscaloosa campus. Students are able to choose from over 117 different areas of study. The University of Alabama is a public institution.
Masters in Marketing Online
Students at the University of Alabama are able to enroll in the university’s Master of Science in Marketing with a Specialization in Marketing Analytics. This program is offered online through the University of Alabama’s Bama By Distance program. Available entirely online, students are not required to make visits to the any of the University of Alabama systems physical campuses. By enrolling in this program, students will learn how to use analytics to best inform the design and implementation of marketing campaigns. This program offers courses that cover topics including Global Market Management, Advanced Marketing Analysis, and Data Mining. A minimum of 33 credits are required to complete this program.
Accreditation: University of Alabama’s Master of Science in Marketing is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $12,111
#2. Liberty University
Opened as the Lynchburg Baptist College, Liberty University was established by Jerry Falwell, the Senior Pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church in 1971. Soon after, Lynchburg Baptist College was renamed in 1976 to Liberty Baptist College. The school was later renamed one more time to Liberty University in 1984. Since its founding, Liberty University has remained a fundamental part of the Lynchburg, Virginia. The school still retains its rich Christian heritage, the school is open and accepting of all religious denominations. Liberty University enrolls over 15,000 students at their Lynchburg campus, and enrolls over 100,000 students through its online presence. This staggeringly high number makes it the world’s larges Christian university. Liberty University is a private institution.
Masters in Marketing Online
At Liberty University students can enroll in a Master of Science in Marketing degree. This degree program is offered through Liberty University Online and does not require students to visit the Liberty University campus in Lynchburg. Students in this program will learn how about topics including digital marketing and advertising, sports marketing, project management, and public relations. Upon completion of this coursework, students will be ready to enter the workforce as an accomplished marketing professional. A minimum of 36 credits are required to complete this program.
Accreditation: Liberty University’s Master of Science in Marketing is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition: $20,340
#3. Marist College
Founded by the Marist Brothers, an institute of Catholic Brothers devoted to the education of teachers, Marist College opened its doors to students in 1929. Just outside of Poughkeepsie, New York, The Marist Brothers broke ground in 1905 for Saint Ann’s Hermitage, the building that would eventually become the Marist Normal Training School in 1929. This school grew and grew until, in 1946, the State of New York granted the Marist Normal Training School a charter as an official four-year college. At this time, the school was renamed Marian College. Two years later the school was renamed to Marist College. Still located in Poughkeepsie New York, Marist College enrolls nearly 6,500 students. Students at Marist College are able to enroll in over 40 different Bachelor’s programs, and twelve different Masters degrees. Marist College is a private institution.
Masters in Marketing Online
Marist College offers its students an Integrated Marketing Communications Master’s Degree program. Offered online since 2012, students are able to pursue a Master’s in Marketing without interfering with their day-to-day job. This program supports flexible scheduling for students who are currently working in marketing. Students in this program will focus on subjects ranging from advertising, social media, public relations, marketing research, strategy, branding, global marketing insights, and analytical tools. Students are not required to visit the Marist College campus in order to complete this program. A minimum of 30 credits are required to complete this program.
Accreditation: Marist College’s Integrated Marketing Communication Master’s Degree is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Tuition: $23,400
#4. St. Bonaventure University
After purchasing a land grant from the Holland Land Company, Nicholas Devereux founded the town of Allegany, located in the western part of New York state. After establishing the town, Nicholas Devereux partnered with the Bishop of Buffalo, John Timon, to establish a school in the town. Devereux and Timon partnered with the Franciscan Order to establish Saint Bonaventure’s College in 1858. The school operated under the name Saint Bonaventure’s College for nearly a century until 1950, when the school was granted university status by the state. The name was subsequently changed to Saint Bonaventure University. Still located on its original campus in Allegany, New York, Saint Bonaventure University enrolls 2,400 students across its undergraduate and graduate programs. Students at Saint Bonaventure University can enroll in one of the school’s fifty different academic programs. Saint Bonaventure University is a private institution.
Masters in Marketing Online
The Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications is offered through Saint Bonaventure University. This degree program is made available through the university’s distance education program. Students are able to take this course of study entirely online, and are not required to ever visit the Saint Bonaventure University campus. By offering this degree program online, students are able to schedule their courses flexibly. Students in this course of study will learn how to create an integrated marketing communication plan. Through this hands-on learning, students will gain an understanding of the real-world skills and competencies they’ll need to succeed in marketing. A minimum of 33 credits are required to complete this program.
Accreditation: St. Bonaventure University’s Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACSWASC).
Tuition: $24,189
#5. Southern New Hampshire University
Husband and wife, Harry and Gertrude Shapiro, established Southern New Hampshire University together in 1932. Opened in downtown Merrimack as the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Science, what would later become Southern New Hampshire University underwent a few name changes over the coming decades. Renamed in 1961 to the New Hampshire College of Accounting and Commerce to account for its increased breadth of educational opportunities, the school was renamed later that decade to New Hampshire College in 1968. Outgrowing its Merrimack campus, the school was moved to its current location on the border of Manchester and Hooksett. Receiving university-status, the school was renamed in 2001 to Southern New Hampshire University. Now, Southern New Hampshire University enrolls 3,000 on-campus students and over 60,000 students online, making it one of the largest online student bodies. Southern New Hampshire University is a private institution.
Masters in Marketing Online
At Southern New Hampshire University students are able to enroll in a Master of Science in Marketing degree through the university’s online program. This degree program is offered to students entirely online and does not require any visits to the Southern New Hampshire University campus. Students are able to flexibly schedule their classes to meet their current personal and professional needs. In this program students will learn about brand building, marketing campaign planning and analysis, and how to engage target audiences. A minimum of 39 credits are required to complete this program.
Accreditation: Southern New Hampshire University’s Master of Science in Marketing is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Tuition: $24,453
#6. Franklin University
Opened in 1902 as part of the local YMCA, Franklin University has had a long history of focusing on teaching adult students. Initially opened as part of the Columbus YMCA, Franklin University was originally named the YMCA School of Commerce. The school would remain a part of the YMCA for the next three decades. In 1933, the school dissolved its affiliation with the YMCA and was renamed to Franklin University. With its original campus remaining in Columbus, Ohio, Franklin University later added an additional campus in Indianapolis in 2009. Now, Franklin University enrolls just shy of 8,000 students across its campuses. Students of Franklin University are able to enroll in many different degree, most of which are made available online. Franklin University is a private institution.
Masters in Marketing Online
With a focus on continued adult education, Franklin University offers its students a Master of Science in Marketing & Communication degree. This program is offered through the school’s distance education program and can be taken entirely online. Students are not required to visit the Franklin University campus. This program can also be flexibly scheduled as to not interfere with students work schedules. In this program, students will learn about brand positioning, promotional strategies, the importance of product and packaging, as well as ways to increase marketability of products and services. A minimum of 40 credits are required to complete this program.
Accreditation: Franklin University’s Master of Science in Marketing & Communication is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $25,880
#7. West Virginia University
West Virginia University opened in 1862 under the Morrill Land-Grant Colleges Act. Originally named the Agricultural College of West Virginia, the school accepted its first class of students in 1867. Located in Morgantown, West Virginia, the West Virginia University campus was built on the campuses of three former schools, the Monongalia Academy, the Morgantown Female Academy and the Woodburn Female Seminary. Shortly after opening, the Agricultural College of West Virginia was renamed to its current name, West Virginia University in 1868. Over the next year the school grew steadily until the 1970s when West Virginia University experienced an explosion in growth resulting in massive changes to the campus. Now, West Virginia University is a designated “R1” Research University by the Carnegie Foundation and enrolls almost 30,000 students. West Virginia University is a public institution.
Masters in Marketing Online
Students at West Virginia University are able to enroll in the university’s Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications. This degree program is available entirely online, students are not required to visit the West Virginia University campus to complete this degree program. Students are also able to schedule their courses around their current work schedules making this program a great option for working professionals. This course of study covers a wide array of subjects in including brand management and positioning, market research techniques, and public relations. A minimum of 33 credits are required to complete this program.
Accreditation: West Virginia University’s Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Tuition: $28,215
#8. Boston University
A member of the Boston Consortium for Higher Education and designated by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a Research University with “very high research activity”, Boston University is one of the most prolific research universities in the state of Massachusetts. Established in 1839, the Newbury Biblical Institute was chartered by the Massachusetts Legislature as the “Boston University”. Located originally in Vermont, Boston University did not actually move to Boston until 1867. In the hearty of downtown Boston, located a long the Charles River, Boston University is a center point of the city. Boston University currently enrolls almost 33,000 students across its downtown campus. Students at Boston University can enroll in a variety of different programs offered across Boston University’s eighteen different colleges and schools. Boston University is a private institution.
Masters in Marketing Online
At Boston University, students can enroll in a Master of Science in International Marketing Management degree. Students enrolled in this program are able to take this entire course of study online, not requiring any visits to any of the Boston University campuses. Scheduling for this program is made flexible for students allowing them to schedule classes around their current work schedules. Through this course of study students will focus on developing an understanding of the core marketing competencies while specializing in e-commerce, web design, and database analysis. A minimum of 48 credits are required to complete this program.
Accreditation: Boston University’s Master of Science in International Marketing Management is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Tuition: $39,560
#9. Eastern Michigan University
Michigan State Normal School was founded in 1849 and enrolled its first class of students in 1853. Eventually being renamed to Eastern Michigan University, the Michigan State Normal School trained teachers for common schools throughout the state. In 1899, the school’s curriculum expanded and was renamed to Michigan State Normal College. Exactly six decades later, the school received university-status and was renamed to its current name, Eastern Michigan University. Founded in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Eastern Michigan University still remains on its initial campus but has grown considerably since opening. Located thirty-five minutes out of Detroit, Eastern Michigan University enrolls 24,000 students across it Ypsilanti campus. Students at Eastern Michigan University are able to pick from more than 170 different programs of study. Eastern Michigan University is a public institution.
Online Masters in Marketing
Students at Eastern Michigan University are able to enroll in the Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications degree. This program is made available through Eastern Michigan University’s distance education program, which means students are not required to visit the Eastern Michigan University campus to complete this degree. Students are also able to flexibly schedule this program around their current scheduling obligations. By enrolling in this program, students will cover topics including brand management, public relations, marketing communications, marketing research, digital marketing, and more. A minimum of 36 credits are required to complete this program.
Accreditation: Eastern Michigan University’s Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS).
Tuition: $41,760
#10. Golden Gate University
Originally a reading group at the San Francisco Central YMCA, Golden Gate University grew out of a desire for a place that provided adults an ability to continue their education. Established as the YMCA Night School, students were able to take courses at night in subjects ranging from mathematics to Spanish to bookkeeping. By 1901, the YMCA Night School had grown large enough to warrant full-time operation. Starting with the addition of a law school, the YMCA Nigh School continued to add programs until the school was renamed to Golden Gate College as a result of a student competition to rename the school. Later, in the year 1972, Golden Gate College attained university-status and was renamed to the Golden Gate University. Now residing in downtown San Francisco, Golden Gate University enrolls 5,300 students. Students at Golden Gate University are able to enroll in a variety of graduate-level program. Golden Gate University is a private institution.
Online Masters in Marketing
As part of Golden Gate University’s distance education program, that dates all the way back to 1993, students are able to enroll in the university’s Master of Science in Marketing degree program. Students enrolled in this program are able to take their entire course load online, and are not required to visit the Golden Gate University campus at any point during their studies. Students are also able to schedule their classes in a flexible manner as to not interfere with their current work or personal arrangements. This program focuses on topics including marketing strategy, digital marketing communications, social media marketing, and more. A minimum of 45 credits are required to complete this program.
Accreditation: Golden Gate University’s Master of Science in Marketing is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACSWASC).
Tuition: $43,875
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