21 Affordable Master’s Degrees in Marketing and Advertising

By: GDDH Staff

Every time someone, somewhere, falls in love with a charming piece in a sale section, it’s a good bet that a marketer acted as the matchmaker. Since time immemorial, marketers have been coaxing people to make purchases. Perhaps marketing and advertising is your chosen career, and you have been quite happy, though you are also aware that an advanced degree would be in your best interests. If this sounds like you, then you’re in luck, because the following list of online college and university degrees can lead you to a brighter future. Online schooling perfectly suits the needs of students who must hold onto a current job and at the same time deal with day-to-day obligations.

Once you have your advanced degree in hand, you will be eligible for more professionally challenging jobs, such as: client manager; research consultant; marketing research analyst; and product manager. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the projected growth of occupations such as market analysts and marketing specialists should be 31.6% over the next ten years. For a market analyst, the entry-level salary is $60,300, and for marketing managers, the median salary is $114,480. Shown below are BLS salaries from 2016.

Advertising, Promotions and Marketing Managers
$124,850
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
$104,140
Technical Writers
$70,240
Public Relations Specialists
$56,770
Media and Communications Specialists
$52,200

The accompanying charts were used to rank the schools reviewed below. If there is a tie in points, weight will be given for lower tuition.

Cost per Credit Hour:

$300 and under – 5 points
$700 and under – 4 points
$800 and under – 3 points
$1,000 and under – 2 points
$1,400 and under – 1 point

Payscale.com Salary Report Ranking

Top 100 – 5 points
Top 200 – 4 points
Top 400 – 3 points
Top 800 – 2 points
Top 1,200 – 1 point

Graduation Rate Ranking

85 to 100% – 5 points
70 to 84% – 4 points
50 to 69% – 3 points
35 to 49% – 2 points
Below 35% – 1 point

Regional Accreditation: 5 points

AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: 3 points

US News & World Report Ranking: 5 points

AACSB = Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
IACBE = International Accreditation Council for Business Education
ACBSP = Accreditation Council for Business Education

#1 – Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, Colorado

Online Master of Communications and Media Management

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 67%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 388th
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $709
Points: 22
School Profile

Colorado State University-Fort Collins offers a 30 credit hour, online Master of Communications and Media Management degree that is a hybrid of face-to-face classes held at the Denver Learning Center once a week, and online electives to be completed one per semester. Elective topics include digital video editing, history of media, and digital photography. Submit transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a $60 fee. No GRE scores are needed. US News & World Report ranks Colorado State University-Fort Collins’s online Master of Communications and Media Management #39 in its list of Best Online Master’s in Business Programs.

#2 – Florida Institute of Technology-Online

Melbourne, Florida

Online MBA in Marketing

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 57%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 180th
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $896
Points: 22
School Profile

The 100% online master’s in business administration in marketing degree given by the Florida Institute of Technology has an asynchronous format comprised of interactive media, informative videos, discussion boards, and chat rooms, delivered in 8-week terms. The curriculum includes essentials of business development I & II, managerial economics, organizational behavior, international business, and a capstone course. The admissions process for the online MBA in marketing program requires no fee, no GRE/GMAT scores, and the school will request transcripts on your behalf. US News & World Report ranks Florida Institute of Technology #73 in its list of Best Online Master’s in Business Programs.

#3 – Saint Joseph’s University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Online MS in Marketing

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 79%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 177th
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $1,075
Points: 22
School Profile

As a Jesuit Catholic university in Philadelphia, Saint Joseph’s University has been providing educational opportunities and inspiring students since 1851. Saint Joseph’s online master of science in marketing degree is a 30 hour program with the specialization of customer analytics and insight. Prerequisites are the following: managerial economics; marketing concepts; financial management; and accounting, business financial analysis, financial reporting. To apply to the MS in marketing program, submit transcripts, two letters of recommendation, GRE/GMAT scores (within the last 7 years), and a $35 fee. US News & World Report ranks Saint Joseph’s University #30 in its list of Best Online Master’s in Business Programs.

#4 – Texas Tech University

Lubbock, Texas

Online MS in Marketing Research and Analytics

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 60%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 169th
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $283
Points: 20
School Profile

Texas Tech University features a 30 credit hour, online master of science in marketing research and analytics degree. Application to the program requires transcripts, an essay, a resume, three letters of recommendation, no GRE/GMAT scores, and a $65 fee. A nice feature is that students are automatically considered for a competitive scholarship as part of their application. The curriculum includes the following courses: marketing concepts and strategies; measurements and survey research on marketing; consumer and big data analytics; market forecasting and analytics; and applications of marketing research. Enrollment for Texas Tech University’s online MS in Marketing Research and Analytics program may begin with any semester.

#5 – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Champaign, Illinois

Online MS in Strategic Brand Communication

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 85%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 86th
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $875
Points: 20
School Profile

The 32 credit hour, online master of science in strategic brand communication degree offered by the University of Illinois is taught by faculty from both the department of business administration and the department of advertising/media. The degree is delivered in one live online session per week, usually in the middle of the week in the evening. Coursework includes strategic branding: global perspectives, promotional strategy, and messaging strategy. To apply to the University of Illinois for their online MS in strategic brand communication degree, submit transcripts with a 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a $70 fee.

#6 – Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

Stillwater, Oklahoma

Online MBA

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 61%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 322nd
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $1,082.45
Points: 20
School Profile

Oklahor to help students with job searches and other issues. Their 33 credit hour, online masters in business administration degree breaks inoma State University employs a full-time Career Coordinatto nine concentrations, including risk management, business sustainability, data science, energy business, entrepreneurship, global marketing, and information assurance. Core courses in the curriculum are management and organization structure, corporate and business strategy, ethics, project management, and descriptive analytics. Admission to Oklahoma State University’s MBA requires transcripts, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and a $75 fee. US News & World Report ranks Oklahoma State University #39 in its list of Best Online Master’s in Business Programs.

#7 – Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska

Online MS in Marketing

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 18%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 862nd
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $585
Points: 19
School Profile

Bellevue University’s 36-credit hour master’s of science in marketing degree program attends directly to the growing online student population while preparing students for real-world business skills from critical thinking to ethics to the skill of applying your knowledge of the content. The curriculum includes the following courses: buyer behavior; brand management; social media website and search engine marketing/search engine optimization; and ethical and legal issues in marketing. The application process requires transcripts showing a minimum 2.5 GPA and a fee of $75. US News & World Report ranks Bellevue University’s MS in marketing #114-150 (tie) in its list of Best Online Master’s in Business Programs.

#8 – Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

MBA in Marketing Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 44%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 629th
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $939
Points: 19
School Profile

Nova Southeastern University has a 37-49 credit hour, online master of business administration with a concentration in marketing degree, which calls for the following prerequisite courses: introduction to accounting; business finance; and foundations of business statistics. The streamlined admission process is online, asking for transcripts and a $50 fee. Fifteen hours of core courses include customer value, consumer behavior, social media marketing, global marketing, marketing research and analytics, and a marketing internship. US News & World Report ranks Nova Southeastern University’s online MBA with a concentration in marketing #114-150 (tie) in its list of Best Online Master’s in Business Programs.

#9 – Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, Florida

MBA with a Social Media Marketing Concentration Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 45%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 766th
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $720
Points: 17
School Profile

Saint Leo University has roots in the 1,500-year-old Benedictine tradition and is the largest of four Catholic higher education institutions in Florida. Their master of business administration with a social media marketing concentration degree is available only online. The 36 credit hour program has 12 courses, which include global business management, gamification applications in marketing, digital storytelling and crisis management, web analytics, and human resources in management. To apply to Saint Leo University’s online MBA with a Social Media Marketing Concentration degree, submit transcripts and a $45 fee. There are six start dates throughout each school year.

#10- Post University

Waterbury, Connecticut

MBA in Marketing Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 27.3%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: unranked
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $730
Points: 17
School Profile

With the motto, “Post Makes It Personal,” Post University boasts an MBA in marketing with eight concentrations for online students: entrepreneurship; finance; marketing; healthcare systems leadership; project management; leadership; marketing; or multidisciplinary. Students will create a capstone course as a culminating project within their chosen concentration. The office of admissions asks for the following items when applying for their online MBA in marketing program: transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA; 1-2 letters of recommendation; but no application fee. US News & World Report ranks Post University #60 in its list of Best Online Master’s in Business Programs.

#11 – Marist College

Poughkeepsie, New York

Online MA in Integrated Marketing Communications

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 78%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 261st
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $850
Points: 17
Website

While at Marist College, you can take a 100% online master of arts in integrated marketing communications that maintains up to date digital marketing skills and communications strategies. The degree can be completed in as few as six semesters and includes the following courses: principles of integrated marketing communication; marketing foundations OR integrated mobile marketing; public relations management; brand management; and analytical tools for decision making. To apply, submit transcripts, resume, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a $50 fee. Marist College’s online MA in integrated marketing communications stresses that whether you are a current pro or very new to the field, you are welcome to apply.

#12 – Drexel University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

MS in Communication Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 68%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 25th
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $1,303
Points: 17
School Profile

Drexel University features an online MS in Communication with three concentrations: public communication; science and health communication; and technical communication. Students can choose a graduate minor from among 13 areas, ranging from engineering to entrepreneurship, from nonprofit management to nursing, or from professional studies to public health. The application process for Drexel University’s 45 credit hour, online MS in communication calls for transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA, two professional letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal essay, but no fee. More than 85% of the faculty hold a PhD or the highest degree in their field.

#13 – Franklin University

Columbus, Ohio

Online MS in Marketing and Communication

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 6%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 266th
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $670
Points: 16
School Profile

Franklin University’s online MS in Marketing and Communication emphasizes the experienced faculty that can speak of the real-life market world. With the six-week course structure, the 36 credit hour program can be completed in as little as 14 months. Some notable courses are: creative concepts, metrics and analysis, behavioral research, marketing communication foundations, public relations tools and strategy, closing the sale, and advertising. The admission process for the online MS in Marketing and Communication asks for no GRE/GMAT scores if your transcripts show a minimum 2.75 GPA. Franklin University also boasts a dual-discipline track that draws on marketing and communication faculty.

#14 – West Virginia University

Morgantown, West Virginia

MS in Data Marketing Communications Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 57%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 288th
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $820
Points: 16
School Profile

West Virginia University boasts an online master of science in data marketing communications degree that is a 30 credit hour, cohort program of ten courses that may be completed in as little as 18 months on a full-time basis. Part-time is also an option, but graduation may be extended depending on course availability. The admission process operates on a rolling basis and asks for transcripts, a resume, a personal statement, and a $60 fee. Courses in West Virginia University’s online MS in Data Marketing Communications degree include introduction to data marketing communication, audience segmentation, message customization, social media optimization, user exercise platforms, and a capstone course.

#15 – Rivier University

Nashua, New Hampshire

Online MBA in Marketing

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 50%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: unranked
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $620
Points: 15
School Profile

Rivier University’s online master of business administration in marketing degree emphasizes a “textbook-free education” that saves students about $1,500 in textbook costs. The 36 credit hour program can take as little as two years to complete and is comprised of seven-week courses, with 27 credits allotted for business and 9 for marketing courses. The curriculum includes the following: economic analysis; accounting for managers; risk management and decision making; organizational dynamics; and strategic brand management. Admission to Rivier University’s online MBA in Marketing calls for transcripts, a minimum 3.0 GPA, one letter of recommendation, and no application fee if filed online.

#16 – Webster University

Saint Louis, Missouri

Online MA in Advertising and Marketing Communications

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 62%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 887th
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $780
Points: 15
School Profile

Founded in 1915, Webster University was the first Catholic college in the US to be entirely under lay control. The university’s online master of arts in advertising and marketing communications degree is a 36 credit hour program, and core courses comprise 24 of those hours. The one requisite course is media communications, and other core courses include media and culture, strategic principles of advertising and marketing communication, advertising decision-making, seminar in media communications, and media organization and regulations. To apply to Webster University for their online MA in Advertising and Marketing Communications, submit transcripts showing a minimum 2.5 GPA and $35 fee.

#17 – Tiffin University

Tiffin, Ohio

MBA in Marketing Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 39.3%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: unranked
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $700
Points: 14
School Profile

Established in 1888,Tiffin University believes in “Education for Life.” The school’s 32-36 credit hour online master of business administration with a concentration in marketing degree can be completed in as few as 14 months, with two terms per semester and six start dates per year. The curriculum includes strategic brand management, marketing field analysis, information systems for marketing, and global marketing management. Admission to Tiffin University’s online MBA with a concentration in marketing degree calls for transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA, a current resume (but no required work experience), and a standout personal statement. You will not have to pay a fee if the application is submitted online.

#18 – Brenau University

Gainesville, Georgia

MBA in Marketing Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 48%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: 1,176th
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $713
Points: 14
School Profile

To gain admission to Brenau University’s online master of business administration in marketing degree program, you will need to have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and a resume, but no GRE scores are needed. The following courses are included: introduction to business communication; cross-cultural business challenges; international organizational behavior; excellence in operations; product development and innovation; and foundations of business analytics. The 45 credit hour, online Brenau University MBA in marketing prepares the graduate to advance in corporate structure as a recognized marketing manager, equipped with the essential skills to direct an organization’s marketing planning.

#19 – Yeshiva University

New York, New York

MS in Digital Marketing and Media Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: Yes
Graduation Rate: 81%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: unranked
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $1,090
Points: 13
School Profile

Founded in 1886, Yeshiva University offers a 30 credit hour, online master of science in digital marketing and media degree that consists of ten courses in 15-week semesters, with 1-2 courses per semester. Application to the program requires transcripts, a statement of purpose, resume, and a $55 fee. The following courses are in the curriculum: marketing management and strategy; communications; brand management; consumer behavior and customer relationship management; and web analytics and search engine optimization. Yeshiva University provides student success coaches, a virtual student union with a community forum, and regular office hours for the faculty as standard services for online MS students in Digital Marketing and Media.

#20 – Walsh University

North Canton, Ohio

MBA in Marketing Online

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: No
Graduation Rate: 55%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: unranked
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $725
Points: 11
School Profile

Founded by the Brothers of Christian Instruction, Walsh University has designed a 100% online master of business administration in marketing degree that is a 36-42 credit hour program, which may be completed in one year at the rate of one eight-week course per term. Six intakes are held per year. The curriculum includes the following courses: organizational behavior and communication; financial accounting and management; marketing; information systems; and applied organizational research and analysis. To apply to Walsh University’s online MBA in marketing program, submit transcripts showing a minimum 2.75 GPA, a resume with at least two years of work experience, and a $25 fee.

#21 – Molloy College

Rockville Centre, New York

Online MBA in Marketing

Regional Accreditation: Yes
AACSB or IACBE or ACBSP Accreditation: No
Graduation Rate: 72%
Payscale.com Salary Ranking: unranked
Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $1,195
Points: 10
School Profile

Molloy College’s 33 credit hour, online master of business administration is fully online. Marketing management, business ethics and professional responsibility, and financial statement analysis are three of the core courses. Once you have been grounded in that coursework, you will have five concentrations from which to choose: brand strategy and category management; consumer behavior in the new media environment; research data for marketing intelligence; leadership in organizations; and global marketing. To graduate, students must team up for a capstone project. For those with even less time to commit to study, a one-year option can be arranged. The marketing MBA at Molloy College focuses on how to make your leadership ambitions a reality.

Related Resources: