Due to its central importance to the business models of all kinds of companies all over the world, marketing is a unique industry relevant to almost every field of employment across the globe. Marketing professionals work in sales, advertising, and public relations, furthering the reach and competitiveness of any company that works to sell or promote a product or service, including manufacturers, internet brands, restaurant chains, and magazines.
Prospective marketing students include entrepreneurs seeking the skills necessary to grow their own successful businesses and learners looking to advance their job options in the expanding world of marketing. Completing a bachelor’s degree provides learners with the knowledge and experience necessary for higher job placement and increased salaries. Online marketing degrees focus on research, strategy, sales, and other areas of business such as advertising and data analysis. Upon degree completion, professionals are often employed as marketing managers, marketing directors, or account executives, just to name a few examples.
For many working adults seeking career advancement, finding a cheap and respected marketing degree online program is where that next career leap forward begins. The numerous benefits of studying online include flexible course schedules and the ability to work from any location. By providing a list of accredited schools sorted via our formula — which takes into account affordable tuition rates and returns on investment — our ranking below is designed to help you confidently choose the right program for your needs.
Rank | School | Score | Toggle | Content |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Fort Hays State University |
Value Score 7.03 |
Courses for the online BBA in marketing at Fort Hays State are taught by the same professors that teach on campus. All professors have attained the highest degree levels for university teaching and have reinforced their knowledge with real-world business experience. The BBA program can be earned with the completion of 124 credits. After completing 55 credits of general education requirements, students take 27 credits of business core and another 18 credits of marketing-specific core courses. Eighteen credits of marketing-related electives are also required, but students may take six credits of any elective they choose. Kansas residents pay in-state tuition while most out-of-state students pay a higher rate. However, those students who reside in Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, or Oklahoma -- or who qualify for the Midwest Student Exchange Program -- are eligible for a special contiguous neighbor discount. Visit School Website |
|
2 |
Florida International University |
Value Score 7.03 |
Florida International University offers one of the most rigorous and affordable online marketing degrees. Although out-of-state students pay a higher tuition rate than their Florida resident counterparts, the university’s pricing makes sure that any qualified high school graduate with a GPA of 2.5 or higher and sufficient SAT or ACT scores can earn a marketing degree at the best value possible. International and transfer students are also welcome to apply. International applicants must complete the TOEFL or IELTS, and students who are transferring less than 60 credits must still submit their high school transcript and standardized test scores. The curriculum for the online BBA in marketing consists of 120 credits that are divided into lower and upper division courses. Students complete the lower division pre-business core first and spend their last two years of study immersed in major-specific core courses and electives. Visit School Website |
|
3 |
Cleary University |
Value Score 6.52 |
The online marketing degree program at Michigan’s Cleary University emphasizes the application of theoretical business principles to complex real-world problems. Therefore, all of the courses that make up the 120-credit, four-year BBA in marketing are taught by professors who have years of experience as leaders in the business world. Unlike students in some other online marketing degree programs, those enrolled at Cleary begin major-related coursework in their very first year. However, conscious of the need to develop well-rounded professionals, the university also allows students to take elective courses from the very first semester. To help students pay for their education, Cleary awards a variety of scholarships for academic performance and leadership. Those wishing to be considered for an award should fill out the scholarship application. Cleary also awards almost 85% of its students with financial aid. Visit School Website |
|
4 |
University of Memphis |
Value Score 6.50 |
Those looking for a cheap but high-quality online bachelor’s degree in marketing will be in good hands at Tennessee’s University of Memphis. Its BBA in marketing management program produces well-rounded students with exceptional business savvy. The 120-credit program consists of 41 credits of general education courses, another 41 credits of courses related to business administration, and 24 credits that take students through the marketing major. To complete and round out their education, learners are also required to take 13 credits of electives, which may consist of lower- or higher-level courses. These can be taken as early as the first semester. The program welcomes first-time freshmen and transfer students. Freshmen and students who are transferring less than 24 prior credits need to submit high school transcripts and either SAT or ACT scores. Transfer students should have maintained a GPA of 2.0 at their prior institution. Visit School Website |
|
5 |
Minot State University |
Value Score 6.42 |
Minot State University in North Dakota offers an affordable online marketing bachelor’s degree program that immerses students in marketing and related business studies, giving them a comprehensive understanding of the industry. The BS in marketing curriculum consists of 120 credits that are completed through four years of full-time study. After finishing the university’s general education requirements, students complete 27 credits of business core and 30 credits of marketing core courses. Students are also able to take a number of electives in areas of interest outside of business. All courses are delivered entirely online through Blackboard, and many are asynchronous. Students from all 50 states and Puerto Rico are welcome to apply to start the program in the fall, spring or summer, and online tuition costs the same regardless of where students reside. Financial aid may also be provided to qualified online students. Visit School Website |
|
6 |
Old Dominion University |
Value Score 6.31 |
ODU offers a highly affordable BS in business administration - marketing degree. Online out-of-state students pay only $30 more per credit hour than their Virginia resident counterparts, for a total cost of $355 per credit. The university also has a generous transfer credit policy, requiring only 30 credits to be completed at ODU to earn the online marketing degree. Community college credit from a Virginia institution is highly transferable, however all transfer credits are assigned on a case-by-case basis under the supervision of an advisor. ODU’s entire marketing curriculum consists of 120 credits of liberal arts core, business administration, and marketing courses. Students are also required to take six electives, four related to marketing and two in any subject of their choosing. All course materials and lectures can be accessed entirely online, but classes meet “live” at regularly scheduled times. Visit School Website |
|
7 |
Western Governors University |
Value Score 6.16 |
The BS in marketing management from Salt Lake City’s Western Governors University is one of the most unique and affordable online marketing degree programs. All classes are offered asynchronously and the program is designed for unparalleled flexibility. Unlike more traditional online marketing degree programs, this one has no set deadlines for progressing from one course to the next -- in other words, there are no semesters. Students can take as much time with each class as they need before taking a course assessment whose successful completion will unlock the next course. But while students will not be penalized for taking their time, the university recommends that they be able to dedicate between 15 and 20 hours per week to their studies to ensure that they can complete the 120 unit program in four to five years. To make completing the program less time consuming, the university also accepts transfer credits. Visit School Website |
|
8 |
University of Louisiana at Monroe |
Value Score 6.12 |
The BBA in marketing at University of Louisiana at Monroe consists of 120 credits that learners complete over four years. Although the curriculum’s core focus is on marketing, the related business administration and general core courses also ensure that students graduate ready to join the workforce in practically any industry. To help students balance their workload, the university delivers two to three classes in an eight-week block. There are two blocks per fall and spring semester. Summer options are also available. The university welcomes adult and transfer students to apply to the program. Transfer credits will be awarded on an individual basis and may count toward the major. Students may also test out of certain courses by taking course-specific skill tests or completing the CLEP or DSST standardized examinations. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same tuition rate, and financial aid is available to online students who qualify. Visit School Website |
|
9 |
University of Wisconsin-Stout |
Value Score 6.10 |
UWS offers a highly unique marketing degree online. As indicated in its name, the BS in digital marketing technology focuses heavily on marketing through digital media, a rapidly growing area of the overall marketing profession. In addition to being immersed in traditional marketing theory, students complete a number of hands-on projects using digital tools. The program is multidisciplinary, drawing on material from such areas as business, computer science, and management. Through their work, students learn about web development, programming, analytics, animation, and multimedia. The 120-credit program takes four years of full-time study to complete. A majority of the coursework, 80 credits, is directly related to the major. First-time freshmen and transfer students are welcome to apply. All applicants must submit ACT scores and transcripts demonstrating a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Tuition is the same affordable rate regardless of where the student resides. Visit School Website |
|
10 |
University of Massachusetts-Amherst |
Value Score 6.06 |
UMass Amherst offers one of the most comprehensive online marketing degrees. The BBA in marketing is a 120-credit program that immerses students in 18 marketing and business courses that give them an undergraduate-level mastery of the subject matter. To round out and complete their education, students also take 12 general education courses and a number of non-business electives. The program invites both American and international students to apply. Tuition rates are the same for all online students regardless of their residency and financial aid is available to those who timely fill out the FAFSA. Scholarships are also available to those students who apply for them, but they are usually awarded during students’ junior and senior years. To help support its online students, UMass Amherst has dedicated advisors, each with over a decade of experience, who are available to help answer questions and assist with progression through the program. Visit School Website |
|
11 |
New Mexico State University-Main Campus |
Value Score 6.06 |
Students who wish to earn their marketing degree online can do so with NMSU’s two fully online business programs. The BBA in marketing is offered as an online degree completion program. Because it offers higher level courses that are to be completed during students’ junior and senior years, applicants should apply to the program only after they have completed the freshman and sophomore business core at a community or junior college. Students can complete this coursework entirely online through NMSU’s Pre-business Associate Degree program. To earn their marketing bachelor’s degree online, students must complete a total of 128 credits. Tuition for the online associate and bachelor’s degrees varies based on residency. New Mexico residents pay the lowest rates and students who live within 135 miles of the Las Cruces campus get a discount. Western Undergraduate Exchange students receive a reduction as well, but all other out-of-state students pay out-of-state tuition. Visit School Website |
|
12 |
University of Mary |
Value Score 5.96 |
University of Mary offers a fully online BA or BS in marketing. Designed for optimal flexibility, classes start every five weeks all year long so applicants need not wait until the start of the next semester in order to begin progressing toward their degree. Moreover, while the program can be completed without ever setting foot in a physical classroom, there are also options for a hybrid approach that includes live instruction on the university’s main campus in Bismarck, North Dakota or at its satellite campuses across the state and in Alexandria, Minnesota and Billings, Montana. Online tuition rates are the same for all students regardless of state residency. In addition to providing students with a well-rounded education in the humanities, business, and marketing, the curriculum is also grounded in Benedictine Christian and Catholic principles. All courses are taught by professors with years of professional marketing experience. Visit School Website |
|
13 |
Bellevue University |
Value Score 5.86 |
The online marketing degree program at Bellevue University gives students a comprehensive education in marketing while allowing them plenty of room to pursue other interests. Major studies comprise 49 credits of the curriculum while electives make up another 40. The BS in marketing is also unique for requiring students to take three courses in Western/American studies, one on traditionalism, the next on how traditions change, and the last on the impact of modern economic systems. Known as the Kirkpatrick Signature Series, the university uses these courses to produce engaged, critically-thinking citizens. The online marketing degree is designed for those distance learners who are already employed in a position in which marketing academic concepts can be applied. Before entering the major, students must complete 60 credits of general studies at Bellevue or elsewhere. All students pay the same tuition regardless of where they reside. Active military personnel receive a substantial discount. Visit School Website |
|
14 |
Harding University |
Value Score 5.71 |
From its home in Searcy, Arkansas, Harding University provides an online marketing degree that integrates liberal arts and business studies with Christian principles. Its BBA in marketing is a 128-credit program that consists of 53 credits of liberal arts courses and an immersive 65 credits of major-related material. Students are also required to take several marketing-related electives and complete one Christian business ethics class. The program’s goal is to produce successful business professionals who can also engage with service to their communities. Harding welcomes high school graduates of any religious background to apply. Applicants who demonstrate a 3.0 GPA and a composite ACT score of 19 or SAT math and reading combined score of 900 are granted automatic admission. Those applicants who do not meet these standards are considered on a case-by-case basis. Transfer students with a GPA of 2.0 are also welcome to apply. Visit School Website |
|
15 |
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater |
Value Score 5.69 |
At just $382 per credit regardless of state residency, a rate that includes textbook rental from the university’s bookstore (which can be mailed to distance learners), the BBA in marketing at UWW is one of the best and cheapest marketing degrees online. The program is comprised of 120 credits, at least 30 of which must be completed at UWW. To that effect, UWW honors transfer credits on a case-by-case basis. While students must take 48 credits of business core courses, the major itself is comprised of 24 credits, only six of which consist of required courses. Students are therefore able to choose 18 credits of courses that they find most relevant to their career goals. The program also allows for the choice of eight to 12 credits of electives. All lectures, assignments, and exams can be completed asynchronously for maximum flexibility. Visit School Website |
|
16 |
Saint Leo University |
Value Score 5.64 |
Saint Leo University’s BA in business administration with a marketing specialization is unlike any other online marketing degrees. While students will find a traditional business core and marketing curriculum, the program’s use of courses in American history and politics, global studies, spirituality, and the fine arts to train industry leaders makes it highly distinctive. On the business end, students take 36 credits of foundational courses and 24 credits of marketing. To complete the 120-credit degree, students take 30 credits in the aforementioned categories, 12 in the general core, and 18 of non-business electives. Online students are supported by designated advisors who are experts in marketing and understand the delicate work-life-study balance that can challenge many distance learners. The university also offers the same low tuition rate to all students, regardless of whether they are Florida residents. Active military personnel receive an additional tuition discount. Visit School Website |
|
17 |
Kennesaw State University |
Value Score 5.63 |
This Georgia-based university’s online marketing degree is designed to allow students the flexibility to choose from four areas of marketing -- channels, professional selling, digital/social media, and sports & hospitality -- in order to hone their skills in specific interest areas. However, these areas are suggestions only. The 123-credit curriculum of the BBA in marketing is designed with a number of required core courses and business electives that ensure that students receive a comprehensive business and marketing education. Admission into the online marketing degree program is separate from admission to the university. Students must first complete their freshman and sophomore years with a 3.0 GPA, then seek admission to the Coles Undergraduate Professional Program once they’ve taken a required zero-credit course that helps them explore which business major is right for them. Prospective marketing majors should also complete prerequisites in math, accounting, economics, and business ethics prior to applying. Visit School Website |
|
18 |
Regis University |
Value Score 5.61 |
To earn the BS in marketing from Regis University, students must complete 128 credits of undergraduate study, which typically takes four years. Like the curricula of other marketing degrees online, this one includes general core, foundational business, and marketing major courses. However, a distinctive feature of this program is its generous allotment for non-business credits. Students may choose between taking a minor and an additional 13 elective credits, or not minor and take 25 elective credits. Another unique option is a combined BA/MA marketing program consisting of 152 credits for those students who wish to earn both degrees in five years. Regis welcomes first-time freshman and transfer students to apply. Its transfer credit policy awards credits for prior college courses and professional experience in civilian or military positions. Although the physical campus is located in Denver, Colorado, all students pay the same tuition regardless of state residency. Visit School Website |
|
19 |
Liberty University |
Value Score 5.58 |
Students who wish to earn their marketing degree online may choose from two excellent online marketing degree programs at Virginia’s Liberty University. Both are BS in business administration degrees, one in marketing: sales management and professional selling and the other in marketing analytics. The sales program teaches students effective methods of engaging customers with businesses while the analytics degree equips students with the tools they need to measure the effectiveness of marketing strategies and devise improvements where necessary. Both programs consist of 120 credits that are delivered entirely online. The university awards transfer credit for past college and professional experience. Only 30 credits -- 27 of which must be in either one or the other marketing program -- need to be completed at Liberty in order to graduate with either degree. Tuition is also the same affordable fixed price for all students regardless of state residency. Visit School Website |
|
20 |
Davenport University |
Value Score 5.58 |
Davenport University’s bachelor of business administration in marketing allows students to earn a marketing degree online with one of a number of career-enhancing specializations. Already known for offering specializations in advertising, business-to-business, and sport marketing, the university is set to give new specializations in digital marketing, marketing technology, and value-chain starting in the fall. Specializations are not required -- learners may choose to take electives instead -- but can serve as an effective tool to hone students’ skills toward desired professional areas. The entire degree program consists of 120 credits that can be completed in four years. Although Davenport has 12 campuses across Michigan, its online programs help it serve an even wider community. The marketing program welcomes first-time freshman, transfer, and military students to apply. In addition to accepting prior college credit, the university will award transfer credit for professional training programs and military experience. Out-of-state students pay a different tuition rate. Visit School Website |
|
21 |
Florida Atlantic University |
Value Score 5.56 |
FAU’s BBA in marketing program consists of 120 credits that students complete over four years. While the program is offered entirely online, admitted students will have to make an in-person advising appointment in Boca Raton in order to enroll in online courses. While the university accepts transfer students, those who need six or fewer courses in order to complete their degree are not eligible to be exclusively online students. Students are also unable to declare the marketing major right away. Instead, they must either be admitted to FAU as freshman and complete 60 credits, which include the pre-business foundation and core courses, in their first two years, or apply to the marketing program as transfer students. To graduate with the marketing degree, students need to complete 51 upper-level courses. A specialization in advertising is available as part of the curriculum. Visit School Website |
|
22 |
Concordia University-Saint Paul |
Value Score 5.52 |
While this online marketing degree program is a strong choice for anyone interested in studying marketing in a flexible fashion, it is especially great for adult learners who have completed an associate degree or a pre-business curriculum at another institution. The BA in marketing at Concordia University in Saint Paul, Minnesota consists of just 40 credits which can be completed asynchronously in seven-week blocks. The program can be completed in 2.5 years. Students without any prior college credit may also pursue this program, but will have to complete general education requirements before taking any upper-level marketing courses. Credit for prerequisites and other transferred courses is given on a case-by-case basis. Tuition is the same low rate for all students regardless of state residency, and military personnel enjoy an additional tuition discount. Financial aid is also available for online students who qualify based on the FAFSA. Visit School Website |
|
23 |
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion |
Value Score 5.49 |
The BS in marketing at Indiana Wesleyan University can be completed entirely online or in a hybrid format by taking some classes on campus in Marion, Indiana. In addition to giving students a comprehensive understanding of marketing as a whole, the program also allows for specialization in one of four areas: analytics, social media, digital branding for nonprofits, and advertising promotions. There are 36 credits of core marketing courses which can be completed in as little as one year, but students must also take 60 credits of required liberal arts courses -- including courses in Bible studies -- in order to graduate if they have not already done so at a regionally accredited community college. Tuition rates are the same regardless of state residency and whether students take classes online or on campus, so students who wish to pursue the hybrid option are especially free to do so. Visit School Website |
|
24 |
Dallas Baptist University |
Value Score 5.47 |
A unique combination of business, liberal arts, and Christian faith make this bachelor of business studies in marketing a distinctive marketing degree online. Through the 120-credit marketing program, students explore a variety of disciplines from fine art to kinesiology and religion as they learn the business principles needed to succeed in their careers. With between 41 and 51 credits open for electives, there is also plenty of room for students to explore their own interests. First-time freshman, transfer students, and veterans are welcome to apply. Transfer credit is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Students who are not Texas residents pay the same tuition as their in-state counterparts. The university has two ways that students can qualify for financial aid. The first is by filling out the FAFSA and the second is by completing the Online Supplemental Application for additional assistance. Visit School Website |
What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Marketing Degree?
Career Paths in Marketing
An online bachelor’s degree in marketing opens doorways to rewarding careers in a number of business domains. Marketing specialists track consumer needs and industry trends to make the best decisions regarding product promotion and pricing. A strong marketing manager will have excellent critical thinking skills, an eye for detail, and a talent for understanding consumer preferences.
Educational Paths for Marketing Bachelor’s Degree Holders
Your ability to apply marketing principles increases with your level of education. An online marketing degree will introduce you to the basics of developing, promoting, and selling new products and services. A master’s in marketing will typically hone marketing skills in particular areas, such as eCommerce, international marketing, or marketing analytics. For those interested in leadership roles, an MBA blends marketing and management principles to achieve a depth of study unlike other programs.
What Will I Learn in My Bachelor’s in Marketing Program?
- Marketing Research: In this course, you will gain skills in data collection and analysis in order to identify and take advantage of marketing opportunities.
- Consumer Behavior: Students in this course trace the cultural, psychological, and social underpinnings of consumer behavior in order to devise new marketing strategies.
- Accounting: This course will teach you about basic accounting principles and why they are important for maintaining and improving business and marketing processes.
- Business Writing: Since writing and communicating persuasively is essential to marketing products and services, this class will teach you how to write for a variety of audiences.
- Global Marketing Management: This course will teach you how different cultures, governments, and economic systems affect how products are sold and marketed across the world.
Employment Outlook for Bachelor’s in Marketing Graduates
Bachelor’s in Marketing Salary
While marketing pays well, the salary you earn depends on where you live and your level of experience. With the exception of advertising sales agents, most entry-level salaries for marketing professionals hover between $45,000 and $55,000 per year. With enough experience, sales managers can earn upwards of $95,000 a year. Below is a table outlining salary potential over time for several possible career paths in the field of marketing.
Job Title | Overall Median Salary | Median Salary for Entry-Level Employees (0-5 years) | Median Salary for Mid-Career Employees (5-10 years) | Median Salary for Late-Career Employees (20+ years) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager | $62,945 | $54,000 | $67,000 | $79,000 |
Market Research Analyst | $51,400 | $50,000 | $66,000 | $57,000 |
Sales Manager | $53,552 | $46,000 | $59,000 | $91,000 |
Advertising Sales Agent | $35,935 | $35,000 | $45,000 | $46,000 |
Buyer and Purchasing Agent | $52,829 | $47,000 | $51,000 | $58,000 |
Marketing Licensure and Certification
On top of earning your online bachelor’s degree in marketing, certification is a great way to highlight your skills to potential employers while boosting your salary potential. While not always necessary, it shows you are serious about gaining the knowledge you need to advance your career. The type of certification you choose will depend on your own unique skillset. In general, marketing certifications will assess your abilities in a few key areas, including digital marketing, marketing management, and marketing communication.
- Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) The PCM certification offers two tracks: one for digital marketing, and the other for marketing management. The digital marketing certification will assess your abilities in areas like e-mail marketing and search engine optimization, while the marketing management certification assesses your knowledge of value creation, capture, and delivery.
- Professional Researcher Certification (PRC) Specifically for marketing research analysts, the PRC ethical and technological standards in contemporary marketing and research analytics. Certification requires passing the PRC exam and completing 12 industry-related education hours. An additional 20 education credits are required every two years to maintain certification.
Accreditation for Online Bachelor’s in Marketing Degrees
Before you to decide where to pursue your online bachelor’s degree in marketing, be sure to check that the school is properly accredited. Accreditation is a system for ensuring the quality of degree programs across the U.S. Regional accreditation is the most popular type of accreditation among nonprofit, degree-granting institutions and upholds the most rigorous standards for academic quality. National accreditation typically applies to for-profit schools that offer career-based programs. There is also accreditation that is specific to certain disciplines, such as education or medicine.
While no accreditation agency exists specifically for the field of marketing, many marketing programs are housed within larger business schools. Thus, it may be helpful to ensure your school’s business program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The accreditation process in the U.S. is overseen by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education. CHEA maintains a database of programs that are recognized by U.S. accrediting organizations. You can use this database to verify your school’s national, regional, or program-specific accreditation status.
Financing Your Online Bachelor’s in Marketing Program
Finding an affordable online marketing program can be difficult. When deciding how to finance your degree, always begin by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application determines your eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study awards. Since they do not need to be repaid, grants and scholarships should be prioritized over loans. If you are deciding between subsidized and unsubsidized loans, subsidized loans are better since they do not accrue interest while you are still in school. If you are already employed in marketing or a related field, you can also consider asking your employer if they offer a sponsorship program. Below you will find a list of scholarships specific to the marketing field.
Scholarships for a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing
Related Business & Management Rankings
- Online Bachelor’s in Accounting
- Online Bachelor’s in Economics
- Online Bachelor’s in HR Management
- Online Bachelor’s in Sports Management
- Online Bachelor’s in Entrepreneurship
- Online Bachelor’s in International Business
- Online Bachelor’s in Operations Management
- Online Bachelor’s in Finance
- Online Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management
- Online Bachelor’s in Internet Marketing
- Affordable Online Degrees