Degree Overview: Master of Marketing Degree Programs
Majors Overview May 28, 2015Get information about Master of Marketing degree programs and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Information on Marketing Degree Programs
Although few schools, if any, offer Master of Marketing degree programs, some offer Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) and Master of Science (M.S.) degree programs including studies and concentrations in marketing. Students enrolled in these programs can expect to hone their skills in product promotion, branding, advertising, and public relations.
The primary emphasis of MS degree programs in Marketing is on sales, consumerism, and marketing and advertising strategies. Students typically complete an MS program within a year; coursework comprises 36 semester hours. These programs, which students often complete in as little as three years, may require about 37-53 semester hours of coursework. Studies in the management of campaigns and marketing plans are available through MBA programs that simultaneously provide coursework, which addresses every aspect of business operations.
Master of Science (M.S.) Programs in Marketing
Students enrolled in Master of Science (M.S.) degree programs in Marketing are ready for work involving the management of advertisement campaigns, public relations projects, and sales team members. Students learn about promotional strategies, brand management, and product positioning. Coursework also involves the exploration of pricing, customer behavior, product placement, management tactics, and ethical decision making.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree, in addition to submitting Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores and transcripts related to previous college coursework.
Coursework
Advertising and marketing coursework features internship opportunities devised to offer real-world experiences to students. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Competitive branding
•Sales strategies
•Product management
•Retail sales
•Legal matters in marketing
•Consumer behavior
•Advertising analytics
•Sports marketing
•Non-profit business marketing
•Digital marketing
Job and Wage Outlook
Employers for management positions in marketing require candidates to hold at least a bachelor’s degree and often prefer master’s degree holders (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Experience gained in sales specialist, public relations, and advertising positions can help these professionals work their way up the hierarchy. Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth rate of 12% has been predicted for marketing managers (BLS). In May 2014, professionals in the marketing management category brought in an average annual wage of $137,400 (BLS).
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) Programs in Marketing
Students enrolled in MBA degree programs in marketing are offered training in fundamental business disciplines, augmented with coursework in marketing topic areas such as research, pricing, brand promotion, product lines and advertising. Although MBA programs in marketing resemble MS programs, more credits may be required in MBA programs wherein there is a greater emphasis placed on general business topic areas such as accounting and economics.
Education requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree and submit transcripts showing previous college coursework. Calculus or another prerequisite coursework may have to find completion before applicants are allowed to enroll at some schools. Submission of GMAT or GRE scores may also be a requirement.
Coursework
Combined MS/MBA degrees are offered at some schools, if candidates satisfy requirements for both programs. Internship opportunities may be offered to help students garner hands-on experience and networking connections. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Mass communication marketing
•Strategic marketing
•Marketing research
•Sales management
•Business ethics
•Human resources
•Marketing management
•Statistics
•Global marketing
Career Choices
Program graduates may seek employment in the public relations, promotions or marketing departments of various businesses, or with advertising firms. They may opt for possible job titles such as:
•Advertising account executive
•Market research professional
•Entrepreneurial manager
•Marketing manager
•Product or brand manager
Continuing Education Choices
Program graduates can seek continued education to stay abreast of emerging marketing strategies over the span of their careers by earning certifications in topics such as marketing communication or public relations. Some graduates may choose to earn a Ph.D. in Marketing to pursue careers in research or academia.
