Online Master’s in Marketing Communications Programs in 2023

Are you passionate about marketing and looking for a career that combines marketing with other communications specialties, such as public relations, social media, and multichannel digital communications? Then a master's degree in marketing communications might be the next step for you. Also sometimes referred to as a master's in integrated marketing communication (IMC), a master's degree in marketing communication helps students become experts in the strategies and techniques for developing successful multichannel marketing communications. These programs blend traditional marketing principles with the latest digital strategies.

A master's degree in marketing communication can lead to careers such as:

• Chief Marketing Officer
• Social Media and Online Marketing Manager
• Director of Digital Marketing
• Sales & Marketing Manager
• Advertising & Promotions Manager
• Public Relations Manager
• Marketing and Business Development Director

Once you've decided to take pursue a master's-level degree in marketing communications, the next step is finding the right school and program to fit your career goals. Online program options make it easier than ever to pursue a degree while continuing to work or take care of family needs, putting your marketing communication career goals within reach.

Choosing an Online Master's in Marketing Communications Program

Once you've decided to pursue a master's in marketing communication, there are several factors to consider when selecting a school. There are a large number of online programs available nationwide, so in order to narrow down your choices, keep the following considerations in mind: program accreditation, overall cost, length of program, and course selection.

Accreditation

The first program element you should take into consideration is program accreditation. An online master's program that has been accredited by a legitimate accrediting organization has been evaluated by specific academic standards and has met or exceeded these standards. An accrediting organization's stamp of approval means you can rest assured that the program you select will deliver a high-quality master's education and prepare you for your future career goals. Accrediting organizations that evaluate master's in marketing communications programs include the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business as well as regional accrediting bodies such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Higher Learning Commission.

Program Cost

The total cost of a master's in marketing communication program can vary greatly from school to school. Cost can be impacted by a number of factors including the type and size of the school, geographic location, and the program length. When considering the total cost of a program, make sure to include mandatory school fees, books, and other program materials in addition to the tuition price. If you need assistance paying for your master's degree, be sure to consult your school's office of financial aid for information about scholarships, grants, and/or work-study programs that can offset tuition costs.

While online programs may be more affordable than their traditional on-campus counterparts, this is not always the case. As an example of program costs, the online Master's in Integrated Marketing Communications program at Marist cost $800 per credit for tuition and fees for the 2017-2018 academic year, with an estimated total program cost of $24,000.

Program Length

The average master's in marketing communication program generally takes two years to complete, although some schools offer accelerated programs that allow students to graduate in 12 to 18 months. A program's length can be impacted by whether students enroll on a full- or part-time basis and if any on-campus classroom time is required and when. In addition, many online programs allow students to enter the program on a rolling basis, so they can begin their classes in the fall, spring or summer semesters.

Admissions Requirements

In order to gain admission to a master's in marketing program, students should keep in mind the following admissions requirements:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree, ideally in marketing, business, communication, or a related field
• GPA of 3.0 or above in their undergraduate coursework
• Transcripts from all undergraduate colleges attended
• Letters of recommendation and/or a personal statement
• Scores from applicable graduate school tests, such as the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

In some cases, master's in marketing communication programs require applicants to have completed at least two years of relevant work experience in business, marketing or communications. In addition to the requirements listed above, prospective students may also need to submit a resume detailing their relevant work experience.

Classes and Courses

Coursework for a master's in marketing communication program may include the following topics, which are part of St. Bonaventure University's online Master's in Integrated Marketing Communication program:

• Marketing Communications Research
• New Media: Digital Communications for Integrated Marketing Communication
• Strategic Marketing Management
• Financial Tools for IMC and the International Economy
• IMC Creative Message Strategy
• Integrated Communication Practices & Procedures

Difference Between a Master's in Marketing and a Master's in Marketing Communications

Marketing and communications go hand in hand, and many wonder what the difference between a traditional Master's in Marketing and a Master's in Marketing Communications entails. While many courses between the two-degree pathways overlap, a Master's in Marketing Communications further emphasizes digital communications strategies, a growing subsection of marketing. This focus on multi-channel communications and marketing modalities sets this degree apart from a traditional graduate marketing degree, which dials in on the foundations of marketing and advertising. In other words, a Master's in Marketing Communications grad would be well suited for a career in digital marketing, public relations management, and more, while a traditional Master's in Marketing degree is well suited for sales and marketing, advertising, and related pathways.

You may also consider an MBA in Marketing.

Advantages of Online Master’s in Marketing Communications Programs

If you are one of many aspiring master's students who needs to continue working full- or part-time while taking your master's in marketing communications courses, an online program may be the best fit for you. With distance learning programs, students can continue working or fulfilling family obligations and fit in coursework when and where it is convenient for them. Another advantage for students who live in a rural or remote geographic location is that online programs allow students to choose from a wider variety of schools than that in their neighborhoods. And without having to factor in commuting or campus housing costs, oftentimes online programs are a more cost-effective option as well.

Colleges That Offer Accredited Online Master’s in Marketing Communications Programs in 2023

Select Your State: Select StateColoradoIllinoisMassachusettsMichiganMississippiMissouriNew YorkOhioTennesseeWashington, DCWest Virginia

Colorado

Illinois

Massachusetts

Michigan

Mississippi

Missouri

New York

Ohio

Tennessee

Washington, DC

West Virginia