Master’s (MS) in Marketing in USA: Top Universities, Rankings, Fees, Eligibility & More

About Master’s in Marketing in the USA

An MS in Marketing is a popular graduate program offered by hundreds of American universities. The core USP of these courses is to equip students with advanced skills in marketing. You learn about consumer behavior, marketing strategy, digital marketing, and analytics. Most MS in Marketing programs let students choose elective subjects that reflect their interests and career aspirations. 

The USA is a great place to study an MS in Marketing because it has top universities, diverse markets, and many internship opportunities. In most American universities, this program usually takes 1 to 2 years to complete. Most MS in Marketing programs are also STEM-designated, which means international students can stay longer in the USA for work experience after graduation. Unlike other programs, STEM-designated degrees allow you to extend your Optional Practical Training (OPT) by an additional 24 months.

Job prospects are excellent for graduates with an MS in Marketing from the USA. You can find roles like Marketing Manager, Digital Marketing Specialist, Market Research Analyst, and Brand Manager. Salaries are good, starting around $71,000 to $118,000. This degree offers a high return on investment due to the strong demand for skilled marketers. The job market for Market Research Analysts in the USA is projected to grow by 19%, far outpacing the overall economy. Average salaries range from $49,041 for Marketing Coordinators to $117,743 for Senior Marketing Managers.

Top universities for MS in Marketing in the USA

Dozens of universities in the USA are in the top 100 as per QS Business Master’s Rankings 2024: Marketing. Here are some of the best MS in Marketing programs in the USA:

However, beyond this list, there are other exceptional universities in the USA that offer the MS in Marketing program. Of course, searching through hundreds of programs and comparing dozens of data points can be overwhelming. That’s why we created SelectRight. It’s an AI-powered platform, where you can create your profile for free, specify your criteria, and find the best MS in Marketing programs in the USA that suit you. 60,000+ students have found their perfect program using SelectRight. 

Course Curriculum for MS in Marketing in the USA

To understand the course curriculum for MS in Marketing in the USA, let’s look at an example. Let’s consider the best American university for an MS in Marketing–Columbia Business School, which offers an MS in Marketing Science program. 

The course curriculum can be divided into three categories. 

• Six core courses
• Two MBA electives in marketing
• Up to two electives from other schools at Columbia University

The core courses for this program include:

• Statistical Modeling and Decision Making
• Winning Strategic Capabilities
• Marketing Models
• Multivariate Statistics

The elective courses include:

Just like Columbia Business School, most MS in Marketing programs in the USA offer a blend of core and elective courses. This allows you to gain a solid foundation in marketing fundamentals while specializing in areas that align with your interests. 

Generally, the course curriculum for MS in Marketing in American universities includes these common courses. 

Common elective courses are in areas like:

• Social Media Marketing
• Brand Management
• Consumer Behavior
• Customer Analytics
• New Product Development
• Advertising
• Public Relations
• Sales Management

Many programs also require a capstone project or marketing consulting project, which applies theoretical learning to real-world scenarios.

Eligibility for studying MS in Marketing in USA

Eligibility criteria are stricter for the top-ranked universities. However, if your academic performance in your undergraduate course was good, you can expect to get admission to good business schools offering MS in Marketing in the USA. Here’s an overview of the key eligibility requirements:

1. Bachelor’s Degree: You need a 4-year bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field like business, marketing, or communications. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent 83-86%) is typically required.
2. Standardized Test Scores:
   • GRE or GMAT is required by most universities. A GMAT score of 600+ or equivalent GRE score is considered competitive.
   • Some universities make their GRE/GMAT requirement non-mandatory, but desired. 
   • Quite a few universities accept applications without GRE/GMAT scores. 
3. English Language Proficiency:
   • IELTS: Minimum 7.0 overall
   • TOEFL: Minimum 100 overall
4. Work Experience: While not mandatory, 1-2 years of relevant work experience can strengthen your application.
5. Other Requirements:
   • Statement of Purpose
   • Letters of Recommendation (usually 2-3)
   • Updated resume
   • Transcripts from previous academic institutions
   • Essays or interviews
6. Visa: International students need to obtain an F-1 student visa after receiving admission.

GMAT/GRE requirements for studying MS in Marketing in USA

Let’s take the example of the McCombs School of Business. At McCombs, the faculty committee looks for overall exceptional applications. While there are no strict minimum thresholds for GRE/GMAT scores, they generally expect scores to be at least in the 50th percentile for Master of Science in Marketing (MSM), Master of Science in Information Technology and Management (MSITM), and Master of Science in Finance (MSF) programs (both verbal and quantitative). For the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program, they expect scores to be no lower than the 60th percentile. Additionally, they look for TOEFL scores above 100 or IELTS scores above 7.

However, the requirements for most universities differ. So, here is an overview of the GMAT/GRE requirements for studying an MS in Marketing in the USA:

• Most universities require either GRE or GMAT scores as part of the admission requirements.
• A competitive GRE score is around 310 or higher, while a competitive GMAT score is typically 500-550 or higher.
• Some universities offer MS in Marketing programs without requiring GRE or GMAT scores. These are often referred to as “GMAT waiver” or “GRE waiver” options.
• Some universities waive the GRE/GMAT requirement for certain applicants, such as those with strong GPAs or relevant professional experience.

So, it is possible to pursue a Master’s in Marketing in the USA without GMAT or GRE scores. That said, having a strong score will significantly boost your application.

Scholarships to study MS in Marketing in USA

University-sponsored scholarships are available in many cases, but not always. For example, Columbia Business School does not offer specific scholarships for its MS in Marketing Science program. However, many other universities do offer scholarships.

Here are some examples of university-specific scholarships for MS in Marketing in the USA:

• Master of Marketing Merit Scholarships: Offered by the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, these scholarships provide up to $10,000 for qualified domestic candidates.
• MSM Merit Scholarship: Florida International University (FIU) Business awards this scholarship based on factors like work experience, academic performance, and scholarship essays.
• General MS Program Scholarships: Texas McCombs offers scholarships to students across their MS programs, with automatic consideration for all applicants.

In addition to these, numerous other scholarships are available. You can apply for these independently. These include:

• Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
• Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowship
• National Overseas Scholarship
• AAUW International Fellowship
• Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation Scholarship

Most of these scholarships will cover 10 to 50% of your tuition fees. However, there are still many other expenses associated with studying abroad, such as living costs, travel, and study materials. Because of these additional costs, most students still need an education loan. Comparing numerous lenders to find the right loan terms and the best possible interest rates can be overwhelming and time-consuming. That’s why we created FundRight, to simplify the process and help you find the best loan options quickly and easily.

With FundRight, you just need to register for free and complete your profile. Within two days, you will receive loan offers from 15 top lenders, including banks and NBFCs in India and abroad. You can compare offers, negotiate further, and get help from an unbiased expert advisor from FundRight at any stage. Then, securely upload your documents and get your loan approval within 10 days. It’s as simple as that. This way, FundRight simplifies your loan search journey and helps you find the best financial support for your education abroad.

Career Scope of MS in Marketing in USA

There are opportunities in every industry for graduates of this course. Also, the employment outlook for marketing professionals in the USA is positive. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to grow 6% between 2022 and 2032. This is expected to create about 34,000 job openings annually. 

Additionally, around 99,800 new positions for market research analysts are expected to be created each year from 2022 to 2032.

Here are some top job roles for which recruiters hire MS in Marketing graduates:

• Associate Analyst
• Commercial Development Analyst
• E-Commerce Analyst
• International Equity Sales
• Marketing Analyst
• Marketing Communications Specialist
• Research Assistant
• Senior Marketing Manager

Graduates can find opportunities in a variety of industries, including:

• Apparel
• E-Commerce
• Higher Education
• Investment Banking/Brokerage
• Marketing
• Technology
• Travel

Top recruiters in the USA for MS in Marketing Graduates

Graduates with an MS in Marketing in the USA have a wide range of opportunities across various industries. Here are some top recruiters:

1. Google
2. Apple
3. Amazon
4. Microsoft
5. Procter & Gamble
6. Johnson & Johnson
7. PepsiCo
8. Coca-Cola
9. Nike
10. McKinsey & Company
11. Deloitte
12. Accenture
13. IBM
14. Facebook (Meta)
15. Salesforce

Job prospects and Salaries offered after studying MS in Marketing in USA

The future is bright for those with an MS in Marketing in the USA. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), marketing is a fast-growing field. The job market for Market Research Analysts is expected to grow at 19%. This easily outpaces the overall economy’s growth rate of 5%.

Here is an overview of salaries as per data taken from PayScale:

So, it’s clear that an MS in Marketing offers a massive return on investment for students. With the Spring 2025 intake now open, this is the best time to start shortlisting your programs. Get started on finding the right fit by signing up on SelectRight today!

FAQs

1. How long does it take to complete a Master of Science in Marketing in the USA?

Most Master of Science in Marketing in the USA programs take 1-2 years to complete. However, the actual duration will depend on whether you choose a full-time or part-time format. Students also have the option of enrolling in accelerated programs which can be finished in as little as 10 months. Lastly, many universities also offer Master’s in Marketing online programs. International students can enroll in such programs without even needing an F1 visa. 

2. What are the most common types of MS in Marketing programs offered by USA universities?

USA universities offer a variety of programs, each targeted at students with unique requirements. Some of the most common types include:

• Master of Science in Marketing (general program)
• Master’s in Marketing and Communications
• Master’s in Marketing Communications 
• Master’s in Social Media Marketing 
• Master’s in Branding and Marketing
• Master’s in International Marketing 
• Master’s in Sales and Marketing 

3. Are MS in Marketing programs STEM-designated?

Yes, most MS in Marketing programs in the USA are STEM-designated. This is due to their emphasis on data analysis, statistics, and other quantitative skills. STEM designation is an important factor because it implies that international students can apply for a 24-month extension on their Optional Practical Training (OPT) work permit after graduation.

Can I pursue a Master’s in Marketing online in the USA?

Yes, several universities offer Master’s in Marketing Online in the USA programs. These programs provide flexibility for working professionals and those who prefer remote learning. Some universities also offer the option to students of their online programs to spend some time at the university (for additional fees). 

What types of financial aid are available for international students pursuing a Master’s in Marketing in the USA other than scholarships?

Apart from scholarships, international students pursuing a Master of Science in Marketing in the USA can benefit from:

• Assistantships: Stipends and tuition waivers in exchange for research or teaching assistance.
• Fellowships: Competitive awards that provide financial support based on academic excellence.
• Grants: Need-based financial aid that does not need to be repaid.

Work-Study Programs: Part-time employment opportunities on campus to help offset educational costs.