If you are a marketing professional considering your future, you might question whether you should earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. To answer that, you must weigh the time, energy and money a graduate program requires against the potential benefits. Plus, you need to decide what type of MBA program would work best for you.
The online MBA with a Concentration in Marketing program from Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers specialized studies for aspiring marketing leaders. Further, the flexible online model of the program may be especially beneficial if you already have a busy work schedule.
Enrich Your Business Education
The Southeastern online MBA in Marketing program consists of traditional MBA core studies and concentration courses in Marketing Analytics, Social Media Marketing, Analytics for Supply Chain Logistics and Consumer Behavior. The core courses help professionals develop advanced knowledge and in-demand, transferable skills in management and various business functions. Specialized courses help students explore marketing theory, techniques and applications in depth.
Increase Your Income
Earning an MBA in marketing can be an investment in your future earnings; many MBA graduates earn more than their undergraduate counterparts. For example, the 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) lists the median U.S. starting salaries for recent MBA grads at $125,000, significantly higher than the starting salaries of $75,000 for employees with only bachelor’s degrees.
According to research from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the jobs MBA in marketing grads typically pursue come with substantial compensation. For instance, BLS reports that market research analysts — typically an entry- to mid-level job — earned a median annual wage of $68,230 in 2022. Earning a marketing MBA helps professionals stand out when applying for manager-level positions — jobs that often require more education and experience. BLS data shows that marketing managers made a median annual salary of $157,620 as of May 2023.
Clearly, education and experience can pay off in terms of the potential boost to one’s income. While enrolling in an MBA in marketing program requires an upfront financial commitment, MBA graduates can recoup their costs quickly. Online programs like Southeastern’s can also support a rapid return on investment because students can continue working while they complete their degree, avoiding the steep opportunity cost of lost wages while in school.
Become Part of a Growing Field
An MBA in marketing can increase your qualifications in a growing industry. According to BLS, marketing managers and market research analysts are in demand, with 2022 to 2032 employment growth projected at 7% for marketing managers and 13% for market research analysts — both faster than the average growth of all occupations.
An MBA is a valuable credential in these in-demand fields. GMAC research indicates that 91% of employers planned to hire MBA graduates in 2022. However, the competition for these positions is also growing. A master’s degree — including an MBA in marketing — can improve your chances of securing your dream job.
Advance Your Career With an Advanced Marketing Degree
While you can get many jobs in the marketing industry with only an undergraduate degree, higher-level and leadership positions may require an MBA. In the case of jobs involving technical research, like market research analysts, a master’s degree may be necessary. It is common for analysts to study statistics or marketing — or to earn an MBA to open up advanced career opportunities. In particular, the in-depth management education of an MBA program prepares marketing professionals for high-level marketing manager roles or even C-Suite positions like that of the chief marketing officer.
Furthermore, 87% of business school graduates surveyed in a 2022 longitudinal study from GMAC credited their increased employability to their degrees, with 77% of respondents stating that their education increased their earning power. Additionally, GMAC’s study found that the majority of respondents said they considered their graduate education personally (72%), professionally (84%) and financially (68%) rewarding.
The combination of business expertise, leadership skills and commitment to professional development that the MBA symbolizes is undoubtedly attractive to employers. If you are looking to increase your earnings, build career advancement opportunities and work in a field with promising job prospects, an online MBA in Marketing program offers many advantages.
Learn more about the Southeastern online MBA in Marketing program.