Earning a Doctorate of Marketing or a Doctorate of Business Administration in Marketing is a shrewd career move for individuals who are looking to enhance their research capabilities in the field of business. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in marketing and other areas of finance and business is expected to grow 10 percent between 2016 and 2026. This growth will create around 774,000 new jobs in marketing. According to a recent article by U.S News and World Report, “this faster-than-average growth is spurred in part by widespread use of data and market research that studies the relationship between customers and product demand.”
The word marketing may evoke images of signs and posters but, in reality, the subject includes many sub-fields such as marketing analytics and research which involves statistics and number crunching, or public relations which requires people and communication skills. Other sub-fields include digital media and brand management – both of which encompass their own set of research, knowledge and skill sets.
These nine online degree programs introduce professionals to the top online doctoral degrees in marketing across the United States that allow them to earn terminal marketing degrees from a distance.
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For more information, see: Top 20 Online Doctor of Business Administration Programs or 6 Best Online Schools for Doctor of Management
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Best Online Schools for Doctoral Degrees in Marketing
METHODOLOGY: OnlineSchoolsCenter.com has compiled for you a list of the 9 Best Online Schools for Doctoral Degrees in Marketing. Readers should note that the schools on this list represent the available Doctor of Marketing degrees that are available online, while some require on-campus attendance. This ranking was composed according to the following criteria:
- Provides online and/or hybrid coursework in Marketing,
- Offers exceptional degree programs in Marketing, Business Administration in Marketing, and/or Consumer Behavior related coursework,
- Notability and prestige among academic and journalistic resources,
- Displays proper Accreditation,
- Encourages high-level professional advancement,
- Provides Financial Aid options,
- Offers convenient and flexible learning formats that fit your schedule while still working full-time,
- Strengthens existing skills, theories, and knowledge in the field of Marketing,
- Permits several areas of specializations in Marketing.
If you would like to learn more about our selection process, please feel free to check out our Methodology page.
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TRIDENT UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL
ONLINE Ph.D. OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (DBA) IN MARKETING
Program Standouts:
This online Ph.D. of Business Administration in Marketing is designed for students who are seeking careers as researchers, scholars, and instructors of business. The curriculum is designed to build upon students’ knowledge and experiences in the field of business marketing and enhance their understanding of innovative strategies. The program is personalized and gives the student all of the control possible over their coursework and projects. The marketing concentration of this program is intended for those who have experience in the field and emphasizes concepts of branding, pricing, promotion, consumer behavior, and other such important areas. Students at Trident University International develop outstanding research and analysis skills.
Campus Location: Cypress, CA
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Better Business Bureau
Sampling of Coursework:
- Marketing Management Strategy
- Buyer Decision Making and Behavior
- Strategic management
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Retention Rate: 23%
Graduation Rate: 75.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT TRIDENT UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL’S ONLINE Ph.D. OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN MARKETING
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ARGOSY UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN MARKETING PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Students in Argosy University’s online Doctor of Business Administration in Marketing engage in the most up-to-date and high-quality business research and practices in a manner that is most applicable to their current place of business. The curriculum is designed such that it allows for the most significant range of growth possible while maintaining a highly active position of employment. Students in this program must be well-disciplined and committed to personal success to manage the challenges and complexities of the course work, which is rewarding, but also quite rigorous. There are heavy components of the program that reside within the research requirements, wherein students must engage in a personal research project and present their findings for evaluation.
Campus Location: Phoenix, AZ
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Sampling of Coursework:
- Global and Multinational Marketing
- Marketing and Innovation
- Consumer Decision and Behavior
Acceptance Rate: 80-90%
Retention Rate: 36%
Graduation Rate: 6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT ARGOSY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN MARKETING PROGRAM
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CALIFORNIA MIRAMAR UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DBA IN MARKETING PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
The curriculum in the Doctor of Business Administration with a Specialization in Marketing from California Miramar University includes an excellently curated array of concentration coursework. The main focus of the program is to emphasize marketing management and research as it applies to the entire cycle of a product—from the planning and design process to consumer analysis to release and profit—in an ethically and legally sound manner. The general DBA coursework includes advanced education in literature and theory to give a strong approach to the marketing specialization. The program culminates with a dissertation presentation and a comprehensive exam, which, upon passing, gives students a highly impressive diploma and title.
Campus Location: San Diego, CA
Accreditation:
- Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
Sampling of Coursework:
- Strategic Marketing
- Marketing Communications
- Pricing Theory and Practice
Acceptance Rate: 31%
Retention Rate: 60%
Graduation Rate: Unavailable
LEARN MORE ABOUT CALIFORNIA MIRAMAR UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DBA IN MARKETING PROGRAM
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WALDEN UNIVERSITY
ONLINE MARKETING: DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (DBA) PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
The Walden University online Doctor of Business Administration: Marketing program is designed to give students the ability to build the coursework and projects around their individual passions and career goals. There is a wide range of doctoral program-specific resources available at all times to help guide students through the curriculum with ease. The doctoral coursework can be taken through either a traditional path of study or a consulting capstone option, which is a newly designed program that focuses more strongly on coaching and leadership skills. The marketing specialization of the DBA approaches crucial aspects of advertising, product development, consumer behavior, and more.
Campus Location: Minneapolis, MN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Sampling of Coursework:
- Qualitative and Quantitative Methodology for Applied Business Research
- Organizational Leadership: Doctoral Theory and Practice
- Seminar in Marketing Research
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 50%
Graduation Rate: 25.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT WALDEN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MARKETING: DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM
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GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DBA IN MARKETING PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
The Grand Canyon University online Doctor of Business Administration with an Emphasis in Marketing is designed for both amateur and expert leaders in business who are seeking to enhance their knowledge, skills, and standing in the field of marketing. There is a high level of focus on research, innovative problem-solving, and leadership so that graduates can enter into positions of management and authority with confidence and expertise. There is also a strong concentration on consumer trends, behaviors, and habits in the current marketplace, giving students a firm understanding of how to form campaigns that will reach the modern buyer. Graduates go on to refine marketing strategies that lead their businesses to new heights of success.
Campus Location: Phoenix, AZ
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Data-Driven Marketing Management
- Approaches to Research Design and Data Analysis
- Consumer Behaviors in Global Marketing
Acceptance Rate: 66.9%
Retention Rate: 66%
Graduation Rate: 33.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DBA IN MARKETING PROGRAM
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PACE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR IN MARKETING DEGREE
Program Standouts:
Pace University’s online Marketing Concentration of the Doctor of Business Administration degree includes two seminars and three electives in marketing (of which there are eighteen) that provide a personalized approach to the specialization, as well as a strong general structure for an approach to marketing. Students in this program focus mostly on the analytical, theoretical, and practical methods for understanding consumer behavior. There are highly-effective techniques involved in the coursework that help individuals craft strategies for most profitable results. Along with a personalized curriculum, students have access to individualized advising and guidance from instructors and advisors in the Pace School of Business.
Campus Location: New York City, NY
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Consumer and Organization Buying Behavior
- eMarketing
- Interactive and Direct Marketing
Acceptance Rate: 79.6%
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 52.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT PACE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR IN MARKETING DEGREE
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LIGS University
ONLINE DOCTORATE DEGREES IN MARKETING
Program Standouts:
LIGS University has two pathways through which students can earn their online doctorate in marketing. The Doctor of Business Administration includes a specialization in Marketing with courses that emphasize Marketing Communication and Global Marketing, which is designed for students who want to pursue practice-based positions. The Ph.D. degree consists of the same specialization courses in marketing but is intended for students who wish to enter into more academic and research-based positions. Both degrees are “interactive,” which means that a large percentage of the program involves real-world, hands-on experiences to teach critical strategies in business marketing.
Campus Location: Honolulu, HI
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Ph.D. in Marketing
- Doctor of Business Administration in Marketing
Acceptance Rate: Unavailable
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: Unavailable
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGS UNIVERSITY’S INTERACTIVE ONLINE DOCTORATE DEGREES IN MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS AND GLOBAL MARKETING DEGREE OPTIONS
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GEORGE FOX UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR OF MARKETING DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
George Fox University supplies distance education students with a Doctor of Business Administration in Marketing that is grounded in Christian principles and ethics. The design of the program is meant for professionals in the business who are seeking to enter into the positions of consultant or professor. However, it is also well-suited to individuals who are simply seeking to enhance their understanding of the field and to earn the most impressive credential possible. There are three major components of the curriculum, which include an education core that includes a consulting or teaching practicum, a research core that includes a dissertation, and a business core. Graduates have entered into careers of professors at prominent universities, chief executive positions at major corporations, and well-paid business consultants.
Campus Location: Newberg, OR
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Sampling of Coursework:
- Research Design in Marketing
- Consumer Behavior
- Advanced Topics in Marketing
Acceptance Rate: 81.9%
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 68.7%
LEARN MORE ABOUT GEORGE FOX UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DBA – DOCTOR OF MARKETING DEGREE PROGRAM
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LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN MARKETING PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Liberty University is one of the most renowned online schools in the nation and offers a Doctor of Business Administration in Marketing that is perhaps the most popular distance education program of its kind. The curriculum delves deeply into the areas of market research, consumer behavior, advertising, and promotion, and is also designed to drastically enhance communication skills. Students analyze local and international markets to establish the soundest marketing strategies possible that align with consumer interests on a global scale. Students can count on low tuition costs in this DBA in Marketing program, as Liberty has had fixed rates for the last three years, while many other online schools increase costs every year.
Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
Sampling of Coursework:
- Qualitative and Case Study Methods for Business Research
- Strategic Thinking for Decision-Making
- Organizational and Executive Coaching
Acceptance Rate: 29.8%
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 42.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN MARKETING PROGRAM
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Earning a Doctor of Marketing degree, or its equivalent gives graduates the highest credentials and academic reputation in the field. These individuals have the strongest and most finely tuned research skills of any business professional in the country, and can utilize all of the most complex marketing strategies. These ten online schools give students outstanding tools for success in understanding the entire cycle of designing and releasing a product, from the initial planning stages to consumer research to production and profit. Earn an online Doctor of Marketing and become the best business expert in the nation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are all of these online degrees offered through a Doctor of Business Administration?
Mostly, yes. These online marketing degrees are mostly doctorates, but there are some Ph.D.’s and are usually through a Business Administration program. There are some exceptions, however, as well as some incredibly unique and one-of-a-kind opportunities that are available very few other places than at the schools on this ranking.
Will I earn my online doctorate faster than if I took the program on a physical campus?
This depends entirely on how much coursework the school is willing to let you take on at one time, how frequently courses are offered at the school, and how quickly you can complete said coursework. The average amount of time to complete an online doctorate is about three years, but there are some exceptions. Students interested in accelerated coursework should look to the school’s websites for more detailed information.
Is a doctorate necessary to earn specific positions of employment?
Some individuals will be more likely to be hired with a doctorate or a Ph.D. in positions such as a professor or professional researcher. Other positions, such as CEO, CFO, etc. do not require a doctorate. However, such a title could drastically increase their self-marketability and pay scale.
Are these the only online Doctor of Marketing programs available?
As far as the researchers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com can tell, yes, these are the only online Doctor of Marketing degree programs in the country. It is possible that there are other hybrid programs available that provide a minimum of online courses with a much larger percentage of on-campus coursework, but these programs emphasize online capability.
Is it cheaper to earn my Doctor of Marketing online?
Again, this depends entirely on the schools in question. Some online programs are just as expensive as the on-campus programs, and other times the online programs are drastically less expensive. Typically, doctorate degrees are just as expensive as their on-campus counterparts. However, it is worth researching a school’s Financial Aid and Treasury Departments to discover if the doctorate programs are less costly.