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Marketing careers offer diverse and exciting opportunities for those with a knack for creativity, strategic thinking and data analysis who want to make impactful contributions to businesses and brands.
A Ph.D. in marketing is the most advanced degree you can earn in the field. It can help you advance your career as a marketing executive or prepare you for an academic or research-based position.
Several institutions offer Ph.D. in marketing online programs designed for working professionals. These programs delve into essential areas such as consumer behavior, market research methodologies, strategic marketing planning and emerging digital marketing strategies.
This guide provides an overview of the two online Ph.D. in marketing programs that meet our ranking criteria, which includes credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience. Take a look at what these programs offer.
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Online Marketing Ph.D. Options
- Kennesaw State University
- National University
Degree Finder
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University’s online Ph.D. in business administration with a marketing concentration is designed for working professionals who want to continue their careers while advancing their education.
Instead of online courses, students attend one weekend residency per month at the Kennesaw, Georgia campus. The Friday-to-Sunday classes explore research methods and data analysis; students also take seminars and prep for their dissertations.
In their third year, students focus on their dissertation requirement without the in-person requirement. Research areas include topics within consumer behavior and marketing strategy.
Graduate online tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students: $383 per credit.
At a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Application Fee: $60
- Degree Credit Requirements: 48 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Introduction to research, analysis of variance designs
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: Yes, once-a-month weekend residencies
National University
Based in San Diego, National University offers its Ph.D. in business administration in strategic marketing online with no in-person requirements. Once enrolled, students can start any Monday that’s convenient for them.
The program requires a minimum of five core courses, five specialization courses, two statistical courses, five research courses and one doctoral elective, and it takes around six years to complete.
National University is a Yellow Ribbon School that offers exclusive active-duty military and veterans scholarships. Standard tuition is $442 per quarter unit.
At a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Application Fee: Free
- Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
- Program Enrollment Options: Full-time, part-time
- Notable Major-Specific Courses: Changing times: business administration in the 21st century, business financial systems
- Concentrations Available: N/A
- In-Person Requirements: No
How To Find the Right Online Ph.D. in Marketing for You
Pro Tip
Before enrolling, make sure you can attend any required in-person activities or synchronous classes.
If you’ve decided to pursue an online Ph.D. in marketing, consider these essential factors to help guide your search.
Consider Your Future Goals
You can earn two types of doctoral degrees in marketing: a Ph.D. and a Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.). Ph.D. programs focus on research and lend themselves to careers in academia or research. D.B.A. programs target business leaders seeking specialized skills.
As an online student, consider the program delivery and whether you need to attend any in-person residencies or classes. Some programs offer classes asynchronously, meaning you can log in when convenient and review lectures during your free time. Other universities require you to attend classes on a scheduled day and time. Consider whether you need the flexibility to study according to your schedule.
In-person residency programs may allow you to graduate faster. But if you attend a school far from home, you’ll have to budget travel expenses and time away from your family or work obligations.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
A Ph.D. from National University costs $26,520, while the same degree from Kennesaw State University costs a minimum of $18,384.
However, the tuition rates for Ph.D. programs vary significantly among schools, depending on whether they are public or private, if you’re in-state or out-of-state, and your enrollment status. If you plan to continue working, check with your employer to see if they offer tuition reimbursem*nt.
You can complete the FAFSA® to determine your federal student loans and other aid eligibility. Your school may also offer scholarships, grants or low-interest loans.
Should You Enroll in a Ph.D. in Marketing Online?
Pro Tip
Online Ph.D.s offer more flexibility, but they require more organization and focus than in-person degrees.
Earning an online doctorate is a great choice if you plan to keep your job, cannot relocate or want to find a lower-cost alternative. Still, you’ll want to consider your learning style, availability and budget.
Learning Style
Can you learn in a virtual environment without the presence of classmates or immediate feedback from the instructor? Logging into classes from wherever it’s most convenient offers a great deal of flexibility, but you’ll have to tune out distractions and stay organized with your coursework.
If you benefit from the structure and real-time engagement offered by in-person classes, opt for a more traditional degree program. The same is true if you’re not savvy with technology.
Availability
Ph.D. programs require a multi-year time commitment, and you’ll have to coordinate your research and dissertation topic with faculty. Consider if you’ll have the time to fulfill the degree requirements.
Also, research the program’s delivery format. Some programs require in-person residencies, which affect your travel and time away from your current commitments. They may also deliver classes synchronously, meaning you need to be present on certain days and times of the week. If your work or personal life is demanding, look for programs delivered asynchronously, meaning you can review the lectures on your own time.
Budget
The cost of earning an online Ph.D. in marketing can vary significantly. While earning a degree online allows you to save money on commuting, housing and dining fees, you’ll need to cover your technology costs and any distance learning fees.
Also, private universities often cost more than public institutions, so determine your budget before choosing a program.
Featured Online Schools
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Accreditation for Online Marketing Ph.D. Programs
Before committing your time and money to an online marketing Ph.D. program, it’s essential to make sure the university has institutional accreditation. Accreditation means the university has met stringent quality and academic standards set by an accrediting body.
Attending an institutionally accredited school ensures you can transfer your credits to another university and qualify for federal financial aid. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation maintains a searchable list of accredited colleges, universities and programs.
Programs and departments within universities can apply for programmatic accreditation, which may be required for graduate school acceptance or professional licensure or certification.
Business schools with Ph.D. in marketing programs can apply for accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education.
Our Methodology
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Earning an Online Ph.D. in Marketing
What is a Ph.D. in marketing?
A Ph.D. in marketing is the highest level of education you can earn. Course topics include marketing strategy, data analysis, microeconomics, and examining and researching consumer behavior.
How much can you make with a Ph.D. in marketing?
Your earning potential with a Ph.D. in marketing will vary depending on where you live and whether you pursue a career in academia or business. For example, marketing managers make a median annual wage of $140,040, while professors earn $80,840, the BLS reports.
How long is a Ph.D. in marketing?
Earning your Ph.D. in marketing will take between three and seven years, depending on the program and whether you enroll full or part time.
Is it worth it to get a Ph.D. in marketing?
Only you can determine if completing a Ph.D. in marketing is worth the time and investment involved. Completing a Ph.D. in marketing allows you to become an expert in the field and can increase your salary potential.
