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Online Master of Science in Marketing

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The Master of Science in Marketing online program at the University of Cincinnati provides students with an innovative and forward-thinking program that is grounded in the latest marketing practices and theories. The program is designed to give students the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in marketing careers in a variety of industries.

The online master of marketing program at UC is structured to help students become industry-ready marketing professionals without an in-person requirement. The curriculum is taught by experienced marketing professionals and built on four foundations of marketing that will propel your career in the direction you choose:

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Consumer Psychology & Strategy: Delve into human emotions, decision-making processes, and buyer journeys. Craft compelling messages and position your brand for success.

Planning & Design: Build strategic digital content that resonates with your audience. Guide buyers through the purchasing funnel and collaborate with sales teams seamlessly.

Build & Execution: Leverage the power of digital platforms to distribute your content and spark engaging conversations. Analyze buyer behavior to optimize your marketing efforts.

Analytics: Cultivate data-driven decision-making skills. Integrate analytics with sales processes and assess the effectiveness of your marketing strategies.


NO GMAT OR GRE REQUIRED TO APPLY
Lindner College of Business has removed the GMAT and GRE requirement of the application. Contact an Enrollment Advisor to learn more!


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With a majority of credit hours dedicated to elective opportunities (18 credits), you have the flexibility to design your experience with courses that align with your career aspirations. The curriculum is also designed to give students the ability to analyze marketing data, to develop and implement marketing plans, and to understand the complexities of the global marketing environment.

  • The marketing degree is delivered in an on-campus and online format, with courses taught by the same world-renowned faculty.
  • The program is 32 credit hours and can be completed in 1-2 years.
  • Coursework includes marketing research, consumer behavior, marketing management, marketing analytics, international marketing, and marketing strategy.
  • The capstone course integrates all the marketing concepts learned in the program with a real-world client’s needs.

The program also offers several opportunities for students to gain real-world experience, including during the final capstone course. The UC Marketing Department has partnerships with local and international businesses and organizations, and students can maximize their degree with one of our graduate certificates in marketing or digital marketing.

Why Cincinnati’s Masters in Marketing program?

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The University of Cincinnati has one of the most highly regarded Masters in Marketing programs in the country. Our world-renowned faculty rank in the top ten for publications in consumer psychology journals.

Additionally, the Lindner College of Business is accredited by the AACSB and has been recognized as one of the best business schools in the country by The Princeton Review.

Flexibility

  • 100% online
  • No GMAT requirement
  • Courses offered in spring, summer and fall semesters

Support from Application to Graduation

At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:


Is a Master’s Degree in Marketing Worth It? 

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Considering taking the next step in your marketing journey? A Master of Science in Marketing unlocks exciting possibilities in this dynamic field. Our program equips you with specialized knowledge beyond the basics, delving into intricate concepts and cutting-edge strategies. Master essential areas like consumer behavior, digital marketing, and branding, gaining the ability to craft compelling messages, analyze data strategically, and build impactful brands. This expertise positions you as a highly sought-after candidate in a market demanding advanced qualifications. Imagine pursuing senior-level roles, exploring different industries, and expanding your network with industry professionals – all within reach with our program.

There is also an opportunity to maximize your degree with our Digital Marketing Graduate Certificate to help you standout in a competitive field. Plus, all credits taken as part of this certificate may be subsequently applied toward your Master of Science in Marketing, Master of Business Administration, or other specialized master’s degrees at the Lindner College of Business.


Real-World Experience: The Capstone Project Advantage

Our program culminates in a unique capstone project experience, setting you apart from the crowd:

  • Client-Driven Projects: Work on real-world marketing problems faced by actual organizations (for-profit and non-profit).
  • Choose Your Interest: Select a project aligned with your specific aspirations and interests.
  • Five Months of Immersion: Gain invaluable hands-on experience over five months, tackling challenges and delivering solutions.
  • Scope Variety: Address various marketing issues, from branding and market research to CRM implementation and new product development.
  • Win-Win Situation: Contribute valuable solutions to client organizations while gaining crucial real-world learning.

Read more about why a master’s degree in marketing can be a worthwhile investment in our article MS Marketing Degree – Is It Worth It?


Admission to the Lindner College of Business MS Marketing program is selective and based on a combination of factors, including academic and professional achievement, strong communication skills, and a proven record of effective leadership. Applicants should have at least a B grade average (or equivalent) in undergraduate coursework, or otherwise provide evidence of academic promise that is satisfactory to the admitting department.

Application for Admission: Choose "Business Administration (Marketing) - Online, Master of Science" on the application.

An unofficial transcript (or degree audit) is required from each institution attended, including in-progress coursework, even if from the University of Cincinnati. These documents must show a complete record of your courses and grades. Uploading an unofficial transcript is recommended, but an official transcript may also be sent. Your application will not be reviewed until all transcripts are received.

International Applicants: You must have a U.S. bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or an international equivalent before starting the program. While NACES course-by-course evaluations are not required at time of admission, one may be requested in certain cases at the time of application. Your unofficial transcripts must be translated into English. If your grading scale isn't on a four-point scale, you will be asked to translate in the application process. For international three-year bachelor’s degrees, use the free WES degree equivalency tool to confirm U.S. equivalency. Please review the Graduate College's transcript submission policy after enrollment.

Please select two recommenders. The first recommender should be a current or former supervisor who can speak to your professional experience. The second recommender can be professional or academic. IMPORTANT: Your application will not move forward in the review process until we receive the letter of recommendation.

At the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business, we value thought-driven leaders. With this in mind, please upload a personal statement expressing the following:

  • How will the MS Marketing program prepare you to meet your career goals?
  • How does your background prepare you to be successful in the program?
  • What short or long-term career goals do you have?

Optional: Is there something in your resume or application that needs a brief explanation? Areas in this field may include academic outliers, career breaks, completion of additional coursework, etc.

Formatting: We recommend the personal statement be between 250 and 500 words, double-spaced.

Ensure your resume clearly lists the dates of any professional (ex: full-time role, internships, co-ops), volunteer, non-profit or any other leadership experiences. There is no formatting requirement. However, please review your resume for any grammar mistakes. It should be no longer than two pages.

Standardized test scores are not required for admission to the MS program. Applicants can submit scores if they would like them to be considered as part of the application review process. The admissions committee will accept Graduate Management Admission (GMAT) and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores. Scores must be sent directly from the agency to the following address:

Graduate Admissions

University of Cincinnati

PO Box 210091

Cincinnati, OH 45221-0091

  • $65 ($70 international) non-refundable University of Cincinnati Graduate School application fee.

If your native language is not English, you must demonstrate your proficiency in English. This includes submitting an IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo test score.

Please reference the below minimum score requirements.

Minimum TOEFL and IELTS requirements by program
Program TOEFL (0-120 scale)* TOEFL (1-6 scale)* IELTS** Duolingo
MBA 90 4.5 7 120
MS Business Analytics 95 5 6.5 110
MS Information Systems, MS Marketing & PhD Programs 100 5 7.0 115
All other programs 80 4.5 6.5 110

*TOEFL: Can be sent using school code 1833
**IELTS: Can be sent to University of Cincinnati - Graduate School account.

For additional information, please reference the Graduate College website.

At the University of Cincinnati, we offer multiple start dates to accommodate your schedule. 
Term Application Deadline Classes Start

Summer 2026

Fall 2026

April 1, 2026

July 1, 2026

May 11, 2026

August 24, 2026

The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.

The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.

To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.

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The Lindner College of Business is accredited by the AACSB and has been recognized as one of the best business schools in the country by The Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report.


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