MBA vs Master's in Marketing

Ever feel like your career is at a crossroads? Maybe you’ve been working a few years, gaining experience, and now you’re ready to take the next big step, but you’re not quite sure which graduate degree will get you there. Should you go for a Master of Business Administration (MBA), with its broad focus on leadership and strategy? Or is a Master’s in Marketing, with its deep dive into the world of consumer behavior and branding, a better fit?

Both graduate degrees can open doors to exciting opportunities, but they serve different goals and interests. Maybe you want to lead an entire company one day, or maybe you see yourself crafting campaigns that make brands unforgettable.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what each degree really offers. We’ll break down the curriculum, explore potential career paths, and give you the lowdown on how each program can shape your future. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of which graduate degree aligns best with your goals — and how to get started.

What Is an MBA?

Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs are designed to provide graduate students with critical business leadership skills. At Bellevue University, our MBA dives into everything from finance and accounting, to marketing, ethics, logistics, and more. You’ll get your hands dirty with real-world case studies, team projects, and one-on-one time with faculty, so you walk away ready to tackle big challenges and make smart decisions in leadership roles.

Read more about MBA programs.

What Is a Master’s in Marketing?

A Master’s in Marketing focuses on the art and science of promoting products, building brands, and connecting with customers in meaningful ways. A masters’ in marketing program dives deep into topics like consumer behavior, digital marketing, brand strategy, analytics, and market research, giving you the tools to create marketing that really works.

You’ll learn through hands-on projects, real-world case studies, and guidance from experts who’ve been in the marketing trenches. Whether you’re interested in social media, content creation, or data-driven marketing strategies, this program is designed to help you stand out in a competitive field.

Whenever possible, we incorporate problem solving, case studies, group projects, and collaboration activities into our marketing courses. By the time students graduate, they have learned what it takes to make independent decisions and they understand the value of working with people to accomplish goals.

– Merrill Johnson, Associate Professor of Marketing, Bellevue University

MBA vs. Master’s in Marketing: Which Path Fits Your Goal

Curriculum Focus: Breadth vs. Depth

MBA Curriculum: Broad Business Education
An MBA program is designed to give you a well-rounded understanding of business, touching on every major function within an organization. Marketing is one of many areas you’ll study. You’ll get a big-picture view of how different departments work together and develop the leadership skills to oversee them.

Typical MBA Courses:

• Accounting and Financial Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Strategic Planning and Leadership
• Operations Management
• Marketing Management (one of several courses)

In Bellevue University’s MBA program, you can choose from multiple concentrations to customize your degree to your interests. Options include a nine-credit concentration in marketing, offering courses in Internet Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Sales Management, Branding, and Market Research.

Master’s in Marketing Curriculum: Deep Dive into Marketing

A Master’s in Marketing zooms in on marketing and only marketing. It’s all about digging deep into the strategies and tactics that drive brand awareness, customer loyalty, and sales. You’ll cover topics like digital marketing, branding, analytics, and consumer psychology, equipping you to specialize in marketing roles.

Typical Master’s in Marketing Courses:

• Consumer Behavior and Psychology
• Digital Marketing Strategies
• Branding and Brand Management
• Marketing Analytics and Data-Driven Decision-Making
• Social Media Marketing
• Content Marketing and Storytelling

Work Experience Expectations

The work experience you bring to the table can play a big role in choosing between an MBA and a Master’s in Marketing. Here’s how it breaks down:

MBA: Building on Your Experience
While not required, many MBA students come in with 2-5 years of work experience. Why? Because the program is designed to build on real-world insights, preparing you for leadership roles where strategic decision-making is key.

Master’s in Marketing: Ready to Dive In
The Master’s in Marketing is more welcoming to recent grads and early-career professionals. If you’re fresh out of undergrad or just starting out, this program helps you develop specialized marketing expertise without needing extensive work experience.

Read more about master's degree admissions requirements.

Career Paths and Outcomes: Where Can These Degrees Take You?

MBA Career Paths: Broad Leadership Opportunities
An MBA prepares you for roles that span various business functions. This degree is ideal for those aiming to oversee entire departments or organizations.

Common MBA Career Paths:

• General Manager
• Operations Director
• Management Analyst
• Product Manager
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Master’s in Marketing Career Paths: Specialized Marketing Roles
A Master’s in Marketing offers specialized knowledge, making it suitable for those who want to dive deep into marketing-specific roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, advertising and marketing roles are projected to grow about 8% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

Common Master’s in Marketing Careers:

• Digital Marketing Specialist
• Brand Director
• Market Research Analyst
• Social Media Marketing Manager
• Content Marketing Director
• Marketing Analyst
• Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

Other Specialized Master’s Degrees in Business

Not quite sold on an MBA or a Master’s in Marketing? You’ve got other options. If you’re looking to zero in on a specific area of business, consider exploring other specialized master’s degrees that can take your expertise to the next level.

• Master’s in Management & Leadership: Designed for emerging leaders in business, government, and nonprofit sectors, this program blends management and leadership skills with essential data and analytics. It's a focused alternative to an MBA, targeting the functional skills needed for today's complex managerial roles.

• Master’s in Digital Marketing: This program delves into the digital side of marketing, covering areas like search engine optimization, social media, online advertising, and digital analytics. It's ideal for those looking to specialize in the rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape

• MBA with a Concentration: If you like the big-picture approach of an MBA but still want to hone in on a specific area, you can do both. Bellevue University’s MBA program offers a range of concentrations, allowing you to tailor your degree to align with your career goals. Concentrations include these and more:

  • Marketing
  • Finance
  • Cybersecurity
  • Project Management
  • Human Resources

The Bellevue MBA program doesn’t just teach students to navigate the business world, it equips professionals to reshape it, and foster innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit.

– Dr. Randa Zalman, Associate Professor, marketing and MBA programs

Choosing the Right Graduate Degree for Your Marketing Career

Deciding between an MBA and a Master’s in Marketing comes down to your experience and career goals.

If you’re aiming for leadership roles and want a well-rounded business education, an MBA gives you that broad foundation with the option to specialize in marketing. It’s a strong choice for those with some work experience looking to step into strategic, high-impact positions.

If marketing is your main focus and you’re ready to dive deep into branding, analytics, and digital strategy, a Master’s in Marketing offers targeted expertise. It’s ideal for recent grads or early-career pros who want to specialize right away.

Ready to take the next step? Discover how Bellevue University’s MBA or a Master’s in Marketing can help build your career. Connect with an advisor today to find the program that aligns with your ambitions.

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