Career Outcomes With an MS in Marketing: Top Paths and Opportunities

Earning a Master of Science in Marketing can be your first step toward a variety of career paths, across many different industries and specializations. By acquiring skills in data analytics, marketing strategies and consumer behavior, students are better equipped to meet the demands of an unpredictable and shifting job market.

This article will explore the career opportunities, average salary ranges and the accomplishments one can make with an MS in Marketing.

What can you do with an MS in Marketing? This degree allows you to pursue various career roles depending on your interests, goals and personal vision. Many of these career paths will lead you to roles in traditional marketing, digital marketing, specialty marketing or the emerging fields such as AI marketing.

Traditional marketing positions typically focus on conventional, well-established methods that have been around for decades, or even longer. Examples of traditional marketing can be found in print media like newspapers and magazines, in broadcast media like television and radio, via direct mail and at in-person events.

These roles include the following:

• Advertising manager
• Brand manager
• Marketing manager
• Product manager
• Public relations manager

Digital marketing roles focus on reaching an audience online and is another way for companies to approach and understand their customers. Professionals in these kinds of roles work to leverage search engines, social media, email and other types of web-based communication in an effort to engage with potential customers. The internet is already full of advertisements, so these professionals must be able to make their company stand out from the rest.

Typical roles within the field of digital marketing include the following:

• Content marketing manager
• Data analyst/marketing analyst
• Digital marketing manager 
• Social media manager

Specialized marketing, as the name suggests, involves roles that require a specific skill set or a focus on a particular area. Careers in this field often combine elements of both traditional and digital marketing, depending on the demographic being targeted. Specialized marketing concentrates on a particular audience with unique needs and interests. Communicating with these unique groups of people is more personalized, which can lead to higher customer engagement and loyalty.

Positions in this field include the following:

• Customer relationship manager
• International marketing manager
• Marketing consultant
• Nonprofit marketing manager 
• Sales manager

Emerging marketing is all about trying out new and innovative ways to reach and engage customers. It’s about staying ahead of the curve and leveraging the latest technologies and trends.

Professions in this field include roles like:

• AI marketing specialist
• Growth hacker
• Influencer marketing manager

Entering the job market with an MS in Marketing from a reputable institution means you’ll have the essential skills you need to compete and succeed in a complex, rapidly evolving business environment.

This degree exposes students to an innovative curriculum covering a diverse range of topics, including marketing strategies, consumer behavior, and digital marketing. Graduates are positioned for a multitude of promising careers, each with its own financial and personal rewards.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects strong growth across the marketing field, which it predicts will grow “faster than the average for all occupations.”¹

Graduates from an online MSM program can look forward to rewarding careers and lucrative salaries. Graduates can expect to earn competitive wages in various roles across multiple sectors. According to the BLS, the median salary for marketing professionals of this caliber is $156,580 per year, or $75.28 per hour.¹

Other professionals in the industry can expect to earn varying amounts:

• Marketing manager: The average salary for this position depends on variables like location, the size of the employer, and how established the business may be. Typical salaries exceed six figures, with a range between $86,000 and $155,000 per year²
• Market research analyst: With a median salary just under six figures, this position is a close second to marketing manager in terms of income potential. The general range for a market research analyst is $71,000 to $133,000 annually³
• Digital marketing specialist: These professionals, while perhaps not the top earners in their field, also earn a comfortable income. The median salary is around $67,000 per year and can range from $52,000 to $89,000⁴

Marketing efforts continue no matter how the economy is performing, so the field offers stable job security and considerable opportunities for advancement. Qualified marketing professionals are equipped with the skills they need to help their employers successfully engage with an increasingly sophisticated consumer in a crowded marketplace.

With more than $897.7 billion in global marketing spending, graduates can expect to find positions in virtually any industry but especially fields like health care, renewable energy, technology and manufacturing, among others. Companies working to integrate AI and other developing technologies into their marketing efforts are placing a greater emphasis on data analytics, which presents even more potential career paths for marketing students.⁵

The Online Master of Science in Marketing program from William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business is a good first step for anyone with an interest in marketing and a desire for a flexible skill set that can lead to many different careers. Our program provides students with a curriculum that blends marketing theory with practical application.

You’ll learn from faculty with real-world marketing expertise and in-depth insight into the industry. You’ll also connect with peers and accomplished marketing professionals, creating networking opportunities that can serve you throughout your career.

The program is entirely online, so you can earn your master’s degree when and where you want to. This kind of flexible, on-demand education is perfect for those who have professional or personal obligations but are still committed to attaining a high-quality educational experience.

By enrolling in our Online MSM program, you’ll acquire advanced marketing skills that can significantly boost your earning potential and expand your professional network. For more information, contact an admissions outreach advisor today.