Marketing professional working in office.

Marketing, MS

Program at a Glance

Program

Marketing, MS

Format

Online, Hybrid

Total Units

27

Requirements

No GMAT or GRE Required

Summer ’25 Early Application Deadline

March 9

Program Overview

Golden Gate University’s Master of Science in Marketing program is designed to prepare professionals with the advanced marketing skills and strong business foundation needed to navigate today’s global marketing landscape.

This innovative program is taught by marketing executives and practitioners from the Bay area and beyond, who are currently working in the industry and can share invaluable insights through their courses, positioning you at the forefront of this dynamic field. Throughout the program, you’ll gain practical experience as you learn to bridge traditional marketing principles with cutting-edge digital technologies.

Our applied curriculum incorporates the latest industry trends in artificial intelligence, digital strategy, and marketing analytics while covering best practices in essential areas such as consumer behavior, brand management, and product development.

Through interactive courses, you’ll dive into real-world business challenges, explore emerging digital platforms and tools, and gain hands-on experience with AI, storytelling, communications, and integrated marketing strategies.

Offered fully online or through a hybrid synchronous format, our Master’s in Marketing program is designed to accommodate busy professionals, allowing you to complete your degree in less than two years.

Message from the Program Director

As the Program Director of the Master of Science in Marketing (MS MKT), I’m excited to introduce a program designed for individuals who are ready to lead, innovate, and shape the future of marketing. Whether you’re looking to advance your current career, pivot into a new role, or enhance your leadership capabilities, our cutting-edge curriculum is here to equip you with the skills needed to succeed in an ever-evolving environment.

Our curriculum is built around strategic applications, analytical problem-solving, and effective decision-making, all with an emphasis on global business, real-world challenges, and new trends. Through dynamic courses and career development opportunities—including networking events, speaker series, and workshops—you’ll build a strong personal brand and develop the skills necessary to take on leadership roles across various sectors, from digital strategy to brand management to C-suite positions.

Join us today and become a marketing leader for the world of tomorrow.

— Sue Ann Hirschberg, Master of Science in Marketing Program Director

Golden Gate Bridge

GGU has really lived up to its promise of offering real-world, practical learning that you will apply right away. I worked with wonderful professors, and I love that they brought their practical field experience to the learning process.

AMA San Francisco Collegiate Partner

American Marketing Association, San Francisco Chapter (AMA SF)

Golden Gate University is partners with the American Marketing Association, San Francisco Chapter (AMA SF), a leading organization that fosters and promotes professional learning and career advancement opportunities for marketers.

Our marketing curriculum is aligned with AMA SF standards, and our close collaboration with AMA SF provides you with further industry insights and everyday resources that can help you excel in the classroom and beyond.

The AMA SF chapter hosts a variety of monthly programs, events, workshops, and discussions that introduce the latest industry trends and developments, along with valuable networking events that bring together the best marketing minds in the region.

Through our partnership, you’ll have opportunities to expand your professional network, connect with local business resources, engage with peers and seasoned professionals, and elevate your marketing career potential.

Degree Highlights

Online or Hybrid Courses

27 Credits

No GMAT or GRE Required

Learn From Marketing Executives

Gain Practical Skills in Cutting-Edge Tools

Graduate in as Few as Two Years

Typical completion time is less than 24 months.

Learning Outcomes

  • Strategic Application and Planning: Apply marketing theories and frameworks to real-world situations, and design, compile, and produce professional-quality marketing plans that include measurable objectives in global economy.
  • Market Research and Analysis: Conduct and employ marketing data analytics, qualitative, experimental, quantitative analysis and creative insights to support marketing decisions
  • Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrate analytical skills for decision-making in marketing, utilizing creativity, emotional intelligence, qualitative and quantitative analysis to support strategies.
  • Consumer Behavior and Segmentation: Obtain insights into consumer behavior, define customer segments, and identify specific target markets to create meaningful marketing messages.
  • Integrated Marketing Communications: Develop the structure of an integrated marketing communication plan, selecting appropriate media, platforms and methods for effective outreach.
  • Brand and Product Management: Understand brand management strategies, product development to that enhance brand value.
  • Social, Digital Marketing and Innovation: Engage with digital platforms and emerging tools, leveraging modern strategies such as artificial intelligence and influencer marketing. Demonstrate content marketing and storytelling and understanding of SEO/SEM.
  • Communication and Collaboration: Exhibit strong written, oral and visual communication skills while collaborating effectively with diverse teams on projects.
  • Ethical, DEIB Awareness: Evaluate ethical, environmental, and economic concerns related to marketing practices.
  • Career Readiness: Prepare for leadership roles in various marketing positions by developing essential skills in strategic thinking, team management, communication and personal branding.

Explore Marketing Career Paths

Earning your Master’s in Marketing gives you endless career opportunities, as the skills you gain throughout this program are valued across all industries. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to lead high-performing marketing teams in a variety of senior marketing roles.

The marketing profession is expected to grow significantly over the next decade, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting more than 36,000 new jobs each year, on average, through 2033. Master’s in Marketing graduates can also expect to see a jump in their salary potential, as people with a master’s degree can see an average salary increase of 38% over those with a bachelor’s, according to a BLS study.

Potential career opportunities for graduates of the Master’s in Marketing program include:

  • Marketing Manager
  • Director of Digital Marketing
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Content Specialist
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Advertising and Promotions Manager
  • Social Media Manager
  • Brand Manager
  • Chief Marketing Officer
Students working together and taking notes.

Curriculum

The Master of Science in Marketing requires completion of 27 units, with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 or better in courses taken at Golden Gate University that are applicable to the program’s requirements. Courses carry three semester units of credit unless otherwise noted. For further information regarding graduation requirements, see Academic Requirements for Graduate Programs.

Prerequisites: Master of Science in Marketing students are expected to meet the basic criteria for the Graduate Writing Proficiency Requirement and the Graduate Mathematics Proficiency Requirement.

Graduate Tuition

The tuition for most graduate degree programs at Golden Gate University is $1,090 per unit, covering the cost of high-quality, career-focused education led by experienced faculty. This investment supports essential resources, including personalized academic advising, state-of-the-art technology, and student services designed to help adult learners succeed.

Graduation cap with dollar sign.
Man studies on laptop in a restaurant.