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5 Reasons to Get a Master’s in Marketing Degree

Tuesday, November 29, 2022

Last updated November 17, 2025
 

Marketing is at the heart of every company. That’s because marketing is all about nurturing customer relationships. In an era where consumers want and expect relationships with the brands they love, every organization needs a marketing team that can build those connections with authenticity and transparency.

Whether you’re looking to switch jobs or advance to the next stage, a master’s in marketing can help ignite your career. Here are five reasons to consider joining a marketing graduate program:
 

1. Boost Your Earning Potential

A graduate degree in marketing can accelerate your salary and open the door to higher-level roles.

How can a master’s in marketing increase your salary and job opportunities?

While exact salary outcomes vary based on experience, industry, and location, a master’s degree—like the Master of Marketing—can help accelerate your career trajectory.

  • According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the Class of 2024 business bachelor’s degree holders have a projected average starting salary of $63,907.
  • In comparison, the Carlson Master of Marketing Class of 2024 graduates report a base salary range of $42,000 to $85,000, with 90% receiving offers within six months.

Because the program can be completed in as few as nine months, earning this credential may open doors to higher-level roles sooner—helping you gain a foothold in the job market more quickly.

Looking further ahead, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for marketing managers was $161,030 in 2024, compared to $76,950 for market research analysts and marketing specialists.

Master of Marketing — Key Takeaways

  1. You can complete a master's in marketing in under 15 months and enter higher-level roles quickly.
  2. A master's in marketing builds strategic and analytical skills that distinguish you in a crowded market.
  3. Marketing expertise is highly versatile and serves as a strong foundation for future executive leadership.

 

2. Gain a Competitive Edge in a Growing Field

Marketing is everywhere, and the field is growing. With the global marketing industry spending roughly $1.7 trillion each year, it’s no surprise that the BLS projects a 10 percent increase in marketing careers over the next decade (2021-2031).

How does a marketing master’s give you a hiring advantage?

Learning to put customers at the forefront of any company decision is critical to your success as a marketing expert. A marketing master’s program will help you gain this foundational skill and others, such as marketing strategy and creative problem-solving.

At Minnesota Carlson, we understand the importance of applying knowledge in addition to learning it. That’s why, besides diving deep into topics such as marketing analytics, digital marketing, and customer experience, you’ll also have the opportunity to walk real clients through the entire marketing planning process. With skills-based hiring on the rise, adding these projects to your resume will showcase your skills and help you stand out from the crowd.
 

3. Future-Proof Your Career with Versatile Skills

From branding and social media marketing to market research and marketing analytics, you can find something to fit your creative and/or analytical interests in this multidisciplinary and dynamic field.

How does a marketing master’s help you adapt and lead across industries?

With so many specializations to choose from, a master’s in marketing program will help you explore and focus your interests. At the same time, you’ll be developing a large marketing toolbox so you can pursue jobs across industries.

Bold career ambitions often go hand-in-hand with marketing skill. In fact, according to a recent Spencer Stuart study, 37% of current Fortune 500 CEOs have some functional experience in marketing—highlighting the strategic value of understanding customer needs and brand leadership. What organization wouldn’t benefit from that?
 

4. Build a Strong Professional Network

Let’s face it: Searching for a job and planning your career trajectory can be scary and overwhelming. The right connections can make all the difference.

How can a graduate marketing program expand your career network?

In a master’s program, you’ll have a built-in community of professors, peers, and alumni who can help you through it all. Whether you’re interested in learning more about email marketing for nonprofits or need a reference to do content marketing for a financial technology firm, you can reach your goals with an expansive and supportive network.

At Carlson, through our Carlson Business Career Center you’ll also have a dedicated career coach to help you navigate your career during the program and long after you graduate. Receive guidance on interview prep, goal identification, negotiation, connecting with your target roles and companies, and so much more at any stage of your career for the rest of your life. And with 60,000+ alumni from around the world, there is no shortage of opportunities to grow your professional network and take steps toward your dreams.
 

5. Earn an Advanced Degree More Quickly

You can become a marketing expert in under 15 months.

How fast can you complete a marketing master’s program and start your career?

A master’s in marketing is a specialized, advanced degree that allows you to dive deep into the world of marketing so you can become an expert within 12 to 15 months. This is a much faster pathway to becoming a marketing professional than many comparable graduate business degree programs. Some master’s in marketing programs, like Carlson’s, also do not require prior work experience. This means you can earn an advanced degree and boost your earning potential right out of undergrad or much earlier in your career.


Take the Next Step Toward Your Marketing Career

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Minnesota Carlson’s Master of Marketing program is designed to equip you with the skills, connections, and support to launch your marketing career in just nine months—faster than most other marketing master’s programs.

Whether you’re still exploring your options or ready to move forward, you have two clear ways to begin:

Launch your marketing career

Learn how the Carlson Master of Marketing degree helped three alumni launch their marketing careers at three different companies.

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