A Guide to Careers with a Master’s in Marketing

Reviewed by Ryan Whistler

A master’s in marketing can open the door to a variety of career opportunities, from traditional marketing roles to positions in public relations and advertising. Some graduates go on to become brand managers, leading a team in creating and promoting a company’s image. Others may become market research analysts or specialists, gathering and analyzing data to inform marketing strategies. A master’s in marketing can also lead to careers in digital marketing, including social media management or search engine optimization (SEO). Ultimately, the possibilities for jobs in marketing are vast and varied, making it a popular choice among students looking for an exciting and ever-changing career path.

Keep reading to learn about the many career options available to those with a master’s degree in marketing. 

 A promotion manager plans and directs programs to generate interest in products or services. Advertising managers create interest among potential buyers of a product or service and oversee the development and strategy related to advertising. The average annual salary for a promotions manager in the U.S. is $127,150, with states like New York and California paying the highest salaries.

A content marketing specialist, sometimes referred to as a “content specialist,” is a skilled professional who is responsible for writing, editing, and developing content for marketing campaigns. They work across various digital channels, from websites to emails to social media apps, to connect with and foster a brand’s customer base. The median salary for content specialists in the U.S. is $56,359 per year, with the top 10% earning more than $82,000. 

A data scientist uses data to gain information that helps companies meet their specific goals and needs. They’re highly trained to interpret and manage data to solve complex problems, often depending on historical data to create predictions about what will help a business make or save money in the future. The average annual wage for a data scientist in the U.S. is $100,910 with the highest paying industries for data scientists currently being finance, professional services, and manufacturing. 

A digital marketing director is responsible for leading a team of marketers in developing a company's digital marketing strategies for marketing its products and services online. The field of digital marketing is vast, and directors are expected to have a strong understanding of content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) marketing, and more. The salary for a digital marketing director ranges from $159,119 to $206,323 with an average base salary of $181,840.

A market research analyst helps build a company’s position in the marketplace by researching competitors and studying marketing methods, prices, and sales. They collect data and information using a variety of research methods to help a company promote its products and services. The current median salary for a market research analyst is $63,920, with the highest paying industries being management, publishing, and finance. 

Marketing managers are responsible for the overall planning and execution of the company's entire marketing program. The average salary of a marketing manager in the U.S. is $135,030 per year, with the top 10% earning more than $208,000.

A chief marketing officer (CMO) is an executive role responsible for the scope of a company’s marketing and sales. They are forward-thinking professionals with keen communication and leadership skills. A CMO plans goals, provides direction, and measures progress for members of the marketing and sales teams. The median annual salary for a chief marketing officer in the U.S. is $175,707. 

Public relations managers help generate goodwill by creating and maintaining a favorable public image for the company. Public relations also involves crisis management. The salary for a public relations manager ranges from $102,063 to $133,862 per year, with an average base salary of $116,561. 

As a business owner or marketing professional, it's important to constantly work on improving and enhancing your marketing skills. One way to do this is through education and training, whether you’re taking a class or attending a conference on the latest industry trends. Networking can also be helpful in developing these skills, as exchanging ideas and strategies with others in the field can provide new insights and inspiration. Furthermore, keeping up with industry publications and following top marketing experts on social media can help you to expand your knowledge and stay current on the latest techniques and strategies. Essentially, continuing to learn and stay engaged will develop your marketing skills and keep them sharp.

Successful marketing professionals need a mix of technical marketing skills and creative skills, most notably: 

• Knowledge of and experience with SEO and Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
• Knowledge of and experience with various social media platforms 
• Knowledge of and experience with email marketing 
• Knowledge of and experience with pay-per-click (PPC) advertising
• Knowledge of and experience with online content strategy and creation 
• Awareness of consumer behavior and human psychology
• General understanding of data analytics 
• General understanding of UI/UX design 
• Writing, editing, and visual storytelling  
• Creative problem-solving 
• Project leadership 
• Strategic planning 

Marketing is a crucial component of any successful business, and developing your knowledge in this area can have a major impact on your company's bottom line. Having a marketing degree will help you increase your earning potential, advance in your career, and apply for leadership opportunities. WGU's master’s degree in marketing prepares students with the knowledge and skills to become a top marketer. You'll learn about consumer behavior, digital marketing, project management, strategic thinking, and more. Plus, WGU offers the support and flexibility needed to earn a degree at your own pace and comfort level.