Unleash your creativity in a dynamic career that rewards innovation, strategy, and imagination. An MS in marketing can help you forge a new career path or expand your current role. With a solid foundation in branding, consumer behavior, data, and management, you'll be equipped to bring your most cutting-edge ideas to life.
Kogod’s unique MS in marketing program focuses on integrated marketing communications so that you can empower your imagination and advocate for social change.
The MS in marketing program is full-time only, designed for completion within one year. Students are part of a cohort during the duration of their studies.
Our small class sizes and student-to-faculty ratio ensure that you form a lifelong personal and professional network with your peers and professors.
Why a Kogod
MS in Marketing?
Integrated Marketing Focus
We are the only marketing master's program in the DC area that focuses on every single aspect of a marketing campaign. We take data and develop creative solutions to fit a particular client's needs.
Experiential Learning
Our classes are hands-on, providing you with strategies you can implement once you're in the workforce. You'll visit industry sites, experiment with different marketing techniques, and apply the latest trends in your projects. Plus, you'll participate in the applied client project, the heart of our program.
Cohort Format
During your studies, you will be part of a cohort—a collaborative learning group. You will share classes, study, and work on group projects together. In addition to creating your first network of supportive peers, the cohort experience allows you to build your teamwork skills while focusing on a common goal.
The marketing program consists of 30 credit hours. Our courses expose you to a variety of specialized marketing areas, including brand management, nonprofit marketing, social marketing, internet marketing, and direct marketing.
Comprehensive Core
Students take the introductory course Understanding the Marketplace and Consumer at the beginning of their studies. This gives them a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of marketing. The rest of the curriculum is divided into 15 credit hours of core courses and 6 credit hours in electives.
Practical Experience
Our program capstone is the Applied Client Project, where you'll gain first-hand marketing experience by leading a full-scale campaign for a local organization.
You'll Walk Away With
- Functional Business Knowledge—foundation in each of the functional areas of business including accounting and financial analysis, production and marketing of goods and services, management of people and organizations, group dynamics and team diversity, and information and technology management.
- Strategic Thinking & Integration—strategic decision-making abilities by integrating academic (across disciplines) and experiential learning with an appreciation of the global, legal, ethical, public-interface, and societal dimensions of business.
- Analytical Skills—ability to use technology and analytical tools (models) to improve efficiency, productivity, problem solving, and communication.
- Communication Skills—professional competence in written and oral communication skills in a business setting.
Prior to completing his Ph.D. at the University of Florida, Professor Clayton worked for nearly a decade in account management and account planning in Detroit with Campbell-Ewald and BBDO. His professional experience in the Motor City included overseeing marketing communications for iconic brands including Chevrolet Corvette and Dodge, as well as strategy and research for Michelin.
One-of-a-Kind Program in DC
Our program stands out for being the only one in the area to focus on integrated marketing communications. Our graduates stand out in the local job market for their comprehensive knowledge of the field.
Applied Client Project with Partner Agency
You'll work with RedPeg Marketing to launch a full-scale marketing campaign that involves market research, strategic planning, creative implementation, and evaluation of results. Get real-world experience you can showcase in your portfolio.
STEM-Designated
Our STEM-designated marketing program is available to graduate marketing students who are accepted into the marketing analytics specialization and complete four courses that are specific to the STEM designation. The designation may allow F-1 international students to apply for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training, granting them the ability to work in the US for up to three years in their major field of study.
Guest Speakers
The program frequently hosts guest speakers who share their own journeys and insights with the class. Past speakers include marketing leaders from Uber, Google, and Rocket Fuel.
Dedicated Faculty
Our faculty are renowned experts in their field and key players in different areas of marketing. As mentors, they are invested in your professional and academic success.
Affiliation with AAF DC Advertising Federation
As a student, you'll receive a membership to this vibrant networking organization. That will allow you to attend Mosaic conferences, connect with internship and job opportunities, and more.
As part of the Antiracism in the Marketplace series, co-hosted by Kogod and AU's Antiracist Research and Policy Center, Damon Jones, chief communications officer at Procter & Gamble, discusses using advertising as a force for change.
*Black = Black or African American; Hispanic = Hispanic/American or Latino; AIAN = American Indian or Alaska Native; NHPI = Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander.
Minkyu joins the Kogod community from Gwacheon-si, South Korea, and holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from American University. In his last year as an undergraduate, he took a class with Professor Michael Clayton, and says that the class was “so helpful for me as a student who was pursuing a marketing careereven though I was a communication studies degree student. Professor Clayton spared me so much time outside of the classroom to guide me on how my educational background can be helpful for a marketing career.” His experience inspired him to continue his education at Kogod and prepare for his goals of working as a marketing data analyst or project manager. To hear from Minkyu about his time at Kogod, schedule a one-on-one meeting with him!
Celeste comes to Kogod from Arequipa, Peru, and holds a bachelor’s degree in international business and marketing from The University of Southern Mississippi. Kogod’s location in Washington, DC and the reputation of both its program and its faculty drew her to earn a marketing degree here. To learn more from Celeste about her time as a Kogod student, schedule a one-on-one chat - she also speaks Spanish!
Gabriella is a Washington, DC local, and is continuing her education at Kogod after earning a psychology degree at George Washington University. She chose Kogod for her master’s degree because of its focus on applied learning; in her own words, “the resources offered for both academic and professional purposes are abundant!” To hear from Gabriella about her experience at Kogod, schedule a meeting with her!
Caroline is from Falls Church, Virginia, and earned an anthropology and digital media degree at Tulane University. She chose to continue her education at Kogod due to its hands-on approach to learning and the opportunity to work with professionals in the field. Once she completes her master’s degree, Caroline wants to work in a creative marketing position, and is especially interested in working for a publishing house. Learn more about Caroline’s time at Kogod by scheduling a chat with her!
Riley joins the Kogod community from Rhode Island, and holds a degree in public relations and strategic communications from American University. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, she also completed a degree in marketing, where she found the faculty to be passionate, experienced, and helpful. The support she received and the opportunities available to her as a student motivated her to continue her education at Kogod. After graduation, Riley wants to work in a field that she’s passionate about and that gives her the chance to travel and work with people from a variety of backgrounds. To chat with Riley about her experience as a Kogod student, schedule a meeting with her!
Our graduates have found professional success in some of the most buzz-worthy organizations and agencies in the nation.
Graduates of the program can work as:
- Marketing coordinator
- Marketing analyst
- Business analyst
- Account executive
- Media manager
- Digital marketing manager
Recent employers include:
- Apple
- Capital One
- IMGE
- MiQ
- MRM/McCann
- Universal Music Group
There are many reasons why Bethany chose to pursue an MS in marketing at the Kogod School of Business. But it all started with LeBron James.
Upcoming Admissions Events
Join us for an overview of Kogod’s MS in marketing program! This session will include an overview of the academic and student experience along with the admissions requirements and process. Register Now
Applying to graduate school can be confusing. Let us help! Join our Kogod Graduate Admissions team for an informational overview covering application deadlines, requirements, and timelines. This will be a live session and attendees are welcome to ask questions during the program. Register Now