Master of Business Administration (Marketing)

Hours: 33 On-Campus Online

About

The Master of Business Administration (Marketing) at Fort Hays State University prepares students to drive business growth in a competitive, fast-changing environment. The program emphasizes creating customer value through understanding market needs, developing innovative offerings, and building strong brand messaging. Students also gain expertise in customer segmentation and service innovation—skills essential for organizations focused on engagement and performance.

With a strong focus on strategic, conceptual, and analytical thinking, this program combines rigorous coursework with practical application. Graduates are equipped to address real-world marketing challenges and excel in leadership roles that support long-term organizational success.

Why pursue a Master of Business Administration (Marketing) at Fort Hays State University?

The Master of Business Administration (Marketing) program at FHSU offers a unique blend of affordability, flexibility, and real-world application. Designed for students with diverse academic and professional backgrounds, the program features eight-week core courses and both online and on-campus formats—ideal for working professionals seeking a customizable learning experience.

FHSU’s MBA with a concentration in Marketing integrates practical projects and simulations into the curriculum, allowing students to apply marketing theory to real-world business challenges. This hands-on approach equips graduates with the skills and experience needed to make an immediate impact in today’s dynamic marketplace.

Who is this program for?

Whether a working professional aiming to deepen expertise, an entrepreneur seeking to refine marketing strategies, or an individual aspiring to enter the marketing field with advanced skills, this program provides the flexibility and practical experience necessary to achieve career goals. It is ideal for:

Working professionals aiming to enhance their marketing expertise
Career changers interested in transitioning into the marketing field
Entrepreneurs who want to improve their business's marketing strategies
Recent graduates looking to establish themselves in the marketing industry
Marketing managers seeking to update their skills and knowledge
Business leaders aspiring to integrate marketing into their strategic planning

Real-World Applications

From the beginning, students engage in projects and simulations that mirror real-world professional challenges. The program also offers opportunities to earn specialized professional certifications, such as in digital marketing, enhancing practical skills and increasing employability. Upon completion, graduates will have a strong theoretical foundation in marketing alongside the hands-on experience needed to make an immediate and meaningful impact in their careers.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Staying ahead of industry trends is crucial in the ever-evolving field of marketing. This program is designed to keep students current with the latest advancements. The curriculum is continuously updated to reflect emerging trends in digital marketing, consumer behavior, and the use of big data. With a strong emphasis on digital marketing, the program equips students with the skills needed to succeed in today’s increasingly digital business environment.

Hands-on Activities

The Master of Business Administration (Marketing) program offers experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for real-world marketing careers. Each course features simulations and hands-on projects—such as case studies, digital marketing campaigns, market research, and brand development exercises—that build practical, job-ready skills.

Students may also collaborate with local businesses on marketing strategies, gaining valuable experience while contributing to real outcomes. This immersive, applied approach ensures graduates are equipped to translate theoretical knowledge into meaningful results from day one.

What You’ll Learn:

Strategic marketing principles
Advanced market research techniques
Digital marketing strategies
Consumer behavior analysis
Strategic selling techniques
Brand management insights

How You’ll Learn:

Online and on-campus courses
Practical projects and simulations of marketing scenarios
Collaborative group assignments
Access to industry-experienced faculty

Courses

The core curriculum provides a strong foundation in key business disciplines, ensuring students gain a comprehensive understanding of business operations, an essential skill set for any marketing professional. Elective courses offer deeper insights into areas such as consumer decision-making, marketing research methods, and the impact of digital technologies on modern marketing practices.

MKT 601G: Consumer Behavior

This course examines key psychological processes in marketing, including motivation, perception, learning, and consumer decision-making, and explores how these factors influence consumer behavior and marketing strategies.

MKT 609G: Digital Marketing

This course covers the core principles of marketing and how e-business techniques are transforming traditional marketing practices. Students will gain skills in online advertising, product development, distribution processes, and database usage, preparing them for careers in the evolving digital marketing landscape.

MBA 812: Marketing Management

This course takes a managerial approach to marketing, emphasizing strategies and concepts that enhance executive decision-making. Key topics include customer relationships, market segmentation, marketing research, product development, pricing, promotion, and distribution.

Discover the full Master of Business Administration (Marketing) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Master of Business Administration (Marketing) are well-equipped to pursue a variety of marketing roles that offer both dynamic challenges and strong opportunities for career advancement. They are prepared to step into leadership positions, guiding organizations in creating customer value and driving sustainable business growth.

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers develop and implement strategies to drive business growth. They oversee campaigns, manage budgets, and coordinate with sales and product teams to align with company goals. Their work is key to boosting brand awareness and customer engagement.

Brand Manager

Brand managers shape and maintain a brand’s identity, ensuring consistency across all marketing channels. They plan campaigns, analyze market trends, and adapt strategies to keep the brand competitive and relevant.

Digital Marketing Manager

Digital marketing managers develop and execute strategies across digital platforms to engage target audiences. They manage social media, optimize content for SEO, and analyze metrics to improve campaign performance.

Product Marketing Manager

Product marketing managers lead product launches and promotions, combining strategic planning with creative execution to ensure strong market positioning and success.

Marketing Director

Marketing directors oversee the marketing department and set long-term strategies. This senior role ensures all marketing efforts align with the company’s overall business goals.

Admission Requirements

MBA applications are accepted throughout the year, and admissions are made continually. It typically takes up to four weeks for an application to be processed. To ensure admission for the upcoming semester, applicants are encouraged to submit their materials at least 30 days before the start of classes. Early submission helps prevent delays in the admission process. The FHSU Graduate School and MBA Committee will only review complete application packages, which must include the following:

A paid graduate application
Current resume
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework (in English)
Two (2) letters of recommendation (must be signed and on letterhead to be official)
Personal statement from student indicating reasons for seeking a Master of Business Administration degree, including professional and/or career goals and pertinent past work experience.
Other requirements as specified by the Fort Hays State University Graduate School - Apply through the FHSU Graduate School.
Please do not include a photograph on any application materials. Applications with photographs will not be reviewed.
All application materials should be sent to the FHSU Graduate School via email at gradschool@fhsu.edu or mail:

Graduate School
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601

Questions regarding the application process can be directed to the FHSU Graduate School at 785-628-4236 or gradschool@fhsu.edu or Sarah Patterson, MBA Graduate Coordinator, at 785-628-5696 or gradcoordinator@fhsu.edu.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $11,817.18* (on-campus) or $12,396.78* (online) during their time as a student.

*Estimated costs are based on calculating the GR resident/regional tuition rate for on-campus students or the FHSU Online GR tuition rate plus the tuition rate for the MBA by the number of hours needed (24 MBA and 9 graduate concentration courses) to complete this program. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

Apply

Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers several programs that complement the Master of Business Administration (Marketing), providing added specialization and career advancement opportunities. These flexible options allow students to tailor their education to specific interests and goals. Related programs include:

FAQ

How flexible is the Master of Business Administration (Marketing) program?

The program offers flexible learning options, including both online and on-campus formats, enabling students to select the schedule that best suits their needs. This flexibility supports working professionals in balancing their education with career commitments. Additionally, students may choose to enroll on a part-time or full-time basis.

Are professional certifications included in the program?

Yes, the program offers opportunities to earn professional certifications in areas like digital marketing, which enhances practical skills and improves employability. Certification eligibility depends on the courses chosen, allowing students to customize their education to align with their career goals. Certain courses specifically focus on digital and content marketing certifications.

What career support is available for graduates of the Master of Business Administration (Marketing)?

FHSU Career Services provides extensive career support, including access to job placement services, networking opportunities, and guidance on career progression in marketing roles.

How does the Master of Business Administration (Marketing) program accommodate working professionals?

The program is designed for working professionals, featuring an adaptable curriculum with eight-week core courses that can be tailored to individual career goals. It also offers both online and on-campus options, providing flexibility to pursue the degree in a format that fits busy schedules.

Information about the Department of Applied Business Studies

The Department of Applied Business Studies at FHSU is committed to preparing you for a successful career in business by aligning your goals and abilities with the needs of the world. Whether you choose to study on-campus or online, our degree programs provide you with practical business insights, real-world case studies, and future-forward decision-making skills that are crucial in an ever-evolving field.

Our programs cover a broad spectrum of business disciplines, including business education, marketing, and tourism and hospitality management. Our immersive curriculum, taught by faculty who stay current with industry trends, will help you gain the knowledge and experience needed to thrive in various sectors, from small-town businesses to global corporations. Our graduates are highly sought after in the job market, and we take pride in our high placement rates and the success of our alumni.

Student Organizations

Marketing

Certificate
Minor
Bachelor's
MBA

On-Campus
Online

Request Information

Are you a current student at FHSU?*

First name*

Last name*

Email*

Phone number*

I would like more information about