Master of Business Administration (Marketing)
Hours: 33 On-Campus Online
About
The Master of Business Administration (Marketing) program at Fort Hays State University prepares students to drive business growth in a competitive and rapidly changing environment. The program emphasizes creating customer value by understanding market needs, developing innovative offerings, and building a strong brand message. 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 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. It offers both online and on-campus formats, making it ideal for working professionals seeking a customizable learning experience.
The program 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 professional aims to deepen their expertise, enhance marketing strategies, or enter the marketing field with advanced skills, this program offers the flexibility and practical experience needed 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 wanting to improve their business 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 those in digital marketing, which enhance practical skills and increase employability. Upon completion, graduates will possess a strong theoretical foundation in marketing, complemented by the hands-on experience necessary 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 provides experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for successful marketing careers in the real world. 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
The core curriculum provides a strong foundation in key business disciplines, ensuring that students gain a comprehensive understanding of business operations and an essential skill set for any marketing professional. Elective courses provide in-depth insights into areas such as consumer decision-making, marketing research methods, and the impact of digital technologies on contemporary 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 adopts a managerial approach to marketing, focusing on 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.
Graduates are well-equipped to pursue a variety of marketing roles that offer 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 and expansion. 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.
MBA applications are accepted throughout the year, and admissions are made on a continuous basis. 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.
*These prices 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. The program coordinator is available to discuss how these programs can help students explore their interests and prepare for a variety of rewarding career opportunities.
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.
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:
- Master of Business Administration (Digital Marketing)
- Master of Business Administration (Operations Management)
- BBA in Marketing
- Certificate in Business Communication - Graduate Level
- Master of Professional Studies (Organizational Leadership)
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.
Yes, the program offers opportunities to earn professional certifications in areas such as digital marketing, which enhance practical skills and improve employability. Certification eligibility depends on the courses chosen, allowing students to customize their education to align with their career goals. Specific courses focus on digital and content marketing certifications.
FHSU Career Services offers comprehensive career support, including access to job placement services, networking opportunities, and guidance on advancing in marketing roles.
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 dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in business by aligning individual strengths and goals with the evolving needs of the global marketplace. Whether pursuing a degree on-campus or online, students benefit from programs that emphasize practical business knowledge, real-world case studies, and forward-thinking decision-making skills essential for today’s dynamic business environment.
The department offers a diverse range of academic pathways, including business education, marketing, and tourism and hospitality management. Its immersive curriculum, delivered by faculty who remain actively engaged with current industry trends, equips students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed across a variety of sectors, from local enterprises to international organizations. FHSU graduates are consistently in high demand, reflected in strong job placement rates and a network of successful alumni.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Collegiate DECA: An international organization for students and educators in the fields of business, finance, hospitality, and marketing. It prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs through co-curricular programs that blend classroom learning with real-world experiences and professional networking opportunities.
- Pi Omega Pi - Business Education Club: The National Business Education Teacher Honor Society is dedicated to promoting academic excellence and service within the field of business education. The organization encourages scholarship, leadership, and professional development among students preparing for careers in business teaching.
- Eta Sigma Delta - International Hospitality Management Society: Recognizes hospitality and tourism students for their exceptional academic achievement, service, and professionalism. The organization provides valuable networking opportunities and fosters connections among students, industry executives, educators, and peers.
- THM Travel Club: Supports domestic and international travel experiences for students in tourism and hospitality. Through participation, members gain practical skills in travel planning, budgeting, organization, and fundraising, offering a well-rounded perspective on career opportunities within the tourism and hospitality industry.
- Certificate
- Minor
- Bachelor's
- MBA
- On-Campus
- Online
