The Best Marketing MBAs in Chicago
Technology has shifted the face of marketing faster than the speed of a tap on a touchscreen, and even the best marketing MBAs have to keep up with the dizzying pace. Social media and big data surround us to such an extent that in a way, anyone who is a consumer has also become a marketer.
A decision to pursue a marketing MBA brings with it the challenge to remain competitive and aware of this ever evolving landscape. In the Windy City there are a wealth of options for pursuit of a marketing MBA. Following is a glimpse at some of the metro’s offerings.
Chicago’s best marketing MBAs
Kellogg School of Management – Northwestern University
The highly-ranked marketing program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management touts its courses on the basis in “behavioral concepts and quantitative methods from a marketing-management point of view” Students are encouraged to launch or continue careers in both the for profit and non-profit sectors. In addition to the MBA, Kellogg also offers a Ph.D. and executive education level curriculum. With specialty courses in such areas as Tech Marketing and New Products and Services Launch, Kellogg is a leader in theory and applied practice.
The Marketing Club at Kellogg offers students an extracurricular outlet, with networking events, company visits and competitions outside of the classroom.
Quinlan School of Business – Loyola University
Loyola University’s Quinlan College of Business offers a number of specialty masters’ degrees, including the Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications (MSIMC). A combination of real-world training with theory, the MSIMC places students into local companies to allow an immediate testing ground for their education. Offered both online and at Quinlan’s centrally located campus, the program allows for students to begin their studies during any one of its ten quarters. Three prerequisite courses are required, along with four core classes and eight electives. Each of these classes are worth three credits.
Among Quinlan’s core marketing courses are Business Ethics and Integrated Marketing Communications. Electives branch off into specialties such as Digital Marketing, Database Strategy, Strategic Brand Management and Customer Relationship Management.
Mendoza College of Business – Notre Dame University
At the Mendoza College of Business of the University of Notre Dame a marketing MBA will develop “analytical thinking, strategic ability and creativity.” The concentration is available in the two-year MBA format. Leadership and team building are emphasized across the curriculum, as are analytical skills and understanding of consumer psychology.
Kellstadt Graduate School of Business – DePaul University
The marketing MBA at Depaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business is divided into four areas: business development, digital marketing, research and category management. Addressing consumer’s needs and behavior is emphasized across all of these aspects of study. The program is unique in that students can combine all four areas, or they may choose to focus on combinations. Specialty degrees include the Marketing Strategy and Planning MBA; the MS in Marketing and the MS in Marketing Analysis.
Data analysis, statistics, purchasing and pricing and digital strategies are integral in pursuit of either the MS or MBA degrees at Kellstadt. The school counts among its success stories alumni presence at such companies as Deloitte, Walgreens, Leo Burnett and DDB Needham.
Booth School of Business – The University of Chicago
Cross-disciplinary studies and the data driven economy are key at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. The James M. Kilts Center for Marketing serves as a locus of activity on campus that sponsors research and events centered around such topics as consumer behavior, trends in branding and the applications of analytical models.
The center also offers experiential learning options and a renowned staff of both resident and visiting faculty and doctoral fellows. Students also find opportunity for career guidance and mentoring at the center.
One out of every five full-time students in Booth’s MBA program are pursuing marketing concentrations. Like Kellogg, Booth offers a Marketing Group to provide students with time outside of class to explore their ideas. Also available to students are the Marketing Case Competition and the Quantitative Marketing and Economics Conference.
About the Author
Maggie Boccella
Maggie Boccella, a lifelong resident of Philadelphia, is a freelance writer, artist and photographer. She has consulted on various film and multimedia projects, and she also serves as a juror for the city's annual LGBTQIA Film Festival.
