Frequently Asked Questions

The Master of Management, Marketing Analytics (MMA) program is designed to allow students to dive into their graduate studies with a more defined focus. The curriculum is heavily geared towards coursework in marketing and analytics, helping students develop a strong and unique skill set that is in high demand among employers. Earning a degree through our Master of Management, Marketing Analytics program is comparable to earning a degree through other types of specialized master’s degree programs, such as an MS in Marketing Analytics program.

Data analytics techniques have been on the rise for years, helping marketers learn more about their customers and target them with tailored product recommendations and advertisements.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for market research analysts are projected to grow 13 percent from 2022 to 2032. With such a huge demand for people who understand data analytics, the MMA program is specifically designed for students seeking to enhance their knowledge and gain expertise in marketing and analytics.

Career Appeal: Marketing analytics jobs are on the rise. Our specialized master’s program will help you launch or advance your career in marketing by updating your skills through our innovative curriculum and executive career coaching. Your newly learned skills will help differentiate you from your peers and increase your earning potential.

Excellence in Business Analytics: The Poole College of Management distinguishes itself with outstanding quality in business analytics education and research, consistently securing positions in the top 20 of U.S. News & World Report’s national rankings. Poole College’s expertise in business analytics is supported by its own in-house Business Analytics Initiative with direct connections to industry. 

Rigorous and Applied Curriculum: Prepare to Think and Do by acquiring in-demand skills in software like Jump, Tableau and SAS, and complete courses in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). Our faculty strives to integrate AI into every class, and students can take courses focused on these topics including classes on managing AI projects, managing digital transformations and implementing machine learning tools.

Optimal flexibility in an online program (with optional in-person elements):
Complete the program online and on your schedule with on-demand classes, or take live classes with real-time engagement. Students can also attend in-person events with other Jenkins Graduate Program students including social and networking events.

Excellent Value (in NC) and Return on Investment: Between the competitive in-state tuition and in-demand skills sought by employers everywhere, our students graduate well-positioned to jumpstart their career and receive a valuable return on their investment.

The Master of Management, Marketing Analytics (MMA) is well-suited for aspiring or seasoned marketing professionals who want to focus on strengthening their marketing careers with analytics in order to prepare for a shifting market that is becoming increasingly reliant on the ability to leverage data.

The program is well-suited for working professionals interested in a career change or those seeking to leverage a foundation in applied analytics to achieve new advancement opportunities. 

The MMA program is also a great choice for recent graduates with a passion for analytics and a desire to supplement their bachelor’s degree with expertise in marketing analytics.

While some background in statistics and programming is a plus, it is not necessary. All of our instructors understand that there are students coming into the program without this kind of exposure, so our curriculum starts with the basics and builds from there.

We expect working professional students to be able to complete the program within two to three years. The actual time to completion depends on how many credit hours a student takes each semester as well as whether they take courses in the summer. Students who take six credit hours every term will be able to finish in two years.  

Sometimes life happens to working professional students; there can be new family members or new job challenges. Our program offers a lot of flexibility. Students can vary their credit hours from semester to semester; they also can take a leave of absence. The Graduate School at NC State does require all master’s students to complete their degree within six years.  

All of the courses needed for the degree will be available online. The majority of classes are asynchronous, meaning students can watch session recordings and complete assignments on their own time. Select hybrid courses are also available.  

This degree is currently offered as a part-time program. However, students can work with their advisors to potentially fulfill a full-time course load if course availability allows. 

The program begins both in the spring, starting in January, and in the fall, starting in August.

Classes are open only to students who have been admitted to graduate degree or certificate programs in the Poole College of Management.

All the latest information regarding student tuition and fees can be found on the Tuition and Financial Aid page.

All information about loans and financial aid options can be found on the Tuition and Financial Aid page.

Students should expect to pay for course materials such as texts and cases. They also must have a computer that is capable of storing and manipulating large data sets. Learn more about expenses on the Tuition and Financial Aid page.

The curriculum for the MMA program focuses on teaching cutting-edge techniques, big data analytic skills and incorporating real-world experiences that will develop your skills in data-driven decision-making. Learn to leverage in-demand software including SAS, Jump and Tableau to analyze data and gather meaningful insights. Students can round out their coursework with elective courses in additional topics including artificial intelligence (AI) and consumer behavior.

No background in data analytics is required for the successful completion of the program curriculum. Visit our curriculum page to learn more.

Despite being an online program, students have numerous opportunities to learn proactively. Students can complete study abroad programs with other Jenkins graduate students and attend in-person thought leadership events hosted by the Business Analytics Initiative, which both provide a wonderful opportunity for students to learn from industry experts and network with professionals across industries. Additionally, all students complete a practicum project, working with a team to solve a real-world problem for a client organization.   

There are various ways for students to engage beyond the classroom, including becoming a McLauchlan Fellow or a Jenkins Graduate Delegate. Our advising team also hosts student mixer events each semester, where students can network with fellow classmates from the MMA program and other Jenkins Graduate Programs. The Poole Career Center also hosts networking events each semester (both virtual and in-person) for all Jenkins Graduate Students. 

Yes, earned credits can be used toward the MBA. The Working Professional MBA is a 40 hour degree program; 12 credit hours may be counted toward the MBA, subject to approval by an academic advisor. Applicants must understand that completion of the Master of Management program does not guarantee admission to the MBA.

There will be an online orientation to prepare new students about the tools they will be using in their classes and to prepare them for the classwork ahead.

The GMAT or GRE are not required.

There is no work experience requirement. Admissions decisions will be based on academic potential and the fit between the student’s background and what the program has to offer. The admissions committee will view applicants with experience in analytics or marketing favorably. However, the committee will also be open to candidates who have a strong academic achievement record that demonstrates the potential to excel.

Application fees are waived for all US military members.

Application fee waivers may also be available for U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents with financial need. Please send your request to Dr. David Shafer, Assistant Dean at the Graduate School, at dmshafer@ncsu.edu and include an explanation of your economic circumstances.

Applicants who are denied admission are allowed to reapply.  Denied applicants should seek feedback from the admissions committee regarding how to put together a stronger case for their admission.

NC State accepts up to 12 transfer credits.  The credits need to correspond very closely with NC State courses and the grades need to be B or higher.

To be eligible for admission to graduate study at NC State, all non-US citizen applicants (i.e., non-resident aliens and permanent residents) must demonstrate proficiency in English at a level necessary to be successful in a graduate program at NC State. This requirement can be met for most applicants in one of the following ways; however, some programs may require additional evidence of English proficiency:

1. Provide Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a total score of at least 80 on the Internet-based Test (iBT), and with minimum test scores for each section of:
   1. Listening – 18 points
   2. Reading – 18 points
   3. Writing – 18 points
   4. Speaking-
      1. 18 points for admission
      2. 23 points for TA appointment where TA has direct verbal interactions with students,
      3. 26 points for TA appointment where TA presents lectures in the class or laboratory
      4. NOTE: The current computer and paper-based versions of the TOEFL test will be given until the iBT version is implemented in a particular location. Computer-based TOEFL scores must be 213 or higher (with at least 17 on three sections and no section score below 13). The paper-based test requires a score of 550 or higher (with scores of 50 on at least two of the three sections and no section score below 45).
2. Provide International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores with an overall band score of at least 6.5. Minimum test scores for each section are listed below:
   1. Listening – 6.5
   2. Reading – 6.5
   3. Writing- 6.5
   4. Speaking – 6.5 for admission; 7.0 for TA appointment
3. Provide Duolingo with a total score of 110 or better.
4. Be a citizen of a country where English is the official language and the language of instruction in higher education
5. Have successfully completed at least one year of full-time study in a degree program at a regionally accredited four-year US College or university.

TOEFL or IELTS test scores must be no older than two years (24 months) before the requested entry term begins.

The Poole Career Center provides all Jenkins graduate students with career coaching, workshops and several networking and professional skill-building opportunities. Learn more about career services for students.

Students in the MMA program will be well-positioned for roles that help their organizations make decisions about how to optimize their marketing. These roles work closely with product, customer and other types of marketing managers to help determine what questions they need help answering. 

Such roles also involve serving as an intermediary between information technology and management, gathering critical data from internal stakeholders and translating that information for customer-facing representatives. These positions have titles such as marketing analyst, market researcher, market research analyst, product research analyst, or customer research analyst.

With a need for analytics-minded thinking at all levels of an organization, students from the MMA could potentially end up with careers in the highest levels of an organization with titles such as chief data officer.

Our alumni have several ways to stay engaged, such as conducting practice interviews with students, delivering corporate presentations to students, hosting a workshop or participating on an event panel.

As a Jenkins alumnus, you are eligible to receive lifelong career coaching. We are excited to connect with you and help you navigate through your career path.