Are you interested in a creative field that's bolstered by job growth and lucrative compensation? If so, pursuing a marketing career could be for you. And whether you're interested in market research analytics or the marketing power of social media, earning a bachelor's in marketing is a practical way to begin your career.
Throughout the following page, we take a close look at marketing programs, what you can expect during your academic journey, and what the job market may look like when you earn your diploma. Additionally, we spotlight the essential elements you can anticipate when preparing to submit your college application.
Keep reading to learn more about this widely applicable academic path and how you can begin your career in a growing professional field.
What Can I Expect From An Marketing Program?
Students pursuing an online bachelor's in marketing can anticipate a curriculum that includes general education requirements, core major classes, and electives. The best marketing programs include foundational business topics as well as the theoretical and practical elements that inform the market discipline.
Core marketing classes can cover topics spanning financial management to professional communication and students hone essential research, writing, and presentation skills. Additionally, many marketing programs allow students to specialize their business degree and choose from academic concentrations such as public relations and digital marketing.
Before graduation, students often complete a degree-culminating project. Some students also complete an internship to gain real-world experience while simultaneously building a professional network and enhancing their resumes.
Continue reading as we highlight some standard classes you can expect during your time as a marketing student.
Marketing Major Coursework
Major coursework can vary between programs, but online learners gain both foundational knowledge and advanced skills throughout their program. From market research to search engine optimization (SEO), degree-seekers encounter the time-honored best practices in marketing while exploring how the field has evolved while embracing technological advances.
Other standard marketing courses students can expect include marketing strategies, brand management, international marketing, entrepreneurship, and data analysis. And while foundational knowledge is essential to this degree, many programs allow students the chance to specialize in various areas. Some marketing concentrations include;
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Business Analytics
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Consumer Behavior
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International Marketing
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Social Media Marketing
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Sustainable Marketing
Bachelor’s Degree vs. Master’s Degree Programs
An online bachelor's degree in marketing introduces degree-seekers to foundational topics in marketing. Throughout these 120-credit bachelor of science programs, students complete a mix of general education, elective, and core major requirements. Full-time students typically graduate in about four years.
While a bachelor's degree is a great way to jumpstart a career in marketing, a master's degree allows students the chance to further hone their skills. Often, a master's degree is a prerequisite for various leadership roles.
Upon completing their bachelor's degree, some students may want to pursue a master's degree in marketing to enhance their career options and earning potential. These programs usually take about two years to complete, and students tackle 36-45 credits of coursework. During this graduate program, students complete classes such as global brand strategy, marketing for social impact, and visual marketing.
Alternatively, some may opt to complete an associate degree in marketing to learn the core principles of the field. An associate degree can lead to marketing jobs, though
Marketing Degree Requirements
Before you complete all of your general education and major requirements—typically about 120 credits over four years—you first need to gain admission into a school that offers a bachelor's in marketing. We highlight some standard admission requirements below.
High School Diploma/GED
First thing's first: you need to earn a high school diploma or your GED. High school seniors can typically start sending their applications in the autumn before they graduate.
Grade Point Average
Your high school GPA isn't the only predictor colleges use to gauge your collegiate potential, but it's a valuable metric. GPA requirements can vary between schools but typically span between 2.0-3.0. Students with lower GPAs can often offset that number with test scores and other elements of their application.
Standardized Test Scores
Especially since COVID-19, disrupted the college admission process, many schools no longer require the submission of ACT/SAT scores, and instead take a holistic approach to the admission process. That said, even though schools are increasingly test-optional, applicants can use the ACT/SAT to bolster their application package.
Letters of Recommendation
While grades and test scores offer a more objective view of your college readiness, recommendation letters allow folks the chance to speak to your potential, skills, and character. These intangibles help admission officials get to know you. Common letter-writers include teachers, counselors, coaches, and faith leaders.
Admission Essays
Similar to recommendation letters, your admission essays allow you to set yourself apart. Schools typically provide a prompt of some kind, and these essays allow you to talk about your skills, goals, and why you're a quality candidate. Schools also use this as a way to gauge your writing ability.
Marketing Career Paths
Whether you want to work as a market research analyst or a social media manager, a market career applies to countless careers. Any public-facing company or organization can rely on expertise in marketing, public relations, and consumer behavior.
And while a bachelor's in marketing can lead to an entry-level position, those seeking management positions and leadership roles often hold graduate-level degrees in marketing or business administration. Additionally, some individuals complete graduate certificates to hone specific business and marketing skills.
In the section below, we spotlight several common careers for marketing graduates along with median salaries as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Marketing Managers
Sometimes working in-house or for a marketing firm, marketing managers utilize their skills and experience to develop programs that cultivate interest in various products or services. These professionals plan marketing campaigns, conduct market research studies, and work closely with clients to provide marketing advice.
Median Annual Salary: $133,380
Job Outlook: 10%
Market Research Analysts
These data-centric marketing professionals analyze data and market conditions to forecast sales and customer interest in various goods and services. Market research analysts conduct research and utilize specialized knowledge to analyze complex data. These workers also use strong communication skills to translate complex data into a usable and digestible form for their clients.
Median Annual Salary: $63,920
Job Outlook: 22%
Public Relations Specialists
Public relations specialists oversee the communications and messaging for various organizations and businesses. Typical responsibilities include responding to information requests, writing press releases, managing social media content, and evaluating advertising campaigns.
Median Annual Salary: $62,800
Job Outlook: 11%
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