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What is Marketing?
Marketing colleges and degree programs are available throughout Pennsylvania. After all, marketing is important in every industry. Students can choose to study at a traditional four-year university, at a technical school, or within a community college. There are many marketing programs to choose from including business, advertising, and public relations. Students should consider their interests and career goals when selecting a program. The job market for marketing professionals is growing, so now is a great time to pursue a degree in marketing.
Regardless of the school or program you choose, marketing degrees in Pennsylvania can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this competitive field. You’ll learn how to create effective marketing campaigns, manage customer relationships, and analyze market data. And with a glut of jobs available in today’s economy, a degree in marketing can be your ticket to a successful career.
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Online Marketing Education in Pennsylvania
Generally speaking, a marketing professional is a person who drives sales and profits through research, market analysis, and brand building. In addition to that, they are responsible for developing marketing strategies and managing budgets. A marketing professional should possess a strong understanding of consumer behavior and be able to extrapolate data in order to gain information.
Marketing professionals are responsible for interacting with clients from a variety of industries and should be personable and pleasant. Good communication and organizational skills are essential, as well as a good sense of patience. They should also possess strong listening and decision-making skills, and must be able to think critically.
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Online Associate Degree in Marketing (AS)
A degree in marketing can be pursued through an online college or through a traditional in-person degree, but there are some pros and cons to each option. For one, an online degree may be less expensive than an in-person degree, though this may only be because there are fewer fees involved and only if the student is able to continue to live with their family as they earn their degree. An associate degree is already not as expensive as a four-year bachelor's degree because it takes less time and credit hours completed to earn. In the end, completing an associate degree online can save you more than half the cost of a bachelor’s as long as you are able to transfer the credits to a four-year institution after completion.
A career in marketing is an exciting and rewarding field for creative, entrepreneurial, and driven students. Advancements in technology continue to fuel the demand for marketing professionals with cutting edge skills. And both in-person and online degree programs emphasize skills and in-depth knowledge in this fast-paced field. A marketing college degree will prepare students for a challenging career in a variety of marketing positions. You should complete courses that cover subjects such as public relations, advertising, and marketing research, among others.
The curriculum in an associate degree program in marketing includes many practical experiences. Students will learn about marketing laws and regulations, product package designs, and business law and ethics. These programs can also lead to careers in retail or entrepreneurship, advertising, sales, and management, which require an understanding of consumer behavior and the business environment.
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing (BS)
An accredited online bachelor's degree in marketing prepares students to pursue careers in all sectors of the marketing industry just as a traditional degree will. Graduates can use this degree to begin developing their marketing expertise and/or gain a leg up on a master's program in marketing. Marketing professionals are in high demand, with 61% of hiring managers reporting that they are actively looking for applicants with a background in digital marketing. With qualified candidates in short supply, you should have no problem getting your foot in the door and gaining experience in the field.
A bachelor's degree in marketing can prepare students for many different jobs including roles as marketing managers, advertising specialists, and sales representatives. Career opportunities in this field are diverse and growing, with a projected 8% growth in business and finance occupations between now and 2030, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Entry-level marketing jobs can include market research analyst, event planner, or sales representative. Additionally, bachelor's-level degrees can begin preparing students for graduate school, leadership roles, and postsecondary teaching positions.
Online Master’s Degree in Marketing (MS)
If you are looking to boost an existing career in marketing, earning a master's degree or MBA in the field can help you. Today's marketing environment is based on digital space, and distance learners gain knowledge covering cutting-edge communication technologies while studying. Students learn how to connect with existing customers, attract new ones, and grow existing customer relationships. Those skills translate seamlessly into professional work.
The first thing to consider is the admissions requirements of your program. It’s important to note that these degrees are nearly always designed for working professionals. This is why they were the first to adopt online learning platforms, but it also means that you may need to have experience in the industry before you can start earning a graduate degree that will help you gain promotions. Admissions requirements for marketing master's degree programs can be fairly demanding. While many schools have no prior course prerequisites, some do require a specific GPA, which varies by program. Most programs require two to three letters of recommendation from previous professors, mentors, or supervisors. And some will have a work experience requirement from one to five years.
Online PhD in Marketing (PhD)
A PhD in marketing offers numerous opportunities for career advancement, and nearly all have options to complete at least some of the education requirements through distance learning. As with a master’s, these programs are built for working professionals. In addition to business management, a marketing doctorate degree can also lead to a career in research, academia, or consulting.
The coursework for a PhD in marketing will typically include a mix of business administration, psychology, and economic theory. Students can build upon the material they already know through independent research and collaboration with an advisor. This advisor will help them complete the necessary courses and also complete the research requirement, which might include the creation and defense of a dissertation before you can earn your full degree. Graduates can pursue a number of different careers including content marketers, brand strategists, data scientists, product marketing managers, and global strategic marketing directors. However, a PhD is rarely required in this field and is most useful for those who wish to become a business consultant, establish themselves as an expert, or work in academia.
Online Marketing Certifications
Online marketing certifications from colleges and degree programs offer a variety of valuable skills to those who wish to become more efficient and effective in the field. You can earn some certifications through your college or university, but many certifications are offered through online courses from specific vendors or associations. There are a large number of these certifications available that cover many subjects, but one of the most useful in today’s marketing field may be those covering digital and online marketing technologies and strategies.
In these types of certifications, students will gain an understanding of the fundamentals of online marketing and how to integrate paid advertising into a successful campaign. The curriculum may also include courses in content marketing, principles of SEO, video production, and online advertising.
Certificate programs are usually shorter than degree programs and are more affordable, but they cannot replace a degree in this field unless you have already gained a significant amount of experience. You should be able to find certifications covering content marketing, social media marketing, search engine optimization, mobile marketing, digital brand strategies, and more. The curriculum will differ depending on the certification earned and the entity providing the education. Vendor-specific certifications are usually only offered from the vendor, but skill-based certification may be earned from multiple sources. Make sure that any certification you choose to earn is one that is considered useful in your chosen career path.
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Become a Marketer in Pennsylvania
If you are looking for a career in marketing, Pennsylvania is a great place to start. There are many colleges and universities that offer marketing degrees, and there are marketing jobs available. While there are no licensure requirements for marketers in Pennsylvania, the following steps can help you get your foot in the door and get started on your chosen career path.
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Step 1: Choose the right college or university
There are many colleges and universities that offer marketing degrees, so you should find one that fits your needs and interests. This may mean looking for a college with online learning options in Pennsylvania, or you might want to choose a school that has a high placement rate for graduates. Make sure you know what is most important to you and keep searching till you find the right option.
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Step 2: Get a degree in marketing or a related field
A degree in marketing will give you the basic skills you need to succeed in the field. However, if you don’t have a degree, there are many other options available to you. You can also get a certificate in marketing from an accredited school or university. Or, if you earned a degree in something else, such as psychology, you may still be able to make your way into the marketing world – it will just mean going out of your way to gain some foundational knowledge and finding an entry-level position that will provide on-the-job training.
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Step 3: Gain experience in the field
Once you have completed your education, it’s important to gain experience in the field. This can be done by working as an intern or by volunteering with a local organization. Try to find internships or entry-level jobs at marketing firms or companies that specialize in marketing products and services.
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Step 4: Network with other marketers
Networking with other marketers can help you gain new insights, improve your skills, and find new opportunities. Meeting other marketers in person or online can help you build relationships that can benefit your career and business. Attending industry events, participating in online forums and groups, or simply reaching out to others for advice can help you figure out how to succeed. By networking with other marketers, you can learn from their successes and mistakes and find new ways to promote products or services.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Marketing?
A bachelor's degree in marketing can qualify you for a wide variety of positions in the business world. Many companies require marketing experience or education/training as a prerequisite for many jobs and having a degree in marketing can give you an edge over other applicants. With a marketing degree, you could pursue a career in advertising, market research, product management, public relations, or sales. You could also start your own business or become a consultant. The skills you learn in marketing can be applied to almost any field, so your options are limitless.
Potential Careers for Marketing Graduates
- Marketing Specialist:
A marketing specialist is responsible for developing and implementing marketing plans and programs, both short- and long-range, to create demand for products and services. They conduct market research to determine customer requirements, interests, and trends and also develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the company’s profits. In addition, they oversee the development and execution of advertising and promotion campaigns.
Necessary Requirements:
- Proven experience as a marketing specialist or similar role
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for market research analysts in the US in 2021 was $63,920
- The mean annual wage for market research analysts and marketing specialists in Pennsylvania is $70,130
- Social Media Manager:
A social media manager will be responsible for managing and executing the company's social media strategy. This will include creating and managing content, engaging with followers, and monitoring analytics.
Necessary Requirements:
- Proven experience as a Social Media Manager or similar role
- Experience with social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
- Excellent communication and writing skills
- Creativity and ability to come up with engaging content
- Good organizational and time management skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers in the US in 2021 was $133,380 and marketing managers earned $135,030
- The mean annual wage for advertising and promotions managers in Pennsylvania is $104,890 and marketing managers earn $139,350
- Marketing Coordinator:
A marketing coordinator is responsible for assisting the marketing team in the planning and execution of marketing campaigns. They will help to develop marketing materials, track campaign results, and maintain relationships with vendors and clients. The marketing coordinator will also provide administrative support to the marketing team as needed.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field
- 1-3 years of experience in marketing or a related field
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for marketing managers in the US in 2021 was $135,030
- The mean annual wage for marketing managers in Pennsylvania is $139,350
- Senior Project Manager:
A senior project manager will be responsible for managing and overseeing all aspects of assigned projects from start to finish. This includes but is not limited to developing project plans, coordinating with team members and other departments, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget, and communicating progress and status updates to stakeholders.
Necessary Requirements:
- Proven experience as a project manager
- Strong leadership and organizational skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for project management specialists in the US in 2021 was $94,500
- The mean annual wage for project management specialists in Pennsylvania is $90,340
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- Business Development Director:
A business development director is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to grow the company's business. This includes identifying new business opportunities, negotiating and closing deals, and building and maintaining relationships with key partners.
Necessary Requirements:
- Proven business development experience
- Strong negotiation and closing skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for training and development managers in the US in 2021 was $120,130
- The mean annual wage for training and development managers in Pennsylvania is $121,990
- Media Buyer:
A media buyer is responsible for planning, negotiating, and purchasing advertising space and time on behalf of their company or client. This can include print, broadcast, digital, and more media. They must have a keen understanding of the target audience and media landscape in order to make strategic decisions that will achieve the desired results.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, business, or a related field
- 2-4 years of experience in media buying or planning
- Strong analytical and research skills
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for buyers and purchasing agents in the US in 2021 was $72,540 and media and communications workers (all other) earned $49,900
- The mean annual wage for buyers and purchasing agents in Pennsylvania is $70,680 and media and communications workers (all other) earn $52,800
- Brand Manager:
A brand manager is responsible for managing the reputation and image of the company. They oversee all marketing and advertising initiatives and ensure that they are aligned with the company's overall goals and objectives. A brand manager also works closely with other departments to ensure that the brand is consistently represented across all channels.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in marketing or advertising
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent project management skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for advertising and promotions managers in the US in 2021 was $133,380
- The mean annual wage for advertising and promotions managers in Pennsylvania is $104,890
- Marketing/Research Analyst:
A marketing research analyst is responsible for conducting market research and analysis to support marketing initiatives and campaigns. This includes identifying target markets, conducting surveys and interviews, analyzing data, and preparing reports. They also provide insights and recommendations to improve marketing strategies and effectiveness.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, market research, or a related field
- 2+ years of experience in market research or a related field
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for market research analysts in the US in 2021 was $63,920
- The median annual wage for market research analysts and marketing specialists in Pennsylvania is $70,130
- Product Manager:
A product manager is responsible for the planning, execution, and delivery of a product. They work with cross-functional teams to ensure that the product meets the needs of the customer and the business and are also responsible for product marketing and launch.
Necessary Requirements:
- Proven experience as a Product Manager or similar role
- Experience working in Agile/Scrum environment
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for industrial production managers in the US in 2021 was $103,150
- The mean annual wage for industrial production managers in Pennsylvania is $107,620