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Overview of a Bachelor’s in Marketing


Marketing drives the capitalist economy. That’s a simple fact, and that is why marketing is so essential. Without marketing, there is no brand awareness and little opportunity for a business to develop a following. Marketing educates consumers; consumers tend to rely on the brands they trust and marketing serves as a huge influencer. Just as there are many different aspects to marketing, so there are also many jobs in this wide-ranging field.

If you’re creative and possess good critical thinking skills, you want a career in which your creativity can flourish. An online marketing bachelor's degree offers a solid background for many positions. Keep in mind that every company or organization will market itself in some way so, unlike some majors, a concentration in marketing will not limit you to a few large industries. Some of the main courses you'll take in an on-campus or online marketing degree include:

  • Strategic Marketing
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Advertising and Promotions
  • Digital Marketing
  • Public Relations
  • Business Accounting and Finance
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Business Management
  • Statistics
  • Business Communication

PROS

If you want a successful career in marketing, a bachelor’s online marketing degree in this subject is your best bet, and there are options for degrees in the marketing field that are available as online, on-campus, and hybrid programs, which include online and in-person learning. Many organizations will not consider a candidate who has not completed an online marketing degree program at this level and, even if hired, the individual may find promotion difficult without it. When you have a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts marketing degree online or traditional, your career and salary options immediately improve. You can also earn certifications to expand job opportunities. You will also likely earn more than those who have not completed bachelor’s programs in marketing. While an online associate degree in marketing may help you get your foot in the door, it is unlikely to lead to more than an entry-level job, though master's or master of business administration (MBA) online marketing degrees may help you get into management.

CONS

There is no real con for earning an undergraduate online marketing degree, except perhaps student loan debt. While you could work full-time during the four or more years it may take to complete this online marketing degree, you won’t earn as much in the long-term as a person with the degree and will have fewer opportunities to advance in your career, even after you gain experience. As noted, you are unlikely to find employment in the marketing field without a bachelor’s degree. However, many successful marketing professionals hold a higher-level online marketing degree such as master’s degree in public relations, advertising, and similar fields. When you don’t have a higher-level degree, you are ineligible to take some marketing program certifications.

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Top 25 Online Bachelors in Marketing Programs


1

Purdue University

Score: 86.09

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,992
    • Out-of-State: $28,794
  • Net Price: $12,576
  • Acceptance Rate: 53%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%
  • Total Enrollment: 51,528
  • Undergrad Students: 38,593
  • Graduate Students: 12,935
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Purdue University
2

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Score: 82.83

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $16,263
    • Out-of-State: $33,963
  • Net Price: $17,535
  • Acceptance Rate: 66%
  • Retention Rate: 92%
  • Graduation Rate: 84%
  • Total Enrollment: 50,637
  • Undergrad Students: 36,344
  • Graduate Students: 14,293
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Rutgers University-New Brunswick
3

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Score: 82.2

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $15,859
    • Out-of-State: $35,099
  • Net Price: $16,018
  • Acceptance Rate: 75%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 84%
  • Total Enrollment: 54,955
  • Undergrad Students: 39,248
  • Graduate Students: 15,707
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
4

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Score: 79.37

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $16,952
    • Out-of-State: $38,171
  • Net Price: $22,291
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%
  • Total Enrollment: 32,229
  • Undergrad Students: 24,391
  • Graduate Students: 7,838
  • Grads Salary: $78,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Massachusetts-Amherst
5

Florida International University

Score: 76.24

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $6,565
    • Out-of-State: $18,963
  • Net Price: $9,881
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 55,609
  • Undergrad Students: 45,688
  • Graduate Students: 9,921
  • Grads Salary: $68,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • Florida International University
6

Regis University

Score: 74.64

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $42,220
    • Out-of-State: $42,220
  • Net Price: $26,377
  • Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,668
  • Undergrad Students: 2,398
  • Graduate Students: 2,270
  • Grads Salary: $86,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Regis University
7

Arizona State University

Score: 74.58

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,618
    • Out-of-State: $30,592
  • Net Price: $14,808
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 80,065
  • Undergrad Students: 65,492
  • Graduate Students: 14,573
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Arizona State University
8

University of Houston

Score: 74.22

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,699
    • Out-of-State: $21,891
  • Net Price: $14,056
  • Acceptance Rate: 66%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 63%
  • Total Enrollment: 46,700
  • Undergrad Students: 37,943
  • Graduate Students: 8,757
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • University of Houston
9

Oregon State University

Score: 73.94

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,664
    • Out-of-State: $33,439
  • Net Price: $21,163
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Total Enrollment: 34,292
  • Undergrad Students: 28,905
  • Graduate Students: 5,387
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Oregon State University
10

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Score: 73.49

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,874
    • Out-of-State: $32,734
  • Net Price: $16,926
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,403
  • Undergrad Students: 25,777
  • Graduate Students: 7,626
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 17:1
  • Colorado State University-Fort Collins
11

Florida Atlantic University

Score: 73.23

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $4,879
    • Out-of-State: $17,324
  • Net Price: $9,711
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 29,592
  • Undergrad Students: 24,191
  • Graduate Students: 5,401
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • Florida Atlantic University
12

University of Arkansas

Score: 73.15

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $9,656
    • Out-of-State: $27,410
  • Net Price: $16,208
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 30,936
  • Undergrad Students: 26,269
  • Graduate Students: 4,667
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • University of Arkansas
13

Washington State University

Score: 73.07

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,701
    • Out-of-State: $28,385
  • Net Price: $17,911
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%
  • Total Enrollment: 27,539
  • Undergrad Students: 22,612
  • Graduate Students: 4,927
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Washington State University
14

Temple University

Score: 73.05

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $21,135
    • Out-of-State: $35,608
  • Net Price: $23,935
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%
  • Total Enrollment: 33,196
  • Undergrad Students: 24,106
  • Graduate Students: 9,090
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Temple University
15

Webster University

Score: 73.03

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $29,840
    • Out-of-State: $29,840
  • Net Price: $23,069
  • Acceptance Rate: 55%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 59%
  • Total Enrollment: 6,396
  • Undergrad Students: 2,197
  • Graduate Students: 4,199
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Webster University
16

Oklahoma State University

Score: 72.64

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,234
    • Out-of-State: $25,754
  • Net Price: $16,718
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 83%
  • Graduation Rate: 65%
  • Total Enrollment: 25,372
  • Undergrad Students: 20,786
  • Graduate Students: 4,586
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Oklahoma State University
17

University of Mary

Score: 72.4

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $21,062
    • Out-of-State: $21,062
  • Net Price: $18,369
  • Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,652
  • Undergrad Students: 2,506
  • Graduate Students: 1,146
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • University of Mary
18

Oregon Institute of Technology

Score: 72.36

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,122
    • Out-of-State: $33,956
  • Net Price: $17,283
  • Acceptance Rate: 93%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 57%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,911
  • Undergrad Students: 4,802
  • Graduate Students: 109
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Oregon Institute of Technology
19

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Score: 72.36

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,832
    • Out-of-State: $21,216
  • Net Price: $16,834
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Retention Rate: 82%
  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • Total Enrollment: 21,639
  • Undergrad Students: 13,032
  • Graduate Students: 8,607
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham
20

American Public University System

Score: 72.26

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,360
    • Out-of-State: $7,360
  • Net Price: $11,172
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 55%
  • Total Enrollment: 48,668
  • Undergrad Students: 39,206
  • Graduate Students: 9,462
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • American Public University System
21

Florida Tech

Score: 71.72

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $43,670
    • Out-of-State: $43,670
  • Net Price: $30,752
  • Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • Retention Rate: 75%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,315
  • Undergrad Students: 3,364
  • Graduate Students: 4,951
  • Grads Salary: $83,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Florida Tech
22

Concordia University-Wisconsin

Score: 71.05

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $33,062
    • Out-of-State: $33,062
  • Net Price: $24,485
  • Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 66%
  • Total Enrollment: 4,988
  • Undergrad Students: 2,817
  • Graduate Students: 2,171
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Concordia University-Wisconsin
23

Northern Illinois University

Score: 70.81

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $12,662
    • Out-of-State: $12,662
  • Net Price: $13,884
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 65%
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Total Enrollment: 15,649
  • Undergrad Students: 11,429
  • Graduate Students: 4,220
  • Grads Salary: $75,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Northern Illinois University
24

Drexel University

Score: 70.6

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $58,965
    • Out-of-State: $58,965
  • Net Price: $39,267
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%
  • Total Enrollment: 22,344
  • Undergrad Students: 14,021
  • Graduate Students: 8,323
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Drexel University
25

New Mexico State University

Score: 70.59

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,627
    • Out-of-State: $24,751
  • Net Price: $10,407
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Retention Rate: 72%
  • Graduation Rate: 51%
  • Total Enrollment: 14,268
  • Undergrad Students: 11,591
  • Graduate Students: 2,677
  • Grads Salary: $72,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 16:1
  • New Mexico State University

Associate vs. Bachelor's in Marketing


Digital marketing is ever changing, and that means professionals must stay abreast of the latest trends in the field. That means taking courses regularly and earning certifications in various specialties, which is easy to do through online learning platforms. For example, certification in digital/online marketing is a virtual necessity for marketers. Certifications often mean additional job responsibilities and salary boosts, but they are not a substitute for an online bachelor’s degree. Most fields require continuing education, and certification serves this purpose in marketing. Many firms pay for employees to earn certifications online, which is an investment in their future.

What Marketing Bachelor’s Degrees are Available?


An online marketing bachelor's degree is either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS). Whether the school bestows a BA or BS on a graduate depends on the individual institution rather than the learning format, such as online or in-person. The degree is referred to as marketing management at certain institutions of higher learning. Some schools may offer a BS or BA in business administration with a marketing concentration. Related fields and degrees run the gamut including public relations, professional sales, sales management, advertising, marketing research, and more.

Typical Marketing Degree Admission Requirements


While in high school, those interested in a marketing major should take marketing courses in business, math, writing, and public speaking; all subjects necessary for a marketing career. High school graduates or students earning a GED may apply for admission to a bachelor’s degree marketing program. While exact admission requirement vary by school, in most cases the student should have a high school GPA of at least 2.5. The more selective the school, the higher the acceptable high school GPA. The student must also pay all applicable application fees and submit their SAT and ACT scores. Each school sets its own minimally-acceptable SAT or ACT score. In order to graduate and receive an online marketing degree, online students must generally earn a minimum overall 2.0 GPA. However, every school sets its own academic standards.

While it is possible to find entry-level employment as a marketing professional with an associate degree, most employers expect candidates to have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field. This is why most people who intend to pursue a career in marketing opt to enroll in a four-year undergraduate program.

Online bachelor degrees usually consist of 120 credit hours of coursework that full-time students can complete within four years. After earning a bachelor degree in marketing, graduates can either enter the workforce or begin working toward a graduate degree.

Graduate degrees in marketing usually consist of 30 to 36 credit hours of coursework that can be completed within two years. A master of marketing degree is not required to find employment, but it does often give candidates an edge over the competition. Many employers give preference to individuals with a graduate-level education; this degree demonstrates dedication to the field and an in-depth understanding of basic and advanced marketing concepts. As a result, a master of marketing degree can lead to more employment opportunities and higher pay.

How long does it take to earn an online marketing bachelor's?


Most students can earn an online bachelor’s degree in marketing within four years if they attend school full-time. If the student attends school part-time, it may take between five and eight years to earn this online marketing degree. For students who must work or have children to care for, earning a degree online may prove to be the best option, as they can study at their own pace.

Some schools offer the opportunity to obtain an online bachelor’s and master’s degree in marketing. Students may take some graduate courses during their junior and senior years, which qualify for both the undergraduate and graduate degree. The online master’s degree in marketing is generally completed in one year, so the student spends five years obtaining a joint bachelor and master’s degree in marketing. Some of these accelerated options are also available online.

Sample Coursework for this Online Marketing Degree

Once you have completed your general education courses you will take a mix of business courses and marketing courses while you complete your online education. Marketing students will take a mix of these classes depending on the college's marketing programs:

  • Marketing Research
  • Digital Marketing
  • Digital Advertisiing
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Business Strategy
  • Search Engine Optimization
  • Search Engine Marketing
  • Critical Thinking Skills
  • Market Research Analysts
  • Market Analytics
  • Marketing Skills
  • Sales Management
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Business To Business Marketing Strategies
  • International Marketing
  • Marketing Concepts
  • Marketing Principles
  • Effective Communication Skills
  • Operations Management
  • Effective Brand Strategy
  • Financial and Managerial Accounting
  • Retail Management

How much does an online marketing bachelor’s degree cost?


The average in-state tuition at a four-year public institution was reported by the College Board’s Trends in Higher Education Series as $9,970 during the 2017-18 academic year. For private colleges and universities, it was $35,260. The actual out-of-pocket cost of attaining a marketing degree may be notably higher, however, due to additional fees, room and board, and textbooks. Conversely, scholarships and grants can decrease the amount owed.

The exact cost of an online bachelor degree in marketing will vary. Determining factors include institution type, location, and residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state). Each college and university sets a tuition based on its operational expenses, so you will need to research each one individually. Many colleges and universities that offer an online program help students with obtaining financial aid from the university and government financial aid. This information is usually available on the school’s website.

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How to Choose an Accredited College


Choosing a college or university that has been properly accredited should be a priority. Institutions without either international or regional accreditation are not held to the same standards as those that are. As a result, it can be difficult to transfer credits from these schools or enroll in other higher education programs. Accreditation can even impact your salary. Some employers will not acknowledge a degree granted by an unaccredited institution and others will opt to pay those employees less.

If you believe that a career in marketing is the right choice for you, then the time to prepare is now. Start by taking advantage of marketing-related opportunities your school or current employer offers. You should also keep the following tips in mind as you begin looking for an online college or university marketing program that aligns with both your personal and career goals.

While colleges and universities are not required to seek accreditation, most reputable ones do. Being accredited is a sign that the institution meets important academic standards. Institutions can seek accreditation from a number of international and regional agencies. The most prominent international accreditation organizations for business and marketing programs include:

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Accreditation Council for Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
  • Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
  • Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)

The AACSB is the gold standard. It does not, however, accredit many distance learning programs. DETC is the best alternative for those seeking an online degree in marketing.

Some colleges and universities opt to become accredited by a regional agency. In these cases, all of the institution’s programs meet certain regionally-accepted expectations. Graduates of a regionally accredited school will be able to find work in the area, but may have trouble if they move to another location. Regional accreditation organizations include:

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
  • North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCACS)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS COC)
  • Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Schools (WASC ACS)

What Can I Do with a Marketing Degree?


A marketing degree is a credential that will set your career off on a focused path. You will learn how to apply statistics and other metrics so that you can better sell your firm's goods and services, but that's not the only career path. You can focus your career in a number of ways. Some marketing majors focus on the statistical aspects of marketing, while others focus more on applying that information. Since the field is quite broad, you might even apply artistic or even technological talents in your marketing career. You could spend time generating graphics, writing copy, or designing websites while others do back-end coding for websites or create high-end computer graphics as a way to promote their firm. There are a lot of possibilities.

Marketing Fields of Study


Inbound Marketing

Inbound marketing jobs generally focus on the use of internet content, such as blogging, SEO, and opt-in emails to organically attract new customers, generate leads, and/or drive sales. This work is extremely beneficial to many companies and organizations because it is usually far less expensive than other marketing tactics. Inbound marking also deals heavily with research; professionals in this field often spend significant amounts of time researching customer needs and habits, designing target-appropriate packaging, establishing pricing, and maintaining awareness of the competition.

Outbound Marketing

Outbound marketing jobs generally focus on the use of television commercials, radio ads, print advertisements, sales calls, and emails to attract new customers, generate leads, and/or drive sales. This work is usually more difficult to accurately track, costs more money to create, and produces fewer results. Inbound marking also deals heavily with social networking and online reputation management.

Direct Marketing

Direct marketing jobs generally focus on the use of direct contact with targeted consumers to generate leads and/or drive sales. Examples of this include telemarketing, sending individualized emails, sending postal communications, and utilizing targeted social networking. Professionals in this field work to optimize a company or organization’s marketing budget, increase sales with current clients, and test marketing results.

Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing jobs generally focus on the use of basic marketing principles and techniques to change a behavior, often for the betterment of a certain group or population. This work is usually intended to make the world a better place.

Potential Careers for Marketing Graduates and Marketing Professionals


An online bachelor’s in marketing offers various career opportunities. A bachelor's degree in marketing can lead to a number of exciting and rewarding careers. In most of these positions and marketing careers, you will want a marketing online degree in order to stand out among other marketing professionals. Here are just a few of the potential careers that marketing graduates can pursue:

  • Advertising Manager
    People in this role work for digital advertising agencies or media companies. Their responsibilities involve working with staff to develop advertising campaigns and the best way to deliver this information to the intended demographic. They may work with focus groups to develop strategies prior to a campaign launch.
    The average advertising manager annual salary is $65,000.
  • Brand Management
    Brand managers are responsible for managing and developing a brand identity for their company or client. They work closely with all members of the marketing team to ensure that the brand is consistent across all channels. A brand manager will also assist an advertising manager with online digital marketing programs and develop a sound marketing strategy.
  • Management Analyst
    Also known as management consultants, this job involves improving a company’s efficiency. This may include implementing cost and staff reductions and otherwise solving issues relating to operational problems. Since management analysts are generally self-employed, the work done with any company is temporary and travel is generally necessary.
    The average management analyst salary is $67,400.
  • Marketing Manager
    Marketing managers implement marketing initiatives and keeps track of their progress. They oversee their company’s marketing management campaigns in online marketing or print media, create budgets, coordinate with sales teams, and supervise the marketing department. They may also determine the pricing strategies for the items or services their company markets. Marketing managers can also manage a team of marketers that specialize in different areas of online marketing.
    The average salary for a marketing manager is $65,900.
  • Sales Manager
    The sales manager oversees the sales team, assigning sales territories, developing sales quotas and goals, and hiring and firing sales team members. Motivating the sales team is a crucial factor in the sales manager’s and the team’s success. They should also have knowledge of online/digital sales.
    The average sales manager salary is $61,300.
  • Sales Representative
    A sales representative is a salesperson, selling the goods or services offered by their company. They must know their customers and their needs, and how these goods or services can improve their customer’s business or lives. Inside sales representatives work from a corporate office, while outside sales representatives travel to customers.
    The average sales representative’s salary is $48,000.
  • Social Media Marketer
    This relatively recent position entails managing social media campaigns and developing online/digital content suitable for the client’s customers. They must understand their audience and know the best social media platforms for targeting them. They must keep up with social media trends and relevant algorithm changes.
    The average pay for a social media marketer is $52,600.
  • Market Research Analyst
    Market research analysts conduct research on consumer behavior and preferences, as well as market trends. This information is used to help companies make better marketing decisions.

Options to Advance


The many certifications required in marketing also give employees opportunities to learn about different aspects of the business and concentrate on certain niches. If you specialize in an in-demand area, you may find you can advance from your current position, either at your present company or with a firm looking to fill a role requiring your type of expertise.

One of the best ways to advance in this field is by earning an online master’s degree in a specific area. That gives you needed expertise in fields such as consumer behavior, production innovation and planning, global marketing, internet marketing, or one of marketing’s many sub-specialties. Expect to take approximately two years to earn a master’s degree. The master’s degree gives the candidate the potential to move into the executive suite, perhaps rising to positions such as Chief Marketing Officer, Brand Manager, Advertising Account Executive, and many more. A role such as Chief Executive Officer is also possible with a higher-level degree.

Frequently Asked Questions


Do I need a bachelor’s degree to work in marketing?

It’s true that you may be able to get into an entry-level marketing role with an associate degree. However, this is likely to be a dicey proposition. You may find a role with an associate degree, especially if you have some contacts in the marketing industry or know someone who works in a marketing firm. But most marketing firms and companies that have in-house marketing departments are looking for employees who have at least a bachelor’s degree. That’s why many students who are interested in marketing aim to earn a bachelor’s degree at the very least and don’t worry about earning an associate degree unless they are looking to save money.

Am I likely to need to take a lot of math courses if I want to earn a marketing degree?

While marketing is not going to require high-level physics, the research and analysis side of the job is likely to require you to take multiple courses in math in order to ensure that you have the skills you need to perform the necessary and meaningful analysis related to the field. So, unless you are planning to work on the design or artistic side of marketing, you are going to need to take and pass courses in economics, finance, geometry, statistics, and some students even take calculus, though this may depend on the school and program you choose.

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