Types of Marketing Degrees
Marketing focuses on consumer behavior. Professionals in the field identify new populations for a product and devise the most effective way to attract those potential customers. Marketing students learn how to analyze data on consumer behavior and use that information to attract customers, grow sales, and differentiate a company from its competitors. Degrees and certifications prepare students to work in digital marketing or earn traditional marketing roles within a company. In addition to academic degrees, many schools offer non-credit continuing education for marketing professionals or aspiring marketers.
- Certificate/Diploma
-
Certificate programs allow students to expand skills in new areas, such as digital marketing. Programs length varies from a few months to a year. Students considering a change in their career can use certificate programs to explore a field and gain valuable training. Some programs allow students to earn credits toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree; others are non-credit courses.
- Digital Marketing Coordinator
- Marketing Writer
- Associate Degree
-
An associate degree takes about two years to complete. Many students can transfer their earned credits toward a bachelor's degree. Common courses include business communication, economics, and advertising management.
- Direct Marketing
- Media Specialist
- Bachelor's Degree
-
A bachelor’s program takes about four years to complete. The curriculum covers marketing methodology and management and provides a foundation in public relations and advertising. Students learn the principles of branding and market research analysis.
- Marketing Manager
- Sales Manager
- Master’s Degree
-
Students with a bachelor’s in marketing or in general business management are prepared for master's-level programs. The marketing master’s degree puts more emphasis on research and data analysis than the marketing concentration of an MBA program.
- Public Relations Manager
- Advertising and Promotions Manager
- Doctorate Degree
-
Marketing students at the doctorate level analyze data regarding target demographics and consumer behavior. Courses also include consumer psychology and research methods.
- Market Research Analyst
- Marketing Professor
How Much Does a Marketing Degree Cost?
Many students choose a degree in marketing because of the positive job growth in the field. Schools have responded to this demand with a variety of educational options at all degree levels. Tuition and fees vary between schools. Students should also consider the cost of books, room and board, and transportation. Community colleges offer associate, diploma, and certificate programs, which are the cheapest and quickest options to earn a career in the field, but available careers are often considered entry level. In-state colleges are often cheaper than out-of-state schools, although some states offer tuition discounts for neighboring residents. Nonprofit schools cost less than their for-profit counterparts. Schools often provide marketing scholarships to help lower the cost of college.
Financing Your Marketing Degree
Students have a variety of options to pay for their college education. Grants, scholarships, and loans are available to most students. Students should first complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Information from the FAFSA determines how much a student can contribute toward a degree and eligibility for need-based, grant programs, such as the PELL Grant, which do not have to be repaid. Many states have similar grant programs. Scholarships for marketing majors may include academic, merit-based awards from individual schools or private organizations. Professional organizations may offer marketing scholarships to attract talented individuals to the field. If students require loans to finance their education, they should look at federal loans first. Subsidized federal loans do not accrue interest while students are enrolled in school and offer lower interest rates than loans from private lenders.
Types of Scholarships
Marketing major scholarships include merit-based awards for promising students and funds that reward service and leadership potential. Students should apply for as many scholarships as possible to increase their chances of receiving an award. Organizations look at a student's academic ability and achievement and extracurricular activities, such as sports and service organizations. Students should take their time when completing applications to ensure they meet all the requirements and that they stand out.