Marketing Schools to Become the Best Marketer

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Marketing involves preparing products and services for the market. Marketers research and analyze market and consumer behavior and develop strategies for promoting specific products. Marketing sometimes overlaps with public relations, which focuses on boosting an organization's reputation. The field also informs and overlaps with advertising, which entails presenting specific products to audiences.

Marketers need strategic minds, data analysis skills, business acumen, and knowledge of market forces. Earning a marketing degree can lead to high-paying jobs such as marketing manager, public relations manager, or sales manager. Keep reading to learn more about marketing programs and careers.

Bachelor's in Marketing Frequently Asked Questions

What is marketing?

Marketing focuses on research, strategies, and activities that help promote or sell goods and services.

How long does it take to earn a bachelor's degree in marketing?

Bachelor's programs typically take about four years to complete. However, accelerated online programs often take less time.

What is the difference between marketing and public relations?

Public relations involves designing and implementing strategies for improving companies' reputations. Marketing involves promoting a company's specific offerings.

What is the difference between marketing and communication?

Marketing usually helps companies sell products or services, while communication includes non-sales-related messages.

How Much Does a Degree in Marketing Cost?

The cost of earning a bachelor's in marketing varies widely. According to the College Board's 2021 report on college pricing trends, a four-year college education in the United States costs between $42,000 and $152,000, depending on the school. The report indicates that four-year, public schools cost in-state students around $10,740 annually. Out-of-state students at the same schools pay over $27,000 annually.

Students attending private colleges or universities in another state may pay even higher tuition rates. Learners can often save substantially by enrolling in an online marketing bachelor's program in state.

Enrolling in online schools also allows working students to continue earning an income while completing their program. Online learners do not incur fees for living or parking on campus. Many schools offer discounted tuition rates for distance learners. Some schools allow out-of-state online learners to pay in-state tuition rates.

Career and Salary Outlook for Marketing

Online bachelor's in marketing graduates may work in various industries, including information technology, healthcare, and real estate. Common marketing roles include market research analyst and public relations specialist. Marketing professionals often collaborate with staff in other departments, including advertising, sales, communications, and public relations.

Marketing bachelor's graduates with demonstrated marketing experience may become advertising, promotions, and marketing managers. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $141,490, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects jobs for these professionals to grow 10% between 2020 and 2030.

Marketing graduates also may work as sales managers, public relations managers, or marketing events managers. Some find roles as marketing communication directors. Marketing bachelor's graduates can earn an advanced degree or professional certification to qualify for high-level roles.

Source: BLS

Accreditations for Marketing Degrees

The best online marketing programs appear at regionally accredited colleges and universities. These schools meet high academic standards set by one of six regional agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Regionally accredited schools usually do not recognize degrees or credits from nationally accredited schools, which meet lower standards.

Many of the best marketing bachelor's online programs also hold programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Learn more about school accreditation with this online guide.

Courses in a Marketing Program

Online bachelor's in marketing degrees often require 120 credits, including 60 marketing credits. Core coursework typically covers management, strategy, business communications, and budgeting.

More specialized marketing topics include customer relationship management, traditional marketing, and digital marketing. Online marketing bachelor's program enrollees often complete capstone projects. These projects require business data analysis, marketing campaign design, and product branding skills. See below for common online bachelor's in marketing program coursework.

• Data Analysis

  Enrollees learn how to use data and statistical tools to make savvy business decisions. To analyze data and explore decision-making in complex systems, students learn about forecasting, hypothesis testing, probability, and regression. The course often appears in marketing core curricula. It prepares learners to become adept market researchers.

• Branding

  This foundational course explores methods for encouraging brand trust and recognition through diverse advertising and communication strategies. Learners study branding principles, brand equity, and diversity. Nearly all marketing programs include a core course on branding.

• Digital Marketing

  A key marketing subfield, digital marketing may appear as a core course or a curriculum concentration. Enrollees learn how to design, implement, and evaluate social media marketing and advertising campaigns.

Best Online Bachelor's in Marketing Programs