Marketing Degree Programs

Marketing is a field that transcends sales, and the skills taught in marketing degree programs go beyond the obvious. Being able to highlight benefits and understand what drives consumer behavior can be helpful in a whole range of settings, from promoting public health campaigns to branding a college or university.

Business professionals with marketing skills may be hired to work across a number of industries. They may work alone or as part of a larger team. They may oversee million dollar budgets for established companies or be asked to stretch the shoestring of a start-up.

However, one thing they almost all have in common is the right training. Marketing professionals often have a bachelor's degree although there are also associate and graduate degrees in the field. Online degrees for marketing are also available for those who don't have time to pursue a traditional program. Keep reading to find out more.

Best Colleges for Marketing Degree Programs

You don't necessarily have to go to an expensive business school to get a good degree in marketing. Indeed, many of the top colleges for marketing aren't the biggest names in education. Instead, they are schools that ranked high using a methodology considering factors such as a program's prominence and student support services.

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Methodology
1Western Michigan University+
Admission Rate
81%
Graduation Rate
52.63%
Number of Degrees Offered
3
Number of Degrees Conferred
282
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Topping the list of best colleges for marketing degree programs is Western Michigan University. Located in Kalamazoo, this public university was founded in 1903 and enrolls more than 23,000 students.

The marketing program at WMU is among the largest in the nation. Undergraduate students can select from six different majors including specialized concentrations like electronic business marketing. Those interested in earning an MBA can customize their degree in the field of marketing as well. Plus, Western Michigan University offers ten scholarship programs specifically for marketing students, and there are four professional marketing student organizations on-campus.

In addition to its size and degree options, the WMU marketing department also ranks high for providing flexible class schedules, including night and weekend courses, as well as a number of student support services.

Additional Info
2Iowa State University+
Admission Rate
91%
Graduation Rate
74.72%
Number of Degrees Offered
1
Number of Degrees Conferred
267
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Located in Ames, Iowa State University prides itself on providing student-centered education. The school was founded in 1858 and enrolls more than 36,000 students today. ISU has ten schools and colleges, 100 majors and more than 800 student organizations on its campus.

The marketing department regularly has the largest number of majors in the ISU College of Business. Degrees available include a bachelor's degree in marketing, MBA in marketing and Ph.D. in marketing. The ISU Marketing Colloquium Speaker Series invites marketing scholars from across the country to share their research and expertise with students.

While Iowa State University does have a competitive admissions process, it has the second best admissions rate on this list of top colleges for marketing. It also gets high marks for offering numerous support services.

Additional Info
3Michigan State University+
Admission Rate
78%
Graduation Rate
79.95%
Number of Degrees Offered
3
Number of Degrees Conferred
250
At least 1 program offered
Yes

As the pioneer land-grant institution in the nation, Michigan State University was founded in 1855 as the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan. Today, it is one of the world's top research universities and boasts of a diverse student population of more than 50,000 students on its East Lansing campus

The MSU marketing department is notable for having three of the world's top 50 marketing researchers according to a University of Minnesota study. What's more, the school has the second best graduation rate of institutions on this list.

Students at MSU can earn bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees in marketing. Those interested in online marketing degrees can earn a master's degree in marketing research through a 20 month online program.

Additional Info
4Grand Valley State University+
Admission Rate
83%
Graduation Rate
66.14%
Number of Degrees Offered
1
Number of Degrees Conferred
308
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Grand Valley State University is the third Michigan public university with a stellar marketing program. With its main campus in Allendale, GVSU was charted in 1960 and has a student population of more than 25,000. The school notes 94 percent of recent graduates are employed or pursing additional education.

The GVSU marketing program ranks highest for prominence among the schools on this list. Students earning a Bachelor of Business Administration can select from three marketing majors. These include a general major, one with an emphasis in sales and another with an emphasis in distribution and logistics.

The marketing curriculum at Grand Valley State University combines aspects of psychology, sociology, technology and anthropology with business principles. Academic advising and career placement are among the student support services provided.

Additional Info
5University of Mississippi+
Admission Rate
88%
Graduation Rate
64.21%
Number of Degrees Offered
2
Number of Degrees Conferred
255
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Known to many as Ole Miss, The University of Mississippi ranks fifth among the best colleges for marketing degree programs. It is the flagship institution in the Mississippi public university system and was chartered in 1844. From a first class of 80 students, UM has grown to enroll nearly 25,000 in the fall of 2016.

Within the school's marketing department, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees are offered. At the undergraduate level, students can choose from degrees in either marketing or marketing and corporate relations. The faculty at The University of Mississippi includes instructors whose work has been published in more than 50 academic journals over the course of the past five years.

The Ole Miss campus is located in the city of University.

Additional Info
6University of Georgia+
Admission Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
85.74%
Number of Degrees Offered
2
Number of Degrees Conferred
398
At least 1 program offered
Yes

The University of Georgia says it's the birthplace of public higher education in the United States. The school was chartered by the State of Georgia in 1785. Considered one of the "Public Ivies," it is the flagship institution within the state's public university system. UGA enrolls 36,000 students and has its campus in Athens.

Marketing students at UGA have four degree options: Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing, Master of Business Administration in market and customer management, Master of Marketing Research and Ph.D. in marketing. The MBA is a full-time program.

UGA has the best graduation rate of any school on this list of top colleges for marketing. It has the third most prominent program and offers academic advising, career placement and other student support services.

Additional Info
7Oklahoma State University-Main Campus+
Admission Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
61.29%
Number of Degrees Offered
3
Number of Degrees Conferred
331
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Located in Stillwater, the main campus of Oklahoma State University is another school for marketing majors to consider. The university's roots go back to 1890 when it was founded as the Oklahoma A&M College. It has grown to enroll more than 35,000 students across its five campuses with 24,000 students learning on the combined Stillwater and Tulsa campus.

The School of Marketing and International Business is one of the most prominent at OSU, and marketing is one of its most popular majors. The undergraduate program takes a three-pronged approach to the subject, using a liberal arts foundation to build business knowledge and marketing competency. Graduate students can earn a Ph.D. in business administration and marketing or a master's degree in business analytics.

Oklahoma State University is a public institution.

Additional Info
8Northwest Missouri State University+
Admission Rate
79%
Graduation Rate
48.78%
Number of Degrees Offered
2
Number of Degrees Conferred
87
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Northwest Missouri State University is one of the schools where you can find online degrees for marketing. The university's Bachelor of Science in marketing can be earned by either taking classes on Northwest's Maryville campus or online. What's more, the school has an online MBA in marketing.

The marketing program at Northwest offers the opportunity to participate in profession-based learning experiences that have students working in teams to create marketing campaigns for real-world clients. According to Northwest, 95 percent of their graduates are hired or pursue more education within six months of earning their degree.

Textbooks and a laptop are included in tuition at Northwest Missouri State University. Plus, some Missouri residents may be eligible for free tuition through the American Dream Grant program.

Additional Info
9Appalachian State University+
Admission Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
72.04%
Number of Degrees Offered
1
Number of Degrees Conferred
124
At least 1 program offered
Yes

Based in Boone, North Carolina, Appalachian State University made this list of best colleges for marketing degree programs for good reason. The school has the third best graduation rate among the schools on this list as well as the lowest student-faculty ratio at 16-1.

Founded in 1899, Appalachian saw nearly 19,000 students enroll in its undergraduate, graduate and distance education programs in the fall of 2017. While it offers some business programs via distance education, there are no online marketing degrees. Instead, marketing students can choose from two on-campus concentrations within the undergraduate degree program: general marketing or sales.

Appalachian State University is part of the University of North Carolina System of Higher Learning.

Additional Info
10University of Toledo+
Admission Rate
94%
Graduation Rate
46.8%
Number of Degrees Offered
3
Number of Degrees Conferred
293
At least 1 program offered
Yes

With more than 20,000 undergraduate and graduate students, The University of Toledo rounds out this ranking of top schools for marketing. UT was founded in 1872 and draws students from 46 states and 82 countries.

Marketing is the most popular major within The University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation. More than 800 students are enrolled in the programs offered by the Department of Marketing and International Business. Its bachelor's degree in marketing is available on-campus, online or as a minor. Students may also be able to take night and weekend classes.

The University of Toledo has the best admissions rate and the second most prominent program among the schools on this list.

Additional Info
Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2018-19, National Center for Education Statistics, http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

Marketing Degree Programs and Common Career Paths

While an MBA or other advanced degree in marketing can help existing professionals move up in the field, most entry level positions require only a bachelor's degree.

Bachelor's Degree Programs in Marketing
Most bachelor's degrees in marketing are designed to be completed within four years. While outcomes vary by curriculum, students should be able to understand consumer behaviors, craft branding and marketing campaigns and utilize digital solutions. Upon graduation, their skills should let them step into one of the following roles.
Marketing Analyst
Also known as market research analysts, these professionals keep an eye on consumer trends and sales patterns. They may analyze data and make recommendations based upon that information.
Marketing Specialist
Marketing specialists may perform a role similar to that of market research analysts. However, they may also be called upon to create promotional campaigns or otherwise market a client and its products or services. Learn about becoming a social media marketing specialist.
Account Manager
Account managers may be also be called advertising, promotions or marketing managers. They typically supervise and coordinate the work of specialists and others assigned to a client account.

Career Outlook for Marketing Majors

Businesses are always looking for an edge on the competition, and marketing professionals can be key to driving sales. However, that doesn't mean all professions in the field will be equally in demand. Here's a look at expected job growth for common marketing occupations.

JOB TITLE
AVERAGE SALARY($)
EMPLOYMENT
PROJECTED JOB GROWTH(%)
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$71,570678,50020.4%
Marketing Managers$149,200263,6808.1%
Sales Managers$141,690402,6005.1%
Advertising and Promotions Managers$141,89025,1003.2%
Source: 2019 Occupational Employment Statistics and 2018-28 Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS.gov.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Marketing Degree Programs

Whether you're interested in traditional or online marketing degrees, you'll likely need some help paying for your education. While the government offers loans and grants, there are scholarships available elsewhere. Many college marketing departments have their own awards plus there are private scholarships through organizations such as Marketing EDGE and the American Marketing Association.

Ray Greenly Scholarship Program
Applicant must be U.S. citizen and college student with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a chosen major relevant to digital retail. Headshot photograph for promotional purposes, two essays, letter of recommendation, and a case study project are required. More

AWARD AMOUNT

$25,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE

17-May

Sherman Fairchild Foundation Conservation Fellowship
Applicant must be a qualified candidate from the United States and abroad who have already reached an advanced level of training or experience. More

AWARD AMOUNT

$22,500

APPLICATION DEADLINE

2-Dec

Fisher Communications, Inc. Minority Scholarship
Applicant must be involved in broadcasting, broadcast technology, marketing, or journalism courses. Applicants must be of non-white origin and must be at least a sophomore (by fall term of scholarship year) enrolled in the following: a broadcast, broadcast technology, marketing, or journalism curriculum leading to a baccalaureate degree at an accredited four-year college or university. A broadcast curriculum at an accredited community college, transferable to such a four-year baccalaureate degree program. A broadcast curriculum at an accredited vocational-technical school. If you are a permanent resident of the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, or Montana tuition may be applied to an in-state or out-of-state school. If you are not a permanent resident of the above-mentioned states, tuition must be applied to a school in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, or Montana. More

AWARD AMOUNT

$15,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE

31-May

RENEWAL CRITERIA

Recipient must be enrolled in broadcasting, broadcast technology, marketing, or journalism program.

Scarlett Family Foundation Scholarship
Applicant must be a high school senior or college freshman, sophomore, or junior who will graduate or have graduated from high school in Middle Tennessee and will be enrolling in a four-year not-for-profit college or university. Applicant must be a business major or STEM major and be able to demonstrate financial need. Minimum 2.5 GPA required. More

AWARD AMOUNT

$15,000

APPLICATION DEADLINE

15-Dec

RENEWAL CRITERIA

Based on continued positive academic performance

Source: Scholarship directory data is copyrighted material which is reproduced on this website by permission of CollegeXpress, a division of Carnegie Dartlet. Copyright © 2024 by CollegeXpress.
Scholarship Database

Professional Organizations

The AMA is the largest marketing association in the world and provides conferences, training and other resources to members
Previously known as the Direct Marketing Association, the DMA focuses on advocacy, innovation and education for those involved in data-driven marketing.
A subset of the Association of National Advertisers, ANA Business Marketing is specifically for those involved in business-to-business marketing.
Created in 2001, the IMA was created to address the needs of marketers working online. It offers a Certified Internet Marketer credential.
Methodology

To be included in these rankings, all schools must meet the following initial criteria for the specific subject being ranked.

  1. Offer an undergraduate degree (either associate or bachelor’s) in that subject.
  2. Have awarded at least one degree or certificate in that subject in the most recent year of IPEDS data available.

Based on those criteria, we ranked all 2-year and 4-year schools in IPEDS that reported data for all of the following points. Ratings are calculated on a 10-point scale, using the weights specified.

  1. In-state undergraduate tuition & fees, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
  2. Graduation rate, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
  3. Accessibility, based on admissions rate, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
  4. Institutional spending, based on two equally weighted factors, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
    • Instructional and academic support expenses per full-time enrolled student
    • Instructional and academic support spending as a percentage of all expenses
  5. Student-to-faculty ratio, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
  6. Flexibility, based on the following factors, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
    • Percent of students enrolled fully or partly in distance education
    • Whether the school offers programs that can be completed entirely in the evenings and on weekends
    • Whether the school offers academic and career counseling
    • Whether the school offers job placement services for students who complete their programs
    • Whether the school offers any alternative tuition plans, such as a payment plan or guaranteed rate
  7. Size of program, based on how many of the degrees and certificates awarded in 2014-15 were in this particular subject, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
  8. Related subjects, based on the number of similar topics for programs in relevant CIP codes that are offered at any level, National Center for Education Statistics, 2015
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