Marketing Degrees
A degree in marketing teaches students about marketing concepts, theories, and principles. Students explore marketing research and study consumer behavior to figure out effective ways to develop and sell products or services. This degree prepares students to work in careers such as marketing assistants and managers or market research analysts.
Best Bachelor's Degrees in Marketing 2021
Study.com analyzed schools all around the United States to create a comprehensive list that covers the best bachelor's degree programs in marketing for the year 2021. Using statistics from the Department of Education such as tuition and graduation rates along with a holistic review process, we were able to best rank these schools in order of their relevance to marketing students. Factors like program accreditation, experiential learning opportunities, and on campus amenities were used to best determine how these 50 schools should be ranked. Study.com compiled this list to best assist students with the application process and their final school decision.
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fashion Institute of Technology | $7990 | 54% | 80% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 2 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College | $7462 | 43% | 70% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | Texas A & M University-College Station | $11361 | 58% | 82% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | Georgetown University | $56058 | 14% | 95% | 55% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 5 | University of Maryland-College Park | $10779 | 44% | 87% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | Bentley University | $51830 | 47% | 90% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | University of Houston | $9221 | 65% | 61% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | Missouri University of Science and Technology | $10575 | 79% | 66% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | University of Pennsylvania | $57770 | 8% | 96% | 59% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | University of Washington-Bothell Campus | $11390 | 74% | 69% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 11 | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | $11639 | 87% | 56% | 83% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | James Madison University | $12206 | 77% | 84% | 62% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 13 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | $13680 | 75% | 62% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | University of Toledo | $10187 | 96% | 50% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 15 | University of Florida | $6381 | 37% | 88% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $10725 | 54% | 88% | 61% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | University of Delaware | $14280 | 71% | 81% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | The University of Texas at Austin | $10824 | 32% | 86% | 67% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | Wentworth Institute of Technology | $34970 | 69% | 73% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 20 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $11465 | 52% | 84% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | University of Mississippi | $8828 | 88% | 66% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | University of Utah | $8615 | 62% | 70% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 23 | Auburn University | $11492 | 81% | 79% | 72% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | University of Iowa | $9606 | 83% | 72% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 25 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $9063 | 80% | 70% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 26 | Miami University-Oxford | $15193 | 80% | 81% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 27 | University of Arkansas | $9384 | 77% | 66% | 76% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 28 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $15027 | 57% | 83% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 29 | Ohio Northern University | $33440 | 70% | 77% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 30 | University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown | $14156 | 79% | 57% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 31 | Central Washington University | $8273 | 85% | 58% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 32 | Binghamton University | $10201 | 41% | 82% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 33 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse | $9127 | 73% | 69% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 34 | Iowa State University | $9320 | 92% | 74% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 35 | Rutgers University-Newark | $14826 | 72% | 69% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 36 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University | $13691 | 70% | 86% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 37 | Florida State University | $6517 | 36% | 83% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 38 | Oklahoma State University-Main Campus | $9028 | 70% | 65% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 39 | Saint Joseph's University | $46550 | 75% | 81% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 40 | Clemson University | $15558 | 51% | 84% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 41 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | $7695 | 79% | 62% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 42 | University of Nevada-Reno | $8184 | 88% | 61% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 43 | Western Michigan University | $13017 | 80% | 57% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 44 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | $13264 | 79% | 72% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 45 | Texas Tech University | $9300 | 69% | 61% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 46 | The University of Texas at Dallas | $13442 | 79% | 70% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 47 | Rutgers University-Camden | $15264 | 79% | 65% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 48 | University of South Carolina-Columbia | $12688 | 69% | 77% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 49 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus | $9619 | 94% | 60% | 90% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 50 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | $9366 | 78% | 66% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
What Kinds of Marketing Degrees Are There?
A degree in marketing can be obtained at an associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. There are also certificates available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The degree level a student should earn depends on the career they plan on pursuing.
Associate Degrees in Marketing
Students can choose to get their associate degree in marketing or management/marketing. These degrees may be offered as an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science. An Associate of Applied Science degree prepares students to enter the workforce after completing their degree as opposed to continuing their education and earning a bachelor's. Students can choose to earn an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree in marketing at a community college in preparation to transfer to a four-year university. This degree typically consists of 60 credits and can be completed in 2 years.
Bachelor's Degrees in Marketing
A bachelor's degree in marketing teaches students the skills needed to promote and increase the sale of products or services. Students learn about what consumers are looking for and how companies can reach their audiences. Students can earn their bachelor's in marketing as a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts. A Bachelor of Science allows students to focus on a specific subject area and take more business-related courses. Whereas a Bachelor of Arts is broader and includes more humanities courses. For many employers, a bachelor's degree is required to work in marketing careers. This degree can be completed in 4 years with the completion of 120 credits.
Master's Degrees in Marketing
Students can choose to pursue a graduate degree in marketing. This is a specialized degree and gives students the opportunity to research their area of interest within this field further. This degree is typically offered as a Master of Science. When earning a master's degree students may be required to complete a thesis. This degree helps students further their professional careers and work in advanced positions such as an advertising, promotions, and marketing manager. This degree consists of around 30-40 credits and can be completed in 2 years.
Doctoral Degrees in Marketing
Students can continue their education and pursue a Ph.D. in Marketing. This degree prepares graduates to be leaders in the field of marketing. This includes working as an academic marketing researcher. This degree typically includes the completion of a dissertation that is publishable research. This degree can be completed in around 3-5 years.
Certificates in Marketing
Many universities offer marketing certificates that typically consist of 10-30 credits and can be completed in 1-2 semesters. Students can find certificates in marketing which includes coursework including principles of marketing and advertising as well as an introduction to promotional strategies. Students can also find certificates in digital marketing. This certificate teaches students how organizations promote and sell products or services using technology and digital media. There are also certificates for graduate students such a certificate in global marketing management which teaches students about applying marketing strategies on an international scale.
Marketing Bachelor's Degree Concentrations
When earning a bachelor's degree in marketing, students can choose to focus on a specific area within their degree. This may include a concentration in digital marketing, professional sales or strategic marketing. Students may be able to take additional courses or electives in sports marketing, public relations, marketing communications, entrepreneurship or non-profit management. These courses allow students to personalize their degree and to learn how to apply marketing to particular fields.
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing
The curriculum for a bachelor's in marketing helps students establish and understand consumer behavior and marketing strategies. This includes many business and mathematics courses.
Students take core courses such as:
- Consumer Behavior
- Principles of Marketing
- Marketing Research
- Marketing Analytics
- Marketing Strategies
- Financial and Managerial Accounting
Students should also expect to take courses such as:
- Macroeconomics and Microeconomics
- Business Writing
- Statistics
- Calculus
If a student is interested in learning about marketing, there are free courses in marketing that can be completed online.
How to Choose a Marketing Bachelor's Program
When selecting a degree in this field, many students may choose to major in business or business administration. This degree is broader and helps students develop an understanding of the business world. Marketing is essential to the success of businesses. This is one of the subject areas that students will briefly learn about in addition to advertising, finance, and accounting. A degree in marketing allows students to specialize in and take more courses dedicated to this aspect of business.
Another subject area that is closely related to marketing is advertising. Students may also choose to major in advertising as another option. While marketing and advertising majors are very similar, there are some distinct differences. Marketing degrees cover the entire process involved when evaluating a product or service being sold including its promotion, placement, and pricing. Whereas advertising involves promoting a product or service. Advertising is a part of marketing and it is one topic that students learn about when earning this degree.
When choosing a program, students should consider what area of study they want their degree to be based around as well as the particular career they want to pursue upon graduation. In addition, students should also consider the format in which the degree they select is offered in. Students can find programs that are completed in-person, online, or a hybrid of the two.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Marketing?
It typically takes four years and the completion of 120 credits to earn a bachelor's in marketing. This depends on if a student chooses to take classes full-time or part-time. Some universities offer accelerated programs that allow students to finish their degree in three years.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Marketing Degrees
In the U.S., colleges and universities receive accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The accreditation process includes a review of the school's educational programs and services for students. In addition, an institution's accreditation impacts a student's eligibility for federal financial aid as well as course credit transferability. When selecting a college/university, students should select an institution that has earned national or regional accreditation.
For this area of study, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs provides accreditation to business schools and degree programs from associate to doctoral level.
Marketing Licensure & Certification
While you do not necessarily need a license to work in most marketing careers, students can find certifications to help establish their professional careers. The American Marketing Association offers a variety of certifications. This includes a digital marketing certification which involves completing a certain number of online learning that covers topics such as social media marketing, SEO and website optimization, and the completion of an exam. Other certifications the American Marketing Association offers include the Sales Management Certification and Marketing Management Certification.
Should I Get a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing?
While a bachelor's degree is required to work in many marketing occupations, there are entry-level careers students can hold without this degree. This includes a marketing assistant, which is someone who work to complete day-to-day administrative tasks and works with other professionals in the marketing department. In order to work in this occupation, you need a high school diploma or equivalent. This role may be a good option for someone starting out in marketing and is an opportunity for them to gain work experience in the field. This may be a position for a student to hold as they earn credentials such as a certificate or degree.
An associate degree or bachelor's degree helps students to advance their careers. The work experience from entry-level positions and having a bachelor's degree increases a student's chances of getting a promotion or being able to work in more advanced roles. Careers include web content writer, marketing specialist, social media manager, and product manager. A master's degree prepares students to further advance their professional careers and become marketing managers or market research analysts.
This degree allows students to expand their knowledge of a particular aspect of this area of study such as digital marketing, marketing analytics, or global marketing. Graduates can hold leadership positions and manage marketing departments.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing?
A degree in marketing helps students learn consumer behavior and product placement. Students also learn about the promotion, pricing, and advertising of products or services. This includes analyzing business environments and using the appropriate marketing strategies to lead successful campaigns. There are a number of careers students can have with a marketing degree. Students can work in communications, digital marketing, and sports marketing. They can also have careers in business such as in advertising, sales, and branding. In addition to these fields, students can work in a variety of industries including technology, energy, and education.
How to Become a Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts work to understand market conditions and project the sales of a product or service. Professionals in this occupation examine current marketing and sales trends and predict what will happen in the future. They also examine consumer behavior to figure out their target audience, see what products or services people are looking for and what price point they are willing to pay. This includes collecting and analyzing data. Then converting that data and presenting it to their clients or company they work for. In order to work as a market research analyst, you typically need a bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field. However, a master's degree may be needed to hold leadership positions or positions that include more technical research.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of market research analysts is expected to increase 18 percent from 2019 to 2029. The growth in this occupation is much faster than the average for all occupations due to the increasing use of data and market research in many industries. As of May 2019, the median annual wage for market research analysts was $63,790.
How to Become an Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager
This degree allows students to work in managerial roles such as advertising, promotions, and marketing manager. Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers work to create campaigns that create interest in products or services for potential buyers. In order to work in a manager role, you need to have work experience in advertising, marketing, promotions, or sales. This can include having worked in entry-level positions such as sales representatives or publicists. To hold this position, you need at least a bachelor's degree to work in most advertising, promotions, and marketing management positions. However, a master's degree in marketing or a related field helps an individual advance their professional career. This degree may help them work in advanced positions for large companies or organizations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to increase 6 percent from 2019 to 2029. This is in part because advertising, promotions, and marketing campaigns are essential for the success of businesses and organizations as well as the economy. As of May 2019, the median annual wage for advertising and promotions managers was $125,510 and $136,850 for marketing managers.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Marketing Degrees
Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in public relations should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to find out if they qualify for any federal aid. There are several types of financial aid that can help students pay for their education. This includes grants, which is money that does not need to be repaid, and loans, which is borrowed money that needs to be paid back with interest. Students may also be able to find work-study at the college/university they are attending which allows them to work part-time and earn money to help pay for their education. There are many scholarships available depending on background, achievements, and career path.
Professional Organizations in Marketing
There are many professional organizations in the field of marketing. This includes The American Marketing Association. The AMA provides resources, exclusive content, and events for marketers to connect with others, expand their knowledge of marketing and be successful in their careers. Those who are members of the American Marketing Association are professionals who have experience working, teaching, and studying marketing.
Another organization is The Society for Marketing Professional Services. The SMPS is an organization whose mission is to create business opportunities in the A/E/C industry (architecture, engineering, and construction). They are made up of over 7,000 marketing and business development professionals throughout the US and Canada. These organizations provide a community for people working in marketing to connect have access to programs, resources, and opportunities to learn from and connect with other professionals in the field.
