Modern-day marketing got its start during the Industrial Revolution, when mass production of goods increased alongside new manufacturing technologies. Demand for marketing professionals remains steady as the field evolves in the digital age.
A degree in marketing can lead to opportunities in several sectors, including business, banking, and technology. Marketing programs teach students about topics such as consumer demographics and behavior, advertising, and marketing strategy.
Why Enroll in an Undergrad Marketing Program?
Many industries value the skills students learn in undergrad marketing programs. Graduates can use their knowledge to run advertising campaigns or start a new business. This guide explores some of the best undergraduate marketing programs to consider.
- Positive Growth Projections: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects market research analyst jobs will grow 22% from 2020 to 2030. This is much faster than growth projections for all careers, signaling strong demand for marketing professionals. The BLS also projects an average 96,000 new market research analyst positions will open each year over this same period.
- Multiple Industries: Because nearly every industry invests in marketing for their goods and services, marketing degree-holders can find work in many sectors. These industries include advertising and public relations, computer systems design, and entertainment.
- Earning Potential: The BLS reports market research analysts earned a $65,810 median annual salary as of 2020, higher than the national average wage. Additional education and certification, further experience, and location can impact earning potential. BLS data shows the marketing research analysts in the 90th percentile for salary earned an average salary of $127,410 as of 2020.
Why You Should Get Your Marketing Degree Online
Online learning has continued to grow in recent years. By eliminating the need to commute or relocate, online programs can offer greater flexibility for students pursuing undergraduate marketing degrees. Asynchronous courses, which are typically self-paced and don't require scheduled meeting times, can often benefit learners with work or family obligations.
Some online courses are offered synchronously, where students use technologies like web conferencing to meet with peers and instructors at scheduled intervals. These classes typically have more rigid deadlines. Some schools offer hybrid programs, which combine online classes with in-person orientations or campus residencies.
Curriculum
A typical marketing curriculum includes core courses, marketing electives, and additional degree requirements like general education classes. Although curricula differ by program, some common marketing courses include:
- Strategic Marketing Management: This course teaches students to analyze marketing problems; develop strategies; and make tactical, persuasive marketing decisions. Strategic marketing management classes also explore strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat analyses of businesses.
- Marketing Analytics: In this class, learners study data-centered marketing analysis. Topics include profitability analysis, sales forecasting, budgeting, market segmentation, and supply and demand.
- Digital Marketing: This course teaches the basics of creating, evaluating, and implementing digital media marketing strategies. Focal approaches include social media, search engine optimization, and using online platforms to influence purchase decisions and convert viewers into customers.
- Business Intelligence: In this class, learners study key strategies for leveraging customer data to create marketing approaches. The class details the process of identifying and analyzing customer information to more effectively target marketing campaigns.
- Introduction to Sales: This course introduces students to the selling process. Enrollees examine buyer motivations, sales technologies, and account management, among other topics.
Online MBA Programs for You
Grow your career, leadership, and business acumen with an accredited online MBA program.
What to Expect From Online Undergrad Marketing Programs
Traditional and online marketing programs share several similarities. They have the same curriculum and degree requirements, often employing the same faculty to teach online and in-person courses. Though online programs lack in-person interaction, students can connect with instructors and peers via web conferencing, discussion boards, and online chats.
Distance learners often cannot attend on-campus events like job fairs, so some schools organize professional networking events specifically for online students. These opportunities help enrollees develop soft skills and connect with industry professionals.
After finishing an undergrad marketing degree and accruing job experience, some students pursue a master of business administration (MBA) degree. This graduate-level degree furthers learners' knowledge of business and marketing concepts. Many MBAs offer specializations that help students land jobs in specific marketing niches.
MBA-holders can qualify for more advanced positions, including managerial roles. These careers typically come with more responsibility and higher earning potential. For example, the BLS reports marketing managers earned a median annual salary of $141,490 as of 2020, more than double the median salary of market research analysts.
Comparing Marketing Bachelor's and MBA Degrees
|
Bachelor's Degree |
MBA |
| Length of Full-Time Study |
4 years |
1-2 years |
| Credit Load |
120 credits |
30-60 credits |
| Entrance Requirements |
ACT/SAT scores, high school diploma or GED certificate |
Bachelor's degree, GMAT or GRE scores, letters of recommendation, professional experience, resume |
| Graduation Requirements |
Meeting minimum semester hours, core and general education requirements; completing a senior project |
Completing credit hours, core specializations, and capstone |
| Average Annual Tuition Cost, 2019-20 |
$13,360/year |
$19,792/year |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Should I Get an MBA in Marketing?
Professionals who want to change careers, secure a promotion, start a business, or qualify for a higher salary may benefit from an MBA. Companies value the skills gained from MBA curricula, which can lead to further professional opportunities and higher salaries.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Marketing bachelor's degree graduates can find multiple careers across industries. In addition to jobs in the private sector, they can also work for nonprofit organizations, start their own businesses, or pursue a master's degree to qualify for more senior roles.
These professionals design and oversee marketing campaigns to ensure their brands' messaging properly targets audiences. They also present reports about marketing and promotion efforts to senior management.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree and relevant work experience
Job Outlook (2020-30): +10%
Median Annual Salary: $141,490
Market research analysts collect and analyze product information and market conditions, identify new sales opportunities and potential markets, and devise and evaluate product marketing methods. A market research analyst typically reports to a marketing manager.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree
Job Outlook (2020-30): +22%
Median Annual Salary: $65,810
Typical duties for sales managers include overseeing local and regional sales and promotional campaigns, training new sales representatives, and preparing sales budgets. A sales manager typically reports to their company's director of sales.
Required Education: Bachelor's degree and relevant work experience
Job Outlook (2020-30): +7%
Median Annual Salary: $132,290
This senior executive oversees a company's financial activities. The duties of a CFO usually include financial planning, tracking cash flow, and analyzing the financial strengths and weaknesses of their organization.
Required Education: Master's degree and relevant work experience
Job Outlook (2020-30): +8%
Median Annual Salary: $107,680
Marketing communications directors perform market research, implement communication strategies, and choose advertising channels for brand awareness and promotion. A marketing communications director usually needs five or more years of experience as a marketing manager to qualify for this position.
Required Education: Master's degree and relevant work experience
Average Annual Salary: $85,290
Common Questions About Marketing Programs
Are marketing degrees in demand?
Marketing degrees are in demand across many industries because of the valuable, versatile marketing and business skills they teach students. The BLS projects careers like market research analyst and marketing manager will grow as fast as average or faster than average from 2020 to 2030.
Do marketing majors make good money?
BLS data shows marketing professionals like marketing managers, market research analysts, and sales managers earned higher-than-average salaries as of 2020. Wages often increase with additional experience or further education.
Is a marketing degree a BA or a BS?
Undergraduate degrees in marketing are available as a bachelor of arts (BA) or a bachelor of science (BS). BA degrees typically focus more on humanities-based courses, while BS degrees concentrate more on science and math courses.
What subjects are in marketing?
Marketing programs cover topics like finance, economics, marketing principles, advertising, business communication, sales, and management. Additional subjects may include math, business writing, and computer classes.
Top Five Online Undergraduate Programs in Marketing
The following ranking includes five of the best online bachelor's degrees in marketing for 2022. These programs can advance or jump-start your career with their in-depth curricula.
Click the link below to learn more about our process for ranking these programs.
#1 2022’s Best Undergraduate Marketing Degrees
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
FIU opened in 1972 with a groundbreaking enrollment of more than 5,600 students. FIU continues to earn accolades with its award-winning focus on environmental studies, innovation, and social mobility.
Online Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
FIU's R. Kirk Landon Undergraduate School of Business offers a fully online BBA in marketing. New cohorts start each semester, including summer. Enrollees can join the school's American Marketing Association chapter, which offers industry news, resources, and certifications for professional development.
The 120-credit program features business core, professional development, and marketing core courses. Required classes include strategic management, speech and writing for business communication, and consumer behavior. Students round out the curriculum with electives such as marketing analytics and social media marketing.
Each online student partners with a success coach to chart a personalized educational path. Learners explore time management strategies and communication skills. Coaches can also help students discover FIU's educational and career resources.
Applying to FIU
Online applicants pay a $30 application fee. Prospective students must also submit ACT or SAT scores and official high school transcripts.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, AACSB
- Tuition: $147/credit (in state); $264 (out of state)
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 2022’s Best Undergraduate Marketing Degrees
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A Christian university founded in 1971, Liberty offers programs in a breadth of disciplines. Students can strengthen their faith through outreach opportunities like LU Serve.
BS in Business-Digital Marketing and Advertising
Liberty's online digital marketing and advertising degree features courses in business law, marketing principles, and conversion and optimization. Students explore how digital marketing benefits organizations of all sizes. The curriculum covers how to attract customers, create effective mobile marketing campaigns, and conduct marketing research.
Along with general education and major courses, Liberty students take courses in Christian life, biblical worldview, and theology. Beginning in their sophomore year, learners can take up to 27 free elective credits.
Enrollees can access study resources through Liberty's online research portal and writing center. The university offers free digital textbooks for online students.
Applying to Liberty
Applicants need at least a 2.0 GPA. Prospective learners should submit official high school or college transcripts with their applications. Liberty charges a $50 application fee during the final approval process.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: SACSCOC, ACBSP
- Tuition: $390/credit (full time, online); $455/credit (part time, online); $23,800/year (full time, on campus); $815/credit (part time, on campus)
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 3.5 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or on campus
Percent Online Enrollment
92%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 2022’s Best Undergraduate Marketing Degrees
University of Minnesota-Crookston
- Crookston, MN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
UMC is one of five University of Minnesota campuses. The school offers bachelor's programs to more than 1,800 students. About half of UMC students pursue online degrees.
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
UMC's online marketing degree includes 120 credits, with some classes taking place during the summer. Students begin with a liberal education core, including courses in public speaking, composition, and statistics. The marketing core introduces business-focused topics such as managerial finance and business ethics.
Learners then explore marketing concepts like selling, digital marketing, and branding. Enrollees can choose elective courses such as innovation management and sports marketing and communication.
Marketing students complete projects that apply learned concepts to real-life business situations. These projects hone key skills like drafting marketing plans and analyzing statistical data.
Online degree-seekers complete either a three-credit internship or three preapproved elective courses. The internship option requires face-to-face participation.
Applying to UMC
UMC requires a $30 application fee, short essay answers, and official high school transcripts. Applicants may submit an optional letter of recommendation.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Public
- Accreditation: HLC, ACBSP
- Tuition: $419/credit
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Program Length: 4 years
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or on campus
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
46%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 2022’s Best Undergraduate Marketing Degrees
Huntington University
- Huntington, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
HU is a Christian university based in Huntington, Indiana. A liberal arts institution, HU offers more than 70 concentrations to appeal to a diverse student body.
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Students in HU's online marketing program take one course at a time, each lasting five weeks. The flexible format requires no set meeting times, allowing learners to study on their own schedule.
HU's 128-credit program covers various topics in digital and physical marketing. Learners explore business concepts like public relations and financial management. They also discover how to conduct market research for businesses of all sizes.
Online learners can access HU's Career Development Office for resources such as job search advice and annual job fair information.
Graduates can transition to HU's MBA, which the school offers both online and on campus. MBA hopefuls can choose between management and leadership coaching concentrations. Each concentration includes a business-related field experience fellowship.
Applying to HU
HU online applicants must submit official high school or college transcripts with their applications. The school charges a $20 application fee.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: HLC
- Tuition: $402/credit
- Required Credits: 128 credits
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous)
Percent Online Enrollment
19%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 2022’s Best Undergraduate Marketing Degrees
William Peace University
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, WPU integrates real-world experiences and growth opportunities into its programs. More than 96% of WPU graduates find work or continue their education within one year.
Accelerated Online Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing
WPU's School of Professional Studies allows learners to study at a pace that fits their personal and professional needs. The accelerated marketing bachelor's degree features flexible scheduling. Enrollees can attend part time or full time.
Marketing core courses cover topics such as business law, decision science, and organizational behavior. Fifty credit hours make up the liberal arts core requirements. Marketing electives in subjects like marketing for nonprofits and marketing research complete the program.
The curriculum helps prepare students for success through hands-on experiences and learning opportunities with industry leaders. Online learners collaborate with their peers throughout the program.
WPU also offers a hybrid program combining in-person and online learning.
Applying to WPU
WPU applicants must submit high school or college transcripts with their application. WPU recommends including a professional resume and letters of recommendation. Students can also schedule an interview and campus visit.
Program at a Glance
- School Type: Private
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- Tuition: $350/credit
- Required Credits: 120 credits
- Delivery Format: 100% online (asynchronous) or hybrid
Out-of-state
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
19%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
