Master of Business Administration in Marketing

Why an MBA in Marketing?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are many opportunities for those interested in careers in the marketing, survey research, public relations, and advertising fields. However, competition for managerial positions in these fields will be fierce. While a bachelor's degree is often sufficient for entry-level positions, higher degrees may be required for advancement.

Marketing executives need to understand all aspects of their field, from analyzing statistical data to understanding what types of products people want. Developing pricing strategies and overseeing new product development are also typical duties for higher-level marketing professionals.

Possessing an MBA in Marketing can give you a competitive edge in this field. It demonstrates to employers that you have both the academic credentials and practical workday capabilities needed to succeed in a variety of management positions.

Careers

Upon completion of the MBA in Marketing program, graduates will have gained the knowledge needed to manage their companies’ market research, marketing strategy, sales, advertising, promotions, pricing, product development, and/or public relations activities. Sample career titles include:

• Advertising Managers
• Market and Survey Researchers
• Market Research Analysts
• Marketing Managers
• Promotions Managers
• Public Relations Manager
• Sales Manager

According to a May 2009 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, annual earnings for marketing professionals are as follows:

1. Marketing Managers
   • Lowest 25% – $78,340
   • Median – $110,030
   • Highest 25% – $149,390
2. Public Relations Managers
   • Lowest 25% – $64,820
   • Median – $89,690
   • Highest 25% – $125,220
3. Market Research Analysts
   • Lowest 25% – $44,600
   • Median – $61,580
   • Highest 25% – $85,230

Certification

Certification as an indication of competence and achievement is particularly important in today’s competitive job market. Although relatively few advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers currently are certified, the number of managers who seek certification is expected to grow. There are numerous management certification programs based on education and job performance.

In addition, the Public Relations Society of America offers a certification program for public relations practitioners and the Marketing Research Association (MRA) offers a certification program for professional researchers who wish to demonstrate their expertise.

Curriculum

A minimum of 42 or 45 semester credit hours is required for graduation, depending on whether the student is exempt from taking MBA 500 Business Fundamentals.
MBA Courses and Descriptions
REQUIRED MBA COURSES
All courses, 30 semester credit hours, are required. (If the student is not exempt from the prerequisite course, MBA 500, it must be completed before any 600 level courses are taken.)
Course Number	Course Name	Prerequisite	Credit Hours
MBA 500	Business Fundamentals*	None	3.0
MBA 600	Leadership and Organizational Behavior	MBA 500	3.0
MBA 606	Research and Decision Making	MBA 500	3.0
MBA 615	Marketing	MBA 500	3.0
MBA 620	Accounting for Managers	MBA 500	3.0
MBA 626	Information Systems and Technology	MBA 500	3.0
MBA 631	Operations and Project Management	MBA 500	3.0
MBA 641	Business and Labor Law	MBA 500	3.0
MBA 345	Finance	MBA 500	3.0
MBA 690	Strategic Planning	MBA 500	3.0
MBA 691	Graduate Capstone Project **	Final course	3.0
REQUIRED COURSES IN MARKETING
The following courses, 12 semester credit hours, are required.
Course Number	Course Name	Prerequisite	Credit Hours
MBA 655	Advertising Management and Communications	MBA 500	3.0
MBA 667	Global Consumerism	MBA 500	3.0
MBA 668	Interactive and Strategic Marketing	MBA 500	3.0
MBA 669	Brand Project Management	MBA 500	3.0
Notes: * MBA 500 is an overview course that covers business practices across a number of disciplines. Students who have earned an undergraduate degree with a major or minor in business may petition for exemption from this course. **MBA 691 is taken in the last term and may be continued for a second term for 3.0 additional credits if the student’s final project warrants.

MBA - Student Information

Program Data
Program	On Time Completion Rate	Available Graduate Employment Rate	Median Loan Debt of Graduates	Estimated Program Cost	Average Hourly Salary of Graduates	O*Net Link
Master of Business Administration in Marketing	No Data	No Data	No Data	$28,125.00	No Data	Link 1 Link 2 Link 3

Disclosure Methodology

Students who prefer a shorter program may wish to consider the 33-credit Master of Business Administration online degree.