Should I Earn a Marketing Degree?

A marketing degree is a type of academic degree awarded to students who have completed a college, university, or business school program with a focus on marketing research, marketing strategy, marketing management, marketing science, or a related area in the marketing field. Students who major in marketing take a range of courses to learn how to research and analyze business markets to promote, sell, and distribute products and services to consumers. Marketing is a popular business major and can be a lucrative field for business students.

Types of Marketing Degrees

College, university, and business school programs award marketing degrees to students at all levels of education. The type of degree that you can earn depends on your current level of education:

• Associate Degree - An associate degree in marketing is best suited for students who have a high school diploma or GED, but might not be ready to commit to a four-year education program.
• Bachelor Degree - A bachelor degree in marketing is designed for undergraduate students with a high school diploma or GED as well as students who have already earned an associate degree. You can earn a bachelor degree in marketing even if your associate degree is not in a marketing or business field.
• Master's Degree - A master's degree in marketing is best suited for students who have already earned a bachelor degree in marketing or another field but want a more advanced education.
• Doctorate Degree - A doctorate degree in marketing is the highest academic degree that can be earned in the marketing field. This degree is best suited for individuals who have already earned a master's degree but want the education necessary to teach at the college level or work in advanced research positions. 

Degree Program Length

• An associate degree in the marketing concentration takes approximately two years to complete.
• A bachelor degree in marketing can usually be earned in three to four years.
• A master's degree in marketing can be earned in two years or less after completing a bachelor's program.
• Doctorate programs take a little longer, usually four to six years, and require at least a bachelor's degree, though a master's degree is a more common requirement.

Degree Requirements for Marketing Professionals

Most of the people who work in the marketing field have at least an associate degree. In some cases, work experience can be substituted for a degree. However, it can be difficult to get your foot in the door, even with entry-level jobs, without some type of degree or certificate. A bachelor degree can lead to higher paying jobs with more responsibility, such as marketing manager. A master's degree or MBA with a marketing focus can do the same.

What Can I Do With a Marketing Degree?

You can work almost anywhere with a marketing degree. Nearly every type of business or industry utilizes marketing professionals in some way. Job options for marketing degree holders include careers in advertising, brand management, market research, and public relations. Popular job titles include:

• Account Executive - An account executive acts as a middleman between a company and advertising accounts. They make new contacts, secure new accounts, and maintain current business relationships.
• Public Relations Specialist - Also known as a communication specialist or media specialist, a public relations specialist handles PR activities, such as writing press releases or speeches and communicating with the media.
• Marketing Manager - Marketing managers are in charge of strategy: they identify potential markets, estimate demand, and promote brands, products, or services. They may also be known as advertising, brand, or product managers.