Is a marketing degree worth it? Yes, a marketing degree is one of the most scalable and versatile degrees someone can pursue. A marketing degree opens up a plethora of career opportunities, and the skills learned while obtaining a marketing degree can apply to literally any industry, niche, or endeavor someone may want to try their hand at.
For those who wonder, “which marketing job is right for me,” the answer will depend on just how that person wants to use their obtained marketing skills. The best marketing schools in the world can prepare anyone for a marketing career in any of a number of fields. With so many possibilities, finding the right marketing job starts with finding the best undergraduate marketing schools.
However, the best marketing schools in the world will still require applicants to do their due diligence to figure out what type of educational program will make the marketing degree worth it. The best undergraduate marketing schools are out there and waiting for applicants who want to move on to viable, lucrative, and fulfilling marketing careers.
Related Rankings:
- Best Bachelor’s in Marketing Degree Programs
- Best Online Marketing Degree Bachelor’s Programs
- Fastest Online Marketing Degree Bachelor’s Programs
- Most Affordable Online Marketing Degree Bachelor Programs
Accreditation for Business Schools and Marketing Programs
Numerous marketing degree schools and programs exist. To find the best schools or programs, applicants need to first pay attention to the program’s official status and business accreditation.
If a school or program lacks proper credentials, then it is a red flag for applicants to stay far away from that particular program. Business and marketing accreditation means the program or school means the very high standards set by the proper accreditation bodies.
Start with regional accreditation. This means the program or school meets the education standards set by the US Dept. of Education. Regional accreditation comes from one of the regional accrediting organizations recognized by the CHEA, Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Beyond the regional accreditation, the applicant must ascertain if the school or program contains the specialized business accreditation that specifically applies to business and marketing programs.
Business and marketing accreditation can come from a number of nationally-recognized organizations. Generally, there are three main organizations dedicated to business accreditation.
AACSB accreditation comes from The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB accredited schools offer a prestigious degree recognized by most industry employers. AACSB accreditation standards are high and driven by industry professionals.
Finding AACSB accredited business schools means an applicant is already looking for high-quality education with a focus on research-driven knowledge. AACSB accredited business schools typically rank among some of the best schools available for earning a marketing degree.
Applicants should understand that AACSB accreditation is always noteworthy, but the reputation of the school or program also matters. AACSB accredited schools are not all the same.
Even with that AACSB accreditation, the school may not offer the best fit for all applicants. If an applicant only sees an ACBSP accreditation status, that school can work just as well for their needs.
IACBE accreditation comes from the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. Schools and programs with IACBE accreditation tend to have an outcomes-based approach to education.
This means the education at a school with IACBE accreditation will drill down on precise knowledge geared towards immediate practical use. In other words, applicants will deal with less marketing theory and more practical marketing knowledge usage.
Accreditation is important, but it is not the only criteria to an applicant should use for judging the worth of a marketing degree program. Still, applicants can narrow their search immensely from the start by only looking at programs with business accreditation.
What Are the Different Types of Marketing Bachelor’s Degrees?
Marketing can represent a major or minor, and many marketing concentrations exist. The different types of marketing degrees often have to do with the specialization an applicant wants to pursue when choosing a bachelor’s in marketing degree.
For example, it is possible to earn a bachelor’s in marketing, but it is also possible to pursue a bachelor’s in advertising, which is also one of the many marketing concentrations. Equally, an applicant can choose a business program that has a marketing concentration:
- Bachelor of Business Administration — BBA programs, like their master’s counterpart the MBA, include heavy coursework in areas like economics, finance, mathematics, and statistics.
- BS in Business Administration — The BS in Business Administration, like the BBA, will focus largely on the technical aspects of business leadership. A Marketing concentration prepares students for managerial and administrative roles, rather than creating marketing campaigns.
Marketing degree colleges may offer all these options, and so will online marketing courses. With so many choices and an equal amount of bachelor in marketing abbreviation letters, applicants can become a little confused as to what they should choose.
For example, even with a dedicated marketing degree, applicants will have to consider if they want a Bachelor of Science in Marketing or a Bachelor of Arts Marketing degree.
- BS in Marketing – The bachelor of science in marketing offers a larger focus on math, science, and tech. Ideal for students who want an approach more focused on a specific marketing discipline or industry.
- BA in Marketing – The bachelor of arts in marketing offers a larger focus on humanities. Ideal for students that want a more broad marketing approach they can apply to a variety of disciplines or industries.
An online marketing degree from accredited online marketing courses also come with these marketing concentrations and options such as choosing a bachelor’s of science in marketing or a BA in marketing.
However, applicants may find it easier to choose one of the many online marketing courses that have a strict path for their degree. If an applicant knows the types of marketing degrees that appeal to them, they can narrow their choice to just those programs.
In addition, many online marketing courses and other marketing programs offer concentrations that are part of the degree. For example, applicants can choose colleges with digital marketing major programs.
Students can pursue a dedicated bachelor’s in advertising school, or check to see if the marketing manager degree requirement fits with their goals. Marketing degree colleges and online marketing courses are plentiful, so applicants should not worry they will not find the right fit for their career objectives.
Colleges with digital marketing major programs are very popular at the moment because digital marketing has become almost a necessity for practically every business. But, an online marketing degree or marketing bachelor degree from a school does not have to fit a current trend.
Applicants should have a good idea of what they want from their degree, and then pursue the path that coincides with that. They should also pay close attention to the marketing major description of any particular school or program. The marketing major description will clue them in on what they will gain from that particular type of marketing degree.
Some things you can add to your skill set and know how in a degree program (and boost your earning potential) include:
- Project management
- Consumer behavior
- Marketing strategies
Marketing graduates will be expert at implementing analytical skills, but soft skills like communication skills are also crucial.
Are There Any Online Marketing Degree Programs?
Yes, applicants can definitely receive their bachelor’s in marketing online. Tremendous amounts of digital marketing classes online exist, and this is especially true of digital marketing classes online. As digital marketing exists mostly in the online realm, it makes sense that the best online digital marketing courses are found on the internet.
For people looking for an accelerated marketing degree online is the best place to go. However, the best online digital marketing courses are not always what people are looking for. Digital marketing is a good concentration, but applicants can just as easily find every other marketing concentration through an online marketing degree program.
An online marketing bachelor degree from an accredited program holds just as much importance to industry employers as a marketing degree from any other school. For many people, an affordable online marketing degree makes the most sense. An online marketing bachelor degree offers applicants a lot more room to achieve their goals on their own time.
For example, for those seeking the fastest online business degree, then obtaining a marketing bachelor degree online is the best solution. For someone who needs more flexibility or time to achieve their degree, there is a bachelor’s in marketing online program to accommodate them.
Whether it is the fastest online business degree or a slow and steady approach towards a marketing bachelor degree online offers an incredible amount of solutions. In addition, marketing degree online free resources and courses are plentiful.
The Benefits of Marketing Certification Programs
Certification is not always necessary in the marketing industry, but certain marketing certification programs can certainly give applicants a definite advantage. In addition, certain certifications indicate an applicant has a set of skills that make them ideal candidates for certain positions or marketing duties.
Dozens of marketing certification types exist, with just as many marketing certification programs to facilitate the training and achieving of those certifications. Within each concentration or marketing industry, there is a whole world of potential certifications someone can pick up.
Applicants should not overburden themselves by chasing every possible certification they can. Instead, they should concentrate on those certifications that can give them the most benefit in their chosen concentration or field.
For example, for a digital marketing certificate Google offers a number of options. Maybe most important of those options is the Google AdWords certification.
Google ads are the king of online advertising, so knowing the ins and outs of the AdWords program can help anyone who needs a digital marketing certificate Google provides. However, Google AdWords certification is only one of many marketing certification programs available to digital marketers.
In fact, for every popular platform, there are likely marketing certification programs specifically designed for that application. Consider HubSpot certification, Hootsuite certifications, and even social media marketing certification.
The certs can break down even further, as social media marketing certification can also mean individual certs for specific social media platforms. Often, marketing certifications free of charge exist as well.
Applicants seeking marketing certification programs should make sure the program comes from a reputable source. Many certifications are out there that hold no meaning to any employer or potential client. Whenever possible, seek certifications from a specific platform or a group authorized by a specific platform.
- HubSpot certification should come from the HubSpot Academy.
- Hootsuite certifications should come from the Hootsuite Academy.
- Google AdWords certification should come from Google’s Academy for Ads.
Barring that, make sure the certification comes from a group that holds a high reputation and recognition value. These are only just a handful of the types of certifications out there. An applicant can even find many of these marketing certifications free. Nevertheless, the aforementioned types of certifications represent very singular and niche certifications.
A more robust program, such as the CAM Diploma in Digital Marketing offers a full course to prepare someone for every aspect of digital marketing. The CAM Diploma in Digital Marketing is a highly recognized program and certification from it will put anyone in a good position for taking on digital marketing duties in any capacity.
Marketing certifications are not just for digital marketing. Applicants should seek out the prestigious certifications and programs that can help them get ahead in their chosen marketing concentration.
Careers in Marketing
Marketing careers exist at every level of every business. That is not an exaggeration. Literally, any business can make use of someone with marketing experience. This also applies to individual people who want to start a business or expand the reach of their product, service, or brand. Marketing degree jobs and career opportunities in marketing are everywhere.
Someone with a marketing degree does not have to settle for established marketing degree jobs if they would rather create their own entrepreneurial path. Nevertheless, there are many marketing degree jobs and entry-level jobs for marketing majors just entering the field. High-paying jobs with a marketing degree are also possible earlier on.
Career opportunities in marketing and business marketing degree jobs can include:
- Advertising managers
- Advertising specialists and managers
- Brand managers
- Content marketing specialists and managers
- Digital marketing specialists and managers
- E‑commerce marketing specialists
- Inbound and outbound marketing
- Market research analyst
- Marketing Specialists, analysts, and managers
- Promotions manager
- Public relations specialists and managers
- Social media managers
- Copywriter
- Sales manager
- Search engine optimization (SEO)
- Fundraising managers
- Media planner
- Sales representative
- Marketing assistant
- Marketing analyst
- Account executive
- Event planner
- Product marketing manager
- Product Development
- Chief marketing officer
All of these and many more positions and career paths are bachelor’s in marketing jobs. Just like other bachelor’s in marketing jobs, these positions can represent entry-level jobs for marketing majors or high-paying jobs with a marketing degree in hand.
Business marketing degree jobs are also present in other industries. For those wondering how to start a career in marketing, it is as easy as earning the degree then venturing out.
BBA in marketing jobs tend to consist of business marketing and management jobs. An advertising degree can help with a sales and marketing career path. Applicants can find BBA in marketing jobs just as easily as they can find marketing bachelor degree jobs.
That means applicants should not assume that just because they chose a particular concentration, they are barred from other marketing job types. When trying to figure out how to start a career in marketing, applicants should pay attention to the marketing career description. That marketing career description can have a lot of overlap with various forms of marketing, not just a singular discipline.
Generally, a traditional marketing career will start with an entry-level position. Typically, these will consist of positions that have the word coordinator or specialist in them such as account coordinator, social media coordinator, or marketing specialist.
As the applicant learns and grows in the position, they will move on to more intermediate positions, such as those that end in manager. In some cases, the entry-level position title will represent an intermediate position depending on where the applicant works.
For example, a social media coordinator may actually have all the duties of a social media manager. When looking at marketing career descriptions, it is important to take note of the specific duties involved, not just the title of the position. Applicants should know what they are getting into, and make sure the compensation matches up with the duties.
The next step up from managerial duties is the director positions. Just as before, managers can find themselves handling director-level duties. This is especially true of smaller marketing operations and definitely true of entrepreneurial careers.
Marketing Degree Salary Expectations
A marketing degree salary can vary widely depending on the industry, location, and many other factors associated with the job. The types of marketing jobs and salary offered for them are not always consistent across the board. We turn to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for information.
Generally, whichever form of marketing is most in demand at the moment will pay the highest bachelor’s in marketing salary. One key difference is the prevalence of digital marketing.
Since a lot of digital marketing occurs online, the digital marketing degree salary can often remain steady across multiple regions. This is especially true for those who start their own digital marketing businesses, and so can set their own marketing degree salary requirements.
Still, it is possible to see the types of marketing jobs and salary by individual positions. For example, the median annual salary for a marketing manager is $131k, but the average is more like $61k. The median for a marketing specialist is $62.5k. The average entry-level marketing associate salary sits at $44k, but can range up to $63k at the high end.
Applicants will quickly find there are many variables when it comes to a bachelor’s in marketing salary. A marketing degree jobs salary can also come in at very high numbers as well.
Global marketing managers have an average salary of $103k. Not all of these marketing bachelor degree salary numbers are set in stone. Job seekers looking for a decent marketing degree jobs salary should definitely keep their eyes open for opportunities, as they come and go very quickly.
The longer someone stays on their marketing career path, the more money they can expect to earn overtime. For the inexperienced who are starting from the entry-level, the best way to earn the highest salary the fastest is to start building credentials from the very start.
While still in school, a marketing degree student can start to do a number of things to increase their chances at a higher salary when they graduate. For example, they can look for entry-level jobs that do not require a bachelor’s to rack up some experience. They can start working on certifications, as many of the certifications available do not require a degree to earn.
Students can even start trying their hand at digital marketing endeavors online. All of these things will serve to give a student experience and self-guided training they can use to boost their resumes when they are looking for employment after graduation. Internships are also available with many marketing firms.
In some cases, taking on that early experience can help graduates earn the higher end of the entry-level salary spectrum from the start. Graduates who build up adequate experience can even present themselves as manager material, and go straight to marketing management jobs.
Professional Organizations in Marketing and Advertising
As with any industry, the marketing industry contains numerous marketing professional organizations. The American Marketing Association (AMA) is one of the most well-known marketing professional organizations. Some other organizations include:
- Association of International Product Marketing and Management (AIPMM)
- Association of National Advertisers
- Association of Network Marketing Professionals (ANMP)
- Legal Marketing Association (LMA)
- National Association of Sales Professionals
- Sales and Marketing Executives International
- Social Media Club
- Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS)
- eMarketing Association
Many other professional organizations exist. Marketing degree holders can also seek local professional organizations as well. In addition, many other organizations exist for specific niches or singular concentrations under the marketing umbrella.
These marketing professional organizations offer a host of benefits to their members. One of the main benefits comes with the ability to network with other professionals in the industry.
This can give applicants the ability to pick the brains of the best and the brightest. Also, forging connections can turn into increased opportunities, better job offers, and information that can help someone boost their marketing career.
Professional organizations give members the ability to learn more about their industry and craft through continuing education opportunities seminars, webinars, presentations, and other materials. For job seekers, the marketing professional associations are often the first to post job opportunities that are not available through traditional job markets and searches. In fact, many of the senior members of these organizations are job creators.
People on a marketing career path should definitely consider joining a professional organization or two. That membership can make an incredible amount of difference in their careers.
These organizations are often at the forefront of what’s going on in the industry. Members will often represent those who are first to know about changes and challenges that others won’t hear about until far later.