The popularity of the internet and its applications in online learning has resulted in many students turning to the internet for their tertiary education. The online educational environment allows students to study at their own time and convenience thus allowing them to perform other daily activities. Some courses are also cheaper online than in traditional educational institutions. Due to this high demand for online education, online education now not only features those universities that specialize in this form of education but also includes many traditional universities who are now resorting to online training for their students. This has made the business of online education fiercely competitive resulting in some being left behind. Some of the top online degree programs include:

Business

The economic climate have spurned a high interest in business related subjects as many students either want to have an understanding of the financial world to either capitalize on its offerings or prevent themselves from falling into the abyss of financial failure. This is a highly competitive field of study that requires constant upgrade to keep in tune with it trends and bends. This degree is offered at all levels of education such as the Associate, Bachelor, Master and PhD levels.

Criminal Justice

Graduates of an Online Criminal Justice Degree program have access to high paying jobs and a well-respected profession. This lures many students to pursue online degrees in criminal justice. In addition, the satisfaction of performing a service to the community by the pursuit of justice adds another dimension to the profession. Some of the areas included in this profession are law enforcement, security services and forensic science.

Art and Design

Despite the harsh economic climate, individuals still view public spaces, good architecture, graphic designs and animations as means of releasing the tension and stresses of everyday life. As a result, there is a steady demand for qualified artists, draftsmen and graphic designers who can create these products for public consumption. These individuals command credible salaries that attract many students to pursue online courses in this field.

Computer Science

The field of computer science has become so wide and diverse as we now include computers in every aspect of our lives. As a result, many students flock to online computer science degree programs to exploit the many job opportunities that the profession offers. Computer science offers job opportunities in industries such a manufacturing, tourism, finance, health, web development and communications.

Education

One positive spin off from the economic meltdown is the vast amounts of individuals who are upgrading their education and a form of retooling. This has created many job opportunities for online teachers who are required to teach this army of online students. As a result, many individuals, including working professionals pursue online teaching courses so that they can be qualified to teach in online institutions.

Engineering

Online engineering degree programs are a mainstay of online universities. No matter what type of hype is created about other online degree programs, the online degree in engineering remains a favorite. Surveys show that most of the demand however has shifted from bachelors programs to engineering programs at the postgraduate level as many working professionals seek to upgrade their qualification without interrupting their regular schedule.

The Job Description of a Marketing Analyst

A marketing analyst is an individual who gathers information about what people think to help companies understand what type of products people want and at what price. The specific duties of a marketing analyst will vary depending on the type and size of organization they work for, however, these specialist practitioners focus exclusively on designing and conducting surveys through various media channels including telephone, internet, and mail or they may develop advertising brochures and commercials, sales plans and product promotions such as give-a- ways or rebates. Marketing analysts may also work with statisticians, economists or collaborate with other marketing analysts in order to designs surveys.

Other duties of a marketing analyst include:

• analyzing and collecting data to evaluate existing and potential product or service market
• evaluate prices, sales and methods of marketing and distribution
• study data on past sales to predict future sales
• devise and implement effective strategic methods and procedures in order to obtain correct data
• design surveys to assess consumer preferences

Marketing Analysts are hired by a variety of clients such as government agencies or corporations to make recommendations and help them implement ideas on the promotion, distribution and pricing of products or services. However, most clients hire them to gather, compile and analyze data in order to identify and monitor its competition as well as research and monitor current market conditions or changes in the industry that may affect sales.


The information gathered also allows them to make fiscal or policy decisions, measuring the effectiveness of those decisions or to improve customer satisfaction.


Marketing Analysts must possess certain preferred qualities in order to distinguish themselves from their competition and create a niche market for themselves. These include possessing strong analytical skills and keen attention to details, exceptionally well organized, goal orientated, strong oral and written communications, analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to articulate and display a high level of professionalism. They must also be patient and persistent due to having to work for long hours sometimes under difficult circumstances. Having strong people skills is a must as sometimes they must supervise interviews for individuals of varying cultural, religious and educational backgrounds.

Education Required for becoming a Marketing Analyst

A Bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement needed to pursue many entry-level marketing analyst positions such as administrative trainee or research assistant. However, a Masters degree is the basic requirement for companies seeking marketing analysts to occupy technical positions within their organization.


The training programs required for aspiring marketing analysts must include courses in business, marketing and consumer behavior coupled with other liberal arts and social science courses in English, Economics, Psychology and Sociology. Due to the importance of quantitative skills in the career of a marketing analyst, courses providing instructions in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Sampling Theory and Design are significantly helpful to your career as you progress in this dynamic and increasingly competitive field.


Most marketing analysts often go on to pursue advanced degrees in business administration, communications, marketing, statistics or a closely related field to enhance their personal and professional growth. They also continuously upgrade their skills through short courses and seminars to keep abreast of the latest methods of developing, conducting and analyzing surveys and other data.

Online Programs to Get You There

Individuals can gain formal education and practical specialized training needed for the position of a marketing analyst through various accredited institutions that offer an online marketing degree. The online institutions that offer the concentration in Marketing at the Bachelor or Master Degree levels provide additional focus on the latest principles and technologies utilized within today’s high tech global environment. Some of the online course topics covered include those in e-commerce, consumer behavior, marketing strategy, market research, professional selling and internet marketing to develop students’ abilities in general business management, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, communication and writing skills. Some of the top Schools providing an Online Marketing Degree include:

• Westwood College Online
• Kaplan University
• Strayer University
• AUI Online
• North West Arkansas Community College (Marketing Analyst Program)

Average Salary for a Marketing Analyst

The salary for a marketing analyst will vary depending on the type and size of the company, location, level of qualification and experience. Studies reveal that more than 50% of marketing analysts earn between $35,493 and $45,205 per year.

An online degree in small business management could open doors to a number of career opportunities. By successfully earning online small business management degree, you can become a business owner, entrepreneur, marketing administrator or a human resources manager.

Schools Running Online Small Business Management Programs

Find below details of schools that run Online Small Business Management Programs:

Cerro Coso Community College: Cerro Coso Community College conducts an Associate of Science in small business management degree program online. The course structure of this degree program includes introduction to business, computer, e-commerce, financial accounting, business law, marketing, management of a small business and personal finance.

Morehead State University: Morehead State University runs a Bachelor of business administration with concentration in small business management. The main focus of this program is on business management, ownership, finance and marketing. The syllabus of this degree program includes small business financial issues, technical and business presentations, small business marketing strategies and organization of a small business.

Southern New Hampshire University: By taking admission at Southern New Hampshire University, you will be able to earn an online Bachelor of Science in business studies degree with a concentration in small business management. The syllabus of this degree program includes business law, operations management, entrepreneurship and managing quality.

Undergraduate Certificate in Business Administration – Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship

The Undergraduate Certificate in Business Administration – Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship is ideally suited for individuals that are looking to increase their career potential. This certificate can also turn out to be quite advantageous for students that are interested in earning an undergraduate degree.

With this certificate program, you will learn about the routines that are important in the proper functioning of business. The syllabus of this degree program includes management, e-business, contract management and acquisition management. You can earn an Undergraduate Certificate in Business Administration – Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship from Strayer University. Regarding accreditation, Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.