Many students have pursued degree programs that were not necessarily their first choice of study. However once they have gained some experience and some financial stability, many individuals decide to redefine their careers they are more comfortable with.

One such case exists with individuals who are interested in marketing. For whatever reason that prevented them from reaching their true potential before, online degrees in marketing provides them with the perfect opportunity to achieve their life long goal.

What is Marketing?

Marketing is the science and business practices that enable organizations to facilitate the flow of goods and services from the producer to the consumer. This far exceeds the concept that marketing is restricted to promotional efforts to sell a product.

Globalization has revolutionized the concept of marketing. Producers now must implement the customer experience from the concept development of their product. This includes planning manufacturing strategies, design, promotion, delivery and after purchase support. To achieve these goals, marketing officials must:

• Conduct research to identify the needs of the consumer
• Develop strategies to meet these needs
• Develop strategies to attract customers to the product
• Know how to deal with completion from both local and international competition.

Online Marketing Degrees

An online marketing degree will give new life to your professional life. The field of marketing is an exiting one where marketing professionals get the opportunity to interact with individuals from all walks of life.

To be a successful marketing agent, individuals require formal training. This training focuses on all the principles and best practices of the profession. Students are exposed to principles such as presentation, pricing, planning, management, supply and demand, finance and economics. Depending on the level of study, students may also be exposed to various social sciences that help them to understand behavioral trends. These include consumer psychology, sociology, statistical analysis and creative writing.

Online marketing degrees are offered at all levels of the educational ladder. As a result, to redefine their marketing career, many professionals try to increase their educational stock by going one step higher or focusing on specialized marketing training programs. Online marketing degrees are offered at the associate, certificate, bachelors, master and PhD level from various online colleges.

Career growth with Online Marketing Degrees

An online degree in marketing opens the door to many job opportunities. Your increased education coupled with your previous experience is the perfect combination to land that perfect marketing job.Many graduates of online marketing degree programs go on to gain employment as:

• Brand managers: As brand managers, they are responsible for a particular product. As a result, they ensure that all stages of the product from development to delivery run smoothly.
• Sales manager: Sales managers supervise the achievement of sales quota. They recruit the best staff that is able to get the product out to the consumer.
• Advertising managers: As advertising managers, they can choose either the business or creative side of the profession. However, both include creating attractive campaigns that attract customers to the product.

To get an online marketing degree, first you need to find an accredited online university that offers online marketing degree programs. When you earn a degree from an accredited online university, you will acquire comprehensive knowledge in marketing. Job opportunities abound for marketing degree holders. As the marketing field is quite competitive in nature, you need to have something extra in order to be successful. This something extra comes in the form of practical training that can only be delivered by select universities. With the right kind of practical training, you will be able to implement your marketing strategies in whichever career you choose.

Syllabus of Online Marketing Degree Programs

The syllabus of an online marketing degree includes courses in buyer behavior, marketing research principle, demand analysis, sales operations and management, market segments, pricing theory, marketing campaign, retailing, consumer relations, advertising methods and strategic planning. Before beginning any online marketing degree program, it is recommended that you take a close look at the syllabus first.

Kinds of Online Marketing Degree Programs

There are four different kinds of online marketing degree programs. To start with, you can earn an Associate degree in marketing. With an Associates degree in marketing, you will learn fundamental knowledge of marketing related concepts. After successfully earning an Associates degree in marketing, you can begin a Bachelors degree program in marketing. A terrific benefit to earning the Bachelors degree in marketing is that it will help you in securing a job.


The Masters Degree program in marketing is tailor made for individuals who are looking to advance their careers. To earn a Masters Degree in marketing, you need to study for a period of two years. The PhD degree in marketing is the highest educational level that you can achieve in the field of marketing. Admission into a PhD program is possible after completing the Masters Degree.

By studying at DeVry University you will get the most detailed and career-oriented education. With experience of more than 75 years, DeVry University has widely been regarded as the leader in technology based business education. DeVry University works in collaboration with the top business leaders and American Marketing Associations in order to come up with programs that meet the requirements and desires of students. The university faculty helps students to develop valuable skills throughout their educational career.

Accelerated Degree Program at DeVry University

DeVry University provides an accelerated degree program schedule where students are able to complete their degree requirements in shorter periods. DeVry University uses an applications-based learning model that includes real-world experiences and projects. Teaching is conducted by qualified and experienced faculty members familiar with the newest trends in online education. A Member of the North Central Association, DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. DeVry University is also approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission and Colorado Commission on Higher Education.

Master of Business Administration in Sales and Marketing

Sophisticated skills are an absolute must if you want to market and sell products in the present competitive business environment. By successfully earning a Master of Business Administration degree in Sales and Marketing from DeVry University, you have the necessary training to thrive in the field of sales and marketing.


The syllabus of this online degree program is designed to help you improve your communication and creative skills. At DeVry University, you can earn a Master of Business Administration degree in Sales and Marketing in a matter of three years. With the Master of Business degree in Sales and Marketing, you can work as a sales manager, marketing manager and advertising manager. You can also make a career in the field of marketing research and public relations.

Course Structure of DeVry University

The course structure of DeVry University Master of Business Administration in Sales and Marketing program is built around Terminal Course objectives. This ensures that important marketing concepts are practiced in every course. To earn a Master of Business Administration in Sales and Marketing degree, you need to finish four courses from the below mentioned electives:

• Electronic commerce marketing management
• Marketing research
• New product development
• Consumer behavior
• Channels of distribution
• Sales management
• Advertising management

The course in marketing research from DeVry University gives you an overview of how to collect and analyze details so that marketing decisions can be readily taken. The course in marketing research includes written questionnaires, qualitative and quantitative research techniques, focus groups and telephone surveys. The main focus of this online course is on the analysis of marketing research that can assist managers in making decisions with regard to product features, target markets, advertising and pricing.


Courses in new product development offer a framework for planning, evaluation and implementation. From commercialization to idea generation, you will learn the vital workings of new product development routines.

Widely regarded as the best online college in the world, Penn Foster College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council. Penn Foster College is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and is a member of the American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers, American Association of Community Colleges and Pennsylvania Association of Private School Administrators.

Studying at Penn Foster College

For students working on a part-time basis and cannot attend classes regularly, Penn Foster College is the best option. Students receive their study material and are able to complete their courses from home. The teaching methodologies adopted by Penn Foster College have helped so many students in reaching their career objectives. Comparatively, tuition rates are low at Penn Foster College.


By earning a degree from an accredited college like Penn Foster will put you in live for lots of job opportunities. Students can apply for financial aid at Penn Foster College as they provide competitive grants and scholarships to their students.

Associate Degree in Marketing from Penn Foster College

You can earn an Associate degree in marketing from Penn Foster at your own pace. The courses that you need to study are principles of marketing, principles of management, advertising principles, business statistics, business law and marketing research. By successfully earning an Associate degree in marketing, you can get entry-level jobs in the field of marketing, public relations, sales, business, marketing communications and advertising.


When begin in the marketing program at Penn Foster, you will be provided with books, learning aids and equipment required to study marketing concepts. To earn an Online Associate Degree in Marketing, you need to complete four semesters in a period of about two years.


With Penn Foster College you can receive credit for previous college course work as well. To get credit for previous college course work, you need to contact the college administration and submit all your official documents, transcripts, or reports.

Semester System at Penn Foster College

In the first semester, you will go through basic skills assessment, business orientation, information literacy, introduction to business and principles of management. In second semester, you are going to learn computer applications, English composition, financial accounting, interpersonal communication, and principles of management and marketing. The course in marketing will teach you about the marketing environment, segmentation, planning, consumer behavior, distribution strategy and promotion strategy.


The third semester is all about economics, managerial accounting, business writing, technical writing and advertising principles. The course in advertising principles will give you an overview of advertising techniques and their uses in the field of marketing. The fourth and final semester includes business law, consumer behavior and marketing research. The course in consumer behavior gives an overview of how consumers think when buying any product as well as the role of marketing in the decision making.

The Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing prepares participants for entry level to middle management business administration positions in an organization’s marketing department. The program objectives of the BBA in Marketing Specialization is to provide students with a solid foundation in marketing concepts and business that will develop their understanding of all aspects related to the marketing process. In particular, the program focuses on providing students with a thorough understanding in:

• consumer behavior and market research to effect the marketing decision process
• how to implement business strategies to accommodate the changing global marketplace
• analyzing business problems
• market pricing
• influencing consumer-buyer behavior
• the use of technology in marketing and presentations
• assessing organizational needs and suggest ways of improving organizational standards
• how to advertise and promote
• managing retail operations
• international trade

The marketing specialization at this level also provides the resources needed to develop students’ abilities and gain valuable experience in sales management, marketing as well as develop proficiency in research, oral communication, speaking and business writing, spread sheets, problem solving, team building and leadership skills. The program helps them to develop ethical values that are crucial to gaining respect within the global business environment.


Students participate in workshops, case studies, hands-on projects as well as real world business simulations and web-based projects that help them to make power point presentations and other multi-media presentations.


Core courses covered include General Accounting 1, General Accounting 2, Finance, Economics, Business Law, Principles of Management, Financial Management and Principles of Marketing. The marketing specific courses with an emphasis on technology and communication provide valuable insight of how goods and services are channeled to producer and consumers and will cover topics such as Applied Marketing, Professional Marketing, Advertising and e-Commerce. Other sub-topics include Sales Management, Personnel Management, Customer Service, Statistical Methods and Salesmanship as well as Business Forecasting, Government Regulations in Business and Computer Information Systems.


In addition, the Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing offers advanced level training to its participants by allowing them to choose and focus on specialized areas in marketing such as International Marketing and Risk or Analysis and Assessment of Global Market Trends. These course offerings will expand their knowledge in marketing techniques and the rising global interdependence in the business community.
The BBA in Marketing takes four years to complete and leads to more advanced business degrees.

Careers with a Bachelor of Business in Marketing Degree

The BBA in Marketing Degree opens the door to a lucrative and exciting career path within this dynamic marketing field. By specializing in a particular marketing field such as advertising, promotions, public relations, finance, retail management or sales you will further enhance the scope of your career opportunities as well as increase your marketability and income earning potential. Job titles that exist within the marketing department of large corporations include marketing assistant, product manager, and marketing communication manager, marketing director, sales promotion manager or marketing research manager. Other career opportunities that exist within other industries such as the financial, advertising and retailing industry include business analyst, project analyst, financial analyst or promotion and advertising specialist, media manager and sales promotion manager.

Average Salary with a Bachelor of Business in Marketing Degree

The median salary for graduates with a Bachelor of Business in Marketing Degree will depend on various factors including type of company and size, type of industry, area of expertise, benefits, experience and location. For individuals working as marketing managers and marketing coordinators can earn between $45,117 and $48,531 per year, while account managers and retail store managers earn an average $45,282 and $45,357 annually. Marketing Directors and Regional Sales Manager can expect to earn $64,803 and $70,300 per year.

What are the Pros and Cons of Earning an Online Bachelor of Business in Marketing Degree?

Pros

Accessibility: online educational programs allow students to pursue their studied from any convenient location from anywhere around the world.


Flexibility: students pursuing an online education have the flexibility to work and study at the same time.


Convenient: Students have 24hr access to learning material through the institution’s online library and coursework archive. Students have the choice of attending online classes at a time convenient to them whether day-night- or week-end classes.

Cons

Some of the disadvantages of pursuing an online education include:

• Hardware intensive
• Unpredictable technical difficulties
• Students who lack the self-discipline and motivation to study on their own may not enjoy the benefits that online education provides
• Despite the growing recognition of online education programs, some employers fail to recognize the value of degrees earned online
• Limited interaction between instructors and fellow peers

Baker College Online
Kaplan University
Pacific State University
American InterContinental University
South University
Bauer College Department of Marketing Entrepreneurship

A marketing and communication manager is really a public specialist who serves, promotes and preserves business relationships between an organization and its clients. With the increase in globalization and competition, companies are now relying more these on marketing specialists to offer advice on strategy and policy to ensure their success.

Job Description of Marketing and Communication Manager

Marketing and communication managers form their domain and relationships in the media, public, general industry and the internet. They place themselves into strategic relationships so they are easily recognized and associated with the products they are promoting. They must develop an understanding of the culture of the community, fellow employees and consumers transfer this information into income generating opportunities. Some of the specific functions of marketing and communication managers include:

• drafting of press releases
• organize trade shows and seminars to keep in contact with their client
• conduct research on market trends
• conduct sampling of the product to ensure it is at a desired standard
• assist in the design and production of advertising campaigns
• managing and motivating staff under their control

Education Required to Become Marketing and Communication Manager

Most employers require that Marketing and Communication Managers to have earned at least an Online Bachelors Degree. This validates the level of trainability and knowledge of the individual. However, for jobs in top companies, training that is more specialized is required at the Master or PhD Levels. This is paramount due to the high level of expenditure involved in managing a successful marketing campaign and investors require returns on their investments.


Most marketing and communications manager progress through the field of Communications and combine these skills with formal training in business administration.

Online Bachelors Degree in Marketing and Communications

A typical Bachelor’s Degree Program in Public Relations will see students exploring subject areas such as public relations principles, public relations management, organizational development, writing, effective news release techniques, business proposals and speech writing. Students of Marketing and Communications majors program also study visual communication courses such as desktop publishing and computer graphics. For a real time understanding of the business side of the industry, students receive instruction in advertising, business administration, finance, political science, sociology and economics.


This training enables participants to provide and support business growth and development through the successful introduction and maintenance of the product in the market. They will also be able to conduct research, identify market opportunities in both new and established industry markets. They will evaluate the competitive environment to adjust and position the product by preparing sales and marketing forecasts and coordinating the overall marketing strategy into one cohesive unit.

Online Programs to Get You There

The position of a marketing and communication manager is of vital importance to the success of the product in the market place. These marketing and communication specialists develop strategies to monitor trends and ways of influencing customers to purchase their products. While the job can be stressful due to the long hours required, with proper training and education, they will develop the appropriate skills needed to achieve their desired goals.


Studies conducted have revealed that with the increasing globalization and new avenues of marketing such as the internet, the demand for communication and marketing managers is high. As a result, various institutions offer training in specific disciplines to create trained professionals to fill these positions. Some of the top schools listed to offer training in Marketing and Communications include:

• Westwood College Online
• Keiser University eCampus Online
• Kaplan University

Average Salary Range for Marketing and Communication Manager

The salary for a marketing and communication manager is tagged to the type of product being promoted, budget of the employer, level of training and experience, popularity and income generating capabilities. More experienced and qualified professionals will certainly command higher wages as they are able to add profile to the product based on their popularity. These individuals may have fluctuating salaries that may be significant.


Mid-level organizations may have a dedicated staff on payroll and they receive a steady income regardless to whether they are able to achieve the goals of the organization. This results in a wide salary range starting from as low as $30,000 per year to over $150,000 for private and independent contractors.