The Best Degrees for a Career in Marketing

By Josh

November 01, 2010

Think for a moment about successful products on the market: the iPod, Google, the Wii, and countless others. Now consider that behind each of these products is at least one highly-skilled marketing professional who had the vision and creativity to bring that product to millions of households.

If you're excited by the possibility of being that professional, then marketing could be a great career choice. Marketing jobs aren't for everyone -- they can require a unique combination of analytical ability, financial acumen, understanding of psychology and social behaviors, and creativity. But for those who succeed in the field, a career in marketing can be highly lucrative. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for marketing managers in 2009 was $120,070.

What does it take to get into marketing? Like other professions, the marketing profession has many career possibilities, and many educational paths. The best degree programs prepare you with the knowledge and real-world skills you'll need to secure your job of choice.

Best Degree Path for Retailers

Generally, working as a salesperson in a department store doesn't require a degree. However, an associate's degree in marketing could be your best college degree if you intend to open a small business, get hired as a store manager, or become a sales manager for a retail operation.

Best Degrees for Advertising and Public Relations

The top college degree for entry-level work in advertising and public relations is a bachelor's degree in a communications-related field. Most employers place a high value on on-the-job experience, meaning that once you have a few years of work experience under your belt, you'll be well-positioned to move up the ladder.

At a management level, many employers consider master's degrees top degrees in the field. Look for a master of arts in advertising and public relations, or the more traditional master's degree in communications. Both options can offer excellent preparation for advanced positions.

Top Degrees in Marketing for Market Researchers

How do companies decide what product packaging should look like? How do they determine the most effective venues for product advertising? Much of the research behind these decisions is conducted by market researchers.

For many entry-level positions in marketing research, a bachelor's degree provides adequate preparation. Helpful courses include business, economics, psychology, sociology, mathematics, and statistics.

After working in the field for two or three years, many market researchers decide to broaden their knowledge base through master's and doctoral degrees, the top degree programs for advanced and technical jobs in market research and analysis. Specializations are varied and may include business administration, marketing, statistics, communications, or other disciplines.

Best College Degree for Product Managers

Product managers usually act as general managers of a particular product, overseeing its conception, design, delivery, and more. These jobs can be highly competitive, and generally require extensive work experience, particularly in marketing and sales, and often an advanced degree. An MBA in marketing research is generally considered the best degree in marketing for preparation in this field.

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University of Phoenix

At University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.

Programs

M.B.A. - Marketing
B.S. in Business/Marketing
Doctor of Business Administration

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Location: Online

Capella University

Achieve your potential with an online degree from Capella University.

Programs

DBA - Marketing
PhD - Marketing
MBA - Marketing

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Location:

Minneapolis: Capella Tower, Minneapolis MN 55402

Ashford University

Earn the degree you've always wanted at Ashford University. Be empowered with resources to achieve your goals, including an innovative online classroom and a supportive environment. Ashford University is defining the modern college experience.