Bachelor's Degree in Marketing: A Complete Guide

By Harold RoldanMay 29, 2024Updated May 20, 2026

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Understand what it takes to achieve a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, including what it is, the pros and cons, steps to get it, duration, online choices, subjects you'll study, and career options.

Key Points

A bachelor's degree in marketing provides a comprehensive understanding of marketing principles, strategies, and techniques.
Pursuing a marketing degree offers various career opportunities, including roles in advertising, brand management, digital marketing, and market research.
The program covers topics such as consumer behavior, market analysis, digital marketing, and strategic planning.
Graduates can pursue further education, such as a master's degree in marketing or a related field, or enter the workforce in entry-level marketing positions.
Prospective students should consider the pros and cons of pursuing a bachelor's degree in marketing, such as the cost, program length, and job prospects.

Marketing programs for you

Southern New Hampshire University

BS Marketing with concentration in Digital Marketing

Online

Complete your degree at your own pace
24/7 online accessibility

Financial aid (may be available)

Houston Christian University

B.B.A. - Marketing - Online

Online

Earn an online degree with advanced training in market research techniques
Build real-world experience connecting brands with diverse audiences

No cost info

Colorado Technical University

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Marketing

Online

Complete your marketing degree online with 5-week class format
Study sales, marketing communications, and consumer behavior

Financial aid (may be available)

Colorado Technical University

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Digital Marketing

Online

Complete digital marketing program online with 5-week class format
Study SEO, data analysis, email and social media marketing, and CRM

Financial aid (may be available)

What is a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing?

A bachelor's degree in marketing is an undergraduate program that focuses on the principles, strategies, and techniques used in the field of marketing. This degree program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of marketing concepts, including consumer behavior, market analysis, digital marketing, and strategic planning. By the end of the program, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a variety of marketing-related careers.

Pros and Cons of Pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing

Pros

Diverse Career Opportunities: A marketing degree can open doors to a wide range of careers, including advertising, brand management, digital marketing, and market research.
Transferable Skills: The skills gained in a marketing program, such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, are highly valued in many industries.
Potential for Career Advancement: With a marketing degree, graduates can pursue entry-level positions and potentially advance to management or leadership roles over time.
Opportunity for Further Education: A bachelor's degree in marketing can serve as a foundation for pursuing a master's degree in marketing or a related field.

Cons

Competitive Job Market: The marketing industry can be highly competitive, and graduates may face challenges in finding their desired job.
Continuous Learning: The marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and professionals must be willing to continuously learn and adapt to stay relevant.
Potential for Low Starting Salaries: Entry-level marketing positions may have lower starting salaries compared to other fields, especially for recent graduates.
Program Cost: Pursuing a bachelor's degree in marketing can be a significant financial investment, and students should carefully consider the cost and potential return on investment.

How to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing

1. Meet the admission requirements: To enroll in a bachelor's degree program in marketing, prospective students must meet the admission requirements set by the university or college. This typically includes submitting an application, providing academic transcripts, and meeting minimum GPA and test score requirements.

2. Apply to the Marketing program: Once the admission requirements are met, students can apply to the marketing program of their choice. This may involve submitting an application, writing a personal statement, and providing any additional required materials.

3. Explore financial aid options: Financing a bachelor's degree can be a significant concern for many students. Prospective students should explore various financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. They should also familiarize themselves with the application process and deadlines for these financial aid opportunities.

4. Enroll and complete the program: After being accepted into the marketing program, students can enroll and begin their coursework. The program typically takes four years to complete, with a curriculum that covers topics such as consumer behavior, market research, digital marketing, and strategic planning.

List of Online Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing on Dreambound

Dreambound is an online learning platform that partners with accredited universities to provide high-quality, affordable degree programs. Their online bachelor's degree in Marketing is designed for students needing a flexible and convenient learning solution.

Southern New Hampshire University

BS Marketing With Concentration In Social Media Marketing
BS Marketing With Concentration In Digital Marketing
BS Marketing

How Long Does It Take To Get a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing?

A bachelor's degree in marketing typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of marketing principles and techniques, as well as the opportunity to develop practical skills through hands-on projects and internships.

More programs to explore

Southern New Hampshire University

AS Marketing

Online

Complete your degree at your own pace
24/7 online accessibility

Financial aid (may be available)

Waldorf University

BA Communications

Online

Online format for flexible learning
Prepare for roles in corporate communications, PR, digital media

Financial aid (may be available)

Colorado Technical University

Master of Business Administration - Marketing

Online

Complete your MBA marketing degree online with 5-week class format
Study marketing research, international marketing, and e-marketing

No cost info

Southern New Hampshire University

BS Marketing

Online

Complete your degree at your own pace
24/7 online accessibility

Financial aid (may be available)

What to Expect From a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing

A bachelor's degree in marketing will cover a wide range of topics, including:

Consumer Behavior: Understanding how and why consumers make purchasing decisions.
Market Research: Conducting and analyzing market research to inform marketing strategies.
Digital Marketing: Developing and implementing digital marketing campaigns, including social media, search engine optimization, and content marketing.
Branding and Advertising: Creating and managing brand identities, as well as developing effective advertising campaigns.
Strategic Planning: Developing and implementing marketing strategies to achieve business objectives.

Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge through case studies, group projects, and internships, giving them practical experience in the field of marketing.

What Can You Do With a Marketing Bachelor's Degree?

Graduate School Preparation

A bachelor's degree in marketing can serve as a solid foundation for pursuing further education, such as a master's degree in marketing or a related field, such as an MBA with a concentration in marketing. Graduates may also choose to pursue a doctoral degree in marketing or a related discipline, such as a Ph.D. in Business Administration with a focus on marketing.

Entry-Level Marketing Roles

With a bachelor's degree in marketing, graduates can pursue a variety of entry-level marketing roles, including:

Marketing coordinator
Social media manager
Content marketer
Brand ambassador
Market research analyst
Advertising sales representative

Career Opportunities

The skills and knowledge gained through a bachelor's degree in marketing can lead to a wide range of career opportunities, including:

Advertising and Promotions Manager: Median annual salary of $131,870 and a projected job outlook of 2% from 2022 to 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Market Research Analyst: Median annual salary of $74,680 and a projected job outlook of 13% from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS.
Public Relations Specialist: Median annual salary of $66,750 and a projected job outlook of 6% from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS.

Starting Your Marketing Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree in marketing (BS in Marketing) can be a valuable investment for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of marketing. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of marketing principles, strategies, and techniques, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a variety of marketing-related roles. Whether you're interested in advertising, brand management, digital marketing, or market research, a BS in Marketing can open the door to a wide range of exciting career opportunities.