What Are the Different Types of Marketing Degrees

Keren Dinkin

Written by Keren Dinkin

Senior Technical Writer & Content Strategist

Updated & Fact Checked: 12.15.2024

Whether you’re a fresh-faced student or a seasoned industry professional, there’s always an opportunity to develop your marketing skills further. In this field, creativity meets strategy, data, and storytelling, with plenty of work for people who possess any or all of these attributes. If you’re wondering which type of marketing degree is right for you, here is everything you need to know to make a smart choice.

Three Reasons To Consider a Marketing Degree

The most compelling reason to pursue a marketing degree is the fact that marketing is everywhere. From your favorite YouTube ads to the viral TikTok trends you can’t stop talking about, there are marketing professionals behind them all. The top three benefits of having a marketing degree are:

  • Diverse Career Options: Whether you want to manage brands, create content, or crunch numbers, marketing offers something for everyone.
  • Perennial Demand: Businesses always need marketing pros to get their message out and drive growth.
  • Versatile Skill Sets: You’ll get to use your creative and analytical sides, which keeps things interesting.

How To Choose the Right Marketing Degree for You

Thanks to the different types of specializations within the marketing field, there are so many paths you can take. These are the top considerations for anyone choosing a marketing degree:

  • Career Goals: Do you see yourself running the show as a marketing manager, or do you want to specialize in something like social media? Your end goal can help guide your choice.
  • Timelines and Budgets: Are you ready for a four-year bachelor’s program, or do you want to start small with an associate degree? Maybe you’re eyeing a master’s or MBA if you’re already working.
  • Personal Appeal: Look into programs that match your interests. Some focus more on creativity, while others lean heavily on data and strategy.

Five Types of Marketing Degrees

Now that you’ve got some context, let’s dive into the actual types of marketing degrees.

1. Associate Degree in Marketing

An Associate Degree in Marketing is a two-year undergraduate program designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills in marketing and related business areas. It’s often pursued by individuals looking to jumpstart their careers in marketing, sales, or business without committing to a four-year program right away. This degree is also a stepping stone for students who may later pursue a bachelor’s degree in the field.

An associate degree in marketing is ideal if you’re eager to start working in the field while building a foundation for future growth. It’s practical, flexible, and can lead to exciting opportunities in today’s marketing-driven world.

  • Duration: Typically two years if pursued full-time (approximately 60 credit hours).
  • Format: Available at community colleges, technical schools, and some online institutions. Many programs offer part-time or online options for working professionals or those with other commitments.

An Associate Degree in Marketing curriculum focuses on providing practical skills and theoretical knowledge in marketing and business fundamentals. By the end of the program, graduates should have a clear and basic understanding of marketing strategies, consumer behavior, and digital tools.

2. Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing

A Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing is a four-year undergraduate program designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge about marketing principles, strategies, and applications. It provides a well-rounded education, combining core marketing concepts with insights from business, psychology, and technology. This degree prepares students for a wide range of marketing roles and offers opportunities to specialize in areas such as digital marketing, brand management, or market research.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing is a comprehensive program that prepares you for a fast-paced, evolving industry. It’s perfect if you’re looking to combine creativity with business strategy and make a real impact in the marketing world.

  • Duration: Typically four years (around 120-130 credit hours).
  • Format: Offered at universities and colleges, with options for full-time, part-time, and online learning.
  • Project/Internship: Many programs include a final project or internship to provide hands-on experience.

A bachelor’s degree in marketing is designed to develop a mix of creative, analytical, and strategic skills. Students gain a deep understanding of consumer behavior, marketing strategies, and the latest technologies shaping the field.

3. Master’s Degree in Marketing

A Master’s Degree in Marketing is an advanced program designed for individuals looking to deepen their knowledge of marketing strategies, analytics, and leadership. Typically completed in one to two years, it’s ideal for professionals seeking specialized expertise or aspiring to take on senior roles like marketing manager, brand strategist, or market research analyst.

A Master’s in Marketing provides the skills and expertise needed to thrive in an ever-changing field. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to combine creativity with strategy and take their career to the next level.

  • Duration: 12-24 months, depending on the program and whether it’s pursued full-time or part-time.
  • Format: Available as traditional on-campus programs, hybrid options, and fully online degrees.
  • Thesis: Most programs require a final project or thesis to demonstrate applied knowledge.

A Master’s in Marketing goes beyond the basics, focusing on advanced marketing theories, data analytics, consumer behavior, and strategic leadership. Graduates come away with the skills to develop innovative campaigns, lead teams, and make data-driven decisions.

4. MBA With a Marketing Concentration

An MBA with a Marketing Concentration is a graduate-level program that combines advanced business administration skills with specialized marketing knowledge. The MBA (Master of Business Administration) is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of business management, while the marketing concentration allows students to develop expertise in marketing strategies, consumer behavior, and market analysis. This degree is ideal for professionals who want to advance their careers by occupying leadership positions while focusing on the marketing aspect of business.

An MBA with a Marketing Concentration is perfect for those who want to combine their business acumen with deep marketing expertise. It prepares you for high-level leadership positions and helps you understand how to drive marketing and business growth. 

  • Duration: Typically one-and-a-half to two years for full-time students, but part-time and online options can take longer (over three years).
  • Format: Available in traditional on-campus formats as well as hybrid and fully online programs.
  • Capstone Project: Most MBA programs include a final capstone project, thesis, or internship that lets them apply their lessons to real-world scenarios.

An MBA with a Marketing Concentration provides broad business management education and a deep dive into marketing practices. You’ll gain leadership skills, a strategic mindset, and the expertise to drive marketing decisions that align with business goals.

5. Doctorate in Marketing (Ph.D.)

A Doctorate in Marketing (Ph.D.) is an advanced, research-focused degree designed for individuals who want to become experts in the field of marketing. This program typically takes four to six years to complete and prepares students for careers in academia, research, or high-level consulting. 

The emphasis is on producing original research, advancing theoretical knowledge, and applying analytical tools to solve complex marketing problems. A Ph.D. in Marketing is ideal for those who want to teach at the university level or lead significant research projects that influence marketing practices globally.

A Ph.D. in Marketing is an intellectually challenging and rewarding path that prepares you to become a leading expert in the field. It offers opportunities to engage in groundbreaking research, teach at the highest academic levels, and apply your expertise in various industries. If you’re passionate about advancing marketing knowledge and influencing the future of the industry, this could be the right program for you! 

  • Duration: Typically four to six years, depending on the program and whether you attend full-time or part-time.
  • Format: Most programs are full-time and require on-campus attendance, though some offer hybrid formats with online coursework. Some schools may also offer Ph.D. tracks in marketing combined with business administration (DBA/Ph.D.).
  • Comprehensive Exams: After completing coursework, students often need to pass comprehensive exams to demonstrate mastery of marketing theories and research methods.
  • Dissertation: The doctoral dissertation is the cornerstone of a Ph.D. in Marketing. Students must design and conduct original research, contribute new insights to the field, and defend their findings in front of a committee of experts.

The Ph.D. program in marketing combines deep theoretical knowledge with research methodologies to solve significant challenges in the field. Students will not only learn how to apply existing marketing theories but also discover how to create new knowledge by conducting original, cutting-edge research. The focus is on critical thinking, advanced data analysis, and the development of marketing theories that drive industry innovation.

Four Specialized Marketing Degrees

Not everyone needs a full degree to thrive in marketing. There are plenty of short-term programs that focus on things like digital marketing, SEO (search engine optimization), or content creation. These are perfect for upskilling quickly and landing specific roles. Here are some examples. 

  • PPC (Pay-Per-Click) Certification

A PPC specialist is an expert in overseeing online advertising campaigns. This involves designing, strategizing, and implementing various online ad campaigns. PPC specialists are expected to know the ins and outs of SEO, including how to conduct keyword research, design landing pages, and grab attention with succinct copy. This is a unique skill set that can be learned with a short-term PPC specialization course.

  • Public Relations Certification

While many digital marketing degrees can set you with a base, specialized public relations training is available for those inclined to take it up as a full-time profession. A public relations certification includes training in several specific skill-sets — including crisis communication, public relations writing, and reputation management. Overall, it teaches you to improve communication with a focus on maintaining a brand’s image.

  • Research and Analytics 

With such a heavy focus on emerging technologies, marketing experts need to understand how to use tools to conduct research and analyze the performance of campaigns. Many of these skills are broadly covered in a marketing degree, but with a specialized focus on research and analytics, you can position yourself as an expert in strategic marketing, customer behavior, and more. 

  • Social Media Marketing 

The role of social media as a marketing channel has evolved over the years. Once seen as a space taken up by younger audiences, today, social media is a marketing behemoth, allowing brands to connect to specific demographics and locations with ease. A focus on social media marketing offers the skills needed to handle marketing campaigns across existing and emerging platforms. Moreover, the curriculum can include SEO practices, tips on using analytical platforms, and decoding viral content.

Which Marketing Degree Is Right for You?

At the end of the day, it’s all about what fits your goals and lifestyle. Whether you’re starting with an associate degree, going all-in with a bachelor’s, or aiming for a leadership position with an MBA, there’s a path for everyone.

And if you’re still uncertain, certifications and specialized online courses are always there to help you get a taste of the field without committing to a full program. Whichever you choose, marketing is one of those professions that’s always changing and growing. So, you can always use your marketing degree as a starting point while enjoying an exciting career in an evolving and dynamic field!

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