College marketing programs provide the latest industry information and networking opportunities for professionals who want to advance in their chosen field. Use executive marketing programs, university degrees and online education options to increase your net value and even work as a consultant.
Earn a bachelor's degree in a specialty that interests you such as business marketing, marketing communications or market research. If you already have a bachelor's degree in marketing, take your expertise to the next level with a master's or doctoral degree program. Or, pursue a marketing certification program and build a network while you learn.
Choose traditional college and university marketing programs if your schedule permits, or consider the many options available to professionals looking to improve their marketing game with a business marketing degree:
1. Explore the traditional route, with a twist: find part-time, advanced marketing education options at nearby venues, if your schedule allows.
2. Find college marketing programs online, and set your own learning schedule and pace.
3. Study at a top business marketing college with options ranging from one-year sabbatical programs to weekend and workshop formats with online support and training.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Pursue specific marketing programs, college admissions close to home
Depending on where you live, local marketing college programs could offer the best mix of convenience, affordability and flexibility. In addition, earning a basic or advanced marketing degree from a local university could be the best professional networking your money can buy. If you're looking to relocate, find a university marketing program near your destination and develop your freelance or consulting contact list in a new city.
I recommend: Explore your degree and concentration options using the guide at
James Madison University. Find a local marketing degree program using
Collegebound.net or browse colleges by state using
AllBusinessSchools.
Become a marketing major college student with online degree programs
Find colleges that offer marketing degrees online, and set your own class schedule. Remember, though, that earning an online degree requires dedication, discipline and thorough research into your chosen school. If you earn a marketing degree from an online school that isn't properly accredited, listing the accomplishment on a resume may be to your detriment. Avoid "diploma mills" by ensuring that your chosen school is based in the U.S. and accredited by its area's governing Association of Colleges and Schools.
I recommend: Find accredited colleges offering marketing degrees online through
eLearners.com or
WorldWideLearn.
Earn an advanced university marketing degree or professional certificate
The nation's best colleges with marketing degree programs also offer advanced degrees -- at the master's or doctoral levels -- and certificate options for continuing education. Classes are usually set up online, face-to-face in the evenings and on weekends and in mini-session format to fit busy schedules. If you're able, take advantage of a full-time marketing immersion program, through which you can earn an advanced degree in a year.
I recommend: Earn an advanced college marketing degree via the executive education program in strategic marketing management at
Harvard Business School. Choose a marketing certificate program from the
American Management Association, and demonstrate your dedication to continuing education in marketing. Or, go for the gold standard and complete the American Marketing Association's
Professional Certified Marketer program.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Most marketing university programs have student organizations that are affiliated with national marketing groups with international ties. Join as a student, and your dues will be less expensive than those of a professional member. Professional associations look great on your resume, and can be your best option for networking and finding freelance or consulting leads.
The official source of College and University Marketing Programs is
the College and University Marketing Programs page at Business.com
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