Why Take Courses in Marketing?
The short answer is because there is a tremendous need for marketing skills -- for people who understand their customers' needs as well as the competitive marketplace -- and who then can design a workable, profitable blend of promotion, distribution, pricing and product strategy. The last few years are littered w/ examples of dot.coms that had a great product idea -- but couldn't match it up w/ what consumers wanted at a price consumers were willing to pay. Bottom line? Every business needs to understand its customers -- or it simply won't survive.

What Courses Are Included in the Marketing Program?
We start with building-block business classes. The best marketing people are those that can speak the language of all areas of a business, so our Marketing Program starts by giving students a broad understanding of how the business world operates, including courses in Accounting, Management, Business Communications and Economics (strategies will be different depending on whether you are heading into lean times or boom times).

With the building blocks in place, we follow-up with a core of Marketing classes, starting w/ the basics -- Principles of Marketing. This is the bedrock class that explores the basics of marketing strategy. It is the starting point for the other core classes: Advertising and Promotion Management, Professional Selling, Customer Relationship and Database Marketing, and Marketing Strategies. When you've completed this marketing core, you'll have developed a comprehensive advertising portfolio, you'll be experienced at giving sales presentations, you'll be able to use customer relationship management tools, and you'll have experience consulting with a real small business. These are skill sets that employers are seeking. Which brings us to the next question…

What are the Faculty Like in the Marketing Program?
The faculty brings a wide array of experiences to the Marketing Department as well as recognition at the national level for excellence in teaching. Backgrounds include market research, sales forecasting and automotive marketing in addition to retailing, small business strategies and international marketing. There's a close partnership with local business leaders to ensure that what's being taught is right in line with the skills that businesses need.

What About Online Classes?
Absolutely. Today many people are juggling demanding full-time jobs, shift work, family and social obligations. Students tell us they really appreciate the schedule flexibility offered by online classes. The Marketing Department was one of the pioneers in online learning and we are working to expand the number of classes being taught online each term.

Will My Classes Transfer?
Yes, the Marketing Program is compatible with many bachelor degree programs offered through local and online colleges and universities. Please contact Counseling & Academic Advising Services for answers to your specific transfer questions.