Online Marketing Management Degree Programs

A degree in marketing management explores practical, real-world application of marketing principles--in other words, it is a marriage of business management with marketing. Marketing managers analyze target markets, analyze the effectiveness of various marketing and advertising campaigns, and often drive the development of new products, brands, and brand extensions. A marketing manager is typically more "numbers-oriented" and results-driven, than a marketer, who might be more involved more in the creative process. Marketing managers should be highly motivated, able to handle stress, possess solid communication skills, as well as a decisive mind-set. Marketing managers should also be able to establish relationships with their team, supervisors, and clients.

The marketing team works together to complete projects that persuade consumers to buy their products or services. It is the role of the marketing manager to develop the marketing strategy and bring together a team of creative individuals towards one common goal. Through marketing management studies, students learn how to lead other effectively, how to handle and lead team meetings, how to establish teams, and how to balance and blend the different approaches of team members.

First Hand Career Training with a Marketing Management Degree

A marketing management degree usually includes coursework that emphasizes advertising, market segmentation and strategy, brand and product development, sales management evaluation, marketing communications, pricing, promotion, distribution, market research, consumer behavior, and more. Some programs may include courses in electronic marketing or online marketing, as well as international marketing.

From creating budgets to managing expenses, presentation development to writing proposals, students in a marketing management program should become comfortable with all areas of organizational development. By completing assignments, giving presentations and using computer software to create budgets and spreadsheets, students receive real-life career training in marketing management programs. Marketing managers need to be able to make quick decisions, change the course of a project, and provide mentorship opportunities for other team members. Graduates learn valuable skills of leadership, presentation, public speaking, and financial management.

What a Marketing Management Degree Can Do for You

Whether in advertising, sales, public relations, marketing, or promotions, graduates of marketing management programs should find a growing job market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that job growth should increase by 12 percent through 2016. An increase in employment opportunities is expected due to competition both domestically and globally for products and services. The overall growth of advertising on television, radio, and online should also spur a greater demand for managerial positions.

Although job growth varies from field to field, those interested in the scientific and professional fields (i.e. computer systems) should expect a greater number of job opportunities. In addition to expected job growth, marketing managers also traditionally enjoy higher end salaries. In 2007, these careers earned the following median salaries:

• Marketing managers: $113,400
• Sales managers: $106,790
• Advertising and promotions managers: $91,100
• Public relations managers: $97,170

Although no education program can guarantee a specific salary or job, accredited degrees and career training are typically preferred by employers and can position you for success in a competitive job environment.

• Business
• Management & Leadership