Last Updated: August 7, 2021

Our Recommended Schools

  1. Grand Canyon University (GCU)

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  2. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

    Explore the bond between business and consumer behavior with a degree in marketing.

Are you ready for a career in marketing?

To have a chance in an industry known for its tenacity, work ethic, and determination, that answer should probably be “yes.” While that can-do attitude already puts you in good standing with other competing marketing professionals, you still need to hone your skills and abilities to excel in the field.

Obtaining a degree in marketing allows you to develop an understanding and knowledge of marketing strategies and techniques that you’ll need for future success. But not every person can spend the time and money required to fully enroll in a four year university.

Instead, some individuals choose to earn their associate’s degrees, which allows for greater flexibility while still providing people with a jumping off point for their careers. An associate’s degree in marketing will expose you to the marketing principles that will help prepare you for entry-level positions in a variety of different organizations.

What will I learn?

In an associate’s program in marketing, you’ll develop skills in management, sales, creative design, research, and negotiation. Through your coursework, you’ll gain insight into new marketing techniques that have risen with technology’s advance, and review guiding principles that have long been part of the marketing mix.

Associate's Degree Facts

  • Those who hold associate’s degrees earn an average of $100 more per week than those with high school diplomas.
  • The unemployment rate was 30% lower for those who held associate’s degrees compared to those with high school diplomas.
  • Of the 20 fastest growing occupations, half require associate’s degrees.

Source: United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Education

While marketing is a highly data driven profession, individual scenarios require marketers to creatively solve problems and enact new initiatives that require on-the-spot decision making skills. Some of the marketing skills you’ll learn include:

  • Identifying market segments
  • Estimating product demand
  • Planning, organizing, and staffing skills
  • General management and problem-solving skills
  • Understanding buyer behavior
  • Marketing techniques
  • Branding strategies

You’ll gain experience in these skills through case studies and role-playing exercises, giving you a first-hand look at real marketing professionals and the strategies they use. Typical classes in an associate’s program include:

Publicity and Promotion

Gain insight into the “promotions mix.” Develop skills in public relations, sales, media buying, and sponsorship that help prepare you for a wide variety of careers in marketing.

B2B Sales

Research and practice the methods businesses use to market products and services to each other. Gain negotiation skills, salesmanship skills, and discover how to manage territory to best position a company for success.

Marketing Design Strategies

Discover the various marketing techniques employed by businesses around the world. Teachers give students opportunities to design their own marketing campaigns based on techniques such as direct marketing, affiliate marketing, relationship marketing, and event marketing.

Social Media Campaigns

One of the fastest growing marketing techniques, social media campaigning, gives businesses the ability to participate in one-on-one dialogue with their customers. Students learn the various trends and tools involved in creating social media campaigns, such as using Facebook and LinkedIn to build buzz for a company or organization.

Marketing Management

Explore how market trends affect profits and marketing strategies at a company. In marketing management courses, you’ll likely create an in-depth marketing plan for a selected product, service, or organization, allowing you to apply the knowledge you’ve gained in previous coursework.

What can I do with an Associate’s Degree in Marketing?

More than 60% of United States workers do not have bachelor’s degrees, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Associate’s degree holders stand out in this group, ahead of those with high school diplomas and GEDs. Your degree represents a broad range of skills and knowledge that makes you more attractive to potential employers.

With an associate’s degree in marketing, you’ll find career opportunities in a variety of settings, from advertising and sales, to public relations, media buying, and account coordination. With your skills and understanding of buyer behavior, marketing communication, and consumer trends, you’ll qualify for some of the following positions:

If you don’t immediately enter the field, an associate’s degree provides a great head start to students looking to go on to earn their bachelor’s degrees. Most associate’s degree in marketing programs provide students with a total of 60 credit hours (or 20 classes) that can be applied toward four year degree programs.