Are you a natural communicator? Do you find the intricacies of the marketplace fascinating and wonder what makes a person choose one product over another? Can you see yourself helping spread ideas and innovations to new audiences, while always keeping the greater good in mind? If so, a PLNU degree in marketing could be a good fit for you.

The Fermanian School of Business will teach you how to become a responsible marketer, creating value at the companies where you will work without sacrificing ethics. You will take classes in marketing principles, consumer behavior, social and digital media, and marketing strategy, complemented by personalized internships and innovative business training. You will graduate equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values upon which to build a lifetime of selfless service and continuous learning.

In addition to academics, the life skills I gained while at PLNU have been incredibly beneficial to my work. Learning how to research well, knowing what to look for and where to look, being able to adapt when I’m put in situations I’m not familiar or comfortable with, and being taught that business is about more than the bottom line – these aspects are what I value most from my undergraduate experience and are what have helped me stand out in the business world.

James Garcia, Class of 2013
Product Manager, Moniker Made

Additionally, student-run business clubs like Launch Point will give you opportunities to test what you learn in your marketing classes within real-world circumstance and hands-on environments. Simultaneously, a variety of networking events will give you the opportunity to meet and discuss your passions with local professionals and build your portfolio and resume.

For information about the courses required for the Marketing, B.S. Business Administration program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information

Major Map

The business world presents opportunities for creative and motivated students who excel in pitching ideas and making them a reality. With a huge demand for individuals trained to help businesses grow their reach and pool of consumers, the versatile set of skills you’ll develop by pursuing a degree in marketing from PLNU will open doors and opportunities that are seemingly endless. 

At PLNU, our marketing program aims to set you up for success with three objectives:

• Preparing you to be a responsible and ethical marketer
• Encouraging valuable ideas and inventiveness with real-world applications 
• Gaining exposure to marketing principles, consumer behavior, social and digital media, and marketing strategy

Job outlook for marketing careers

Jobs related to marketing are relatively abundant as it is an ever-growing field with a large demand. For market research analysts (one of the most common careers PLNU alumni pursue with this degree), employment is projected to grow 18% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). 

What can you do with a marketing degree?

Many graduates of the PLNU marketing program have gone on to work in industries such as website development, sales, social media, interior design, insurance, and much more. The opportunities with a degree in marketing are limitless because of the high demand for experts to help companies and organizations grow and achieve their goals.

Some of the positions PLNU graduates currently hold:

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

2020 Median annual salary: $65,810

Marketing research analysts and marketing specialists follow and interpret market conditions to capitalize on and inform clients and organizations of potential sales of a product or service. They’re experts at understanding which products people want, the buyers of those products, and what price those buyers are willing to pay. 

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Robust understanding of market trends and patterns
• Innovation in creating methods for collecting data (surveys, questionnaires, polls, etc.)
• Ability to gather, interpret, and utilizate data
• Strong writing and communications skills in presenting reports and results

Public Relations Specialist

2020 Median annual salary: $62,810

Public relations specialists create and uphold a favorable public image for the organization they represent. These specialists write media releases and craft social media programs to shape a positive public perception of their organization, while also increasing awareness of the organization’s work and goals.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Strong writer and speaker
• Draft speeches, press releases, and arrange interviews
• Maintain and make quick deadlines
• Interpret social media trends and public interactions
• Aid clients in effectively communicating with the public 

Marketing Managers

2020 Median annual salary: $142,170

Marketing managers create programs to facilitate interest in products or services. They work with art directors, advertising sales agents, and financial staff members to promote growth within their company. Marketing managers estimate and analyze the demand for products and services offered by an organization and its competitors. Additionally, they highlight and utilize markets that show promise for the organization’s products.

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Clear communication and cooperation with department heads or staff
• An understanding of pricing strategies for products or services marketed to the target customers
• Interpersonal skills to meet with clients and provide marketing 
• Knowledge of planning promotional campaigns

Social Media Specialist

2020 Median annual salary: $46,948

A social media specialist’s purpose is to create and publish content on a company’s or organization’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Their goal is to grow an audience, foster brand awareness, and ultimately boost sales. With a team, they also manage and maintain site metrics, website design, and interact with viewers. 

Necessary attributes and skills:

• Clear communication and cooperation with department heads or staff
• An understanding of pricing strategies for products or services marketed to the target customers
• Knowledge of planning promotional campaigns
• Strong understanding of the targeted audience for each social channel
• Creativity to produce persuasive content that strikes a chord with the intended audience

Utilize your degree to pitch ideas, create engaging campaigns, and make your mark in an organization or company 

The robust set of skills you can develop by pursuing a degree in marketing from PLNU will prepare you to accomplish the vision and goals of the companies and organizations you interact with while still remaining true to your individual skills and ideas. Whether you’re leading a marketing team or taking on a campaign solo, PLNU’s marketing degree will set you up for success.

Take the first step on your journey and apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and to answer any questions you may have.