Marketing encompasses a variety of activities, and the coursework required to earn a bachelor's degree in the field reflects this diversity. Classes in marketing techniques, consumer behavior, advertising and market research constitute the core of most programs. Because math skills are necessary to analyze data, many marketing programs require classes in statistics, trigonometry and calculus. Marketers also relay information to consumers and decision-makers within their organization so business communication classes are commonplace. Computer classes may also be required because professional marketers frequently use spreadsheets, databases and other information systems.
Costs vary greatly. The type of school you choose (public or private), where you live and the program's reputation can all have an effect on tuition costs and other fees. According to a report by the College Board, the average annual in-state tuition for public four-year colleges was $7,605. Out-of-state students could expect to pay nearly $12,000 more each year. The report goes on to say private nonprofit four-year colleges charged $27,293 on average just for tuition. These figures do not include room and board, book costs and other fees.
Marketing offers career paths appropriate for creative types, number crunchers and individuals who enjoy the limelight as managers, salesmen and women, consultants, advertisers and public relations personnel. Overall, demand for workers in marketing related fields is growing. The consulting industry alone will create more than 832,000 jobs between 2008 and 2018. During this same time, approximately 80,000 new management positions in advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations and sales will also be created.
The average starting salary for marketing majors was more than $59,000 in 2008. Statistics calculated by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and provided by the Campus Grotto, say recent marketing grads received an average salary offer of $43,325 in 2009. This figure represents a 3 percent increase over the previous year, but it was less than the average salary offer for recent college graduates as a whole, which was $49,693.