Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Marketing Degree

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the Byrum School of Business are immersed in the dynamic world of commerce – with careers in branding, advertising, market research, new product development, social media, selling, and supply chain management. As a Marian University Marketing major, you will enjoy a creative, exciting, and fast-paced career.

Why choose a B.S. in marketing at Marian?

With a highly versatile marketing degree, you’ll be able to work in nearly any industry which includes banking and financial services, communications/media, consumer services, education, healthcare, hospitality and entertainment, insurance, biotechnology, manufacturing, retail, pharmaceuticals, sports, technology, and transportation.

Marian’s experiential curriculum gives you knowledge and insight into the hottest marketing trends. You’ll study analytics, marketing strategies, professional selling, consumer behavior, and ethical approaches to marketing.

Plus, 100% of our marketing majors complete at least one internship.

National Sales Competition Champions

Marian University competed against 31 other universities at the 2020 virtual National Team Selling Competition. The Byrum School’s presentation team of Anton Berry ‘21, Sarah Spangler ‘22, and Sandra Sledge ’22, won the competition, bringing home a first-place trophy and $1,500 besting the University of Baylor, Penn State University, and the University of Richmond.

How is our Marketing program distinctive?

• Competitions: 
  • National Runner Up: American Marketing Association Case Competition sponsored by Amazon Prime Student (2022)
  • First Place: Fastenal Case Competition (2022, 2021)
  • National Runner Up: National Team Selling Competition (2021)
  • National Champions: National Team Selling Competition (2020)
  • Fifth Place: National Advertising Competition sponsored by Adobe, Inc. – besting the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, BYU, Florida State University, and the University of Oregon (2020)
  • National Semifinalist: American Marketing Association’s Outbound Sales Competition sponsored by Northwestern Mutual (2020)
  • National Finalist: Sales Competition hosted by Duquesne University (2020)
  • First Place: Social Media Case Competition sponsored by Sun King (2019)
  • First Place: Conexus Indiana Logistics Case Competition (2019)
• American Marketing Association (AMA): Marian’s AMA chapter is a professional association where you can explore marketing with the Indianapolis community and enjoy social events with fellow Marian students.
  
• Nationally Ranked Sales Program and Digital Sales Lab: Marian was named a Top University for Sales Education in 2022 by the Sales Education Foundation.
• Exceptional Career Outcomes: Our marketing students enjoy a 100% placement rate and are highly desired working for companies such as: ADP, Amazon, Cummins, Carrier, DemandJump, Direct Xpress Logistics, Disney, Eli Lilly, Fastenal, James Marketing Consultants, Jr. Golf Tour Management, KPMG, Lead Forensics, Lev, Penske Logistics, Orr Fellowship, Roche Diagnostics, and Salesforce.
• Cisco Systems: Learn digital marketing strategies from our Cisco state-of-the-art digital classroom. Our Cisco partnership also presents internships and full time placement opportunities.
• Alpha Mu Alpha is a national honor society that recognizes scholastic excellence in marketing and sales, including our award-winning student-run advertising agency Momentum.
• Connect with Indianapolis leaders to formulate business plans, promotional videos, and marketing concepts.
• Graduate Dual Credit Courses: Elect to take two online graduate business courses with Creighton University. Through our innovative partnership, you can complete 20% of your MBA during your senior year at Marian University.

What will you study?

The 128-credit marketing degree includes general education, our business core, and required and elective courses in the marketing major.

Courses for the marketing major include required and elective courses like:

• MKT 202: Applications in Visual Design
• MKT 205: Digital Media
• MKT 301: New Media Marketing
  
• MKT 338: Global Marketing
• MKT 341: Promotion
• MKT 342: Selling and Sales Management
• MKT 344: Marketing Research
• MKT 345: Event Marketing and Planning
• MKT 348: Sports Marketing and Sponsorships
• MKT 374: Sales Technology and Analytics
• MKT 442: Advanced Professional Selling
• MKT 444: Negotiation
• MKT 445: Marketing Campaigns and Competitions
• MKT 446: Strategic Marketing

For complete details about the curriculum and degree requirements, review our Undergraduate Course Catalog or download our four-year plan of study and checklist.

Sample Four-Year Plan and Checklist

Add a double-major, minor, or specialization to your plan of study 

Marian offers other academic options that can make you an even more attractive marketing job candidate.

• Specialization in the business of sports: If you want to work in sports marketing or event management, pair your major in marketing with a specialization in the business of sports. Because Indianapolis is a hub for professional and amateur sports, you will have access to internships at places like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Lucas Oil Stadium, NCAA headquarters, and Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

• Specialization in digital marketing: Digital marketing skills are in high demand. You’ll learn about mobile marketing, social media, marketing analytics, search engine optimization, new digital technologies and production software, photography and video production. Students compete in a variety of marketing competitions annually. 

• Specialization in professional selling: If you are interested in a sales career, you’ll have an opportunity to take courses in sales, advanced selling techniques, negotiation, sales technology and analytics, and complete a sales internship. Students compete in a variety of national sales competitions each year and are able to prepare in our digital classroom and sales lab. Industry partners from top corporations visit classrooms and assist in student coaching.

• Double major in business analytics: Students who want to work in market research can add a second major in business analytics and get involved in industry research projects and learn how to apply marketing analytics. In market research and business analytics courses, students learn to apply advanced analysis techniques, use software tools like Qualtrics and SPSS, and apply tools for data mining and data visualization.

• Minor in global studies: Marian students can complete study abroad courses – we are a direct flight to Paris. Expand your worldview and gain a deeper appreciation for other cultures by taking at least one study-abroad course before you graduate! You can also select from seven different international courses in the Byrum School, such as Business Communication in Global Contexts, Global Marketing, International Business, and International Finance.

What are your career paths?

The American Marketing Association (AMA) summarized findings from The Creative Group’s salary guide. Among entry-level marketing positions requiring one to three years of experience, national average salaries were:

Later in your career, view average national salary ranges for experienced marketing pros:

Marketing majors at Marian are encouraged to join professional associations like:

• American Advertising Federation
• American Marketing Association
• Content Marketing Association
• Data & Marketing Association
• Mobile Marketing Association
• Web Marketing Association