College Crunch

Marketing is the backbone of industry and commerce. It is the link between businesses and their customers. Professionals in the marketing field track and monitor consumer trends, develop new knowledge and cutting edge methods through research on the best way to reach each segment of the population and assist with the development of new products to meet changing demands. Experts claim marketing is the optimal means of reaching the top of the corporate ladder. Individuals with degrees in the field of marketing are aggressively recruited for positions in the world’s top companies. A degree from one of these top marketing programs will provide optimal training in all aspects of marketing and increase your viability and status on the marketing job market.

1. University of Pennsylvania

The Wharton Marketing program at the University of Pennsylvania is considered the premier authority in the field. The program which began in the early 1900’s as a merchandising program has grown into a leader in the field of marketing. The program is credited with developing revolutionary strategies and techniques from their research which has improved the performance of some of the top corporations in the world. Their state of the art research facilities have allowed the department to create cutting edge research tools. The department has developed an expertise in determining consumer behavior and marketing strategy as well as anticipating public preferences. The marketing program offers students excellence in teaching, iconic and award winning faculty members and the most current technologies in the field.

The undergraduate program in marketing provides a solid foundation in the various disciplines which influence the discipline. Students will study psychology, statistics and economics. The challenging curriculum ensures students are prepared to develop effective marketing strategies. The courses include Sales Force Management, Channel Management, Principles of Retailing, Law of Marketing and Antitrust, Contagious: How Products, Ideas, and Behaviors Catch on. In addition to completing the coursework, students are also expected to complete mini courses and attain practical experience. Students are offered the option of a dual concentration in Marketing and Communication. Since the two disciplines are irrefutably intertwined, the benefits of a dual degree program are substantial. Developing a proficiency in communications will serve to enhance the student’s marketing abilities.

2. University of Michigan Ann Arbor

The Department of Marketing in the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive program covering the breadth of the field. The students are trained in all facets of the discipline including advertising, consumer behavior, distribution strategies, marketing models, marketing research and strategy, and new product development. The research performed at the university focuses on the areas which both pose the most problems and promise the most impact. The results and findings of the research projects are published in the most prominent journals and books.

The curriculum for the marketing degree programs at the University is challenging. Faculty members utilize proven and effective teaching methods to help students develop an expertise and understanding in the field of marketing. Students are taught through lectures, computer simulations, discussions and case studies. Group projects are a regular requirement. Courses vary by degree programs; the university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Course programs are dependent on the career path the student intends to pursue. Course offerings for student include International Marketing Management, Marketing Research Design & Analysis, Digital Marketing, Sensory marketing, Retail Management and Designing Persuasive Communications.

3. University of California Berkeley

The Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley provides one of the top ranked research based marketing programs in the United States. The core of the program is both theoretical and empirical marketing strategy, focusing also on the areas of quantitative behavioral modeling and consumer research. The research efforts of the faculty members have resulted in the generation of new theories and knowledge. The faculty members utilize an interdisciplinary approach in their research which augments the findings in the discipline while simultaneously benefiting the other areas of study. The university provides students with the training and information they need to become leaders in the field.

The University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs, both master and doctorate degrees. In addition to the curriculum, students are able to participate in various marketing activities and programs to develop and enhance their skills. The undergraduate marketing association endeavors to provide a link to the marketing world for students. Students are given the opportunity to network with marketing practitioners and to participate in forums and events related to the field. The MBA Marketing Club offers students in the masters degree program the opportunity to explore different career paths with professionals already in the field. Students attend intimate dinners with speakers who will describe the functions and skills needed to succeed.

4. University of Texas Austin

The Department of Marketing at McCombs School of Business in the University of Texas offers a demanding and thorough program which teaches students the foundational elements of the field and beyond. The program ensures students will obtain an inherent understanding of customer behaviors, market segmentation, brand strategy and pricing. The university provides hands on experience through group projects and consulting opportunities working with companies and the issues they face. Students also perform marketing studies and engage in competitions with students from other colleges. The faculty members are recognized experts in many of the marketing areas earning distinction from their ideologies.

The university provides both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The undergraduate programs in marketing provide a broad understanding of the many areas that encompass the discipline. Students have the opportunity to develop a specialization in an area of interest by tailoring their coursework towards it. Students are offered internship opportunities to gain practical experience. Both master’s and doctorate degree programs are available at the university. The doctoral program is an intense curriculum taught in small seminar classes under the concentrated direction of the faculty members. Students benefit immensely from the apprenticeship format of the program.

5. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

The Kenan Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina offers a broad program in business marketing. The Customer and Product Management concentration program relies substantially on case studies and group activities; emphasizing the importance of customers in business. The focus of the program is to develop a broad marketing perspective which includes the areas of customer management, product management, marketing strategy and market analysis. In addition to the traditional education options, students are offered dual degree programs, leadership development course programs and an international program option.

The undergraduate degree program at the university is a general business curriculum which offers an emphasis in two areas of marketing. Students have the option of choosing a concentration in marketing consulting or marketing management. The program provides a general overview of the field of business while the chosen area of emphasis develops the students’ knowledge and skills in marketing. The graduate degree programs include requisite coursework in brand strategy, customer relationship strategy and practices, pricing, sales, healthcare marketing and services marketing. Students have the opportunity to participate in case competitions and the marketing club offers workshops, presentations and social events.

6. Indiana University

Kelley Department of Marketing at Indiana University prepares students to become quality professionals in the field. Students learn essential skills from world renowned faculty members; to develop the communication and analytical skills necessary to be successful in the field. The university is dedicated to the discovery of cutting edge, intuitive methods of reaching customers through consumer behavior studies, practical experience through internships and case studies. Their commitment to teaching ethical standards prepares their graduates for careers in a diversely challenging society. Students are also offered the opportunity to create a marketing campaign for a client in their courses.

The undergraduate program in marketing provides a broad program. The curriculum includes three requisite skills course; Analysis and Display of Marketing Data, Database Marketing and Creativity and Communication. Students are expected to participate in an ethics workshop presented by a guest speaker as part of their coursework. The option of studying abroad provides students who choose this avenue a global perspective in the discipline. The course on emerging markets includes a trip to one of six countries.

7. University of Wisconsin at Madison

The Department of Marketing at the University of Wisconsin views this challenging field as both interesting and rewarding in terms of professional satisfaction. The university has earned recognition for their productivity in their marketing research. Their nationally prominent research center, A.C. Nielsen Center for Marketing Research, is an integral part of their program. Students also have access to the Center for Brand and Product Management and the Grainger Center for Supply Chain Management which offer training in integral aspects of the marketing discipline. The rigorous program at the university develops the analytical and financial skills students will need to be successful. Active participation in classes is encouraged and expected. Case studies provide an opportunity to experience a competitive marketing campaign similar to a professional setting.

The undergraduate program at the University of Wisconsin provides a skill oriented program. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the intellectual demands of the marketing field while student participation is used to sharpen their abilities of persuasion and communication. Students have the opportunity to pursue specific course tracks to tailor their degree program to their intended career. Marketing or Brand management: Marketing Consulting, Retailing and Wholesaling, Sales Management, Marketing Research and Advertising are potential tracks. Courses include consumer behavior, marketing research, marketing strategy, marketing communications, global marketing, fundamentals of supply chain management, logistics management and emerging issues in new product development. Students can also pursue graduate degrees in Brand and product Management or Marketing Research.

8. New York University

The Stern School Marketing Department at New York University understands that the central idea of marketing is to ‘acquire and retain customers’. The emphasis of the program is on the importance of satisfying consumers’ needs by identifying what they want and the most effective method of providing services and products of value. Students are taught to track consumers and to keep an eye on their competition to stay competitive. At NYU, students learn cutting edge techniques in marketing from the 25 plus award winning faculty members who have acquired an expertise in the many facets of the discipline. Areas of expertise include new product development, consumer behavior, trade marking, high tech marketing, international marketing and marketing in interactive environments. The department boasts more than 100 publications in scholarly journals.

The undergraduate marketing curriculum at NYU is an academically rigorous program. The program develops skills in quantitative and qualitative analysis, teaches professional responsibility and trains students majoring in marketing the essential skills for success in the field. The program offers the option of seven concentrations in marketing; advertising and promotion, brand management, the entertainment, media and communications technology or EMT concentration, financial services marketing, international marketing, marketing research and marketing consulting. Each option requires students to complete core marketing courses and a series of elective courses specific to the chosen tract. The MBA marketing program cultivates leadership qualities; teaching managerial skills. The doctoral program has produced leaders in the marketing field.

9. University of Virginia

The McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia offers an integrative program which combines liberal arts and business curriculum to ensure students receive a well rounded education. The marketing program encompasses the breadth of the field, providing students with an understanding of the correlative relationship between marketing and business. Students will learn the basic concepts of marketing as well as the areas of accounting, economics, mathematics, sociology, psychology, law and philosophy as the marketing field relies on many of the principles from these fields. Graduates will understand the concepts which drive the discipline and the central objectives of marketing in all settings; non-profits, for profit, even government.

The undergraduate program offers a collaborative and challenging curriculum. Students participate in discussion groups, seminars, case analysis, field projects, computer simulations and experiential exercises. In addition, the school works with the Advertising and marketing Association and the American Advertising Federation to train their students through competitions and expert speakers. Areas of study include advertising and promotion, brand management, distribution, international marketing, marketing research and consulting and advertising and promotion. Specialty tracks in the department offer the opportunity to develop an expertise in a specific segment of marketing. The department also offers the option to develop a global perspective with their study abroad program. The graduate degree programs are centered heavily on research.

10. University of Southern California

The Marshall Marketing Department at the University of Southern California is committed to producing leaders in the field of marketing. Marketing is considered the crux of commerce; connecting customers, companies, suppliers and distributers. Successful marketing is achieved through quantitative and qualitative analysis of customer and competitor trends, design focused marketing strategies and the development of accurate performance measures all of which must be taught to students who intend to become professionals in the field. The faculty members include internationally regarded leaders in developing marketing theory and are experts in the areas of new product development, market response forecasting, e-commerce, advertising strategy and behavior analysis.

The undergraduate program at USC offers a flexible curriculum which provides a general marketing background as well as specialized training. Students are able to select either a general marketing concentration or to choose a specialization in advertising and promotion strategy, sales strategy, global marketing concentration, product and brand management or distribution management. Each program is tailored to provide the fundamental skills in marketing as well as comprehensive coursework in the chosen area of emphasis. The international business program provides a global perspective on business. Students are trained to recognize global trends, learn about other cultures in the business arena and to communicate in an increasingly diverse market. The doctorate program is a focused interactive curriculum which centers on research and collaboration.