Introduction to Marketing Majors
Marketing plays a crucial role in business, as it involves the strategies and execution processes that companies use to convey the value of products and services to consumers. Marketing covers a wide range of areas, such as advertising, media relations, and brand management. It also includes digital marketing and social media management, which have become more important as times have changed. Marketing can be applied in many ways, and the entry requirements for marketing programs are relatively lower compared to other fields, making marketing a popular choice for many international students.
Marketing programs are often offered by business schools and focus on developing marketing strategies from a business perspective. Another common type of marketing program is offered by communication schools, focusing on the management and application of marketing channels, approaching marketing from a different angle. Before applying, students should remember to visit the websites of various departments to confirm which aspect of marketing they wish to study, which will help with their future planning.
UP-STUDY Selected Marketing Courses
Columbia University
Columbia Business School
Columbia's marketing program is renowned worldwide, consistently ranked in the top three for QS World Marketing Master's programs. It is one of the best-known and top marketing master's programs globally. The program offers traditional marketing "strategy" teachings commonly found in business schools, but also includes courses on "data" analysis for making marketing decisions, similar to the highly popular Master's in Business Analytics. The program lasts only two semesters, and in addition to core and elective courses, students in Columbia's marketing master's program can also choose two MBA marketing courses to attend alongside MBA students, fostering collaboration and new insights. One thing to note is that, due to the focus on data analysis and interpretation, applicants for the Columbia marketing master's program must have prior experience with statistics courses. The university also clearly states in its application requirements that proficiency in programming languages such as R or Python is not mandatory, but highly preferred. Additionally, knowledge of database programming languages such as SQL, SPSS, SAS, or Matlab can greatly enhance the competitiveness of applicants for Columbia's marketing master's program.
Northwestern University
Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications
Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications (STEM)
The 15-month long MS in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) at Northwestern University is a pioneer in the field of integrated marketing in the United States. The IMC program spans five intensive semesters, beginning with foundational theory and culminating in corporate marketing strategy participation in the final semester. The curriculum integrates classroom teaching with hands-on industry experience, allowing students not only to learn theory but also to accumulate practical skills. The average age of admitted students is 23, with an average of 1 year of work experience. For those with extensive industry experience, it may be worth considering, as the IMC curriculum and cohort are more suited to recent graduates or those with 1-2 years of work experience. If you already have much execution experience, it is recommended to consider applying for an MBA instead.
Basic Application Requirements:
GPA 3.0/4.0 recommended
TOEFL iBT 100 recommended
University of Texas at Austin
McCombs School of Business
Classes begin every July, and students can earn an MSM degree in just 10 months. However, the McCombs School of Business marketing master's program offers more than just time and cost savings. As part of the business school, the MSM program is one of the few marketing master's programs in the field to hold STEM designation. This is due to the program's focus on data utilization, and therefore, students applying for McCombs MSM should have a background in quantitative fields and basic programming knowledge. From the student composition of MSM, it is clear that the program is more suitable for recent graduates with little to no work experience. The curriculum focuses on industry connections, offering elective internships and frequent interactions with industry professionals. Additionally, Austin, nicknamed "Silicon Hills," is a rapidly emerging tech hub in the United States, with numerous major tech companies, including IBM, Cisco, and Apple, offering ample employment opportunities.
Basic Application Requirements:
GPA 3.0/4.0 (Last 60 Sem Credits)
TOEFL iBT 92
University of StrathclydeUniversity of Strathclyde
Strathclyde Business School
Strathclyde Business School is one of the few business schools in the world to have triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA). Its Marketing Department has been consistently ranked among the top five in the UK by The Complete University Guide published by The Independent. It is also ranked 36th in the QS World Master's in Marketing ranking, making it one of the most popular programs in the UK. Core courses include Marketing Strategy Management, Consumer Behavior, International Marketing Research, and Brand Management and Strategy. There is also a wide range of electives, including Digital Marketing, Sports Marketing, and Tourism Marketing. The second semester includes practical group reports, allowing students to participate in real-world business marketing decisions. In addition to the general MSc Marketing program, Strathclyde offers specialized MSc programs in Digital Marketing Management, International Marketing, Innovation and Marketing Management, and Tourism Marketing Management to cater to the trends of globalization and digitalization.
Basic Application Requirements:
GPA 70%/100%
IELTS 6.5
University of Bath
School of Management
Bath's MSc in Marketing is highly regarded in the UK, having held the number one spot for five consecutive years in The Complete University Guide. It is also ranked in the top 20 globally by QS. The program specifically requires applicants to have a basic business background. Although it accepts students from various disciplines, it is mandatory for students to have completed business or management courses, especially foundational marketing courses, during their undergraduate studies. This highlights Bath's deep focus on marketing. Additionally, the key feature of Bath's MSc Marketing is its emphasis on practical experience. Unlike most UK master's programs, Bath's graduation requirements are not limited to thesis writing. Students can also choose to solve real-world business problems through collaborative projects with partner companies, making it ideal for those who enjoy hands-on experience.
Basic Application Requirements:
GPA 80%-85%/100%
IELTS 7.0 (with no band below 6.5)
Want to know the features of marketing master's programs at other schools? Make an appointment for consultation to learn more!
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