Sometimes a product sells itself — such as a beautiful city with a stunning skyline or another attractive view, such as the picture above,. For the other times, there’s marketing. Marketing is a cross-disciplinary field with the primary goal of persuading consumers and businesses to buy products and services. It’s a mix of advertising, market research, cultural understanding, regional trends, economics, demographics, psychology and other aspects. For that reason, marketing skills are applicable for businesses and organizations in any field. A typical starting point is an associate’s degree in either marketing or business with a marketing concentration. From here, a graduate can later earn a bachelor’s degree to their knowledge and skill set.
This college rankings article focuses on online degrees in marketing and related topics, at the associate’s level. Be sure to also check our other marketing program rankings:
- 25 Most Affordable Master’s of Marketing Degrees
- 25 Most Affordable Online Master’s of Marketing Degrees
- 15 of the Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degrees in Marketing
Careers in Marketing
This list shows some of the jobs where career opportunities lie for those with an associate’s degrees in marketing and closely-related topics. The information is compiled from the Web pages of the 15 colleges ranked in this article.
- advertising account representative
- advertising art director
- advertising coordinator
- advertising manager
- advertising sales agent
- assistant buyer
- business intelligence analyst
- business manager
- business owner
- customer service
- customer service manager
- entertainment
- event planner
- events coordinator
- information architect
- inside sales representative
- management analyst
- management trainee
- market research analyst
- market research assistant
- marketing
- marketing assistant
- marketing communications associate
- marketing events coordinator
- marketing manager
- marketing research analyst
- marketing specialist
- marketing supervisor
- media research analyst
- merchandise displayer
- product demonstrator
- product management
- product promoter
- promotions coordinator
- promotions manager
- public relations
- public relations specialist
- retail buyer
- retail sales manager
- retail sales supervisor
- retailing
- sales agent
- sales coordinator
- sales manager
- sales representative
- sales specialist
- sales support specialist
- search engine marketing specialist
- search marketing strategist
- sports management
- survey researcher
- web content editor
- web designer
- web-based businesses
- wholesale buyer
Rankings: Affordable Online Associate’s Degrees in Marketing
15: Blue Ridge Community College
Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) is a public community college established in 1969. BRCC is part of the North Carolina Community College System. Its main campus is in Flat Rock, North Carolina.
BRCC offers one online Marketing program — its Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing and Retailing. The AAS requires a minimum of 70-71 credit hours, with at least 19 for marketing courses. The program combines a study of:
- advertising
- business
- computers
- management
- marketing
- merchandising
- retailing
- selling
It prepares students for marketing careers with manufacturing companies, retail businesses, or service organizations.
Sample courses:
- Advertising and Sales Promotion
- Customer Service
- Fundamentals of Selling
- Marketing Applications
- Marketing Research
- Social Media Marketing
- Graduation rate: 28%.
- Transfer-out rate: 13%.
- In-state tuition: $2,389.
- Out-of-state tuition: $8,533.
- Yearly average net price: $8,167.
- Student population: 2215.
- # undergrads: 2215.
- # grads: 0.
- Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
- Campus housing avail.: No.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: D-.
14: Mesa Community College
Mesa Community College (MCC) is a public community college established in 1963. MCC is part of the Maricopa County Community College District. Its two main campuses are in Mesa, Arizona.
MCC offers one online Marketing program — its Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Business – Marketing Track III. The AAS requires 67-72 credits, with 18 for the marketing track. This program combines business, management, and marketing courses with a liberal arts core. It delivers a workforce-ready education that prepares students for careers in areas such as:
- advertising
- entertainment
- marketing
- public relations
- sales,
- sports management
The degree also provides graduates with the foundation needed to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Some curriculum tweaking may be required. Check with MCC for details.
Sample courses:
- Advertising Principles
- Introduction to Public Relations
- Marketing Research
- Merchandising
- Principles of Marketing
- Principles of Salesmanship
- Graduation rate: 13%.
- Transfer-out rate: 29%.
- In-state tuition: $2,046.
- Out-of-state tuition: $7,830.
- Yearly average net price: $8,079.
- Student population: 22711.
- # undergrads: 22711.
- # grads: 0.
- Campus setting: City: Large.
- Campus housing avail.: No.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: A+.
13: Lakeshore Technical College
Lakeshore Technical College (LTC) is a public technical community college established in 1967. LTC is part of the Wisconsin Technical College System. Its main campus is in Cleveland, Wisconsin.
LTC offers one online Marketing program — its Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Marketing. The AAS requires 64 credits, with 43 for program requirements. The program features 37 for marketing, internet marketing, and web development courses, including a marketing internship. This degree helps students become marketing professionals in the digital age. It ensures students can understand, connect with, and develop long-term relationships with modern consumers. Most of these consumers have a wealth of choice, information, and interaction at their fingertips.
Sample courses:
- B2B Sales and Customer Relationship Management
- Direct Marketing
- PR and Media
- Integrated Web Concepts
- Marketing Strategies and Planning
- Research and Web Analytics
- Promotion in the Social Media Campaign
- Retail Marketing.
12: Marion Technical CollegeMarion Technical College (MTC) is a public technical college established in 1970. MTC is part of the University System of Ohio. It’s located in Marion, Ohio MTC offers one online Marketing program — its Associate of Applied Business (AAB) in Business Management with a Marketing Management Major. The AAB requires 63 credit-hours, with up to 15 for marketing courses and 1 for a co-operative education experience. The program combines a range of courses in:
These studies prepare students for roles managing, promoting, and or selling an organization and its products and services. This program is available online, but not all classes are available online in all semesters. Sample courses:
11: Bucks County Community CollegeBucks County Community College (Bucks) is a public community college established in 1964. Its main campus is in Newtown, Pennsylvania. Bucks offers one online Marketing program — its Associate’s degree in Management/ Marketing with an Emphasis/ Track in Marketing. This degree requires 60-63 credit-hours, with 3-12 for marketing courses and electives (within the program requirements). There are another 12 for the Marketing Track. The other two tracks that can be selected with this degree are in Management or Retail Management. Students completing the marketing program will be able to pursue entry-level management, marketing, or sales positions in a variety of fields. Sample courses:
10: Macomb Community CollegeMacomb Community College (MCC) is a multi-campus, public community college established in 1954. MCC’s main campus is in Warren, Michigan. MCC offers one online Marketing program — its Associate of Business Administration (ABA) in Marketing. The ABA requires 62 credit hours with at least 21 for marketing courses. One of the key goals of the program is creating marketers who are able to build long-term, successful relationships with their target market. Marketers do this through the ability to analyze marketplace dynamics and understand consumer behavior and its influences. Students with this ABA will be prepared for a variety of marketing, retail, and sales positions. The Marketing program’s curriculum can also be tweaked to ensure students are able to continue on to a bachelor’s degree. Sample courses:
9: Ozarks Technical Community CollegeOzarks Technical Community College (OTC) is a public community college system established in 1990. OTC’s main campus is in Springfield, Missouri. OTC offers one online Marketing program — its Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Business and Marketing. The AAS requires a minimum of 61 credit hours, with about 42 for program requirements. It includes 15 to 21marketing/ marketing-related courses and electives, including an internship option. The program provides students with a strong foundation in business concepts and principles. This is supplemented with knowledge in specific areas of marketing. The program prepares them for entry-level management, marketing, or retail positions. Sample courses:
9: Columus State Community CollegeColumbus State Community College (CSCC) is a public community college established in 1963. Its main campus is in Columbus, Ohio. CSCC offers two online Marketing programs. Its Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Marketing requires 63-64 credit hours, with 24-29 for marketing courses, including practicum option. This program provides students with a strong foundation in fundamental marketing principles and the opportunity to selectively study various specialized areas. Those who want an additional focus on direct marketing and digital marketing can take CSCC’s AAS in Digital Marketing. It requires 64-65 credit hours, with 27-29 for marketing courses, including a practicum option. Most courses in both programs can be completed online. However, some courses may only be available in a blended/ hybrid format and thus have some in-person/ face-to-face requirements. Sample courses:
7: Lanier Technical CollegeLanier Technical College (LTC) is a public technical community college established in 1964. LTC is part of the Technical College System of Georgia. LTC offers one online Marketing program — its Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Business Management with a Specialization in Marketing. The AAS requires 63 credit hours, with 33 for the program core and 12 for the Marketing Specialization. The program’s two other specialization. options are in Social Media (Marketing) or General Management, which allows students to build their own option from any business management or marketing course. Students with the AAS will be able to become:
Sample courses:
6: Pitt Community CollegePitt Community College (PCC) is a public community college established in 1961. PCC is part of the North Carolina Community College System and its main campus is located in Winterville, North Carolina, about 85 miles east and somewhat south of Raleigh, NC, and around 145 miles southwest of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Original name: Pitt Industrial Education Center. PCC offers one online Marketing program — its Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing. The AAS requires 69 credit hours, with 53 for the major, including 28 for marketing courses. The program covers a wide array of marketing topics and includes a strong focus on retailing. Students will also have the opportunity to practice and develop such fundamental marketing skills as the ability to create ads (newspaper, radio, TV); displays; logos; marketing plans; packaging designs; and sales presentations. Career opportunities can be found with businesses in the manufacturing, retail, or service sectors. Sample courses: Advertising and Sales Promotion; Customer Service; Marketing Applications; Marketing Research; Retailing; Social Media Marketing; Visual Merchandising
5: Clark State Community CollegeClark State Community College (Clark State or CSCC) is a public community college established in 1962. CSCC’s main campus is in Springfield, Ohio, some 45 miles west and slightly south of Columbus, OH, and about 80 miles northeast of Cincinnati, OH. Original name: Springfield and Clark County Technical Education Program. CSCC offers one online Marketing program — its Associate of Applied Business (AAB) in Management with a Marketing Option. This AAB requires 62 credit hours (incl. a capstone), with 15-18 for marketing courses and electives. The program provides students with a broadly focused business education, featuring a strong foundation in management and marketing, including the “four Ps of marketing”: physical distribution, pricing, product management, and promotion. The recommended course schedule suits full-time students best; part-time students may require additional semesters due to course rotations. The degree can be completed almost fully online, although at least one marketing course is in a hybrid format, and some elective options may have in-person requirements, too. Sample courses: Electronic Business Applications; Marketing Management; Pricing Strategies; Product Management; Promotion and IMC (Integrated Marketing Communication) Strategies; Sales and Sales Management
4: Cuyahoga Community College DistrictCuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) is a public, multi-campus community college district/ system established in 1963. Tri-C’s main campus is located in Cleveland, Ohio, about 130 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Tri-C offers one online Marketing program — its Associate of Applied Business (AAB) in Marketing. The AAB requires 62 credit hours, with 46 for program requirements, featuring about 15 for marketing courses and 17 for business administration courses (incl. a capstone). The degree helps students develop communication and interpersonal skills, while providing them with a foundation in business and marketing, supplemented by accounting, economics, and mathematics knowledge. This ensures they can pursue marketing-related positions within a variety of businesses. This marketing degree is available almost fully online (Tri-C states 95% of the program can be completed online). Sample courses: Business-to-Business/ Organizational Marketing; Principles of Advertising; Principles of Marketing; Principles of Salesmanship; Sales Promotion and Public Relations
3: Fayetteville Technical Community CollegeFayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) offers the third lowest cost online Marketing Associate’s degree in the U.S. FTCC is a public community college established in 1961. It is part of the North Carolina Community College System and its main campus is in Fayetteville, North Carolina, some 70 miles southwest of Raleigh, NC, and around 115 miles north of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Original name: Fayetteville Area Industrial Education Center. FTCC offers one online Marketing program — its Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing. The AAS requires 66 credits, with at least 27 for marketing courses. The degree provides students with a wide spectrum of marketing-related knowledge and skills (incl. in advertising, customer service, merchandising, and social media marketing). This prepares them for a variety of marketing and marketing-related positions with manufacturing, retail, or service organizations. Sample courses: Advertising and Sales Promotion; Consumer Behavior; Customer Service; Marketing Applications; Marketing Research; Social Media Marketing; Visual Merchandising
2: Wiregrass Georgia Technical CollegeSecond on our list of America’s most economical online Associate’s degrees in Marketing is an offering from Wiregrass Georgia Technical College (WGTC), a public technical community college established in 2010 (when East Central Technical College merged with Valdosta Technical College). WGTC is part of the Technical College System of Georgia and its main campus is in Valdosta, Georgia, some 80 miles northeast of Tallahassee, Florida, and about 130 miles northwest of Jacksonville, FL. WGTC offers one online Marketing program — its Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Marketing Management. The AAS requires 62 credit hours, with 36 to 38 for occupational courses (incl. 21 to 27 for marketing courses and electives) and 11 to 12 for one of five available Specializations: e-Business, Entrepreneurship, Marketing Management, Retail Management, or Social Media Marketing. The degree provides students with the knowledge and skills required for a variety of management or marketing positions, or to be able to manage and promote their own businesses. Sample courses: Analyzing Social Media; Consumer Behavior; Digital Publishing and Design; International Marketing; Marketing Internship/ Practicum; Professional Selling; Visual Merchandising
1: Albany Technical CollegeAlbany Technical College (ATC or Albany Tech) offers the most affordable online Associate’s degree in Marketing in the United States. ATC is a public technical community college established in 1961. It is part of the Technical College System of Georgia and its main campus is in Albany, Georgia, some 185 miles roughly south of Atlanta, GA, and about 95 miles north and slightly east of Tallahassee, Florida. Original name: Monroe Area Vocational-Technical School. ATC offers one online Marketing program — its Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Marketing Management. The AAS requires 62 credit hours, with 47 for occupational courses, which includes 21 for marketing courses and electives (incl. an internship/ practicum option) and 9-12 for one of three Specializations: Entrepreneurship, Marketing Management, or Retail Management. The program is suitable for three types of students: (a) those just entering the workforce; (b) those who already work in marketing but want to improve their skills and/ or advance their careers; and (c) those who work in another field but want to transition into management or marketing management positions. Sample courses: Buying and Merchandising; Integrated Marketing Communications/ Promotion and Marketing Communication; Marketing Channels; Marketing Internship/ Practicum; Marketing Management; Marketing Research; Services Marketing
NOTES
Related Article: Rankings:
|