Marketing Degree

Marketing Degree

A MARKETING DEGREE FOR A MODERN WORLD

Marketing is a popular major at Saint Mary’s, particularly among those who are passionate about understanding and taking part in this dynamic convergence of strategy, technology, and sales. A Marketing degree from SMC prepares students to achieve tangible results in the modern world of tech-driven business operations. This is where you’ll start to make your mark.

 

Partner with the Best in the Bay

saint mary's marketing students walking down hallway

Saint Mary’s students pursuing a degree in Marketing have unequaled opportunities to work hand-in-hand with knowledgeable faculty and experienced business leaders in a city known for some of the world’s biggest brands. With hands-on practice and expert insight on modern marketing, you’ll be making waves in no time.

Business Student for a Day

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Saint Mary's Students on Campus for Business Student for a Day

A Preview of Your Future

Curious about life as a Saint Mary's business student? Our program gives you a firsthand look at SEBA by:

  • Attending real classes led by our esteemed faculty.
  • Meeting current SEBA students for insights on academic and campus life.
  • Enjoying lunch at Oliver Hall and connecting with other students.
  • Touring the campus and exploring its resources.
  • Experiencing the excitement of a Saint Mary’s athletic event.

Dive into the vibrant life of a Saint Mary’s business student!

AACSB Accredited Business School

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photo of saint mary's doctoral graduates
 
 
 
 
 
Among the Top 6% of Business Schools Worldwide

Being among the top 6% of business schools worldwide reflects more than just academic excellence—it embodies Saint Mary’s deep commitment to its Lasallian roots. AACSB accreditation ensures that undergraduate and graduate Gaels receive a rigorous, globally recognized education grounded in ethical leadership, innovation, and service to others. This distinction aligns with our mission to prepare future business leaders who are not only skilled professionals but also compassionate changemakers, dedicated to creating a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

saint mary's applied marketing research course

Spotlight Course

Undergraduate students in the Applied Marketing Research course contribute in-depth analytical research and strategic marketing plans to scores of nonprofit organizations.Through experiential learning, MKT 326 inspires Marketing leaders to develop a greater sense of personal and societal purpose, in keeping with the spirit of Saint Mary’s Lasallian tradition.

Degree Curriculum

Marketing, BS

BS

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply core quantitative and/or qualitative analytical methods to improve and support effective business decision-making.
  • Produce business writing that meets professional standards.
  • Deliver a professional oral presentation.
  • Analyze an ethical issue and defend the decision based on this analysis.
  • Analyze whether firms are managed as socially and environmentally responsible businesses.
  • Apply fundamental marketing concepts to create effective marketing plans.
  • Marketing-Specific Program Learning Outcomes:
    CONDUCT a comprehensive segmentation analysis leading to the development of complete profiles of relevant segments and the identification of viable target markets.

    FORMULATE a strategic marketing plan that includes targeting and positioning strategies as well as marketing mix decisions that are informed by the expectations of targeted markets (whether they be domestic or international) and those of other societal stakeholders.

    Effectively GATHER and ANALYZE data pursuant to conducting a marketing research investigation including developing proficiency in: the nature and use of sampling plan methods; constructing effective survey instruments, and the application of statistical tools for organizing and interpreting data. Develop proficiency in marketing research software (e.g., SPSS) and web analytics. Apply research findings to develop a comprehensive strategic marketing plan.

    LEARN the theoretical elements of the internet marketplace and practical skills to perform vital digital marketing daily functions. Students will be able to walk into any company with an online presence and improve their organization’s use of the Internet. Students will learn Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, Web Design, Web Analytics, Search Engine Optimization, SEO, SEM, Display advertising, Email Marketing, Social Media, Online Reputation Management, and Mobile Marketing.

Requirements

Business Foundations

  • Complete the following Business Foundation courses:
  • Financial Accounting (3 units)
  • Managerial Accounting (3 units)
  • Microeconomic Principles and Applications (4 units)
  • Take one Macroeconomic Principles course. ECON 201 is offered at SMC and satisfies the SOCSCI and GIP core requirements, while ECON 102 is the equivalent course transferred from other colleges.
  • Macroeconomic Principles and Applications (3 units)
  • Macroeconomic Principles and Applications (4 units)
  • Take 1 Statistics course
  • Probability and Statistics (3 units)
  • OR
  • Intro Probability & Statistics (3 units)
  • OR
  • Probability & Statistics (4 units)
  • Take one lab that covers Excel fundamentals:
  • Excel Lab (1 units)

Business Core

  • Complete the following Business Core courses:
  • Operations Management (3 units)
  • Financial Management (4 units)
  • Business Communication (3 units)
  • Marketing (4 units)
  • Managing & Leading Organizations (4 units)
  • Business Law (4 units)
  • Business Ethics and Social Responsibility (4 units)

Capstone

  • Business Strategy (4 units)

Marketing Courses

  • Completing the following Marketing courses:
  • Digital Marketing (4 units)
  • Integrated Marketing Communication (4 units)
  • Applied Marketing Research (3 units)
  • Applied Marketing Research EL (1 units)
  • Consumer Behavior (4 units)

Elective

  • Take ONE of the following elective courses:
  • Online Content Creation (4 units)
  • Special Topics in Marketing (4 units)
  • Global Marketing (4 units)
  • Business Communication (3 units)
  • Marketing (4 units)
  • Digital Marketing (4 units)
  • Online Content Creation (4 units)
  • Integrated Marketing Comm (4 units)
  • Special Topics in Marketing (4 units)
  • Applied Marketing Research (3 units)
  • Applied Marketing Research EL (1 units)
  • Consumer Behavior (4 units)
  • Global Marketing (4 units)
  • Internship (1-4 units)
  • Independent Study (1-4 units)
  • Marketing Analytics (3 units)
  • Marketing Management (3 units)
  • Confident Communication (3 units)
  • Marketing Management (3 units)
  • Marketing Research (3 units)
  • Adv. Topic in Marketing (3 units)
  • Marketing-Applied Theory&Prac (2.5 units)

What can you do with a degree in Marketing?

A degree in  Marketing prepares you with a strong foundation in skills applicable to a wide variety of professions.
(*Some careers may require graduate school or additional study).

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saint mary's students chatting outside with drink after a marketing minor class

Marketing Analyst
Transform data from research, campaigns, and customer behavior into insights that guide strategy and budgeting

Brand Manager
Shape brand positioning, messaging, and go-to-market plans across products, channels, and audiences

Digital Marketing Specialist
Plan and execute SEO/SEM, email, and paid social campaigns; monitor KPIs and optimize for ROI

Content & Social Media Strategist
Develop platform-specific content, manage calendars, and build community engagement for organizations or agencies

Product Marketing Manager
Translate product features into customer value, build competitive positioning, and enable sales with launch assets

Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) Coordinator
Align advertising, PR, events, and digital channels to deliver a consistent message and measurable outcomes

Market Research Associate
Design surveys/interviews, analyze consumer behavior, and deliver evidence-based recommendations

Account Manager (Agency or In-House)
Manage client/stakeholder relationships, timelines, and budgets while coordinating creative and media teams

Sales & Business Development Representative
Qualify leads, communicate value propositions, and partner with marketing to convert pipeline into revenue

Marketing Degree Testimonial

saint mary's alumni daniela catubig smiling

"My marketing courses prepared me for my role at Salesforce by providing me with the tools and knowledge necessary to be able to flourish both inside and outside the classroom. From engaging classroom discussions to team projects, my professors gave me the real-world experience I needed to create frameworks to drive executive engagement and deliver white-glove experiences to each of our stakeholders which is my responsibility at Salesforce."

Daniela Catubig, ‘22

Top 6%

Highest Earning Potential in the United States

​​Payscale - Salary Comparison, Salary Survey, Search Wages

Learn More About Our Marketing Degree

Get to know our highly valued faculty and their academic specialties. Or, discover scholarship opportunities for your degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Marketing Degree is an undergraduate program that focuses on the principles, strategies, and techniques in promoting and selling products or services.

The Saint Mary’s Marketing Degree program is composed of 68 total CUs. If you are a transfer student, the marketing degree program requires you to complete a total of 47 CUs to graduate.

Students with a Marketing Degree can explore a variety of job roles including (but not limited to) marketing manager, market research analyst, brand manager, advertising executive, digital marketer, sales manager, public relations specialist, and many more. You can work in several industries including tech, advertising agencies, market research firms, retail, e-commerce, and more.

A marketing degree can help you develop valuable skills such as strategic planning, branding, advertising and promotions, consumer behavior analysis, communication, research and data analysis, digital marketing, social media and project management, and more.

Saint Mary’s students can expand their network by attending campus events, joining the Saint Mary's Marketing Club, connecting with guest speakers on LinkedIn, visiting the Career Center on campus, exploring internship opportunities, and building meaningful relationships with students, alumni, and professors.

Yes. You will complete 12 business foundations before taking your upper division marketing courses.

Yes. Saint Mary’s students are encouraged to explore multiple disciplines during their time as undergraduates.