Get Your Associate in Marketing Online
- $320/credit (60 credits)
- Transfer up to 45 credits toward your associate degree
- Gain credentials needed to enter the field
- Program accredited by ACBSP
- No application fee or SAT/ACT scores required
- Easily stacks into a bachelor's in marketing
Associate Degree in Marketing Online Program Overview
What makes one sneaker brand stand out in a sea of sneaker brands? How does a fast-food chain rise from underdog to top dog? How does a razor invented in 1904 keep its edge?
In today’s competitive marketplace, the answer is often marketing. From launching new products to reinvigorating old brands, marketing is a critical aspect of business. Marketing shows consumers a product or service, explains how it fulfills their needs and desires, and gets them to take action.
Learn the fundamentals of marketing while preparing yourself for a variety of entry-level positions with SNHU’s Associate of Science in Marketing. You’ll develop critical-thinking skills that tap the left and right sides of your brain, enhancing your creativity and strategic thinking. You'll also gain a strong foundation in an essential aspect of business that can open doors to many opportunities. Our marketing associate degree is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and offers a broad perspective on the business landscape at large.
Virginia Hendricksen ’18 chose marketing because it allowed her to “stay true to my interest in human nature.” She also liked that it added, “a business perspective that would equip me for any business job.”
Want to start or advance your career in marketing but need a college education to get there? The associate degree in marketing is a perfect steppingstone. Already have some college experience? Since SNHU accepts up to 45 credits, transfer students could satisfy 3/4 of the program’s 60-credit requirements, saving time and money.
Learn how to:
- Use primary and secondary data to position a product in the market
- Develop strategies that incorporate a mix of marketing channels
- Develop marketing plans that align with a company’s mission and goals
- Explain the legal and ethical principles involved in marketing activities
- Explain the role of accounting and economics in marketing
- Use effective written and oral communication skills
Once you’ve completed your program, you can take the next step without the hassle or expense of applying to another school. SNHU offers online bachelor's, master's and MBAs in marketing. The associate in marketing aligns seamlessly with our bachelor's in marketing degree online.
Career Outlook
Earning an associate degree online, or on campus, could make a significant financial impact on your life. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, associate degree holders earn higher median weekly salaries than those with only partial college credit or less.2 In 2018, the BLS reported median annual earnings of $37,960 for high school graduates. Associate degree holders made median annual wages of $44,824 – an 18% jump in salary.2
Marketing is a dynamic career choice with plenty of potential. For entry-level job candidates with an associate degree in marketing, the field offers growing opportunity in several areas, including:
- Advertising
- Digital marketing
- Marketing analytics
- Market research
- Promotions
- Sales
- Social media marketing
In the digital age, marketing runs the gamut from search engine marketing to social media marketing, TV commercials to YouTube videos, personalized journeys to performance-driven marketing. Thanks to the information collected via digital channels, marketing is more data-driven than ever.
That shift has created new opportunities in the marketing field. In recent years, the job market has expanded for entry-level positions in market research and analytics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 20% growth for market research analyst jobs through 2028.2 Driven by increasing use of data, jobs in this field are growing much faster than the average for all occupations. Graduates with an associate degree in marketing who choose this particular career path can expect to start out as assistants or coordinators.
An associate degree also takes you one step further in your educational journey. It not only shows employers a higher level of accomplishment, it gets you closer to earning a bachelor's degree and pursuing management-level positions.
Jessica Rogers, associate dean of marketing, sees similar benefit in SNHU’s associate degree in marketing. “It offers students the opportunity to create a portfolio, which showcases what you’ve learned to prospective employers,” said Rogers. “It also provides the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials that employers value.”
Marketing, Rogers says, is “the driving force in business” because of its integral role in so many key areas, including:
- Identifying the needs of prospective customers
- Selecting target markets
- Designing products and packaging
- Determining pricing, advertising, selling, distribution and servicing products in domestic and international markets
“I tell students that marketing is a great career as there is the opportunity for both the strategic mind and creative mind to be successful,” said Rogers. “The role of marketing transcends all borders of an organization to include everything from front-line employees representing the brand to digital marketing campaigns.”
As more consumers shop online, digital marketing continues to play a vital role in many organizations’ overall marketing strategy. Whether online or mobile, digital marketing gives businesses a cost-effective way to reach consumers via search engines, social media, email, websites and so much more.
With the widespread use of digital marketing, there's been an increasing need to fill roles such as:
- Content writers
- Email marketers
- Influencer marketing
- SEO writers
- Social media marketers
There’s another good reason to earn your associate degree in marketing – mobility. Because of its use of digital and online communication, marketing can be done from anywhere. As Steve Geibel, an adjunct instructor at SNHU, said, “So much of marketing tasks can be done remotely and digitally.”
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Marketing Degree
Why SNHU for Your Online Associate in Marketing
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify. We also make it easy to transfer to SNHU by accepting up to 45 credits from your previous institution.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
- Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 200,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.1 Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
How to Apply
Simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions and walk you through the application process. Start by:
- Completing a free undergraduate application
- Providing previous institutions attended – so we can retrieve transcripts for you at no cost
Test scores are not required as part of your application.
Courses & Curriculum
The associate degree in marketing is designed to provide a solid foundation in business principles and practices. In addition to marketing, core courses cover topics like business law and international business. As you move along through the program, you’ll learn how companies integrate marketing with manufacturing, sales and other departments.
Compared to many competitive programs, SNHU’s online marketing associate degree program includes experiential learning. It’s career-focused by design, blending theory with practical application. You’ll learn meaningful skills as you complete real-world projects, some with a team-based approach and others independently.
Marketing courses cover topics like communications, promotion, social media and branding. The curriculum also includes 2 free electives, giving you the option to go a little deeper in your areas of interest. That’s a plus if you’re interested, for example, in deepening your understanding of data analysis, psychology or another marketing-related area.
Core courses in the marketing associate degree may include:
- Introduction to Marketing. Learn about the tools businesses use to create, communicate and deliver value to customers. Topics include marketing research, target market selection, product selection, promotion, distribution and pricing.
- Principles of Integrated Marketing Communications. Gain an understanding of advertising, public relations, corporate communications and sales promotions. Learn the role that media plays in integrated marketing communications strategies.
- Social Media & Marketing Communications. Study the basics of integrated marketing communication with a focus on social media. Learn about advertising, public relations, branding and corporate communication strategies. Develop the planning, research and creative skills needed to reach promotional objectives.
- Human Relations in Administration. Learn the human relations skills managers need to be effective. Topics include leadership, motivation, communications, group dynamics, organizational development, management by objectives, and stress and time management.
- Business Law. Learn how the background, foundation and ethical aspects of the U.S. legal system apply to business organizations. Study the impact of torts, product liability, criminal law, contracts, sales, business organizations and cyber law on business.
In addition to earning your associate degree in marketing, you’ll find another way to build your resume at SNHU – certifications. Professional certifications from industry leaders like HubSpot are the gold standard in digital marketing and in high demand by employers
“Google Analytics and HubSpot both have free certifications that students can go through while they're still in school,” Coffey said.
Whatever your goals, SNHU’s online marketing associate degree can set you on a career path to achieve them.
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
- General education courses: All undergraduate students are required to take general education classes, if not obtained in prior coursework. Through these foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.
- Earn math credits for what you already know: Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Show your knowledge of the materials in your program's math courses, and you could earn up to 9 math credits – at less than $50 for each course assessment.
- Business core: Revised for fall 2020, our undergraduate business programs contain 10 cutting-edge business courses. These core courses are designed to help prepare you for success wherever you go.
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| AS in Marketing |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| AS in Marketing | ||
| ACC 201 | Financial Accounting | Students will learn the steps of the accounting cycle and how to prepare financial statements in accordance with industry established rules and regulations. Students will develop skills needed to analyze financial accounting information, communicate this information to stakeholders, and understand the accounting procedures that produce this information. |
| ACC 202 | Managerial Accounting | Students will explore the financial impact of short-term and long-term business decisions. By learning how accounting and other productivity information can be used to assess and improve performance of an organization, managers will be provided the essential information they need to execute growth strategies and select opportunities that create business value. |
| BUS 206 | Business Law I | Students will examine the background, foundation, and ethical aspects of the United States' legal system as it applies to business organizations. Students will also learn the impact of torts, product liability, criminal law, contracts, sales, business organizations, and agency and cyber law in a business setting. |
| BUS 210 | Managing and Leading in Business | Students will explore leadership and management theories and how to incorporate them in one's own personal style for effective contribution and collaboration in diverse team environments, and learn about the skills necessary to lead in various organizational structures and areas of business. Students will also examine how the functional areas of business are interrelated and work together in organizations. |
| BUS 225 | Critical Business Skills for Success | Students will learn the critical business skills required for successful leadership and management in organizations. By applying business research skills and data analysis, students will solve problems and support business decisions. Students will also explore various techniques and forms of professional communications and their uses in business contexts. |
| FIN 320 | Principles of Finance | Students will examine the corporate finance discipline, including the financial management of organizations and the skills needed to make decisions about financing, investments, and dividends. Students will learn how the analysis of financing and investment options can inform decisions that add value to an organization and its investors. |
| INT 220 | Global Dimensions in Business | Students will examine the differences between the domestic and international business environments and factors that contribute to market attractiveness and entry. Students will also learn about the drivers of globalization and their impacts on business decision-making. |
| MKT 205 | Applied Marketing Strategies | Students will learn how the marketing mix is used to position a product or service for a specific target market by analyzing pricing, distribution, product development, and promotional strategies. By applying marketing and consumer research, students will generate informed recommendations. Students will also examine the impact of communications and distribution channels on marketing efforts. |
| MKT 229 | Principles of Integrated Marketing Communications | This course is designed to give students an understanding of advertising, public relations, corporate communications and sales promotions and the role that the media plays in integrated marketing communications strategies. This course focuses on the planning, research and creative skills needed to reach IMC objectives. Writing intensive course. |
| MKT 265 | Social Media & Marketing Communications | This course is designed to give students an understanding of the concepts involved in integrated marketing communication (IMC) which includes a focus on social media and the role they play in advertising, public relations, branding, and corporate communication strategies. This course focuses on the planning, research and creative skills needed to reach promotional objectives. |
| Total Credits: 60 | ||
Tuition & Fees
As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation—and haven't raised our costs in a decade.
We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
| Online Undergraduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 30 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $960 | $320 | $9,600 |
|
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* |
$675 | $225 | $6,750 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs
No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get an associate degree in marketing?
Absolutely. If you’re interested in marketing, an associate degree in marketing is a great place to start. You’ll gain a fundamental understanding of the marketing discipline and a critical skill set for a variety of entry-level positions. You’ll also set yourself on the right path toward career success in this diverse and exciting field.
Marketing is an integral aspect of business that can open doors to many opportunities. SNHU’s online marketing associate degree provides a strong business-oriented foundation and a broad perspective on the marketing landscape at large. The program is fully online and accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Marketing is not only a practical career choice. It allows you to connect your personal interests or passions with your work. “Consider the student who loves music,” said Jessica Rogers, associate dean of marketing at SNHU. “Perhaps they work in marketing for the music industry. Or education. The sky's the limit. Every industry needs marketing in one way or another!”
What can you do with an associate degree in marketing?
From market research to social media marketing, digital marketing to search engine optimization, the field of marketing offers plenty of opportunities for entry-level positions. An associates in marketing prepares you to take advantage of them.
“A lot of degrees pigeonhole you, but marketing can lead you anywhere,” said Steve Geibel, adjunct instructor at SNHU. “Some specific careers in the modern age of marketing include social media manager and email marketing manager – a lot of companies have someone just dedicated to that.”
Driven by increasing use of data, market research and analytics is one area with high growth potential for entry-level positions. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 20% growth for market research analyst jobs through 2028.2 Graduates with an associate degree in marketing who choose this career path typically start out as assistants or coordinators.
An associate degree can also boost your earning power. According to BLS data, associate degree holders earn higher median weekly salaries than those with only partial college credit or less.2 In 2018, BLS reported median weekly earnings of $730 for high school graduates. Associate degree holders made weekly median earnings of $862 – an 18% jump in salary.2
How fast can I get a marketing degree?
Associate degrees are considered 2-year degrees. Some students move faster or slower depending on how busy their lives are or how much time they can devote to schoolwork.
Generally, associate degrees require 60 credits of coursework, which translates to 20 college courses. That's half the academic requirements of a bachelor's degree.
Already have some college experience? SNHU accepts up to 45 transfer credits toward your associate degree. That means you could start the associate degree in marketing with 3/4 of the credit requirements satisfied. If you meet those requirements, you could end up saving considerable time and money.
Thinking about going on to earn your bachelor’s in marketing? Once you’ve completed your associate in marketing, you can take the next step without the hassle or expense of applying to another school. The associate program aligns seamlessly with the BS in Marketing, so you can stack a bachelor’s on top of your associate without taking extra courses. That means you’ll already be halfway to completing your bachelor’s degree when you start.
And if you want to take your education even further, SNHU offers an online master's in marketing, as well as an online MBA in marketing.
Keep in mind as well that online bachelor's degree programs were built to help making earning your degree possible while maintaining a healthy work/life balance. With no mandatory login times and 24/7 access to the online classroom, you can complete your weekly assignments when it works for your schedule.
Does having an associate degree help get a job?
Earning your associate degree in marketing can position you better in the marketplace. From a professional standpoint, it demonstrates to prospective employers that you’ve achieved an important credential. From a practical perspective, it gets you that much closer to earning a bachelor's degree and qualifications for higher-level marketing positions.
What if you end up stopping or pausing your education after finishing your associate degree? You’ll still fare better than if you started a bachelor's program and took a break halfway through. According to the BLS, people with associate degrees will likely have better job prospects than those with some just college courses under their belt.2
Jessica Rogers, associate dean of marketing at SNHU, points out another competitive advantage of earning your associate degree in marketing. “It offers students the opportunity to create a portfolio, which showcases what you’ve learned to prospective employers. It also provides the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials that employers value.”
As a candidate for SNHU’s online marketing associate degree, you’ll have the opportunity to build your resume through certifications from industry leaders like HubSpot. A major course within our associate program lays the groundwork to prepare you to take the HubSpot Social Media Certification exam. Certifications like this add value and give you an edge in the eyes of prospective employers.
There’s another good reason to earn your associate degree in marketing – portability. Because of its use of digital and online communication, marketing can be done from anywhere.
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on College Navigator.
Related Articles
References
Sources & Citations (1, 2)
1According to a survey responses from over 9,200 SNHU online students conducted in the fall of 2019.
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm (viewed May 12, 2020)
- https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (viewed April 15, 2020)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.