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 transitions 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.
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 stepping-stone to our bachelor's in marketing degree online, since all credits can seamlessly move from one program to the next.
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, since SNHU offers online bachelor's, master's and MBA in marketing.
Career Outlook
Earning an associate degree 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.1 In 2021, the BLS reported median weekly earnings of $809 for high school graduates. Associate degree holders made median weekly wages of $963 – a 19% jump in salary.1
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, and 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 10% growth for marketing management jobs through 2031.1 Driven by the increasing use of data, jobs in this field are growing on pace with 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, but it also gets you closer to earning a bachelor's degree and pursuing management-level positions.
“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.”
In addition, many of the skills learned in the program will be ones you'll want to take with you throughout your career – no matter what direction you go in.
"Students who choose to study marketing develop many skills that can be utilized across an organization and in a variety of industries and economies," Rogers said. "Students develop skills such as communication, planning and promoting, research, writing for a variety of audiences, teamwork and strong visual conceptualizing."
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
"I worked in the Broadway [theater] industry doing digital marketing for a year before COVID-19 shut down the entire industry," she said. "I wanted to build on my current knowledge and use it toward a future career in the same industry."
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
As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
Prior coursework could also help you save time and money. SNHU’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree and 45 credits for an associate degree from your previous institutions—that means you could save up to 75% off the cost of tuition. You could also save time and money by getting college credit for previous work experience, or by taking advantage of military discounts and employer tuition assistance if available to you.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, 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:
- U.S. News & World Report named SNHU the 2021 Most Innovative University in the North and one of the nation's "Best Regional Universities"
- Awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology by The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 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.
93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Expanding 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:
- Completed free undergraduate application
- Prior transcripts, which we can retrieve at no cost to you
- Test scores are not required as part of your application
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:
- Complete a free undergraduate application
- Submit any additional documents required
- Work with an admission counselor to explore financial options and walk through the application process
If you have questions or need help filling out your application, call 1.888.387.0861 or email enroll@snhu.edu.
Courses & Curriculum
The associate degree in marketing is designed to provide a solid foundation in business principles and practices. (It's also built to perfectly transition into a bachelor's degree; with 60 credits coming in from your associate degree, you've finished exactly half of your next program before starting – should you choose to continue with your education.)
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.
“Our marketing programs are different in that they were designed with a very strategic approach,” said Dr. Jessica Rogers, senior associate dean of marketing. “We have connected and aligned our programs to industry.”
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.
"I was enthralled with the material, and I had taken so many supporting classes prior that it was a really good class to tie everything together," he said. "I finished that class in the top three, and it was the only time an instructor has ever reached out to congratulate me. What a great feeling!"
Instructors throughout your courses have relevant marketing experience, and they're able to pass that knowledge on to you.
"I found that the instructors brought their personal experiences and stories to the class, which I found very helpful and relatable," said Laura Swedberg '19. "I enjoyed how interactive the instructors were with their classes."
"Each instructor I worked with felt like they wanted to be there and really wanted to share their knowledge with students," she said. When she was sick and had a death in the family in the same week, "naturally school fell to the back burner," she said. "I reached out to my advisor and professors, and they were understanding, accommodating and kind during that challenging time."
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.
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. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment. For additional information, or to register for a Pathways to Math Success assessment, contact your admission counselor or academic advisor today.
| 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 | ||
Minimum Hardware Requirements
|
Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|---|
|
Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
|
Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
|
Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
|
Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
|
SNHU Purchase Programs |
||
|
Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
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.
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).
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.”
A career in marketing also means you’re always learning. “Marketing is for the curious,” said Marcio Moerbeck, adjunct faculty at SNHU. “You need to have a thirst for learning. If you want to join a career where your knowledge today stays static into the future, that’s not marketing. We are constantly learning.”
"I feel like I have learned more about marketing and business in the last year than I have in my last 28," she said. "The way the information is presented, the homework and the loose schedule made it finally possible for me to say 'I did it!'"
Earning an associate degree in marketing is also a great way to ease into continuing your journey with higher education.
"The instructors (at SNHU) have been so attentive that I have since continued to pursue my bachelor’s degree," said Philip Hudnall '20.
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 associate in marketing prepares you to take advantage of them.
Driven by the 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 10% growth for marketing management jobs through 2031.1 Graduates with an associate degree in marketing who choose this career path typically start out as assistants or coordinators.
With your AS in Marketing, you may be qualified for roles like an assistant or associate in social media, marketing, communication, PR, digital marketing, research, event planning or sales. Positions in sales give you the opportunity to better understand a brand and how to position it – a necessary skill in the industry.
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.1 In 2021, BLS reported median weekly earnings of $809 for high school graduates. Associate degree holders made weekly median earnings of $963 – a 19% jump in salary.1
Also, an associate degree can be the perfect start to your educational journey. For Laura Swedberg '19, she was able to immediately add a credential to her resume as she transitioned into a bachelor's program at SNHU.
"I have an incredible education that is recognized and valued by employers and other professionals," she said.
For Philip Hudnall '20, he was able to use what he learned in class immediately at his job.
"As someone who has worked in the retail field for many years, I wanted to bring added value to the company in which I serve, but also gain knowledge that I would be able to apply in various other industries in the future," he said. "My direct supervisors have been impressed by the amount of personal and professional growth that I have experienced during my time at SNHU. My professional experience – mixed with my newly found educational one – has made me a much stronger candidate for projects and promotions in the future, and, in many cases, way more qualified versus others in my field."
How fast can I get an associate degree in marketing?
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.
Philip Hudnall '20 was able to transfer some credits from when he took classes in the '90s, giving him a headstart in finishing his degree.
"The time flew by," he said. "Before I knew it, I was starting and finishing classes with confidence and ease."
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 move all your credits into a bachelor’s program. 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 make 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.
"I chose SNHU for my program because I could prioritize my education while focusing on my work, family and personal hobbies," said Laura Swedberg '19. "I knew I would have the opportunity to create my own schedule and complete my schoolwork on my own time, while still feeling that I was being held accountable."
Bridget Gallagher '21 knew the format would help her complete the degree she had started 10 years prior.
"This program had the perfect number of classes over a shorter window of time than any other school I looked at," she said. "The 8-week terms were perfect for the way I learn."
And with 6 terms throughout the year – and the ability to attend full time with 2 courses each term – the speed to completion of your degree can be determined on your terms.
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 just some college courses under their belt.1
Dr. Jessica Rogers, senior 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.
Is earning an associate degree in marketing worth it?
All learning opportunities are worth it, but having a credential that you can add to your resume shows employers you have the right knowledge to do the job.
For Bridget Gallagher '21, her associate degree at Southern New Hampshire University was "absolutely" worth it.
"I feel like I now have an entire community that wants me to succeed in whatever I choose to do," she said. "I now have an accredited degree in an area I already have experience in. Now when I apply to jobs online, my application won't automatically be disregarded because I don't have a degree."
Laura Swedberg '19 also saw her degree take her in the right direction – so much so, that she continued on for a bachelor's at SNHU that she completed in 2021.
"Before enrolling at SNHU, I was worried that college ... wouldn’t be worth it," she said. "I could not have been more wrong."
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.
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References
Sources & Citations (1)
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (viewed Nov. 6, 2022)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm (viewed Nov. 6, 2022)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2According to survey responses from over 9,200 SNHU online students conducted in the fall of 2019.