Major Maps

The major in marketing gives students a broad working knowledge of contemporary marketing philosophy and practice. The general marketing concentration provides students an understanding of the processes of creating and communicating value for customers, clients and society at large. Judicious selection of courses will also allow students to tailor their program of study to their individual backgrounds, interests and career aspirations. The courses in the major provide a mix of educational approaches, including lecture and discussion, case problems, and in-field experience. Graduates of this program will find career opportunities in marketing management, advertising, sales, marketing research, public relations, retailing and other areas of business.

A major in Marketing prepares students for careers in marketing research, product and brand management, advertising and marketing communication, experiential and digital marketing, sales, and retail or logistics management. 

Marketing researchers gather and analyze data on consumers, competitors, trends, and the success of marketing efforts. The growth of data analytics means a rising need for marketing research skills. Brand managers develop a brand’s lasting and positive impact on the marketplace by strategically aligning all advertising, promotion, pricing, product, packaging, and distribution decisions. Product managers develop a strategic vision for delivering value to customers that is unique relative to competitors’ offerings and manages the product line’s designers and engineers. Product designers create product or service innovations. Advertising and marketing communications develop the primary creative force for messages and strategically where and when to communicate them. Experiential marketing engages consumers with a brand through active participation in events and customer experiences. Digital marketing creates content or brand experiences, interacts with customers or communicates marketing messages via websites, mobile platforms, or social media. Sales develops relationships with clients and create solutions for them that will grow their business in a mutually satisfactory manner. Retail and logistics managers are in charge of the systems of delivering products to consumers or business customers through stores and online or physical distribution channels. 

Students are eligible for admission into the advanced business program with a major in the School of Business upon meeting the minimum cumulative GPA requirement and successful completion of the Business Foundation coursework, as outlined here: http://bulletin.vcu.edu/undergraduate/business/undergraduate-information/shared-curriculum/