Bachelor’s in marketing

Why choose marketing at the Ilitch School?

Embark on a journey into the realm of strategic business decision-making with the bachelor's in business administration marketing degree program at the Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business. Marketing majors delve into the specifics of product planning, pricing, distribution and promotion, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal role marketing plays in creating customer value and achieving organizational goals.

Marketing majors can choose to earn a bachelor of arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (B.S.). Our curriculum not only equips students with foundational knowledge in marketing but also provides the ability to specialize through three distinct concentrations.

Beyond the classroom, our students network with industry professionals serving on the Marketing Advisory Board. These experts offer invaluable advice through our career-building workshops on résumé writing and interviewing, leading to a variety of paid internships and transformative student opportunities.

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Explore the program

Take in-person and online general education, core and elective marketing courses that cover foundational topics like:
- Consumer and organizational buyer behavior
- Marketing research and data analytics
- International marketing
- Market systems and strategy
- Principles of advertising
In completing these courses, you not only acquire classroom knowledge but also actively apply concepts in practical scenarios. This approach ensures your preparation to make impactful contributions to the marketing landscape.

View the bachelor’s in marketing requirements

Sample 4-year marketing plan
Students in the business administration marketing program can earn either a bachelor of arts (B.A.) or a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree. Marketing majors are free to choose the degree that aligns most closely with their academic and career aspirations.

The only difference between the two programs is that the B.A. requires a foreign language component. Connect with one of our academic advisors to learn more about our degree types and which better suits your goals.
Complement your marketing major with one of our three marketing concentrations. Whether you choose advertising, digital marketing or management, benefit from a curriculum that enhances expertise and skills specific to your career goals.
- Advertising: Prepare to work for advertising agencies, public institutions or other organizations where promotional issues play a prominent role. Learn more about the advertising strategy concentration core and elective courses in the WSU Bulletin and review a sample advertising 4-year completion plan.
- Digital marketing and analytics: Specialize in digital media planning, search engine optimization and social media marketing. Learn more about the digital marketing and analytics concentration core and elective courses in the WSU Bulletin and review a sample digital markting 4-year completion plan.
- Marketing management: Study automotive marketing, international marketing, personal selling, and sales management and retailing. Learn more about the marketing management concentration core and elective courses in the WSU Bulletin and review a sample marketing management 4-year-completion plan.
The AGRADE program allows marketing majors to apply up to 12 business credits toward both their bachelor's in marketing and a business master's degree. By engaging in AGRADE, students fast-track their academic progress and save a substantial amount of money. This unique opportunity allows students to earn two degrees through an accelerated pathway, enhancing their educational and career prospects.

For marketing students, maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher opens the door to honors course enrollment. Upon the successful completion of 15 credits an honors distinction is noted on their official transcript and diploma upon graduation. Explore our departmental honors eligibility and requirements.

Student services and opportunities

See the support and student life opportunities available to you while earning a bachelor’s in management at the Ilitch School.

I would say the Mike Ilitch School of Business helped me form a great foundational understanding of marketing. If you’re going to take full advantage of the school you absolutely need to get involved.

Harrison Mateika

What I can reflect on from Wayne State is how much I loved being in the classroom and the city of Detroit. It felt great being a part of the Mike Ilitch School of Business and being able to look out the window to see Little Caesars Arena. Not only did it help me realize there was so much opportunity, but it also served as motivation for me while I was in class.

Josh Nelson

’20

Meet the faculty

Our Ilitch School of Business professors are ready to take you to the next level. As accomplished researchers and seasoned business leaders, they know how to enrich your learning and sharpen your skills. See how their expertise can help shape your future.

See all Marketing faculty

Catherine Cuckovich

Assistant Professor of Teaching in Marketing

View Catherine Cuckovich's profile

ft7675@wayne.edu

Robert Acton

Part-Time Faculty in Marketing

Strategic marketing
Personal selling and sales management
Consumer behavior and trends

View Robert Acton's profile

fw1203@wayne.edu

Nick Mattar

Part-Time Faculty in Marketing

View Nick Mattar's profile

nmattar@wayne.edu

M. Kathleen Donald

Part-time faculty in Marketing

View M. Kathleen Donald's profile

KatDonald@wayne.edu

Careers and outcomes

As traditional marketing channels continue to thrive alongside the expansive pervasiveness of social media marketing, there are a variety of industries and job prospects available for our graduates. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% growth in marketing careers over the next nine years, increasing the range of occupations available in the field.

Possible marketing careers with a bachelor’s degree from Ilitch School include:
- Account manager
- Advertising director
- Brand manager
- Data analytics manager
- Digital marketing coordinator
- Marketing coordinator
- Market research director
- Merchandising director
- Public relations manager
- Retail manager
- Sales representative
- Social media marketing manager
Whether you’re looking for a paid internship or need assistance applying for a job, browse our career services to get the support you need.

Explore career resources

Career insights

This tool provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills, or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.