Start your career path to becoming a certified marketing manager today. Learn about the steps, classes and educational options you will need to become a successful marketing specialist. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlight the best programs for marketing in Tennessee.
What is Marketing?
When it comes to marketing, Tennessee offers a variety of colleges and degree programs to choose from. For those interested in pursuing a career in marketing, there are many options available. First and foremost, you'll need to decide what type of marketing college or degree program is right for you. There are traditional four-year colleges as well as two-year community colleges that offer bachelor’s and associate degrees, respectively.
A marketing professional is someone who is responsible for the promotion and selling of a company's products or services. They are often involved in the planning and execution of marketing campaigns, as well as the day-to-day management of a company's marketing activities.
Marketing professionals typically have a bachelor's degree in marketing or a related field, and many also have experience working in the industry prior to taking on a marketing role. Some common job titles for marketing professionals include marketing manager, brand manager, product manager, and sales manager.
Marketing professionals play an important role in ensuring that a company's products or services are able to reach their target market and achieve their desired level of sales. Without effective marketing, it would be difficult for companies to generate interest in their products or services and ultimately make sales.
Online Marketing Education in Tennessee
Once you've decided on the type of college or university you'd like to attend, the next step is to research the different marketing programs that are available. Coursework typically covers topics such as consumer behavior, market analysis, and product development. Many programs also include an internship component, giving students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the field. An education in marketing can provide students with the skills they need to pursue a variety of marketing careers.
An online marketing degree can lead to a successful career in a wide range of industries including advertising, public relations, market research, product development and management, retailing, and wholesale trade. Students who complete a marketing degree program often go on to work for advertising agencies, public relations firms, or large corporations.
Online Associate Degree in Marketing (AS)
An associate degree in marketing can provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in the field. Marketing is a dynamic and ever-changing field, and an associate degree in marketing can give students the ability to think critically about marketing strategies and develop creative solutions to problems.
An associate degree in marketing can open up many doors for graduates. With the right mix of experience and education, graduates can find positions in various aspects of marketing such as market research, advertising, public relations, event planning, product development, and sales. Many of these positions require excellent communication skills, as well as the ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines.
However, while an associate degree in marketing is a great start, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Even so, an associate degree can give students a competitive edge when applying for entry-level positions.
Online Bachelors Degree in Marketing (BS)
An online bachelor's degree in marketing is a four-year undergraduate degree that prepares students for a full career in the field. Marketing is the process of creating and delivering messages that promote products or services. It is a form of communication that uses various channels to reach out to potential customers and convince them to buy what you're selling. And the most commonly earned degree by those who are successful in the field is a bachelor’s in marketing or a bachelor’s in business with a concentration in marketing.
A bachelor's degree in marketing will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed and even gain promotions and make your way into a supervisory position. You'll learn about market research, consumer behavior, advertising, and sales promotion. You'll also gain experience in managing projects and campaigns. With a bachelor's degree in marketing, you can pursue a career in advertising, public relations, or marketing management.
Online Masters Degree in Marketing (MS)
A master's degree in marketing can provide students with higher-level skills and knowledge that can help them to gain promotions or move into positions with larger companies. Marketing is a broad field that includes advertising, public relations, market research, and sales. A master's degree in marketing prepares professionals for even more successful careers.
Many colleges and universities offer master's degrees in marketing, though this level of education is unlikely to be found within a community college. The curriculum for a master's degree in marketing typically includes courses in business, economics, statistics, psychology, consumer behavior, advertising, market research, and sales management. A master's degree in marketing can take two to three years to complete, but these degrees are often designed for working professionals, so you won’t need to quit your job while you gain a higher education.
A career in marketing requires creativity, strong communication skills, and the ability to think critically. Marketing professionals must be able to identify customer needs and develop creative solutions to meet those needs and they must also be able to effectively communicate their ideas to others. Earning a master’s degree in this field will not only allow you to gain new insights, but it will give you the opportunity to recognize gaps in your skill set and improve existing skills in new ways.
Online PhD Degree in Marketing (PhD)
A PhD in marketing can prepare students for a career in academia or research. Marketing academics teach marketing courses at universities and conduct research on topics such as consumer behavior, advertising, and market analysis. Marketing researchers work in businesses or consulting firms, conducting market analysis and consumer research to help companies make informed decisions about product development, pricing, promotion, and more.
Most PhD programs in marketing require coursework in areas such as statistics, microeconomics, and research methods, as well as marketing-specific coursework. Students must also complete a dissertation, which is an original research project conducted under the supervision of a faculty member. Earning a PhD in marketing can take 3-5 years on average. However, the time commitment may be shorter for students who already have a master’s degree in marketing or a related field. Either way, these programs are also built for busy professionals and you should be able to keep working while you complete your PhD.
Online Marketing Certifications
There are many marketing certifications that can help improve one's career prospects, ranging from entry-level to executive. Entry-level certifications, such as the Certified Marketing Specialist (CMS) certification, can provide a foundation in marketing concepts and best practices, while more advanced certifications, like the Certified Marketing Executive (CME) certification, can prepare individuals for leadership roles. There are also many specialized marketing certifications available, such as those focused on digital marketing or healthcare marketing.
Earning a marketing certification can be a valuable way to stand out from the competition and make one more attractive to potential employers. Many certifications require passing an exam, which can demonstrates one's knowledge and commitment to professional development. In addition, some certifications must be renewed periodically through continuing education requirements, ensuring that certified individuals stay up-to-date on the latest marketing trends.
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Become a Marketer in Tennessee
Earning a degree from a marketing college can provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in marketing, advertising, and public relations. Students who complete marketing programs may be able to find work in various industries including fashion, media, sports, and technology. There are several steps that individuals interested in becoming marketers can take, though there are no specific licensure requirements in Tennessee or any other state.
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Step 1: Obtain a bachelor's degree in marketing from an accredited institution
A bachelor's degree in marketing is the most commonly earned degree for those who eventually succeed in the field. Marketing programs at accredited institutions typically include coursework in areas such as market research, advertising, sales, and consumer behavior. With a bachelor's degree in marketing, graduates can find careers in a variety of industries including advertising, public relations, and market research. However, accreditation is an important part of this step as those who earn unaccredited degrees may have a hard time breaking into the field at all and, even if they do, they will not earn as much as their peers.
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Step 2: Complete an internship with a marketing firm in order to gain experience
An internship is a great way to gain experience in the marketing field. By working with a marketing firm, you will be able to learn about the various aspects of marketing and how to apply them. You will also get a chance to network with professionals in the field and learn about different career paths. If you are unable to obtain an internship, then an entry-level job will provide this same important experience.
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Step 3: Becoming certified through the American Marketing Association
The American Marketing Association (AMA) is a professional organization for marketing professionals. The AMA offers certification in marketing through its Certified Marketing Specialist (CMS) program. To be eligible for the CMS credential, candidates must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and at least three years of professional marketing experience. Candidates must also pass an examination administered by the AMA. The CMS credential is valid for five years and can be renewed by completing continuing education requirements.
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Step 4: Stay up to date on trends
In order to be an effective marketer, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest trends. This can be accomplished by reading industry publications, attending conferences, and networking with other professionals. You can join a marketing professional association, which can help you to do all of these things.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Marketing?
There are many options available for those with a bachelor's degree in marketing. Many marketers choose to work in advertising, public relations, or media production. Others may opt for a more traditional route and work in sales or market research. There are also opportunities to work in the non-profit sector or government. Some marketers choose to further their education and earn a master's degree in marketing or business administration. This can open up additional career opportunities and lead to higher earnings potential. Some marketers also pursue certification from the American Marketing Association (AMA). Certification can demonstrate professional expertise and may lead to advancement within a company.
Potential Careers for Marketing Graduates
- Marketing Specialist:
A marketing specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing marketing plans, as well as managing all aspects of the company's marketing campaigns. Additionally, they will be responsible for conducting market research, managing social media accounts, and creating content for the company website and blog.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in marketing or related field
- 2-4 years of experience in marketing or related field
- Excellent communication and writing skills
- Experience with market research and social media
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for market research analysts in the US in 2021 was $63,920. The mean annual wage for market research analysts and marketing specialists in Tennessee is $65,020.
- Social Media Manager:
A social media manager will be responsible for managing and executing the company's social media strategy. This will include creating and curating content, managing social media platforms, and engaging with followers.
Necessary Requirements:
- Proven experience as a social media manager or similar role
- Experience with social media analytics tools
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Creativity
- Organizational skills
- Strategic thinking
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for advertising and promotions managers in the US in 2021 was $133,380
- The mean annual wage for advertising and promotions managers in Tennessee is $115,820
- Marketing Coordinator:
A marketing coordinator is responsible for assisting the marketing team with various tasks including creating marketing materials, coordinating events, and managing social media accounts. They will also be responsible for conducting market research and creating reports.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field
- 1-3 years of experience in marketing or a related field
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for marketing managers in the US in 2021 was $153,440
- The mean annual wage for marketing managers in Tennessee is $118,300
- Senior Project Manager:
A senior project manager is responsible for leading and managing large projects from start to finish. This includes developing project plans, coordinating with team members and stakeholders, and ensuring the project is completed on time and within budget. They must be highly organized and have excellent communication skills.
Necessary Requirements:
- Proven experience as a project manager
- Excellent communication skills
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for project management specialists in the US in 2021 was $98,420
- The mean annual wage for project management specialists in Tennessee is $80,430
- Business Development Director:
A business development director will be responsible for developing and implementing growth strategies for the company. They will work with senior management to identify and assess new business opportunities, and will be responsible for developing and managing relationships with key partners and clients. This director will also be responsible for leading and motivating teams to achieve sales targets.
Necessary Requirements:
- Proven experience as a business development director or similar role
- Strong understanding of sales and marketing principles
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
- A results-driven approach
- A bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for training and development managers in the US in 2021 was $120,130
- The mean annual wage for training and development managers in Tennessee is $102,900
- Media Buyer:
A media buyer is responsible for the purchasing of advertising time and space on behalf of their company or client. They negotiate rates, select the best media outlets, and develop relationships with industry professionals.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, or related field
- 1-3 years of experience in media buying or related field
- Strong negotiation and communication skills
- Knowledge of media planning and buying software
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for buyers and purchasing agents in the US in 2021 was $72,540
- The mean annual wage for buyers and purchasing agents in Tennessee is $61,350
- Brand Manager:
A brand manager is responsible for managing a company’s brand and developing and executing marketing plans to support the brand. They will be responsible for developing relationships with key stakeholders, managing the brand budget, and ensuring that the brand is positioned correctly in the marketplace.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in marketing or related field
- 3-5 years of experience in marketing or brand management
- Strong project management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for advertising and promotions managers in the US in 2021 was $133,380
- The mean annual wage for advertising and promotions managers in Tennessee is $115,820
- Marketing Research Analyst:
A marketing research analyst is responsible for conducting market research and analysis to support marketing initiatives. This includes identifying customer needs and preferences, studying customer buying habits, and tracking competitor activity. They will use this information to develop marketing strategies and plans, and to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, or related field
- 2-4 years of experience in marketing research or related field
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for market research analysts in the US in 2021 was $63,920
- The mean annual wage for market research analysts and marketing specialists in Tennessee is $65,020
- Special Events Manager:
A special events manager is responsible for coordinating and executing all aspects of company-sponsored events. This includes but is not limited to booking event venues, managing event budgets, developing event timelines, and overseeing event staff.
Necessary Requirements:
- Proven experience as an Event Coordinator or Manager
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities
- Creativity and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Marketing, or related field
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for meeting, convention, and event planners in the US in 2021 was $57,850
- The mean annual wage for meeting, convention, and event planners in Tennessee is $47,710