Is a bachelor's degree in marketing worth it? | edX

Is a bachelors degree in marketing worth it?Written by: Danielle Pietersen, Edited by: Rebecca LongPublished: March 18, 2025A bachelor's degree in marketing can help open doors to a wide variety of careers. The degree program aims to equip graduates with a versatile, in-demand skill set that can be applied to many industries. Read on to find out what a bachelor's degree program in marketing entails, which jobs it can lead to, and how much graduates can expect to earn.What is a bachelor's degree in marketing?A bachelor's degree in marketing is an undergraduate credential. It usually takes students four years to complete a program in marketing, but the timeline can vary depending on your specific program and course load. Students can expect classes to cover a wide range of topics, from general business skills to niche marketing concepts. Each school's bachelor's program in marketing has a slightly different approach, but some topics that are often covered include:Market researchConsumer behaviorDigital marketingBrand managementSales managementAdvertising and promotionBusiness and economics coursesMarketing analyticsGlobal marketingSome schools may also offer elective courses focused on specific areas of interest, such as graphic design, social media marketing, and public relations. The list of possible courses is long and varied because marketing is a broad field of study — each school and program maintains unique focus areas.Benefits of a bachelor's degree in marketingA degree in marketing can be a great fit for students who know they want to pursue careers in the field or who want to develop in-demand, transferable skills. Below are some of the top reasons to get a degree in marketing:Discover how to blend analytical and creative thinkingEarn a credential that offers career flexibility and transferabilityGain insight into consumer behaviorLearn how to create a strong personal brand, which can be a great asset in any careerHow much money can you make with a bachelor's degree in marketing?A bachelor's degree in marketing can lead to many different careers in a variety of fields. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2023, many marketing roles made well above the national median across all occupations ($48,060) and are in high demand. Salaries vary depending on a professional's location, industry, and level of experience.Below, find some jobs you can pursue with a bachelor's degree in marketing, with salary and job outlook information from the BLS.Salary and career outlook for cybersecurity and IT professionalsJob titleMedian annual salary (2023)Job outlook (2023-33)Advertising, promotions, and marketing managerMedian annual salary (2023): $156,5808%Market research analystMedian annual salary (2023): $74,6808%Public relations specialistMedian annual salary (2023): $66,7506%Frequently asked questions about software development careersAre graduates of a bachelor's degree in marketing in demand?Many marketing professionals are in demand. The BLS projects jobs for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers and market research analysts to grow by 8% from 2023 to 2033, for instance. The BLS also projects jobs for public relations specialists to grow by 6% during the same period. In contrast, the average growth rate across all occupations from 2023 to 2033 is 4%, much slower than the rate for many jobs you can pursue with a bachelor's degree in marketing.How much can you earn with a bachelor's in marketing?How much you earn with a bachelor's in marketing depends on a few factors like your location, specific industry, and years of experience. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for marketing managers was $157,620 as of May 2023.What is the difference between marketing and public relations degrees?Marketing and public relations degrees have many similarities. At a given college or university, these courses of study may be housed in the same department and have overlapping classes. The difference between marketing and public relations comes down to the focus of your work. Those in marketing typically focus on promoting and selling products through advertising and consumer research. Public relations degree programs typically focus on equipping students to manage a company or person's image. That could mean engaging with stakeholders, managing media relations, or handling crisis communications.Skill DevelopmentCareerShare this articleShare on FacebookShare on XShare on LinkedinShare on Email