Contrary to what a lot of individuals believe, advertising and marketing are not identical to each other. Advertising is a discipline which involves the communication of a persuasive message to a targeted audience. Advertising is paid, geared towards the public, and is non-personal. Advertising’s goal is to persuade the customer to purchase goods and/or services which they are selling through print, radio, or television mediums. Marketing, on the other hand, is the methodical planning, execution, and management of a number of business activities which are intended to attract buyers as well as sellers so goods and/or services can be transferred or exchanged. This process is mutually advantageous for both parties.
Students interested in pursuing a career in advertising and marketing should encompass a number of skills and qualities essential in this field...Read More
Analytical skills are important since advertising and marketing professionals must analyze and examine the industry trends so they can plan profitable strategies for the organization they work for. Advertising and marketing professionals must also have effective decision-making skills. They often encounter instances where they must choose between different advertising and marketing strategies by determining which avenue would be most beneficial for the company. They must be smart in these decisions since they can be financially costly. Advertising and marketing professionals must have exceptional management and leadership skills. They must be able to motivate their staff in a positive manner and be able to offer advice and knowledge when needed.
Advertising and Marketing Degree Levels Available
Associate’s Degree in Advertising and Marketing
The associate’s degree program in advertising and marketing prepares students for entry-level positions in the advertising and marketing field. This two-year program provides students with a general knowledge of this discipline’s customs and applications by offering courses in areas such as business marketing, economics, accounting, business law, advertising, and publication design. Students who would like to advance to a higher position as well as salary in the advertising and marketing field are strongly encouraged to further their education by continuing onto the bachelor’s degree program in advertising and marketing. There may be more opportunities available to those who pursue this option since an associate’s degree may be limiting in certain circumstances.
Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising and Marketing
The bachelor’s degree program in advertising and marketing offers students an in-depth knowledge of this discipline’s theories, philosophies, and practices. Students enrolled in this four-year program take courses in areas such as advertising strategies, media planning, ethics and law in advertising, visual design in advertising, copywriting, and online marketing. The knowledge gained in this undergraduate degree program provides a strong foundation in the advertising and marketing field on which students can build upon if they wish to pursue a master’s degree in advertising and marketing. Upon graduation, students may attain professional work as a media planner, marketing manager, copywriter, or advertising sales agent or further their education by enrolling in a master’s degree program in advertising and marketing.
Master of Business Administration Degree in Advertising and Marketing (M.B.A.)
The master’s degree program in advertising and marketing offers students the opportunity to conduct research in the advertising and marketing field. During this two-year program, students will have chosen an area of concentration in the advertising and marketing field on which to focus their thesis on. Students work closely with a faculty member who has extensive knowledge and experience in the advertising and marketing field. Upon graduation, students defend their thesis as well as complete mandatory coursework in areas such as research methods, mass media communications, law and ethics in business, and strategic management. Upon graduation, students may wish to obtain professional employment as an advertising and marketing manager, human resources manager, or public affairs director.
Admission Requirements
To enroll in an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree program in advertising and marketing, students must have obtained a high school diploma or an academic equivalent (i.e., GED). Transcripts from high school and SAT or ACT test scores are almost always required as well. In conjunction with these documents, students must submit an application form from the institution along with the application fee. Students who have volunteer and/or work experience in the advertising and marketing field, should document this information in the application form since this would greatly benefit their acceptance into the college or university.
To enroll in a master’s degree program in advertising and marketing, students must have obtained a bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing or in a closely related field. Most colleges and universities are fairly competitive therefore students must meet quite a few requirements. Aside from a bachelor’s degree, students must have maintained a GPA of about 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale), pass the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) and received a score at or above the 80th percentile, and submit a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae, two or three reference letters written by faculty members who know the student well, and an application form along with the application fee.
Tuition and Accreditation
The figures stated below are only estimates since college and university tuition fees vary depending on the institution. This is due to numerous factors (e.g., public versus private institutions, distance education, etc.). An associate’s degree in advertising and marketing may vary from $ 8,085 to $ 23,871 in tuition fees. A bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing may vary from $ 15,918 to $ 32,617 in tuition fees. A master’s degree in advertising and marketing may vary from $ 8,763 to $ 20,368 in tuition fees. (Source: the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)
Employers primarily hire applicants who have graduated from an accredited institution. Therefore, students who aspire to obtain an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, or a master’s degree in advertising and marketing should enroll in a college or university accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).
Average Annual Salary Ranges for Different Occupations in the Advertising and Marketing Field
There are numerous factors which affect an individual’s salary such as their level of education, the extent of their experience, their field of specialization, and who they are employed by. This results in a variation of salary ranges for individuals employed in the same profession. Having stated this, below are a few average annual salary ranges for different occupations in the advertising and marketing field (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics):
- marketing research analyst $ 57,380 to $ 77,380
- public relations specialist $ 51,980 to $ 71,980
- advertising and marketing manager $ 111,150 to $ 131,150
- human resource manager $ 99,590 to $ 119,590
Read Less
