On average, only 23.3% of marketers have marketing-specific degrees, according to a survey based on the answers of 3,000 marketers. Does this mean you don’t need to hire a marketer with a degree? Let’s see.
We’ve compiled a list of the best marketing schools in the USA. Experts from the best digital marketing companies and top advertising agencies in our directory may have likely come from these schools.
Table of Contents
10+ Best Colleges for Marking in the US (Non-Ivy League)
These are the best schools for marketing in 2024 that produce top-notch talent, often working for or with the best research agencies:
1. Bentley University
Through the Center for Marketing Technology, students at Bentley University work directly with the marketing departments of some well-known brands, such as Apple and Converse.
They have a practice of supporting marketing research and strategic planning for some of the world’s leading organizations too.
Some of the basics taught in the university’s classrooms include:
- Advertising
- Promotions
- Market Research
- Analytics
- Social Media Strategy
- Product Development
By working alongside corporate partners of the university, students get an excellent resume-building experience.
2. University of Pennsylvania
Penn University’s students pursuing a degree in Marketing and Communication also get training in business-related fields like management and finance.
Here, they learn the communication process and the constructive methods of conveying information.
Students can choose two from the following:
- Critical Approaches to Popular Culture
- Introduction to Communication Behavior
- Media Industries and Society
In addition, some of the fundamental courses they can attend are:
- Accounting and Financial Reporting
- Teamwork and Interpersonal Influence
- Business Communication for Impact
- Corporate Finance
- Introduction to Management
3. Bryant University
Bryant University offers an immersive marketing program that takes students on a journey through research, coursework, internships, and more that prepares them for a successful, long-term career in marketing.
A cross-disciplinary advantage allows students to learn about marketing from a variety of perspectives, including management, analytics, digital media, and communications. The future of marketing is constantly evolving, but Bryant prepares students for this switch.
The marketing graduates at Bryant University earn a median salary of $60,000 post-grad and work in a number of well-known companies, including Amazon, The Walt Disney Company, Nickelodeon, Time Inc., and many more.
4. Indiana University—Bloomington
Indiana University’s Department of Marketing is ranked among the best programs in the USA. The knowledge, experience, and connections it provides to its students give a good basis for getting employed by top companies.
The college’s research shapes the field of marketing and informs their teaching, developing creative and analytical skills that are the basis of a successful career. It also provides experience through consumer behavior research in the Customer Interface Virtual Laboratory. Students can compete in international case study competitions too.
The college’s Undergraduate Marketing Club, Global Sales Workshop, Consumer Marketing Academy and Business Marketing Academy help students connect with leading employers.
5. University of Wisconsin
Wisconsin School of Business Department of Marketing offers a BBA certificate, an MBA with three specializations, and a Ph.D. program.
A.C. Nielsen Center for Marketing Analytics and Insights, the Center for Brand and Product Management, and the Grainger Center for Supply Chain Management are affiliated with the department.
College instructors, experienced practitioners, and field innovators bring a diversity of knowledge that helps students develop skills in qualitative and quantitative analysis, problem-solving, and communications.
This top marketing college offers you to explore a variety of career paths, including:
- Marketing Analytics and Insights
- Digital and Social Media
- Sales Management
- Advertising
- Brand/Product Management
- Supply Chain Management
6. Saint Joseph’s University
The Saint Joseph’s University marketing program gives students the skills and experience to become knowledgeable in the latest promotional techniques, digital media options, and consumer behavior trends.
With an emphasis on marketing theory through real-life insights via guest speakers, field trips, case studies, and internships, students get a healthy mix of real situations and book knowledge.
They also practice designing marketing plans, promotional campaigns, and research projects, and are given the opportunity to interact with a diverse faculty composed of world-renowned scholars, industry experts, and corporate executives.
Some of the majors and minors the university offers are:
- Marketing
- Entertainment Marketing
- Sports Marketing
- Advertising and Promotion
- General Marketing
- Music Industry
- Communication
7. Siena College
Siena’s curriculum allows students to take various courses based on their interests, from product development to international marketing and communications.
Customized learning is provided in smaller and more engaging classes. Professors insist on discussions, case studies, and real-world projects to accompany lectures and computer simulations.
Siena College also offers internships with the following brands:
- Nestle
- IBM
- Nielsen Company
- KPMG
- Merrill Lynch
In addition, this marketing college also prepares students for graduate programs. They can choose from a variety of careers, including:
- eCommerce
- Sports Marketing
- International Marketing
- Marketing Research
- Entrepreneurial Marketing
- Advertising
- Business Marketing
8. University of Florida
University of Florida’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Marketing provides an overview of business’ functional areas with an emphasis on marketing.
Economics, mathematics, computing skills, and accounting are some of the foundation courses students take, in addition to finance, management, marketing, and operations management.
Some of the major courses that teach planning and execution of pricing, promotion, distribution of products, and managing customer relationships are also included in the curriculum.
9. Arizona State University – Tempe
Arizona State University’s W.P.Carey School of Business makes it possible for students to explore consumer behavior and organizational performance in marketing.
It prepares students to guide agencies in the right direction.
The university offers the following marketing courses:
- Advertising Management
- Applied Marketing Management and Leadership
- Brand Management
- Competitive Marketing Strategy
- Digital Marketing in Practice
- Entrepreneurial Marketing
Similarly to some of the other best marketing schools in the US, this college has online and campus studies available, allowing students to customize their studying experience.
The university also offers undergraduate research, internships, targeted career programs, and business clubs to diversify students' marketing skills.
10. The Catholic University of America
The Catholic University of America offers its students a synergy of social teaching and liberal arts. Their B.S.B.A. marketing program includes internships with top business companies and opportunities to study abroad.
Catholic University Busch School of Business has seven majors, including Business Exploratory studies as a broad introduction to other fields, including marketing.
This university’s marketing academics foster creativity and problem-solving in its students while preparing them for a professional career.
The Busch School of Business even has a four-year career development program to help marketing graduates find an adequate position for them.
The Busch School of Business marketing program emphasizes its:
- Smaller courses oriented at discussion
- Practical examples and experience in the corporate world
Specialization courses include Market Research, Consumer Behavior, and Marketing Strategy.
11. William Peace University
William Peace University offers 27 degree options, and its 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio provides personalized support for every student.
They have a 98% success rate where graduates land a job or are admitted to graduate school within six months of graduation.
Additionally, 100% of their undergraduates participate in an internship. The immersive learning approach of ‘learning by doing’ provides students with the skills and experience to be successful after graduation.
12. Middle Tennessee State University
MTSU’s Marketing program classes include hands-on learning through projects in association with campus departments and local businesses.
Several courses are part of the university’s Experiential Learning and MT Engage programs, emphasizing learning beyond the classroom.
Classroom instruction is complemented by professional development through IGNITE, a Jones College of Business program that prepares students to transition from college to their professional careers.
This is one of the best marketing schools that encourages students to take internships as part of their program of study. They offer to gain marketing experience, and many turn into full-time job opportunities after graduation.
MTSU’s Professional Selling Concentration is home to the Insurance Group of America (IGA) Office of Professional Sales.
This program produces successful sales professionals who are enthusiastic, relationship-oriented, and enjoy taking initiative, and exceeding expectations.
Paired with the required Dale Carnegie course, students here can learn the soft skills needed to be successful in any business endeavor.
13. Houston Community College
Houston Community College offers an industry-focused marketing program that provides its students with up-to-date courses on career readiness.
The program's concepts, principles, and practical experience strive to meet the ever-changing and growing needs of the industry.
Students interested in marketing can choose between two options: a certificate and a degree.
Marketing-related courses include:
- Principles of Marketing
- Human Relations
- International Marketing Development
- e-Commerce Marketing
- Principles of Retailing
- Marketing Research and Strategies
- Consumer Behavior
Five programs at this top marketing college have been awarded accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Accounting, Business Administration, Business Technology, International Business and Marketing.
HCC is the only public associate degree-granting institution in Houston accredited by ACBSP.
The offered degrees and awards include:
- General Marketing – AAS degree
- Innovation & Enterprise Specialization – AAS degree
- Enterprise Development – Level 1 certificate
- Retailing – Level 1 certificate
- Social Enterprise – Level 1 certificate
- Marketing – Level 1 certificate
14. American University
The American University School of Communication is a top-notch program that offers its students ample opportunities to thrive in marketing and communications.
This broad curriculum enables students to access several different mediums, platforms, and strategies to build comprehensive digital marketing and communications campaigns that succeed in a digital world.
The communications studies major connects various marketing fields — from PR and advertising to digital media, journalism, and public affairs. With it, students are equipped to enter several robust and successful careers in the marketing industry.
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15. New York University
NYU Stern offers an undergraduate marketing degree that presents students with limitless opportunities in the marketing field.
Its urban location puts students at the heart of the marketing industry, facilitating effective and lasting immersive internship experiences to give them a taste of the communications world right from the start.
Knowledgeable faculty, comprehensive coursework, and a commitment to its students make the marketing program at New York University stand out from the competition.
Graduates of the school can continue their education with Stern’s immense graduate degrees, or they can enter the field with the prestige of Stern backing them.
16. Penn State University
The marketing program at Penn State’s Smeal College of Business offers students a chance to experience all the different facets of marketing — from branding and management to consulting, research, analytics, sports marketing, and more.
The diverse coursework and the number of different career options afforded to students with this degree make Penn State one of the leading undergraduate marketing schools in the country.
Graduates enter the marketing world ready to handle their campaigns from brainstorming to launch. Prospective employers include Unilever, Johnson and Johnson, Google, and more.
17. Rutgers University
The Rutgers Business School is a shining example of a community committed to the growth and success of young professionals, giving students access to diverse courses, internships, and post-graduate job opportunities.
Here, students can focus on:
- Marketing Strategy
- Database Marketing
- Digital Marketing
- Marketing in the Pharmaceutical Industry
- Customer Relationship Marketing
- Marketing Analytics
- Retail Marketing
- Research and Consumer Behavior
What makes this university one of the best undergraduate marketing schools in the country are its industry-connected professors who help students access exciting jobs, primarily at global marketing agencies on Madison Avenue and startup companies in the tri-state area.
18. Santa Clara University
The Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University puts students on the path to marketing success.
The number of different marketing-specific concentrations allows students to choose their fate, deciding between business and tech, consumer and channel marketing, or a fully customized program.
The vast alumni network and a talented and well-connected faculty make it easy for graduates to enter a prosperous career. Some notable companies hiring from Santa Clara University include the New York Times, Western Digital, and more.
19. Seattle University
Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics takes marketing seriously. It combines formal education with practical knowledge to allow students to succeed as marketers.
There, marketing majors get access to integral marketing courses in addition to a solid foundation in business, allowing them to gain an insight into all sides of the marketing field.
20. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M Mays Business School is a great option for students looking for an immersive, well-rounded, and challenging marketing program.
Part business, part marketing, and part advertising and sales, marketing majors get equipped with the skills, experience, and connections to make a splash in the marketing world.
But what really makes this school stand out are the number of groups, networks, and clubs that students can get involved with to prepare them for their marketing future.
Some of these organizations include The Advertising Club, the American Marketing Association, the Public Relations Student Society of America, and more.
21. Texas Christian University
The Texas Christian University Neeley School of Business marketing program is a robust curriculum that pushes students to think outside of the box.
Because of the breadth of topics marketing majors at TCU can immerse themselves in, students get exposure to different facets of the industry. They can go down different paths, like sports marketing, consultative selling, and analytics.
Similarly, the program offers students several engaging experiences like internships and other professional development opportunities.
22. The University of Illinois at Chicago
The UIC Business marketing program gives students a taste of the marketing world before they ever step outside the school’s doors.
Its city setting puts students right in the heart of the action, allowing them to get a formal education in the classroom and then put that knowledge to use at the many marketing firms in Chicago.
They get immersed in a research-based curriculum that exposes them to several concentrations. Each student can choose their concentration rounds off this program as a personalized degree.
23. Tulane University
The Tulane University Freeman School of Business offers opportunities for students looking to start a career in marketing.
Its core marketing courses prepare them for the technical aspects of the industry, while student organizations give them more immersive, hands-on experiences.
Tulane University pushes its students to try new strategies and seek out new experiences.
As a result, they are afforded many study abroad and internship opportunities to apply their marketing skills in a global market.
When students graduate, they aren’t alone. The extensive alumni network of undergraduate marketing schools like this one ensures that graduates always have a place to call home.
24. University of Iowa
The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business is dedicated to marketing. In addition to its undergraduate degree, it also offers an MBA and a Ph.D. in marketing.
The university truly invests in these programs, starting with their undergraduate offering.
Student organizations like the American Marketing Association help students interact with one another and learn the ins and outs of the marketing industry.
The Marketing Institute allows students to work on real marketing projects for actual, real-world clients, and coursework establishes the foundation that drives marketing success post-graduation.
25. University of Kansas
The University of Kansas School of Business molds successful marketing professionals.
This fast-paced, hands-on coursework helps students achieve the flexibility, creativity, and skills they need to succeed in marketing.
The average median salary of students graduating with a marketing degree at this top marketing college is $45,000, while 68% of students graduate with a job to go to post-grad.
This hybrid business and marketing degree equips students with everything they need to enter the marketing industry confidently.
26. University of Maryland
The University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. programs in the marketing field.
For its undergraduate offering, the school combines cutting-edge research with traditional education and classroom activities to build a class of successful marketers.
It pushes students to get involved and open themselves to innovative opportunities. It’s a competitive program that molds creative, experienced, and progressive individuals built for some of the most distinguished marketing teams in the world.
27. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan—Ann Arbor is located just outside of Detroit. It is the best choice for students looking to taste the urban environment while still living on campus.
The Michigan Ross Marketing program combines cutting-edge research, emerging technologies, and shifting trends to offer students a modern and innovative education.
Seminars, student organizations, internships, and more are all available to students at this marketing college.
These opportunities provide students with the skills they need and the experience that will mold their professional marketing selves.
28. University of Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma Michael F. Price College of Business focuses on real-world education and experiences.
The Division of Marketing and Supply Chain Management is a great option for students looking to build up a portfolio in marketing before they leave campus.
Here, students get a dual education in marketing and business management to give insights into how to work with clients and build brand experiences that drive sales.
Extensive research opportunities, experienced faculty, and a state-of-the-art teaching facility prepare students for a robust future.
29. University of San Diego
The University of San Diego School of Business gives marketing students everything they need to start their careers on the right foot.
Students learn the ins and outs of marketing, from research and strategy to branding, implementation, and digital experiences.
USD provides students with an immersive experience in the industry, providing real-world experience in and out of the classroom.
There are also several marketing tracks that help students get a comprehensive and robust education, including analytics, sales, product management, advertising, and digital marketing.
30. University of Southern California
The Marketing Department at the USC Marshall School of Business is one of the country's leading undergraduate schools for marketing and business.
Students attend classes, seminars, clubs, and more that shed light on their own skills and the necessary skills of a successful marketer.
They also get hands-on experience in marketing, working with innovative companies, and on cutting-edge projects.
There is always a new opportunity to take advantage of both on and off-campus. These experiences give graduates a unique perspective that sets them apart from the competition.
31. University of Texas at Austin
The McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas is one of the top-ranking marketing programs in the country — and for good reason.
Marketing is a fast-paced and dynamic career that requires students to be flexible and creative. Therefore, there’s a huge emphasis on these skills and qualities throughout the education process.
The hands-on courses and opportunities the school provides give students an inside look into what the industry is all about, preparing them for the future.
This isn’t a program that emphasizes book smarts but encourages students to get out there and put this knowledge to use through internships and study abroad programs.
32. Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University is one of the most competitive and selective undergraduate marketing schools, with a comprehensive program that prepares students for a successful career in marketing communications.
These programs capitalize on the growing world of digital media, giving students experience in digital communication mediums like social media, video, and more.
This ensures that when they enter the field, they have an upper hand with experience with digital media, unlike that of their competitors.
33. Washington University in St. Louis
The Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis is an esteemed program that has birthed several successful digital marketers.
Students can enter several immersive programs, but one of the university's biggest draws is that it requires students to take 40% of their classes outside of the business school.
This encourages them to gain other knowledge and experience that can help boost their business and marketing careers, infusing liberal arts knowledge and skills into the mix for maximum success.
Takeaways on the Best Schools for Marketing in the US
The above undergraduate marketing schools offer unique experiences to their students, giving them the tools they need to start a successful career in marketing.
From higher-than-average salaries to extensive internship opportunities and co-op experiences, these top marketing colleges and universities are the institutions behind the future of digital communications.
Working with experts that come from these institutions, you can improve your:
- Customer engagement
- Brand reputation
- Customers relationships
- Information and communication flow
- Sales
Best Marketing Schools FAQs
Why hire a digital marketing expert from university?
The most significant benefit is that these experts join the workforce pre-trained by industry professionals and theorists.
Their diverse training and curriculum also give them a different perspective at handling both old and new marketing challenges. They also value the hands-on experience they get when joining a team and have been trained for teamwork.
What are the benefits of working with experts trained at the best marketing schools in the US?
These experts understand the importance of customer engagement and user psychology. They also understand how to manage the agency's and clients' brand reputation. They also understand that agency work is built on healthy customer relationships while prioritizing best practices in internal communication.
Lastly, such experts are sales-oriented and understand that results drive a marketing team forward.
What is the best online school for marketing?
The answer will depend on several factors; however, experts agree that the Harvard Business School Certificate is a course people should attend, as it positively affects their professional careers.
Which marketing degree is best?
Some might say that a marketing bachelor’s degree would be the best option if you want to receive the necessary education and experience most marketers require from potential job employees.
Typically, these degrees in marketing are either Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees.
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