Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and Advertising
- Campus
- Online
What Is a Marketing and Advertising Degree?
A marketing and advertising degree is an academic program that teaches competencies in analyzing consumer behavior, raising brand awareness and developing marketing and advertising campaigns. The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Marketing and Advertising degree program at GCU is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a business-related career and who would like to examine the inner workings of the marketing and advertising industry. This degree is available online or on campus.
You will explore marketing communication strategies, practice creating data-driven marketing plans and study concepts in strategic management. Along with hard skills, this advertising and marketing degree emphasizes communication, creativity and ethical decision-making.
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
- 16+ years old
- High School Graduate
- 2.8+ Unweighted GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- ACT: 19
- SAT: 1000*
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
What’s It Like Going to GCU for Your Marketing and Advertising Degree?
You can study on our vibrant campus in Phoenix, AZ or earn this degree as a member of our online learning community. No matter how you earn this bachelor’s degree in marketing and advertising, you’ll benefit from curriculum integrated with a Christian worldview. Our students are encouraged to emulate a Christ-like character while preparing to make an impact on their communities as servant leaders.
You will be taught by knowledgeable faculty who bring academic and industry perspectives into the classroom. On-campus students have opportunities to get involved in clubs, student organizations and campus events that can help support personal and professional growth. Through networking opportunities, collaborative projects and connections with peers and faculty, you can begin building relationships in the marketing and advertising field.
What To Expect in a Marketing and Advertising Program
Flexible Online Marketing Degree Coursework
Online marketing courses can offer the flexibility you need to balance your education with work, family and other commitments. Online students can access a variety of digital learning resources through our Learning Management System, including eBooks, discussion forums and convenient calendar reminders. Throughout your program, you’ll also have support from technical assistance teams and student services counselors dedicated to helping you stay on track.
Accredited Marketing Education
GCU’s BS in Marketing and Advertising is programmatically accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This institution accredits programs that demonstrate relevant business teachings in the classroom that lead to strong student outcomes.
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The Colangelo College of Business shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Community-Focused Campus Life
If you decide to earn your marketing and advertising degree on campus, you’ll join a welcoming student community. GCU students enjoy modern housing accommodations and a wide range of dining options, along with many on-campus clubs, activities, worship services and Bible study groups. Join GCU’s student chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) or the Women in Business Club.
Student Support for Business Students
Marketing and other business majors receive the support of the Colangelo College of Business and the wider campus community. Start building your professional network by exploring our career services. Benefit from faculty mentorship and tap into internship opportunities and volunteer initiatives.
Hear From Our Students
"The teachers have all known my name. I usually go up and introduce myself in class, and they remember my name the rest of the semester. I'm not just another face here or just another number."
"The teachers have all known my name. I usually go up and introduce myself in class, and they remember my name the rest of the semester. I'm not just another face here or just another number."
What Will I Study in Marketing and Advertising?
This marketing and advertising degree covers a broad range of competencies applicable to the modern business landscape. You’ll study a broad range of topics that include market research, consumer behavior, marketing communications and strategy, plus business competencies like management and operations. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a framework for not only pursuing an entry-level career in the field, but also pursuing later graduate-level education and careers in the industry. Students will work through coursework and hands-on projects aimed at developing workplace-applicable skills, from collaboration to presentation.
Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and Advertising Course Topics
The focus of this degree program is on the lifecycle of marketing and advertising projects, which extends from conducting market research and analyzing consumer behavior to applying marketing principles to the development and implementation of a marketing or advertising campaign.
In acknowledgment of the needs of the modern business landscape, the curriculum covers competencies related to digital marketing and advertising, such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing and mobile marketing. Students are expected to develop fundamental computer literacy skills. They will also examine issues pertaining to professional ethics.
Some of the topics covered in this degree program include:
Consumer behavior
Applying behavioral science principles to decisions made by consumers and organizational buyers
Marketing campaigns
Developing strategic marketing and advertising campaigns to promote products or services
Marketing research
Using statistical tools to develop insights for decision-making
Advertising management
Creating strategic marketing plans aligned with industry best practices
How Does a Marketing and Advertising Degree Compare to Similar Majors?
A marketing and advertising degree combines business strategy, consumer insight and creative promotion. While similar majors may overlap in areas like communication, design or business, this program focuses more specifically on how brands connect with audiences and promote products or services across traditional and digital channels.
How it compares to other majors:
Students interested in blending strategy, creativity and consumer research may find that a marketing and advertising degree offers a focused path for learning how to develop campaigns, position brands and engage target audiences.
What Can You Do With a Marketing and Advertising Degree?
A marketing and advertising degree may be relevant to a number of professional roles, as it teaches broad business competencies, such as business finance, as well as marketing-specific topics like market research. Graduates may pursue opportunities in areas such as market research, promotions, sales and fundraising.
With a foundation in marketing and advertising competencies, individuals may pursue careers such as:
Marketing specialist
Specialize in digital or print marketing for goods or services.
Advertising and promotions manager
Manage brand promotions and oversee paid advertising campaigns.
Marketing manager
Plan and lead the organization’s marketing strategies and oversee marketing campaigns.
Fundraising manager
Plan and implement fundraising campaigns to secure grants and donations for organizations.
Sales manager
Lead a team of sales representatives in achieving the company’s revenue objectives.
Marketing research analyst
Study consumer behavior, competitors and market trends to develop insights.
Median annual wage for advertising, promotion and marketing managers as of May 2024(See disclaimer 1)
Projected job growth rate for advertising, promotions and marketing managers from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 2)
Tuition Information for Students
Quality higher education should be accessible to all. We’re committed to keeping our academic programs affordable for our students by freezing on-campus tuition rates and offering institutional scholarships. An education at GCU is an investment in your future.
GCU has not increased campus tuition rates since 2009
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
Connect with a university counselor to discuss tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.
Marketing and Advertising FAQs
Before enrolling in this on-campus or online marketing and advertising degree, you should consider your academic interests and career goals. Use the following FAQs and answers to reflect on which path is right for you.
What skills do students develop in a marketing degree program?
Will I complete hands-on projects or build a portfolio in a marketing and advertising degree?
What industries can you work in with a marketing degree?
How do online marketing degree programs work?
What other degrees are similar to marketing and advertising?
What tools and software will I learn to use in a marketing and advertising program?
Will I study digital marketing concepts in this program?
Getting Into GCU
GCU does not require a personal statement/essay and there is no application fee; admission requirements can vary by program and may involve a minimum GPA or SAT/ACT scores for high school students.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Program Curriculum
General Education Requirements
Core Courses
Your future in business awaits you. Apply today to earn a marketing and advertising degree online or on campus at GCU.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers, as of May 2024, retrieved May 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as advertising, promotions, and marketing managers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers, retrieved May 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Advertising, Promotions and Marketing Managers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved May 2026.