Bachelor’s in Applied Marketing and Advertising Degree
Earn Your Applied Marketing and Advertising Bachelor’s Degree at GCU
Prepare to make data-driven marketing decisions and develop creative advertising strategies with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Marketing and Advertising degree from Grand Canyon University (GCU). In this program, offered by the Colangelo College of Business, you’ll learn valuable marketing and advertising tactics and gain an integrated marketing communications perspective while preparing for a variety of roles in our global business environment.
This applied marketing and advertising program is a transfer-friendly version of our BS in Marketing and Advertising degree. Because of this, it does not cover all areas and disciplines that a non-applied marketing and advertising degree does, but rather provides you with the additional knowledge and tools that are needed to advance in the business field.
Instead of asking you to repeat similar introductory courses, we want to help you complete your business degree in less time, with less debt. This degree program is ideal if you have existing credits that you want to transfer over to finish your degree and potentially advance your marketing and advertising career.
As a Bachelor of Science in Applied Marketing and Advertising student at GCU, you’ll build on your business knowledge to refine your critical analysis and problem-solving skills, as well as learn to apply a Christian worldview. You’ll have the chance to examine all aspects of traditional and digital marketing, including:
- Audience segmentation
- Design
- Pricing
- Promotion
- Distribution
- Strategy timelines
- Customer relationship management
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Learn Applied Marketing and Advertising Degree Tactics to Reach Consumers and Promote Your Brand
Throughout the Bachelor of Science in Applied Marketing and Advertising program, you’ll learn how to:
- Develop, implement and assess marketing strategies
- Evaluate consumer behavior and analyze marketing data
- Examine management processes for effective organizations
- Identify business opportunities and solve business problems
- Design integrated marketing communications plans
- Make informed decisions based on historical, current and reliable information
- Determine marketing strategies to drive sales and maximize profitability
Career Opportunities for BS in Applied Marketing and Advertising Graduates
With a BS in Applied Marketing and Advertising from GCU, you’ll be prepared to take on a range of roles across the fast-paced field of business. From public relations to sales to market research, there are many opportunities available for marketing and advertising graduates. These positions include:
- Marketing managers
- Sales managers
- Market research analysts
- Advertising and promotions managers
- Fundraising managers
Applied Marketing and Advertising Degree Program FAQs
If you think an applied marketing and advertising degree is a good fit for you and your career aspirations, read through our frequently asked questions to learn more about this option.
An applied bachelor’s degree in marketing and advertising can lead to a financially rewarding career path with stable job growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, advertising, promotions and marketing managers have a median annual wage of $133,380 as of May 2021.2
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook also estimates job growth for advertising, promotions and marketing managers to increase by about 10% from 2021 to 2031, faster than average, accounting for an estimated increase of 33,700 jobs in the field.1
The applied marketing and advertising program at GCU consists of 120 total credits to completion. Depending on whether you choose to complete your marketing degree online or on campus, classes are typically 15 or eight weeks in length.
An applied marketing and advertising degree teaches you the ins and outs of different marketing strategies, processes and communications tactics to help you be successful in the marketing world. You’ll also study consumer behavior, decision making and data analysis. These topics can be complex and in depth, as advertising and marketing is a large, extensive field to cover. However, if you are dedicated to your studies, are data-driven and an analytical thinker, this may be the program for you.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is based on September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Advertising, Promotions and Marketing Managers, retrieved on Feb. 16, 2023.
2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Advertising, Promotions and Marketing Managers, as of May 2021. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as advertising, promotions and marketing managers. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. 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. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course introduces models and practices used by contemporary marketers in fast-paced, dynamic, domestic and global markets, including the marketing concept and processes for developing, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of marketing plans. Building from a foundational understanding of consumer behavior and marketing research, students examine the development and implementation of marketing mix strategies and tactics with an emphasis of how marketing integrates within all aspects of business.
Course Description
This course focuses on a behavioral science approach for examining distinct buyer strategies and decision-making processes of purchase by organizational buyers and consumers. Students evaluate external and internal influences, cross-cultural variations, and purchase and post-purchase processes to improve customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Prerequisite: MKT-245 or MKT-315.
Course Description
This course is an exploration of the financial reports and tools used by managers to make decisions and analyze the performance of a business entity.
Course Description
This course provides students with an integrated marketing communications perspective. Students develop objectives and create ethical communications campaigns that integrate advertising and promotional strategies, tactics, budgets, and timelines. Prerequisite: MKT-245 or MKT-315.
Course Description
Drawing upon real-world management situations, this course is a study of individual and group behavior in organizations through detailed coverage of the functions of management, individual differences/diversity, leadership, motivation, decision making, organizational design, and organizational change and development. Emphasis is placed on how an understanding of organizational behavior leads to effective management practice.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course teaches students to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems, developing and testing hypotheses as they learn to create a new product or service.
Course Description
This course focuses on applying critical thinking skills to analyze and apply marketing strategies and tactics and achieve marketing opportunities in the globalized world. Students determine environmental factors that affect marketing strategies and apply traditional and industry-accepted practices in promotion, pricing, distribution, and product development. Students create and manage marketing plans and determine choices that maximize profit and increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. Prerequisite: MKT-245 or MKT-315.
Course Description
This course is a study of the challenges associated with managing projects within the context of the overarching management framework of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Emphasis is placed on balancing competing priorities related to human resources, time constraints, and physical resources/materials, as well as managing and controlling project scope.
Course Description
This course provides an integrated marketing communications perspective for advertising and promotion using Internet and mobile technologies. In this fast-paced and constantly evolving environment, students develop objectives and create ethical communications campaigns that integrate knowledge of cross-channel and multi-channel consumer behavior with website and landing page strategies and tactics, search engine optimization and search advertising, social media marketing, and mobility marketing. Prerequisite: MKT-245 or MKT-315.
Course Description
In this writing-intensive course, students investigate challenges facing contemporary organizations and recommend solutions based on research and critical analysis. Students integrate major concepts learned throughout their program to formulate problem statements, employ quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, and communicate recommendations that satisfy the needs of diverse stakeholders.
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.