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Gain Skills to Develop Results-Oriented Strategic Marketing Plans
Understand the concepts and techniques of marketing strategy as they apply to modern organizations.
Apply your knowledge in the different environments in which marketing programs, plans, and strategies are formulated and implemented.
Use the analytical tools necessary to assist brick-and-mortar and online marketing operations of companies.
Evaluate the impact and implications of relevant business functions and develop an integrative, interdisciplinary appreciation of business situations, problems, and solutions.
Online Marketing Courses
Online Marketing Courses
Penn State’s online marketing degree program features in-depth course work to help you understand business operations and how marketing professionals and institutions work together for business success.
Your marketing degree online course work will cover retailing, advertising and sales promotion, marketing management, research, e-commerce, and more. To appreciate how businesses operate, you will also complete business-focused courses in such disciplines as business strategy, supply chain, and finance. A final capstone project allows you to leverage your skills to research and develop a fully integrated strategic marketing plan.
Courses cover a wide range of marketing topics, including:
- business-to-business marketing
- consumer behavior
- digital advertising
- social media management
- sales management
- global marketing
- marketing techniques for electronic commerce
- advertising and sales promotion
- services marketing
- marketing research
Entrance-to-Major Requirements
To change your major to marketing, you must complete eight entry-to-major courses following courses and maintain a 2.00 or higher cumulative grade-point average:
- ACCTG 211 (4 credits);
- ECON 102 GS (3 credits);
- ENGL 015 GWS (3 credits) or ENGL 030 GWS (3 credits);
- FIN 301 (3 credits);
- MATH 110 GQ (4 credits) or MATH 140 GQ (4 credits);
- MGMT 301 (3 credits);
- MKTG 301 (3 credits);
- SCM 200 GQ (4 credits) or STAT 200 GQ (4 credits)
For students transferring directly into the major:
- Completion of 27.1 credits or higher
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher and completion of 8 entry-to-major courses: ACCTG 211, ECON 102, ENGL 015 or ENGL 030, FIN 301, MATH 110 or MATH 140, MGMT 301, MKTG 301, SCM 200 or STAT 200 or their equivalents.
A current Penn State student needs a grade-point average of 2.0 or higher to enter the major.
The Bachelor of Science in Marketing degree is a 120-credit program.
Prescribed Courses (46 credits)
- 4credits
Introduction to the role of accounting numbers in the process of managing a business and in investor decision-making.
- Prerequisite
MATH 21 or 1.5 units of high school algebra
- 3credits
Business organizations and the sociocultural environment; current issues; corporate responsibility; international and multinational business environments.
- Prerequisite
ENGL 202D and MGMT 301
- 3credits
Interpretation of business concepts in the analysis of problems related to the successful management of a company, institution, or organization.
- Prerequisite
FIN 301 and MGMT 301 and MKTG 301W
- 3credits
Methods of economic analysis and their use; price determination; theory of the firm; distribution.
- 3credits
National income measurement; aggregate economic models; money and income; policy problems.
- GS
The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS) requirement.
- 3credits
Writing reports and other common forms of business communication.
- Prerequisite
ENGL 15 or ENGL 30
- Note
A student may take only one course for credit from ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D.
- 3credits
Nature of finance function; risk and return concepts; working capital; dividend policies; mergers; security markets; acquisition and management of corporate capital; analysis of operations; forecasting capital requirements; raising capital; and planning profits. Available to baccalaureate students only.
- Prerequisite
(ENGL 15 or ENGL 30) and ACCTG 211 and (ECON 102 or ECON 104) and (SCM 200 or STAT 200)
- 3credits
Study of fundamental principles and processes available to the understanding of management.
- Prerequisite
(ENGL 15 or ENGL 30) and (ECON 102 or ECON 104) and (MATH 021 or higher or satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination)
- 3credits
Provides an overview of the role of information systems in business process design; the current technologies used for obtaining, storing, securing, and communicating information in support of operations and decision-making within a business organization; as well as the concepts and principles for developing and using popular spreadsheet and database tools.
- 3credits
Specification, design and implementation of information systems directed at aiding decision-making in organizations.
- Prerequisite
MIS 204
- 3credits
Covers terminology and important concepts related to marketing in the business environment. Domestic and international environments that impact marketing are included, with particular emphasis on the marketing environment, segmentation, positioning, and targeting.
- Prerequisite
ENGL 015 or ENGL 030; ECON 102 or ECON 104; MATH 021 or higher or satisfactory score on the mathematics placement examination.
- 3credits
Application of behavioral science concepts to the understanding of buyer behavior as a basis for marketing management decision-making.
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Research approaches, methods, and applications studied as a formal approach to problem-solving for marketing decisions.
- Prerequisite
BA 303 or MKTG 301W; SCM 200 or STAT 200
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Market-oriented problems of the firm; identification and selection of market opportunities; formulation of competitive strategies; marketing policies and programs.
- Prerequisite
MKTG 330 and MKTG 342
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Supply chain management concepts, principles, and methodologies.
- Prerequisite
ACCTG 211 or ECON 102 or SCM 200 or STAT 200; limited to students in baccalaureate status.
Additional Courses (12 credits)
- 4credits
Explores the ethical, political, social, legal and regulatory, technological, and demographic diversity environment of business.
- Note
A student may not receive credit toward graduation for both BLAW 243 and BA 243.
- 4credits
Introduces and develops the mathematical skills required for analyzing change, and the underlying mathematical behaviors that model real-life economics and financial applications. Develops student knowledge of calculus techniques, and how to use a calculus framework to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Prerequisite
MATH 22 or satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination
- Note
Students may take only one course for credit from MATH 110, 140, 140A, and 140B.
- GQ
The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Quantification (GQ) requirement.
- or:4credits
Introduces and develops the mathematical skills required for analyzing change and creating mathematical models that replicate real-life phenomena. Develops student knowledge of calculus techniques and how to use the calculus environment to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Prerequisite
(MATH 22 and MATH 26) or MATH 40 or MATH 41 or satisfactory performance on the mathematics placement examination
- Note
Students may only take one course for credit from MATH 110, 140, 140A, 140B, and 140H.
- GQ
The credits earned in this course may be applied toward the Quantification (GQ) requirement.
- 4credits
Descriptive Statistics, frequency distributions, probability and normal distributions, statistical inference, linear regression, and correlation.
- Prerequisite
Placement into MATH 021 or higher.
- GQ
This course can be used to satisfy the Quantification (GQ) requirement.
Additional Marketing Major Courses (select 9 credits)
- 3credits
Management of marketing institutions in distribution channels from producers to consumers. Emphasis on retail institutions: location, personnel, merchandising, control, promotion.
- Prerequisite
BA 303 or MKTG 301W
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Perspectives and models of the key decisions involved in managing advertising and sales promotion campaigns.
- PrerequisiteMKTG 330 or MKTG 342
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Role of international marketing in the global environment; political, economic, geographic, historical, cultural conditions; developing and implementing international marketing strategies.
- Prerequisite
BA 303 or MKTG 301W
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Application of modern management principles to field sales force planning, organization, and administration; selection, training, and compensation plans.
- Prerequisite
MKTG 301W and MGMT 301
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
- 3credits
Conceptual understanding of services and the analytical tools that are used in solving strategic services marketing problems.
- Prerequisite
MKTG 301W
- C or better
A student enrolled in this course must receive a grade of C or better.
Supporting Courses and Related Areas (select 12 credits)
Select 12 credits of 200- to 400-level business courses from:
- ACCTG
- BA
- ECON
- FIN
- MGMT
- MIS
- MKTG
- SCM
in consultation with an academic adviser and in support of the student's interests.
General Education Requirements
Some General Education requirements may be satisfied by courses required for the major. Students should work with an adviser to select courses.
- Foundations: 15 credits
All courses require a grade of C or better. Inter-Domain courses may not be used for foundations requirements.- Writing/Speaking: 9 credits
- Quantification: 6 credits
3-6 credits are selected from mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics; 3 credits may be selected from computer science or symbolic logic.
- Knowledge Domains: 15 credits
Inter-Domain courses may not be used for knowledge domain requirements.- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits
- Arts (GA): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 3 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
- Integrative Studies: 6 credits
- Inter-Domain course work: 6 credits
- Exploration: 9 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN) (may be Inter-Domain): 3 credits
- GA, GH, GN, GS, and Inter-Domain courses: 6 credits
May include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the requirements of the student’s degree program or at the 12th credit level, whichever is higher.
These General Education Requirements are for students who started in summer 2023 or later. Students who started earlier can review the prior version of the general education requirements.
Among the degree requirements, students should incorporate at least:
- 3 credits in U.S. cultures
- 3 credits in international (IL) cultures
- 3 credits in writing-across-the-curriculum courses
This course list includes only courses offered by World Campus. An official degree audit or the recommended academic plan for this program may include additional course options and detailed requirements. All students are expected to complete at least 36 Penn State credits to earn this degree. Please consult an academic adviser for details.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Start or Advance Your Career
Start or Advance Your Career
You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue marketing jobs in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.
Job Titles Related to This Degree
This online program will prepare you for a marketing career in various business, manufacturing, and service industries, as well as in the not-for-profit and public sectors.
The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:
- Business Development Manager
- Digital Marketing Strategist
- Market Analyst
- Marketing and Promotions Manager
- Marketing Manager
- SEO Strategist (Search Engine Optimization Strategist)
Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree
Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Marketing Managers
Advertising and Promotions Managers
Career Services to Set You Up for Success
From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.
- Opportunities to connect with employers
- Career counselor/coach support
- Occupation and salary information
- Internships
- Graduate school resources
Upcoming Events
Ready to Learn More?
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State bachelor's degree?
Costs and Financial Aid
Costs and Financial Aid
Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.
Costs and Financial Aid
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State.
Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
|---|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $626 per credit | $671 per credit |
| 12–19 | $7,602 per semester | $8,206 per semester |
Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
|---|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $632 per credit | $678 per credit |
| 12–19 | $7,678 per semester | $8,288 per semester |
Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19.
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements, select “World Campus” as the location on the tuition site.
AACSB Accredited
The Bachelor of Science in Marketing is offered in partnership with the Penn State Harrisburg School of Business Administration, which is AACSB accredited, an honor reserved for the top 5% of business schools worldwide. This international symbol of excellence tells future employers that you have successfully completed a stringent, analytical, and comprehensive marketing degree program.
Join an International Honor Society
As a student in this program, you will have the opportunity to become a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Gamma, the international premier business student honor society recognized as the "Best in Business."
Set Your Own Pace
Set Your Own Pace
Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.
Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser.
To Finish Your Degree in Two to Three Years
Take 6 courses each semester
To Finish Your Degree in Three to Four Years
Take 4–5 courses each semester
To Finish Your Degree in Five or More Years
Take 2–3 courses each semester
Convenient Online Format
This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.
A Trusted Leader in Online Education
Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.
How to Apply to Penn State
How to Apply to Penn State
Apply by June 30 to start August 26
Application Instructions
Deadlines and Important Dates
Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.
Fall Deadline
Apply by June 30 to start August 26Spring Deadline
Apply by October 31 to start January 13Summer Deadline
Apply by March 15, 2025, to start May 19, 2025
New students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by March 1. Please visit the Office of Student Aid website for more information about applying for financial aid and recommended deadlines.
Steps to Apply
To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate, or have completed your GED.
This degree program includes Entrance-to-Major requirements (ETMs). After you are admitted to Penn State, you’ll complete them during your first few semesters to officially become a Bachelor of Science in Marketing major. If you satisfy these requirements with transfer credits, you’ll be admitted directly into the major.
You will need the following items to complete your application:
High school transcripts or GED transcript — First-year applicants are required to submit Self-Reported Academic Records (SRAR) when applying. Official high school transcripts for first-year applicants will only be required at the time a student accepts an offer of admission to Penn State.
Transfer international students will need to submit their high school transcript before their application can be reviewed.
Official college or university transcripts and/or official military transcripts (if applicable) — All college or university transcripts are required regardless of the length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or the accreditation of the institutions attended. Acceptance of transfer credit toward your degree is subject to final approval by the academic department. For detailed information, see the Transfer Students page.
Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Language Proficiency section on the Undergraduate Admissions International Requirements page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.
Create a New Penn State Account
If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.
Accessing MyPennState
The MyPennState Portal provides access to our online admissions services. Before accessing MyPennState, you must have a Penn State account that will be used to access all Penn State systems. After creating an account, you will receive a unique Penn State User ID. You will need to enter your User ID followed by @psu.edu when signing in to MyPennState and other Penn State sites. For example, you should be entering something like '[email protected]' in the Sign In field.
The application consists of six sections:
- Application Setup
- Program of Study
- Citizenship and Residency
- Academics and Experience
- Miscellaneous
- Review and Submit
Application Setup
Be sure to select "Online" for the "How would you like to complete your degree" question if you plan to attend Penn State World Campus.
The rest of this section will ask some basic questions about your education experience and military affiliation.
Program of Study
You will choose the degree type and then the starting semester.
Your starting campus will be selected as Penn State World Campus by default as long as you picked "Online" in your Application Setup. Click Continue.
On the Choose a Program page, select your intended major from the list.
Review your selection on the summary screen and click Continue to move on to the Citizenship and Residency section.
Citizenship and Residency
Complete the series of questions about your citizenship status, demographic information, Pennsylvania residency status, and family history.
Academics and Experience
You will need to enter academic experience information about your high school and any attempted courses at a college or university after high school.
The Education Gap Statement offers a place to explain any time that has elapsed between your high school graduation and your anticipated enrollment at Penn State. Please provide a summary of why that gap occurred. Some examples that would explain a gap in your education include work, family, attending another college or university, etc.
Miscellaneous
In the Miscellaneous section, you will provide any program-specific requirements (e.g., a personal statement), information about activities, and financial aid information.
Review and Submit
Review your information, digitally sign your application, and provide payment for the application fee ($65 domestic or $75 international).
High School Transcripts and Academic Record
After your application is completed, you will also need to self-report your high school course work before the application deadline. You will be directed to fill out the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). It is helpful to have a high school transcript available when completing this section. In the third section, you'll select your program of study and campus.
Official high school transcripts or GED transcript, along with records from high school, are required, regardless of the length of time that has passed.
Include any college/university transcripts (required), military transcripts, and Proof of English Language proficiency (if applicable). SAT/ACT scores are not required if you are identified as an adult learner or transfer student.
All official documents should be sent to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park, PA 16802You can also have your transcripts sent electronically through Parchment, eScript-Safe, or the National Clearinghouse directly to Penn State from the college/university where course work was attempted.
Acceptance
After receiving your application, application fee, and all required materials, your application will be evaluated for admission. You can check your application status online. This will provide the most up‐to‐date information about the status of your application and is updated once daily, before 8:00 a.m. (ET). Once a decision has been made regarding your application, it will be available to you through the MyPennState portal.
For information on when you can expect an admissions decision, visit the Dates and Deadlines page of the Undergraduate Admissions website. Make sure you click the "+" sign to see these dates for World Campus Applicants (First-Year and Transfer).
5. Complete the application.
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Contact Us
Contact Us
Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.
To learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Marketing, or to check the status of your application, please contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]
Learn from the Best
Learn from the Best
Taught by doctoral faculty with real-world corporate marketing experience, the Bachelor of Science in Marketing is offered in partnership with the Penn State Harrisburg School of Business Administration.
Faculty
Mary Beth Pinto
- DegreePh.D., Marketing, University of Pittsburgh
- DegreeMBA, University of Pittsburgh
- DegreeB.B.A.S., University of Notre Dame
Dr. Mary Beth Pinto is a professor of marketing and discipline lead for the marketing major in the Black School of Business at Penn State Behrend. Dr. Pinto is the author of more than 60 scholarly publications, numerous conference presentations, and book chapters in the areas of social marketing, services marketing, health care marketing, consumer behavior, online pedagogy, and project management. Among her honors is the Rosemary Schraer Mentoring Award from Penn State.
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