Bachelor of Arts in Marketing
Department
Department of Marketing and Finance
College
College of Business
Overview of the program
The BA curriculum in marketing is designed in such a manner as to provide students with practical as well as theoretical knowledge concerning modern marketing practice. The courses in the major are designed and integrated to assist students in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the nature and scope of marketing activities. The BA curriculum in marketing is intended to provide an opportunity for students to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in a business career in which marketing plays a key role and/or for graduate study.
More specific objectives are as follows:
- To provide students with a basic knowledge and understanding of marketing's role in business and society.
- To develop in students an appreciation of the impact of technology on marketing.
- To enhance students' understanding of the diversity in today's market place including global markets.
- To instill in students the importance of ethics and social responsibility in the world of business.
- To offer students the opportunity to develop written and oral communication skills.
- To prepare students for employment in the field of marketing and/or graduate study.
Total semester hours required: 120-121
Concentrations
A concentration is the specialization in one area of the degree program. The concentrations offered in the Bachelor of Arts in Marketing degree program include:
- Advertising and integrated marketing communication
- E-commerce marketing
- Supply management
Strengths of the program
The marketing program offers marketing majors numerous opportunities to work on real-world projects in marketing classes. Our majors have worked closely with various businesses and non-profit organizations such as Nielsen Media Research, Guaranty Savings and Homestead Association, and Ginger Ford Habitat for Humanity. Other departmental strengths include:
- Faculty that have received awards, honors, recognition
The marketing faculty are recognized for their pursuit of excellence in teaching and research. Drs. Thomas Lipscomb and Teri Root are recipients of the President's Award for Excellence in Teaching and Drs. Sandra McKay and Mike Budden have been awarded the Mayfield Distinguished Professorship in Marketing for excellence in research.
- Research opportunities
The department faculty continues to forge closer ties with businesses and employs real-world projects to emphasize practical learning. Recently, Dr. Root's students developed an advertising campaign, logo, and slogan for the Southeastern Channel, and Dr. Lipscomb's students worked on several research projects for Nielson Media Research.
- Accreditation
The College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).
Preparing for a job in the program
Students hoping to pursue a career in marketing should:
- Develop good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Participate in the internship program.
- Participate in the student chapter of the American Marketing Association.
Careers in the program
A major in marketing prepares students for work in sales, advertising, marketing research, public relations, purchasing, transportation, and several other fields needing marketing skills. The following types organizations hire marketing majors:
- Marketing research firms
- Advertising firms
- Public relations agencies
- Department stores and other retailers
- Government agencies
- Banks and other financial institutions
- Healthcare organizations
- Educational institutions
- Travel and hospitality businesses
- Transportation and distribution firms
- Mass media firms
Recent employers for the Department:
- Nielsen Media Research
- North Oaks Healthcare System
- Aramark Corporation
- Champagne Beverage Company
- The Gagliano Group
- Target
- Inside Northside
- Marketing Concepts
- Classic Practice Resources
- The Powell Group
Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)
$37,832 for the class of 2005 (National Association of Colleges and Employers)
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
American Marketing Association
Related fields that might interest you
- Copywriter
- Statistician
- Department manager
- Product/service manager
- Product analyst
- Packaging specialist
- Market research interviewer
- Lobbyist
- Telemarketing representative
Some of these occupations may require additional schooling at Graduate or Professional schools. For information on training and qualifications needed for the specific occupations you are considering, consult the Occupational Outlook Handbook or other career guidance resources. Also, take advantage of career planning services offered by the university.
How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program
Helpful qualities for marketing majors include:
- Communication skills
- Self-confidence and motivation
- The ability to work successfully with others
- Good computer skills
Notable Alumni
Daniel Monistere - Vice President, Quality Nielsen Media Research, A.C. Nielsen Company
H.K. Hoddinott, III - Vice President, Merrill Lynch Corportation
Contact Information
Department of Marketing and Finance
College of Business
SLU 10844
Hammond, LA 70402
On Campus: Garrett Hall, Room 74
Telephone: 985-549-2277
Fax: 985-549-5010
E-mail: jfanthony@selu.edu
