Marketing
Why pursue a marketing degree at North Central College?
Marketing professionals are masters of both creative and strategic reasoning. They are responsible for a variety of tasks such as writing copy, directing advertising campaigns, managing social media content, and more. This program is designed to give you a comprehensive business core as well as hands-on experience in on-campus clubs like American Marketing Association. At North Central, you will work on enriching projects like creating promotional plans and conducting market research for nearby business partners in the community. Marketing professionals of all varieties are a necessity in almost every business. Whether you go into internal branding, paid advertising, email marketing, social media or another marketing endeavor, a career in the marketing world is creative, strategic and rewarding.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
- Developing and executing strategies to promote brands, products and services
- Monitoring trends and developing pricing strategies
- Building comprehensive advertising campaigns
then a degree in MARKETING might be for you.
Why study marketing at North Central College?
In the Classroom
Coursework topics:
- 11-course comprehensive business core
- AMA case competition
- Consumer behavior
- Digital marketing
- Integrated marketing communications
- International marketing
- Marketing research
- Marketing management
- Marketing for social impact
- Principles of marketing
- Professional selling
Beyond the Classroom
As a marketing major, you can:
- Simulate trading and access thousands of proprietary reports in the Bloomberg Finance Lab, equipped with ten dual-monitor workstations, Bloomberg Terminal software, and Bloomberg’s unique keyboards.
- Become “Bloomberg certified” by completing a series of advanced financial modules in our Bloomberg Finance Lab.
- Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
- Learn from full-time faculty members with firsthand knowledge of best practices in marketing.
- Apply marketing best practices working with local companies conducting market research.
- Apply to our award-winning AMA case competition team and compete for the opportunity to present your marketing plan to corporate executives.
- Obtain your Google Ads certification—a professional accreditation that Google offers to individuals who demonstrate proficiency in basic and
Marketing, B.B.A.
Marketing emphasizes processes for creating, communicating, delivering and exchanging offerings (products and services) that have value for customers, clients, partners and society at large. With a good understanding of the market environment and consumer trends, Marketing Mix strategies (product, place, promotion and price) are used to satisfy consumers' needs and wants. Marketing skills are essential for both businesses and non-for-profit organizations. Students who wish to pursue graduate studies in marketing normally work toward an M.B.A. degree or M.S. degree in Marketing.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Management and Marketing.
Common SBE Core
-
SBEN 100 - Globalization and Society
SBEN 100 - Globalization and Society
4.00 credit hours
An introductory course identifying the role of the business institution in our society, how business behavior is shaped and influenced by its stakeholders-managers, consumers, employees, government and community members. Key topics include: business systems, corporate governance, the business and society relationship, business and public issues, ethical dilemmas in business, corporate social responsibilities in relation to stakeholders, globalization, ecological and sustainability issues and the influence of technology on business and society.
-
ACCT 201 - Financial Accounting
ACCT 201 - Financial Accounting
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to accounting principles and procedures as they are employed in the communication of financial information to various users, such as management, stockholders and government agencies. Topics include accounting for assets, liabilities, owner's equity and other reporting issues.
-
ACCT 202 - Managerial Accounting
ACCT 202 - Managerial Accounting
4.00 credit hours
Analysis of accounting for managerial decision-making, planning and control. Topics include budgeting, variance analysis, traditional and nontraditional product costing methods and cost-volume profit analysis.
-
BUSN 205 - Business Law and Ethics
BUSN 205 - Business Law and Ethics
4.00 credit hours
Surveys the major aspects of the law governing business and commerce including the domestic and international legal environment, the range of dispute resolution processes, legal liability including torts and negligence, contracts, employment law including employment discrimination, business entities, commercial transactions and intellectual property—all with particular emphasis on business ethics and ethical decision making.
-
BUSN 265 - Business and Economics Statistics
BUSN 265 - Business and Economics Statistics
4.00 credit hours
Provides an overview of basic statistics as it applies to business. The focus is on learning statistical concepts by applying analytical reasoning to business applications. Examples illustrating the relevance of statistics to broad areas of business are used. The course requires students to use spreadsheet programs, statistical programs, the Internet and other computer tools in analyzing statistics. The focus is on application of the material and on solving problems. Only one of BUSN 265 and
-
BUSN 485 - Business Strategy
BUSN 485 - Business Strategy
4.00 credit hours
The capstone course requirement for all business majors. As befits a capstone, student skills in business strategy are developed in a highly integrative manner such that students use knowledge and frameworks from all functional areas of business to develop a holistic perspective of firms and competitive advantage. The knowing component of this course is focused on theoretical knowledge and frameworks applied in the critical analysis of business case studies. The doing component of this course centers on an online simulation where students compete to run a successful business.
-
ECON 200 - Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 200 - Principles of Microeconomics
4.00 credit hours
Introduction to the theory of consumer choice, social and individual welfare, the behavior of business firms and market structure, and other applied microeconomic topics.
-
ECON 205 - Principles of Macroeconomics
ECON 205 - Principles of Macroeconomics
4.00 credit hours
Introduction to macroeconomic theory, with emphasis on factors which explain changes in national income, unemployment and inflation. Other topics include money and banking, fiscal and monetary policies, distribution of income and economic crises.
-
FINA 350 - Corporate Finance
FINA 350 - Corporate Finance
4.00 credit hours
An introduction to corporate financial management. Topics include financial statement analysis, discounted cash flow analysis, bond and stock valuation, common stock/debt financing, risk and return, cost of capital, and capital budgeting.
-
MGMT 305 - Management and Organizational Behavior
MGMT 305 - Management and Organizational Behavior
4.00 credit hours
Provides a formal overview of why organizations exist and how they operate within the context of society. Basic management issues such as the structure of organizations are explored. In many cases management topics are covered in a generic manner that can be applied to any organization. Other issues are addressed with specific applications to certain firms. This course examines our role as individuals as it pertains to organizations. It is generally meant to provide a framework to analyze organizations that exist in the U.S. but will also cover some international topics.
-
MKTG 300 - Principles of Marketing
MKTG 300 - Principles of Marketing
4.00 credit hours
Presents an overview of Marketing as a principle, a discipline, and as a profession. Students examine all elements of Marketing including integrated promotional strategies, consumer behavior, and ethics and social responsibility. Emphasis is placed on the Marketing Mix (Product, Place, Promotion and Price) as students design and implement a comprehensive marketing plan.
Marketing Courses
-
MKTG 320 - Integrated Marketing Communications
MKTG 320 - Integrated Marketing Communications
4.00 credit hours
Considers how leading brands use all the tools of Promotion, including traditional advertising, direct marketing, public relations, event and sports sponsorships, web-based strategies and consumer sales promotions to effectively communicate with consumers. Emphasis is placed on branding, positioning and market segmentation. Students acquire the skills needed to create a comprehensive Integrated Marketing Communications plan for a consumer brand.
-
MKTG 340 - Professional Selling
MKTG 340 - Professional Selling
4.00 credit hours
Introduces the fundamental principles and concepts of personal selling. Focuses on developing and maintaining relationships with customers, and managing the sales process of prospecting, approaching, interacting with, and keeping consumers while achieving the organization's goals. Emphasis is also placed on developing strong communications skills to deliver an effective sales presentation.
-
MKTG 370 - Marketing Research
MKTG 370 - Marketing Research
4.00 credit hours
Studies all stages of the marketing research process. Student teams work with clients from the business community who are in need of quantitative and qualitative research before making important managerial decisions. Students learn how to: design a survey instrument, collect and analyze primary data using various statistical tests, draw viable conclusions and propose solid recommendations. Emphasis is placed on writing a comprehensive research document and making a final oral presentation to a client at the end of the semester.
-
MKTG 480 - Marketing Management
MKTG 480 - Marketing Management
4.00 credit hours
Reinforces topics covered in previous marketing courses such as: consumer behavior, marketing research, professional selling and integrated marketing communications. Student teams work with business clients from the community to develop a comprehensive marketing plan with a special emphasis on marketing strategy (target market and marketing mix). Ideally, this course should be taken as one of the final courses in the marketing major.
One of the following:
-
MKTG 310 - Consumer Behavior
MKTG 310 - Consumer Behavior
4.00 credit hours
Examines the various stages of the consumer buying process from problem recognition to post-purchase evaluation. Emphasis is placed on the cultural, psychological and sociological, factors that influence consumer decision making. Students develop the skills needed to investigate consumption patterns across distinct populations.
-
MKTG 330 - Digital Marketing
MKTG 330 - Digital Marketing
4.00 credit hours
Explores the growing impact of Digital Marketing as an important component within the Promotion Mix. It examines methods for designing effective web-based marketing strategies using a range of digital tools. Emphasis is placed on social media, mobile marketing trends, e-commerce, search engine optimization, email marketing and online display advertising. Students develop the skills needed to evaluate the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies across product categories and industries.
-
MKTG 350 - AMA Case Competition
MKTG 350 - AMA Case Competition
4.00 credit hours
Applies key marketing concepts while developing a comprehensive marketing and advertising plan for a leading company. The final submission will include commercials, print ads, web-based/social media strategies, coupons and rebates, contests, and sweepstakes. Fosters a better understanding of brand, positioning and segmentation strategies. Students participating in the course may have the opportunity to present their plan to marketing executives at the American Marketing Association Annual Collegiate Competition.
-
MKTG 460 - International Marketing
MKTG 460 - International Marketing
4.00 credit hours
Investigates strategy, policy and environmental factors necessary in making international marketing decisions. Students develop skills in segmenting and identifying markets, designing product, distribution, price and marketing communication strategies, and evaluating marketing mix effectiveness for international marketing programs. Emphasis is placed on understanding cultural differences that impact international marketing decisions.
-
LEAD 370 - Marketing for Social Impact
LEAD 370 - Marketing for Social Impact
4.00 credit hours
Effective marketing can be a lever for the creation of both economic and social value. Startups and existing organizations, whether focused on marketing goods, services, ideas or values, need a complete strategy for maximizing social impact. Social entrepreneurs face a unique challenge in not just identifying a market opportunity, but tackling a neglected market gap. In addition to understanding product, place, price, and promotion in the creation of a marketing plan, students will learn the theory and practice of branding and identity, storytelling and communication, and the use of available technological tools that contribute to positive social impact.
Marketing Minor
Marketing emphasizes processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings (products and services) that have value for customers, clients, partners and society at large. With a good understanding of the market environment and consumer trends, Marketing Mix strategies (product, place, promotion and price) are used to satisfy consumers' needs and wants. Marketing skills are essential for both businesses and non-for-profit organizations. Students who wish to pursue graduate studies in marketing normally work toward an M.B.A. degree or M.S. degree in Marketing.
For additional programs and courses in this department, see Management and Marketing.
A minimum 24 credit hours, including:
-
SBEN 100 - Globalization and Society
SBEN 100 - Globalization and Society
4.00 credit hours
An introductory course identifying the role of the business institution in our society, how business behavior is shaped and influenced by its stakeholders-managers, consumers, employees, government and community members. Key topics include: business systems, corporate governance, the business and society relationship, business and public issues, ethical dilemmas in business, corporate social responsibilities in relation to stakeholders, globalization, ecological and sustainability issues and the influence of technology on business and society.
-
ECON 200 - Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 200 - Principles of Microeconomics
4.00 credit hours
Introduction to the theory of consumer choice, social and individual welfare, the behavior of business firms and market structure, and other applied microeconomic topics.
-
MKTG 300 - Principles of Marketing
MKTG 300 - Principles of Marketing
4.00 credit hours
Presents an overview of Marketing as a principle, a discipline, and as a profession. Students examine all elements of Marketing including integrated promotional strategies, consumer behavior, and ethics and social responsibility. Emphasis is placed on the Marketing Mix (Product, Place, Promotion and Price) as students design and implement a comprehensive marketing plan.
Electives
Three of the following:
-
MKTG 310 - Consumer Behavior
MKTG 310 - Consumer Behavior
4.00 credit hours
Examines the various stages of the consumer buying process from problem recognition to post-purchase evaluation. Emphasis is placed on the cultural, psychological and sociological, factors that influence consumer decision making. Students develop the skills needed to investigate consumption patterns across distinct populations.
-
MKTG 320 - Integrated Marketing Communications
MKTG 320 - Integrated Marketing Communications
4.00 credit hours
Considers how leading brands use all the tools of Promotion, including traditional advertising, direct marketing, public relations, event and sports sponsorships, web-based strategies and consumer sales promotions to effectively communicate with consumers. Emphasis is placed on branding, positioning and market segmentation. Students acquire the skills needed to create a comprehensive Integrated Marketing Communications plan for a consumer brand.
-
MKTG 330 - Digital Marketing
MKTG 330 - Digital Marketing
4.00 credit hours
Explores the growing impact of Digital Marketing as an important component within the Promotion Mix. It examines methods for designing effective web-based marketing strategies using a range of digital tools. Emphasis is placed on social media, mobile marketing trends, e-commerce, search engine optimization, email marketing and online display advertising. Students develop the skills needed to evaluate the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies across product categories and industries.
-
MKTG 340 - Professional Selling
MKTG 340 - Professional Selling
4.00 credit hours
Introduces the fundamental principles and concepts of personal selling. Focuses on developing and maintaining relationships with customers, and managing the sales process of prospecting, approaching, interacting with, and keeping consumers while achieving the organization's goals. Emphasis is also placed on developing strong communications skills to deliver an effective sales presentation.
-
MKTG 370 - Marketing Research
MKTG 370 - Marketing Research
4.00 credit hours
Studies all stages of the marketing research process. Student teams work with clients from the business community who are in need of quantitative and qualitative research before making important managerial decisions. Students learn how to: design a survey instrument, collect and analyze primary data using various statistical tests, draw viable conclusions and propose solid recommendations. Emphasis is placed on writing a comprehensive research document and making a final oral presentation to a client at the end of the semester.
-
MKTG 460 - International Marketing
MKTG 460 - International Marketing
4.00 credit hours
Investigates strategy, policy and environmental factors necessary in making international marketing decisions. Students develop skills in segmenting and identifying markets, designing product, distribution, price and marketing communication strategies, and evaluating marketing mix effectiveness for international marketing programs. Emphasis is placed on understanding cultural differences that impact international marketing decisions.
-
MKTG 480 - Marketing Management
MKTG 480 - Marketing Management
4.00 credit hours
Reinforces topics covered in previous marketing courses such as: consumer behavior, marketing research, professional selling and integrated marketing communications. Student teams work with business clients from the community to develop a comprehensive marketing plan with a special emphasis on marketing strategy (target market and marketing mix). Ideally, this course should be taken as one of the final courses in the marketing major.
-
LEAD 370 - Marketing for Social Impact
LEAD 370 - Marketing for Social Impact
4.00 credit hours
Effective marketing can be a lever for the creation of both economic and social value. Startups and existing organizations, whether focused on marketing goods, services, ideas or values, need a complete strategy for maximizing social impact. Social entrepreneurs face a unique challenge in not just identifying a market opportunity, but tackling a neglected market gap. In addition to understanding product, place, price, and promotion in the creation of a marketing plan, students will learn the theory and practice of branding and identity, storytelling and communication, and the use of available technological tools that contribute to positive social impact.
Marketing Internships and Jobs
A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work globally to solve problems and lead.
Internships
Recent marketing graduates served as:
- Special event and public relations intern, ULTA, Bolingbrook, Ill.
- Motor sports marketing intern, Feld Entertainment, Aurora, Ill.
- Product manager, Quality Logo Products, Aurora, Ill.
- Market research intern, MindFolio, Naperville
- Marketing and strategy intern, ExhibitGroup Giltspur, Roselle, Ill.
- Marketing and communications intern, Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation, Downers Grove, Ill.
- Marketing communications intern, Employee Services Management Association, Elmhurst, Ill.
- SWC Technology Partners, BDO
- The Walt Disney Company
Careers
Companies hiring marketing majors:
- Accenture
- Aflac
- Areotek
- ATI Physical Therapy
- Big Green Umbrella Media
- Blue Chip Marketing
- Caruso PR
- CDW
- Chicago Bears
- Division D
- DLT Upholstery Supply
- Eby-Brown Company
- Total Quality Logistics (TQL)
Invest in your future
Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.
Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.
Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College
Apply to North Central College
The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.