Marketing serves as the bridge between organizations and consumers. As a marketing major, you will gain insights into customer needs and preferences, utilizing this knowledge to formulate effective marketing strategies that contribute to organizational success. The curriculum will include an in-depth study of consumer behavior, strategic marketing development, and data analysis for informed decision-making. Course topics encompass product management, pricing strategies, promotional activities, and distribution decisions. Additionally, professional B2B sales techniques are covered, with supplementary courses focused on managing sales teams and leveraging sales technology. For those interested in business consulting, specialized courses are also available.
Undergraduate Major in Marketing
For undergraduate curriculum in business, major in marketing.
The Department of Marketing offers a major in marketing. Students will complete the general education requirements (including business foundation courses), supporting courses/major prerequisites, business core requirements for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, and 18 additional credits in the major.
The instructional objective of the Marketing major is to provide knowledge of the marketing process and an understanding of its functions. Students are expected to develop decision-making skills, computational skills, and communication skills with appreciation for global marketplace and ethical concerns.
For more information on the undergraduate major in Marketing, please visit: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/marketing/.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, undergraduate students majoring in Marketing will:
- Be effective communicators.
- Be effective collaborators.
- Be problem solvers.
- Understand business concepts.
- Recognize ethical and legal responsibilities to organizations.
Curriculum:
Required and elective marketing major courses can be combined into two distinct tracks: marketing analytics, and marketing management.
NOTE: If you are interested in sales, the Marketing department offers an undergraduate certificate in Professional Sales. The Professional Sales Certificate has different required Marketing courses, and different electives that are available from departments around campus. For more information on the undergraduate certificate in Professional Sales, please visit: https://catalog.iastate.edu/collegeofbusiness/marketing/#undergraduatecertificatetext.
In addition to the basic business degree requirements (https://catalog.iastate.edu/collegeofbusiness/#curriculuminbusinesstext), marketing majors must also complete the following:
| Required Courses (9 credits): | ||
| MKT 4440 | Fundamentals of Marketing Analytics | 3 |
| MKT 3420 | Foundation Of Personal Selling # | 3 |
| MKT 4430 | Strategic Marketing Management | 3 |
| Elective Courses (9 credits): | ||
| Select 9 credits of Marketing department courses, OR select one of the two Marketing elective TRACKS described below. | ||
| Optional Digital Marketing and Marketing Analytics Track (9 credits) | ||
| Select 9 credits: | ||
| MKT 3610 | Social Media Marketing Strategy | 3 |
| MKT 3620 | Digital Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 3630 | Creative Tools for Digital Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 4450 | Customer Relationship Management | 3 |
| MKT 4520 | Sales Enablement Tools and Technology | 3 |
| MKT 4560X | Digital Marketing Analytics | 3 |
| MKT 4680 | Analytics for Marketing Strategies | 3 |
| Optional Marketing Management Track (9 credits) | ||
| Select 9 credits: | ||
| MKT 3510 | Services Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 3610 | Social Media Marketing Strategy | 3 |
| MKT 3620 | Digital Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 3670 | Consultative Problem Solving | 3 |
| MKT 4100 | Promotional Strategy | 3 |
| MKT 4420 | Sales Management # | 3 |
| MKT 4470 | Consumer Behavior | 3 |
| MKT 4480 | Global Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 4500 | Advanced Professional Selling # | 3 |
| MKT 4510 | Omnichannel Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 4530 | Brand Management | 3 |
| MKT 4540 | Entrepreneurial Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 4580 | New Product Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 4600X | Franchising Strategy | 3 |
| MKT 4840 | Technology, Globalization and Culture | 3 |
| MKT 4920 | Comparative Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 4950 | Live Cases in Marketing * | 3 |
- *
Only 3 credits of MKT 4950 may count as a Marketing major choice elective.
- #
Required courses for the undergraduate certificate in Professional Sales. See the Undergraduate Certificate tab above for more information.
The X designation after a course number indicates this is an experimental course offered by the Department. Although in an experimental phase, these courses are open for registration just the same as permanent courses listed in the course catalog and count as elective choices in the major.
Students are limited to three business majors/degrees/certificates/minors within the Ivy College of Business. This limit is on business majors/degrees/certificates/minors only and does not apply to multiple majors/degrees/certificates/minors taken outside the Ivy College of Business.
Marketing, B.S.
Any four year plans shared in the catalog are samples of a potential university experience.
| Freshman | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| BUSAD 1020 or 1030 | 1 | ECON 1020 | 3 |
| ECON 1010 | 3 | STAT 2026 | 3 |
| COMS 1130 | 3 | HUM/SOC SCI | 3 |
| ENGL 1500 | 3 | ACCT 2840 | 3 |
| MATH 1500 | 3 | SPCM 3120 | 3 |
| LIB 1600 | 1 | BUSAD 2030 | 1 |
| 14 | 16 | ||
| Sophomore | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| ACCT 2850 | 3 | MKT 3420 | 3 |
| MKT 3400 | 3 | Core Business Course | 3 |
| MATH 1510 | 3 | ACCT 2150 | 3 |
| ENGL 2500 | 3 | Global/International Perspective@ | 3 |
| Natural Science | 3 | HUM/SOC SCI | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Junior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| PHIL 2300 | 3 | MKT Elective | 3 |
| MKT 4440 | 3 | Core Business Courses | 6 |
| Core Business Course | 3 | Global/International Perspective@ | 3 |
| U.S. Cultures and Communities# | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| MKT Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Senior | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MKT Elective | 3 | MKT 4430 | 3 |
| ENGL 3020 | 3 | MGMT 4780* | 3 |
| Core Business Courses | 6 | HUM/SOC SCI | 3 |
| General Elective | 5 | General Electives | 6 |
| 17 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits: 122 | |||
- @
Courses in these requirements may also be used as Global Perspective.
- #
U.S. Cultures and Communities courses may be used to satisfy HUM/SOC SCI.
- *
Must have credit or enrollment in all core courses listed above, except for MGMT 3720, plus senior standing, in order to enroll in MGMT 4780.
Graduation Requirements:
1. Grade of “C” or higher in at least 30 credits of Core and Major courses.
2. 42 credits of 3000+ level courses from a four-year institution.
3. 50% of required Business courses must be earned at ISU.
4. At least 32 credits and the LAST 32 credits must be earned at ISU (exceptions for study abroad and internship may be requested).
5. 122 Credits minimum and a Cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 with no quality point deficiencies.
6. A grade of C or better in ENGL 2500 required, and also in one other required ENGL course.
7. All 3000-level and higher business credits must be earned at a four-year college.
8. Multiple business majors must have at least 15 distinct credits in each of the major requirements; when applicable, one course can be shared between business majors; see your advisor regarding multiple business degree requirements.
Undergraduate Minor in Marketing
The Department of Marketing offers a minor for non-Marketing majors in the Ivy College of Business. The minor requires 15 credits from an approved list of courses, including at least 6 credits in courses numbered 3000 or above taken at Iowa State University with a grade of C or higher. The minor must include at least 3 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement. Students with declared majors have priority over students with declared minors in courses with space constraints.
| Required Courses (6 credits): | ||
| MKT 3400 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 3420 | Foundation Of Personal Selling | 3 |
| Elective Courses (9 credits): | ||
| MKT 3510 | Services Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 3610 | Social Media Marketing Strategy | 3 |
| MKT 3620 | Digital Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 3630 | Creative Tools for Digital Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 3670 | Consultative Problem Solving | 3 |
| MKT 4100 | Promotional Strategy | 3 |
| MKT 4420 | Sales Management | 3 |
| MKT 4450 | Customer Relationship Management | 3 |
| MKT 4470 | Consumer Behavior | 3 |
| MKT 4480 | Global Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 4500 | Advanced Professional Selling | 3 |
| MKT 4510 | Omnichannel Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 4520 | Sales Enablement Tools and Technology | 3 |
| MKT 4530 | Brand Management | 3 |
| MKT 4540 | Entrepreneurial Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 4560X | Digital Marketing Analytics | 3 |
| MKT 4580 | New Product Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 4600X | Franchising Strategy | 3 |
| MKT 4680 | Analytics for Marketing Strategies | 3 |
| MKT 4840 | Technology, Globalization and Culture | 3 |
| MKT 4920 | Comparative Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 4950 | Live Cases in Marketing * | 3 |
- *
Only 3 credits of MKT 4950 may count as a Marketing minor choice elective.
The X designation after a course number indicates this is an experimental course offered by the Department. Although in an experimental phase, these courses are open for registration just the same as permanent courses listed in the course catalog and count as elective choices in the major.
Students are limited to three business majors/degrees/certificates/minors within the Ivy College of Business. This limit is on business majors/degrees/certificates/minors only and does not apply to multiple majors/degrees/certificates/minors taken outside the Ivy College of Business.
For more information on the undergraduate minor in Marketing, please visit: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/minors-and-certificates/.
Undergraduate Minor in Business and Technology Consulting
The Department of Marketing also offers a minor in Business and Technology Consulting, which is available to all undergraduate students at Iowa State University.
Management consulting is a profession that constantly attracts top talents across the world. By working with different clients to solve complex problems every day, consultants have many exclusive opportunities to interact with senior executives, build a broad range of business expertise in different industries, and drive influential decision-making. As a result, many consultants experience faster career progression and end up becoming influential leaders or successful entrepreneurs. To prepare students for this exciting and challenging career, our business and technology consulting minor will guide you through a set of core courses, the majority of which contain significant experiential learning components. This training ensures that students leave the minor ready to become adaptable consultants equipped with robust problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
The minor requires 15 credits from an approved list of courses, including at least 6 credits in courses numbered 3000 or above taken at Iowa State University with a grade of C or higher. The minor must include at least 3 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement. Students with declared majors have priority over students with declared minors in courses with space constraints.
| Required Courses (6 credits): | ||
| MKT 3670 | Consultative Problem Solving | 3 |
| MIS 3100 | Information Systems Analysis ^ | 3 |
| or MKT 3420 | Foundation Of Personal Selling | |
| Required Experiential Learning Course (3 credits): | ||
| Choose one of the following courses... | ||
| MIS 4950 | Executive Analysis and Presentation | 3 |
| SCM 4950 | Executive Analysis and Presentation | 3 |
| MKT 4950 | Live Cases in Marketing | 3 |
| OR...complete 150 hours of successful work experience at an approved organization as the basis to receive credits through a graded independent study. | ||
| BUSAD 4900C | Independent Study: Consulting, Investment Banking and Related Industries # | 3 |
| Elective Courses (6 credits): | ||
| Select TWO elective courses from the list below. Students are encouraged to take electives that best align with their chosen course of study or projected career path. | ||
| SCM 3400 | Project Management | 3 |
| SCM 4240 | Process Management, Analysis, and Improvement | 3 |
| SCM 4400 | Supply Chain Information Systems | 3 |
| SCM 4500 | Enterprise Resource Planning Systems in Supply Chain | 3 |
| MIS 3200 | Database Management Systems | 3 |
| MIS 4350 | Cybersecurity in Business | 3 |
| MIS 4360 | Introduction to Business Analytics * | 3 |
| MKT 4450 | Customer Relationship Management | 3 |
| MKT 4680 | Analytics for Marketing Strategies | 3 |
| MGMT 3200 | Corporate Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| MGMT 4730 | Evidence-Based Decision Making in Human Resource Management | 3 |
| FIN 4150 | Business Financing Decisions | 3 |
| FIN 4350 | Venture Capital, Private Equity, and Mergers and Acquisitions | 3 |
| ACCT 3150 | Business Data Streams and Issues | 3 |
| ACCT 4610 | Entrepreneurship and Accounting Information | 3 |
| ACCT 3840 | Accounting Information Systems and Analytics | 3 |
| IE 3050 | Engineering Economic Analysis | 3 |
| IE 4200 | Engineering Problem Solving with R | 3 |
| IE 4410 | Industrial Engineering Design | 3 |
| IE 4520 | Introduction To Systems Engineering and Analysis | 3 |
| IE 4700 | Systems Engineering and Project Management | 3 |
| IE 4810 | Industrial Internet Of Things (IIOT) Systems Engineering | 3 |
| IE 4830 | Data Mining | 3 |
| ME 4120 | Ethical Responsibilities of a Practicing Engineer | 3 |
| ME 4150 | Mechanical Systems Design | 3 |
| ME 4160 | Mechanism Design and Analysis | 3 |
| ME 4750 | Modeling and Simulation | 3 |
| ME 4840 | Technology, Globalization and Culture | 3 |
| STAT 4204 | Regression for Social and Behavioral Research | 3 |
| STAT 4207 | Multivariate Data Analysis | 3 |
| STAT 4212 | Experimental Design and Data Analysis | 3 |
| STAT 4221 | Survey Sampling Design and Data Analysis | 3 |
| ECON 4010 | Topics in Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECON 4160 | Industrial Organization | 3 |
| ECON 4180 | Introduction to Game Theory | 3 |
| ECON 4310 | Managerial Economics | 3 |
| COMS 2950 | Programming-Based Problem Solving Practices | 1 |
| COMS 3190 | Construction of User Interfaces | 3 |
| COMS 3630 | Introduction to Database Management Systems | 3 |
| COMS 4720 | Principles of Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| COMS 4740 | Introduction to Machine Learning | 3 |
| CPRE 3290 | Software Project Management | 3 |
| CPRE 3310 | Application of Cryptographic Concepts to Cyber Security | 3 |
| CPRE 4140 | Introduction to Software Systems for Big Data Analytics | 4 |
| CPRE 4310 | Basics of Information System Security | 3 |
- ^
MIS majors should take MIS 4350 instead of MIS 3100 as the required course for the minor.
- #
To obtain the registration form for BUSAD 4900C, you can either visit the Ivy College of Business website regarding the Business and Technology Consulting minor or email Dr. Wei Zhang at: wtzhang@iastate.edu.
- *
STAT 3226 Intermediate Business Statistics is a prerequisite for this course.
Students are limited to three business majors/degrees/certificates/minors within the Ivy College of Business. This limit is on business majors/degrees/certificates/minors only and does not apply to multiple majors/degrees/certificates/minors taken outside the Ivy College of Business.
NOTE: Students must follow college-specific rules in selecting courses. The college representatives will be responsible for advising students in their college and will inform students about the details of the college rules.
For more information on the undergraduate minor in Business and Technology Consulting, please visit: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/minors-and-certificates/.
Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Sales
Purpose
The certificate in professional sales is a course of study administered by the Department of Marketing in the Ivy College of Business. It is designed for all undergraduate majors who wish to enhance their degree and employment possibilities by adding expertise in professional selling. The certificate program will equip students with knowledge and skills related to developing and managing mutually beneficial relationships with customers. The certificate program is built on a strong theoretical background but emphasizes applications and practice. The certificate provides students with an opportunity to learn about the ethical, technological, analytical, and global aspects of professional sales.
Learning Outcomes
After completing the certificate in professional sales, students will be able to:
- Identify and describe the steps in a relational selling process to create value and achieve customer satisfaction,
- Apply the sales technology, skills and knowledge to business problems,
- Enhance oral communication skills and basic business writing skills,
- Build a network and develop professional relationships through corporate participation in the sales program, and
- Enhance career management options by gaining a better understanding of sales as a career option.
Requirements
The certificate in professional sales requires the completion of at least 7 courses, totaling 21 credit hours. At least 12 credits should be taken at Iowa State University.
| Required Courses (12 credits): | ||
| MKT 3400 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| MKT 3420 | Foundation Of Personal Selling | 3 |
| MKT 4420 | Sales Management | 3 |
| MKT 4500 | Advanced Professional Selling | 3 |
| or MKT 4520 | Sales Enablement Tools and Technology | |
| Elective Courses (9 credits): | ||
| Select 9 credits of electives from the following list (sorted by college): | ||
| IVY COLLEGE OF BUSINESS | ||
| Entrepreneurship and Accounting Information | ||
| International Entrepreneurship | ||
| Social Entrepreneurship | ||
| Applied Entrepreneurship: Executing New Ventures | ||
| Trends in Entrepreneurship | ||
| Introduction to Financial Technologies and Cryptocurrencies | ||
| Real Estate Principles | ||
| Real Estate Finance | ||
| Introduction to the US Healthcare Industry | ||
| Economics for Healthcare Managers | ||
| Negotiation and Conflict Resolution | ||
| Leadership and Change Management | ||
| Introduction to Human Resource Management | ||
| Promotional Strategy | ||
| Customer Relationship Management | ||
| Omnichannel Marketing | ||
| Digital Marketing Analytics | ||
| Franchising Strategy | ||
| Project Management | ||
| Supply Chain Information Systems | ||
| War and Peace and Supply Chains | ||
| Principles of Purchasing and Supply Management | ||
| COLLEGE OF HUMAN SCIENCES | ||
| Creativity on Demand | ||
| Human Resource Management | ||
| Supervised Work Experience II: Event Management | ||
| Fashion Show Production and Promotion | ||
| Principles of Management in Human Sciences | ||
| Hospitality and Apparel Marketing Strategies | ||
| Event, Hospitality, and Retail Risk Management | ||
| Developing Global Leadership: Maximizing Human Potential | ||
| Fashion Show Management | ||
| Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences | ||
| Introduction to Event Management | ||
| Digital Promotion in the Service Industry | ||
| Sustainability Essentials for Service-Related Businesses | ||
| Incentive Meeting Management | ||
| Entertainment Venue Management | ||
| Event Sales | ||
| Wedding Planning and Management | ||
| Nonprofit Fundraising Event Planning | ||
| Sports Event Management | ||
| Event Production | ||
| Retail Merchandising | ||
| Visual Presentation and Promotions | ||
| Introduction to the Hospitality Industry | ||
| Global Tourism Management | ||
| Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Cafe Operations | ||
| Contemporary Club Management | ||
| Attractions and Amusement Park Administration | ||
| Wine and Spirits in Hospitality Management | ||
| Wine, Spirits, and Mixology Laboratory in Hospitality Management | ||
| Beer and Brewed Beverages in Hospitality Management | ||
| Hospitality Technology Applications | ||
| Fine Dining Management | ||
| Strategic Marketing | ||
| Recreational Sport Management | ||
| COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES | ||
| Advertising Account Management | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Professional Communication | ||
| Communication and Conflict Management | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Relational Communication | ||
| Leadership Communication Theories | ||
| Organizational Communication | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Communication Training and Development | ||
| Nonverbal Communication | ||
| Communication in a Digital World | ||
| Special Topics in Communication Studies: General | ||
or COMST 4120 | Health Communication | |
| Introduction to Agricultural Markets | ||
| Agricultural Selling | ||
| Entrepreneurship in Agriculture | ||
| Agricultural Marketing | ||
| Proposal and Report Writing | ||
| Technical Communication | ||
| International Experience Abroad | ||
| Topics in International Studies | ||
| Principles of Public Relations | ||
| Publicity Methods | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Motivation | ||
| Persuasion and Social Influence | ||
| Social Cognition | ||
| Industrial Psychology | ||
| Listening | ||
| Gender and Communication | ||
| Introduction to World Languages | ||
| COLLEGE OF DESIGN | ||
| Fundamentals of Interior Design | ||
| Human Factors in Interior Design | ||
| Graphic Communication for Interior Design I | ||
| Graphic Communication for Interior Design II | ||
| Activity-Centered Industrial Design | ||
| Concepts of Sketching and Making II | ||
| History of Industrial Design | ||
| Design Research Methods | ||
| Creative Thinking in Design | ||
| Applied Human Factors Lab | ||
| Materials and Processes for Industrial Design | ||
| STEM literacy: How Things Work | ||
| History and Culture of Objects | ||
| COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING | ||
| Engineering Economic Analysis and Professional Issues in Civil Engineering | ||
| Engineering Economic Analysis | ||
| Entrepreneurial Product Engineering | ||
| Entrepreneurial Product Engineering Design Project | ||
| Technical Sales for Engineers | ||
| COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE & LIFE SCIENCES | ||
| Presentation and Sales Strategies for Agricultural Audiences | ||
| Floral Design | ||
| Wedding and Event Floral Design | ||
In addition to the courses listed, independent study/special topics or other courses may count as electives for the certificate. Please contact the director of the Professional Sales Program or the chair of the Marketing Department for prior approval of an elective.
The X designation after a course number indicates this is an experimental course offered by the Department. Although in an experimental phase, these courses are open for registration just the same as permanent courses listed in the course catalog and count as elective choices in the major.
Students are limited to three business majors/degrees/certificates/minors within the Ivy College of Business. This limit is on business majors/degrees/certificates/minors only and does not apply to multiple majors/degrees/certificates/minors taken outside the Ivy College of Business.
Students need to fulfill the course prerequisites set by the Ivy College of Business.
A certificate is not awarded until baccalaureate requirements are fulfilled.
Courses taken for the certificate may not be taken on a pass/not-pass basis.
A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 is required in courses taken for the certificate.
For more information on the undergraduate certificate in Professional Sales, please visit: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/minors-and-certificates/professional-sales-certificate/.
Graduate Programs
The Department of Marketing participates in the full-time and part-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) and the PhD in Business and Technology programs.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The MBA is a 48-credit, non-thesis, non-creative component curriculum. Thirty of the 48 credits are core courses and the remaining 18 are graduate electives. Within the MBA program, students may develop an area of specialization in marketing.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, MBA students will:
- Demonstrate effective communication skills.
- Effectively lead and work in diverse teams.
- Critically solve business problems.
- Integrate ethical and global perspectives in decision making.
For more information about the MBA program with a specialization in Marketing, please visit: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/academics/graduate-programs/ivy-mba/full-time-mba/.
PhD in Business and Technology
The PhD in Business and Technology with a Marketing (MKT) specialization is a 74 credit (minimum) curriculum designed around several interrelated areas (i.e. foundational courses in the business disciplines, a major area of specialization, minor, and research methods) and the dissertation. The specialization focuses on marketing issues related to strategic decision-making, understanding consumer preferences and behaviors, and using data analytics to enhance theory, practice, and societal impact.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, PhD students will be able to:
- Understand and advance knowledge.
- Create knowledge through original research.
- Teach effectively in an institution of higher education.
For more information about the PhD program with a specialization in Marketing, please visit: https://www.ivybusiness.iastate.edu/academics/phd-program/marketing/.