Marketing is a driving force behind much of the global economy. It’s reliant upon expert marketers’ unique blend of business sense, creativity, and psychological insight. Marketing specialists coordinate companies’ market research, product development, advertising, sales, and public relations. Those who earn PhDs can become researchers and university instructors who train the next generation of marketers. Those with MBAs and DBAs in marketing can become top executives.

What is studied in a marketing doctoral program?

Doctoral students in marketing study product development, market segmentation, consumer behavior, and other topics in business and the social sciences. Doctoral programs generally include a number of hands-on projects and in-depth studies of actual marketing experiences. To graduate, each marketing student must write and defend a dissertation or complete a comparable capstone project.

How is the job outlook?

Marketing is a popular field, and competition for top positions is fierce. The industry is expected to grow at an average pace over the next decade or so. People who hold advanced degrees will be in the best position to secure jobs. Graduates who are familiar with social media networking and other aspects of digital media marketing may also be advantaged.

According to BLS.gov, marketing professors had a median income of about $80,000 for the 2008-2009 academic year. In 2008, managers at marketing firms had median salaries of about $115,000.

Which schools have online marketing programs?

Online doctoral programs in marketing are offered by:

NorthCentral University

University of Phoenix

Walden University