Best Marketing Degrees • 20 Best Online Associates in Marketing Degree Programs
The Marketing program at Dakota County Technical College is ranked #3 nationally on 20 Best Online Associates in Marketing Degree Programs by Best Marketing Degrees (BMD). The Marketing program offers a 60-credit Marketing Associate of Science (A.S.) degree, a 60-credit Digital Marketing Specialist Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree, and a 16-credit Sales Specialist certificate. Both the degrees and the certificate are delivered completely online. As one of the leading marketing education online blogs, BMD explores the intersection of marketing and marketing education. BMD analyzes and ranks college marketing programs based on three metrics: affordability, flexibility and core content.
In addition to the BMD rankings, the DCTC Marketing program is ranked #14 in the nation by The Best Schools as one of the best online associate degree marketing programs. The Best Schools organization provides in-depth rankings of degree programs at colleges and universities, by reviewing a college’s academic excellence, return on investment, and quality and range of courses available. The Best Schools is an organizational member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), which serves students as they make choices about pursuing postsecondary education, and the American Council on Education (ACE), which mobilizes the higher education community to help shape effective public policy and foster innovative, high-quality educational practices.
“DCTC’s Marketing instructors are organized, helping students through each step of their classwork. They made sure we understand each course and want us to succeed…always,” says Siearra Ruud, a DCTC Marketing program student. “As a student who wasn’t typically good at school, I am now part of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and I think the way the marketing classes are taught helps me stay on top of coursework.”
More about the DCTC Marketing program…
Marketing professionals use their attention to detail and communication skills to create marketing messages that address their customer needs through various communication methods. Marketers develop strategies to benefit both internal audiences and external customers. Their ability to work in fast-paced environment, deadline-oriented environments is due to marketers being independent thinkers.
As a seasoned communicator, Deborah Locke started the DCTC Marketing program to update her skills. “For most of 2015 I applied for jobs in communications but learned the hard way that a 1992 M.A. degree in communications didn’t mean a lot to employers. That changed upon graduating from DCTC,” says Deborah. “Almost overnight three potential employers asked for interviews, which led to my current position with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. I can’t say enough about the positive influence of DCTC, and I am living proof of its efficacy.”
The Marketing program at DCTC teaches students all general marketing concepts as well as crucial marketing skills, including:
- Managing projects
- Determining strategies to reach markets
- Coordinating the distribution of products
- Planning advertising and promotional campaigns
- Creating digital strategies to establish a strong web presence
- Analyzing data
- Researching to assist in market planning
“The information and hands-on experience are excellent and relevant to the marketing industry. The professors and staff are extremely helpful and available; thanks to their efforts I was able to find a rewarding internship to jumpstart my career,” says Nikita Mix, a current DCTC marketing major student. “I couldn’t be any happier with my choice of pursuing my marketing degree with DCTC and I highly recommend this program.”
Marketing career work environment
Often the key to success of companies, institutions and businesses both large and small, marketing professionals work to develop strategies to meet overall organizational goals. Marketers can have creative or project management positions within a department.
Professional marketers tend to work under deadlines set by managers, vendors and/or the requirements of time-sensitive projects. The role of a marketer can encompass creative, analytical, digital and administrative responsibilities that vary depending on the type and size of their employer. Improved technology continues to increase telecommuting from home offices.
“DCTC’s marketing program has been a phenomenal learning experience. Not only has it provided me with valuable educational insights, but it has been very enjoyable as well,” says Nikita.
Siearra adds, “I love how up to date the classes are for the field of marketing. It makes the coursework easier to comprehend and that much more enjoyable.”
Carie Statz: Faculty perspective
“We have a dedicated advisory committee for the Marketing program, comprised of over 30 marketing professionals, who meet at least twice a year to keep the DCTC Marketing program current and of high quality,” says Statz. “With their different perspectives, the program has courses to develop a well-rounded marketer.”
Marketing career paths
Earning your Marketing A.S. degree or Digital Marketing Specialist A.A.S at DCTC can be the gateway to a number of rewarding careers in the marketing field, including:
- Marketing
- Sales manager
- Account executive
- Marketing director
- Public relations specialist
- Commercial marketing specialist
- Market development manager
- Marketing coordinator
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Communications manager
- Information and communications specialist
- Public affairs officer
For more information on the DCTC Marketing and Sales program offerings, contact DCTC Admissions: Click Here or contact Carie Statz, D.B.A. at Carie.Statz@dctc.edu.
