Marketing students in the class listening to a lecture

School of Business and EntrepreneurshipMarketing Bachelor's Degree

  • BA

About the Marketing Major

Behind every successful venture in the arts and entertainment industries is a team of savvy marketers. In the Marketing bachelor’s degree program at Columbia College Chicago, you’ll learn how to harness the power of data, digital media, events, and storytelling to market products, services, and ideas. You’ll learn from Chicago-based marketing professionals and cross-train in a variety of communication disciplines.

You’ll cover topics like marketing research, planning and promotion, branding and sponsorship strategies, data analytics, and managerial economics. In hands-on practicum courses, you’ll work with clients to meet their needs by researching, developing, and pitching marketing strategies. If you’re an artist or entrepreneur, this major will prepare you to market your own work.

Examples of Marketing Careers
  • Advertising director
  • Brand manager
  • Content producer
  • Email marketing manager
  • Marketing director
  • Managing editor
  • Market analyst
  • Media buyer
  • Productions manager
  • Publicist
  • Search engine optimization specialist
  • Social media manager

The Student Experience

At Columbia, you'll start applying marketing principles in your coursework and hands-on projects. You'll learn how to analyze data, create compelling marketing strategies, and work with real clients.

  • Learn by doingFrom the start, you’ll engage in practical marketing experiences. Courses will cover everything from marketing research and data analysis to creating and pitching strategies. You'll work on real-world projects, helping clients develop targeted marketing campaigns.
  • Take classes led by industry professionalsOur faculty members, with backgrounds in social media management, data analytics, and marketing consulting, bring their industry experience to the classroom. They provide mentorship and insights into emerging trends and best practices in marketing.
  • Work with real clientsIn your practicum courses, you'll collaborate with clients to identify their marketing goals and develop strategies. These hands-on projects will build your portfolio and give you experience that’s highly valued by employers.
  • Interact with the industryWe foster connections with industry leaders and organizations. Engage with professionals through master classes, networking events, and partnerships with companies like Google for Entrepreneurs and Universal Music.
  • Enjoy learning opportunities outside of Chicago Columbia offers many opportunities to study outside of Chicago, including Semester in LA, a 15-week immersion program with internships and classes taught on a historic Hollywood studio lot. Other study away opportunities include SXSW in Austin, global marketing in Prague, creative industries in Miami, exhibition management in Rome, and numerous international exchange programs.
  • Enjoy learning opportunities outside of ChicagoColumbia offers many opportunities to study outside of Chicago, including Semester in LA, a 15-week immersion program with internships and classes taught on a historic Hollywood studio lot. Other study away opportunities include SXSW in Austin, global marketing in Prague, creative industries in Miami, exhibition management in Rome, and numerous international exchange programs.

Marketing student student creating list

Career Readiness

Our graduates enter the workforce with strong portfolios and industry experience, ready to excel in various marketing roles. They work with major arts and entertainment companies, showcasing their skills and knowledge.

  • Internships that jumpstart your career

    Columbia’s Career Center and faculty connections provide access to internships with leading organizations, offering practical experience and building your resume.

  • Networking opportunities with alumni

    Our alumni network spans across top companies and industries, including arts, entertainment, and sports. Our network helps connect you with professionals and mentors in your field.

Alumni Spotlight

Marketing Alumni Ramon Alvarez-Smikle

Ramon Alvarez-Smikle '13

Executive Vice President, Head of Digital Marketing at Interscope Records, Alvarez-Smikle leads innovative digital marketing strategies across a diverse artist roster and has helped lead digital marketing campaigns for artists like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Playboi Carti, 6LACK, Juice WRLD, benny blanco, and many more.

98%

of 2023 grads are employed, enrolled in continued education, or pursuing their creative practice.

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