Marketing Major Columbia College Chicago

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, advertising, social media, digital strategy, public relations, events, and storytelling to market and promote products, services, and ideas. You’ll learn from Chicago-based 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 Career

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, NASCAR, and Universal Music.
Enjoy learning opportunities outside of Chicago Columbia offers many opportunities to study outside of Chicago, including South-by-Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, TX, global marketing in Prague, exhibition management in Rome, Marketing in Paris and numerous international exchange programs including Music Business in Germany.

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

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.

School of Business and EntrepreneurshipMarketing Bachelor's Degree

About the Marketing Major