Associate of Business (A.B.) in Sales and Marketing Degree Overview
Majors Overview May 16, 2013Students who have graduated from an associate degree program in sales and marketing can seek entry level positions in the fields of advertising and public relations. These degree programs are offered in various forms and include Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Applied Business (A.A.B.) and Associate of Business (A.B.), among others. These programs equip graduates with the skills needed to design advertising campaigns for visual and print media.
A.B. Degree in Sales and Marketing
Associate degree programs related to sales and marketing prepare students for careers involving product merchandising, advertising campaigns, and product promotions. Within these programs, students will learn about sales strategies, product placement, customer service, and buyer habits. Additionally, emphasis is usually placed on communication techniques. Some associate degree programs also provide training for public relations (PR) marketing.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require applicants to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma. Students holding high school diplomas in courses related to business or family and consumer science would find themselves better prepared for an associate degree program in sales and marketing.
Program Coursework
Degree programs in sales and marketing usually cover a wide range of topics, such as product distribution logistics, sales team training, marketing implementation, and business operations. Depending on the degree programs, some will offer specific marketing concentrations, including sales, management, advertising, or retail. Common sales and marketing coursework at the associate degree level may include:
•International sales
•Business information systems
•Customer relations
•Organizational behavior
•Marketing technology
•Marketing research
•Business finance
•Promotions and campaigns
•Marketing management
•Advertising strategies
Career Options
Earning an associate degree in sales and marketing can prepare individuals for entry-level positions in the fields of retail, market research, public relations, and advertising. Individuals may obtain the following job titles:
•Media advertising assistant
•Sales information analyst
•Public relations assistant
•Advertising sales agent
•Sales representative
Information on Continuing Education
Advancing into sales and marketing careers beyond entry-level positions usually requires individuals to hold a bachelor degree in related fields, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS – www.bls.gov ). Nevertheless, associate degrees in sales and marketing along with years of professional experience will supplement a formal four-year degree, especially with corporations who promote employees internally. Bachelor degree programs will be available in business administration with concentration options in sales and marketing.