Degree Overview: Associate of Sales and Marketing Management
Majors Overview June 5, 2013An associate degree program in sales and marketing management enables graduates to provide services and products to an organization’s buyers or the public. In this program, students will learn about the principles of supply and demand as well as business theory.
Associate Degree Program in Sales and Marketing Management
In this two-year associate degree program, students will learn about media planning, marketing research, and sales promotions. They study distribution and pricing strategies. Courses examine traditional retailing, as well as internet commerce. Students discuss the advantages and challenges of diversity in global markets, along with business ethics. Courses can include instructions on working collaboratively with clients and colleagues to develop sales and marketing plans. The associate degree program also emphasizes on the development of sound decision-making skills.
Educational Requirements
Most colleges and universities require students to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma in order to gain admission to the program. Taking marketing and business courses in high school may be beneficial, but isn’t mandatory.
Program Coursework
At first, students will learn core business principles, and then move on to courses in sales and marketing. The curriculum generally includes courses in practical marketing applications and business theory. Program course topics may include the following:
•Managing a sales territory
•International marketing
•Public speaking
•Business law
•Marketing research
Career Options
Sales and marketing degree program graduates will be prepared for jobs in most areas of business, such as e-marketing, market research, and customer service. The following are common career options:
•Social media marketer
•Distribution manager
•Advertising account executive
•Product sales representative
Professional Certifications and Continuing Education
Associate degree program graduates usually pursue bachelor degree programs or higher. Typically, but not always, credits earned from an associate degree program may be transfer to a bachelor degree program. Most career fields have their own professional organizations, which provide credentials to qualified candidates. Credentialing usually involves passing an exam and meeting educational requirements. There are few instances where employers will require certification; most professionals are earning certification on their own, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS – www.bls.gov).
