Degree Overview: Associate of Sales and Marketing
Majors Overview June 4, 2013In this article, you will learn about the associate degree programs in sales and marketing, as well as receive information on career options, courses, and requirements to make an informed decision about your education.
Associate Degree Program in Sales and Marketing
An associate degree program in sales and marketing, sometimes called marketing and sales technology, train students in the best ways to promote a company’s services or products to customers in the business community. The program can also be found as an area of concentration for a business administration or business technology program. In this two-year associate degree program, students will learn the principles of sales, advertising, promotions, marketing, and merchandising. Successful graduates will be able to pitch a product or idea to company executives or consumers, discover hidden patterns in consumer behavior and trends, and perform statistical analyses of surveys and other data. Depending on the program, some will allow students to select an area upon which to concentrate, including advertising or fashion merchandising. To gain admission to the associate degree program, students are required to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma.
Program Coursework
Students who are enrolled in an associate degree program in sales and marketing gain critical-thinking and decision-making skills necessary to succeed in the business world. Team exercises and class projects give students practical experience, and they can obtain real-world knowledge through internships at companies. Sales and marketing program course topics may include the following:
•Business law
•Basic accounting
•Retail management
•Public relations
•Advertising
•Marketing
•Business communications
•Computer basics
Career Options
Since most industries and companies employ sales and marketing professionals, there are enormous career opportunities for individuals with an associate’s degree. The knowledge acquired in the associate degree program will be useful in the retail, manufacturing, and advertising industries, among others. Individuals may obtain the following career titles:
•Public relations specialist
•Fashion merchandiser
•Marketing associate
•Sales executive
•Marketing research analyst
Certification and Continuing Education Information
An associate degree can earn a graduate a sales job; however, individuals interested in advanced positions should consider earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. Most companies, specifically those that sell technical and scientific products, prefer their sales representatives to hold a bachelor’s degree, generally in the field in which they sell, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS – www.bls.gov). The BLS mentioned that many marketing managers hold a bachelor degree in marketing.
Sales and marketing professionals may take advantage of continuing education courses in order for them to earn their professional certification through professional organizations such as Sales and Marketing Executive International (SMEI – www.smei.org). The SMEI Certified Professional Salesperson (SCPS) designation will be available to candidates who meet standards set by the organization and are employed in a sales position.
