Graduate Degree Program in International Marketing Overview
Majors Overview May 8, 2015Get information about graduate degree programs in international marketing and their education requirements, coursework, and job and wage outlook.
Information on International Marketing Graduate Degree Program
Students with an undergraduate background in business or a related field can benefit by enrolling in master’s and doctoral degree programs in international marketing. These programs are research-intensive and allow enrolled students to choose a specialization in a particular global location or industry.
Master’s degree programs may offer work or study abroad options. Doctoral-level programs include student-teaching opportunities, and graduates of doctoral programs may pursue university-level teaching positions.
Master’s Programs in International Marketing
A master’s in international marketing may result from several programs. An Executive Master of Business Administration (E.M.B.A.) in International Marketing, a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) with an emphasis in international marketing, or a Master of International Marketing (M.I.M.) may be offered by some schools.
Professionals already involved in a management career that wish to garner additional training in a specific aspect can gain from enrolling in an E.M.B.A. Programs are devised to encourage networking among classmates and to provide networking opportunities. The majority of these programs span one or two years with a flexible schedule to facilitate working professionals.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree. Applicants to international marketing programs are not required to have prior experience in business before being allowed to enter the program. However, they may have to complete some business prerequisite courses before they are allowed to begin the program. The focus of these classes is on finance, business administration, and marketing.
Coursework
Students learn about international business practices and cultures, in addition to marketing strategies, products, and logistics. Opportunities for research into targeted regions or specialized industries are available in some programs. Schools encourage students to participate in internships, wherein they can apply techniques learned in class; students can also work abroad. Core coursework includes topic areas such as:
•International communications
•Analyzing supply chains
•Utilizing and spotting emerging markets
•Marketing in a global economy
•Consumer activities across cultures
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2010 – 2020 decade, growth of 14% has been predicted for jobs in marketing management (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). An expected increase in consumption and production of goods drives this growth.
Thanks to the growth in the use of digital media, including wireless devices, Internet, radio, and television, the most secure positions are expected to be enjoyed by individuals in promotional or advertising positions — either freelance or contract.
In May 2012, marketing managers brought in an average annual wage of $115,750. Over the same period, public relations managers earned $95,450 on average per annum (BLS). Wage levels vary by the chosen company, industry, and tenure.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Programs in Marketing
While few schools, if any, offer doctorate degrees with a primary focus on international marketing, focused study in a variety of areas, including international marketing, is offered through many marketing Ph.D. programs.
Courses in research and statistics are included to facilitate students pursuing academic study of marketing theory and impact. Undergraduate classes may also be available to students, who are paid an annual stipend as teaching assistants while they pursue a degree. Students who seek teaching careers after they graduate may particularly benefit from this experience.
Education Requirements
Doctoral students are expected to hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Students with a master’s degree may, however, be sought by some programs. Submission of a statement of intent, a resume, and letters of recommendation may also be required of applicants. Prerequisite math courses, such as calculus, may also be needed to be completed by students before they are admitted to the doctoral program.
Coursework
Courses in statistical modeling, research, and statistics are included in the program curriculum. A minor in subjects such as political science or courses in cultural studies would serve individuals seeking careers in international marketing. Core coursework includes topic areas such as:
•Global economics
•Ethics in international business
•Global business strategy
•International legal issues
Career Choices
With a doctoral degree, graduates can seek jobs as professors in marketing at universities and colleges. They can also pursue careers as market researchers or marketing consultants; some may choose to start their own marketing firms.
Job and Wage Outlook
Doctoral program graduates can seek various careers, including that of a professor. Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth of 32% has been predicted for market research analysts (BLS). In May 2012, market research analysts brought in an average annual wage of $60,300. Over the same period, business teachers working at universities and colleges earned $73,660 on average per annum. A graduate degree in a marketing field is expected to attract the best job prospects.
