Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we here from our students:

Why should I major in marketing?

Marketing will provide you with a broad understanding of the business world and how marketing functions related to organizations. The business foundation courses will provide you with a background in economics, accounting, finance, management, mathematics, statistics, communications, writing, and the social sciences.

What is marketing? How would you define it?

Marketing is both a philosophy and a set of activities in the business world. As a philosophy, an organization that is truly 'marketing oriented' is one in which everyone in the organization is dedicated to serving customers, satisfying their needs, and developing long-term relationships with them, helping to ensure the organization's growth and survival. As a set of activities, marketing is much more than selling and advertising. It is a broad field that encompasses marketing strategy, marketing research, consumer analysis, product management, distribution, and pricing, as well as promotion. Every organization, even VCU, is in some way marketing its products or services to their clients.

What kind of job can I get with a B.S. in Marketing?

There are a wide variety of jobs and career opportunities available to individuals with a degree in marketing. It has been estimated that 30% of jobs in the United States are marketing or marketing-related. Our graduates have pursued careers in advertising, brand management, direct marketing, distribution management, international marketing, marketing research, new product planning, retailing management, sales, and services marketing. They have worked in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in jobs focused solely in marketing or in positions that have marketing as a component but involve other facets of business. Marketing majors have also continued onto graduate school, earning various types of master's and doctorate degrees. Visit our Careers page to learn more about the careers and opportunities available to marketing majors.

What is marketing program like compared to other majors in the School of Business?

In order to be successful, organizations need to build and maintain relationships with customers. No business can survive without customers. Even non-profit organizations must serve customers or clients in order to exist. Marketing majors graduate from VCU with a stronger sense of the need to be customer-oriented than do majors in other fields. Also, marketing majors tend to get more exposure to team projects and group presentations than do students in most other majors, because marketing in the "real world" of business usually requires cross functional teams. In team projects, marketing majors are often asked to solve problems facing profit and non-profit organizations in the Richmond community. Working with real clients from the business community gives marketing majors the opportunity to get feedback from experienced professionals in the field, as well as from the faculty. Lastly, the Department of Marketing places a greater emphasis on proactive communication with students than do many other departments, both within and outside the School of Business. For example, as a marketing major, you will receive the monthly MKTGNews, our department newsletter Market Place, and will have access to the MKTG website, which is continuously updated with the latest information about events, career opportunities, and curriculum issues.

If I decide to be a marketing major, how do I officially declare my major?

If you think you might be interested in declaring your major in marketing, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with an advisor in Undergraduate Studies in the School of Business to discuss the process. We are also happy to speak with you individually to discuss any questions you may have about becoming a marketing major. You can email us at mktgdept@vcu.edu or call (804) 828-1618.

Where would I be able to find the course descriptions for the available courses in the program?

Course descriptions are available both in the VCU Course Bulletin and on the Courses page of our website.

How do I find out about the prerequisites?

All of the MKTG courses require that you previously complete one or more prerequisite courses. Again, you can view the course descriptions, including information regarding the prerequisites, either in the VCU Bulletin or on the Courses page of our website. Completing prerequisites is NOT optional nor can prerequisites be taken concurrently with the course in which they are required.

I am currently enrolled in a prerequisite, can I take the MKTG course at the same time?

No. The prerequisite course work provides the necessary background in order to be successful in the course. You must complete the prerequisite successfully before enrolling in the course in which the prerequisite is required. Students who attempt to take a course for which they have not completed the required prerequisite(s) may be administratively withdrawn from the course.

How many classes do I have to do to complete the degree?

Students majoring in marketing are required to complete the business foundation core coursework as well as courses within the marketing major. To view the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree, click here. If you are interested in the Masters in Global Marketing, click here.

I am a sophomore and I am done with all the prerequisites; could I enroll in a class that requires a junior standing?

You must have completed enough credits to meet the expectation of junior standing by the beginning of the semester in which the course you wish to take is held. For example if you are currently a sophomore but will be a junior by the end of the fall semester and wish to take the course in the following spring semester, then you may be allowed to enroll in the course, assuming you finished enough of your fall courses successfully to become a junior.

What are my options for electives? Is it possible to substitute another class (not listed) as an elective?

Students for the B.S. in Marketing may use up to 6 credits from the courses listed below in order to fulfill the 15 credits of MKTG electives. Students must complete prerequisites for these courses as specified in the VCU Bulletin:

ACCT 306 Cost Accounting (3 credits)

ECON 301 Microeconomic Theory (3 credits)

ECON 307 Money and Banking (3 credits)

ECON 312 E-Commerce and Markets for Information Goods (3 credits)

FIRE 316 Principles of Real Estate (3 credits)

FIRE 317 Real Property Management (3 credits)

FIRE 333 Risk and Insurance (3 credits)

INFO 361 Systems Analysis and Design (3 credits)

INFO 364 Database Systems (3 credits)

MGMT 302 Business Statistics (3 credits)

MGMT 321 Introduction to Entrepreneurship (3 credits)

MGMT 329/INTL327 Introduction to Intercultural Communication (3 credits)

MGMT 350 Introduction to Project Management (3 credits)

MGMT 386 Supply Chain Management (3 credits)

MGMT 418/INTL 418 International Management (3 credits)

MGMT 419/INTL 419 Doing Business in Europe (3 credits)

MGMT 491 Topics in Management - CEO Class (3 credits)

FASH 341 Merchandise Planning and Control (3 credits)

FASH 342 Retail Buying Simulation (3 credits)

 

Is MGMT 301 the only statistics course that would count as a prerequisite for MKTG 310?

MGMT 301 is the preferred prerequisite course that should be completed prior to enrolling in MKTG 310. Please see your advisor to discuss whether any other statistics courses would be appropriate substitutes.

Can I minor in marketing?

The MKTG Department has submitted the curriculum change to the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee a request to eliminate the minor in marketing. We strongly encourage students to major in marketing as the major allows you to receive academic training in all of the fundamentals of marketing along with the essential course work in other business disciplines. The School of Business offers a minor in business, which would be another viable option if majoring or double majoring in marketing is not an option.

How do I make an appointment to speak with a MKTG professor?

If you are enrolled in a course with a MKTG professor, please contact them in the method specified by their syllabus. If you would like to schedule an appointment to speak with a professor about majoring in marketing, please email our departmental account at mktgdept@vcu.edu.

What is the student life experience like at VCU?

What sets VCU apart from other universities is the exposure to a multi-cultural atmosphere. The campus offers an ideal balance between social and sporting events. Student organizations are vibrant and active on the campus and cover a wide range of issues. With a large campus in the urban setting of Richmond, students have access to events in the theater, music, cultural arts, sports, and a wide array of restaurants and shops.

Should I work while I am in school?

Internships related to your field of study can be extremely beneficial for building your professional experience and qualifications. We generally advise students to wait until they have completed a few semesters successfully before pursuing additional obligations outside of their academic responsibilities. Many of our students pursue internships in their junior or senior year as a complement to their field of study, and they often use those internships to enhance their work experience and list of references.

Where are the MKTG classes held?

The vast majority of marketing classes are held in Snead Hall, 301 W. Main Street. Snead Hall was opened in January of 2008, and its classrooms house the latest technologies and tools needed for education in business.

Are there any MKTG courses available online?

The MKTG department does offer MKTG 478; approximately half of this course is currently taught in an online learning format. However, this may change and students should check either the department website or the VCU Course Schedule to view any new course offerings.