What You’ll Take from an Online Marketing Degree Program
Marketing is everywhere: on your phone, in your inbox, and behind nearly every product launch or viral moment. But effective marketing goes far beyond catchy slogans or clever ads. It’s built on a deep understanding of consumers, informed strategy, and data-driven decisions that guide every stage of a product or brand’s journey.
If you're drawn to that mix of art and science, a marketing degree can help you turn it into a career. At the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the online B.S.B.A. in Marketing prepares you to grow brands, drive results, and make informed decisions at every stage of your career.
What Do You Learn in a Marketing Degree Program?
UL Lafayette’s online marketing degree program combines business fundamentals with a deep dive into the many facets of marketing.
“We bring in ideas from psychology, philosophy, statistics, finance, management; believe it or not, even English comes into marketing,” says Dr. Michael Levin, Department Head and Associate Professor of the Department of Marketing. “The goal is to bring that all together to answer the question: ‘Why does one firm succeed while others don’t?’”
Students build foundational knowledge in key business areas like finance, management, and business law, while diving deeper into topics like:
- Marketing principles: Study theory, the marketing mix, and international strategies to understand how organizations reach diverse audiences.
- Consumer behavior and market research: Learn how to segment audiences, analyze trends, and translate data into strategy.
- Technology and digital tools: Build fluency in the platforms that power content strategy, campaign management, and analytics.
- Strategic thinking: Explore branding, positioning, and the relationship between marketing strategy and day-to-day tactics.
For Daniel Richard, a graduate of UL Lafayette’s marketing program, courses like MKTG 355: Consumer Behavior and MKTG 375: Marketing Research stood out for their hands-on projects and real-world relevance.
“All the classes I took have really helped me set up for success to move quickly through the early stages of my career,” he says.
Every course is designed to help you think critically, communicate clearly, and solve problems with confidence, all while gaining a deeper understanding of how businesses build trust and deliver value.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Marketing Degree?
The time it takes to complete your marketing degree depends on your transfer credits and how quickly you choose to move through the program.
At UL Lafayette, you’ll take 100% online courses in accelerated 8-week or traditional 16-week formats — with five start dates each year to fit your schedule. Many students accelerate their progress by transferring previous college credits, reducing their total time by an average of two semesters or more.
If you’ve already earned an associate degree or have at least 30 college credit hours, you may qualify for admission as a transfer or reentry student. UL Lafayette only accepts business course transfer credits from AACSB-accredited institutions, so reviewing admissions requirements or requesting an unofficial transcript evaluation can give you a clearer idea of your path.
Where Can a Marketing Degree Take You?
“Honestly, where can’t it take you?” says Dr. Levin.
“At its heart, every firm is a marketing firm. To create and keep a customer, it has to do a lot of marketing. This degree will take you far into the world, because every firm exists to compete in the marketplace, and marketing is central to that process of competition.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to grow 8% through 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
Marketing graduates often find roles such as:
- Digital marketing specialist: Manages online campaigns and monitors performance across channels like Google Ads, email, and social media.
- Marketing analyst: Interprets data, tracks trends, and supports strategic decision-making.
- Brand manager: Oversees a brand’s voice, message, and overall public perception.
- Content strategist or copywriter: Develops written or visual content to inform, engage, or persuade.
- Social media manager: Builds and manages a brand’s presence across platforms, using metrics to guide engagement.
- Marketing manager or coordinator: Leads planning and execution of campaigns while collaborating across teams.
Marketing professionals are essential in nearly every organization. When you understand your audience and know how to deliver the right message, you become essential to growth. With a degree from UL Lafayette, you’ll graduate ready to step into these roles with the strategic, creative, and analytical skills employers want.
How Much Does an Online Marketing Degree Cost?
The cost of earning your online marketing degree depends on factors like your transfer credits, course load, and tuition structure. UL Lafayette charges $380 per credit hour, with no out-of-state or added student fees, making it an affordable choice for Louisiana residents and beyond.
Many students also qualify for financial aid, grants, or employer tuition assistance, which can significantly reduce the out-of-pocket expense. When comparing programs, be sure to consider total credit requirements, additional student fees, course delivery options, and transfer credit policies to get a full picture of your investment.
What’s Next?
If you’re ready to explore how a marketing degree can open new doors, your next step is to review admissions requirements or request a transcript evaluation. UL Lafayette’s online marketing program accepts transfer credits for general education and core business courses, which may help you graduate sooner.
Designed for working adults, this AACSB-accredited program offers flexible 8-week and 16-week courses so you can learn on your own schedule while building career-ready skills.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore UL Lafayette’s online marketing degree program today.
