What Is The Best Masters Degree To Complement My Marketing Degree?

Marketing is one of the most popular majors among college students. In order to distinguish yourself from other graduates with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, you may decide to apply for graduate school. When searching for the right graduate program, don’t limit yourself to master’s degrees in marketing. A master’s degree in a related or complementary field can give you the edge that you need.

Master’s of Business Administration

Kiplinger names the MBA in its list of 5 Advanced Degrees Still Worth the Debt. If you are interested in an upper level management position, then an MBA may be listed as a required qualification. If you are just beginning your career, then an MBA can help you climb the corporate ladder faster than a colleague who just has a bachelor’s degree. A marketing degree combined with an MBA is an excellent combination that can help you qualify for positions as a marketing director, corporate communications manager or advertising executive.

Master of Public Health

If you want to take advantage of the many opportunities in the healthcare field, then you should consider a Master of Public Health. Many MPH programs offer concentrations in public health communication, social marketing or public relations. Marketing professionals with an MPH focus on creating messages about public and personal health, such as disease prevention. MPH programs require coursework on the healthcare industry, public relations and business. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the number of jobs for health services managers and related positions is expected to grow by 22 percent between 2010 and 2020. You can find out more by visiting BLS.

 

Master of Science Degree in Economics

If you are interested in market research, then a Master of Science degree in Economics will prepare you for a career as a market research analyst. Many economics programs are run by a university’s business department, so students may be able to take elective courses in marketing and business. Forbes named a master’s degree in economics as one of the best master’s degrees for getting a job. Forbes noted that projected employment increase reported by the U.S. Department of Labor is 19 percent. To see the full list of best graduate degrees, visit Forbes.

Graduate Programs in Advertising

If you are not interested in a business-focused degree, then look into graduate programs in advertising. These programs offer courses in branding, interactive media and international marketing. A master’s degree in advertising can prepare you for a career as a sales manager, art director or advertising management. The Occupational Outlook Handbook states that jobs in advertising, promotions and marketing managers are expected to grow at an average rate between 2010 and 2020.

As colleges graduate more students with a major in marketing, you may need something to give you an edge in the job market. If you consider your interests and look beyond a master’s degree in marketing, you will find many other options that help you enhance your skills. The right graduate degree can mean the difference between an interview and the slush pile.