Bachelor's in Professional Sales and Marketing Degree
Learn Foundational Business Strategies for Marketing and Sales
A degree in sales and marketing from Grand Canyon University (GCU) can prepare you to pursue a career in marketing and sales strategies for corporations and businesses across diverse industries.
This degree program places a strong emphasis on engagement between customers, prospects, suppliers and internal stakeholders using communication strategies and researched marketing economy.
Benefits of GCU's Bachelor's Degree in Sales and Marketing
Designed to expand your marketing skill set and reach your professional potential, the bachelor’s degree in sales and marketing can be a valuable degree to pursue if you're interested in working in the consumer-facing side of business. This includes sales, customer service, management and leading a company’s revenue production.
This degree program explores how market-driven data enhances and improves decision-making in domestic and global business environments. Using sales principles and marketing competencies that align with a Christian worldview, students in this program can reinforce their business potential in the current economic climate.
Sales and marketing professionals are regularly confronted with ethical choices related to the marketing and sales of products and services. Therefore, GCU places a strong emphasis on guiding bachelor’s in sales and marketing students toward connecting the principles of conscious capitalism with a Christian worldview. Students will be taught to become servant leaders who can express their particularly important role in helping businesses make ethical marketing and sales decisions that promote the well-being of customers, the organization, the community and the people they serve.
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Sales and Marketing Course Topics
Students in this professional sales degree can graduate with specific skills and competencies to help oversee sales operations and ensure the business connects with customers while meeting sales goals. This degree program is centered around the core areas of:
- Applying techniques for creative problem solving and encouraging innovation
- Evaluating risk in making business decisions
- Applying strategies for analyzing and synthesizing data
- Examining the forces of supply and demand to understand the market economy
- Designing and undertaking research projects based on industry best practice
- Using management principles, strategies and processes that lead to effective organizational outcomes
- Demonstrating cultural competence while designing sales and marketing communications with respect to cultural, social and personal values
- Solving ethical dilemmas with a Christian perspective
- Applying laws, regulations and ethical standards related to professional sales practices
- Creating management strategies to increase the effectiveness of a sales organization
Qualify for Positions in Small, Medium and Global Corporations Across Diverse Industries
A bachelor’s degree in sales and marketing can build a foundation for the management of sales, operations and marketing. These students work directly with sales staff to create strategies based on business objectives and market trends.
With the leadership skills and knowledge taught in this degree, graduates can position themselves to lead small and medium enterprises toward economic growth. This degree may lead to various jobs in diverse industries, such as:
- Advertising and promotions manager
- Fundraiser
- Fundraising manager
- Market research analyst
- Marketing manager
- Marketing specialist
- Postsecondary business teacher
- Sales manager
Major in Professional Sales and Marketing From an Accredited University
Earning your BS sales and marketing degree can equip you with valuable knowledge and skills that can help you break into the field of marketing and sales. When earning your professional sales degree, it’s important to seek out an accredited university to ensure that you are being taught an approved curriculum from a reputable university. GCU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1968.
BS in Professional Sales and Marketing Degree Program FAQs
If you’re looking to enter into the field of marketing and professional sales, read through some of the most frequently asked questions to learn more about this field and earning your bachelor’s degree.
Yes. A degree in marketing and sales includes basic mathematics, algebra and basic calculus. For most roles in sales and marketing, you can expect to use numbers, stats, budgets and formulas on a daily basis, including spreadsheets and calculation software. Statistics is applied to marketing to identify market trends and evaluate the potential to market programs.
A professional sales degree career offers the opportunity for financial, personal and professional growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, advertising, promotions and marketing managers have a median annual wage of $133,380 as of May 2021.1 You can reach your potential in this versatile field with a career in industries such as sports, retail, social media or entrepreneurial ventures and sales.
A degree in marketing and sales imparts skills that are valued by employers, such as administration, management, advertising and public relations, salesmanship, marketing analytics and consumer behavior. Sales managers have a grasp of theories that drive organizations to successfully meet and exceed company goals. These managers should have project and resource management experience, leadership skills and offer innovative product development of marketing factors that affect decision-making.
Employers may seek sales and marketing candidates who demonstrate qualities such as leadership and analytical skills, as well as an understanding of the principles and processes of customer service. If you can solve business problems using marketing trends and ethical strategies, this type of degree may be right for you. Additionally, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, 33,700 new jobs are estimated to open for advertising, promotions and marketing managers from 2021 to 2031.2
Fill out the form on this page to learn more about our professional sales and marketing degree.
1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Advertising, Promotions and Marketing Managers as of May 2021, retrieved on June 28, 2023. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as advertising, promotions and marketing managers. It does not reflect workers’ earnings in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. The median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, and accept employment from, determines salary not only based on education, but also individual characteristics and skills and fit to that organization (among other categories) against a pool of candidates.
2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, the data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers, retrieved on June 28, 2023.
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]
Online: $485 per credit
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]
Cost of Attendance
General Education Requirements
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
Requirements
Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.
Course Options
- UNV-103, University Success: 4
- UNV-303, University Success: 4
- UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition.
Course Options
- UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4
- ENG-105, English Composition I: 4
- ENG-106, English Composition II: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/CWV-301.
Course Options
- CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4
- CWV-301, Christian Worldview: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.
Course Options
- MAT-154, Applications of College Algebra: 4
- MAT-144, College Mathematics: 4
- PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4
- BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4
Requirements
Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.
Course Options
- HIS-144, U.S. History Themes: 4
- PSY-102, General Psychology: 4
- SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4
Core Courses
Course Description
This course provides the foundation of core knowledge within the field of information technology. Topics include technology-centric organizations, the type and role of fundamental information technology systems, data management to include privacy and security, e-business and m-business, hardware, software, and computer networks.
Course Description
This course introduces models and practices used by contemporary marketers in fast-paced, dynamic, domestic and global markets, including the marketing concept and processes for developing, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of marketing plans. Building from a foundational understanding of consumer behavior and marketing research, students examine the development and implementation of marketing mix strategies and tactics with an emphasis of how marketing integrates within all aspects of business.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course is a comprehensive study of the legal and ethical issues of concern to business, including those areas of the U.S. legal system that are most relevant to business, such as the law of torts, strict liability, intellectual property, and contract law. It explores the role of ethics and values in business decision making and approaches these subjects from the perspective of the stakeholders as opposed to an economic interpretation of the firm and its responsibilities.
Course Description
In this course, students examine basic accounting concepts and explore how accounting information assists business leaders in making financial decisions that increase profitability and contribute to competitive advantage. There is specific emphasis on the analysis of financial statements in the business decision-making process, budgeting, and factors businesses must consider when determining appropriate pricing of goods and services. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144, MAT-154, or higher subsequent math course.
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to the practical application of descriptive and inferential statistics in business. Topics include probability, probability distributions, the central limit theorem, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and regression. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144, MAT-154, or higher subsequent math course.
Course Description
This course focuses on a behavioral science approach for examining distinct buyer strategies and decision-making processes of purchase by organizational buyers and consumers. Students evaluate external and internal influences, cross-cultural variations, and purchase and post-purchase processes to improve customer satisfaction and customer loyalty. Prerequisite: MKT-245 or MKT-315.
Course Description
This survey course covers the basic concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics. The course begins by addressing the fundamental concepts of scarcity, choice, opportunity cost, and comparative advantage. The course builds on these fundamentals to explain the market forces of supply and demand, market efficiency, the economics of the public sector, and the firm's behavior under competitive market conditions. The second half of the course focuses on basic macroeconomic concepts, including measurement of national income, economic growth, and productivity. In addition, this course covers the monetary system and the classical theory of inflation.
Course Description
This course provides students with an integrated marketing communications perspective. Students develop objectives and create ethical communications campaigns that integrate advertising and promotional strategies, tactics, budgets, and timelines. Prerequisite: MKT-245 or MKT-315.
Course Description
Drawing upon real-world management situations, this course is a study of individual and group behavior in organizations through detailed coverage of the functions of management, individual differences/diversity, leadership, motivation, decision making, organizational design, and organizational change and development. Emphasis is placed on how an understanding of organizational behavior leads to effective management practice.
Course Description
This course introduces models and practices used for engagement with customers, prospects, suppliers, and internal stakeholders and the communications strategies and tactics needed to build and sustain long-term and mutually satisfying relationships that add value in today’s economy. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology will also be introduced. Prerequisite: MKT-315
Course Description
This course is an introduction to managerial finance and the financial markets, analysis of financial statements, time value of money, interest rates, asset valuation, assessment of risk, cost of capital, and capital budgeting. Prerequisites: ECN-220, ECN-351, or ECN-361; and ACC-240 or ACC-250.
Course Description
This course focuses on the role of sales supervisors and managers who lead inside and outside sales teams to accomplish company and marketing objectives. Students develop sales management plans that adhere to company mission, vision, and values. Students build revenue forecasts and cost budgets for sales territories in product and service companies. Students demonstrate abilities to manage complex issues such as recruiting and hiring of the sales force and creating equitable and motivating compensation programs.
Course Description
This course focuses on CRM models and tools that marketing and sales professionals use to maximize revenue and optimize profits. Students examine CRM software deployed in the workplace and how to integrate customer focused communications with sales and marketing strategies. Students use CRM tools to measure and manage elements of sales promotion to achieve budget objectives. Prerequisite: MKT-315.
Course Description
This course provides an integrated marketing communications perspective for advertising and promotion using Internet and mobile technologies. In this fast-paced and constantly evolving environment, students develop objectives and create ethical communications campaigns that integrate knowledge of cross-channel and multi-channel consumer behavior with website and landing page strategies and tactics, search engine optimization and search advertising, social media marketing, and mobility marketing. Prerequisite: MKT-245 or MKT-315.
Course Description
This writing-intensive course serves as the capstone experience in business and management, introducing students to functional, business, and corporate strategy from the perspective of a strategy analyst. Tools and techniques are applied to the student’s previous knowledge of accounting, finance, management, analytics, marketing, economics, entrepreneurship, and leadership acquired through their individual programs of study. Students integrate strategic analysis to demonstrate mastery of a wide variety of business domains. Prerequisites: MGT-420 or MGT-422HN; FIN-210 or FIN-350; and MKT-245 or MKT-315.
- GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
- Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
- Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change
Join Grand Canyon University’s vibrant and growing campus community, with daytime classes designed for traditional students. Immerse yourself in a full undergraduate experience, complete with curriculum designed within the context of our Christian worldview.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.