B.S.B.A. in Marketing

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) with a concentration in Marketing at Mississippi College offers a dynamic and comprehensive education in the art and science of connecting businesses with their customers. This program goes beyond theoretical concepts, focusing on practical skills needed to analyze consumer demand, develop new products and services, and build brand interest through various communication channels. It prepares students for a fast-paced and creative industry, equipping them to understand consumer behavior, conduct market research, and develop effective marketing strategies in traditional and digital realms. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, teamwork, strong communication abilities, and ethical considerations, aligning with the university's Christian context for responsible business practices.

AACSB Accredited: Yes, Mississippi College's School of Business, which encompasses the B.S.B.A. in Marketing program, holds the prestigious AACSB International accreditation. This recognition from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business is a global benchmark of excellence, achieved by less than 6% of the world's 16,000+ business programs. AACSB accreditation signifies that Mississippi College's business programs meet rigorous international standards for quality in areas such as strategic management, learner success, and impactful thought leadership. This elite status provides graduates with a significant competitive advantage in the job market, assuring employers of the high quality and relevance of their business education.

Curriculum: The B.S.B.A. in Marketing curriculum at Mississippi College is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of marketing principles within a broad business context. It includes a university core, a common business core, and specialized marketing requirements. The business core covers essential subjects such as Principles of Accounting, Business Law and Ethics, Quantitative Business Modeling, Business Finance, Management Information Systems, and Principles of Management. The marketing concentration delves into critical areas including Consumer Behavior, Integrated Marketing Communication, Marketing Strategy, Personal Selling, Retailing & E-Commerce, Marketing Research, and Digital Marketing. Students also have an elective option to further specialize in areas like Entrepreneurial Mindset, Digital Storytelling, Social Media Communication, Negotiation, Public Relations, or pursue a Business Internship. This comprehensive curriculum emphasizes hands-on projects, such as conducting real marketing research, developing integrated marketing campaigns, and participating in marketing strategy and digital marketing computer simulations.

Research Focus: While the B.S.B.A. in Marketing is a practice-oriented degree, Mississippi College's School of Business actively incorporates a research focus, particularly within the marketing curriculum. Students are trained to conduct real marketing research, which involves collecting primary data, assessing alternative research methods, and analyzing market and consumer data. Courses like Marketing Research (MKT 429) are central to this focus, enabling students to utilize data-driven insights for strategic decision-making. The program's faculty are actively engaged in advancing marketing knowledge and extend their expertise to students willing to engage in scholarly research, encouraging students to think both creatively and analytically about marketing phenomena and apply evidence-based strategies.

Industry Engagement: Mississippi College's Marketing program demonstrates robust industry engagement, proactively connecting students with the professional marketing world. The School of Business partners with numerous local, national, and international businesses, including State Farm Insurance, Regions Bank, Trustmark Bank, and various accounting firms, to provide valuable learning opportunities. Students benefit from opportunities for informational interviews, career services, desirable internships, and networking events. The program encourages participation in professional development events, with marketing students attending leadership sessions, workshops, and sales pitch and marketing strategy competitions at conferences such as the American Marketing Association International Collegiate Conference. Faculty members, who bring significant professional experience, serve as mentors and connect students to their networks, ensuring that the curriculum remains current and prepares graduates for the demands of the marketing profession.

Global Perspective: Mississippi College is dedicated to fostering a global perspective within its School of Business, recognizing the inherently global nature of modern marketing. The B.S.B.A. curriculum in Marketing is designed to help students understand business issues from a global viewpoint, integrating awareness of current international trends and diverse consumer behaviors across cultures. The university's diverse international student population enriches classroom discussions, offering varied cultural perspectives on marketing challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, Mississippi College actively promotes study abroad programs in various countries, including Costa Rica, France, London, Austria, Seoul, and Spain. These opportunities allow marketing students to immerse themselves in different global markets, observe international marketing practices firsthand, and broaden their cultural horizons, preparing them to thrive in a globally interconnected marketing environment.