B.S. in Marketing

Program Overview

Saint Mary's College of California, situated in Moraga, offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Marketing designed for students passionate about the dynamic intersection of strategy, technology, and sales in the modern business world. This program focuses on preparing students to achieve tangible results in tech-driven business operations by providing a strong foundation in understanding consumer behavior, market research, branding, and digital marketing strategies. Students benefit from learning from experienced business leaders and faculty, enabling them to develop a comprehensive toolkit for promoting and selling products or services effectively and ethically. The curriculum integrates hands-on coursework, preparing graduates for high-level decision-making and instilling a sense of personal and societal purpose, aligning with the college's Lasallian tradition.

AACSB Accredited: Saint Mary's College of California's School of Economics and Business Administration, home to the B.S. in Marketing program, holds the prestigious AACSB International accreditation. This globally recognized hallmark of quality ensures that the program adheres to rigorous academic standards, possesses highly qualified faculty, and contributes to both intellectual scholarship and practical business impact. Being among the top echelon of business schools worldwide with AACSB accreditation signifies Saint Mary's commitment to delivering a high-caliber education that prepares graduates to be skilled, responsible, and impactful business leaders in a competitive global landscape.

Curriculum: The B.S. in Marketing curriculum at Saint Mary's College of California is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of contemporary marketing principles and practices. Students first complete foundational business courses, including financial and managerial accounting, microeconomics, and probability and statistics. Upper-division marketing courses delve into core areas such as Consumer Behavior, Marketing Research, and Marketing Management. The program also emphasizes modern marketing trends and topics like digital marketing, social media analytics, branding, advertising, and professional selling. Through experiential learning, including courses like Applied Marketing Research where students contribute to non-profit organizations, the curriculum aims to develop strong analytical, strategic planning, communication, and project management skills.

Research Focus: Saint Mary's College of California's approach to its B.S. in Marketing, while primarily preparing practitioners, is underpinned by practice-relevant and discipline-based research. The faculty, comprising both scholars and experienced professionals, leverage current research in areas like consumer behavior, digital marketing trends, and market analysis to inform the curriculum. For instance, the "Applied Marketing Research" course actively involves students in conducting in-depth analytical research, reflecting a hands-on engagement with research methodologies. This focus ensures that students are not just learning theories but are also exposed to data interpretation and strategic insights derived from contemporary market research, preparing them to apply research findings to real-world marketing challenges.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a significant component of the B.S. in Marketing program at Saint Mary's College of California. Students have opportunities to work hand-in-hand with knowledgeable faculty and experienced business leaders, particularly benefiting from the college's location in the Bay Area, known for global brands and tech-driven businesses. The "Applied Marketing Research" course serves as a prime example, where students contribute strategic marketing plans to numerous non-profit organizations through experiential learning. The Marketing Department also features an Executive Speaker Series and an Advisory Board, further connecting students with industry professionals. Additionally, the SEBA Career Center and the Saint Mary's Marketing Club facilitate networking events, internships, and connections with alumni and guest speakers, enhancing career opportunities.

Global Perspective: The B.S. in Marketing program at Saint Mary's College of California is designed to instill a global and responsible perspective in its graduates. The School of Economics and Business Administration aims to prepare graduates who are "culturally aware, socially responsible, and ethically principled." While specific international study components or global campus rotations for the undergraduate marketing program were not explicitly detailed, the curriculum likely incorporates global market dynamics, international marketing strategies, and cross-cultural consumer behavior within its courses. The program's overall mission, coupled with the AACSB accreditation's emphasis on global relevance, ensures that students are equipped to understand and operate effectively within the interconnected global economy.