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Marketing

Gies College of Business

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What is Marketing?

Marketing encompasses business activities related to connecting consumers with goods. It includes the study of the consumer and how to use data to create business insights. In turn, this helps companies better target those consumers. You'll also learn how to manage customer relationships.

Classroom experiences focus on current marketing practices, including digital marketing and branding. They include in real-world examples and hands-on experience. You’ll gain skills in teamwork, analytical reasoning, and oral and written communication.

First-year students need to apply to Business Undeclared for admission consideration to Gies. They then can pursue the Marketing degree if admitted.

Career Options

  • Account executive
  • Communications
  • Consulting
  • Market research
  • Marketing management
  • Retail
  • Sales

Post-Graduation Success1

94% employed or continuing education

89% employed after graduation

5% attending graduate school

$56,125 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Chicago Blackhawks, Deloitte, PepsiCo View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, University of Denver View All

Program Resources

Gies College of Business Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Commitment to activities, employment, or community involvement

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Guide

Graduation & Retention2

4.0 years to degree

96% first-year retention rate

83% four-year graduation rate

93% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $17,976
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,222
  • Total: $41,126

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $37,096
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses:$18,562
  • Total: $60,586

International

  • Tuition: $42,868
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,562
  • Total: $66,358

Related Majors

1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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