Marketing (BSBA) - General Marketing

About

What determines buyer behavior? What’s the best way to promote a product? These are important questions in marketing – an essential business function in for-profit, non-profit and public sectors. In Appalachian State University’s Marketing (BSBA) degree program, students learn how to drive industry initiatives that develop customer satisfaction and retention, contribute to company profits and build connections with suppliers, distributors and the community.

Housed in the Walker College of Business Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management, this major prepares graduates to begin careers with a solid foundation in business and specialized knowledge in sales and marketing. In this degree program, you will examine topics such as product management, marketing research, promotions, elements of sound price decisions, product distribution, the underlying determinants of buyer behavior, and the social and ethical considerations of marketing decisions. Practical experience is a strong-point of Appalachian’s program, with students encouraged to complete an internship, compete in regional and national competitions and network with industry professionals.

After Graduation

Employment: Recent employers include CBS Sports Radio, E&J Gallo, Ralph Lauren, State Farm, Disney, GEICO, Red Ventures and Target.

Career Exploration website

People

Alumna Profile: Jateria Pittman ’15

Jateria Pittman ’15 was featured in the Wall Street Journal for launching her own company to help young people afford travel. The idea stemmed from her transformative study abroad experience while at App State.
Alumna Profile: Kate Bennett ’16
This recent graduate advises students who are considering the marketing major to join Appalachian’s chapter of the American Marketing Association early to see if the field is a good fit for them.
Faculty Profile: Dr. Ünal Ö. Boya
“We value the interaction between faculty and students. We always try to get our students to go beyond just being a student in the classroom. ”

Dr. Unal Boya, Department of Marketing

Watch video feature of him with marketing major Anna Gaugert ’10.
Student Profile: Leanna Ferguson ’18
Marketing major Leanna Ferguson is not only a hard-working business student, she is also a hard-working business owner applying what she learns at Appalachian State University to her business, Pep & Pop.

Courses

Minors

Many marketing students choose management or supply chain management in the Walker College of Business or public relations in the Department of Communication as a second field of study along with marketing coursework.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

American Marketing Association – The largest marketing association in North America, this professional association is for individuals and organizations involved in the practice of teaching and study of marketing worldwide. The Appalachian chapter of AMA is the only professional marketing club on campus and is open to all majors.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

All business students fulfill an international requirement, and an increasing number choose to study abroad through a wide variety of exchange programs. The college maintains partnerships with universities across the globe and continues to expand groundbreaking opportunities in emerging markets.

Admission Requirements

Requirements for declaring a major within the Walker College of Business are detailed here.

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Degrees

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Costs and Aid

Why Appalachian?

Appalachian’s marketing students frequently compete in regional and national events, such as the National Collegiate Sales Competition.
Expert faculty members provide functional business knowledge and practical application of marketing principles.
The Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management offers a minor in marketing for non-business majors.
The Truist Student Leadership Center offers consultation to all business majors on choosing a career, preparing for interviews and exploring internships and employment.

Location

Boone and Hickory*

*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.

Careers

Account Representative
Advertising Executive
Brand Manager
Comparison Shopper
Consumer Affairs Specialist
Customer Service Manager
Distribution Manager
Franchise Specialist
Fund-raiser
Internet Marketing Specialist
Market Representative
Marketing Field Coordinator
Marketing Researcher
Merchandising Manager
Non-Profit Organization Manager
Promotions Director
Public Relations Manager
Retail Manager
Sales Agent
Sales Manager
Social Media Manager

See more career possibilities

Contacts

Walker College of Business

Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management

James E. Stoddard
Chair
stoddardje@appstate.edu
828-262-6191

Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management
At Appalachian State University, students in the Walker College of Business’ Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management learn to drive industry initiatives that develop customer satisfaction and retention, contribute to company profits and build connections with suppliers, distributors and the community. Students majoring in marketing may select a concentration in general marketing, digital marketing or sales. Students majoring in supply chain management (SCM) learn about logistics, operations, strategic sourcing, process improvement strategies and supply chain technologies, enabling them to compete in the global marketplace and help future employers reduce costs, improve profits and expand their markets. Learn more at marketing.appstate.edu.

Walker College of Business
Accredited and well ranked
- Accredited by AACSB International – the premier global accrediting body for schools of business – since 1976. It is among only one-third of U.S. business schools and 15% of business programs worldwide that hold this accreditation.
- Consistently named one of “The Best Business Schools” by The Princeton Review.
Global Emphasis
- An international requirement of all business majors, which can include study abroad in traditional and emerging markets.
- Opportunities to participate in a variety of short-term international programs in locations throughout the world, which are open to all business majors and designed to develop international business skills and intercultural knowledge — including the Holland Fellows Program for Business Study in Asia, which provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for selected students to gain global business acumen through a semesterlong international sustainable business consulting project, alumni mentorship, career coaching and a uniquely curated business study abroad experience.
- The annual Global Opportunities Conference, which highlights innovative and entrepreneurial ways of addressing global challenges.
Highlighting Sustainability
- Leaders in creating a world where environmental, societal and economic qualities exist in balance to meet the resource needs of today and of future generations.
Outstanding Academics
- Small classes and easy access to faculty, who are focused on teaching and learning and engaged in research.
- An emphasis on practical experience and interaction with professionals through the Boyles Lecture Series, McLeod Entrepreneur Summit, Global Opportunities Conference, Business for Good conference and other annual events.
- Accelerated Admission for select MBA programs
Student Support Services
- Student Support Services that include academic advising, scholarships, the Truist Student Leadership Center, which provides opportunities for business students to build job and life skills through professional and leadership development training, and the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship, which aims to help students and recent alumni launch successful businesses and enhance Western North Carolina’s economy.