About
Professional selling remains the second largest occupational category in the American workforce. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the U.S. will add nearly 2 million new sales jobs by 2020. In response to such trends, Appalachian State University offers a marketing major with a sales concentration, as well as minors in professional selling/sales for business and non-business majors.
Housed in the Walker College of Business Department of Marketing, this major prepares graduates to begin careers with a solid foundation in business and specialized knowledge in sales and marketing. Students learn to drive industry initiatives that develop customer satisfaction, generate company revenues and build connections with suppliers, distributors and the community.
After Graduation
Employment: Recent employers include Aerotek, Neill TSP/Avayda, E&J Gallo, Ferguson, Hershey, Hilti, memoryBlue, Red Ventures, Sanofi Pasteur, TekSystems, Tom James, Total Quality Logistics, Travelers Insurance, Prism Medical and United Rentals, CBS Sports Radio, E&J Gallo, Ralph Lauren, State Farm, Disney, GEICO, Red Ventures and Target.
People
Courses
In addition to a 53-hour business core, key marketing courses include:
- Professional Selling
- Sales Management
- Advanced Sales Technique
- Integrated Marketing Communications
- Managing Distribution Channels
- Business-to-Business Buying Behavior
- Marketing Research
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.
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.
- Pi Sigma Epsilon – The only national, coeducational, professional fraternity organization in sales, marketing and management. Its mission is to develop the skills of its members through experiential learning and professional opportunities.
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.
Why Appalachian?
- Students benefit from projects guided by professional mentors, participation in sales role plays, competitions, internships and employer relationships.
- Appalachian’s marketing students frequently compete in regional and national events, such as the National and International Collegiate Sales Competitions.
- Appalachian is pursuing associate membership in the University Sales Center Alliance and a Professional Sales Center; developing a N.C.-based sales competition to give more students experience with and feedback on sales calls; and creating a Professional Value Creation Certificate to be earned by meeting specific academic and non-academic benchmarks.
- Expert faculty members provide functional business knowledge and practical application of marketing principles.
- The BB&T Student Leadership Center offers consultation to all business majors on choosing a career, preparing for interviews and exploring internships and employment.
Method of Delivery
On campus only
Contacts
James E. Stoddard
Chair
stoddardje@appstate.edu
828-262-6191