Master's in Strategic Marketing

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$156,580

Average Salary

8%

Industry Growth

100%

Student-Focused

#1

Affordable Master's

Anchor: Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

Executive Master's in Strategic Marketing

If you’re ready to achieve more in the field of strategic marketing, Cumberlands is here to help you plan your next steps. With the recommended course rotation, a full-time student could complete the Master’s in Strategic Marketing hybrid program in 12 months (three semesters). By taking part in our hybrid Executive Master’s in Strategic Marketing program, you’ll develop the theory and practice across data-driven marketing, advanced marketing strategies, and emerging technologies in this field.

The Executive MS program covers strategic marketing essentials, including using digital marketing tools and techniques to engage digital-first audiences, brand strategy management in consumer and business markets, integration of sales management and customer relationship strategies with traditional and digital marketing plans, and interpreting complex data sets to drive evidence-based marketing decisions.

Classes are scheduled in two eight-week sessions and 16-week sessions during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Full-time degree candidates typically take one or two classes per bi-term, a total of 6-9 hours per semester.

Course Requirements

Courses (31 hours)

Capstone Course (1 hour)

BADM 699 - Capstone or INTR 599 Applied Learning Practicum

*Executive format students can substitute the required INTR 599 course in lieu of BADM 699 as part of their program degree requirements.

** Executive format programs have an applied learning component (internship or practicum) that is an integral and essential part of the established curriculum. Due to the applied learning component required for the degree program, Executive format students must enroll in INTR every term of enrollment.

Admission Requirements

A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required to be admitted to the Executive Master’s in Strategic Marketing program. Additional admission requirements can be found here.

Anchor: Executive Student Resources

Executive students walking toward graduation ceremony

Executive Student Resources

UC's Department of International Graduate Services enjoys providing support resources for our international students. Find tutorials and information regarding offices and policies for the International Graduate Students and programs.

View Executive Student Resources

Executive Program Format

Our Executive Programs include hybrid course days designed for international graduate students studying in the U.S., or domestic students seeking a hybrid-format program. We strive to incorporate professional experience and real-world application of course curriculum into our programs to enhance the learning experience. Practical Training is an integral part of program coursework and available to all students. At the University of the Cumberlands our degree programs focus on quality education at an affordable price.

Executive Program students take three (3) courses per semester. The program semester is based on the existing UC semester calendar, with three (3) annual semesters: fall, spring, and summer. Two of the courses each semester focus on the specific program content. Additionally, students will be required to attend an intensive residency weekend as part of their course enrollment each term. The third class includes an Applied Learning Practicum, in which students apply what they are learning in their other two courses to the real world via work or internship experiences.

Residency FAQs

What are the residency weekend dates?

Residency Session dates are determined by the course that you are registered for. It is very important that you make note of the class you registered for, as well as the designated residency weekend for that course as each course will only meet one weekend for the duration of the semester.

Will I attend residency sessions for the same amount of time?

Even though we will only be meeting one weekend per semester, we will have the same number of contact hours with you. This will enable the instructors to make residency weekends much more valuable. This change will allow us to have meaningful projects on residency weekends.

How do I know which residency to go to?

You can view your semester schedule in your self-service portal in your Student Profile. Once you log into your MyUC account, click on Academics, then click on Current Schedule. Your schedule details will indicate the date and location of your residency weekend.

You can find information on the residency site locations on our website.

Are all three days mandatory?

Yes, all three days are mandatory, and requests to arrive late or leave early will not be approved. Should you not be in attendance for the full session, you will be counted absent for the entire session. Please plan travel accordingly!

What is UC's residency attendance policy?

Attendance to each executive residency class session is mandatory. Students may make up no more than one (1) residency session throughout the duration of their academic program. Missing a second residency will result in the student being dismissed from the university.

A missed session will result in the student attending a make-up session, and paying a $300 residency make-up fee. In addition, the student may be asked for documentation from the program department providing an explanation as to why the scheduled residency session was missed. Make-up sessions must be completed prior to the end of the term. Noncompliance with this policy will result in dismissal from the executive program.

Make-up residency sessions – where are they?

Make-up residency sessions will be held at our campus in Williamsburg, KY. You will be contacted with the time and dates after your absence is reported. There will only be one (1) residency make-up session offered each semester. Failure to attend all days of the makeup session will result in receiving a failing grade for the course, as well as potential dismissal from the University, and SEVIS termination.

What if I can't be there all three days?

If you cannot be in attendance for all three days then you will be counted absent for the entire residency weekend and be required to attend the make-up residency and pay the $300 make-up fee.

When can I register for the next semester?

The Department of International Graduate Services will contact you via your UC student email as registration for the next term approaches. Please remember that you are required to register for (one) main class, (one) online class, and Applied Learning Practicum each semester in order to maintain your F1 status – late registration will not be accepted and can result in the termination of your student status.

Once you register for a class you will want to make note of the residency weekend that your class is scheduled, as that is the only session for that class that will be scheduled for the semester. You will need to be sure to plan your travel accordingly to ensure that you are in attendance for the full residency session.

Registration is done on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once a course is full, there will not be additional seats added, as we cannot exceed classroom seating capacity; therefore, it is advised that you register for classes as much in advance as possible. As a reminder, students cannot register for future semesters until their current tuition balance is paid in full.

When will facilities be available to me on residency weekends?

*Please note all times are in local time zone*

Friday

Facility will open at 4:00 p.m.

Saturday

Facility will open at 7:00 a.m.

Sunday

Facility will open at 7:00 a.m.

We ask that you please take note of the above-mentioned times and schedule your travel accordingly.

When will residency sessions be in the future?

*These dates have been set; however, if any changes are made, they will be made prior to registration for that semester. Not all dates are available at each residency location.

Fall 2024 (August 26th – December 13th)

Spring 2025 (January 6th – April 30th)

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

Leverage advanced digital marketing tools and techniques to drive marketing stategies that engage digital-first audiences.

Demonstrate proficiency in integrating sales management and customer relationship strategies with traditional and digital marketing plans.

Develop powerful brand strategies in both consumer and business markets, with an awareness of the unique opportunities in each sector.

Interpret complex data sets to drive evidence-based marketing insights and decisions.

Conduct rigorous research and translate research to actionable steps within organizational marketing strategies.

Anchor: Career Outcomes

Business Administration Careers & Outcomes

Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers: $156,580

These roles are responsible for creating, implementing, and overseeing strategies that promote a company's products, services, or brand, with the primary goal being to attract and retain customers, drive sales, and ensure the company remains competitive in its market.

Market Research Analyst: $74,680

Market research analysts help businesses understand their customers, competitors, and industry trends better. Their insights guide decision-making for areas such as product development, marketing strategies, and business growth.

Marketing Specialist: $74,680

This role primarily focuses on developing and implementing effective marketing strategies to promote a company's products, services, or brand.

Business Development Specialist: $74,680

Business development specialists identify and proactively target growth opportunities for an organization, as well as expanding a company’s marketing presence.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions about Strategic Marketing

Why is strategic marketing vital?

Strategic marketing is an important facet of an organization’s overall strategy in steering business performance forward. It offers a roadmap to achieve optimized business performance through the use of marketing analytics, digital marketing tools, and more.

Is an Executive Master’s in Strategic Marketing worth it?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job field for marketing managers is growing at a faster-than-average pace of 8 percent. The Bureau projects an additional 31,100 jobs will be added to this employment field from 2023 to 2033, which offers a robust opportunity to join a sector that can have a meaningful impact on organizational performance.

What could I do with an Executive Master’s in Strategic Marketing?

Upon graduation, you will have an opportunity to use your expertise in areas from marketing management to marketing analytics and research to business development. These career sectors play a key role in helping organizations to thrive in a global business landscape.

How affordable is this program?

All programs at University of the Cumberlands are offered at some of the lowest rates in the nation—and we even include free textbooks through our One Price Promise! For more information on how affordable this program would be for you, visit our Financial Aid page.

How do online classes work at Cumberlands?

Each course lasts eight weeks, called a bi-term. There are two bi-terms per semester, and three semesters per year (fall, spring, and summer). Many classes are asynchronous, meaning there is no set login time; you can work on schoolwork whenever you find time. Cumberlands provides free rental textbooks to online students as part of its One Price Promise.