M.S. Program Information
Overview
The Master of Science in Marketing degree program advances students' knowledge and expertise in marketing theory and practice. A coordinated curriculum of analytical skills development, consumer analysis and marketing strategy, coupled with real-world marketing applications, prepares students for careers as marketing analysts, managers and researchers in areas such as branding, advertising, promotions, market research, sports marketing, digital marketing and public policy. Upon completing the program, the successful graduate will be able to critically assess and develop solutions to marketing problems through quantitative and qualitative approaches and various marketing and decision-making frameworks. This one-year master's degree is designed to enhance the skills of students who desire to pursue a marketing-related career but may not have formal marketing training.
The M.S. program strives to be recognized nationally and internationally as a leading marketing graduate program. In doing so, the program seeks to:
- Provide exceptional graduate education that imparts to our students the necessary skills to successfully pursue their professional aspirations. The program will do so in ways that are experiential, data-driven, and career-focused.
- Serve as an ongoing resource for our graduates as they become leaders and innovators in their organizations.
- Work in partnership with organizations (profit and not-for-profit) to make meaningful contributions to the economic and social well-being at the state, national and international levels.
- Be an ambassador of Clemson University, the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business and the Department of Marketing.
The M.S. Marketing program handbook provides additional information.
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Curriculum
The M.S. Marketing program requires completing 30 credit hours of graduate marketing and related coursework. Outlined below is a hypothetical program of study. The courses listed are subject to change depending on the courses being offered in the coming year.
Curriculum Information Course Designation Course Numbers and Titles Credits Term: Summer II (Online, Asynchronous) Required MKT 8650 Seminar in Marketing Management 3 Required MKT 8610 Marketing Research 3 Term: Fall (In-person) Required MKT 8700 Master's Research Project (Practicum) 3 Elective1 MKT 8620 Marketing Analytics 3 Elective1 MKT 8660 Selected Topics: Promotional Strategy 3 Elective1 MKT 8660 Selected Topics: Digital Marketing 3 Elective1 MKT 8880 Internship 1-3 Term: Spring (In-person) Required MKT 8700 Master's Research Project (Practicum) 3 Elective1 MKT 8630 Consumer Behavior 3 Elective1 MKT 6300 Product Management 3 Elective1 MKT 8280 Services Marketing 3 Elective1 MKT 8880 Internship 1-3 1In consultation with the program director, students should identify a graduate course of interest. The course may be offered by the Department of Marketing (courses other than those required) or other departments at Clemson University.
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Schedule
The schedule below describes dates and deadlines for the MS Marketing program. Year-specific dates will be communicated as relevant deadlines draw near.
Yearly Schedule Information Date Event Application Season December Applications due for full consideration January-February Applications reviewed February-March Acceptance decisions communicated Summer Term June (late) Virtual drop-in sessions with Directors June (late) Summer II/Mini C session begins – MKT 8650 June (late) Summer II begins – MKT 8610 July (mid) Summer II/Mini C session ends – MKT 8650 August (early) Summer II ends – MKT 8610 Fall Term August (mid) In-person orientation for MS Marketing August (mid) Graduate School orientation August (late) Fall semester begins December Fall semester ends Spring Term January (early) Spring semester begins January (early) Final GS2 form due to grad school January (late) Deadline to apply for Spring graduation March (late) Deadline to order graduation regalia May (early) Spring semester ends May (early) Graduation -
Short courses and workshops
In addition to required and elective courses, students will have the opportunity to participate in short courses and workshops pertaining to topics such as professional and career development, communications and special topics in marketing.
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Admissions information
Requirements - Students wishing to be considered for admission to the M.S. Marketing program should submit a completed application through Clemson's Graduate School as described in the application process below.
Though not required, professional experience before entering the program will enrich the student experience.
Application Process - Clemson's Graduate School website provides more information about:
A completed application includes the items listed below, described in more detail on the Graduate School website:
- Personal statement (required for all students). Applicants should provide a written statement that, at a minimum, answers the following questions. Statements may contain additional information as the applicant sees fit. While written statements are required, students may also submit video statements directly to the Program Director.
- Why do you want to pursue a graduate degree in Marketing?
- Why do you want to pursue a Marketing graduate degree at Clemson University?
- Resume (required for all students). Helpful tips and examples can be found on the Graduate School's website.
- Two letters of recommendation (required for all students). The letters should come from people who know the applicant in a supervisory capacity, such as former professors or work supervisors. The letters should discuss the applicant's qualifications for successfully completing a graduate degree, focusing on performance as a student or employee, work ethic, and character.
- Transcripts (required for all students). Unofficial transcripts will suffice for the application process. Official transcripts will be required upon admission.
- International student financial certification (required for international students only)
- TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic (required for international students only)
- Community standards (required for all students)
- GRE or GMAT (optional for all applicants)
While GRE or GMAT scores are not required, applicants should seek to build the strongest possible admissions case. For some applicants, this will include GRE or GMAT scores. For other applicants, it will not.
To clarify an applicant's materials, the M.S. Marketing Program Director may request an interview (either in-person or online). The Program Director makes the decision to admit an applicant to the M.S. Marketing program in consultation with the Department of Marketing's Graduate Committee and the Department Chair based on the information provided by the applicant.
Deadlines - For full consideration, applicants should submit their materials by Dec. 31 for admission the following year (June-May). The review of applications will begin in January. Applications submitted after Dec. 31 will be considered until the class has been filled.
- Personal statement (required for all students). Applicants should provide a written statement that, at a minimum, answers the following questions. Statements may contain additional information as the applicant sees fit. While written statements are required, students may also submit video statements directly to the Program Director.
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Financials
Costs - The cost of the program depends on various factors, including student residence (in-state versus out-of-state) and enrollment status (full-time versus part-time). You can use the Graduate School's tuition and fees calculator to estimate the cost. Make sure you select the "Graduate" tab.
In addition, you should budget for living expenses. View more information on the cost of living in Clemson, SC.
Financial Aid - The M.S. Marketing program offers a limited number of scholarships, assistantships and student-worker opportunities. Upon being accepted into the program, you will be informed about how to apply for these forms of financial aid. In addition, there may be assistantship opportunities elsewhere around the University for which you can search and apply. The Graduate School provides information on student employment, as well as opportunities for fellowships and awards. Clemson's Student Financial Aid Office also provides information on applying for financial aid.
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Partners
Small Business Development Center - The M.S. Marketing program partners with the Clemson Region Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the practicum courses offered in the fall and spring. The SBDC is a national organization that promotes business growth and development. The partnership allows students to work on real-world marketing and business problems and network with local business owners and leaders through the SBDC's student consultant program.
Marketing Department Advisory Board - The Marketing Department maintains an industry advisory board. The board is comprised of marketing and business leaders from around the country and various industries. Students will have the opportunity to network and engage with members of the board. View our Advisory Board members.
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Contact
For more information about the M.S. Marketing program, please email graduate coordinator Michele Cauley or complete the graduate inquiry request for information form. Select Marketing (M.S.) as your intended degree/field of study.