Marketing Research
Overview
Marketing research is the study of consumer behaviors.Marketing research students learn to gather information that helps managers make decisions about what products or services to produce or sell.
Marketing research programs include topics such as:
- Survey research methods
- Market testing
- Consumer needs and preferences
- Geographical analysis
Students learn to understand what makes consumers buy products or services. Programs usually include courses in psychology, statistics, and research methods.
Schools
A few colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in marketing research. It is sometimes possible to specialize in marketing research within a general management or business program. A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years of full-time study.
A few universities also offer graduate degrees in marketing research. One option is to focus on marketing research while earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Advertising
- Business Economics
- Business, General
- Buying and Merchandising
- Consumer Economics
- Family and Consumer Sciences, General
- Marketing
- Mathematics
- Psychology, General
- Public Relations
- Statistics
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Economics
- English Composition
- Introduction to Business
- Pre-Calculus
- Probability and Statistics
- Psychology
- Public Speaking
Graduate Admissions
Admission to MBA programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. Your undergraduate major should be business-related. Otherwise, some courses or work experience in business is very helpful. Course work in psychology, research methods, and statistics is also good preparation.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
- Letters of recommendation
- Interview
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Business Finance
- Business Law
- Calculus for Business
- Consumer Behavior
- Decision Support Systems for Management
- Introduction to Accounting
- Introduction to Management Information Systems
- Introduction to Marketing
- Introduction to Psychology
- Marketing Research Methods
- Marketing Strategy
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Principles of Management and Organization
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Statistics for Business
- Strategic Management
- Writing
Graduate Program Courses
The MBA commonly also has these requirements:
- Required courses
- Internship
- Thesis (may not be required)
Things to Know
Marketing researchers need a good understanding of the broader culture in which consumers make buying decisions. For that reason, you should take a wide selection of courses in non-business subjects. Good skills in writing, speaking, and critical thinking are needed for advancement in the business world.
Business courses in high school can be useful preparation for a career in marketing research. You should take only a few, so that your high school transcript shows that you are preparing for a demanding college-level program.
Schools
East Side Area
Central Washington University
- Business Administration--Specialization in Marketing Management
Walla Walla University
- Business--Marketing Research Methods
Tacoma Area
Pacific Lutheran University
- Marketing Analysis