Minor in Marketing
Hours: 21 On-Campus Online
About
The Minor in Marketing at Fort Hays State University is a 21-credit-hour program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in key marketing principles. The curriculum explores core areas, including consumer behavior, digital marketing, and strategic selling, to ensure students gain a comprehensive understanding of the field.
What sets this minor apart is its strong focus on experiential learning and professional certification opportunities, giving students hands-on experience that enhances their practical skills. Courses are taught by instructors with extensive industry experience, equipping students with both advanced knowledge and practical expertise that can be immediately applied in the marketing profession.
Why pursue a Minor in Marketing at Fort Hays State University?
The Minor in Marketing distinguishes itself through an emphasis on experiential learning and opportunities to earn professional certifications. Students gain practical experience through simulations, role-playing exercises, and other hands-on activities that bring marketing concepts to life.
Additionally, the program’s flexible design makes it accessible to students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. Whether pursuing a business degree or studying another field, students develop versatile skills that are highly valued across multiple industries.
Who is this program for?
Students looking to enhance their primary field of study with essential marketing skills can pursue this minor. Whether their major is in business, communication, psychology, or another discipline, this program provides valuable tools that support success across a variety of industries. It is particularly beneficial for:
- Students pursuing careers in business-related fields
- Individuals interested in digital marketing and consumer behavior
- Those seeking to complement their major with versatile skills
- Students looking to enhance their employability with professional certifications
- Individuals interested in learning selling skills and techniques
- Anyone interested in understanding and influencing market dynamics
Real-World Applications
Through experiential learning opportunities, such as simulations, students engage in realistic marketing scenarios that mirror the challenges faced by professionals in the field. The minor also includes professional certifications that employers highly value.
These certifications not only strengthen students’ résumés but also demonstrate their commitment to staying current in the ever-evolving marketing landscape. By completing the minor, students graduate equipped with both the knowledge and credentials needed to make an immediate impact on their careers.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University continually updates the curriculum to reflect the latest trends and advancements in the field. Courses such as Digital Marketing and Consumer Behavior explore modern digital strategies and the psychological factors that influence consumer decision-making.
The program also emphasizes emerging areas, including global marketing and strategic selling, ensuring that students are well-prepared to navigate and lead in today’s dynamic global marketplace.
Hands-on Activities
The Minor in Marketing emphasizes experiential learning through a wide range of hands-on activities that extend beyond traditional classroom instruction. Students participate in simulations that mirror real-world marketing challenges, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts in practical, professional contexts.
In addition to simulations, students may take part in company visits, attend guest lectures, and engage in role-playing exercises. These experiences offer valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of marketing professionals, while providing opportunities to connect with industry experts.
What You’ll Learn:
- Core marketing principles
- Consumer behavior insights
- Marketing research techniques
- Digital and electronic marketing strategies
- Global marketing perspectives
How You’ll Learn:
- Interactive simulations and role-playing activities
- Company visits and guest speakers
- Professional certifications
- Industry-experienced faculty
- Hands-on marketing projects
The core curriculum encompasses a broad range of essential topics, providing students with a solid foundation in marketing. Introductory courses introduce key concepts and frameworks that are critical for effective marketing decision-making.
As students advance, higher-level courses delve into the psychological and analytical aspects of marketing, equipping them to understand and effectively influence consumer behavior.
MKT 301: Marketing Principles
This course examines the principles and practices of marketing, with a focus on consumer and industrial products, distribution channels, promotional strategies, and pricing methods employed by contemporary businesses.
MKT 302: Strategic Selling
This course covers the principles and practices of sales, including effective sales communication, strategic planning, and the implementation and control of sales strategies for achieving success.
MKT 610: Social Media Marketing
This course examines current strategies and tactics for effectively using social media in marketing, with a focus on hands-on experience and a strategic approach. Students will learn both the conceptual foundations and practical techniques needed to create a comprehensive social media marketing plan.
Discover the full Minor in Marketing course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Graduates are well-equipped for a wide range of career opportunities due to the program’s strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world application.
Marketing Coordinator
Marketing coordinators plan and execute campaigns, collaborating with sales, design, and other teams to align initiatives with company goals and target audiences effectively.
Digital Marketing Specialist
Digital marketing specialists leverage their expertise in digital tools and strategies to plan, execute, and optimize online campaigns. They monitor performance metrics, analyze data, and make informed, data-driven decisions to maximize engagement and results in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts study consumer behavior and market trends to help companies make informed decisions about products, services, and marketing strategies.
Brand Manager
Brand managers develop and maintain a product’s or company’s image, oversee marketing campaigns, and ensure all efforts align with the brand’s identity and values.
Sales Manager
Sales managers lead teams to meet revenue goals by utilizing marketing knowledge to understand customer needs, craft effective pitches, and align sales efforts with marketing strategies.
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Students pursuing a Minor in Marketing may also benefit from adding the following programs to their academic portfolio:
- Minor in Management
- Minor in Public Relations and Advertising
- Certificate in Digital Business Communication
- Certificate in Social Media Marketing
- BBA in Management
- BBA in Marketing
Students can complete the Minor in Marketing within the typical duration of a bachelor's degree, integrating the 21 credit hours into their existing study plan without extending their time at FHSU.
Yes, the Minor in Marketing is open to all FHSU students, regardless of their major or academic program of study. The program complements various disciplines, providing valuable marketing skills that enhance employability and career prospects.
Adding the Minor in Marketing to your major enhances your skill set, making you more versatile in the job market. The minor offers practical knowledge and professional certifications that can give you a competitive edge in securing internships and job offers.
Yes, the program includes opportunities to earn professional certifications integrated into the curriculum. Employers recognize these certifications and can significantly boost a student’s resume.
Students in the Minor in Marketing participate in simulations, company visits, guest lectures, and role-playing exercises. These activities provide practical experience and insights into the marketing industry, helping to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Information about the Department of Applied Business Studies
The Department of Applied Business Studies at FHSU is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers in business by aligning individual strengths and goals with the evolving needs of the global marketplace. Whether pursuing a degree on-campus or online, students benefit from programs that emphasize practical business knowledge, real-world case studies, and forward-thinking decision-making skills essential for today’s dynamic business environment.
The department offers a diverse range of academic pathways, including business education, marketing, and tourism and hospitality management. Its immersive curriculum, delivered by faculty who remain actively engaged with current industry trends, equips students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to succeed across a variety of sectors, from local enterprises to international organizations. FHSU graduates are consistently in high demand, reflected in strong job placement rates and a network of successful alumni.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Collegiate DECA: An international organization for students and educators in the fields of business, finance, hospitality, and marketing. It prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs through co-curricular programs that blend classroom learning with real-world experiences and professional networking opportunities.
- Pi Omega Pi - Business Education Club: The National Business Education Teacher Honor Society is dedicated to promoting academic excellence and service within the field of business education. The organization encourages scholarship, leadership, and professional development among students preparing for careers in business teaching.
- Eta Sigma Delta - International Hospitality Management Society: Recognizes hospitality and tourism students for their exceptional academic achievement, service, and professionalism. The organization provides valuable networking opportunities and fosters connections among students, industry executives, educators, and peers.
- THM Travel Club: Supports domestic and international travel experiences for students in tourism and hospitality. Through participation, members gain practical skills in travel planning, budgeting, organization, and fundraising, offering a well-rounded perspective on career opportunities within the tourism and hospitality industry.
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