COURSE CURRICULUM

The MBA in Marketing at Wichita State University is a 36-credit-hour AACSB-accredited graduate program that combines a strong foundation in business management with specialized expertise in marketing strategy, consumer behavior, and market analysis. Students with undergraduate business degrees may qualify for advanced standing and receive equivalent credit for preparatory courses, allowing the degree to be completed with the minimum 36 graduate credit hours. Students from non-business backgrounds may be required to complete prerequisite coursework in Business Calculus and Introductory Business Statistics, as well as foundation courses in accounting, finance, marketing, management, and economics if deficiencies are identified. The Marketing concentration is designed to help students understand how organizations create value for customers, develop competitive advantages, and implement effective marketing strategies in dynamic business environments. The curriculum blends marketing theory with practical business applications, enabling students to analyze customer needs, evaluate market opportunities, gather and interpret marketing intelligence, and develop data-driven marketing initiatives. Advanced coursework often includes case studies and applied learning projects that simulate real-world marketing challenges. All MBA students complete core courses that include Business Decision Making and Analysis or Marketing Research, Law and Ethics for Business, Managerial Finance, Organizational Behavior, and Advanced Strategic Management. These courses provide a broad understanding of leadership, finance, business analytics, organizational behavior, and strategic management. The marketing concentration builds upon this foundation through specialized coursework in Managerial Economics, Managerial Accounting, Marketing Management, Operations Management, Management Information Systems, Consumer Decision-Making Process, and a Seminar in Special Topics. These courses focus on understanding customer behavior, market dynamics, competitive environments, and the strategic role of marketing within organizations. Students develop skills in market research, customer relationship management, brand strategy, consumer analysis, and marketing planning while learning to make informed business decisions based on market intelligence and organizational objectives. Graduates are prepared for careers in marketing management, brand management, digital marketing, market research, product management, sales leadership, advertising, customer insights, business development, consulting, and executive management. By combining advanced business education with specialized marketing knowledge, the program equips students with the analytical, strategic, and leadership skills needed to succeed in customer-focused organizations and rapidly evolving global markets.