Master of Business Administration: Strategic Marketing Specialization

Stonehill's Master of Business Administration with a focus in strategic marketing ensures business professionals gain valuable marketing knowledge and learn to strategically leverage digital marketing, data-driven decision-making and innovation in an evolving business landscape.

Fully online and hybrid options available.

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An MBA With a Focus in Strategic Marketing

Stonehill's Master of Business Administration (MBA) program allows aspiring business leaders to broaden their business knowledge and hone their skillset and apply them in ways beneficial to their organizations and society.

Through the strategic marketing specialization, students will strengthen their strategic and practical skills in key marketing areas including creativity and innovation, marketing management, marketing strategy and planning, digital marketing, and buyer behavior, among others.

Through this specialization, students will:

  • Develop and improve their creative competencies when solving marketing problems.
  • Develop skills in digital marketing including social media, email marketing, online advertising, website strategy and SEO.
  • Understand the key elements of managing the marketing function and associated tactics within an organization.
  • Understand the ways both consumer and business buyers make decisions and develop campaigns for successful outcomes.
  • Use best practices to develop successful marketing strategies and plans.

All MBA students are required to take a set of core courses as well as the elective courses to complete their program. For the strategic marketing specialization, courses such as Creativity in Marketing and Marketing Strategy ensure students broaden their understanding and strengthen their skills in a variety of marketing areas.  The 36–39-credit program includes a combination of thought leadership, collaborative projects and hands-on simulations.

Sample Courses

Creativity in Marketing

MKT 501
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of marketing in the context of a creative and innovative program design. Students will learn techniques for improving the flexibility and originality of their thinking and will explore approaches used by marketing practitioners to create and sustain organizational innovation.

Buyer Behavior

MKT 505
The buyer behavior course examines the consumer decision process and the effect on consumer decision-making of external environmental influences (culture, subculture, social class, reference groups, family, and personal influences) and of internal psychological influences (personality and lifestyle, learning, motives, perception, and beliefs and attitudes). Applications of psychological, sociological, anthropological, and economic theories and models to the understanding of buyer behavior and the development of a marketing strategy.

Marketing Strategy

MKT 606
The marketing strategy course is designed to allow students to understand and develop marketing strategies for a real-world business or organization. Through case studies and in-class discussion, students will analyze the opportunities and challenges of selecting effective and efficient platforms and promotional tools. Special emphasis will be put on the synergies and effectiveness of the marketing mix.

Strong Demand for Professionals with Marketing Knowledge

The American Marketing Association recently released a study reflecting a growing trend for hiring candidates grounded and skilled in fundamental marketing strategy. Many sources report that marketing and management candidates should be prepared to offer contributions in digital marketing, data-driven decision-making and innovation.

$157,620
Average Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for marketing managers was $157,620 in May 2023.

8%
Job Growth Rate

According to the BLS, the demand for marketing managers is expected to grow 8% from now to 2033, which is faster than average.

23%
Increase in Salary

According to a report by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), workers with a graduate certificate earn, on average, 23% more than those with only a bachelor’s degree.

Earn a Certificate in Strategic Marketing

For professionals looking to expand their knowledge in strategic marketing, Stonehill also offers a five-course professional certificate in strategic marketing. This certificate builds on a base of marketing knowledge and experience. It provides a way for business professionals to gain valuable marketing knowledge and for current marketing professionals to refine and refresh their skills.

If a student completes the Strategic Marketing Graduate Certificate and wishes to pursue their master's degree in business administration, these courses can be applied toward the master's degree.

Upcoming Events

Contact Information

Graduate & Professional Studies Admission

gpsadmission@stonehill.edu
508-565-1600
Meehan – 101

Graduate & Professional Studies Admission assists students as they explore graduate and professional opportunities offered at Stonehill College. 

Kristin M. McGillicuddy

Kristin M. McGillicuddy

Professor of Practice in Graduate Marketing and Director, Graduate Business Administration Program Director
kmcgillicuddy@stonehill.edu
508-565-1147
Duffy 285
Graduate Studies

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