At the heart of marketing is strategy. How does a business create, promote and sell a product that solves a problem for a consumer? Marketing is an active component of every business and is especially vital for entrepreneurs who solve consumer problems with the products they create. Effective marketers in the 21st century need a holistic understanding of how to make that possible and reach audiences and customers around the world.
At Cornerstone University, we take a multifaceted approach to your marketing degree. In addition, you will also build your faith and come to understand the ethics of stewarding your resources as a marketer. Here, you’ll learn that marketing is more than sales and advertising—it’s a journey that provides people with what they need. You will graduate with a comprehensive understanding of marketing that will drive your career forward, from understanding the buyer’s journey and marketing research to creating customers who are loyal to your brand.
As a marketing major, you will be cultivated by inspiring professors who have experience in marketing. They’ll take your learning outside the classroom and challenge you to apply what you’ve learned to real-world scenarios and internships. You’ll become a resilient contender in your field, whether you are drawn to the creative, the strategic or the analytical aspect of marketing.
As an influencer for Christ in marketing, you will lead with integrity and purpose no matter where your calling takes you. Equipped with knowledge in project management, brand awareness and content creation, you will graduate prepared to take on the challenges you’ll face in marketing. By using your God-given skills, you can build and collaborate with teams and thrive together.
Careers
Every business needs good marketers. At Cornerstone, we’re in the business of cultivating tomorrow’s business leaders. Take a look at a few of the opportunities available to our graduates.
Opportunities
Marketing manager
Social media manager
Sales representative
Brand or product manager
Digital marketing manager
Event planner
Marketing research analyst
Internships
As a student at Cornerstone University, you’ll be challenged to take on an internship in your field of study as part of your program. Take a look at some of our local business partners who help you gain critical experience.
Opportunities
Steelcase
Meijer
Our Daily Bread Ministries
Gordon Food Service
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Cornerstone marketing majors have the opportunity to qualify for advanced standing in our Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. This gives you the option to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as few as five years.
95%
Of our 2019 marketing graduates were employed within six months of graduation.
100%
Of students participate in internship or practicum experiences.
Envision New Ideas
A degree in marketing from Cornerstone helps you see the big picture—where marketing has been and where it’s going. And you’ll learn this by actively participating in it—by interning in downtown Grand Rapids, traveling to international businesses and interacting with seasoned professionals.
Program Features and Learning Outcomes
The marketing degree at Cornerstone provides an in-depth understanding of how marketing operates in a variety of different contexts, including research, consumer behavior and strategies.
Study Abroad Opportunities
As a Cornerstone business student, you will have the opportunity to study abroad in places such as Dubai and the Netherlands. While there, you will learn how to combine your faith with business in the global marketplace.
Program Learning Outcomes
The marketing program reflects our commitment to developing students’ knowledge, skills and attitudes in five distinct yet interconnected areas.
Specialized Knowledge
Demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency in the terminology, theories, concepts, practices and skills specific to the field of marketing.
Exhibit competency in demonstrating both reasoning and analytical skills in determining optimal outcomes in contemporary marketing situations.
Applied Knowledge and Collaborative Learning
Understand the domestic and international marketplace from internal, external and Christian worldview perspectives including market roles and realities, legal and regulatory environment, economic theory and forces, financial influences and outcomes, management strategies, price system/consumer behavior, supply/demand, domestic and international regulation/marketplace, management (four functions), marketing in contemporary society and financial/accounting statements.
Demonstrate ethical leadership and proficiency in analyzing, organizing and executing basic business strategy through interpretive, interactive and innovative marketplace action in response to internal and external environments. This includes knowledge of analytic tools (gather/gain meaning from data), effective business communication methodology (oral, written and other industry-specific), business plan artifacts (financial, etc.), marketing strategy (five Ps), teamwork, leadership and innovation/entrepreneurship.
Intellectual Skills
Demonstrate your ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, information literacy, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.
Civic and Global Learning
Demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues.
Biblical Worldview Integration
Articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues.
CU is dedicated to continuously improving our academic programs to provide you with the skills needed to reach your career goals. Signifying this, our bachelor’s and master’s business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
I chose Cornerstone because the culture surrounding academics and faith really resonated with me. I saw how important community was and how invested everyone was, from students to faculty and staff, and wanted to be a part of it.
James Hanisch (’22)
Faculty
CU professors are devoted to the success of our students. Select a faculty member to learn more about their campus involvement, research interests and teaching responsibilities.