Marketing Frequently Asked Questions

You must declare a major by completing a major request form in the College of Business Undergraduate Advising and Student Resources office, Barsema Hall 201. When you apply to NIU, you're asked your "intended" major. This is not the same as declaring your major. If you're not sure if you completed a major request form, ask your academic advisor.

Regardless of your major, you can minor in marketing to enhance your skills in preparation for entry-level career opportunities.

You can have a career in fields such as advertising, interactive marketing, marketing research, product/brand management, public relations, retailing, sales and sales promotion. You are strongly advised to take courses in your interested area of study, to become active in a professional student organization and participate in at least one internship. Entry-level positions for NIU marketing graduates include sales, interactive marketing, marketing research and retailing management.

The Department of Marketing recognizes sophomore, junior, and senior majors with scholarships each academic year. All students are encouraged to apply for scholarships through the NIU MyScholarships system by January 31st each year. To qualify for most marketing awards, majors need a minimum 2.75 GPA, some level of campus involvement and/or work experience, and show leadership within the classroom or across campus.

To honor scholarship recipients and donors, the Marketing Student Advisory Board hosts an annual awards banquet during the spring semester.

Freshman and sophomore business majors who are working on their business foundation requirements should meet with their assigned advisor in the Undergraduate Advising and Student Resources office, Barsema Hall 201.

Junior and senior marketing majors who have completed their business foundation requirements are eligible to meet with Emily Cronauer, Marketing Advisor (located in BH 128E).

It is recommended that you meet with your academic advisor early each semester.

All NIU business majors are required to complete College of Business foundation coursework. Specific B.S. in Marketing requirements are listed in the NIU Undergraduate Catalog. Check with your advisor to make sure you are following the correct catalog year.

There are numerous career paths for students in marketing. Marketing majors are encouraged to select specific coursework within their program that develops skills related to their future career interests in an areas that are in-demand. The NIU Department of Marketing has focused areas of study in the following areas.

• Professional sales
• Digital marketing

Catalog course descriptions may be found in the course catalog.

All NIU students should seek out internship opportunities asap. Huskies Get Hired is a job posting board supported by NIU Career Services. Each semester NIU hosts a University-wide Job & Internship Fair, and marketing majors are also emailed regularly with opportunities from their academic advisor.

Junior and senior marketing majors can earn academic credit for their marketing-related internships. Check with the marketing advisor for more information on how to earn credit for your experience.

The Marketing Student Portfolio is a collection of assignments you'll prepare to showcase your skills and learning as they relate to marketing concepts. You're encouraged to use your portfolio during the job interview process.

Students can register for classes via MyNIU during their scheduled enrollment date (also available in MyNIU). For help with a MKTG course contact Emily Cronauer, Marketing Advisor, at ecronauer@niu.edu.

Choose the "Search for Classes" option on MyNIU and then click "Search."

Marketing majors should reach out to their academic advisor for any questions related to graduation. Seniors can apply to graduate via MyNIU once they have completed 90 semester hours.