Option in Marketing

The Bachelor of Science in Marketing program at California State University is designed to prepare students for successful careers in the dynamic and competitive field of marketing. This comprehensive program combines fundamental business principles with specialized marketing strategies, equipping students with the skills necessary to analyze markets, develop effective marketing plans, and execute campaigns across various platforms. Throughout the course of study, students explore topics such as consumer behavior, digital marketing, advertising, branding, market research, and sales management, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and ethical decision-making, ensuring graduates are capable of adapting to the rapidly evolving marketing landscape. In addition to classroom instruction, the program offers opportunities for internships and industry partnerships, enabling students to apply their learning in real-world settings and build professional networks. The faculty members are experienced professionals and scholars committed to mentoring students and fostering innovative thinking. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in marketing management, digital marketing, advertising agencies, retail, consulting firms, and other related fields. The program’s strong emphasis on current industry trends and technological advancements prepares students to meet the demands of a globalized economy and a digitally connected marketplace. By completing this program, students will gain a solid foundation in business principles, develop specialized marketing expertise, and enhance their communication, analytical, and leadership skills to succeed in a variety of marketing roles.

Lower Division Requirements (21-22 units)

ACCT 210 Financial Accounting (3)
ACCT 220 Managerial Accounting (3)
BUS 110 Business Law (3)
COMP 101 Computer Literacy (3)
ECON 110 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
ECON 111 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
Select either:
MATH 140 Calculus for Business Applications (3)
or
MATH 150 Calculus I (4)

Upper Division Required Major Courses (36 units)

ACCT 300 Applied Managerial Accounting (3)
BUS 320 Business Operations (3)
ECON 310 Intermediate Microeconomics (3)
ECON 311 Intermediate Macroeconomics (3)

Select one of the following courses:

ENGL 330 Interdisciplinary Writing (3)
or
ENGL 482 Technical and Business Writing (3) 
or
ENGL 483 Technical Visual Communication (3)

Complete the following:
FIN 300 Business Finance (3)
MATH 329 Statistics for Business and Economics (3)
MGT 307 Management of Organizations (3)
MGT 326 Scientific and Professional Ethics (BIOL) (3)
MIS 310 Management Information Systems (3)
MKT 310 Principles of Marketing (3)
BUS 499 Capstone (3)*

* A student must complete these 5 courses before enrolling in BUS 499.
ACCT 300
FIN 300
MATH 329
ECON 310/329 (either ECON310 or ECON329)
ECON 311/320 (either ECON311 or ECON320)

* A student may take two courses from the list below concurrently with BUS 499.
BUS 320
MIS 310
ENGL 330/482/483 (select one from the three)
MGT 307
MGT/BIOL 326
MKT 310

* For Bus 499 please fill out and complete form below and e-mail to john-andrew.morris@csuci.edu

Bus 499 Permission Form (MS Word, 50.5KB)

Upper Division Interdisciplinary Major Courses (6 units)

BUS 331 Biotechnology in the Twenty-First Century (BIOL) (3)
BUS 334 The Business of Art (ART) (3)
BUS 335 Business and the Performing Arts (PA) (3)
BUS 340 Business and Economics in American Literature (ECON/ENGL) (3)
BUS 341 Drug Discovery and Development (CHEM/ECON) (3) (may double count in the Entrepreneur Option)
BUS 342 The Zoo: Conservation, Education and Recreation (BIOL/ECON/EDUC) (3)
BUS 344 The Library: Collections, Services and Instruction (ECON/EDUC/LIB) (3)
BUS 349 History of Business and Economics in North America (ECON/HIST) (3)
BUS 434 The Museum: Culture, Business and Education (ART/EDUC) (3)
ECON 343 Capital Theory (FIN) (3)

Option (15 units)

Students may select one of the following options:
To complete the elective requirements indicated below, choose any upper division course from ACCT, BUS, ECON, FIN, MGT, MKT or MIS not already used in the major. (Not applicable to the Management Option)

Entrepreneurship Option
BUS 341 Drug Discovery and Development (CHEM/ECON)(3)
MGT 325 Entrepreneurial Management (3)

Select three of the following:
ECON 411 Economics of Entrepreneurship (3)
MGT 424 Organizational Behavior (PSY) (3)
MKT 411 New Product Development and Management (3)

Electives (3)
 

Finance Option
FIN 410 Financial Markets and Institutions (3)
FIN 411 Corporate Finance Management (3)
FIN 412 International Financial Management (3)
FIN 413 Investment Analysis (3)
Electives (3)
 

Global Business Option
MGT 410 Management of International Business (3)
MKT 410 International Marketing Management (3)

Select three from the following:
ECON 470 The World Economy (3)
ECON 471 International Trade (3)
ECON 472 International Macroeconomics (3)
FIN 412 International Finance Management (3)
MGT 471 Project Management (3)
Electives (3)
 

Management Option
MGT 410 Management of International Business (3)
MGT 421 Human Resource Management (3)
MGT 424 Organizational Behavior (PSY) (3)

Select two from the following:
MGT 325 Entrepreneurial Management (3)
MGT 429 Program Management (3)
MGT 471 Project Management (3)
MGT 490 Special Topics (3)
MGT 492 Service Learning/Internship (1-3)
MGT 497 Directed Study (1-3)
 

Marketing Option
MKT 311 Consumer Behavior (3)
MKT 409 Marketing Research (3)
MKT 410 International Marketing Management (3)
MKT 411 New Product Development and Management (3)

Electives (3)

Required Supporting and Other GE Courses (57 units)

Upper Division Interdisciplinary course outside
Business Major (3)
American Institutions (6)
Other GE Courses in Categories A-E (39)
Free Electives (8-9)

International Undergraduate Admission Requirements

The process for freshmen and transfer students is the same; however, as a transfer student additional criteria must be met. This additional criteria is marked with an *.

International Checklist & Application

International Freshmen Checklist  

International Transfer Checklist 

Financial Affidavit for Undergraduate applicants 

Submit all application documents to the Center for International Affairs. 

*Transfer Students: We are currently accepting applications from all community colleges in the U.S.  Please make sure that you have at least 60 units and have completed “Oral communication”, “Written communication”, “Critical thinking” and “College level mathematics/quantitative reasoning” with “C” or better.  Please note that the Nursing programs are closed for international students.  

English Score

Submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or other acceptable test (see below for list of tests).  Scores must be sent directly to CSUCI from testing agency.

Acceptable English Placement Exams

TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language with a minimum Paper-Based score of 500, a minimum Computer Based score of 173 or a minimum Internet Based score of 61.

IELTS – International English Language Test System with an overall band score of 6.0.

The California State University offers a variety of financial aid options for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Prospective students can apply for federal and state grants, such as the Federal Pell Grant, California Need-Based Grant, and other scholarship opportunities dedicated to undergraduate students. The university also provides work-study programs, enabling students to gain work experience while earning income to support their studies. In addition to need-based aid, students are encouraged to explore private scholarships and external funding sources to help offset tuition costs and other educational expenses.

California State University prioritizes affordability and access, providing transparent information on tuition fees and associated costs through its official website. The current in-state tuition rate is competitive compared to other universities in California, and out-of-state students may have different fee structures. Financial aid applications are processed through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available annually and provides the basis for determining eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Students interested in financing their education are also advised to consider federal student loans, which offer fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options. The university's financial aid office offers counseling services, assisting students with scholarship applications, loan management, and planning affordable payment options. Furthermore, many students combine multiple financial sources, including scholarships, grants, loans, and personal savings, to fund their studies.

The university provides resources for prospective and current students to help them understand the full scope of financial support available, including informational seminars and one-on-one advising. Additionally, California State University has partnerships with various organizations and foundations that offer specialized scholarship programs tailored to marketing and business students.

Overall, the financing of the Marketing degree program at California State University is designed to be accessible and manageable through a combination of federal, state, institutional, and private funding opportunities. Students are encouraged to start their financial planning early by exploring all available options, ensuring they can pursue their educational goals without undue financial hardship.

The Bachelor of Science in Marketing at California State University offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of marketing, preparing them for diverse careers in the dynamic field of commerce. This program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, strategic planning, and effective communication skills necessary for successful marketing professionals. Students engage with core topics such as consumer behavior, marketing research, digital marketing, advertising, branding, and sales management. The curriculum is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience through case studies, projects, internships, and collaborations with industry partners. Students also learn about ethical considerations in marketing, global markets, and the use of emerging technologies. The program aims to nurture innovative and ethical marketing practitioners ready to adapt to changing market trends and technological advancements. Graduates typically find opportunities in various sectors including retail, technology, healthcare, entertainment, and nonprofit organizations. The program often includes opportunities for specialization within marketing, allowing students to focus on areas like digital marketing, content creation, or international marketing. California State University's strong network of industry connections supports students through internship placements and employment opportunities post-graduation. Overall, the Bachelor of Science in Marketing at CSU provides a rigorous and practical education designed to prepare students for successful careers in the competitive and evolving marketing landscape.