The Marketing Map | College of Business and Economics

A colorful, winding board-game-style curriculum map titled 'The Marketing Map' from Western Washington University, showing the student journey from 'Start' to 'Finish' through various marketing courses and milestones

Made by students, for students.

The Marketing GPS: How to Use

“The Marketing Map” begins with completing foundation courses. Ensure prerequisites are met when planning core and advanced courses.
Use the content switcher to switch between sections 1-4 of the map. Each section of the map corresponds to the section resources below the map.
Use this map in conjunction with the “Marketing Plan of Study.” It has useful tips when planning when to take certain courses. Download the plan of study below!
Disclaimer: This is not set in stone. Talk to an advisor.

Click to Download the “Marketing Plan of Study”

The first section of the WWU Marketing Map curriculum roadmap, showing a winding trail of colorful blocks starting from the 'Start' block and moving through introductory foundation courses, student club milestones, and early business core requirements.

The second section of the WWU Marketing Map curriculum roadmap, continuing the student trail through intermediate core courses, marketing electives, and operations management.

The third and final section of the WWU Marketing Map curriculum roadmap, tracking the path through advanced core requirements, final electives, and a capstone course leading to graduation at the 'Finish!' block

Download “The Marketing Map” to use alongside the marketing concentration plan of study.

Click to Download “The Marketing Map” PDF

Section 1 Resources

The following information includes student-made descriptions for marketing classes and events.

Foundation Classes

For more information about foundation courses, refer to the marketing concentration plan of study or the marketing concentration catalog.

Core Classes

MKTG 380 - Principles of Marketing Credits: 4

Discover what customers want, spot market opportunities, and learn how products, pricing, promotion, and distribution work together to create smart marketing strategies.

Prerequisites: ACCT 240; and ECON 206 or HNRS 209.

BUS 310 - Introduction to Professional & Career Readiness Credits: 1

Students explore careers that match their interests while receiving personalized advice and feedback. Workshops on networking, interviewing, professionalism, and etiquette help build the skills and confidence needed to pursue their future career goals.

Prerequisites: Major or pre-major status

BUS 410 - Professional & Career Readiness as a College Graduate Credits: 1

This class helps students reflect on and showcase the professional and career readiness experiences completed through their CBE program while preparing for future career opportunities. We recommend taking this course near the end of your senior year.

Prerequisites: BUS 310

DSCI 305 - Applied Business Statistics and Analytics Credits: 4

Learn how to turn data into smart business decisions using visualization, predictions, statistics, and computer software tools.

Prerequisites: MATH 157 or MATH 124 or MATH 138; and DSCI 205.

FIN 341 - Principles of Finance Credits: 4

Learn how money works in business, from investing and valuing stocks and bonds to managing risk, planning finances, and making smart decisions about growth and capital.

Prerequisites: Sophomore status. ACCT 245, DSCI 205, MIS 220 or equivalent.

MGMT 311 - Introduction to Management and Organizational Behavior Credits:4

Explore how organizations work by looking at behavior, communication, power, and leadership, plus how values and philosophy shape workplace culture and decision-making.

Prerequisites: N/ A

MIS 320 - Principles of Management Information Systems Credits:4

Learn how Management Information Systems (MIS) support managers by turning data into decisions, using systems thinking, planning tools, and real-world tech practices.

Prerequisites: MIS 220 or equivalent

OPS 360 - Operations Management Credits:4

Learn how businesses design and improve operations for covering planning, forecasting, inventory, quality control, lean systems, and project management to keep everything running efficiently.

Prerequisites: DSCI 205, ACCT 245, C- or better; spreadsheet competency

Marketing Program Events

Student Marketing Association (SMA)

Join an amazing community of like-minded marketers at WWU! SMA hosts workshops, guest speakers, and other fun events. They meet once a week on Wednesday, from 6:30-7:30 PM.

Career Launch/Holiday Mixer Event

The Career Launch opens the door for current students to gain insights from established alumni in the field. The students are invited to the digital marketing agency "New Engen" to visit in small groups with panelists and rotate. After the career launch, enjoy the more casual "Holiday Mixer" networking event for current marketing students and alumni!

Marketing Case Competition Event

Students compete in the marketing case competition to solve real business world problems within groups to win prizes. Students foster real growth, career tools/ development, and community within the program.

Finance and Marketing Department Student Canvas

The department offers a centralized way to discover events, access career opportunities, and build their professional experience. As a pre-major in CBE, you are automatically enrolled in this course, so check your Canvas!

Marketing Department Advising Page

The Marketing department's advising helps students navigate academic requirements, plan coursework for finance or marketing degrees, and connect with faculty for career mentorship.

Click for Marketing Advising

Section 2 Resources

The following information includes student-made descriptions for marketing classes and events.

Required Marketing Concentration Cources

MKTG 381 - Fundamentals of Market Research Credits: 4

Learn how to uncover what people really want and use data to make big moves that matter. This course is designed to be taken alongside MKTG 382. Since it's your key to unlocking all our exciting electives, try to take these 2 courses as soon as you become a full marketing major!

Prerequisites: Majors Only. MKTG 380; co-requisite MKTG 382

MKTG 382 - Consumer Behavior Credits: 4

Dive into the psychology of "why" to understand the secret forces (from culture to motivation) that drive every purchase. This course is designed to be taken alongside MKTG 382. Try to take these courses as soon as you become a full marketing major after MKTG 380!

Prerequisites: Majors Only. MKTG 380; co-requisite MKTG 381

MKTG 489 - Marketing Management & Strategy Credits: 4

This is your capstone! Learn about how marketing teams create and implement marketing strategies. In this class, you focus on the "big picture" of what makes firms successful, and you'll dive into the strategies that differentiate businesses through distinct value propositions.

Prerequisites: Majors Only. MKTG 381; MKTG 382; and two 400-level marketing courses (excluding MKTG 480 and MKTG 490)

Marketing Electives (Pick 4)

MKTG 471 - Sports Marketing Credits: 4

Get in the game and explore the high-energy world of sports business through sponsorships and fan research! From stadium branding to pro-team promotions, you'll learn exactly how to build the athletic brands you love.

Prerequisites: Majors Only

MKTG 473 - Innovation Credits: 4

This course gives you the tools to turn a "what if" into a market-ready success story by mastering the art of commercialization. You'll dive into real-world business cases to explore the frameworks that bring ground-breaking products and brands to life.

Prerequisites: Majors Only, MKTG 381; 382

MKTG 474 - Marketing Strategies for Sustainability Credits: 4

Join the movement to make marketing a force for good by learning how to build and promote eco-friendly products. You'll master cool tools like "design-for-environment" and green supply chains to help brands protect the planet while they grow. It's the perfect spot to align your future career with your values.