Marketing today has evolved from what it used to be; it’s become a science. With data, algorithms, and technology shaping today’s strategies, it’s little surprise that the field is now considered a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) career. Even the U.S. Department of Labor recognises this shift, placing search marketing strategists in the same category as technical positions such as cybersecurity experts and biostatisticians.
This new reality is why business professionals like Ghadeer Alamro from Saudi Arabia are investing in advanced education to stay competitive. After receiving multiple offers, she chose Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business for its MS in Marketing.
Source: Drexel University, LeBow College of Business
Marketing, reinvented for the evolving global industry
Drexel’s LeBow College of Business is a top-ranked, AACSB-accredited school with internationally recognised faculty. Located in Philadelphia, a hub for technology and innovation, LeBow offers many graduate programs with STEM-designated concentrations, including a master’s degree in marketing, that enable international students with an F-1 visa to apply for a 24-month Optional Practical Training extension.
LeBow’s MS in Marketing students start with an introductory course that provides “an overview of sub-disciplines like marketing strategy, digital marketing, consumer behavior, and branding,” says Lawrence Duke, a clinical professor and faculty advisor to the MS in Marketing.
Two STEM-designated concentrations, digital marketing technology and marketing technology and analytics, are available, fusing emerging technologies into marketing practice to ensure students are well-prepared for versatile and specialized career paths.
Additionally, the MS in Marketing features a new course, “Marketing Technology and Automation,” that walks students through a business’s marketing technology platform selection process, from identifying business needs to evaluating options and making recommendations, preparing them to lead in product and technology roles.
Real data. Real impact.
Success as a modern marketer relies on both theory and real-world application. That’s why LeBow’s MS in Marketing supplements its curriculum with hands-on experience in key areas of marketing strategy. Students develop marketing plans that integrate consumer psychology, use data analytics to predict return on investment (ROI) and customer lifetime value, and examine real-world case studies to understand market trends.
Many of these take place in LeBow’s Behavioral Lab, home to advanced tools like eye-tracking devices, neurological monitors, and biometric sensors. “My coursework has given me a deep understanding of market analysis, consumer behavior, and strategic campaign planning,” says Alamro, the MS in Marketing student from Saudi Arabia.
“Through group projects and case studies, I’ve built essential teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Most importantly, I’ve had the chance to apply my knowledge in real-world scenarios, giving me the confidence to tackle today’s challenging marketing industry.”
In the “Marketing Technology and Automation” course, students identify business needs, pick a marketing technology vendor, and pitch their proposal to C-suite executives. The aim is to help students build practical know-how that strengthens their applications for careers in marketing and consulting.
Whether you join a learning community or take on a leadership role, there are plenty of opportunities to grow and connect at LeBow. Source: Drexel University, LeBow College of Business
A community that cares
LeBow’s faculty members serve as mentors, offering guidance and professional development opportunities. In Alamro’s case, Professor Michael Howley’s unique teaching style and industry expertise inspired her to approach marketing with creativity and strategic thinking.
And that support didn’t stop at the classroom door. When Alamro found herself juggling midterms while welcoming a newborn, her professors stepped up to help. “They offered deadline extensions and encouragement, making it possible to focus on both my academics and my family,” she says.
But it’s not just the professors who make a difference. There’s an entire team working behind the scenes to ensure the well-being and success of LeBow students. “Our administrative colleagues at Graduate Student Services offer tailored academic advising, goal-setting workshops, and career counseling,” explains Duke. “With regular progress check-ins, peer support, and skill-building resources, we ensure students stay on track.”
Alamro is most grateful for her advisor, Molly Barber, for keeping her on track and giving her the confidence to balance life and school. She notes, “No matter where I am in my journey, I know I can rely on LeBow’s resources and support systems.”
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