Enquire to study in the UK 
After completing his undergraduate degree, Yash Chitravanshi worked in brand marketing for over three years. Eventually, he decided to pursue a master’s degree as he believed an advanced qualification was key to a successful career. His goal was to broaden his marketing knowledge beyond brand strategy and gain a holistic understanding of the field. This level of expertise, he believed, would be crucial for informed decision-making — especially if he were to serve as a Chief Marketing Officer one day.
Enter Purdue University‘s Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business — the ultimate springboard for aspirants like Chitravanshi. “Daniels School of Business has prepared me to become a successful marketer through its diverse and comprehensive curriculum, as well as the individual’s practical experience and skills gained through internships and consulting projects,” he says.
The school’s Master of Science in Marketing (MSM) programme, ranked 6th in North America by QS in 2022, stands out for its forward-thinking approach. This STEM-designated degree empowers students to become data-driven marketing maestros, fusing creativity with analytical prowess. It equips them with the latest marketing technologies and fundamentals, preparing them for success in consulting, product development, pricing, and more.
Spanning 33 credit hours and offering completion options within 10 or 18 months, the curriculum has a robust focus on analytics, communication, and strategy. Chitravanshi especially appreciates its inclusion of building strategy and management to analytics, research, communication, and behaviour.
“Currently, at the business school, I have completed a diverse range of coursework in marketing, including Marketing Management, Marketing Analytics, Analytics for Marketing Managers, Brand Management, Digital Marketing Strategy, Market Research, New Product Development, Analytics for Social Media, Pricing Strategy, Persuasive Communication, Data-Driven Marketing, Consumer Behavior, and Industry Project Consulting,” he shares.
In class assignments, MSM students are often grouped among individuals from diverse backgrounds and professional experiences, which enhances perspectives and improves outcomes. Source: Purdue University
Notably, Purdue’s MSM is a pioneer in integrating cloud computing, data visualisation, and machine learning directly into the marketing curriculum, ensuring students are well-versed in in-demand skills. Indeed, the programme stays ahead of the curve by constantly updating its courses to reflect the latest trends in data-driven marketing — a perk that benefits upskillers like Avni Arora. “Even though I had already been working in the industry for four years, I was still able to enhance my technical and soft skills,” says the graduate.
It’s clear the MSM isn’t a one-size-fits-all programme. It provides a solid foundation in core marketing principles while allowing students to tailor their education through electives. Arora, for example, opted for courses alongside Business Analytics and Information Management students and several analytics-focused classes, aligning her path with her career aspirations as a marketing analyst.
Practical application and industry exposure
MSM lessons often go beyond theoretical knowledge. The coursework emphasises practical case studies, nurturing the business and analytical mindset employers seek. Students are exposed to the latest technologies used in the industry, such as R programming, Python, SQL, and software like Amazon AWS, Qualtrics, and Tableau. This exposure makes graduates industry-ready and allows them to confidently apply for roles requiring specific skill sets. Such exposure played a pivotal role in Chitravanshi’s job search.
“The projects I executed were critical in my selection process as I was able to quote real-world examples from the subjects that I had studied and also explained their implementation,” Chitravanshi says. “I believe this helped my application process as it bolstered my position as a holistic marketer. For the positions I did not have professional experience in, it gave me the experience, talking points, and a lot of credibility.”
Arora agrees. “The coursework goes beyond preparing us for the present; its emphasis on practical case studies nurtures a business and analytical mindset that is highly sought after in the industry,” she says.
Purdue University encourages its students to apply knowledge through paid opportunities and class trips to bustling cities. Source: Purdue University
Networking and career advancement
The school organises corporate visits to cities like Chicago, providing students with valuable networking opportunities with businesses and alumni in marketing — connections that can be instrumental in securing future employment. It goes a step further by offering opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications such as Marketing Analytics Certification, AWS Certification, Salesforce Certification, and Tableau Data Visualisation Certification — all at no additional cost. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, adding significant value to a graduate’s resume.
Participation in school-wide case competitions like the Data 4 Good Case Competition further enhances portfolios. This elite competition challenges students to use data, technology, and research to solve real-world problems. It provides practical experience and connects participants to leading data analytics organisations through credentialing and networking opportunities.
Beyond the core curriculum, the MSM unlocks participation in The Marketing Lab, run by Professor Jinsuh Lee. It offers a valuable part-time opportunity for learners to gain practical marketing experience while pursuing their studies. This on-campus programme allows students to work 10-20 hours per week, potentially offsetting tuition costs. In the process, they gain valuable experience in areas like customer base analysis, search engine optimisation, and customer acquisition.
With all of this in mind, it’s easy to understand why Purdue graduates are well-positioned for success. 84% of the Class of 2022 landed employment within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of US$100,583.
Sold? Learn more about the Master of Science in Marketing.
Follow Purdue Business on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube
