Marketing

The Marketing, Sales & Services pathway introduces students to the world of business through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. From foundational marketing principles to advanced business strategies and real-world retail operations, students gain valuable insight into how businesses operate and succeed. Courses explore topics such as human relations, advertising, entrepreneurship, and business management.

Students have the unique opportunity to operate student-run stores and take on roles as employees and managers, learning practical skills in customer service, inventory, and accounting. Participation in DECA, a national student association for marketing students, is highly encouraged. DECA offers leadership development, competitive events, scholarships, and recognition at the state and national levels. This pathway is ideal for students interested in business, leadership, or launching their own ventures.

Courses in this Pathway

Introduction to Marketing

Location: Bellevue High School, Newport High School, Sammamish High School

Students will be introduced to business practices with an emphasis on day-to-day operations. Topics include business concepts, psychology and sociology of marketing and promotion, human relations, sales and advertising. All Marketing students are encouraged to join DECA, the national student association for business and marketing. Through DECA, students have the opportunity to attend conferences, compete, earn scholarships, and gain state and national recognition.

Advanced Marketing and Entrepreneurship

Location: Bellevue High School, Newport High School

This class provides a more in-depth study of topics introduced in the Marketing and Business class. New topics are introduced including basic economics; business and marketing research; operations and human relations. DECA is a major part of this class, and projects developed will be used in DECA competitions. All Marketing students are encouraged to join DECA, the national student association for business and marketing. Through DECA, students have the opportunity to attend conferences, compete, earn scholarships, and gain state and national recognition

Retail Management – Student Store

Location: Bellevue High School, Interlake High School, Newport High School, Sammamish High School

Students will learn how to run a small business by operating the student store. Students will take the role of employees and managers and will be responsible for all aspects of store operation, including staffing, supervision, store maintenance, cash register and money handling procedures, customer service, purchasing, and inventory management and accounting. DECA is a part of this class, and skills developed can be used in DECA competitions.

Post-Secondary Opportunities

Bachelor's Degree Programs:

Washington State University (WSU): Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a major in Marketing. This program provides comprehensive training in sales, advertising, promotion, retail management, marketing research, pricing, and new product introduction.
University of Washington (UW) – Foster School of Business: Provides various business-related bachelor's degrees, including Marketing, focusing on principles of segmentation, targeting, positioning, and differentiation.
Western Washington University (WWU): Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing, emphasizing strategic marketing skills and practical experience.
Central Washington University (CWU): Provides a Bachelor of Science in Business and Marketing Education, preparing students for teaching business and marketing courses at the secondary level.

Associate Degree and Certificate Programs:

Bellevue College: Offers a Digital Marketing program, including bachelor's and associate degrees, as well as professional certificates. This program is noted as the only one of its kind in Washington State.
Tacoma Community College: Provides a Customer Service Certificate, which can be a stand-alone option or applied to the Marketing Certificate and the Associate of Applied Science degree.
Seattle University: Offers a Marketing Certificate program focusing on key principles such as segmentation and positioning, designed for individuals seeking to enhance their marketing expertise.

Online Programs:

WSU Global Campus: Offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a major in Marketing, providing flexibility for students who prefer remote learning.

Careers in this Pathway

Digital Marketing

Digital Marketing Specialist – Handles online campaigns, SEO, email marketing, social media, etc.
SEO/SEM Specialist – Optimizes content for search engines or manages paid search campaigns.
Social Media Manager – Runs social media accounts, creates content, engages with followers.
Content Marketer – Writes blogs, articles, ebooks, and more to attract and retain customers.
Email Marketing Manager – Builds and manages email campaigns and subscriber lists.

Creative & Content

Copywriter – Writes ads, emails, web copy, product descriptions, etc.
Graphic Designer – Designs visuals for ads, social media, websites, and more.
Content Strategist – Plans and coordinates the creation of content across platforms.

Data & Analytics

Marketing Analyst – Analyzes campaign performance and customer data to guide strategy.
CRM Specialist – Manages customer data and communications to improve relationships and retention.

Strategy & Management

Marketing Manager – Oversees campaigns, coordinates teams, and manages budgets.
Brand Manager – Ensures brand messaging is consistent and strong across channels.
Product Marketing Manager – Connects product development with marketing to position and launch products.

Traditional/Offline Marketing

Event Coordinator/Manager – Plans and runs events, trade shows, product launches, etc.
Public Relations Specialist – Builds relationships with media, manages company reputation, writes press releases.