Huntington University is offering a new Bachelor of Science in marketing degree beginning this fall.

The marketing degree will be offered through the university's business and economics department. Classes will focus on the principles of marketing, salesmanship, market research, consumer behavior, business communication, financial management and advertising and promotion. Enrollment is currently under way.

"Marketing is one of the foundational building blocks of any successful business," says Jim O'Donnell, professor of business and economics and executive-in-residence. "At Huntington, we offer a wonderful combination of both theory and practice from people who have been out in the trenches of marketing."

The program will have its foundation in basic business and marketing practices, but will expand upon those concepts to prepare students for a 21st Century workplace, such as using social media sites for promotional purposes.

"Students are going to be exposed to people who have real ‘street knowledge' of marketing who can provide practical experience in addition to the educational experience," says David McEowen, associate professor of business.

McEowen and O'Donnell have more than 50 years of marketing experience between them at companies such as Fidelity Investments, Dreyfus and Fuji USA.

"We have the talent and some of the bridges built. This just provides us with yet another opportunity to prepare students to impact the world for Christ," says Anita Wickersham, associate professor of business and accounting and department chair.

For more information about the marketing degree, contact Wickersham at 359-4227.