Marketing Communications

Launch Your Career in Dynamic Marketing: Blend Creativity with Strategy

Students studyng in common area

Program Overview

Are you passionate about creating compelling marketing messages? The Marketing Communications program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is your launchpad to a thrilling career in this dynamic field. This program blends creativity with strategy, teaching you how to craft messages that resonate with audiences. Whether it is advertising, public relations, or digital media, you will explore all facets of marketing communications.

Our program goes beyond theory, immersing you in real-world projects and interactions with industry professionals. From developing marketing campaigns to understanding consumer behavior, you will gain hands-on experience employers value. Flexible class schedules allow you to balance your studies with other commitments, making your educational journey both manageable and enjoyable.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Applied Science

Advanced Technical Certificate

Intermediate Technical Certificate

Basic Technical Certificate

Academic Certificate

Time to Complete

0.5 – 2 years

Primary Location

Marketing students having a discussion in a classroom

Learning Opportunities

  • Campaign Creators: Master the art of developing engaging marketing campaigns, learning to capture audience attention and drive action.
  • Trend Trackers: Dive into consumer behavior analysis, keeping pace with evolving market trends to shape effective strategies.
  • Real-World Ready: Engage directly with industry professionals on projects, gaining invaluable practical experience in the marketing field.
  • Multimedia Mastery: Acquire a versatile skill set in digital media, advertising, and public relations, preparing you for diverse roles in marketing.
  • Portfolio Builders: Craft a professional portfolio highlighting your creative talent and showcasing your journey and achievements in marketing communications.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Marketing Communications – Associate of Applied Science Degree

Marketing Communications – Advanced Technical Certificate

Marketing Communications – Intermediate Technical Certificate

Digital Marketing – Basic Technical Certificate

Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management – Academic Certificate

Instructor leading marketing presentation

Career Opportunities

  • General and Operations Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.

    1137

    Annual Openings*

    $29.70

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $61,776

    Annual Median Salary

    19.1%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Managers, All Other

    All managers not listed separately.

    279

    Annual Openings*

    $24.55

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $51,064

    Annual Median Salary

    39.33%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Management Analysts

    Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants. Excludes “Computer Systems Analysts” (15-1211) and “Operations Research Analysts” (15-2031).

    277

    Annual Openings*

    $31.82

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $66,186

    Annual Median Salary

    30.51%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Project Management Specialists

    Analyze and coordinate the schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing, and budget of a product or service on a per project basis. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. May serve as a point of contact for the client or customer. Excludes “Management Occupations” (11-0000), “Logisticians” (13-1081), “Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners” (13-1121), and “Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks” (43-5061).

    226

    Annual Openings*

    $36.96

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $76,877

    Annual Median Salary

    34.14%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Business Operations Specialists, All Other

    All business operations specialists not listed separately.

    225

    Annual Openings*

    $34.94

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $72,675

    Annual Median Salary

    31.98%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Construction Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.

    164

    Annual Openings*

    $32.16

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $66,893

    Annual Median Salary

    44.52%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Sales Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

    125

    Annual Openings*

    $43.54

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $90,563

    Annual Median Salary

    28.7%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Chief Executives

    Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

    115

    Annual Openings*

    $34.31

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $71,365

    Annual Median Salary

    5.34%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Computer Occupations, All Other

    All computer occupations not listed separately. Excludes “Computer and Information Systems Managers” (11-3021), “Computer Hardware Engineers” (17-2061), “Electrical and Electronics Engineers” (17-2070), “Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary” (25-1021), “Special Effects Artists and Animators” (27-1014), “Graphic Designers” (27-1024), “Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars” (29-9021), and “Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers” (49-2011).

    73

    Annual Openings*

    $29.70

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $61,776

    Annual Median Salary

    35.64%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Cost Estimators

    Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

    65

    Annual Openings*

    $29.70

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $61,776

    Annual Median Salary

    26.77%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

    Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.

    54

    Annual Openings*

    $21.89

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $45,531

    Annual Median Salary

    28.83%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Social and Community Service Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization’s budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

    53

    Annual Openings*

    $23.37

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $48,610

    Annual Median Salary

    15.95%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Administrative Services Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, and other office support services. Medical records administrators are included in “Medical and Health Services Managers” (11-9111). Excludes “Facilities Managers” (11-3013) and “Purchasing Managers” (11-3061).

    40

    Annual Openings*

    $46.85

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $97,448

    Annual Median Salary

    32.43%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Industrial Production Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.

    37

    Annual Openings*

    $44.93

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $93,454

    Annual Median Salary

    26.35%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations. Includes logistics managers.

    23

    Annual Openings*

    $36.34

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $75,587

    Annual Median Salary

    25.38%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

    Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets. Excludes “Web and Digital Interface Designers” (15-1255), “Art Directors” (27-1011), “Graphic Designers” (27-1024), and “Public Relations Specialists” (27-3031).

    22

    Annual Openings*

    $23.64

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $49,171

    Annual Median Salary

    49.2%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Sales Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.

    20

    Annual Openings*

    $43.54

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $90,563

    Annual Median Salary

    28.7%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Computer Occupations, All Other

    All computer occupations not listed separately. Excludes “Computer and Information Systems Managers” (11-3021), “Computer Hardware Engineers” (17-2061), “Electrical and Electronics Engineers” (17-2070), “Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary” (25-1021), “Special Effects Artists and Animators” (27-1014), “Graphic Designers” (27-1024), “Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars” (29-9021), and “Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers” (49-2011).

    20

    Annual Openings*

    $29.70

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $61,776

    Annual Median Salary

    35.64%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Facilities Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate operations and functionalities of facilities and buildings. May include surrounding grounds or multiple facilities of an organization’s campus. Excludes “Administrative Services Managers” (11-3012), “Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers” (11-9141), “First-Line Supervisors of Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Workers” (37-1010), “First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics and Repairers” (49-1011), and “Maintenance and Repair Workers, General” (49-9071).

    19

    Annual Openings*

    $36.73

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $76,398

    Annual Median Salary

    28.88%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan

    Interview persons by telephone, mail, in person, or by other means for the purpose of completing forms, applications, or questionnaires. Ask specific questions, record answers, and assist persons with completing form. May sort, classify, and file forms.

    17

    Annual Openings*

    $17.63

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $36,670

    Annual Median Salary

    3.5%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Marketing Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm’s profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm’s customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

    8

    Annual Openings*

    $40.90

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $85,072

    Annual Median Salary

    33.76%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

    Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.

    7

    Annual Openings*

    $21.89

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $45,531

    Annual Median Salary

    28.83%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Public Relations Specialists

    Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

    6

    Annual Openings*

    $24.15

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $50,232

    Annual Median Salary

    30.81%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Fundraisers

    Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization’s work, goals, and financial needs.

    2

    Annual Openings*

    $22.77

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $47,362

    Annual Median Salary

    18.04%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Survey Researchers

    Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams. Excludes “Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists” (13-1161) and “Statisticians” (15-2041).

    N/A

    Annual Openings*

    $43.66

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $90,813

    Annual Median Salary

    N/A

    Growth (2021 - 2031)*

  • Advertising and Promotions Managers

    Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.

    N/A

    Annual Openings*

    $28.97

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $60,258

    Annual Median Salary

    N/A

    Growth (2021 - 2031)*

  • Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes

    Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.

    N/A

    Annual Openings*

    $21.20

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $44,096

    Annual Median Salary

    N/A

    Growth (2021 - 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

Admissions

Step 1

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  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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News

Congratulations to Communications Instructor and Assistant Director of Forensics, Julia Bennett, Ph.D., who was named Faculty of Distinction for October 2023.

Read more about Bennett Named October 2023 Faculty of Distinction

Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Communication, Media Arts, and Marketing, Anna Daly, who was named Faculty of Distinction for September 2023.

Read more about Daly Named September 2023 Faculty of Distinction

A collaboration between Marketing students and a CWI Counselor is promoting opportunities for first-generation college students.

Read more about Be First with ‘I’m First’

CWI’s new media lab will provide cutting-edge learning experiences for students while additionally supporting online course development for faculty.

Read more about Introducing Studio CWI

Marketing Communications student, Brooke Warthen, is on her way to an aspiring career in marketing with the support of scholarships.

Read more about Investing in Her Future with Confidence

Congratulations to Dan Garrity, an instructor in the Communications and Marketing department and the College's Faculty of Distinction for September 2021.

Read more about Garrity Named September 2021 Faculty of Distinction

CWI's Multimedia Storytelling classes embarked on an exciting opportunity this semester as part of the Onramp program. 

Read more about Students Document Pandemic with New Tools

Multimedia Storytelling classes now to embed Everyone Can Create elements in the course.

Read more about The Onramp Program Grows at CWI

More than 80 students in five different classes at CWI and Boise State are challenging you to Get RAD to help change the narrative about race.

Read more about Get RAD Challenge Encourages Effective Conversations on Race

CWI student, wife, and mother, Tehani Schnupp, hopes in sharing her story she can inspire others to make their next move.

Read more about Making the Move

Marketing and Communication students at CWI launch a suicide prevention project called Hope for Idaho.

Read more about Students Launch Suicide Prevention Website

Career and Technical Education students nominated by instructors as Emerging Professionals for 2018/19 academic year.

Read more about Emerging Professionals Nominated for Commitment, Talent, and Potential
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