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 DistinctionMarketing Communications
Launch Your Career in Dynamic Marketing: Blend Creativity with Strategy
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
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
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)*
*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
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Marketing Communications as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Idaho Launch
Are you a 2024 Idaho high school graduate? Learn how to get up to $8,000 of your tuition and fees covered at CWI through Idaho LAUNCH.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
News
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 DistinctionA 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 CWIMarketing 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 ConfidenceCongratulations 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 DistinctionCWI'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 ToolsMultimedia Storytelling classes now to embed Everyone Can Create elements in the course.
Read more about The Onramp Program Grows at CWIMore 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 RaceCWI 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 MoveMarketing and Communication students at CWI launch a suicide prevention project called Hope for Idaho.
Read more about Students Launch Suicide Prevention WebsiteCareer 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 PotentialRequest More Information
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