Virginia's Marketing pathway prepares students for careers in advertising, digital marketing, sales management, marketing research, merchandising, and retail operations. This dynamic program teaches students to analyze consumer behavior, develop marketing strategies, create promotional campaigns, and build customer relationships. With Virginia's diverse business community—from Northern Virginia's corporate headquarters to Richmond's business sector to Hampton Roads' port commerce—marketing skills are essential across all industries.
The pathway integrates traditional marketing principles with contemporary digital marketing strategies including social media marketing, content marketing, search engine optimization, marketing analytics, and e-commerce. Students develop both creative and analytical abilities, learning to craft compelling marketing messages while using data to measure campaign effectiveness. The curriculum includes hands-on projects where students create marketing plans, develop promotional materials, conduct market research, and execute campaigns for real clients providing authentic marketing experience.
Virginia's Marketing programs often operate school stores, student-run businesses, or marketing agencies providing authentic marketing and sales experiences. Students participate in DECA competitions testing marketing knowledge, professional skills, and business acumen at state and international levels. Strong partnerships with Virginia businesses provide work-based learning opportunities and employment pathways. Graduates are prepared for entry-level marketing and sales positions, continuation to four-year marketing degree programs, or entrepreneurial ventures.
Marketing at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Virginia's Marketing standards align with national marketing education standards and emphasize marketing fundamentals, consumer behavior, product/service management, pricing strategies, promotion and advertising, distribution, selling techniques, marketing research, and marketing analytics. Standards prepare students for industry certifications and postsecondary marketing education while developing professional skills, ethical practices, and entrepreneurial thinking valued by Virginia employers.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Marketing I: Marketing Foundations | 8200 |
| Marketing II: Digital Marketing and Social Media | 8201 |
| Marketing III: Advanced Marketing Strategies | 8202 |
| Marketing Practicum and Capstone | 8203 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Google Analytics Certification
- ✓Microsoft Office Specialist - Word
- ✓Microsoft Office Specialist - PowerPoint
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Photoshop
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Illustrator
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - InDesign
- ✓National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
- ✓Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Certificate
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Marketing Coordinator
Entry LevelSalary range: $58,120 - $113,390
Social Media Specialist
Entry LevelSalary range: $59,690 - $121,290
Sales Representative
Entry LevelSalary range: $48,210 - $104,390
Marketing Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $134,990 - $223,850
Brand Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $134,990 - $223,850
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students complete internships with marketing agencies, retail companies, and business marketing departments throughout Virginia. Work-based learning includes operating school stores or student businesses, creating marketing campaigns for local organizations, conducting market research projects, summer sales and marketing employment, and DECA chapter activities. Many programs partner with Virginia Chamber of Commerce organizations and business associations for authentic marketing projects and mentorship.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in DECA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Virginia CTE Programs
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Virginia Standards Built In
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Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Virginia
Related Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticWork-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) encompasses a range of educational strategies that connect classroom instruction with real workplace experiences. Activities include internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, clinical rotations, and cooperative education, all designed to help CTE students apply technical skills in authentic industry settings.
ProgrammaticProgram of Study
A Program of Study (POS) is a coordinated, non-duplicative sequence of academic and CTE courses that spans secondary through postsecondary education. Required under Perkins V, a POS integrates academic content with CTE instruction, includes work-based learning, and leads to an industry-recognized credential or postsecondary degree.
ProgrammaticCareer and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are national organizations that provide CTE students with opportunities for leadership development, competitive events, community service, and career preparation. Recognized CTSOs include DECA, FBLA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, and TSA, each serving students in specific career cluster areas.
ProgrammaticReady to Build Marketing Programs at Scale?
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