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Is it a good idea to major in marketing and minor in psychology And which university is better for it between Michigan State University and Grand Valley State University??
I've become really interested in marketing and would like to know the benefits of it. Also, I've been accepted into both the unis and I'm a first gen college student so I wanted to get some extra perspectives from experienced people on which would be a better option though I am leaning more towards MSU for now.
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Vianne’s Answer
Majoring in marketing with a minor in psychology is a great combination. Marketing focuses on understanding people, what catches their eye, why they trust a brand, and what makes them buy. Psychology helps explain the behavior behind these choices. Together, they open doors to careers in digital marketing, advertising, branding, market research, social media strategy, or even UX and consumer insights. Having a psychology minor can make you stand out because it shows you understand both business and human behavior, which employers love.
Between Michigan State University and Grand Valley State University, MSU is often seen as the better choice for marketing. It has a larger business program, more national recognition, and a big alumni network, which can be really helpful for internships and job opportunities. In marketing, connections and real-world experience are important, so having more companies recruiting on campus can be a big plus. Since you're already considering MSU, it seems like a good choice if you want more opportunities and exposure.
However, GVSU is still a good school, and some students do really well there because of smaller classes and more personal interaction with professors. If cost, comfort, or a close-knit community matter to you, it can still be a great option as long as you actively seek internships and build experience early. In the end, your major and the effort you put into internships, projects, and networking are more important than the school name, and choosing marketing with psychology is already a smart move.
Between Michigan State University and Grand Valley State University, MSU is often seen as the better choice for marketing. It has a larger business program, more national recognition, and a big alumni network, which can be really helpful for internships and job opportunities. In marketing, connections and real-world experience are important, so having more companies recruiting on campus can be a big plus. Since you're already considering MSU, it seems like a good choice if you want more opportunities and exposure.
However, GVSU is still a good school, and some students do really well there because of smaller classes and more personal interaction with professors. If cost, comfort, or a close-knit community matter to you, it can still be a great option as long as you actively seek internships and build experience early. In the end, your major and the effort you put into internships, projects, and networking are more important than the school name, and choosing marketing with psychology is already a smart move.
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Hali’s Answer
Hi Kan, congratulations on your acceptances. As a 15-year marketing professional with a communications degree, a sociology minor, and an MBA, I can give you a practical perspective on your question.
Major:
A marketing major is absolutely a solid path, but so are business, communications, or advertising. Employers rarely fixate on the exact major once you gain experience. Choose the program that helps you maintain a strong GPA and graduate on time. Look at the required math, writing, and analytics courses and choose the path that aligns with your strengths.
Minor:
A minor rarely determines your career outcomes, but psychology is a useful complement to marketing and can help round out your skillset. Since you’ll need electives anyway, choosing a consistent path early can help you use those credits efficiently.
Choosing between MSU and GVSU:
MSU has more name recognition, but the better school is the one that gives you the strongest professional experience while still being financially responsible. Look at internship requirements, junior-level marketing opportunities, student-run clubs, and on-campus organizations where you can get hands-on experience. Before I graduated, I interned at a news station and worked in a student-led media organization, which gave me real work samples and helped me land my first job immediately after graduation. That kind of experience matters more than the school name alone.
Final advice:
You already have the mindset needed to succeed because you’re asking strategic questions early. Start researching entry-level marketing roles and the skills they require so you know what to build toward in your first few years. When you take your early jobs, think about the skills you will gain, not just the paycheck. Your biggest long-term earnings come from building strong foundational experience. Choose roles where you can learn from experienced marketers. I’ve seen many people stall out early by becoming the “only marketing person” at a company too soon, which limits growth.
You’re on exactly the right track. Keep asking questions, keep learning, and keep focusing on the long-term skills that will set you up for success.
Major:
A marketing major is absolutely a solid path, but so are business, communications, or advertising. Employers rarely fixate on the exact major once you gain experience. Choose the program that helps you maintain a strong GPA and graduate on time. Look at the required math, writing, and analytics courses and choose the path that aligns with your strengths.
Minor:
A minor rarely determines your career outcomes, but psychology is a useful complement to marketing and can help round out your skillset. Since you’ll need electives anyway, choosing a consistent path early can help you use those credits efficiently.
Choosing between MSU and GVSU:
MSU has more name recognition, but the better school is the one that gives you the strongest professional experience while still being financially responsible. Look at internship requirements, junior-level marketing opportunities, student-run clubs, and on-campus organizations where you can get hands-on experience. Before I graduated, I interned at a news station and worked in a student-led media organization, which gave me real work samples and helped me land my first job immediately after graduation. That kind of experience matters more than the school name alone.
Final advice:
You already have the mindset needed to succeed because you’re asking strategic questions early. Start researching entry-level marketing roles and the skills they require so you know what to build toward in your first few years. When you take your early jobs, think about the skills you will gain, not just the paycheck. Your biggest long-term earnings come from building strong foundational experience. Choose roles where you can learn from experienced marketers. I’ve seen many people stall out early by becoming the “only marketing person” at a company too soon, which limits growth.
You’re on exactly the right track. Keep asking questions, keep learning, and keep focusing on the long-term skills that will set you up for success.