Not every path into marketing begins with an interest in campaigns or business strategy. Sometimes, it begins with a calling to the arts and a deep curiosity about people, what moves them, what inspires them and what captures their attention. For Ruh-Keea Leconte (MSM '19), that curiosity became the foundation for a career that would eventually lead her to co-found Move Love Miami and work at the forefront of online learning in higher education.
As her path took shape, Leconte realized she was drawn not only to creativity itself, but to the challenge of helping ideas reach people in meaningful ways. She wanted to understand how expression, storytelling and strategy could work together. That led her to pursue an undergraduate degree in marketing, where she began to see how business could give creative ideas a wider reach. Wanting to deepen those skills and turn them into something more practical, she enrolled at FIU’s Chapman Graduate School of Business, where she said the Master of Science in Marketing helped move her career forward drastically by turning classroom concepts into real-world application.
“When I started my program, I had finished my undergraduate degree, and I learned a lot of concepts,” she said. “But once I got into my master’s, I realized that knowing something and doing something are two different things.”
Through coursework, group projects and presentations, Leconte strengthened her leadership skills, learned how to collaborate more effectively and gained a better understanding of how marketing works in professional settings.
“You’re moving with your hands, you’re doing a lot of physical work, and all of these concepts you learn about from undergrad and up, here is where you actually implement them,” she said.
One experience that stood out in particular was an assignment that required students to interview a professional in the marketing field. Leconte chose Garth Headley, the marketing director of FIU Online at the time, and that conversation left a lasting impression. As she learned more about his career path, she noticed it had not followed a straight line. He had moved across very different roles before stepping into marketing leadership. One of the biggest takeaways Headley shared with her was to never lock herself into one version of who she thought she was supposed to be, and to always stay open to pivoting.
That advice stayed with Leconte and continues to shape how she approaches her career today.
“In the business world, you must always learn to pivot… A lot of times in life we think we know where we’re going to go,” she said “And when you think you know where you’re going to go, you kind of miss all of the opportunity around you.”
The impact of that hands-on learning extended well beyond the classroom. Leconte said the software and technical skills she learned in the program, including tools like Tableau and Qualtrics, helped her build confidence and translate her education directly into career growth. Shortly after graduating, those skills helped her land a high-paying job in higher education, showing just how immediately applicable the program was to her professional life.
“You’re going to use every single course,” Leconte said. “Every single skill that I learned in every single course, I implemented.”
Just as meaningful to Leconte was the community she found at FIU Chapman. She describes her classmates as diverse, competitive, and forward-thinking, but also genuinely supportive. Surrounded by students from different industries and backgrounds, she was exposed to a wide range of perspectives while also building relationships that continued well beyond graduation. For Leconte, the program offered not only strong academic and career preparation, but also a sense of connection that made the experience even more valuable.
“I felt like no one wanted you to fail,” she said. “Everyone wanted you to succeed.”
Ruh-Keea Leconte’s Advice for Aspiring Marketing Professionals
For students considering a Master of Science in Marketing, Leconte’s advice is to stay open to the process and trust that the work will pay off. Some courses may not seem important at first, and some tools may feel difficult to master, but she said those same experiences often become the ones that prove most valuable later on. For her, the FIU MSM delivered hands-on learning, a supportive community and practical skills that translated directly into career growth, strengthening the path Leconte continues to build between education and the arts.
If you’re looking to grow in marketing, leadership and data-driven decision-making, FIU Chapman’s Master of Science in Marketing program offers the hands-on learning, practical skills and supportive community to help you take the next step.
Learn more about the Master of Science in Marketing program at FIU Chapman.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FIU’s Master of Science in Marketing program known for?
FIU’s Master of Science in Marketing is known for an integrated curriculum that blends digital marketing, brand development and marketing analytics across the program. It is designed for students who want to build strategic, analytical and practical marketing skills that apply directly to today’s business environment.
How does FIU’s Master of Science in Marketing help students apply what they learn?
The program emphasizes hands-on, real-world learning through coursework, projects and applied assignments. Students move beyond theory and develop skills they can use in professional marketing settings, which is especially valuable for those looking to translate classroom learning into career growth.
What certifications can students earn in FIU’s Master of Science in Marketing program?
Students in FIU’s Master of Science in Marketing program can earn several career-focused certifications, including Google Ads, Google Analytics, Hootsuite, SEMrush PPC, email marketing, AI prompting, Fundamentals Sales Skills and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. These credentials help students build practical digital marketing, analytics and strategy skills that add value beyond the degree and can strengthen their resume in a competitive job market.
What software and technical skills can students build in the FIU MSM?
The program helps students build technical and analytical marketing skills through coursework focused on marketing analytics, digital marketing and research-driven decision-making. Students also gain exposure to tools and platforms that support data analysis, campaign measurement and strategic marketing performance.
How long does it take to complete FIU’s Master of Science in Marketing?
FIU’s Master of Science in Marketing can be completed in either 10 months or 16 months, depending on the format and pace selected. This gives students flexibility while still allowing them to move through a structured, cohort-based program.
Is FIU’s Master of Science in Marketing a good fit for working professionals?
Yes. The program is designed to support working professionals through flexible format options. FIU offers both in-person and online pathways, making it easier for students to continue advancing their education while balancing work and other responsibilities.
Why consider a South Florida graduate marketing degree at FIU?
A South Florida graduate marketing degree can offer students access to a dynamic business environment, diverse industries and strong professional networking opportunities. At FIU, students also benefit from practical training in analytics, branding and digital marketing within a globally connected market.
What careers can FIU’s Master of Science in Marketing prepare students for?
The program can prepare students for roles such as marketing manager, brand manager, marketing analyst, account executive, digital media specialist and social media director. It is especially relevant for students who want to grow in leadership, strategy, analytics and digital marketing.
What are the admission requirements for FIU’s Master of Science in Marketing?
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA in upper-division coursework, or a graduate degree with at least a 3.0 GPA, and must also have either at least 3 years of work experience or a qualifying GMAT or GRE score. No GMAT or GRE is required for applicants with 3 or more years of work experience. Learn more about admission requirements here.