Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Jianan Wu and the Online BS in Marketing from LSU

Like many of the online programs available at LSU, the online Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a concentration in Digital Marketing benefits from faculty who bring both research expertise and real-world applications into the classroom. One such faculty member is Dr. Jianan Wu, an instructor in the Department of Marketing at the E. J. Ourso College of Business.  

Dr. Wu teaches across undergraduate, MBA, and PhD programs while serving as PhD program director for the department. His work ensures students are fully prepared for today’s changing digital marketing landscape. Learn more about him and the online BS in Marketing from LSU! 

Meet Dr. Wu 

Tell us about yourself and your background. 
I am a professor in the department of marketing of E. J. Ourso College of Business. I teach undergraduate, MBA, and PhD programs, and serve as PhD program director for our department. 

What is your favorite topic to teach? Why? 
I have been teaching Marketing Management (BADM 7100) for Flores Online MBA Program since the program started. I enjoy the dynamic nature of the framework and its relevance to marketing decisions in the real business world. 

How do you engage and motivate students in an online setting? 
It is indeed very challenging to engage online students. I do several things to improve their engagement to the course, which turn out to be quite effective. 1) I use a simulation game. 2) I use a group-based case study assignment. 3) I use office hours on Zoom to have face-to-face conversations with students. 

What trends do you see emerging in online learning and how are you preparing for them? 
AI is a big factor in changing marketing decision-making. I include the most recent readings and case materials to give students awareness of such changes in business. 

How do you integrate your academic research or expertise into your online teaching? 
My research area is interactive marketing (e.g., digital marketing, social media marketing etc.). With interactive marketing taking the center position in many marketing operations, it naturally enters the mainstream of marketing management education. Besides the lecturing content, I also include interactive marketing case studies for our online MBA students. 

What advice would you give to students on staying motivated and inspired throughout their online journey? 
Well, the business world is more than ever integrated with online decision making. With the online tools constantly improving, many business decisions have moved online to save time and money. Online programs at LSU are candid examples of how education is moving in the same direction. 

Is there anything else you want us or students to know? 
The online LSU programs, which started a couple of decades ago, have seen steady and high growth in terms of both quality and quantity. We are part of the changing landscape of education and lifestyle. We are proud to be part of that! 

Learn from Experts in the Field through LSU Online 

The online Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a concentration in Digital Marketing from LSU is made available through LSU Online. This program connects students with dedicated faculty like Dr. Wu, who combine academic expertise with hands-on tools for success. Through courses that explore marketing management, communication, analytics, and more, the program prepares students for impactful business careers. 

Explore the online BS in Marketing with a concentration in Digital Marketing and apply today.