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Creative Strategy Graduate Certificate

Aug. 16, 2023

Next Start Date

4

Courses Required

$820

Cost Per Credit Hour

12

Total Credit Hours

Online Asynchronous

Learning Formats

Enjoy Working Creatively

The Creative Strategy Graduate Certificate, offered by the Reed College of Media, will give you the versatility you need to succeed in the marketing world, particularly in the area of creative services. You will explore how content is evolving, how to design marketing and communications strategy, as well as how to select print, digital and social media vehicles for content delivery. The courses provide you with a background in creative concepts, digital storytelling, visual information design, and professional creative and art direction techniques. If you enjoy working creatively to express complex visual ideas and concepts, this certificate can lead to many different careers in this fast-moving industry.

Designers drawing website ux app development. User experience concept.

Program Details

The Creative Strategy Graduate Certificate offered by the WVU Reed College of Media is delivered exclusively online. The graduate certificate provides students with the practical skills they need to thrive in a marketing world that requires powerful collaboration between creatives and strategists in order for campaigns to succeed. The learn-it-today, use-it-tomorrow focus is built into the curriculum and teaches students the importance of applying the best strategies and tactics to reach key audiences. The program is taught by diverse faculty — from marketing directors to academics to entrepreneurs — who are recognized leaders in their fields.

In addition to this graduate certificate, WVU offers an online master's degree in Integrated Marketing Communication.

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Thank you for your interest in the Creative Strategy Graduate Certificate program at West Virginia University! Attend a Virtual Information Session and learn more about Creative Strategy Graduate Certificate program.

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Creative Strategy Graduate Certificate Admission Requirements

  • Apply with the online Graduate Application
  • Designate your Admission Type as Graduate Certificate. Under Intended Program, select Creative Strategy (CG48). The primary delivery method is ONLINE.
  • Pay the $60 non-refundable graduate application fee.
  • Submit 300-500 word personal statement about your interest in the IMC program and how it will meet your career objectives.
  • Submit resume that illustrates relevant and professional experience. Please convert your resume to PDF to ensure that no formatting is altered.
  • Letters of Recommendation (optional). Input the name and contact information of each recommendation provider in the “Recommendations – Recommendation Providers list” section.
  • GRE or GMAT scores (optional). The destination code for the GRE is 5904 and the GMAT is C2S-FB-24.
  • TOEFL or IELTS Scores for International Students. WVU requires international students to submit their TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to the central WVU Office of Admissions. Use the destination code 5904 to have TOEFL scores sent. Generally, applicants whose first language is not English must submit adequate TOEFL or IELTS results before an application can be considered for admission: TOEFL (Internet-Based) = 79; TOEFL (Computer-Based = 213; TOEFL (Paper-Based) = 550; IELTS = 6.5.
  • Request official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU) and
    1. Mail to:
      WVU Office of Graduate Admissions
      One Waterfront Place
      PO Box 6510
      Morgantown, WV 26506-6510
    2. or Email to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu

NOTE: For the most up-to-date admissions requirements, please visit https://imc.wvu.edu/admissions.

Questions? Contact our Enrollment Specialist at wvuimc@mail.wvu.edu or (304) 293-6278.

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Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Students enrolled in certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid. Visit Student Financial Support & Services for additional information.

Creative Strategy Graduate Certificate total degree cost: $9,840 – Residents and Non-Residents

Credits Cost
1 $820
3 $2,460
6 $4,920
9 $7,380
12 $9,840

Courses and Curriculum

Certificate Code - CG48

The Creative Strategy Certificate is offered exclusively online with no on-campus classroom attendance required.

The Creative Strategy certificate champions creative strategy and execution as our students engage in building strategic and relevant marketing campaigns. Emphasis is placed on creative thinking as it is applied to writing, discussion, conception and presentation. In writing, it plays a significant role in paraphrasing, fine-tuning ideas and avoiding plagiarism. In coursework and classroom discussion, creative thinking allows students to take risks and more fully express their ideas and opinions while building creative and insight driven marketing campaigns.

Students will be exposed to course work focused in advanced creative concepts, digital storytelling, visual information design and content creation.

The program is taught by a diverse faculty who are recognized leaders in their fields.

Certificate Requirements

Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 required.
Minimum grade of C- required in all courses provided that a cumulative 2.75 GPA is maintained.

Course Title Credit Hours
IMC 625 Advanced Creative Concepts 3
IMC 634 Digital Storytelling 3
IMC 635 Visual Information Design 3
IMC 639 Content Marketing 3

Total Hours: 12

The future for graduates with a Creative Strategy Graduate Certificate

It's important to note that the demand and specific job titles may vary based on factors such as location, industry, and market trends. As technology and consumer behavior continue to evolve, new roles and opportunities in creative strategy may emerge. Keeping up with industry developments, staying adaptable, and continuously updating your skills will be key to a successful career in this field.

Career Outlook

The future for market research analysts is projected to group 19 percent from 2021-2031. Public relations specialists are expected to grow 8 percent within that time. Obtaining a certificate in Creative Strategy can be the start to a rewarding career in those professions.

Why should I earn my certificate through WVU?

This four-course graduate certificate prepares you for a career that focuses on the creative aspects of integrated marketing communications planning and execution. Whether you love content creation, visual art or both, the Creative Strategy specialization helps you develop the skills needed to deliver great content to a variety of consumers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some careers this degree will prepare a person for?

Students who graduate from WVU Online with the Creative Strategy Graduate Certificate may be prepared for the following careers. These are only a few examples of some of the many opportunities that will be open to you with this degree. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for some positions.

  • Marketing Research and Analyst and Marketing Specialist, Projected Growth: 11% or higher *Bright Outlook
  • Marketing Strategist, Projected Growth: 7-10% *Bright Outlook
  • Public Relations Specialist, Projected Growth: 4-6%
  • Marketing Manager, Projected Growth: 7-10% *Bright Outlook

Information about careers on this list comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Why study Creative Strategy?

Creative strategy holds immense significance as it determines the visual aspect that shapes the overall look and feel of your brand. It involves documenting and comprehending your objective with respect to your audience and brand.

Can I transition into another program at WVU if I choose?

You may transition into the full online Integrated Marketing Communications master's degree program at any time during your graduate certificate enrollment. Credits you have earned will count toward the 10-course master's program.

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WVU Online
West Virginia University
PO Box 6800
Morgantown, WV 26506-6800


Phone: (800) 253-2762
Email: WVUOnlineInquiry@mail.wvu.edu

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