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Integrated Marketing Communications M.S.

Aug. 16, 2023

Next Start Date

10

Courses Required

$820

Cost Per Credit Hour

30

Total Credit Hours

Online Asynchronous

Learning Formats

An Online Marketing Degree from an Established Leader

The Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications is a flexible, ten-course program offered exclusively online. With more than 30 electives to choose from and specializations in areas like digital and social media and creative strategy, you can create your ideal educational experience. Plus, you have the option to customize your schedule to finish in as quickly as one year or take as long as you need.

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Completely online. Completely flexible.
You need 10 courses (that’s 30 credits) to earn your Master of Science in IMC. But, how, where and when you do it is completely up to you. There are zero in-person commitments. Schedule multiple courses at a time to finish quickly, or spread them out to balance school with work and family. Need to take a semester off for a big work project or a new baby? No problem! It's your degree, on your time.

Customizable.
There are more than 25 electives to choose from. What’s your passion? What do you need to fill a void at your company? Be the expert in digital and social media, or creativity, or healthcare with our specializations. Take courses in diversity, sports marketing or entrepreneurship for course electives. The options are constantly expanding to keep up with industry demands.

Practitioner faculty.
Our faculty are the best in the industry. They are professionals from the nation’s capital, the Big Apple and Silicon Valley. They take their daily professional life and bring the real IMC world into your virtual classroom. They’re more than instructors – they’re mentors, and well-connected members of your new network.

Unbeatable value.
At WVU, you get a lot of bang for your buck — a world-class program taught by leading experts. Tuition is the same regardless of where you live, and the flexible programming allows you to take courses at a pace your budget and calendar can handle. As with any investment, the question is - what’s the return? In a recent survey of our graduates, 41% have received more than 25% salary increases since earning their IMC degree. Now that’s ROI.


Fill a marketing void at your company, hone skills to prepare for a promotion, or pursue a topic that you are passionate about with the fully online M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications.

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Thank you for your interest in the Integrated Marketing Communications M.S. program at West Virginia University! Attend a Virtual Information Session and learn more about the Integrated Marketing Communications M.S. program.

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Integrated Marketing Communications M.S. Admission Requirements

Admission to the Integrated Marketing Communications program is based on a holistic, case-by-case analysis of the applicant’s WVU Graduate Application for Admission, academic record (undergraduate transcript), years of relevant professional experience (resume), and writing ability and intent (personal statement).

Admissions

  • Designate your Admission Type and Intended Program as "Masters" and "Integrated Marketing Communications (4932)." The primary delivery location/method is online. You may declare an Area of Emphasis (optional for IMC) if you would like to specialize.
  • $60.00 nonrefundable application fee.
  • Personal Statement: Please detail your interest in the DMC program, making sure to describe why attending the DMC program will support your career objectives (300-500 words).
  • Résumé
  • Official Academic Transcripts: Send via postal mail or electronic delivery directly to:
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    One Waterfront Place
    PO Box 6510 Morgantown,
    WV 26506-6510
    Email: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu
    Phone: (304) 293-2121
  • TOEFL or IELTS Scores (international students only): West Virginia University requires international students to submit their TOEFL or IELTS scores directly to the central WVU Office of Admissions. Use 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)
  • Letters of Recommendation (optional): Letters of recommendation are preferred to be submitted as a part of the Online WVU Graduate Application for Admission. Input the name and contact information of each recommendation provider in the “Recommendations – Recommendation Providers list” section.
  • GRE or GMAT scores are NOT required. If you would like to submit those scores, the destination code for the GRE is 5904 and the code for the GMAT is C2S-FB-24. Students who have not taken the GRE should let their enrollment specialist know that they wish to waive the requirement.

Application Deadlines

Admission to the IMC program occurs three times per year—in the Early Fall (August), Early Spring (January), and Summer (May). The IMC program admits new students on a rolling schedule. Applicants are encouraged to apply before the program’s priority/early application deadline in order to receive full consideration.

Early Fall (August): Early/Priority Admission: May 15; Admission Deadline: August 1
Early Spring (January): Early/Priority Admission: October 1; Admission Deadline: December 15
Summer (May): Early/Priority Admission: March 1; Admission Deadline: May 1

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

Apply Now

Student Spotlight

Learn more about student experiences in the Integrated Marketing Communications M.S. program.

Chris Caserta profile headshot.

Christopher Caserta

"I was thankful that there were no classroom obligations – to me, those would have been more ‘meetings’ on my already full schedule."

Read More About Christopher

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Jess McMullin

"The flexibility and convenience of the WVU learning environment was pivotal for me. But it's not easy!"

Read More About Jess

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

WVU provides a comprehensive approach to helping you finance your education. Learn more by visiting the Student Financial Services website.

Students are encouraged to:

  • File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form by the March 1 deadline to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827; and
  • Check with your employer to see if they provide financial support for earning your graduate degree.

Integrated Marketing Communications M.S. total degree cost: $24,600 – Residents and Non-Residents

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

Courses and Curriculum


Minimum GPA of 2.75 required.

Minimum grade of C- required in all courses.

Core Courses

Course Title Credit Hours
IMC 610 Introduction to Integrated Marketing Communications * 3
IMC 611 Marketing Research and Analysis 3
IMC 612 Audience Insight 3
IMC 613 Brand Equity Management 3

Complete a minimum of two of the following **

Course Title Credit Hours
IMC 615 Creative Strategy and Execution 3
IMC 616 Direct & Digital Marketing 3
IMC 618 Public Relations Concepts and Strategy 3
IMC 619 Emerging Media and the Market 3

IMC Elective Courses

Select at least three IMC courses 600-level and above.

Course Title Credit Hours
IMC 636 Integrated Marketing Communication Campaigns *** 3

Total Hours: 30

* Students complete the IMC 610 course in their first term in the program. Following successful completion of IMC 610, students are able to take courses in virtually any order, ensuring a fully customized path of study.

** IMC students are often admitted to the program with substantial work experience and are able to opt out of the core course that is most reflective of their professional experience. Specifically, PR practitioners are encouraged to opt out of IMC 618, direct marketers are encouraged to opt out of IMC 616, and creative/graphic designers are encouraged to opt out of IMC 615. All students must complete at least two of these courses.

*** IMC students are able to take more than 30 credit hours if their personal and/or professional interests require (including additional elective courses or opting to complete all the core courses to ensure a comprehensive graduate experience). However, all additional courses taken must be completed before the student registers for the capstone course (IMC 636).

Upon successful completion of IMC 636 in the student's final term, the student will graduate from the program.

The future in Integrated Marketing Communications

The IMC program is offered exclusively online with no on-campus classroom attendance required. The program is constantly evolving to reflect our changing industry and ensure a relevant, highly customizable graduate experience for students. At the center of the curriculum are an introductory course and three core courses, which provide all students with a solid marketing communications foundation. The degree is enhanced by selecting two of four "specialty" course options and three of nearly 30 elective course options. Through the extensive specialty and elective courses, students are able to focus their graduate studies on their individual areas of interest or to position them for a specific career path. The capstone course is taken in the student's final term. In this final course, students apply their knowledge to create an IMC campaign for a real-world client. They can choose to work on a client of their preference or on a national client provided by the instructor.

The Benefits of choosing our the WVU Integrated Marketing Communications M.S. degree program

IMC instructors are recognized leaders in their fields. These scholar-practitioners provide a carefully balanced blend of academic theory and practical skills. They teach our “learn-it-today, use-it-tomorrow” curriculum, which provides valuable, practical knowledge that can be immediately applied to a student's current career. All IMC courses are asynchronous, allowing students to participate at any time, from anywhere in the world. While no on-campus residency is required to complete the degree, the program hosts an annual Integrate conference to provide students and faculty an opportunity to network in-person and explore the latest innovations in the ever-changing IMC landscape. Learn more about the program's Integrate Conference.

Career Outlook for Integrated Marketing Communications M.S. graduates

Talented individuals who possess the ability to conceptualize, implement, and monitor multi-channel marketing campaigns are in high demand by companies. These companies require effective communicators who can enhance their brand's visibility through various social media and other media platforms. These individuals must also possess an understanding of their audience and have the skills to target them with campaigns that generate a significant return on investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some careers that require a good understanding of Integrated Marketing Communications?

  • Fundraising manager/director
  • Public relations manager/director
  • Chief marketing officer
  • Market research analyst
  • Marketing strategist
  • Marketing communication manager
  • Social media manager
  • Web content manager
  • Digital marketing coordinator

Is a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications right for me?

Download our viewbook to explore all of our online degree options.

How competitive is the Integrated Marketing Communications field?

The field of integrated marketing communication is highly sought-after and financially rewarding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2021 to 2031, the employment rate for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is expected to grow at a faster pace than the average for all professions, with a projected increase of 10 percent.

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PO Box 6800
Morgantown, WV 26506-6800


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Email: WVUOnlineInquiry@mail.wvu.edu

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