Integrated Marketing Communications M.S.

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

Chris Caserta earned an undergraduate degree in biological sciences and then worked in various sales and marketing positions. He had been in the workforce for about five years when he realized that what he really wanted to do was lead a marketing communications department and that he would need to get a master’s degree.

He began attending foundational graduate school business classes in the evenings.

"Even though I was highly driven, these were difficult times," he says. "I would work a full day, quickly grab a drive-thru dinner, and then attend a three-hour of class lecture. I would often combine caffeine with self-will to stay focused and then I would drive home and go to bed. I knew there had to be a better way."

When Chris discovered online learning, he gladly made the switch. WVU Online’s format meant convenience on his terms. It was no longer necessary to attend a specific lecture, at a specific time, at a specific location, every week.

He chose WVU Online’s Integrated Marketing Communications MS program because it was from a well-known school, had an asynchronous format, was strictly online, and delivered content in a "learn it today, use it tomorrow" format.

"For what I wanted to accomplish, choosing the IMC program at WVU was one of the best decisions I could have made." he says.

"I know that if I ever need advice I can reach out to one of my WVU Online professors and they will be there to mentor me."

Alyssa Hansrote chose WVU Online because it gave her the opportunity to get hands-on experience in her workplace while also being able to learn and network in the virtual classroom with her peers.

"The Integrated Marketing Communications program gave me the confidence, skills, and knowledge that I now apply to my current PR and Communications position," she said."

"I know that if I ever need advice that I can reach out to one of my WVU Online professors and they will be there to mentor me."

She says her online courses coordinated very well with her personal life.

"I was able to fit my personal life around my school schedule very well."

The most useful skills she learned were definitely communication skills and being able to write and articulate her thoughts effectively.

"WVU Online gives you so many new learning opportunities, as well as being able to network with peers and professors from all over the United States."

"WVU Online provides a personal, authentic touch in terms of support for its students."

Bonnie Harris chose to study for a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications at WVU Online because, at the time, it was one of only two online programs of its kind in the United States.

She says that, as an owner of a marketing communications firm, she uses what she learned in the program "every single day."

"Time management is the biggest skill needed for online learning. Particularly when it is mainly asynchronous classes, where students can access class materials during different hours and from different locations."

She says the best part of her online experience was the colleagues and friends she met in the program.

"My professional network has expanded enormously!"

It was while she was working toward her bachelor's degree that she learned more about the field of marketing, which offered her a fresh perspective that greatly influenced her role within the military.

"I loved being in the DINFOS (Defense Information School) cohort. We all had a shared sense of service and camaraderie which helped at times where I felt like I was the only one struggling. I appreciate that one of the students branched out to create a group chat- it was so supportive. I also liked that each class had a similar structure. This took away any uncertainty when starting a new course and created stability as I balanced my school, work, and my personal life."

Reflecting on her decision to continue her education, Abby expressed that she would advise her past self to thoroughly investigate the various degree specializations and collaborate closely with her advisor to explore potential pathways. She would also emphasize the importance of effective time management, including planning for assignments and prioritizing self-care, because achieving a balance is crucial.

Abby’s words of advice to any students out there considering this program:

"Just do it! It’s opened my mind. I feel like I learned more pursuing my master's than my bachelor's. It’s worth it. You’ll thank yourself in the end. I loved this program and have been/will be recommending it to anyone I know with even the slightest interest in marketing communications!"

If you’re someone who enjoys research, communication, writing, problem solving, creativity, and a love for learning, consider this degree.

To gain insight into the work of professionals in this field, Abby recommends networking and conversing with marketing experts. These interactions provide a realistic grasp of the industry, and having one or two mentors would also prove immensely advantageous.

With the shift to digital, and ever-changing technology, Abby said that she can't imagine what the field will look like in 3-5 years.

"AI is a huge hot topic for communicators, whether they are for or against it. AR and VR may also continue to grow in popularity. It’ll be important to stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies."

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

Jess McMullin has worked in marketing communications for more than 25 years and wanted to get a master’s degree to open doors into executive management and teaching opportunities.

"WVU checked all the boxes I was looking for in an online master's program," she says, "But the deciding factors were the curriculum and the reputation of the IMC program."

She says she could never have done a master’s program in person because her job and family schedules were not negotiable.

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

She was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the lessons, the level of professional discussions, and the projects she tackled in every class.

Her advice to other students is to view every assignment as a real-world presentation.

"The extra effort is not for the grade or the professor, it is for your own personal growth. If you are balancing an online program with a full-time career and family responsibilities, be sure to schedule your school time just like you would for a job—block it on your calendar."

"Finally, get a pair of blue light glasses. You’ll spend a lot of time in front of the screen!"

"Earning a degree while working full-time is achievable."

"The added flexibility allowed me to work full-time jobs that require the standard work business hours. In my previous job, it was not a typical 9-5 position. In this role, I traveled for work and had to complete my assignments on my own schedule. Professors in both of my programs were understanding if I had something come up in my day-to-day life."

Both of Chris’s programs utilized the discussion board feature, which really helped him connect with his peers in his courses.

"I felt that it was an actual conversation and not solely an assignment. I’ve connected with my peers on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter too."

He recommends that online students use a planner or Microsoft Outlook to keep organized.

"I always made a calendar and schedule to make sure that my assignments were completed on time. Online programs require a level of independence and self-motivation to keep on track in the courses. Starting off the semester with a system for organization will help you significantly."

"Something I really enjoyed about the online learning environment is that I was truly in control of what I was learning."

Ryan Wagner chose WVU Online because of the partnership that the Reed College of Media established with the Defense Information School (DINFOS, Military Training).

"My experience very much reminded me of basic training in the military," he says. "We owned our individual growth, but we grew together—as a team. The online setting was not a challenge for our connection.

He says it’s that connection he had with his fellow students that was the best part of his WVU Online experience.

"Going through the challenges with the same class, week-in and week-out, really did bring us together as a group. My fellow students challenged me to be better, and I took that responsibility seriously and owned every step of it. It was on me to own my growth and go beyond the expectations."

"The whole journey from the day I inquired to the day I graduated was seamless," he says. "A great ‘customer’ experience from start to finish is really hard to find. We learn a lot about that in this program...this was great at every step and exceeded expectations. On top of that, when I was part way through this program, I landed an amazing professional opportunity that I was searching for. Then, I was offered the opportunity to teach, right here at WVU. This program opened doors I never dreamed I would even have the ability to knock on so soon. It changed my life in a way I knew was possible, but that I was struggling to get to."