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West Virginia University WVU Online
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Digital Marketing Communications M.S.

May 13, 2024

Next Start Date

10

Courses Required

$750

Cost Per Credit Hour

30

Total Credit Hours

Online Asynchronous

Learning Formats

An Accelerated Online Marketing Degree Focused on What’s Coming Next

You've likely been a digital media consumer for years. You know how quickly we've moved from static to responsive websites; from Facebook to Instagram to TikTok; from cable television to Hulu. What's next? And how do you use the existing and emerging media channels to reach the audiences living on them? WVU's completely online master's degree in Digital Marketing Communications gives you the strategy and the skills to be the best in this growing field.

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Completed in one year, completely online.
You need 10 courses (that’s 30 credits) to earn your Master of Science in Digital Marketing Communications. There are zero in-person commitments and a structured, accelerated option allows you to complete the ten required courses in just one year. Or spread courses out to balance life, work and family. Either way, there are zero in-person commitments and you have the flexibility to make a change to your schedule on the fly.

Built-in certifications.
Employers want to know that you have both the strategy and the skill. Certifications from major platforms like Google and Facebook are built into the Digital curriculum. It's an added layer of proof that you have the skills to execute a digital marketing strategy.

Pioneering faculty.
WVU's Digital faculty are leading teams at major agencies and for national clients. They understand the importance of a digital strategy and how to implement one because they do it every day.

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, more than half reported receiving a salary increase of 25% or more since earning their marcom degree. Now that’s ROI.

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Attend a Virtual Information Session

Learn more about the Data, Digital and Integrated Marketing Communications Online Master's programs, or our graduate certificates, in a live Zoom session.

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Cindy is here to help.

Cindy Hart, Your Personal Online Admissions Coach

Embarking on a graduate degree program is a big (and exciting!) step. Meet with Cindy to get all your questions answered and to discover which program is the best option for reaching your career goals and balancing life's other responsibilities.

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Digital Marketing Communications M.S. Admission Requirements

Admission to the Digital 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 "Digital Marketing Communications (4938).” The primary delivery location/method is online.
  • $60.00 nonrefundable application fee.
  • Personal Statement: Please detail your interest in the Digital program, making sure to describe why attending the 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 Digital program occurs three times per year — in the Early Fall (August), Early Spring (January) and Summer (May). The Digital 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: June 15; Admission Deadline: August 1
Early Spring (January): Early/Priority Admission: November 1; Admission Deadline: December 15
Summer (May): Early/Priority Admission: March 15; Admission Deadline: May 1

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

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Hannah Booth profile image.

Hannah Booth

Digital Marketing Communications M.S.
"There are people of all ages and from all over the world in my classes."

As a previous WVU graduate and a current WVU employee, Hannah found that WVU Online was a natural fit when it was time to get her master’s degree.

"It allowed me the flexibility I need to maintain my role at WVU Extension and pursue my degree at the same time."
"I had some reservations, since I only had a few online classes while completing my undergraduate degree, but the structure and resources WVU Online provides have made the transition so smooth."

She found that WVU Online provides all the resources and support that she was used to at WVU, but with the flexibility and customization that a student might not receive in a traditional on-campus program.

"The best part of WVU Online is I don't even have to wait for the future. I'm already using what I'm learning in my role at WVU Extension."
"After completing my degree, I know having the knowledge and skills I've acquired will help me to grow as a professional and become a better leader in my field."

Dwane Holloman profile image.

Dwane Holloman

Digital Marketing Communications M.S.
"The faculty and staff are there to help with any needs or concerns."

Dwane Holloman says choosing WVU Online for his master’s degree in Digital Marketing Communications fit perfectly into his work schedule.

"I would recommend WVU Online to another student because it offers flexible access to professors, mentors, and a community to students everywhere and anywhere."

The most memorable part of his online learning experience was the access to resources and programs that were not available to him outside of school.

"That opened my eyes to new sources of data and ways to use that information to make educated decisions."

After graduating from WVU, he got a new job as the New Media Communications Coordinator at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where he runs their social media channels.

His advice to other students?

"Do your best to balance work, life, and school as early in the program as possible."

Amy Teller profile image.

Amy Teller

Digital Marketing Communications M.S.
"Connecting with students one-on-one is essential to online learning."
Amy Teller decided to go into Digital Marketing Communications because she fell in love with what she calls, "the beautiful confluence of art and science—data and design—that is marketing."

As an online instructor, she has a passion for sharing her love of marketing and inspiring others to navigate their own paths forward to achieve personal and professional growth.

She says her approach to teaching is two-fold.

"First, I teach to where my students are at. Students come into the program with a variety of experience in digital marketing, so I try to take that into consideration."
"Second, I challenge them to dig deeper and extend their understanding of the content."

She says demonstrating strong analytical and critical thinking is critical to success in her classes, but she puts the most emphasis on the direct integration and application of specific course concepts.

"This is the fundamental component of higher-level learning."

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Financial aid is available. Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships. WVU’s FAFSA Code is 003827.

Digital Marketing Communications M.S. total degree cost: $22,500 – Residents and Non-Residents

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies and living expenses. Please see the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage for how to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Your future in Digital Marketing Communications

Digital Marketing Communications is one of the most rapidly growing industries as technology continues to evolve and thrive. Learn how to meet your audiences where they are through SEO, organic and paid search, display marketing, social media marketing, marketing automation, content marketing, multi-channel analytics and desktop and mobile user experiences.

The Benefits of pursuing a Digital Marketing Communications M.S. degree at WVU

Understanding digital marketing platforms and using the data they provide to develop more impactful marketing campaigns is central to the WVU Digital Marketing Communications degree.

Career Outlook in the Media Communication space

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in the media and communication occupations is projected to grow 6% from 2021-2031. Growth is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Course Title Credit Hours
IMC 440 Introduction to Digital Marketing Communications 3
DMC 561 Audience Research and Segmentation 3
DMC 573 Campaign Metrics and Assessment 3
DMC 565 Customer Engagement Ethics and Strategies 3
IMC 534 Digital Storytelling 3
IMC 544 Digital Marketing Communications Campaigns 3

Elective Courses: Students choose three of the following options:

Course Title Credit Hours
IMC 546 Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality in IMC 3
IMC 519 Emerging Media and the Market 3
IMC 529 Mobile Marketing 3
IMC 541 Social Media and Marketing 3
IMC 542 Web Metrics and SEO 3

Production Courses: Students choose one of the following courses

Course Title Credit Hours
IMC 543 Digital Video Production 3
IMC 551 Podcast Production and Promotion 3

Total Hours: 30

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I earn my Digital Marketing Communications degree at WVU?

As part of the online Digital Marketing Communications master's degree program, you complete ten certifications from the industry's leading digital platforms. This not only gives you in-demand skills and knowledge, but it's proof on your resume that will set you apart with potential employers.

What are some skills that a person should possess to pursue this degree?

Many companies are hiring digital marketing professionals to implement digital marketing practices. Here are the top skills a digital marketer should possess include:

  • Content Creation
  • Communication Skills
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Storytelling
  • Basic Design Skills

Is Digital Marketing Communications a good career?

According to the latest projections, digital advertising revenue will surpass $700 billion by 2025. That is a major increase from 2022 when the industry was valued at $153 billion. Source: statista.com

Plus, the overall employment of advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics

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

  • Digital marketing manager
  • Market research analyst
  • Digital Marketing Strategist
  • Sales and Marketing Manager
  • Social media manager
  • Web content manager
  • Digital marketing coordinator
  • Content Director
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Be a decision maker. First, your degree. World-class academics at an exceptional value.

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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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