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Creative Strategy Graduate Certificate

College of Creative Arts and Media

Attendees laugh as they listen to presenters at the IMC Integrate Conference.

The Creative Strategy Graduate Certificate, offered by the College of Creative Arts and Media, will give you the versatility you need to succeed in the marketing world, particularly in the area of creative services.

Cost:

$777 / Cost per credit hour *

Courses and Credits:

4 Courses / 12 Credits

Duration:

One year

Dates:

Start date: August 20, 2025 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring

Learning Format:

Online asynchronous

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Program Overview

Unleash Your Creativity

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.


Master Collaborative Skills

The Creative Strategy Graduate Certificate provides you with the practical skills needed 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 you the importance of applying the best strategies and tactics to reach key audiences. The program is taught by a diverse faculty — from marketing directors to academics to entrepreneurs — who are recognized leaders in their fields.

Curriculum

This four-course graduate certificate is offered exclusively online. You will focus on the creative aspects of integrated marketing communications planning and execution. Additionally, you will benefit from instruction by a diverse faculty of recognized leaders in their fields.

The Creative Strategy Graduate Certificate emphasizes creative strategy and execution, as you 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.

You will explore advanced creative concepts, digital storytelling, visual information design, and content creation. Whether you are passionate about content creation, visual art, or both, the Creative Strategy Graduate Certificate equips you with the skills needed to deliver exceptional content to diverse audiences.

Certificate Code - CG48

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.

The suggested plan of study is one academic year with students taking one course per term:
  • IMC 525: Advanced Creative Concepts, 3 credit hours
  • IMC 534: Digital Storytelling, 3 credit hours
  • IMC 536: Visual Information Design, 3 credit hours
  • IMC 539: Content Marketing, 3 credit hours
Total Hours: 12

You may transition into WVU's fully 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.

Admissions Events

Learn more about the online marketing and communications programs offered by the College of Creative Arts and Media by attending an upcoming virtual information session.

Admissions Process and How to Apply

  • 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 WVU Hub, 62 Morrill Way - Suite 220, Morgantown, WV 26506. 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 mail to:

Questions? Email  wvuimc@mail.wvu.edu or call (304) 293-6278.

How to Apply

Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid

Since certificates are considered non-degree-seeking programs, they don't qualify for financial aid. However, many certificate programs allow you to transition into a full degree, at which point financial aid can be applied.

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. Visit the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Tuition per credit hour is listed on the page of your program of interest. Please note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start of each academic year.

Connect with an Admissions Coach

Brynne Myers Admissions Consultant

(304) 293-6278 Brynne.Myers@mail.wvu.edu

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Careers and Employment

The Creative Strategy Graduate Certificate equips you with the skills to excel in strategic and multifaceted roles within the marketing and communications industry, and beyond. Emphasizing the development of innovative strategies and creative solutions to meet business objectives, this program prepares you to work across various sectors including advertising, public relations, digital marketing, and more.

Career Paths

Students who complete the online Creative Strategy Graduate Certificate may be prepared for the following careers:

  • Director of Creative Design
  • Creative Marketing Director
  • Art Director
  • Creative Services Manager
  • Marketing Manager
  • Digital Content Manager
  • Graphic Designer
  • Branding Strategist
  • Media Coordinator

Get in Touch

The WVU Online team is here for you during your online learning journey. We can help you navigate the curriculum of your program of interest, understand the application process, and keep you posted on upcoming events and deadlines.

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