Integrated Marketing Communications, M.S.
As the nation’s first online graduate program of its kind, WVU's online Integrated Marketing Communications, M.S. continues to set the standard. Learn from industry experts, tailor your degree to your goals, and graduate ready to lead.
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Courses and Credits:
10 Courses / 30 Credits
Duration:
18 to 24 months
Admission Terms:
Fall, Spring, Summer
Next Start Date:
January 11, 2027
Term Length:
8-week courses
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous
GMAT/GRE:
Optional
Program Overview
Whether you are a recent graduate or an experienced professional looking to elevate your role, the online M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) from the College of Creative Arts and Media is designed to meet you where you are. This fully online, highly flexible program requires zero campus visits, giving you the freedom to balance your education with work and personal commitments.
At the heart of the experience is a cutting-edge curriculum. You will master marketing fundamentals, focus your expertise through a specialized track, or design a custom learning path. Finally, you will crown your degree with a hands-on project where you will create a real campaign for a client.
Elevate Your IMC Expertise
Step into the future of marketing communications with a hands-on program designed to transform you into a leader in the field.
- Online and Flexible: Shape your education around your life. The fully online, asynchronous format lets you finish in as little as 12 months, or pace your studies to match your busy schedule.
- Future-Focused: Don’t just keep up with the industry, stay ahead of it. Tailor your degree by combining the core classes with one of our 6 distinct specialist tracks, or choose from 30 dynamic electives for a custom path.
- Practitioner Faculty: Learn from innovators leading today’s digital world. Program faculty are practitioners from Silicon Valley to New York City who bring real-world brilliance and powerful networking opportunities.
What You’ll Learn
The M.S. in IMC curriculum bridges the gap between high-level strategy and immediate workplace execution, training you to orchestrate a seamless flow across multiple media channels.
- Core Strategy: Build and expand upon your knowledge with 5 required core courses, mastering essential topics such as marketing research, audience insights, and brand equity management.
- Targeted Expertise: Deepen your focus by selecting one of 6 specialized tracks in Creative Strategy, Data Marketing Communications, Digital and Social Media, Healthcare, Higher Education Marketing, or Public Relations Leadership, or design a custom path from 30 electives.
- Global Collaboration: Learn alongside your network of peers, developing the multicultural awareness and critical thinking skills needed to implement strategies on a global scale.
- Campaign Execution: Put your skills into action from the first day with hands-on projects designed for immediate workplace impact, culminating in a final-term capstone campaign for an actual client.
Featured Courses
Explore some of the options you can pursue to build your competitive edge in marketing and communications:
Alumni Spotlight
Rochelle Naus
M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications, 2025
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Application Steps
What You Need to Apply
- Successful completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- A minimum GPA of 2.75.
- A Statement of Purpose
- The statement should be 500-800 words and double-spaced.
- This statement should explain to the admissions committee your motivation for applying, rather than repeating your resume.
- A resume or CV that reflects your education and experience.
- Official transcripts from all non-WVU institutions attended should be sent to:
- WVU Office of Admissions, P.O. BOX 6009, Morgantown, WV 26505-6009
- Or emailed to WVUAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu
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
How to Apply
Applications for WVU’s online programs are processed through the University’s central portal. Follow these steps to set up your account and submit your application.
- Check the prerequisites: Review ‘What You Need to Apply’ to confirm your eligibility and get your application materials ready.
- Create your account: Visit the portal, create your account and start your application.
- Pay your application fee: Complete the required payment within the portal.
- Submit: Carefully review your details and submit your application.
Virtual Information Events
Tuition, Fees, and Aid
Cost per credit hour is listed on each program page. Rates are reviewed annually and subject to change.
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 visit WVU’s Estimate Costs and Aid website for how to plan for other potential expenses.
- Complete the FAFSA
- Check Employer Benefits: Inquire about potential tuition assistance or reimbursement programs.
- Review Waivers: Understand the specific restrictions on University tuition waivers.
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Careers and Employment
The online Integrated Marketing Communications, M.S. program will prepare you to lead strategic marketing efforts across multiple channels. You will learn to integrate advertising, public relations, digital media, and analytics into cohesive campaigns that drive results and build strong brands. This program aims to equip you with the skills to manage complex marketing strategies in today’s fast-paced, data-driven environment.
What can I do with an Integrated Marketing Communications, M.S. degree? Explore potential careers, employment environments, and academic pathways:
- Chief Marketing Officer
- Marketing Communications Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Content Strategist
- Brand Manager
- Content Marketing Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
- Marketing Strategist
- Account Executive
- Product Marketing Manager
- Event Marketing Director
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’d like to dive deeper into the program’s curriculum and student experience, connect with:
Lila Caldwell
- Email: Lila.Caldwell@mail.wvu.edu
- Phone: 304-293-6278
- Schedule chat
As a student in the M.S. in Digital Marketing Communications program, you’ll gain access to a strong network of more than 2,500 marketing communications professionals, along with resources designed to support your academic and professional growth.
Program benefits include:
- Mentorship Program: Connect with alumni mentors who can help you expand your professional network, gain industry insights, and build career-ready skills.
- Scholarship Opportunities: Current students may apply for a one-time scholarship award to help offset tuition costs.
- Alumni Lifelong Learning Program: After graduation, you can continue developing your skills through additional coursework available through the Alumni Lifelong Learning Program.
Yes, you can. Most of our students work full-time. The program is flexible, allowing you to choose your classes and progress at your own pace, taking one or two courses at a time. This flexibility means you can finish in 12, 18, 24, or more months.
Success, however, relies on organization and discipline. You must meet academic standards and dedicate time each week to your studies and meet your deadlines. With commitment, you will be successful in the program and well-prepared for the dynamic job market.
