Advance your career by earning a respected degree with innovative roots and a future-focused, real-world curriculum.
Request Information ApplyWe were the first online IMC master’s program in the country, and we are proud of the program we have built. Since our start in 2003, we’ve been honing our program to respond not only to student needs, but to the needs of the market. While the program is online, its rigor is held to the standards befitting West Virginia University’s R1 research standing. Go ahead, check us out. You’ll always find WVU’s IMC program listed among the best in the country.
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.
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 to allow you to become an expert in a specialized field.
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.
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.
Our 1,500+ alumni, current students and faculty hold elite positions at companies all over the world. We have a saying, “Once a Mountaineer, Always a Mountaineer.” Mountaineers like nothing more than helping fellow alumni and soon-to-be alumni, so the support system starts on day-one and continues as long as you let it. Leverage the power of the Mountaineer network!
Meet Amanda Beck, class of 2017. Amanda is now Marketing Communications Manager at Texas Association of School Boards. Amanda's favorite part of the program was the applicable curriculum. "I enjoyed taking challenges from work and applying the practices from each course to address them. Although it was challenging to complete, the campaigns course was the best example of this. I selected a client in the industry I had previously worked—and had an interest—and really enjoyed going through the process to build a campaign that would be viable in the real world."
More Alumni Stories Meet Our Alumni on the Move
When you submit a request, we will send you a viewbook and our contact information via email. We’re happy to answer any questions you have as you consider your graduate education options.
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Landing a new position can be extremely exciting after a long search or negotiations process for a promotion. However, leaving behind a past project, team or career can be a difficult challenge as you move onto new responsibilities. WVU Marketing Communications "Alumni on the Move" provide insights into how they are handling recent career transitions and making the most out of new opportunities.
Brand evolution is the continuous adaption and refinement of a brand based on consumer behavior, market demands and trends forecasting. Brands that grow and adapt with their audience are more likely to see long term success and foster long-term, brand loyal relationships with consumers.
Paula Scher is one of the most influential graphic designers in the world. Described as the “master conjurer of the instantly familiar,” Scher straddles the line between pop culture and fine art in her work. Iconic, smart, and accessible, her images have entered into the American vernacular. Scher has developed identity and branding systems, promotional materials, environmental graphics, packaging and publication designs for a broad range of clients. In this session, Scher reflects on career-defining moments, shares her design process and explores the relationship between design and marketing.
Digital and Social Media
The Digital and Social Media specialization gives IMC students the tools they need for future careers using digital and social media as part of a greater integrated marketing communications strategy. From social media best practices to search engine optimization, from web metrics to developing a broader digital ad strategy, this AOE equips students with the skills needed to thrive as digital and social media specialists.
You should select Digital and Social Media if you’re interested in:
Digital and Social Media Courses: