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The Reed College of Media and College of Creative Arts will merge to form the new WVU College of Creative Arts and Media as of July 1, 2024. Get details.

APR Credit

Waive two courses in WVU's online M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications program with the Accreditation in Public Relations credential.

Professionals who hold the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) will receive credit for two master's level courses upon acceptance to West Virginia University's online Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications program.

The APR credential — internationally recognized for more than 50 years as the industry standard in credentials for public relations professionals — is proof of professional expertise, ethics and dedication within today's dynamic PR and communications environment. As a result, APR holders have the unique opportunity to accelerate through the online Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications program by applying their APR credential for six credit hours (two courses).

Successful applicants with the APR credential:

  • Receive 6 hours of transfer credit
    APR certification proves you have the expertise to forego two courses in the IMC curriculum: IMC 518 – PR Concepts and Strategy and IMC 528 – Applied Public Relations

  • Save 20% on tuition cost
    The WVU IMC program is already a great value for a quality graduate program at $24,600, but with two fewer courses, APR certified students can earn your master of science degree for less than $20,000. You can also apply for financial aid and/or spread courses out to pay smaller amounts over time. All WVU IMC students, regardless of residency, pay the in-state tuition rate.

  • Save a substantial amount of time
    In today's hectic workplace, one of the most precious commodities is time. By earning credit for two courses through the APR credential, the total estimated time savings is 160-192 hours of graduate level coursework.

  • Earn a master’s degree by completing just 8 courses
    WVU's renowned online IMC program is completely online and flexible. It's designed to be rigorous while remaining achievable for busy working professionals. The APR credit reduces the number of courses required to complete your degree by two, allowing even more flexibility for individual students to spread courses out to allow for busy work schedules, or compress courses to finish even quicker - in as little as one calendar year.

Let's Chat

We're here for you every step of the way ... we'll answer your questions, help with your applications for graduate school and financial support, schedule your classes, provide tech support, welcome you for graduation and keep in touch once you cross the finish line.

At the Office

Marketing Communications Online Programs
WVU Reed College of Media Innovation Center
62 Morrill Way, Fl 4
Morgantown, WV 26506

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(304) 293-6278

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Why WVU IMC?

Number 1


Reputation
Developed in 2003, WVU had the first online IMC master’s degree. It’s a respected program with innovative roots and a future-focused, real world curriculum.

Number 2


Customizable
We continuously add to the more than 30 electives to make sure the curriculum aligns with the latest and greatest IMC industry strategies. You can pick and choose topics to create your perfect educational experience.

Number 3


Specializations
Specialize in a high-demand area by using your four electives to earn an Area of Emphasis in Creative Strategy, Data Marketing Communications, Digital and Social Media, Healthcare Communications, Higher Education Marketing or Public Relations Leadership.

Number 4


Practitioner Faculty
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.

Number 5


The Capstone
You’ll use all that you’ve learned in a final capstone course to develop a thoughtful and professional quality IMC campaign for a realworld client. You can select your own client or be assigned one.

Number 6


Unbeatable Value
At WVU, you get a lot of bang for your buck — a world-class program taught by leading experts. In a recent survey of our graduates, 41% have received more than 25% salary increases since earning their IMC degree. Now that’s ROI.