Admission to the IMC and Digital Marketing Communications program occurs three times per year — in the Early Fall (August), Early Spring (January) and Summer (May). Admission to the Data Marketing Communications program occurs twice per year - in the Early Fall (August) and Early Spring (January).
The Data Marketing Communications, Digital Marketing Communications and Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) programs at WVU are extremely competitive, but there are things an applicant can do to highlight their qualifications most effectively. Four areas are emphasized during the holistic applicant review process:
- Relevance and Professional Experience
- Motivation, Enthusiasm and Intent
- Demonstrated Academic Capability
-
Graduate Level Writing Ability
Relevance and Professional Experience
The Data, Digital and IMC programs are practical master’s degrees with a learn-it-today, use-it-tomorrow
focus. Not surprisingly, students with relevant work experience are able to quickly
assimilate the knowledge gained through coursework into their careers. Students
with professional experience are also more likely to share beneficial insight and
relevant comments with colleagues and professors in their courses.
To gauge the relevant professional experience of applicants, the admissions committee
closely reviews each resume.
Application Pointers:
- Highlight your achievements and experiences related to marketing communications. If you have limited experience in this area, focus on positions where clear communication was the key to your success and address your professional goals in your personal statement.
- Since you are submitting your resume electronically as a part of the Online WVU
Graduate Application for Admission, please convert it to PDF to ensure that
no formatting is altered.
Motivation, Enthusiasm & Intent
Earning a graduate degree takes commitment. It requires individual determination to push through the difficult moments. During the application process, students who demonstrate a strong desire to be accepted by the programs are often remembered by the admissions committee.
Application Pointers:
- Apply early before the application deadline. Not only will this enable you to compete for a larger number of available seats, but early applicants clearly demonstrate enthusiasm and intent to succeed.
- Develop individual dialogue with the program faculty and our community of students/graduates.
- Use your personal statement to communicate your determination to be accepted into the program. Be sure to describe why attending the program will support your career objectives. Keep in mind that the personal statement can help the admissions committee really get to know who you are and why you want to earn your master’s degree.
- Request letters of recommendation (optional) from individuals who can speak to
your dedication, enthusiasm, and intent to obtain your master’s degree from the program at WVU. Letters from former professors, employers, and/or other sources
who can testify to your academic performance and work ethic are also appropriate.
Demonstrated Academic Capability
All applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, prior to the start of the first WVU Data, Digital or IMC online course.The admissions committee considers several factors regarding academic capability including: undergraduate GPA, years since receipt of undergraduate degree, improvement in performance from first to senior year, and academic performance within major/emphasis.
Application Pointers:
- Address any lapse in your academic performance record in your personal statement. Also, proactively answer questions that the admissions committee is likely to have about your previous academic performance.
- If your major was in an unrelated field, draw connections between your undergraduate major and professional experience.
- If you feel that your GRE/GMAT scores will strengthen your application, you may
include them with your submission.
Graduate Level Writing Ability
In a graduate program focused on professional communication, each Data, Digital or IMC student is expected to demonstrate accomplished written communication skills. To be successful, a student must engage in critical thinking and express those thoughts through clear writing. Each assignment should maintain a consistent focus, include adequate support of the student’s viewpoints and assertions, and provide conclusions that the student has reached based upon the learning process and objectives of the assignment. Technical proficiency in English grammar, spelling and proofreading is necessary to ensure that a professional, high-quality standard for all communications within the program is maintained.
Application Pointers:
- Proofread all application materials!
- Use the personal statement to demonstrate your writing ability.
- When communicating with members of the program’s administration via email, be sure to use proper writing and avoid careless errors.
Questions? Contact the Enrollment Specialist at wvuimc@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-6278.