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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.

Value

Embarking on a graduate degree is a huge decision and you ultimately want it to pay off ... in terms of salary, title, career goals or even personal happiness. Here are some of the top "Is it worth it?" questions we hear from prospective students, and how the M.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications degree measures up. Also, see how WVU's online marketing communications graduate programs rank among comparable programs at other institutions.

Is a master's degree worth it?

Considerations

Integrated Marketing Communications

Salary

Will I make enough to support my lifestyle and pay my bills?

On average, those working in Digital or Integrated Marketing Communications have an annual salary of  $63,920. Several professions in this industry have the opportunity to earn more than  $100,000 annually.

Career Prospects

Can I see myself doing the jobs this major leads to?

Integrated Marketing Communications is a versatile degree that allows grads to work in nearly any industry, sector or field. Here are some of the job titles you can hold with an IMC degree:

  • Marketing Communications Manager
  • Account Executive
  • Sales and Marketing Manager
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Brand Manager
  • Account Supervisor

In addition, IMC roles can be fulfilled remotely. In fact, the marketing communications industry is one of the top leaders in remote work as many agencies and firms have learned to evolve and adapt.

Job Locations

Will I have to move to find work? If so, where?

Marketing Communications roles exist in every industry all over the world, and more and more companies are offering remote work options. In the last 6 months, LinkedIn reports that remote marketing roles have increased by 177%.

Industry Growth

What happens 5, 10 or 20 years from now?

This industry is expected to grow between 10% and 14% by 2030 which is as fast as average and faster than average. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Job Satisfaction

Are marcom professionals happy with their jobs? What is the work-life balance?

Working in Marketing Communications offers upward mobility and the flexibility of a work-life balance, but this is an industry that involves many responsibilities and complexities.

Education Credentials

How important is a master's degree in this industry?

Because this is a growing and competitive industry, 53% of those working in Integrated Marketing Communications have a Master’s Degree.  Source: Stepping Blocks

Is WVU worth it?

Program

Format(s)

Total Credits

Tuition

Completion

Columbia University Strategic Communication On-Campus or Hybrid 36 $91,296 1 Year
Eastern Michigan University College of Business Online 36 $33,786 2 Years (average)
Florida International University College of Communication On-Campus or Online 30 $27,500 1 Year
George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs On-Campus 36 $48,750 2+ Years
Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies On-Campus or Online 33 $50,391 2 - 5 Years
Marist College School of Communications and the Arts Online 30 $27,600 1.5 - 2 Years
New York University School of Professional Studies On-Campus 42 $104,006 2 Years
Northwestern University Medill School On-Campus or Online 39 $69,628 2 Years
Quinnipiac University Online Programs Online 30 $35,175 1 - 2 Years
Syracuse University Newhouse Online or Blended 36 $67,392 15 Months
West Virginia University Reed College of Media Online 30 $22,500 1 - 2 Years or Longer