West Virginia University
life_integrated. Integrated Marketing Communications, WVU

additional questions

General Program Questions

  1. What characteristics distinguish the IMC online graduate program at WVU from others in the same field?
    The IMC program at West Virginia University is the first online program in the country through which students can earn a master’s degree in IMC. The curriculum is focused on providing students with practical, cutting-edge skills they can use in their professional lives, and members of the IMC faculty are accomplished educators and leading professionals in the industry. The IMC program attracts competitive students and faculty from all over the world.
  2. Can I complete all IMC coursework from my home, or is time required on campus?
    All coursework in the IMC program is completed online. There is no requirement to personally come to campus unless you would like to participate in graduation or attend a special event.
  3. If I begin in the certificate track but decide I want to complete my master’s degree, will I lose the credits for the courses I completed?
    No. Students who enter the IMC certificate track but later decide to pursue their master's degree are able to roll over credits earned for the certificate. Only courses in which a student achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher are transferable into the master's degree track. However, certificate students must decide to change their track before enrolling in IMC 636.
  4. I have never taken an online course. What can I expect in terms of research and writing with the IMC program?
    Though there is some research involved in completing the written project assignments, all work completed relates to the practical projects on which the IMC program focuses.  During the course of the program, students complete numerous written projects and develop IMC campaigns. 
  5. Is financial aid available?
    Financial assistance is available to master's degree students who can document financial need. For more information, visit the University homepage at http://www.wvu.edu/ and click on "Costs and Financial Aid" or call the WVU Financial Aid Office toll free at 1-800-344-WVU1. You can also visit the WVU Foundation's Private Scholarship Web Page at http://domino.wvuf.wvnet.edu/fundsch.nsf.
  6. What year did the IMC program at WVU begin?
    Originally launched as a certificate program in 2001, the IMC graduate program became a full master’s degree program at WVU in 2003.
  7. How many students are enrolled in the IMC program at WVU?
    We currently have approximately 240 active students in the program.
  8. How many students have graduated from the program since it began?
    To date, 77 students have completed the requirements and earned their master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from WVU.
  9. What kind of careers do the majority of enrolled students hold?
    Many IMC students currently work in the marketing communications field and are looking to advance once their graduate degree is complete. However, the program also has students who are looking for a career change and currently work in other fields. Each student brings a unique perspective to the courses, regardless of their current profession.
  10. How far does the enrollment reach (internationally, nationally, etc.)?
    Our students are spread throughout over 33 different states in the United States, as well as in numerous countries beyond U.S. borders.
  11. What are the demographics of students?
    • Over 95 percent are actively employed
    • Nearly 73 percent are female
    • Approximate average age is 33
  12. Are there any specific computer programs I must have knowledge of to be successful as a student?
    You must have at least a 56K modem. All work must be submitted in Microsoft Word. You also will need Microsoft Excel and the free versions of Adobe Reader and WinZip. Some courses may have specific software requirements, such as Adobe Photoshop or SPSS.
  13. What are some specific careers/job titles that the IMC program will prepare me for?
    Graduates have gone on to work in a variety of marketing communication positions including corporate communications, internal communications, direct marketing, brand management, sales promotions and event planning. Many hold positions in advertising or public relations firms, and some hold positions in the marketing communications department of major U.S. companies.
  14. My employer offers a tuition reimbursement program - does the IMC program qualify?
    Many students participate in their employers' tuition reimbursement programs and are often encouraged to attend the program by their employer because coursework can be completed on the student’s schedule and doesn’t require classroom attendance that might conflict with demanding work hours.

Top

Application & Admission Questions

  1. Is the GRE or GMAT required for application to the IMC Program?
    Yes, GRE or GMAT scores are required. However, the Admissions Committee recently approved some changes to the application requirements. The GRE or GMAT may now be waived for any applicant who meets one of the following qualifications:
    • Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher.
    • Six or more years of marketing-related work experience.  

    If you do not meet either of these qualifications, you must submit GRE or GMAT scores.

  2. What is the required TOEFL score for International Students seeking admission?
    Generally, applicants whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL results before an application can be considered for admission to the WVU. The required score is 550 for the paper-based TOEFL or 213 for the computer-based TOEFL. IELTS scores are also accepted for admission. Graduate students must have a score of 6.5. For additional information concerning the TOEFL, please visit The Educational Testing Services website at http://www.ets.org/toeflets.html.

    In some cases, it may be possible to consider applicants who lack adequate TOEFL scores. Such applicants must enroll in the WVU Intensive English Program prior to beginning their academic program. Applicants who wish to be considered for this option must notify the Office of Admissions and Records when they submit their application. Additional information about the Intensive English Program can be obtained by contacting:

    Intensive English Program
    Department of Foreign Languages
    West Virginia University
    P.O. Box 6297
    Morgantown, WV 26505
  3. I’m an international applicant. Can I get a student Visa to attend the IMC Program?
    No. The IMC program is offered online – no IMC course is available in a traditional classroom setting. International students in the IMC program do not qualify for student Visas. However, international applicants are welcome to apply and can complete all IMC coursework from their country of residence.
  4. I have over XX years of professional experience. Do I need to submit my old college transcripts?
    Yes, all applicants must submit all academic transcripts when applying to the IMC program.
  5. When does the IMC program notify applicants of acceptance?
    All applications received by June 15 (for Early Fall enrollment), October 15 (for Early Spring enrollment) and March 15 (for Summer enrollment) will be considered, and accepted students will be notified by July 15, November 15 and March 15, respectively. However, the IMC program operates on a rolling admissions basis. Qualified applicants may be accepted as soon as their application packets are completed.
  6. When can new IMC students begin the program?
    New IMC students are admitted only for the Early Fall (August), Early Spring (January) and Summer (May) sessions.
  7. Can I be admitted to the program and start my coursework early?
    No. The introductory course (IMC 610) is a prerequisite for all other IMC courses and is only offered in the Early Fall, Early Spring and Summer sessions.
  8. How many years of work experience are required?
    While a solid knowledge of marketing communications provides a strong foundation for students, a number of successful students have entered the program with very little practical work experience. Work experience is one aspect reviewed by the admissions committee when evaluating applicants. However, if an applicant has a strong undergraduate GPA, high GRE or GMAT scores, and strong letters of recommendation, these can offset the lack of work experience.
  9. If I don’t have any work experience, should I still apply?
    Yes. Other strong areas of your application can offset this deficit.
  10. If my GRE/GMAT score or undergrad GPA is lower than the average/minimum scores should I still apply?
    Yes. Other strong areas of your application my offset these deficits.
  11. Does my undergraduate degree need to be related to IMC in order to be accepted into the program?
    No. While those who already have a general understanding of marketing communications do seem to have a greater comfort level with the material from the start, a foundation in another area of study does not preclude you from being eligible for admission. Just be prepared that some outside self-study to become familiar with common marketing terms and concepts might be necessary.
  12. Are there any undergraduate prerequisite courses required before enrollment in the IMC master’s program?
    There are no specific courses required from an undergraduate program. However, all applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree before they can be considered for admission into the IMC Graduate Program.
  13. Can I take a course without being officially accepted into the program?
    No. Only students who have been accepted into the IMC program may register for an IMC course.
  14. Is a writing sample required/encouraged?
    Yes. The program application includes an essay question and students are encouraged to exhibit the quality of their writing through this essay. The IMC Graduate Program is a highly writing-intensive program. Technical proficiency in English grammar, spelling, and proofreading is necessary to be successful. Exhibiting these proficiencies in your essay makes for a stronger application.

Top

IMC Student “Life” Questions

  1. How is the IMC program structured in terms of course scheduling?
    Courses are held in nine-week sessions, with five sessions being offered per year. The sessions include Early Spring (January-March), Late Spring (March-May), Summer (May-July), Early Fall (August-October), and Late Fall (October-December).
  2. How long does it take to complete an IMC session?
    All IMC courses are nine weeks in length.
  3. How many courses may I take per session?
    Students may take a maximum of two courses per session except during the first and last term, when only one course, IMC 610 and 636, is taken by itself.
  4. How big are the class sizes?
    In order to maximize the relationships between instructors and students, most courses in the IMC program are limited to 17 students. The introductory course – IMC 610 – may have up to 20 students.
  5. Am I required to take two courses per session?
    No. Students may take either one or two courses per session with the exception of the first and final terms, in which IMC 610 and 636 must be completed by itself. Students enrolled in the IMC certificate track may enroll in only one course per session for five sessions.
  6. What is the grading policy?
    Grades are assigned for each course. Possible grades are: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, and F. A minimum 2.75 grade point average is required to complete the program. A grade as low as C- in any one course is acceptable as long as the overall GPA remains above a 2.75. A grade of D+ or lower will require repetition of the course.
  7. Once accepted into the program, is there a minimum GPA I must maintain in order to remain in the IMC Program?
    In keeping with West Virginia University’s academic standards for graduate students, the IMC program requires all enrolled students to maintain at minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 to remain in good standing in the program. 

    Any student failing to maintain this minimum standard may be placed on academic probation and must achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 by the end of the next enrollment period.  Any student who cannot attain the required average may be suspended from the program and/or University.

    In addition, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 for all courses attempted in the program is required for graduation from the IMC program.  Students who do not have at least a 2.75 GPA at time of completion of all coursework will not be able to graduate.

    In the IMC program, a student must achieve a grade of at least “C-” or better in each course in order to pass.  Courses in which grades of “D” or “F” are earned must be retaken until a passing grade (C- or better) is achieved.

    Additional information on the expectations for academic performance of graduate students can be found in the West Virginia University Graduate Catalog.
  8. I’m a graduate student in another program at West Virginia University. Can I take a particular IMC course as an elective?
    No. IMC courses are not open to students enrolled in other WVU graduate or undergraduate programs. Any student currently enrolled in another program at West Virginia University who would like to pursue the program's certificate track option must apply to be admitted into the IMC program as a certificate-seeking student. Details on the application process are available online at http://www.imc.wvu.edu/admissions/.
  9. Are graduate assistantships available in the IMC program?
    No.
  10. Are there any scholarships or fellowships available through the IMC program?
    The IMC program does not currently offer any scholarships or fellowships.
  11. Can I enroll in the IMC program as a part-time student?
    IMC students can take one or two course per term. For financial aid purposes, the number of hours taken between the Early Fall and Late Fall terms equals the total hours for the Fall semester. The number of hours taken in Early Spring and Late Spring equal total hours for the Spring semester. Less than 9 hours during a semester (or two terms) qualifies you as a part-time student for financial aid purposes.
  12. Is a thesis or professional project required for graduation?
    There is no requirement of a thesis or professional project for the IMC graduate degree. However, IMC 636 serves as a capstone course and students develop a full-blown integrated marketing campaign in that course. Because of the intensity of this project, students must take this course by itself in their final term in the program.
  13. Is there a required timeline that I will need to graduate by?
    According to WVU policy, graduate work must be completed within a period of eight years.  Also, if you remain inactive for two consecutive years, you are dropped from the university enrollment records and would need to reapply to the program to complete your degree.
  14. Are there any required meetings that I would have to attend in person?
    No. There is never a requirement that you come to the WVU campus or attend any class sessions in person. However, the program hosts an event once a year when students have the option to come to campus and meet fellow-students and faculty. Many have found this to be an important networking opportunity.
  15. Are there any gatherings organized where I could meet with professors and students? (Both as an enrolled student and as a prospective student)
    Each year, an IMC Information and Reunion Weekend is held on the campus of West Virginia University. Prospective students, current students, graduates and faculty are invited to come and participate in a number of planned events and activities. Attendance is completely optional and not mandatory.
  16. I would like to learn more about the IMC program from current students or graduates – can I contact any of them directly?
    To ensure the privacy of IMC students and graduates, the program will not provide contact information to prospective students or employers. However, student testimonials are available on the program’s home page in both text and video format. In addition, prospective students should review the IMC student blog for insights into the experience of being an IMC student. Finally, prospective students are strongly encouraged to attend the annual IMC Information Weekend & Student Reunion to meet current students, graduates and faculty.
  17. Is there a recommended or sample course schedule available?
    Because of the flexibility surrounding the number of courses you take each term (two, one or none) as well as the order of the courses, there are a multitude of possibilities for course schedules. However, the student advisor will assist students who have questions about course scheduling.
  18. Can I transfer my IMC credits to another major at WVU if I choose to change my graduate degree?
    Because the IMC courses are different from those offered by any other program at WVU, it is not likely that the credits would transfer. However, that would be up to the specific program to which you would be transferring.
  19. Are there any job placement help/opportunities after graduation?
    The IMC Program currently posts job vacancies from around the country on the IMC Community page of the IMC website. Additionally, former graduates often contact us about job opportunities at their place of employment. The program gladly shares these opportunities with students. Students and graduates also do a great deal of networking among themselves.
  20. Will I be able to use my teachers as contacts/references?
    You are welcome to ask any instructor for their permission to use them as a reference or contact for your employment search. The IMC program leaves that decision up to each individual instructor.

Top