admissions process

Like most premier academic programs, admission to the IMC program at West Virginia University is highly competitive, and the total number of available seats for each entry term is limited.

IMC program applications are comprised of the following materials:

1. IMC Program Application
• Includes Essay (Indicates Writing Capability)
2. WVU Graduate Application
• Includes Undergraduate Transcript (Indicates Academic Achievement)
3. Resume (Illustrates Relevant Professional Experience)
4. GRE or GMAT Scores (Demonstrates Graduate Level Aptitude)
5. Letters of Recommendation (Optional, but Strongly Recommended)

IMC Application Checklist

Admission to the program is based on a case-by-case analysis of the applicant’s academic record (undergraduate transcript), GRE or GMAT scores, years of relevant professional experience (resume), writing ability (program essay) and references (letters of recommendation).

Important Note: The GRE or GMAT requirement may be waived for any applicant who meets EITHER of the following qualifications:

1. Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or higher.
2. Six or more years of marketing-related work experience.

Acceptance is also contingent on the number of qualified applicants versus the number of total available seats. The more applications received by the IMC program, the greater the competition is for admission to the program.

Applicants will receive confirmation once all admission materials are received and the application file is complete. Depending on the date of application, there may be several weeks between the day you submit your application and the day you hear back from the IMC program. All applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision; however, the timing can vary depending on when the complete application is received.

Serious applicants are strongly encouraged to apply before the program's priority deadline for the entry term in which they are seeking admission.

Tips for Submitting a Successful Application

For questions about the IMC program’s application process or to submit materials for admission, please contact:

Shelly Stump
Director, Student Advising & Recruitment
P.I. Reed School of Journalism
West Virginia University
P.O. Box 6010
Morgantown, WV 26506-6010
T: 304-293-3505 x5450
E: shelly.stump@mail.wvu.edu

student qualifications

The diversity of students is a positive attribute of the IMC program. The program is offered exclusively online, and attracts the most talented students and faculty without the traditional limits of geographic location.

Program attributes include:

• First Online IMC Graduate Program in the World; Student Enrollment Increased 250% in Three Years
• Over 200 Students in 33 states and Eight Countries
• Over 40 Faculty in 21 States
• Student Age Between 23 and 61 (Mean Age: 33 years)
• Average Professional Experience at Application: 6.6 years
• Average Undergraduate GPA at Application: 3.2 on a 4.0 Scale
• Over 95% of Current IMC Students Work Full-Time

What Matters Most

Each incoming student is selected based on the cumulative merits of his/her candidacy. There are four main attributes that are considered for every applicant:

• Relevance & Professional Experience (Resume)
• Motivation, Enthusiasm & Intent (Program Essay and Letters of Recommendation)
• Demonstrated Academic Capability (Undergraduate GPA/Transcripts & GRE/GMAT)
• Graduate Level Writing Ability (Program Essay)

View Tips for Submitting a Successful Application for some additional pointers to highlight your qualifications in these four critical areas. Also, take a quick Prospective Student Quiz to determine whether an online learning environment may be right for you!

For questions about the IMC program’s application process or to submit materials for admission, please contact:

Shelly Stump
Director, Student Advising & Recruitment
P.I. Reed School of Journalism
West Virginia University
P.O. Box 6010
Morgantown, WV 26506-6010
T: 304-293-3505 x5450
E: shelly.stump@mail.wvu.edu

application deadlines

Students are admitted to the IMC program three times per year, in the Early Fall, Early Spring and Summer sessions. The IMC program operates on a rolling admissions process and routinely admits qualified students before the deadlines listed below.

Depending on the date of application, there may be several weeks between the day you submit your application and when you receive a response from the IMC program. All applicants will be notified of the committee’s decision (whether accepted or rejected); however the timing can vary depending on when the complete application is received.

Submission Deadlines

Complete applications must be received by the following deadlines to receive full consideration for admission:

Note: Applications will be processed after deadline until an incoming class is full. Once all available seats have been filled, qualified applicants will be deferred to the next incoming term. The IMC program may also implement a waitlist for an incoming session.

Acceptance Notification

Students selected for admission to the IMC program will be notified of acceptance as follows: