Integrated Marketing Communication, M.A.

Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Jeanne M. Persuit

The Department of Communication Studies offers a program of study leading to the Master of Arts degree in Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC). The program emphasizes four areas relating to IMC; (1) praxis, or theory-informed action; (2) communication and rhetoric; (3) research and (4) ethics. The program prepares students for careers in IMC in areas such as advertising, public relations, social media management, branding and marketing communication, public information and strategic communication, and event and experiential marketing. In addition, the program will prepare students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in IMC or communication studies.

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the graduate program in IMC are required to submit the following to the Graduate School:

An application for graduate admission.
Official transcripts of all college work (undergraduate and graduate).
One recommendation to be submitted through the online application. This recommendation should be from an academic instructor OR a current or former supervisor
A statement of interest that addresses the applicant’s purpose for graduate study, focusing on how attending graduate school in IMC will help the applicant achieve their professional goals. The essay should be no longer than 1-2 pages (approximately 500-600 words).

The minimum requirements for acceptance are the following: a satisfactory response to the statement of interest attached to the application form, a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university or its equivalent in a foreign institution based on a four-year program, and a strong overall academic record with a “B” average or better in the undergraduate major.

All applications must be received by the published deadline.

Degree Requirements (30 total credit hours)

The M.A. in Integrated Marketing Communication program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate study, for both the thesis and non-thesis options.

At least 24 credit hours must be completed in residence at UNCW; a maximum of six credit hours may be transferred from another regionally accredited institution. Grades on transfer work must be equivalent to a “B” or better.

Students must complete the program within five years of the date of first registration for graduate study.

Course Requirements (30 credit hours)

The M.A. in IMC is an online, accelerated program (OAP). Courses are offered in 7-week terms six times per calendar year. Sequence of courses is predetermined and can be changed only with the permission of the graduate coordinator.

COM 531 - Integrated Marketing Communication and the Strategic Mindset Credit Hours: 3
COM 500 - Mixed Research Methods for Integrated Marketing Communication I Credit Hours: 3
COM 532 - Critical Issues in Integrated Marketing Communication Credit Hours: 3
COM 533 - Organizational Culture, Identity and Brand Credit Hours: 3
COM 534 - Communication Ethics and Integrated Marketing Communication Credit Hours: 3
COM 535 - Integrated Marketing Communication: Diversity and Inclusion Credit Hours: 3
COM 536 - Digital Storytelling and Integrated Marketing Communication Credit Hours: 3
COM 502 - Mixed Research Methods for Integrated Marketing Communication II Credit Hours: 3
OR
COM 537 - Crisis Communication & Integrated Marketing Communication Credit Hours: 3
COM 539 - Integrated Marketing Communication Applied Learning Project Credit Hours: 3
COM 598 - Research in Integrated Marketing Communication Credit Hours: 1 to 4
COM 590 - Integrated Marketing Communication Graduate Capstone Credit Hours: 3
Thesis option ONLY; these courses may be taken to replace the Capstone:
COM 599 - Thesis in Integrated Marketing Communication Credit Hours: 3 to 6

Exit Requirement

The program exit requirement is a project, portfolio, or thesis that is approved by the department graduate committee. Projects and portfolios are submitted at the end of COM 590: Capstone.