Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communication (MA in IMC)

What is Integrated Marketing Communication?  

Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) is a strategic approach that aims to deliver a consistent message across various internal and external channels and touchpoints. IMC focuses on integrating different communication channels and tactics to create a unified brand experience for customers and key stakeholders. The goal is to ensure that all marketing and communication efforts work together to reinforce the brand or organization’s positioning, values, and messaging in traditional and digital earned, owned, and paid media channels and outputs.  

View academic program requirements and course descriptions in the University Course Catalog:
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Why Choose the William Paterson University MA in Integrated Marketing Communication?  
  • 30 credits of hybrid and online courses 
  • Flexible start dates 4 x per year 
  • Marketable career-friendly certificate bundles  
  • Complete in just 12-15 months  
  • 4+1 BA/MA option to save time and money  
  • Up to 15 graduate-level or professional transfer credits accepted 
  • Take up to 9 credits three courses non-matriculated towards the program  

The MA in Integrated Marketing Communication prepares graduates for a variety of roles and industries in global businesses, government agencies, media, and non-government organizations (NGOs).  Our MA alumni hold positions in marketing, branding, advertising, public relations, human resources, talent management, social media marketing, and more!  Graduates gain hands-on experience learning from faculty with industry expertise through case studies, real-world projects, internships, professional networking, and a flexible Graduate Capstone option (practicum, fellowship, project). 

Program outcomes:  

Students will learn how to:  

  • Use research and analytics to leverage the power of social media and inform IMC decisions. 
  • Produce engaging persuasive strategic content and messaging to diverse audiences and media channels 
  • Design creative integrated marketing communication plans to boost stakeholder loyalty, engagement, and activism  
  • Build a professional portfolio of work to elevate your resume and LinkedIn profiles with marketable relevant sought-after skills and credentials 
  • Customize course projects to align with academic and professional goals
Specialized Focus Areas and Accelerated Stackable Certificate Bundles:
  • Strategic Marketing Communication Certificate: research & analytics, campaign development; public relations, marketing, advertising, events, media, global corporate communication management.   
  • Social Media Strategy Certificate: brand content creation and messaging, social media community management; paid, earned, and owned media planning and tactical execution.
  • Corporate Communication Management Certificate: corporate social responsibility, diversity, equity and inclusion, employee engagement, human resources, advocacy, crisis & reputation, and leadership.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the University’s admission requirements:

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended. 
  • Cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.00. 
  • Statement essay articulating the student's goals and expectations; how the student's academic and professional backgrounds fit the program outcomes; how they may benefit from the program; or how they would contribute to the program and their fellow students. 
  • One recent letter of recommendation (academic or professional) 
  • Please note: Applicants with more than 5 years professional experience or 3.0 or higher GPA may qualify for a waiver for the statement and/or letter of recommendation requirements. Please contact the graduate program director, Professor Lorra Brown, at BrownL50@wpunj.edu, to see if you qualify for a waiver. 
  • The application fee, essay and letters of recommendation requirements are waived for current William Paterson University undergraduates who have a minimum 3.0 GPA and are part of the 4+1 BA/MA in Professional Communication program. 
  • Required for international students only: English Proficiency requirements 
  • Interested in the M.A. in Integrated Marketing Communication program? Please complete the following form to receive additional information from Graduate Admissions about our program:  https://apply.wpunj.edu/register/info 

Application Deadline

Rolling admission for staggered start dates Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring  

August 1st: Fall session
December 1st: Winter session
January 1st: Spring session  
March 1st: Graduate Assistantship Consideration
May 1st: Summer session

International Students please complete the application a month sooner than these listed deadlines for a given session. 

Contact Us

Professor Lorra M Brown  
Graduate Program Director, MA in Integrated Marketing Communication  
brownl50@wpunj.edu 

Joshua Buland  
Associate Director for International Admission 
bulandj@wpunj.edu 
Phone: 973-720-3578 

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