Five year program: B.A. in Communication and M.A. in Integrated Marketing Communication
Marist’s dual-degree program is designed for students pursuing a B.A. in Communication with dual concentrations in Advertising and Public Relations (PR). While the undergraduate curriculum focuses both on the theory and practice of Advertising and Public Relations, the M.A. in Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) curriculum provides students a management perspective.
IMC, in practice, comprehensively addresses the strategic consistency across the functions of advertising, brand management, corporate communication, marketing, public relations and sales for the purpose of developing and maintaining long-term relationships with target audiences before, during and after the delivery of products and services.
The dual-degree program is ideal for those who wish to move into a leadership position in the fields of advertising, brand management, marketing, public relations, strategic communication or sales.
Student Profile: Jacqueline Gruber '18, MA '19
Highwire PR Post-Graduate Technology Intern
The courses I am taking as a graduate student differ tremendously from my undergraduate experience. One of the major benefits of the program is having the opportunity to work with students in different fields and experience levels. This challenged me to not only think critically and strategically but explore other pathways within the industry. In addition, these courses provided a greater analysis and explanation behind commination theories and business practices.
Curriculum
The 120-credit, four-year B.A. in Communication curriculum is based on a strong foundation of core liberal arts and communication studies courses. Advertising and PR are both 18-credit concentrations offered within the B.A. in Communication major. Both concentrations offer a mix of theoretical and hands-on courses that prepare students for entry-level positions in the field.
The 30-credit hour M.A. graduate degree program in IMC provides students with a cross-disciplinary educational experience that mirrors workplace dynamics in the fields of advertising, brand management, corporate communication, marketing, public relations, strategic communication, and sales. Students will learn to strategically approach and develop IMC plans aimed at successfully engaging diverse and global audiences.
Of the 30-credit M.A. in IMC curriculum, students take four graduate courses (12 credits) as an undergraduate during the junior and senior years of study (all graduate courses are on-line). The remaining six graduate courses (18 credits) are taken during the fifth year of study to complete the M.A. in IMC requirements. The four graduate courses students take as an undergraduate will replace four, 3 credit undergraduate course requirements.
It is important to note while undergraduate classes are generally offered on-the-ground, all graduate courses are offered only in an online format, therefore you can be working full-time and taking your remaining 5th year graduate classes at the same time.
Download and complete the above application. You may either bring it directly to the Program office in LT 238 Monday through Thursday, or scan and email it to the address on the application
Tuition
The four graduate classes you will take as an undergrad will be billed at the current undergraduate tuition rate. Graduate classes taken after you complete your undergraduate degree will be billed at the current graduate tuition rate.
Requirements for degree completion
The B.A. in Communication requires the successful completion of courses totaling a minimum of 120 credits, with a minimum of 30 credits completed at Marist, a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, the specified coursework for the student’s major field, and a minimum 2.0 GPA in the student’s major field.
The M.A. in IMC is a 30-credit program; 12 credits will be completed as an undergraduate, and 18-credits as a graduate student in the fifth year. Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and a “C” or better in all required courses.
