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Prospective students often ask us here at Grad Admissions to differentiate between the Integrated Marketing Communication and Global Marketing Communication & Advertising programs. Both programs are creative, content-driven, and, of course, focused on the latest marketing strategies and practices. But what exactly is the difference?

We asked our ambassadors to explain, and what ensued was a highly entertaining and spirited debate on the merits of each program. We took away a lot of great information, and wanted to pass it along to you. So here it goes!

Overview:

IMC is a comprehensive program that prepares students to create strategic campaigns for their clients by using  multiple channels of communication. Over the course of about two years, IMC allows you to tailor the program to your interests—whether that means digital marketing, brand management, public relations, or any other aspect of business communication.

GMCA is an intensive year-long program that stresses the importance of culture and cultural sensitivity in three specific areas—advertising, e-communications, and public relations. With students from 12-15 countries across the world, GMCA is a truly global program. Students entering the GMCA program function as a cohort: they take all of their classes together and work closely all year long, right through the final capstone project.

Major differences:

Class Size

IMC: approximately 25 students

GMCA: all 35-40 students in the cohort

Class Schedules

IMC: classes held primarily in the evening

GMCA: classes held during the day, 4 days a week

Program Structure

IMC: 40 credits to be completed in 2 years if full-time; 5 required courses + 5 electives

GMCA: 40 credits to be completed in 1 year, only full-time; 7 required courses + capstone + elective + internship/international practicum

Internship Component

IMC: optional internship

GMCA: internship or international seminar/practicum required

Capstone

IMC: Required; semester-long project where class is divided into five groups that act as agencies rethinking a marketing plan for real clients

GMCA: Required; two-week, full-time project where actual clients come in and pitch to the class, and groups of students create a marketing plan for them.

For more details on program structure, class offerings, and the application process, be sure to visit the IMC and GMCA websites or send us an email at !

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