EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University’s Master of Science in integrated marketing communications (IMC) has been ranked No. 97, and the graduate education programs secured the No. 127 spot among the 2024 Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report. 

With this recognition, Eastern is one of only three Michigan public universities recognized in the elite ranking for having a best online graduate business graduate program (excluding MBA).  Eastern’s is the only fully online IMC graduate program accredited by AACSB International, the world’s premier accrediting organization for institutions granting business degrees. The online IMC program positions students to collaborate with professional peers globally, providing a platform to master effective marketing strategies.

Kenneth Lord, dean of the College of Business at Eastern, expressed his pride in the longstanding recognition. "For several consecutive years, our Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications has been recognized among the nation's best online non-MBA graduate programs in U.S. News & World Report's rankings. This acknowledgment is a testament to the program's exceptional faculty, its market-relevant curriculum, and the outstanding skills and professional achievements of its graduates.”

The IMC program is targeted at individuals who aspire to grow as marketing or communications professionals and who want to take advantage of the flexibility of online learning. The degree can be completed in two years, and the graduate certificate in over one.

Eastern's graduate education programs climbed 42 spots since 2023 in the annual rankings list, featuring over 300 schools. Ryan Gildersleeve, dean of the College of Education, credited this achievement to the faculty's leadership in developing online teaching and learning experiences that support student success.

"Our longstanding commitment to educational opportunity builds on our history of distance and online education, reflecting how we value communities and the power of learning together," said Gildersleeve.

EMU’s College of Education is among the top schools for individuals seeking practical experience to make a difference in their careers. It offers a range of highly regarded graduate programs that prepare students to start or advance careers as teachers, PK-12 and university leaders, counseling mental health professionals, student affairs professionals, and speech-language pathologists.

U.S. News evaluates schools based on factors such as student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technology.

Previously, U.S. News awarded three of Eastern's undergraduate programs as "best" in 2024. The programs recognized were engineering, nursing and psychology. 

For more information about the integrated marketing communications program, visit the website. For information about online College of Education graduate programs, visit the programs website.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.