EMU Today

YPSILANTI – An Eastern Michigan University online program in the College of Business has been ranked in the annual list of top online graduate school business programs compiled by the U.S. News and World Report.

The College of Business’ online program in Integrated Marketing Communications ranked 53rd in the country, a rise of nine spots from last year’s listing. The rankings included hundreds of colleges out of the nation’s more than 2,000 four-year degree-granting institutions. Only two other Michigan universities were listed in the rankings.

Kenneth Lord, dean of the College of Business, said the ranking underscores the quality of the college’s online IMC program and of its faculty.

Fulfilling the needs of today's graduate students

“Our award-winning faculty have developed and refined distinct and innovative ways to educate tomorrow’s business leaders, while giving online students the flexibility today’s schedules demand,” Lord said. “This ranking recognizes the quality and relevance of our curriculum, along with the excellence of those teaching it.”

Lord notes that while the EMU College of Business enjoys strong brand recognition throughout the southeastern Michigan region, many students are unable to come to campus for classes due to work or family obligations.

“Our online programs allow us to deliver an applied and rigorous business education to that segment of the population, without sacrificing any quality,” Lord said.

Schools’ online programs were ranked on a variety of factors, including student and faculty engagement, student excellence, outside expert opinions, faculty credentials and training, and student services and technologies.

Learning to build a powerful brand image

The graduate program in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) at Eastern Michigan engages an interactive approach to serve professionals seeking advanced knowledge, training and experience in integrating and coordinating all marketing communications messages and vehicles in order to build a powerful brand image and maximize brand value for commercial and not-for-profit organizations.

The program is delivered conveniently online to provide anytime, anywhere access to courses and materials in a 7.5-week class scheduling format. IMC students learn brand-building, research, analysis, and effective communication skills across IMC functional areas that are appropriate for marketing situations involving corporate, entrepreneurial and non-profit entities. 

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 19,000 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; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.