A new partnership between the West Virginia University (WVU) Reed School of Media and Communications and Air University is expanding opportunities for military members seeking an Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) degree.
The Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC) allows airmen and guardians who previously earned an associate degree at the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) to use those credits toward a fully asynchronous online IMC bachelor’s degree from WVU.
The flexible degree program allows service members in the Active Air and Space Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard to transfer their CCAF degree, potentially reducing the number of credits needed to earn the IMC bachelor’s degree from 120 to 60. Airmen and guardians can complete the program in any time zone and pause their education as needed for deployments or other major life changes.
AU-ABC students also have the option to choose a track, which allows them to focus a portion of courses on entertainment media, event planning, health promotion, sports communication or strategic social media. They will work one-on-one with an advisor throughout the program to tailor it to their needs.
“We are committed to providing opportunities for our U.S. military community,” said Chad Mezera, assistant provost for WVU Online. “Our flexible online programs provide an affordable option for service members to earn college degrees that help advance their military careers or aid in the transition back to civilian life. I’m grateful for the cooperation and support from our colleagues at Air University who’ve helped to establish this important partnership.”
Participants receive WVU’s discounted rate of $250 per credit hour for military members and veterans and have access to WVU’s technology, tutoring and accommodations services. AU-ABC students are also invited to connect with classmates and network through in-person opportunities, such as the Integrate conference.
IMC coursework focuses on writing, creative, and analytical skill building, and students have the opportunity to experiment with new media tools while doing real client work. IMC alumni work in various fields, including advertising, digital marketing, public relations and social media.
In addition to the Air University partnership, the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media has an extended partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense's Defense Information School (DINFOS). Initially established in 2013, the DINFOS agreement provides a discounted rate and a pathway for students to transfer credits earned through DINFOS into the online Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications program. In 2023, West Virginia University was named one of the “Best for Vets Colleges” by the Military Times.
For more information about the Air University Associate-to-Baccalaureate Cooperative, visit marketingcommunications.wvu.edu/au-abc. emporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet ut et voluptates repudiandae sint et molestiae non recusandae. Itaque earum rerum hic tenetur a sapiente delectus, ut aut reiciendis voluptatibus maiores alias consequatur aut perferendis doloribus asperiores repellat.