The University of Mississippi Meek School of Journalism and New Media’s undergraduate program in integrated marketing communications has swelled to more than 500 students since the course’s first classes were taught in fall 2011.
At the start of 2011 fall semester just 80 undergraduate students were majoring in integrated marketing communications, but that number quickly multiplied to reach the 500-student milestone this spring.
Will Norton, dean of the Meek School, said the program has succeeded in part because of the strong industry connections and expertise of program director Scott Fiene and the other members of the faculty.
It’s an integrated marketing communications degree, but it also comes with a minor in business administration.
“Scott Fiene and his faculty colleagues truly know integrated marketing communications, which draws on many fields of study,” Norton said. “They all have a very strong professional network for placement in internships and jobs, and the professional opportunities for graduates are broad.”
Fiene said the growth has been “phenomenal” and is a testament to the value of the degree.
“It’s a really solid degree,” Fiene said. “It’s an integrated marketing communications degree, but it also comes with a minor in business administration. In the industry, there’s a major need for graduates from a program like this, but there aren’t a lot of undergraduate programs of this kind, nationally.”