The first three quarters expose students to eight core and four specialty courses. The fifth quarter is designed to allow students to customize their programs. They also are encouraged, in the fifth quarter, to take graduate courses in other parts of the University in order to further their individual interests. As the global marketplace expands, the study of international markets has taken on an unprecedented level of importance. During this visit, students evaluate IMC practices at companies in the area through interviews with marketing and communications leaders.
Students become contributing members of the teams on which they work.
They are expected to find solutions to real business problems. The residency program provides invaluable field experience and a forum to apply the lessons from the first three quarters of the curriculum. At the same time, students earn three academic credits. A requirement for all IMC students, the 11-week residency takes place either on or off campus, in the Chicago area or out of state. Residencies are secured by a faculty committee that matches students to projects based on their specialty, skills, and interests.