Communication BA / Communication MS

Major: Communication
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Science (MS)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Total Credit Hours: 225.0
Co-op Options: One Co-op (Five years); Two Co-op (Five years)
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 09.0199
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-2011

About the Program

The ability to communicate effectively is one of the most sought-after skills by prospective employers industry wide. Drexel University is committed to building this strong foundation through the Accelerated Communication Degree, which enables academically qualified students to earn both a bachelor's and master’s degree — graduating sooner than they would in traditional programs. Graduates of the accelerated degree enter the workforce one year sooner with the benefits of a master’s degree in communication, using the year saved to gain full-time experience and earn a salary in the field.

The BA in Communication program requires 180.0 UG credits, and is committed to helping students become broadly educated and professionally competent communicators. Students are exposed to a variety of media and are guided in the development of their interpretive and expressive skills. Students may complete the BA in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations, Journalism or open Communication. Independent of their chosen concentration, all BA in Communication majors take a common core of courses that emphasize communication theory and methods, as well as a modern language.

Students in the Public Relations concentration take courses and pursue careers in public relations, event planning, media relations, social media, and corporate communication. Journalism students take courses and pursue careers as reporters, copywriters, editors, and media specialists. Students in the open Communication concentration have the flexibility of crafting their path through the major and thus have career possibilities in any of the areas listed here.

Drexel’s MS in Communication program requires 45.0 graduate credits, and prepares students for careers in a wide range of professional activities. The program specializes in three areas:

• public communication
• technical communication
• science and health communication

Public Communication

Public Communication has much to offer those looking to work in journalism, public relations, and nonprofit organizations. Students can choose from courses such as Strategic Social Media Communication, Event Planning, Journalism and News Writing, Public Relations Writing and Campaign Planning, and Nonprofit Communication.

Technical Communication

Technical Communication provides skills in technical writing, editing, and computer documentation, and trains students for careers in a wide range of industries from social networking to publishing to health insurance. Students choose from courses such as Technical Writing, Digital Publishing, Technical & Science Editing, and Technical Documentation & Software.

Science and Health Communication

Science and Health Communication leads to careers in medical, science, and pharmaceutical communication. Students can choose from courses such as Science Writing, Medical Journalism, Campaigns in Health & Environment, and Communicating Health and Risk in a 'Fake News' World. 

In addition, the program provides a strong foundation in ethics and theoretical approaches to communication. This theoretical basis is designed to ensure that, as the field changes, students will continue to have an intellectual framework for evaluating and implementing new technology and changing media.

The program emphasizes flexibility, encouraging each student, in consultation with an academic advisor, to craft a particular course of study. Throughout the curriculum, students may use electives to increase communication skills or to further develop areas of specialization. The Master's degree requires a total of 45.0 graduate credits. 

Admission Requirements

Both incoming freshman and current Communication majors are eligible to apply for this program. Students who are already matriculated may apply after completing a minimum of 90.0 credits but no more than 120.0 credits. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and maintain this GPA throughout the accelerated program.

In addition to formally applying and getting all the signatures required on the Accelerated Degree Program Admission form, applicants must provide:

• A 500-word statement of goals that explains why they want to enroll in the accelerated degree program.
• The name of a faculty reference who can speak to the applicant’s academic qualifications and preparedness for graduate studies.

Degree Requirements

Sample Plan of Study

4 Year, one Co-op (4COP) + 1 

Students complete undergraduate requirements in four years, then convert to graduate status in the fifth and final year.

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer).

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

5 Year, three Co-op (5COP) Co-terminal

Students take graduate courses while finishing their undergraduate requirements in the third, fourth, and fifth years. They receive both BA and MS at the end of the fifth year.

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer).

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

5 Year, two Co-op (5COP)

Students complete undergraduate requirements in four years, then convert to graduate status in the fifth and final year.

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer).

COOP 101 registration is determined by the co-op cycle assigned and may be scheduled in a different term. Select students may be eligible to take COOP 001 in place of COOP 101.

Communication Faculty