Drexel's Master of Science in Strategic and Digital Communication prepares students for careers in a wide range of professional activities relating to communication in media environments and communication contexts that are characterized by advanced digitization.
With a robust core curriculum consisting of seven courses (21.0 credits), the program provides a strong foundation in theoretical approaches to communication, ethics and media/communication policy. 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 environments. Furthermore, the program trains students in leadership skills that will help them to lead teams to be innovative communication professionals in digitized media environments and different organizational communication contexts.
The program emphasizes flexibility, encouraging each student, in consultation with a faculty advisor, to craft an individual course of study tailored to the student's individual interests and career goals. Throughout the curriculum students use four Communication electives (12.0 credits) to increase communication skills or to further develop areas of specialization. An additional four free elective courses (12.0 credits) can be taken in Communication or in other departments across the university. This allows students to continue to tailor their plan of study, to add on a graduate minor, or to complete a certificate program.
In order to gain valuable practical experience outside the classroom, students are expected to complete the equivalent of a six month non-credit bearing internship. To complete the internship component, students can either enroll in Drexel's graduate coop option (for full-time on-campus students only), or they can work in one or several full-time or part-time communication positions of their choosing. Students entering the program already possessing significant communication-related experience and thereby meeting the internship requirement can apply for an internship waiver. The program director works with each student on an individual basis to see what option best meets their needs.
The program specializes in two areas:
- Strategic Communication (public relations)
- Digital and Social Media Communication
Strategic Communication
Strategic Communication has much to offer for those looking to work in public relations as well as for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Students typically choose from courses such as PR Writing and Planning courses, Crisis Communication, Media Relations, Nonprofit Communication, and others.
Digital Communication
With Communication being an area characterized by ongoing digitization, the program offers courses such as Strategic Social Media Communication, Digital Publishing, Digital Media Environments, Social Media Concepts That Matter, and others.
Students can attend classes on campus, full-time or part-time, or fully online on a part-time basis. They can begin the program in any academic quarter, and they can complete all required coursework in the evening. The degree requires 45.0 credits of graduate coursework and can be completed part-time in as little as two years or full-time in five quarters (just over a year).