Drexel University offers a Master of Science in Communication program through its Department of Communication that can be completed entirely online with no required visits to campus. The university uses the learning management system Blackboard Learn to facilitate online instruction. Students can access their course materials, watch lectures, submit assignments, participate in online course discussion boards, and communicate with professors all via the Blackboard Learn platform.
The Master of Science in Communication is a 45-credit program with four 10-week quarters each year. The program emphasizes the study of content delivery through multichannel communication, including print, digital/new media, and social media. Students develop an understanding of communication theory that allows them to design strategic communication campaigns using a variety of modern tools and technologies in different business environments.
The program’s curriculum is split between required courses (3 classes for 9 credits), specialization courses (5 classes for 15 credits), and electives (7 classes for 21 credits). Required coursework covers major fundamentals within the communication field, including communication literature and research, theories of communication and persuasion, and creating professional identities through effective communication. The program offers students three specialization options: Public Communication, Science and Health Communication, and Technical Communication. Students also select electives that support their professional development in their area of expertise.
Public Communication is designed for individuals with a background or future career goals in public relations, journalism, or nonprofit communication. Classes cover subjects such as public relations planning, strategic social media communication, and investigative journalism. Science and Health Communication is aimed at individuals interested in science and medicine fields (e.g. medical communication, scientific communication). Coursework explores topics such as medical journalism, science writing, and the theory and practice of health communication. Technical communication emphasizes professional development in technical writing and editing in fields ranging from health care to information technology. Classes explore topics such as document design, digital publishing, and ethics for technical communication.
The program has a required internship component that can be waived for students with full-time professional work experience in communication. Students in the master’s program must complete a six-month internship that can be broken into smaller timeframes (e.g. two three-month internships).
Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Online Master of Science in Communication
Overview
Department: Department of Communication
Specializations/Concentrations: Concentrations in Public Communication; Technical Communication; Science and Health Communication
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits
Instruction Methods: Program uses asynchronous instruction
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Full-time: program can be completed in 15 to 18 months (5-6 quarters); Part-time: program can be completed in ~2 years (8-9 quarters) - students have up to 5 years to finish the program
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Internship for students without communication experience
Credits Required: 45 credits (15 courses)
Example Courses: Reading and Research in Communication; Theories of Communication and Persuasion; Creating and Managing Communication Professional Identities; Strategic Social Media Communication; Introduction to Public Relations; Technical, Science, and Health Editing; Technical Writing
Application Requirements
Degree Required: Bachelor's degree
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0 (applicants with a lower GPA may still be considered based on overall academic potential)
Testing Requirements: GRE not required, but recommended if GPA below 3.0
Start Dates: Four starts per year: Fall, Spring, Summer and Winter admission
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$56,925 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $1265 per credit hour
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
