Drexel University offers a Master of Science in Strategic and Digital 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 Strategic and Digital Communication is a 45-credit program with four 10-week quarters each year. The program emphasizes the study of content development and 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, as well as their own professional communication identity, using a variety of modern tools and technologies in different business environments. Students can specialize in either Strategic Communication (Public Relations) or Digital and Social Media Communication.
The program’s curriculum consists of core courses that cover topics such as Reading and Research in Communication, Organizational Communication in Project Management, Theories of Communication and Persuasion, Ethics for Professional Communication, Media Environments in a Digital World, Media and Communication Policy in a Digitized World, and Managing Communication Professionals’ Identities in a Digital Age. From there, students select four electives, choosing from a wide variety of courses such as Campaigns for Health and Environment, Digital Publishing, Foundations of Public Relations, Media Relations in a Digital Age, Nonprofit Communication, Creative Content Production, Investigative Journalism, Strategic International Communication, and Social Media Concepts that Matter.
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 Strategic and Digital Communication
Overview
Department: Department of Communication
Specializations/Concentrations: Specializations in Strategic Communication; Digital 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: Program can be completed in 1 to 2 years
Start Dates: Four starts per year: Fall, Spring, Summer and Winter admission
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 45 credits (15 courses)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Internship for students without communication experience
Example Courses: Reading and Research in Communication; Theories of Communication and Persuasion; Organizational Communication in Project Management; Media Environments in a Digitized World; Managing Communication Professional Identities in a Digital Age; Media and Communication Policy in a Digitized World
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; two letters of recommendation; personal statement; current resume
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0 (applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0 are still encouraged to apply, but are recommended to submit GRE scores)
Testing Requirements: GRE not required
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$35,820 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $796 per credit hour
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
