Communication BA

Major: Communication
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Minimum Required Credits: 180.0
Co-op Options: Three Co-op (Five years); One Co-op (Four years); No Co-op (Four years)
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 09.9999
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-2011; 11-2031; 27-3022; 27-3041; 27-3042; 27-3043

About the Program

The importance of being an effective communicator, in a diverse marketplace to a variety of audiences, is essential now more than ever. The Department of Communication is committed to nurturing future communication professionals by helping students gain expertise in a variety of communication theories, methods, and professional skills for ethical, creative problem solving. 

With three different concentrations in Public Relations, Journalism, and Communication and Media Studies, our undergraduate curriculum features broad theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience that allow students to enter the industry with in-demand skills. Students will also learn to appreciate the vital role of media and communication in sustaining democratic institutions, civic engagement, and inclusive citizenry. Furthermore, communication students will gain real-world acumen through our renowned co-op program to effectively understand and prepare for professional challenges.

The field of communication is constantly evolving, and Drexel students are equipped with the knowledge and experiences to succeed in an ever-changing world.

The Drexel Co-op for Communication Students 

The Drexel Co-op program allows students to work for up to three, six-month periods at companies or media outlets where they can apply their coursework and gain hands-on experience in their prospective careers.

Career Paths

Students in the Public Relations concentration take courses and pursue careers in public relations, social media analytics and management, corporate communication, and nonprofit communication. Journalism students take courses and pursue careers as reporters, copywriters, editors, and media specialists in an increasingly converging media environment. Students in the Communication and Media Studies concentration have the flexibility of crafting their path through the major to design an academically rigorous, inclusive program of study around expanding media’s potential to positively transform the self and society. 

Many communication graduates also go on to law school, business school, or graduate school after graduation.

Additional Information

If you would like to learn more about the Department of Communication, please visit the Department of Communication website.

For undergraduate advising, please contact Florette Press at flp24@drexel.edu.

Degree Requirements: Journalism Concentration (BA)

Journalism provides students with the skills and theoretical perspective they need to be a journalist in today’s swiftly changing media environment. An extension of the program's core curriculum, the concentration hones the student's ability to write, edit, and produce audiovisual content while at the same time exposing the student to new and evolving aspects of the field.

*

Students not participating in co-op will take one additional credit of free elective instead of COOP 101.

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. 

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.

**

See Core Curriculum List for complete list of course options.

Writing-Intensive Course Requirements

In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.

A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.

Sample Plan of Study: Journalism Concentration (BA)

4 year, no co-op

4 year, one co-op

*

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. 

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, 3 co-op

*

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. 

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.

Degree Requirements: Communication and Media Studies Concentration (BA) 

The Communication and Media Studies Concentration is a flexible option where students can design an academically rigorous, inclusive program of study around expanding media’s potential to positively transform the self and society. Students are encouraged to explore widely and do the unconventional, becoming inclusive researchers, and intellectual leaders in all fields of Communication. Programs of study include a range of electives that encourage students to develop their expertise in analysis of media and its impact on society.

*

Students not participating in co-op will take one additional credit of free elective instead of COOP 101.

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. 

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.

**

See Core Curriculum List for complete list of course options.

Sample Plan of Study: Communication and Media Studies Concentration (BA)

4 year, no co-op

**

Students not participating in co-op will not take COOP 101; 1 credit of Free Elective will be added in place of COOP 101.

4 year, one co-op

**

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. 

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, 3 co-op

**

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. 

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.

Degree Requirements: Public Relations Concentration (BA) 

The Public Relations concentration prepares students for careers focused on effective communication management on behalf of an organization, person or brand. With a comprehensive curriculum blending theoretical and practical knowledge, the program provides a strong foundation to understand the PR industry and its key players. Students will learn practical skills in areas such as PR writing, PR planning, reputation management and social media communication, and build an acute understanding of the importance of ethical, transparent PR practices as a form of public communication. In conjunction with Drexel’s co-op program, this concentration prepares our students to enter the job market ready to excel as leading PR practitioners. 

*

Students not participating in co-op will take one additional credit of free elective instead of COOP 101.

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. 

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.

**

See Core Curriculum List for complete list of courses.

Writing-Intensive Course Requirements

In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.

A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.

Sample Plan of Study: Public Relations Concentration (BA)

4 year, no co-op

4 year, one co-op

*

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major.

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, 3 co-op

*

Co-op cycles may vary. Students are assigned a co-op cycle (fall/winter, spring/summer, summer-only) based on their co-op program (4-year, 5-year) and major. 

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.

Co-op/Career Opportunities

Public Relations Concentration

Students with a concentration in public relations find employment in a wide variety of fields, including public relations, advertising, special events planning, writing and editing, and public information. In addition, the strong communication and management skills stressed by this concentration enable students to find positions in management, human resources, marketing, consulting, and publishing.

Although graduate study is not necessary for those who pursue careers in public relations, students have used the major as a basis for graduate work in a variety of areas, including communication, business, and law.

Co-op Experiences in Public Relations

Cooperative education opportunities are available with a variety of corporations and nonprofits in such positions as corporate communication specialist, public relations assistant, and newsletter writer. The following are samples of co-op experiences:

• Advertising and Promotions Assistant, CoreStates Bicycle Championships, Philadelphia.
• Corporate Communications Co-op, Philadelphia Electric Company, Philadelphia.
• Advertising/ Promotions Co-op, U.S. Marketing Division, Mobil Oil Corp., Fairfax, VA.
• Assistant Coordinator, Communications Bureau, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

Journalism Concentration

Journalism students pursue careers in journalism, broadcast media, and news. Given the rapidly changing nature of these fields, graduates may also find work in new types of publishing platforms, such as social media or mobile, or involving audiovisual content creation. Journalism graduates may also choose to pursue graduate study, whether in journalism or another discipline.

Co-op Experiences in Journalism

Journalism students have held co-ops with a number of media, news, and information companies, including the following:

• Production assistant, WPVI-TV (Channel 6) Philadelphia
• Staff writer, Delaware County Daily Times
• Promotions department, WPLY-FM (Y-100)
• Production assistant, sports department, FOX-29 (WTFX-TV)

Communication and Media Studies Concentration

Students in the communication and media studies concentration develop a focus that fits their interests in the field of communication and will thus be ready for a variety of career options that require strong writing and research skills, as well as graduate or professional school. 

Co-op Experiences in Communication

Students in this concentration can choose from the variety of co-op opportunities open to any student in communication.

Visit the Drexel Steinbright Career Development Center page for more detailed information on co-op and post-graduate opportunities.

Program Level Outcomes

Communication Faculty

Emeritus Faculty