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: Communication Concentration (BA)

Students who select the communication concentration take courses in all of the existing concentrations, as well as other communication courses to prepare them for any communication-related career, or professional post-graduate options.

General Requirements
CIVC 101Introduction to Civic Engagement1.0
COOP 101Career Management and Professional Development *1.0
ENGL 101Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research3.0
or ENGL 111 English Composition I
ENGL 102Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing3.0
or ENGL 112 English Composition II
ENGL 103Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres3.0
or ENGL 113 English Composition III
PSY 101General Psychology I3.0
UNIV H101The Drexel Experience1.0
UNIV H201Looking Forward: Academics and Careers1.0
Two mathematics courses 6.0-8.0
Two science courses6.0-8.0
Foreign language courses **8.0-12.0
Humanities and fine arts 12.0
Social sciences9.0
International studies 6.0
Studies in diversity6.0
Communication Core Requirements
Theory Sequence
COM 101Human Communication3.0
COM 150Mass Media and Society3.0
COM 210Theory and Models of Communication3.0
COM 400Seminar in Communication3.0
LING 101Introduction to Linguistics3.0
or LING 102 Language and Society
Methods Sequence
COM 220Qualitative Research Methods3.0
COM 221Quantitative Research Methods in Communication3.0
Additional Core Requirements
COM 222Interpersonal Communication3.0
COM 230Techniques of Speaking3.0
COM 240New Technologies In Communication3.0
COM 247Strategic Social Media Communication3.0
COM 491Senior Project in Communication I3.0
COM 492Senior Project in Communication II3.0
PHIL 305Ethics and the Media3.0
Additional Breadth in COM
COM 160 [WI] Introduction to Journalism3.0
COM 181Public Relations Principles and Theory3.0
COM 261 [WI] Advanced Journalism3.0
or COM 282 Public Relations Writing in the Digital Age
COM 310 [WI] Technical Communication3.0
Two additional COM classes at 300 level or higher6.0
Additional Electives
COM electives24.0
Free electives27.0
Total Credits180.0-188.0
*

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

**

Students must complete at least 8 credits of a foreign language at Drexel and, at minimum, must complete the 103 level of the target language (or beyond if they place higher).

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: Communication Concentration (BA)

4 year, no co-op

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 1013.0CIVC 1011.0COM 160 or 1813.0VACATION
COM 1503.0COM 181 or 1603.0COM 2303.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
PSY 1013.0Foreign Language Course*4.0Humanities Elective3.0 
UNIV H1011.0Math Course3.0-4.0Math Course3.0-4.0 
Foreign Language Course*4.0   
 17 14-15 15-16 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 2103.0COM 2203.0COM 2213.0VACATION
COM 2223.0COM 2473.0COM 261 or 2823.0 
Humanities Elective3.0LING 101 or 1023.0COM 3103.0 
Science Course3.0-4.0COM Elective3.0COM Elective3.0 
Social Science Elective3.0Science Course3.0-4.0International or Diversity Elective3.0 
 15-16 15-16 15 0
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
PHIL 3053.0COM 2403.0COM Elective (above 300 level)3.0VACATION
COM Electives6.0UNIV H2011.0Free Electives6.0 
Free Elective3.0COM Electives6.0International or Diversity Elective3.0 
International or Diversity Elective3.0Free Elective3.0Social Science Elective3.0 
 Humanities Elective3.0  
 15 16 15 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
COM 4003.0COM 4913.0COM 4923.0 
Communication Elective (above 300 level)3.0Communication Elective3.0COM Elective3.0 
Free Electives**7.0Free Elective3.0Free Electives6.0 
International or Diversity Elective3.0Humanities Elective3.0  
 Social Science Elective3.0  
 16 15 12 
Total Credits 180-184
*

See degree requirements.

**

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

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 1013.0CIVC 1011.0COM 160 or 1813.0VACATION
COM 1503.0COM 181 or 1603.0COM 2303.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0COOP 101**1.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
PSY 1013.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0Humanities Elective3.0 
UNIV H1011.0Foreign Language Course*4.0Math Course3.0-4.0 
Foreign Language Course*4.0Math Course3.0-4.0  
 17 15-16 15-16 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 2103.0COM 2203.0COM 2213.0PHIL 3053.0
COM 2223.0COM 2473.0COM 261 or 2823.0COM Electives6.0
Humanities Elective3.0LING 101 or 1023.0COM 3103.0Free Elective3.0
Science Course3.0-4.0COM Elective3.0COM Elective3.0International or Diversity Elective3.0
Social Science Elective3.0Science Course3.0-4.0International or Diversity Elective3.0 
 15-16 15-16 15 15
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 2403.0COM Elective (above 300 level)3.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
UNIV H2011.0Free Electives6.0  
COM Electives6.0International or Diversity Elective3.0  
Free Elective3.0Social Science Elective3.0  
Humanities Elective3.0   
 16 15 0 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
COM 4003.0COM 4913.0COM 4923.0 
Communication Elective (above 300 level)3.0Communication Elective3.0COM Elective3.0 
Free electives6.0Free Elective3.0Free Electives6.0 
International or Diversity Elective3.0Humanities Elective3.0  
 Social Science Elective3.0  
 15 15 12 
Total Credits 180-184
*

See degree requirements.

**

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

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 1013.0CIVC 1011.0COM 160 or 1813.0VACATION
COM 1503.0COM 181 or 1603.0COM 2303.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0COOP 101**1.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
PSY 1013.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0Humanities Elective3.0 
UNIV H1011.0Foreign Language Course*4.0Math Course3.0-4.0 
Foreign Language Course*4.0Math Course3.0-4.0  
 17 15-16 15-16 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 2103.0COM 2203.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
COM 2223.0COM 2473.0  
Humanities Elective3.0LING 101 or 1023.0  
Science Course3.0-4.0COM Elective3.0  
Social Science Elective3.0Science Course3.0-4.0  
 15-16 15-16 0 0
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 2213.0PHIL 3053.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
COM 261 or 2823.0COM Electives6.0  
COM 3103.0Free Elective3.0  
COM Elective3.0International or Diversity Elective3.0  
International or Diversity Elective3.0   
 15 15 0 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 2403.0COM Elective (above 300 level)3.0COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
UNIV H2011.0Free Electives6.0  
COM Electives6.0International or Diversity Elective3.0  
Free Elective3.0Social Science Elective3.0  
Humanities Elective3.0   
 16 15 0 0
Fifth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
COM 4003.0COM 4913.0COM 4923.0 
Communication Elective (above 300 level)3.0Communication Elective3.0COM Elective3.0 
Free Electives6.0Free Elective3.0Free Electives6.0 
International or Diversity Elective3.0Humanities Elective3.0  
 Social Science Elective3.0  
 15 15 12 
Total Credits 180-184
*

See degree requirements.

**

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: 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.

University Requirements
CIVC 101Introduction to Civic Engagement1.0
COOP 101Career Management and Professional Development *1.0
ENGL 101Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research3.0
or ENGL 111 English Composition I
ENGL 102Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing3.0
or ENGL 112 English Composition II
ENGL 103Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres3.0
or ENGL 113 English Composition III
UNIV H101The Drexel Experience1.0
UNIV H201Looking Forward: Academics and Careers1.0
College of Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum **
Developing Quantitative Reasoning **6.0-8.0
Two courses in MATH based on placement exams OR
Symbolic Logic I
Symbolic Logic II
Engaging the Natural World **6.0-8.0
Analyzing Cultures & Histories **6.0-8.0
Understanding Society & Human Behavior **6.0-8.0
Cultivating Global Competence **6.0-8.0
Perspectives in Diversity **3.0-4.0
Communication Major Requirements
Theory and Key Concepts12.0
Human Communication
Mass Media and Society
Theory and Models of Communication
Introduction to Linguistics
Language and Society
Methods Sequence6.0
Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods in Communication
Application Sequence6.0
Senior Project in Communication I
Senior Project in Communication II
Journalism Concentration Requirements24.0
Introduction to Journalism
Sourcing Challenges in Journalism
Advanced Journalism
Multiplatform Journalism
Copy Editing for the Media
Investigative Journalism
Journalists, the Courts, and the Law
Critiques of Journalism and News Media
Communication Electives18.0
Select an additional six COM (100-499) courses
Free Electives68.0
Total Credits180.0-191.0
*

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

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 1013.0CIVC 1011.0COM 2163.0VACATION
COM 1503.0COM 1603.0COM 2613.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
UNIV H1011.0Cultivating Global Competence3.0-4.0Analyzing Cultures & Histories3.0-4.0 
Cultivating Global Competence3.0-4.0Developing Quantitative Reasoning3.0-4.0Engaging the Natural World3.0-4.0 
Developing Quantitative Reasoning 3.0-4.0Free Elective3.0  
 16-18 16-18 15-17 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 2103.0COM 2203.0COM 2213.0VACATION
Analyzing Cultures & Histories3.0-4.0COM 2633.0COM 2663.0 
COM Elective3.0LING 101 or 1023.0COM Elective3.0 
Engaging the Natural World3.0-4.0Free Electives6.0Free Electives6.0 
Free Elective3.0   
 15-17 15 15 0
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM Elective3.0COM 3153.0COM Electives6.0VACATION
Free Electives6.0UNIV H2011.0Free Electives6.0 
Understanding Society & Human Behavior 3.0-4.0COM Elective3.0Perspectives in Diversity3.0-4.0 
 Free Electives6.0  
 Understanding Society & Human Behavior3.0-4.0  
 12-13 16-17 15-16 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
COM 3913.0COM 4923.0COM 3653.0 
COM 4913.0COM Elective3.0Free Electives12.0 
Free Electives9.0Free Electives9.0  
 15 15 15 
Total Credits 180-191

4 year, one co-op

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 1013.0CIVC 1011.0COM 2163.0VACATION
COM 1503.0COOP 101*1.0COM 2613.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0COM 1603.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
UNIV H1011.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0Analyzing Cultures & Histories3.0-4.0 
Cultivating Global Competence3.0-4.0Cultivating Global Competence3.0-4.0Engaging the Natural World3.0-4.0 
Developing Quantitative Reasoning 3.0-4.0Developing Quantitative Reasoning3.0-4.0  
 16-18 14-16 15-17 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 2103.0COM 2203.0COM 2213.0COM Electives6.0
Analyzing Cultures & Histories3.0-4.0LING 101 or 1023.0COM 2663.0Free Electives6.0
COM Elective3.0Free Electives9.0Free Electives9.0Understanding Society & Human Behavior 3.0-4.0
Engaging the Natural World3.0-4.0   
Free Elective3.0   
 15-17 15 15 15-16
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCECOM 2633.0COM Elective 3.0
  UNIV H2011.0Free Electives 9.0
  COM Elective3.0Perspectives in Diversity3.0-4.0
  Free Electives 6.0 
  Understanding Society & Human Behavior 3.0-4.0 
 0 0 16-17 15-16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
COM 3913.0COM 4923.0COM 3653.0 
COM 4913.0COM Elective3.0Free Electives12.0 
Free Electives8.0Free Electives9.0  
 14 15 15 
Total Credits 180-191
*

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

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 1013.0CIVC 1011.0COM 2613.0VACATION
COM 1503.0COM 1603.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0COOP 101*1.0Analyzing Cultures & Histories3.0-4.0 
UNIV H1011.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0COM Elective3.0 
Cultivating Global Competence3.0-4.0Cultivating Global Competence3.0-4.0Engaging the Natural World3.0-4.0 
Developing Quantitative Reasoning 3.0-4.0Developing Quantitative Reasoning 3.0-4.0  
 16-18 14-16 15-17 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCECOM 2103.0COM 2203.0
  COM 2663.0COM Electives6.0
  Analyzing Cultures and Histories3.0-4.0Free Elective3.0
  Engaging the Natural World3.0-4.0Understanding Society & Human Behavior3.0-4.0
  Free Elective3.0 
 0 0 15-17 15-16
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCECOM 2213.0COM 2633.0
  COM 3153.0COM Elective3.0
  Free Electives 9.0Free Electives 6.0
   Understanding Society & Human Behavior 3.0-4.0
 0 0 15 15-16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCECOM 3913.0COM 3653.0
  UNIV H2011.0COM Elective3.0
  COM Elective3.0Free Electives 6.0
  Free Electives 9.0Perspectives in Diversity3.0-4.0
 0 0 16 15-16
Fifth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
COM 4913.0COM 4923.0COM Elective3.0 
Free Electives12.0COM Elective3.0Free Electives12.0 
 Free Electives8.0  
 15 14 15 
Total Credits 180-191
*

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.

University Requirements
CIVC 101Introduction to Civic Engagement1.0
COOP 101Career Management and Professional Development *1.0
ENGL 101Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research3.0
or ENGL 111 English Composition I
ENGL 102Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing3.0
or ENGL 112 English Composition II
ENGL 103Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres3.0
or ENGL 113 English Composition III
UNIV H101The Drexel Experience1.0
UNIV H201Looking Forward: Academics and Careers1.0
College of Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum **
Developing Quantitative Reasoning **6.0-8.0
Two courses in MATH based on placement exams OR
Symbolic Logic I
Symbolic Logic II
Engaging the Natural World **6.0-8.0
Analyzing Cultures & Histories **6.0-8.0
Understanding Society & Human Behavior **6.0-8.0
Cultivating Global Competence **6.0-8.0
Perspectives in Diversity **3.0-4.0
Communication Major Requirements
Theory and Key Concepts12.0
Human Communication
Mass Media and Society
Theory and Models of Communication
Introduction to Linguistics
Language and Society
Methods Sequence6.0
Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods in Communication
Application Sequence6.0
Senior Project in Communication I
Senior Project in Communication II
Concentration Requirements21.0
Communication Resources for Media Studies
Communication Past and Present
Select five communication and media studies electives from the list below:
Current Events in Media and Communication
Children and Media
Media and Identity
Diversity in Media
Sports and the Mass Media
Environmental Communication
Film, Celebrity and the Environmental Movement
Celebrity and Authenticity
English Worldwide
Ethnography of Communication
Journalists, the Courts, and the Law
Special Topics in Communication Theory
Special Topics in Communication Theory
Special Topics in Communication Theory
Gender & Black Popular Culture
Politics of Hip Hop
Introduction to Global Media, Arts, and Cultures
Ethics and the Media
Communication Electives21.0
Select an additional seven COM courses
Free Electives68.0
Select additional courses in any subject
Total Credits180.0-191.0
*

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

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 1013.0CIVC 1011.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0VACATION
COM 1503.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0COM Electives6.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0COM Elective 3.0Engaging the Natural World3.0-4.0 
UNIV H1011.0Developing Quantitative Reasoning 3.0-4.0Analyzing Cultures & Histories3.0-4.0 
Developing Quantitative Reasoning 3.0-4.0Cultivating Global Competence3.0-4.0  
Cultivating Global Competence3.0-4.0   
 16-18 13-15 15-17 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 2103.0COM 2203.0COM 2213.0VACATION
COM 2153.0LING 101 or 1023.0COM & Media Concentration Elective3.0 
Analyzing Cultures & Histories3.0-4.0COM & Media Concentration Elective3.0Free Electives 9.0 
Engaging the Natural World3.0-4.0Free Electives6.0  
Free Elective3.0   
 15-17 15 15 0
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM & Media Concentration Elective 3.0COM 3413.0COM & Media Concentration Elective 3.0VACATION
COM Elective3.0UNIV H2011.0COM Elective 3.0 
Understanding Society & Human Behavior 3.0-4.0COM Elective3.0Perspectives in Diversity3.0-4.0 
Free Electives6.0Understanding Society & Human Behavior3.0-4.0Free Electives6.0 
 Free Electives6.0  
 15-16 16-17 15-16 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
COM 4913.0COM 4923.0COM Elective3.0 
Free Electives12.0COM & Media Concentration Elective3.0Free Electives12.0 
 Free Electives9.0  
 15 15 15 
Total Credits 180-191
**

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

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 1013.0CIVC 1011.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0VACATION
COM 1503.0COOP 101**1.0COM Electives 6.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0Analyzing Cultures & Histories3.0-4.0 
UNIV H1011.0COM Elective3.0Engaging the Natural World3.0-4.0 
Developing Quantitative Reasoning 3.0-4.0Developing Quantitative Reasoning 3.0-4.0  
Cultivating Global Competence3.0-4.0Cultivating Global Competence3.0-4.0  
 16-18 14-16 15-17 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 2103.0COM 2203.0COM 2213.0COM & Media Concentration Elective3.0
COM 2153.0LING 101 or 1023.0Com & Media Concentration Elective3.0COM Elective3.0
Analyzing Cultures & Histories3.0-4.0Com & Media Concentration Elective3.0Free Electives 9.0Understanding Society & Human Behavior3.0-4.0
Engaging the Natural World3.0-4.0Free Electives6.0 Free Electives6.0
Free Elective3.0   
 15-17 15 15 15-16
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCECOM 3413.0COM & Media Concentration Elective3.0
  UNIV H2011.0COM Elective3.0
  COM Elective 3.0Free Electives 6.0
  Understanding Society & Human Behavior 3.0-4.0Perspectives in Diversity3.0-4.0
  Free Electives 6.0 
 0 0 16-17 15-16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
COM 4913.0COM 4923.0COM Elective3.0 
Free Electives12.0COM & Media Concentration Elective3.0Free Electives12.0 
 Free Electives8.0  
 15 14 15 
Total Credits 180-191
**

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

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 1013.0CIVC 1011.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0VACATION
COM 1503.0COOP 101**1.0COM Electives6.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0Engaging the Natural World3.0-4.0 
UNIV H1011.0COM Elective3.0Analyzing Cultures & Histories3.0-4.0 
Developing Quantitative Reasoning 3.0-4.0Developing Quantitative Reasoning3.0-4.0  
Cultivating Global Competence3.0-4.0Cultivating Global Competence3.0-4.0  
 16-18 14-16 15-17 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCECOM 2103.0COM 2203.0
  COM 2153.0LING 101 or 1020.0-3.0
  Engaging in the Natural World3.0-4.0COM & Media Concentration Elective3.0
  Analyzing Cultures and Histories3.0-4.0Free Electives 6.0
  Free Elective3.0 
 0 0 15-17 12-15
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCECOM 2213.0COM & Media Concentration Elective3.0
  COM & Media Concentration Elective3.0COM Elective3.0
  Free Electives9.0Understanding Society & Human Behavior3.0-4.0
   Free Electives 6.0
 0 0 15 15-16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCECOM 3413.0COM & Media Concentration Elective3.0
  UNIV H2011.0COM Elective3.0
  COM Elective3.0Perspectives in Diversity3.0-4.0
  Understanding Society & Human Behavior3.0-4.0Free Electives 6.0
  Free Electives 6.0 
 0 0 16-17 15-16
Fifth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
COM 4913.0COM 4923.0COM Elective3.0 
Free Electives12.0COM & Media Concentration Elective3.0Free Electives12.0 
 Free Electives8.0  
 15 14 15 
Total Credits 177-191
**

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. 

University Requirements
CIVC 101Introduction to Civic Engagement1.0
COOP 101Career Management and Professional Development *1.0
ENGL 101Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research3.0
or ENGL 111 English Composition I
ENGL 102Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing3.0
or ENGL 112 English Composition II
ENGL 103Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres3.0
or ENGL 113 English Composition III
UNIV H101The Drexel Experience1.0
UNIV H201Looking Forward: Academics and Careers1.0
College of Arts and Science Core Curriculum **
Developing Quantitative Reasoning **6.0-8.0
Two courses in MATH based on placement exams OR
Symbolic Logic I
Symbolic Logic II
Engaging the Natural World **6.0-8.0
Analyzing Cultures & Histories **6.0-8.0
Understanding Society & Human Behavior **6.0-8.0
Cultivating Global Competence **6.0-8.0
Perspectives in Diversity **3.0-4.0
Communication Major Requirements
Theory and Key Concepts12.0
Human Communication
Mass Media and Society
Theory and Models of Communication
Introduction to Linguistics
Language and Society
Methods Sequence6.0
Qualitative Research Methods
Public Relations Research, Measurement and Evaluation
Application Sequence6.0
Senior Project in Communication I
Senior Project in Communication II
Public Relations Concentration Requirements21.0
Introduction to Journalism
Public Relations Principles and Theory
Strategic Social Media Communication
Reputation Management in Public Relations
Public Relations Writing in the Digital Age
Public Relations Strategies and Tactics
Public Relations Campaign Planning
Communication Electives21.0
Select seven COM (100-499) courses
Free Electives68.0
Total Credits180.0-191.0
*

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

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 1013.0CIVC 1011.0COM 2823.0VACATION
COM 1503.0COM 1603.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0COM 1813.0Analyzing Cultures & Histories3.0-4.0 
UNIV H1011.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0COM Elective3.0 
Cultivating Global Competence3.0-4.0Cultivating Global Competence3.0-4.0Engaging the Natural World3.0-4.0 
Developing Quantitative Reasoning 3.0-4.0Developing Quantitative Reasoning 3.0-4.0  
 16-18 16-18 15-17 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 2103.0COM 2473.0COM Elective3.0VACATION
COM 2203.0COM 2843.0Free Electives9.0 
Analyzing Cultures & Histories3.0-4.0LING 101 or 1023.0Understanding Society & Human Behavior3.0-4.0 
COM Elective3.0COM Elective3.0  
Engaging the Natural World3.0-4.0Understanding Society & Human Behavior3.0-4.0  
 15-17 15-16 15-16 0
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 2863.0COM 2483.0UNIV H2011.0VACATION
Free Electives9.0Free Electives12.0COM Elective3.0 
Perspectives in Diversity3.0-4.0 Free Electives12.0 
 15-16 15 16 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
COM 3863.0COM 4923.0COM Electives6.0 
COM 4913.0COM Elective3.0Free Electives9.0 
Free Electives6.0Free Electives9.0  
 12 15 15 
Total Credits 180-191

4 year, one co-op

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 1013.0CIVC 1011.0COM 2823.0VACATION
COM 1503.0COOP 101*1.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0COM 1603.0Analyzing Cultures & Histories3.0-4.0 
UNIV H1011.0COM 1813.0COM Elective3.0 
Cultivating Global Competence3.0-4.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0Engaging the Natural World3.0-4.0 
Developing Quantitative Reasoning 3.0-4.0Developing Quantitative Reasoning 3.0-4.0  
 16-18 14-15 15-17 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 2103.0COM 2473.0COM Elective3.0Cultivating Global Competence3.0-4.0
COM 2203.0COM 2843.0Free Electives9.0Free Electives14.0
Analyzing Cultures & Histories3.0-4.0LING 101 or 1023.0Understanding Society & Human Behavior3.0-4.0 
COM Elective3.0COM Elective3.0  
Engaging the Natural World3.0-4.0Understanding Society & Human Behavior3.0-4.0  
 15-17 15-16 15-16 17-18
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCECOM 2863.0COM 2483.0
  UNIV H2011.0COM Elective3.0
  Free Electives9.0Free Electives9.0
  Perspectives in Diversity3.0-4.0 
 0 0 16-17 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
COM 3863.0COM 4923.0COM Electives6.0 
COM 4913.0COM Elective3.0Free Electives6.0 
Free Electives9.0Free Electives9.0  
 15 15 12 
Total Credits 180-191
*

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

First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COM 1013.0CIVC 1011.0COM 2823.0VACATION
COM 1503.0COOP 101*1.0ENGL 103 or 1133.0 
ENGL 101 or 1113.0COM 1603.0Analyzing Cultures & Histories3.0-4.0 
UNIV H1011.0COM 1813.0COM Elective3.0 
Cultivating Global Competence3.0-4.0ENGL 102 or 1123.0Engaging the Natural World3.0-4.0 
Developing Quantitative Reasoning 3.0-4.0Cultivating Global Competence3.0-4.0  
 Developing Quantitative Reasoning 3.0-4.0  
 16-18 17-19 15-17 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCECOM 2103.0COM 2473.0
  COM 2203.0COM 2843.0
  Analyzing Cultures & Histories3.0-4.0LING 101 or 1023.0
  COM Elective3.0COM Elective3.0
  Engaging the Natural World3.0-4.0Understanding Society & Human Behavior 3.0-4.0
 0 0 15-17 15-16
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCECOM 2863.0COM 2483.0
  COM Elective3.0Free Electives9.0
  Free Electives 6.0Perspectives in Diversity3.0-4.0
  Understanding Society & Human Behavior 3.0-4.0 
 0 0 15-16 15-16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
COOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCECOM 3863.0COM Elective3.0
  UNIV H2011.0Free Electives 12.0
  Free Electives 9.0 
 0 0 13 15
Fifth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCredits 
COM 4913.0COM 4923.0COM Elective3.0 
Free Electives12.0COM Elective3.0Free Electives11.0 
 Free Electives9.0  
 15 15 14 
Total Credits 180-191
*

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.

Communication Faculty

Ronald Bishop, III, PhD (Temple University). Professor. Investigative reporting, sports journalism, journalism history, journalism sourcing patterns, textual narrative and ideological analysis, cultural history of fame.
Karen Cristiano, MS (Temple University) Assistant Department Head of Communication. Teaching Professor. Journalism, medical writing, feature writing, copy editing, mass media and society.
Richard Forney Assistant Teaching Professor. Broadcast journalism technology and the effects of new technologies on personal and corporate communication skills.
Ernest A. Hakanen, PhD (Temple University) Director, Graduate Programs in Communication, Culture & Media. Professor. Telecommunications policy, adolescent media use, communication theory and history, global media, and semiotics.
Alexander Jenkins, PhD (Drexel University). Assistant Teaching Professor. Digital games, video games, emotion, morality, online fan communities, emerging media, convergence.
Nahyun Kim, PhD (Penn State University). Tenure Track Assistant Professor. Strategic communication, organizational communication, political consumerism, quantitative methods (experiments, survey, content analysis, computational text analysis).
Hyunmin Lee, PhD (University of Missouri) Director, Undergraduate Programs in Communication. Associate Professor. Social media strategies for relationship and reputation management in public relations; media messages of public health issues and its psychological and behavioral effects on the public.
Julia May, PhD (Drexel University) Director, Strategic and Digital Communication MS Program. Associate Teaching Professor. Political communication; international politics and its news coverage; public opinion; transatlantic relations; war, torture and human rights; debate in the public sphere.
Alexander Nikolaev, PhD (Florida State University). Associate Professor. Public relations, political communication, organizational communication, mass communication, international communications and negotiations, communications theory.
Douglas V. Porpora, PhD (Temple University). Professor. War, genocide, torture, and human rights; macro-moral reasoning in public sphere debate; contemporary social theory moral and political communication; religion.
Rachel R. Reynolds, PhD (University of Illinois). Associate Professor. Sociolinguistics, ethnography of communication and discourse analysis; violence against women in mass media; political economy of migration; semiotics including the textual, the visual and multimodal.
Rosemary Rys, MA (Rowan University). Assistant Teaching Professor. Public relations and marketing.
Wesley Shumar, PhD (University of Pennsylvania). Professor. Digital media and learning; culture of higher education; entrepreneurship education; craft culture; semiotic of consumer culture.
Allan Stegeman, MA (University of Houston). Teaching Professor. Communication, technology and mass media, video.
Scott Tattar, BA (York College of Pennsylvania) Faculty Advisor, Drexel PRSSA, Communication Department Recruitment Liaison. Instructor. Public relations
Hilde Van den Bulck, PhD (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven) Department Head of Communication. Professor. Political economy of media structures; media policies for digitized media ecologies; stakeholders and coalitions in media policies; digitization; convergence and legacy media; public (service) media; celebrity culture and industry; fandom and anti-fandom.
Asta Zelenkauskaite, PhD (Indiana University). Associate Professor. Social media; user-generated content; computer-mediated communication; interactivity; active audience analysis; mobile communication; gender and online identity; prosumer culture; internet of things; quantitative/qualitative research.

Emeritus Faculty

Alexander Friedlander, PhD (Carnegie Mellon University). Associate Professor. Rhetorical theory and practice, document design, writing and technology.
Lawrence Souder, PhD (Temple University) Director, Drexel Edits. Teaching Professor. Science and technical writing, communication ethics, nonprofit communication.
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