Communication
Major: Communication
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Calendar Type: Quarter
Total Credit Hours: 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: 09.0401; 09.0900; 09.0908; 09.9999; 09.0199
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-2011; 11-2031; 27-3022; 27-3041; 27-3042; 27-3043
About the Program
The Communication department offers a major in communication, with concentrations in public relations, journalism, technical and science communication, and communication, a more open, flexible option.
The department is committed to helping students become broadly educated and professionally competent communicators. Students are exposed to a variety of media and are guided in the development of their interpretive and expressive skills.
All communication majors take a common core of courses that emphasize communication theory and methods. They then select one of three concentrations, or select the more open and flexible communication concentration. Students in the public relations concentration pursue careers in public relations, event planning, media relations, social media, and corporate communication. Those who choose the technical and science communication concentration go on to work in technical writing, science writing, publishing, and software and hardware documentation. Journalism students pursue careers in journalism and news. Students in the communication concentration have the flexibility of crafting their path through the major and thus have career possibilities in any of the areas listed here. Many communication graduates also go on to law school, to business school for an MBA, or to graduate school.
Students who elect the public relations concentration have the option of pursuing either a bachelor of arts degree or a bachelor of science degree. Students who elect the technical and science communication concentration must pursue the bachelor of science degree. Students in journalism must complete the requirements for the bachelor of arts degree. Students in the communication concentration complete the requirements for the bachelor of arts degree.
Additional Information
If you would like to learn more about the Department of Communication, please visit the Department of Communication website.
Degree Requirements: Communication (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 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology I | 3.0 |
| UNIV H101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| UNIV H201 | Looking Forward: Academics and Careers | 1.0 |
| Two mathematics courses | 6.0-8.0 | |
| Two science courses | 6.0-8.0 | |
| Foreign language courses * | 8.0-12.0 | |
| Humanities and fine arts | 12.0 | |
| Social sciences | 9.0 | |
| International studies | 6.0 | |
| Studies in diversity | 6.0 | |
| Communication Core Requirements | ||
| Theory Sequence | ||
| COM 101 | Human Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 150 | Mass Media and Society | 3.0 |
| COM 210 | Theory and Models of Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 400 | Seminar in Communication | 3.0 |
| LING 101 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3.0 |
| or LING 102 | Language and Society | |
| Methods Sequence | ||
| COM 220 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3.0 |
| COM 221 | Quantitative Research Methods in Communication | 3.0 |
| Additional Core Requirements | ||
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| COM 240 | New Technologies In Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 491 | Senior Project in Communication I | 3.0 |
| COM 492 | Senior Project in Communication II | 3.0 |
| PHIL 305 | Ethics and the Media | 3.0 |
| Additional Breadth in COM | ||
| COM 160 | Introduction to Journalism | 3.0 |
| COM 181 | Public Relations Principles and Theory | 3.0 |
| COM 310 [WI] | Technical Communication | 3.0 |
| Two additional COM classes at 300 level or higher | 6.0 | |
| Additional Electives | ||
| COM electives | 24.0 | |
| Free electives | 37.0 | |
| Total Credits | 180.0-188.0 | |
| * | 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 (BA)
| Term 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| COM 101 | Human Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 150 | Mass Media and Society | 3.0 |
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology I | 3.0 |
| UNIV H101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| Foreign language course* | 4.0 | |
| Term Credits | 17.0 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
| Math course | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Foreign language course* | 4.0 | |
| COM 181 or 160 | Public Relations Principles and Theory Introduction to Journalism | 3.0 |
| Term Credits | 14.0-15.0 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| COM 160 or 181 | Introduction to Journalism Public Relations Principles and Theory | 3.0 |
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Math course | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| COM 210 | Theory and Models of Communication | 3.0 |
| Science course | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| COM 220 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3.0 |
| LING 101 or 102 | Introduction to Linguistics Language and Society | 3.0 |
| Science course | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
| Term 6 | ||
| COM 221 | Quantitative Research Methods in Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 310 [WI] | Technical Communication | 3.0 |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 7 | ||
| PHIL 305 | Ethics and the Media | 3.0 |
| COM electives | 6.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 8 | ||
| COM 240 | New Technologies In Communication | 3.0 |
| UNIV H201 | Looking Forward: Academics and Careers | 1.0 |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| COM electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 9 | ||
| COM elective (above 300 level) | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 10 | ||
| COM 400 | Seminar in Communication | 3.0 |
| Communication elective (above 300 level) | 3.0 | |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 7.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 11 | ||
| COM 491 | Senior Project in Communication I | 3.0 |
| Communication elective | 3.0 | |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 12 | ||
| COM 492 | Senior Project in Communication II | 3.0 |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 12.0 | |
| Total Credit: 180.0-184.0 | ||
| * | See degree requirements. |
Degree Requirements: Journalism (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.
| General Requirements | ||
| CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology I | 3.0 |
| UNIV H101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| UNIV H201 | Looking Forward: Academics and Careers | 1.0 |
| Two mathematics courses | 6.0-8.0 | |
| Two science courses | 6.0-8.0 | |
| Foreign language courses * | 8.0 | |
| Humanities and fine arts | 12.0 | |
| Social sciences | 9.0 | |
| International studies | 6.0 | |
| Studies in diversity | 6.0 | |
| Communication Core Requirements | ||
| Theory Sequence | ||
| COM 101 | Human Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 150 | Mass Media and Society | 3.0 |
| COM 210 | Theory and Models of Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 400 | Seminar in Communication | 3.0 |
| LING 101 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3.0 |
| or LING 102 | Language and Society | |
| Methods Sequence | ||
| COM 220 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3.0 |
| COM 221 | Quantitative Research Methods in Communication | 3.0 |
| Additional Core Requirements | ||
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| COM 240 | New Technologies In Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 491 | Senior Project in Communication I | 3.0 |
| COM 492 | Senior Project in Communication II | 3.0 |
| PHIL 305 | Ethics and the Media | 3.0 |
| Journalism Concentration Requirements | ||
| COM 160 | Introduction to Journalism | 3.0 |
| COM 181 | Public Relations Principles and Theory | 3.0 |
| COM 261 | Advanced Journalism | 3.0 |
| COM 266 | Copy Editing for the Media | 3.0 |
| COM 315 | Investigative Journalism | 3.0 |
| COM 365 | Journalists, the Courts, and the Law | 3.0 |
| TVPR 220 | TV News Writing | 3.0 |
| Additional Electives | ||
| Communication electives | 18.0 | |
| Free Electives | 37.0 | |
| Total Credits | 180.0-184.0 | |
| * | 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
| Term 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| COM 101 | Human Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 150 | Mass Media and Society | 3.0 |
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology I | 3.0 |
| UNIV H101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| Foreign language course* | 4.0 | |
| Term Credits | 17.0 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
| COM 160 | Introduction to Journalism | 3.0 |
| Foreign language course * | 4.0 | |
| Math course | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Term Credits | 14.0-15.0 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| COM 181 | Public Relations Principles and Theory | 3.0 |
| COM 261 | Advanced Journalism | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
| Math course | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| COM 210 | Theory and Models of Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Science course | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| COM 220 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3.0 |
| COM 365 | Journalists, the Courts, and the Law | 3.0 |
| LING 101 or 102 | Introduction to Linguistics Language and Society | 3.0 |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Science course | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
| Term 6 | ||
| COM 221 | Quantitative Research Methods in Communication | 3.0 |
| TVPR 220 | TV News Writing | 3.0 |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 7 | ||
| COM 266 | Copy Editing for the Media | 3.0 |
| PHIL 305 | Ethics and the Media | 3.0 |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 8 | ||
| COM 240 | New Technologies In Communication | 3.0 |
| UNIV H201 | Looking Forward: Academics and Careers | 1.0 |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 9 | ||
| COM 315 | Investigative Journalism | 3.0 |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 10 | ||
| COM 400 | Seminar in Communication | 3.0 |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 11 | ||
| COM 491 | Senior Project in Communication I | 3.0 |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 12 | ||
| COM 492 | Senior Project in Communication II | 3.0 |
| Free elective | 4.0 | |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 13.0 | |
| Total Credit: 180.0-184.0 | ||
| * | See degree requirements. |
Degree Requirements: Public Relations (BA)
The concentration in public relations covers a broad range of activities that help an organization and its public communicate with one another. The field includes public relations, media relations, event planning, publication design, employee and customer communication, social media, and government relations.
Skills in this field include written, oral, and visual communication. A public relations specialist might be called on to write articles for an in-house newsletter, to research and write an annual report to shareholders, to publicize a special event, to write a speech for an executive, to plan a press conference, to develop a media plan for an organization, or to script a video for an employee orientation session.
| General Requirements | ||
| CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology I | 3.0 |
| UNIV H101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| UNIV H201 | Looking Forward: Academics and Careers | 1.0 |
| Two mathematics courses | 6.0-8.0 | |
| Two science courses | 6.0-8.0 | |
| Foreign language courses * | 8.0 | |
| Humanities and fine arts | 12.0 | |
| Social sciences | 9.0 | |
| International studies | 6.0 | |
| Studies in diversity electives | 6.0 | |
| Communication Core Requirements | ||
| Theory Sequence | ||
| COM 101 | Human Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 150 | Mass Media and Society | 3.0 |
| COM 210 | Theory and Models of Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 400 | Seminar in Communication | 3.0 |
| LING 101 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3.0 |
| or LING 102 | Language and Society | |
| Methods Sequence | ||
| COM 220 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3.0 |
| COM 284 | Public Relations Research, Measurement and Evaluation | 3.0 |
| Additional Core Requirements | ||
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| COM 240 | New Technologies In Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 491 | Senior Project in Communication I | 3.0 |
| COM 492 | Senior Project in Communication II | 3.0 |
| PHIL 305 | Ethics and the Media | 3.0 |
| Public Relations Concentration Requirements | ||
| COM 160 | Introduction to Journalism | 3.0 |
| COM 181 | Public Relations Principles and Theory | 3.0 |
| COM 282 [WI] | Public Relations Writing | 3.0 |
| COM 286 | Public Relations Strategies and Tactics | 3.0 |
| COM 386 | Public Relations Campaign Planning | 3.0 |
| MKTG 201 | Introduction to Marketing Management | 4.0 |
| Select one of the following Visual Communication courses: ** | 3.0 | |
| Electronic Publishing | ||
| Desktop Publishing | ||
| Additional Electives | ||
| COM electives | 15.0 | |
| Free electives | 39.0 | |
| Total Credits | 180.0-184.0 | |
| * | 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). |
| ** | Or other courses as appropriate in COM or the College of Media Arts and Design. |
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 (BA)
| Term 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| COM 101 | Human Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 150 | Mass Media and Society | 3.0 |
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology I | 3.0 |
| UNIV H101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| Foreign language course* | 4.0 | |
| Term Credits | 17.0 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
| COM 181 | Public Relations Principles and Theory | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
| Foreign language course* | 4.0 | |
| Math course | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Term Credits | 14.0-15.0 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| COM 160 | Introduction to Journalism | 3.0 |
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| COM 282 [WI] | Public Relations Writing | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
| Math course | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| COM 210 | Theory and Models of Communication | 3.0 |
| Science elective | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| COM 220 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3.0 |
| LING 101 or 102 | Introduction to Linguistics Language and Society | 3.0 |
| Science course | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
| Term 6 | ||
| COM 284 | Public Relations Research, Measurement and Evaluation | 3.0 |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 7 | ||
| MKTG 201 | Introduction to Marketing Management | 4.0 |
| PHIL 305 | Ethics and the Media | 3.0 |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 8 | ||
| COM 240 | New Technologies In Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 286 | Public Relations Strategies and Tactics | 3.0 |
| UNIV H201 | Looking Forward: Academics and Careers | 1.0 |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 9 | ||
| COM 340 or 335 | Desktop Publishing Electronic Publishing | 3.0 |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 10 | ||
| COM 386 | Public Relations Campaign Planning | 3.0 |
| COM 400 | Seminar in Communication | 3.0 |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 11 | ||
| COM 491 | Senior Project in Communication I | 3.0 |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 12 | ||
| COM 492 | Senior Project in Communication II | 3.0 |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 12.0 | |
| Total Credit: 180.0-184.0 | ||
| * | See degree requirements. |
Degree Requirements: Public Relations (BS)
The public relations concentration covers a broad range of activities that help an organization and its public communicate with one another. The field includes public relations, media relations, event planning, publication design, employee and customer communication, social media and government relations.
Skills in this field include written, oral, and visual communication. A public relations specialist might be called on to write articles for an in-house newsletter, to research and write an annual report to shareholders, to publicize a special event, to write a speech for an executive, to plan a press conference, to develop a media plan for an organization, or to script a video for an employee orientation session.
| General Requirements | ||
| CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology I | 3.0 |
| UNIV H101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| UNIV H201 | Looking Forward: Academics and Careers | 1.0 |
| Humanities and fine arts | 12.0 | |
| Social sciences | 9.0 | |
| International studies | 6.0 | |
| Studies in diversity | 6.0 | |
| Select one of the following Science Sequences: | 8.0 | |
Biology Sequence | ||
| Cells, Genetics & Physiology | ||
| Cells, Genetics and Physiology Laboratory | ||
| Biological Diversity, Ecology & Evolution | ||
| Biological Diversity, Ecology and Evolution Laboratory | ||
Chemistry Sequence | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
Physics Sequence | ||
| General Physics I | ||
| General Physics II | ||
| Select one of the following Mathematics Sequences | 8.0 | |
Analysis Sequence | ||
| Introduction to Analysis I | ||
| Introduction to Analysis II | ||
Calculus Sequence | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Calculus II | ||
| Communication Core Requirements | ||
| Theory Sequence | ||
| COM 101 | Human Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 150 | Mass Media and Society | 3.0 |
| COM 210 | Theory and Models of Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 400 | Seminar in Communication | 3.0 |
| LING 101 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3.0 |
| or LING 102 | Language and Society | |
| Methods Sequence | ||
| COM 220 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3.0 |
| COM 284 | Public Relations Research, Measurement and Evaluation | 3.0 |
| Additional Core Requirements | ||
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| COM 240 | New Technologies In Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 491 | Senior Project in Communication I | 3.0 |
| COM 492 | Senior Project in Communication II | 3.0 |
| PHIL 305 | Ethics and the Media | 3.0 |
| Public Relations Concentration Requirements | ||
| COM 160 | Introduction to Journalism | 3.0 |
| COM 181 | Public Relations Principles and Theory | 3.0 |
| COM 282 [WI] | Public Relations Writing | 3.0 |
| COM 286 | Public Relations Strategies and Tactics | 3.0 |
| COM 386 | Public Relations Campaign Planning | 3.0 |
| MKTG 201 | Introduction to Marketing Management | 4.0 |
| Visual Communication Courses * | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Electronic Publishing | ||
| Desktop Publishing | ||
| Additional Electives | ||
| COM electives | 15.0 | |
| Free electives | 43.0 | |
| Total Credits | 180.0 | |
| * | Or other courses as appropriate in COM or the College of Media Arts and Design. |
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 (BS)
| Term 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| COM 101 | Human Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 150 | Mass Media and Society | 3.0 |
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology I | 3.0 |
| UNIV H101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| Math sequence course 1* | 4.0 | |
| Term Credits | 17.0 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| COM 181 | Public Relations Principles and Theory | 3.0 |
| CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
| Math sequence course 2* | 4.0 | |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 14.0 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| COM 160 | Introduction to Journalism | 3.0 |
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| COM 282 [WI] | Public Relations Writing | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| COM 210 | Theory and Models of Communication | 3.0 |
| Science sequence course 1* | 4.0 | |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| COM 220 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3.0 |
| LING 101 or 102 | Introduction to Linguistics Language and Society | 3.0 |
| Science sequence course 2* | 4.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 6 | ||
| COM 284 | Public Relations Research, Measurement and Evaluation | 3.0 |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 9.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 7 | ||
| MKTG 201 | Introduction to Marketing Management | 4.0 |
| PHIL 305 | Ethics and the Media | 3.0 |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 8 | ||
| COM 240 | New Technologies In Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 286 | Public Relations Strategies and Tactics | 3.0 |
| UNIV H201 | Looking Forward: Academics and Careers | 1.0 |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 9 | ||
| COM 335 or 340 | Electronic Publishing Desktop Publishing | 3.0 |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 10 | ||
| COM 386 | Public Relations Campaign Planning | 3.0 |
| COM 400 | Seminar in Communication | 3.0 |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 11 | ||
| COM 491 | Senior Project in Communication I | 3.0 |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 12.0 | |
| Term 12 | ||
| COM 492 | Senior Project in Communication II | 3.0 |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 4.0 | |
| Term Credits | 13.0 | |
| Total Credit: 180.0 | ||
| * | See degree requirements. |
Degree Requirements: Technical & Science Communication (BS)
Students within this concentration learn to communicate scientific and technical information to various professional and public audiences. The program combines courses that develop communication skills with courses that enhance understanding of science and technology.
Students who study technical and science communication find work in a wide range of areas, including technical writing for software or hardware products, proposal and grant writing, and research or writing in the fields of health, pharmaceuticals, medicine or science.
| General Requirements | ||
| CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology I | 3.0 |
| UNIV H101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| UNIV H201 | Looking Forward: Academics and Careers | 1.0 |
| Social sciences | 9.0 | |
| Humanities and fine arts | 9.0 | |
| International studies | 6.0 | |
| Studies in diversity | 6.0 | |
| One of the following Science sequences: | 8.0 | |
| Biology Sequence | ||
| Cells, Genetics & Physiology | ||
| Cells, Genetics and Physiology Laboratory | ||
| Biological Diversity, Ecology & Evolution | ||
| Biological Diversity, Ecology and Evolution Laboratory | ||
| Chemistry Sequence | ||
| General Chemistry I | ||
| General Chemistry II | ||
| Physics Sequence | ||
| General Physics I | ||
| General Physics II | ||
| One of the following Math sequences: | 8.0 | |
| Analysis Sequence | ||
| Introduction to Analysis I | ||
| Introduction to Analysis II | ||
| Calculus Sequence | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Calculus II | ||
| Communication Core Requirements | ||
| Theory Sequence | ||
| COM 101 | Human Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 150 | Mass Media and Society | 3.0 |
| COM 210 | Theory and Models of Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 400 | Seminar in Communication | 3.0 |
| LING 101 | Introduction to Linguistics | 3.0 |
| or LING 102 | Language and Society | |
| Methods Sequence | ||
| COM 220 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3.0 |
| COM 221 | Quantitative Research Methods in Communication | 3.0 |
| Additional Core Requirements | ||
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| COM 240 | New Technologies In Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 491 | Senior Project in Communication I | 3.0 |
| COM 492 | Senior Project in Communication II | 3.0 |
| PHIL 305 | Ethics and the Media | 3.0 |
| Technical and Science Concentration Requirements | ||
| COM 160 | Introduction to Journalism | 3.0 |
| COM 181 | Public Relations Principles and Theory | 3.0 |
| COM 310 [WI] | Technical Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 320 [WI] | Science Writing | 3.0 |
| COM 335 | Electronic Publishing | 3.0 |
| COM 350 [WI] | Document Design and Evaluation | 3.0 |
| COM 420 | Technical, Science and Health Editing | 3.0 |
| Technology, Science & Communication Breadth | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9.0 | |
| Campaigns for Health & Environment | ||
| Environmental Communication | ||
| Film, Celebrity and the Environmental Movement | ||
| Professional Presentations | ||
| Desktop Publishing | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Computer Mediated Communication | ||
| Social Media and Communication | ||
| Ethnography of Communication | ||
| Media Effects | ||
| Multidisciplinary Breadth | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9.0 | |
| Digital Culture | ||
| Literature & Science | ||
| Environmental Literature | ||
| Technology in Historical Perspective | ||
| Introduction to Computing and Security Technology | ||
| Introduction to Informatics | ||
| Foundations of Software | ||
| Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction | ||
| Philosophy of Science | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Human Factors and Cognitive Engineering | ||
| Human-Computer Interaction | ||
| Additional Electives | ||
| COM electives | 15.0 | |
| Free electives | 29.0 | |
| Total Credits | 180.0 | |
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
Technical and Science Communication (BS)
| Term 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| COM 101 | Human Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 150 | Mass Media and Society | 3.0 |
| ENGL 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I: Inquiry and Exploratory Research | 3.0 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology I | 3.0 |
| UNIV H101 | The Drexel Experience | 1.0 |
| Math sequence course 1* | 4.0 | |
| Term Credits | 17.0 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| COM 160 | Introduction to Journalism | 3.0 |
| CIVC 101 | Introduction to Civic Engagement | 1.0 |
| ENGL 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II: Advanced Research and Evidence-Based Writing | 3.0 |
| Math sequence course 2* | 4.0 | |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 14.0 | |
| Term 3 | ||
| COM 181 | Public Relations Principles and Theory | 3.0 |
| COM 230 | Techniques of Speaking | 3.0 |
| ENGL 103 | Composition and Rhetoric III: Themes and Genres | 3.0 |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 4 | ||
| COM 210 | Theory and Models of Communication | 3.0 |
| Science sequence course 1* | 4.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Multidisciplinary elective | 3.0 | |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 5 | ||
| COM 220 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3.0 |
| LING 101 or 102 | Introduction to Linguistics Language and Society | 3.0 |
| Science sequence course 2* | 4.0 | |
| Technology, science and communication elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 6 | ||
| COM 221 | Quantitative Research Methods in Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 310 [WI] | Technical Communication | 3.0 |
| Free elective | 4.0 | |
| Multidisiplinary elective | 3.0 | |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 7 | ||
| COM 335 | Electronic Publishing | 3.0 |
| PHIL 305 | Ethics and the Media | 3.0 |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Technology, science, and communication elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 8 | ||
| COM 240 | New Technologies In Communication | 3.0 |
| UNIV H201 | Looking Forward: Academics and Careers | 1.0 |
| Technology, science, and communication elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 3.0 | |
| Humanities elective | 3.0 | |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 16.0 | |
| Term 9 | ||
| COM 320 [WI] | Science Writing | 3.0 |
| COM 350 [WI] | Document Design and Evaluation | 3.0 |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 10 | ||
| COM 400 | Seminar in Communication | 3.0 |
| COM 420 | Technical, Science and Health Editing | 3.0 |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| Free electives | 6.0 | |
| Term Credits | 15.0 | |
| Term 11 | ||
| COM 491 | Senior Project in Communication I | 3.0 |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| Multidisciplinary elective | 3.0 | |
| Social science elective | 3.0 | |
| Term Credits | 12.0 | |
| Term 12 | ||
| COM 492 | Senior Project in Communication II | 3.0 |
| International or diversity elective | 3.0 | |
| COM elective | 3.0 | |
| Free elective | 4.0 | |
| Term Credits | 13.0 | |
| Total Credit: 180.0 | ||
| * | See degree requirements. |
Co-op/Career Opportunities
Public Relations Concentration
Graduates 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 the graduates to find administrative positions in various business areas with an indirect relationship to public relations such as marketing, sales, human resources consulting, or 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)
Technical and Science Communication Concentration
Students who study technical and science communication are prepared for a variety of career options. Many students become technical writers and editors who produce manuals and reports about high-technology products and services. Students may also go on to write specifications and in-house organs for business, industry, and government. Other students conduct and interpret surveys for business. In addition, this program is excellent preparation for graduate study in a number of fields, such as law and medicine.
Co-op Experiences in Technical and Science Communication
Communication students have worked for corporations and nonprofit organizations. The following are some samples of past co-op experiences:
- Technical writer, Unisys Corp. and Hewlett Packard
- Web page writer, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
- Pharmaceutical writer, GlaxoSmithKline
- Medical writer, Medcases Corp.
Communication Concentration
Students in the Communication concentration will develop a focus that fits their interests in the field of Communication and will thus be ready for a variety of career options, which can include any of the directions open to students in the other concentrations in communication. In addition, this program is excellent preparation for graduate study in a number of fields, such as law and medicine.
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.
