Strategic and Digital Communication MS
Degree Awarded: Master of Science (MS)
Minimum Required Credits: 30.0
Co-op Option: Available for full-time, on-campus master's-level students
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 09.0909
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-2011
About the Program
Drexel University's Master of Science in Strategic and Digital Communication (MS-SDC) prepares students for careers across a wide range of communication professions in rapidly evolving digital and media environments. The program is designed for students seeking to develop advanced communication expertise while gaining the strategic, analytical, and leadership skills needed to succeed in today’s complex media landscape.
Through a robust core curriculum, students build a strong foundation in communication theory, ethics, media and communication policy, as well as a wide range of strategic communication practices. This theoretical groundin equips students with the intellectural framework needed to evaluate emerging technologies, adapt to changing media environments, and make informed communication decisions in professional settings.
Coursework also emphasizes leadership development, preparing students to lead teams, manage communication initiatives, and drive innovation across diverse organizational and media contexts.
A definig feature of the Drexel experience is its emphasis on experiential and career-focused learning. Located in Philadelphia and grounded in Drexel University's tradition of professional preparation, the MS-SDC focuses on the professional applicability of classroom knowledge that is easily transferrable to workplace contexts. Full-time, on-campus students also have the option to participate in Drexel's graduate co-op program, gaining valuable professional experience prior to graduation.
The program emphasizes flexibility, encouraging students to tailor their course of study to their individual interests and professional goals. Through Communication electives, students can strengthen core communication competencies or further develop specialized areas of expertise in areas such as digital media, strategic communication, public relations, organizational communication, and media industries. This adaptable curriculum allows students to align their academic experience with their professional aspirations and evolving industry demands.
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Preferably a GPA of 3.0.
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended.
- Two letters of recommendation from either former professors or professional contacts with supervising capacity.
- A 750-1000 word essay detailing the applicant’s career objectives and interest in the program.
- Resume
Degree Requirements
| Core Courses | ||
| COM 6010 | Professional Communication Research | 3.0 |
| COM 6020 | Communication Theory in a Digitized World | 3.0 |
| COM 6030 | Communication Ethics and Media Policy | 3.0 |
| Foundational Course | ||
| Select one (1) of the following courses: | 3.0 | |
| Organizational Communication in Project Management | ||
| Professional Identity in the Communication Industry | ||
| Subject-Area Focused Courses | ||
| Select twelve (12) credits from the list below: | 12.0 | |
| Strategic Social Media Communication | ||
| Strategic International Communications and Negotiations | ||
| Foundations of PR | ||
| PR Tactics for Media Engagement | ||
| PR Campaign Strategy and Implementation | ||
| Creative Content Production | ||
| Vlogging - Storytelling in the Digital Age | ||
| Visual Communication | ||
| Event Planning | ||
| Professional Presentations | ||
| Professional Use of AI in the Communication Industry | ||
| Nonprofit Communication | ||
| Internal Communication | ||
| Special Topics in Communication | ||
| Advanced Topics in Media, Messaging and Influence | ||
| Crisis Communication | ||
| Social Media that Matters | ||
| Data Analytics for Communication Professionals | ||
| Independent Study in Communication | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select six (6) credits of Electives, which can be taken inside and outside of the COM discipline. | 6.0 | |
| Optional Coop Experience | ||
| Co-op is an option for this degree for full-time on-campus students. To prepare for the 6-month co-op experience, students are required to complete COOP 5000. | 0.0 | |
| Total Credits | 30.0 | |