Communication BA

Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Minimum Required Credits: 120.0                        
Co-op Option(s): Three Co-op, Two Co-op, One Co-op, No Co-op                                                       
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 09.0100
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 11-9121, 19-2031, 19-4031

About the Program

The Communication BA offers two distinct concentrations. The Public Relations concentration prepares students for careers focused on strategic communication management on behalf of organizations, brands, and individuals. It combines theoretical perspectives on public communication with training in professional public relations practice. Students develop a strong understanding of the PR industry, its evolving role in society, and the responsibilities associated with managing communication in complex and often high-stakes environments.

Students learn to design, implement and evaluate campaigns; conduct research; create and manage content across digital and social media platforms; and analyze audiences, messages and media channels. Graduates also develop a strong grounding in ethical, transparent and socially responsible public relations practices such as reputation management, public trust, crisis communication and organizational accountability. Students gain hands on experiential learning through applied projects that reflect the real-world, including campaign planning, social media management, and branding.

Graduates of the Public Relations concentration pursue diverse post-graduate pathways, including careers in public relations agencies, corporate communication departments, nonprofit and advocacy organizations, government and public affairs offices, and related fields such as marketing. The concentration also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in communication, marketing or business-related disciplines, and even Law school.

The Journalism and Media Studies concentration prepares students to become versatile storytellers, critical media thinkers and ethically grounded communicators capable of navigating today’s fast-changing information environment. It combines theoretical perspectives with hands-on practice in reporting, storytelling and media analysis. Students develop the skills to research, write, edit and produce high-quality content across platforms, including text, audio, video and emerging digital formats, while gaining a deeper understanding of how media systems shape public life, culture and democratic processes.

Students hone the ability to produce accurate, engaging and ethical journalistic content; critically analyze media texts, technologies and institutions; apply principles of media literacy and verification; and understand the social, political and cultural implications of journalism and media practices. Graduates are trained to think analytically about information, representation and power, while also communicating responsibly to diverse audiences. The learning experience emphasizes active, experiential learning with project-based assignments that mirror professional journalistic workflows, including interviewing, fact-checking, investigative research, visual and digital storytelling, and ethical decision-making.

Graduates of the Journalism and Media Studies concentration pursue a wide range of post-graduate pathways, including careers in journalism, digital media production, content creation, media research, and related fields that value strong writing, critical thinking and ethical judgment. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in journalism, media studies, communication, law, and public policy.

For all students, a central component of the program is the Drexel Advantage. Through Drexel’s nationally recognized co-op program, students gain paid, professional experience in PR and communication roles across media organizations, corporations and public institutions. Drexel’s interdisciplinary environment enables students to broaden their education by pursuing minors or double majors in areas such as Marketing, Film & Television, Sports Management, and many more.

Additional Information

For more information about this program, please contact the College of Arts and Sciences

Admission Requirements

Same as university requirements.

Degree Requirements

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A complete list of eligible Introductory Core Competency courses can be found here.

Public Relations Concentration 

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Other COM courses not listed here can also qualify under discretion of the program director.

Journalism and Media Studies Concentration 

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Other COM courses not listed here can also qualify under discretion of the program director.

Program Learning Outcomes