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Master
of Science Program in Communication
Drexel’s Master of
Science in Communication prepares students for careers in a wide range
of professional activities. The program specializes in three areas: technical
communication, science communication, and public communication. Technical
communication is for those seeking employment as technical writers, computer
documentation specialists, and training specialists. Science communication
has much to offer those who aspire to medical, science, and pharmaceutical
writing. A concentration in public communication leads to careers in
journalism and public relations. In addition, the program provides a
strong foundation in theoretical approaches to communication. This theoretical
basis is designed to ensure that, as the field changes, students will
continue to have an intellectual framework for evaluating and implementing
new technology and changing media.
Students can attend full time or part time, they can begin the program
in any academic quarter, and they can complete all coursework in the evening.
The program emphasizes flexibility, encouraging each student, in consultation
with a faculty advisor, to fashion a particular course of study.
The program accommodates students from widely varying educational backgrounds: Many have backgrounds in science and mathematics; an equal number come from humanities-related areas. Some students pursue their degrees while already at work at demanding jobs in technical or scientific fields; others are new to the field.
General
Requirements
The MS degree
requires 45 credits of coursework, a professional portfolio of three
to five items developed by the student, and six months of paid internship for those who lack significant experience in communication related fields.
As a final graduation requirement, each student must submit a professional
exit portfolio. Based on coursework and professional assignments, the portfolio
undergoes a rigorous process of review by faculty members and by a professional
outside the university.
Internship
Students who need professional experience consult with their advisors
and the program director to develop a suitable internship. Normally,
this placement begins after the student has completed at least half
the required coursework. Students who already have the equivalent of
six months of professional experience or who gain the equivalent by
working part time during their course of study can request exemption
from this requirement.
Curriculum
Students may use
electives to increase communication skills, to broaden theoretical
backgrounds, or to develop areas of specialization. Any appropriate
graduate course offered in the University can serve as an elective
if the student has sufficient background to take the course. In addition,
the program offers its own elective courses including special topics (COM
690). Qualified students may also pursue independent study for elective
credit in special cases.
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| Core Courses | Credits | |||
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| COM 500 | Persuasive Writing and Reading in Communication | 3.0 | ||
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| COM 610 | Theories of Communication and Persuasion | 3.0 | ||
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| Concentrations | ||||
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| Technical Communication | ||||
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| COM 510 | Technical Writing | 3.0 | ||
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| COM 570 | Technical and Science Editing | 3.0 | ||
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| COM 620 | Message Design and Evaluation | 3.0 | ||
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| COM 630 | Developing Software Documentation | 3.0 | ||
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| COM 875 | Ethics in Technical and Science Communication | 3.0 | ||
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| Electives | 24.0 | |||
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| Science Communication | ||||
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| COM 520 | Science Writing | 3.0 | ||
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| COM 570 | Technical and Science Editing | 3.0 | ||
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| COM 620 | Message Design and Evaluation | 3.0 | ||
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| COM 670 | Medical Writing | 3.0 | ||
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| COM 875 | Ethics in Technical and Science Communication | 3.0 | ||
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| Electives | 24.0 | |||
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| Public Communication | ||||
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| COM 635 | Electronic Publishing | 3.0 | ||
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| COM 650 | Telecommunications Policy | 3.0 | ||
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| COM 660 | Investigative Journalism | 3.0 | ||
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| COM 680 | Public Relations Strategies | 3.0 | ||
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| COM 880 | Seminar: Ethics for Public Communication | 3.0 | ||
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| Electives | 24.0 | |||
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