Online Master's Degree in Strategic & Digital Communication

Content delivery is constantly evolving, and you need a graduate degree program that can keep up with the industry. Grounded in theory and practice, Drexel University's online MS in Strategic and Digital Communication prepares you for success in the quickly changing worlds of both traditional and digital media. Designed for both new and experienced communication professionals, this online master’s in communication program offers a flexible, personalized curriculum that prioritizes the specific skills you need to meet your goals and advance your career.

Online Master's in Communication Program Overview

To ensure you have a strong foundation in traditional communication skills, while also staying in step with the continued digitization of the field, Drexel’s program specializes in strategic, digital, and social media communication.

Drexel’s online communication master’s degree is a highly customizable and interdisciplinary program. Core courses focus on communication policy, ethics, theory, and the role of media in the digitized world. To gain a deeper understanding of the field, or to specialize your degree, you can choose four communication electives in topics like public relations (PR) writing and planning, crisis communication, strategic social media communication, and digital publishing. Your final four electives can be taken from within the communication department or from departments throughout the university to better customize your degree for your career goals.

Features of Drexel's Online MS in Communication Program

• Learn from faculty with years of experience and connections in the communications field
• This online communication master’s degree program can be completed part-time in approximately two years. If you're interested in a full-time program, please contact Program Director Julia May.
• Learn leadership skills that will help you lead teams to be innovative communication professionals in digitized media environments and different organizational communication contexts
• Tailor your curriculum to your interests and goals with the help of your faculty advisor
• Begin your degree in the fall, winter, spring, or summer term
• Six-month internship to gain professional experience (optional for those with full-time professional communication experience)

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master's Communication Program?

As an online master’s in communication student, you’ll take 7 required core courses, and then select 12 additional Communication credits; followed by 12 additional credits from either within the Communication discipline or other related subject areas.

Common communications courses include:

• Ethics for Professional Communication
• Managing Communication Professional Identities in a Digital Age
• Media and Communication Policy in a Digitized World
• Media Environments in a Digitized World
• Organizational Communication in Project Management
• Reading and Research in Communication
• Theories of Communication and Persuasion
• And choose from a variety of electives

Priority Application Deadline

Drexel University offers an exciting opportunity with the priority action deadline for our MS in Strategic Digital Communication program. Completing your application by this deadline ensures priority review by our committee and an earlier admission decision. The early action deadline for Fall 2025 term is August 1, 2025.

We continue to accept applications until the regular deadline or until the class reaches capacity, whichever comes first. For this reason, we strongly encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. The regular deadline for Fall 2025 term is September 1, 2025.

What Can You Do with an Online Master's Degree in Strategic Communications?

Drexel University’s online master’s in communication provides the skills and insider knowledge to manage communications for organizations across the industry spectrum. It’s never been a better time to be a communication professional. Content delivery is a priority of every leading organization these days, regardless of industry. It’s the concept of reaching, informing, and converting prospective clients. Not to be confused with traditional marketing or outreach, modern content delivery means creating a robust, intertwined communications network that serves as a holistic hub of an organization’s brand message, objectives, and greater utility.

The rise of digital news and social media has been a tipping point of accelerating modern content delivery. Consumers today rely on a vast network of news, cultural, and social sources to gather information and communicate with each other. Drexel’s degree prepares you to be at the forefront of content delivery, ensuring your company’s message reaches its audience. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for an exciting, active career in several specialties, including:

• Corporate Communication
• Crisis Communication
• Digital Media
• Marketing
• Media Relations
• Public Relations
• Social Media

Admissions Criteria

To be eligible for Drexel’s online communication master’s degree, you should have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (or a foreign equivalent). You'll also be asked to provide a statement of interest, as well as a resume and letters of recommendation. For a full list of required documents, please see the Admissions Criteria page.

Master's Degree in Strategic & Digital Communication Average Salary

While salaries will vary based on job title and locations, some common titles and salaries for communication professionals include:

• Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager - $135,900
• Public Relations and Fundraising Manager - $116,180
• Public Relations and Social Media Specialist - $61,150

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

MS in Communication Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to complete an internship?
An internship waiver is available for students who already possess the equivalent of six months relevant work experience or are currently employed in a position that has a relevant communication component associated with it. Please speak with Julia May, Program Director to determine your eligibility for the waiver.

Can I complete this degree entirely online?
The coursework for Drexel’s online communication master’s degree can be completed remotely. You're not expected to come to campus to complete any requirements. The only potential in-person requirement is the internship component, which can be completed from anywhere (due to COVID-19 you may also be able to be complete this virtually).

How long does it take to earn a master’s degree in strategic & digital communication?
Drexel’s online strategic communications master’s program requires 45 credits. This online program can be completed part-time in approximately two years. Since this program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system), you can take more courses in a shorter period of time.

Are classes asynchronous or synchronous?
Classes are taught asynchronously, meaning you don’t have to attend classes at a specific time each week. Rather, you can view lectures when it's convenient for you—that could be before or after work, late at night, or during your daily commute.

Non-Matriculated Option for Strategic & Digital Communications

Interested in applying to the Master's in Communication as a non-matriculated student? This will allow you to take a class or two in the program to see if this degree is right for you. To apply as a non-matriculated student, select "Non-Matriculated – College of Arts & Sciences (Online)" as your program of interest on the online application. Official transcripts are required. Non-matriculated students are not eligible for financial aid.

Archived Webinars

• Essentials of Good Business Communication
• Media Relations Strategy for Professional Communication
• Multi-Platform Media: Finding Your Target Audience
• Online Open House: MS in Strategic and Digital Communication
• Should I Post this Picture on Instagram?

Drexel's 10,000 Hours Podcast: We’ve Got a Crisis on Our Hands

It’s a nightmare scenario: your company has tweeted something inappropriate, and now everyone online is talking about it. What should you do? Drexel professor Min Lee is here to save your social media presence.

Related Programs

• BA in Communication
   

Drexel University offers a variety of Graduate Minors that can be added to any master's degree program.
State restrictions may apply to some programs.