Studying Communications at PhilaU
Philadelphia University appears in our ranking of the Top 20 Best Online Communications Degree Programs.
The College of Science, Health & the Liberal Arts launched the B.S. in Communication in 1978 for Philadelphia University undergrads to sharpen their storytelling expertise on several multimedia platforms. Directed by Prof. Letrell Crittenden, the 120-credit program integrates folio workshops into four years of East Falls courses like Narrative Writing, Debating Global Issues, and Idea Innovation. On Blackboard Learn, PhilaU students can earn the Online B.S. in Professional Communications and Emerging Media instead. This similar, 120-credit curriculum helps navigate 21st-century digital information with accelerated, eight-week internet courses. Other opportunities include interning at QVC, adding the SAS Programming Certificate, performing at Gemini Theatre, broadcasting on WKDU 91.7FM, publishing PhilaU Today, traveling to London, joining ASL Club, and taking the Emerging Leaders Program.
Featured in GD USA Magazine, Philadelphia University’s B.S. in Graphic Design Communication is offered by the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce in Hayward Hall. Chaired by Prof. Frank Baseman, the 2008 AIGA Fellow Award winner, this 125-credit curriculum teaches the cultural craft of messaging via visual imagery. Requiring a MacBook Pro with Adobe Creative Suite 6, the bachelor’s builds portfolios with campus courses like Animated Cinema, Marketing Foundations, and Photography. Graduates boast 95 percent job placement at Anthropologie, Comcast, Digitas Health, Nickelodeon, People, Puma, Brownstein Group, and more. Others might continue for the M.S. in User Experience & Interaction Design focused on creating aesthetic, engaging digital media. The 37-credit, 18-month program starts Philadelphia cohorts every August or January for thesis prep courses from Information Architecture to Mobile Communication.
About Philadelphia University
Philadelphia University was opened by industrialist Theodore Corson Search in 1884 as the Philadelphia Textile School with a first class of five. During the 1940s, it started bachelor’s education and moved to its current 100-acre East Falls campus near Wissahickon Valley Park. Fast forward to 2017, PhilaU has merged with Thomas Jefferson University to become a comprehensive, mid-sized private CACC nonprofit. Endowed for $27.7 million, Philadelphia University now attracts 3,200 Rams, including Communications majors, from 30 nations with a median class size of 18. Linked to 28,670 LinkedIn alumni, PhilaU has trained media stars like Jay McCarroll, Richie Rosati, Marty Makary, and more.
The U.S. News & World Report ranked Philadelphia the 65th best North university and 36th top value with the 101st best online graduate program nationally. On Niche, PhilaU boasts America’s 41st best design department, 221st most diverse campus, and 288th best small community. Times Higher Education positioned Philadelphia University 385th overall. DesignIntelligence placed PhilaU 11th countrywide with several AIGA Achievement Award wins. According to College Factual, Philadelphia is the 713th best communications school with the 259th highest-paid alumni. The Social Mobility Index honored PhilaU for the 188th best opportunity. Washington Monthly also recognized Philadelphia University for the 189th most research expenditures and 203rd best financial aid.
Philadelphia University Accreditation Details
In 2016, Philadelphia University underwent review by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) to reaffirm its Level V accreditation for another decade under president Dr. Stephen Spinelli, Jr. This regional agency right in the “City of Brotherly Love” is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to check PhilaU’s three associate, 84 baccalaureate, 72 master’s, and 17 doctoral programs for the outlined 14 characteristics of excellence. The Graphic Design Communication B.S. major also has accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Arts and Design (NASAD).
Philadelphia University Application Requirements
Entering Philadelphia University is considered “moderately difficult” by Peterson’s because of the selective 61 percent acceptance rate. Declaring a B.S. major requires graduating from high school with four English and three math courses, including Algebra II and Geometry. Passing the GED test with 410 or higher on each section is also acceptable. On average, first-year Rams have a 3.51 GPA, 1160 SAT score, and 24 ACT score. Transferring undergrads with 30+ credits and minimum 2.0 GPAs skip freshmen criteria. English fluency is proven with a Level 112 ESL Certificate or 6.5 IELTS score. Master of Science entrants need a four-year bachelor’s from an accredited college. The 18-month Track requires at least three years of industry experience or design degrees with cumulative GPAs above 3.5.
Philadelphia University has created the Early Action deadline of November 1st and Regular Decision deadline of March 1st for freshmen. Transfers have until June 1st for Fall or December 1st for Spring starts. The M.S. in User Experience & Interaction Design has rolling admission though. Interested students should submit the Jefferson Application or Common Application online. If needed, submit other materials to 4201 Henry Avenue in Philadelphia, PA 19144 or via admissions@philau.edu. Communications programs usually request the following:
- $40 application fee by credit card or check
- Official transcripts with final course grades
- College entrance exam score results
- One academic recommendation form
- Essay prompt response of 250-600 words
- Current résumé/CV of achievements
- Interactive design portfolio (graduate only)
Tuition and Financial Aid
Full-time B.S. in Communication students at Philadelphia University pay $19,080 per term or $38,160 annually. Studying part-time will cost $1,275 per credit. Evening, summer, and online courses are discounted to $630 per credit though. Budget for the $485 general fee, $2,549 health insurance fee, and $10 educational services fee. Living at the PhilaU campus’ dorms like Scholler Hall adds $6,080 for yearly room and board. Annual attendance equals $57,931 for residents and $45,176 for commuters. Graduates earning the M.S. in User Experience & Interaction Design must afford $1,660 per credit or $61,420 total.
According to the NCES College Navigator, 87 percent of full-time PhilaU Rams share $46.6 million in financial aid offers worth $19,569 on average. Institutional awards include the Marianne Able Scholarship, Alumni Scholarship, Richard Bleiler Scholarship, Joseph Catagnus Scholarship, Gerber Family Scholarship, Maurice Kanbar Scholarship, MarcDavid LGBTQ Scholarship, and Schlesinger Scholarship. Sending the FAFSA application with code 013549 evaluates eligibility for the Federal Pell or SEOG Grant. Quaker State residents could earn the Pennsylvania State Grant or Pennsylvania National Guard EAP Program. Ranked 20th statewide, PhilaU has median debt of $40,227 from Federal Direct, PLUS, Perkins, and private loans. Other options at Philadelphia University are Federal Work-Study jobs, GI Bill benefits, assistantships, and the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
Learn more about Philadelphia University at the Communication Program website.