Should I choose Arizona State or Drexel for media studies?

Drexel makes more sense for media studies if your priority is career preparation built directly into the structure of the degree. Its biggest advantage is the co-op model, which gives media-related students repeated chances to work in professional settings during college, and that kind of experience matters a lot in fields like communications, digital media, journalism, and content production. Being in Philadelphia also helps because internships, media organizations, agencies, and cultural institutions are close by during the school year.

Another difference is how the academic experience tends to feel. Drexel is often more tightly connected to professional training and applied learning, so students who want a practical, industry-facing path often find that appealing. In media studies, that can translate into stronger momentum on résumés, portfolios, and professional contacts before graduation rather than waiting until senior year to build those pieces.

Arizona State still has real strengths, especially because it is a very large university with broad resources, lots of student organizations, and a wide range of media-related opportunities across journalism, film, digital culture, and communications. That scale can be a plus if you want flexibility, interdisciplinary options, and a more traditional campus experience. But it can also mean you need to be more self-directed about finding the right internships, mentorship, and smaller communities within the program.

Cost and pace are also worth weighing because Drexel’s co-op system can be excellent, but the academic calendar and structure can feel more intense. ASU may offer a more relaxed campus rhythm and, for some students, better overall value depending on residency and aid. For media studies specifically, though, Drexel stands out more clearly because it is designed to connect classroom learning with actual media work while you are still in school.