The College of Arts and Sciences

About the College

In Drexel University’s College of Arts and Sciences (CoAS), we believe that the future is a place we make together. The key to thriving in this ever-shifting landscape is understanding how the human condition drives the need for local, national and global progress. Our constantly evolving and fast-paced culture requires a new approach to a liberal arts education that embraces both the breadth of knowledge acquired through the liberal arts and the depth of knowledge made possible through experiential learning.

Innovation requires versatility — we must not only be experts in our fields, but also agile enough to engage in the cross-disciplinary work needed to address modern problems resourcefully. That’s why our co-op program inserts students within a professional culture, introducing them to the expectations of the job while offering hands-on, practical application of coursework. It’s why students in Drexel’s community-based learning courses don’t just read about complex, global issues; they study alongside the people affected by them — in prisons, hospitals, hospice centers and more. And it’s why, starting as early as freshmen year, students team with faculty members as peers, conducting research that affects the world now.

Here in Drexel's CoAS, we are committed to implementing sustainable change because it’s what the world needs.

Vision

Our vision is to be locally, regionally, nationally and globally recognized for impactful research, scholarship, creative inquiry and civic engagement. We are a leader in experiential learning through our Co-op program, community-based learning courses, and undergraduate and graduate research opportunities.

Mission

By pursuing excellence in research and scholarship, we educate our students to become ethical professionals and citizens with knowledge of and appreciation for the fundamental interactions among the humanities, social sciences, and the sciences in a fast-changing, challenging, and diverse world.

CoAS aims to identify and address the grand challenges of our world through our research, teaching and community outreach. The College’s dedicated, engaged faculty and staff train and educate new leaders to provide vision and direction in an ever-changing world. Through our emphasis on experiential learning, community engagement and hands-on research experiences, students learn to identify and solve societal challenges. Educated in modes of inquiry ranging from historical to scientific, from theoretical to data-driven, students are prepared to participate in local, regional and global communities in thoughtful, meaningful ways.

Core Curriculum

Starting in 2021, the College of Arts and Sciences began developing a Core Curriculum as part of the larger aim to create a more nimble, flexible curriculum that will create a unified intellectual experience in the College and allow undergraduate students to double/dual major and/or to explore additional fields in addition to their major. 21st-century CoAS students and their future employers want a liberal arts core and the ability to double major, or at least gain expertise in multiple areas of inquiry.

Note that Core courses may also apply toward major requirements. Also, a given course may apply to multiple categories. If a course counts more than once, additional advising may be necessary as students must still meet the minimum number of total credits for their major.

Cultivating Global Competence

Learning Outcomes:

Develop global citizenship competencies to tackle the broader issues of our time from climate change to inequality and racism, and productively engage with diverse communities at the international and local levels.

• Analyze pressing global issues and complex transnational systems and their impact at both the global and local levels.
• Explore diversity, equity, and inclusion around the world, including language, culture, and identity.
• Engage with foreign cultures abroad and/or with transnational, migrant, and refugee communities domestically.

Notes:
CoAS has created a master list of courses that fit within this category—updated January 2021. This list includes such courses as:

• All Global Studies and Modern Languages courses.
• Any course in any discipline that has a substantial (50% or more) focus on global/international issues, including migrant or refugee communities in the U.S.
• Language courses (no minimum proficiency required for the Core Skills, but for example BAs have and may choose

Courses which satisfy Cultivating Global Competence include: 

Perspectives in Diversity

Learning Outcomes:

Understand the diverse world that we live in and to value diverse cultures and perspectives. These courses enable students to develop their awareness of diversity, equity, and social justice issues both domestically and globally.

Students are required to take at least one course (3-4 credits) of Perspectives in Diversity. These courses can be found across several categories and can also be applied to that category: Engaging the Natural World, Analyzing Cultures & Histories, Understanding Society & Human Behavior, and Cultivating Global Competence.

Courses which satisfy Perspective in Diversity include: 

Developing Quantitative Reasoning

Learning Outcomes:

These courses provide mathematical foundations and analytical skills. In these courses, students will:

• Apply formal reasoning to particular problems and subject matter within the areas covered by this category.
• Develop mathematical foundations and analytical skills.

Note:

• Disciplinary methods classes, while important to that discipline, cannot be used to fulfill this category.

Courses which satisfy Developing Quantitative Reasoning include: 

Engaging the Natural World

Learning Outcomes:

• Explore and understand key concepts and processes in the life and earth sciences, learning the most current scientific approaches to and understandings of natural phenomena on our planet.
• Interpret and critically apply scientific, technological, and environmental knowledge.
• Learn and be able to apply the scientific method to explore natural phenomena, including observation, hypothesis development, measurement and data collection, evaluation of evidence, and employment of mathematical and computational analysis.

Analyzing Cultures

 Learning Outcomes:

• Introduce students to practices and achievements in the expression and organization of human thought in philosophical, literary, historical, and religious traditions from around the world and throughout human history.
• Appreciate the breadth, diversity, and creativity of human experience and thought, both collective and individual.
• Learn fundamental skills and methods of sustained critical inquiry in relation to human history, thought, and creative expression.
• Develop skills in the expression and integration of ethical reasoning, values, and the moral imagination for the purpose of creating meaning from human experience.

Understanding Society & Human Behavior

Learning Outcomes

Courses that examine social, political, psychological, or environmental theories, concepts, or systems:

• Examine ways our societies have developed from political, social, environmental, or psychological perspectives.
• Understand foundational theories and ways of thinking about human societies and social relationships.
• Expose students to scientific methods as applied to social phenomena. 

Special Programs

Pre-professional Programs

Students wishing to prepare for admission to professional schools of medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, or public health may obtain pre-professional counseling and application assistance at the Steinbright Career Development Center. For health profession application assistance, students may call 215.895.2437. For law school admission assistance, students may call 215.895.1632.

Accelerated Programs

The College of Arts and Sciences offers several accelerated degree programs that enable academically qualified students to earn both a bachelor's and an advanced degree concurrently, graduating sooner than they would in traditional programs. Depending on the academic program, eligible students can be admitted to an accelerated degree program in one of two ways: as an incoming freshman or after completing a minimum of 90.0 credits but no more than 120.0 credits. Note: In addition to the options listed below, students can apply to combine degree programs into an accelerated BS/MS program. Talk to your academic advisor to learn more.

More details about Accelerated Programs can be found on the Undergraduate Admissions website.

BA/BS+MD Early Assurance Program

Drexel offers a BA/BS+MD program, a 4 + 4 combined program that allows outstanding high school students to gain acceptance into their undergraduate program and provisional early acceptance into medical school. 

The program is open only to the following majors:

• Biological Sciences
• Chemistry (BA only)
• Biomedical Engineering (four year program only)

Students in this program cannot double major. However, students are encouraged to minor in one or more areas. In addition, students are not eligible to participate in combined Bachelors/Masters programs.

Admission Requirement

For consideration to the BA/BS+MD Early Assurance Program, applicants must:

• Submit the Common Application or the Coalition Application and all required documents prior to November 1
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident applying for first-year admission
• Be on track to graduate from an American high school
• Have a minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 weighted scale (subject to change)
• Have a combined SAT score of at least 1420 on the SAT (for Evidence-based Reading and Writing and Math sections) or a minimum ACT composite score of 31; submission of an SAT Subject Test is strongly recommended, preferably in the sciences, but all Subject Tests will be reviewed.
• Be on track to graduate, having satisfactorily completed four years of laboratory science with one year each of biology, chemistry, and physics

As a point of reference, first-year students admitted to the BA/BS+MD program had an average GPA of 4.42 and an average combined SAT (Evidence-based Reading and Writing and Math) of 1542 or ACT 35 composite.

A select number of students will be invited to attend an interview with the medical school admissions committee at the Drexel University College of Medicine.

Undergraduate Program Requirements

Upon acceptance into the BA/BS +MD Program, students will be provided with a contract of requirements for the completion of the undergraduate portion of the program. The current general requirements of the program are:

• Maintain minimum cumulative GPA of 3.6 in all coursework and a minimum GPA of 3.6 in BCPM classes (all biological sciences, chemistry, physics, and math), without repeating a course and with no grade less than a C. The GPA requirements must be met by the end of their third undergraduate year and at the end of their fourth year
• Complete a minimum of 100 hours of service that is documented and approved by the advisor.
• Complete a spring/summer six-month co-op in research, clinical, or health informatics, health law, or bioengineering. A co-op of 20 or 40 hours a week is possible.
• Complete 12.0 quarters of study, including fall, winter, and spring quarter of their 4th year as a matriculated Drexel student. In order to maintain their full-time status, BA/BS+MD program students must be registered for at least 14.0 credits per quarter for the 12.0 quarters of Drexel University undergraduate studies.
• BSMD programs follow a full 4 year co-op plan with the following schedule of classes and co-op terms. Students must follow this layout of full-time terms in class and co-op. (see below).

• The MCAT is required prior to matriculation into the College of Medicine. Students must receive a minimum MCAT score of 511, including:
  • 128 or better in chemical and physical foundations of biological systems
  • 127 or better in critical analysis and reasoning skills
  • 128 or better in biological and biochemical foundations of living systems
  • 128 or better in psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior
• Alternatively, students can receive a minimum total score of 513 with no subsection less than 127.
• The College of Medicine reserves the right to revise the above requirements. As noted above, acceptance into the College of Medicine is provisional.

DragonsTeach

DragonsTeach is a collaboration between the College of Engineering, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Education designed to allow students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) degree programs to explore a career in education. Through a unique combination of skills development and classroom experiences, DragonsTeach students can earn a minor in STEM Education and eligibility for teaching credentials while completing their major degree program and co-ops. Learn more on the DragonsTeach website.

Eligible Majors:

• BS in Biological Sciences
• BA in Chemistry
• BS in Chemistry
• BS in Environmental Science
• BA in Mathematics
• BS in Mathematics
• BS in Physics

Secondary and Elementary Teacher Certification

The School of Education offers innovative curricula that combines academic majors with appropriate coursework to satisfy state requirements for certification in elementary education. Students interested in the teacher education programs should contact the School of Education.

The Drexel Writing Center

The Drexel Writing Center (DWC) is dedicated to helping students, faculty, and staff, at all levels of experience and across all disciplines, in their development as writers.

• The DWC works with writers at all stages in the writing process, from brainstorming ideas to polishing final drafts.
• The DWC focus is on individual, one-on-one sessions that feature a conversational, collaborative relationship between the reader and the writer they work with.
• Interaction with the DWC will help writers develop not just writing but critical thinking and reading skills.
• While DWC readers do not perform copy-editing services, they will help students learn strategies for proofreading and editing their documents.

The DWC is located at 100-103 Korman Center and can be reached at 215.895.6633. Further information can be found at the Drexel Writing Center website.

Writing-Intensive Course Requirements

In order to graduate, all students must pass three writing-intensive courses after their freshman year. Two writing-intensive courses must be in a student's major. The third can be in any discipline. Students are advised to take one writing-intensive class each year, beginning with the sophomore year, and to avoid “clustering” these courses near the end of their matriculation. Transfer students need to meet with an academic advisor to review the number of writing-intensive courses required to graduate.

A "WI" next to a course in this catalog may indicate that this course can fulfill a writing-intensive requirement. For the most up-to-date list of writing-intensive courses being offered, students should check the Writing Intensive Course List at the University Writing Program. Students scheduling their courses can also conduct a search for courses with the attribute "WI" to bring up a list of all writing-intensive courses available that term.

English Language Center

As part of the College of Arts and Sciences, Drexel’s English Language Center offers an accredited intensive English program throughout the year. In addition to classes in academic skills such as essay writing and oral presentations, the Center offers the Language of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), Language of Media and Design, Global Business English program (GLOBE), English for academic purposes, TOEFL and iELTS preparation, ESL Teaching enhancement programs, and other subjects. 

Through the International Gateway program, the English Language Center offers academic language preparation for students who have an admissible high school academic background but need further English language proficiency. This pathway program combines academic English language courses, credit courses taught by CoAS faculty, and acculturation activities. Students admitted into the University Preparation program (UPREP) begin their studies at Drexel in the English Language Center in a short, pre-term program designed to prepare international students for the academic work and culture of the American university.

Accepted undergraduate students have access to free language tutoring and other academic skills workshops throughout the academic year.

For more information, see the ELC website or contact the Center at:

English Language Center
229 N. 33rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Phone: 215-895-2022
Fax: 215-895-6775
E-mail: elc@drexel.edu
 

The Drexel Co-op

No summers of coffee runs or mindless filing here! Drexel students embark on six-month periods of full-time employment in practical, discipline-specific positions consistent with their interests and abilities. Depending on their chosen program, students have the opportunity to participate in up to three different co-op positions—that's 18 months of real work experience—during their time at Drexel, allowing them to explore their career options, strengthen their resumes, and build a professional network in the process. While co-op opportunities can be both paid and unpaid, students who participate in the co-op program typically receive higher starting salaries post-graduation than graduates of other schools.

The number of co-op experiences required for graduation is determined by the student's chosen course of study. The following options exist for most majors:

• Three Co-op Option (Five Years)
• One Co-op Option (Four Years)
• No Co-op Option (Four Years) Though this program is available, we strongly encourage students to take advantage of the co-op program, a key benefit of a Drexel education.

Learn more on the Steinbright Career Development Center website.

Global Opportunities

Global Opportunities Abound

Philadelphia may be the heart of Drexel's campus, but the world is our muse. There are numerous opportunities for Drexel Dragons to go abroad.

Study Abroad

Study abroad allows students a unique academic experience to learn about subjects from an international perspective, often with local students and professors. From Costa Rica to Barcelona, Milan to Turkey, and Brazil to Israel, our students have studied all over the world.

Research Abroad

Research extends far beyond the walls of any laboratory. Our students have studied sea turtles in Costa Rica, infectious diseases in Uganda, and data from the Double Chooz experiment in France. Many of our faculty members are also involved in international research collaborations and our students have the opportunity to make an impact alongside them.

Co-Op Abroad

Co-op abroad provides students with a unique professional perspective and exposure to an international work environment. Our students have worked at Coca Cola in India, the UN Development Programme in Africa, the Italian Parliament in Rome, and the Heraklion Community Mental Health Center in Greece—just to name a few.

An international co-op gives students a distinct advantage in the global economy, making them more attractive to prospective employers. Candidates with international experience also have the ability to earn higher starting salaries upon graduation.

Visit the Steinbright Career Development Center website to learn more.

Travel Courses

The College of Arts and Sciences' travel-integrated courses allow students to travel domestically or internationally for one or two weeks at the end of a course to extend their studies beyond the classroom. Recent classes have traveled to France to learn about WWI and Brazil to study commodities exchange. Talk to your academic advisor to learn more.

Alternative Spring Break

The Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program places teams of Drexel students in communities to engage in community service and experiential learning during spring break. Students may choose to work domestically or internationally in activities that benefit the environment, the community, and those in need.

Community-Based Learning

In the College of Arts and Sciences' unique Community-Based-Learning (CBL) courses, students don't just study the issues affecting the world, they study alongside the people affected, from prison inmates to hospice patients. CBL courses are offered in three formats:

• Side by side
• Community hybrid
• Service learning

Side-by-side courses create a co-learning environment in which Drexel students and the community members take classes together.

Community hybrid courses are composed entirely of Drexel students and time is split between the classroom and the community.

Service-learning courses require service in the community in addition to students' credit hours in the classroom.

For a current list of available courses, visit the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement.