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.

Majors

Undeclared Option

Accelerated Degrees

3+3 Bachelor's/JD Dual Degree Programs

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: 

ARBC (100-499)
BIO 114Climate Change and Human Health3.0
CHIN (100-499)
CJS 320Comparative Justice Systems3.0
COM 342English Worldwide3.0
COM 345Intercultural Communication3.0
COM 360Strategic International Communication3.0
COM 362International Negotiations3.0
ENVS 275Global Climate Change3.0
HIST 118History of Modern Biology4.0
HIST 153Culture, Ethnicity, Religion: An Introduction to Jewish Studies3.0
HIST 155The Historical Jesus4.0
HIST 161Themes in World Civilization I4.0
HIST 162Themes in World Civilization II4.0
HIST 163Themes in World Civilization III4.0
HIST 215American Slavery4.0
HIST 235The Great War, 1914-19184.0
HIST 236World War II4.0
HIST 239The Pacific War4.0
HIST 248History of the Holocaust4.0
HIST 249Modern Jewish History4.0
HIST 251Fascism4.0
HIST 253Jewish Life and Culture in the Middle Ages4.0
HIST 254Russian History Before 19004.0
HIST 255Twentieth Century Russia & the USSR4.0
HIST 257The Reformation Age4.0
HIST 260Coexistence and Conflict: Jews, Christians, and Muslims in the Early Mediterranean4.0
HIST 278Medicine Before Germs4.0
HIST 287History of Science: Ancient to Medieval4.0
HIST 288History of Science: Medieval to Enlightenment4.0
HIST 289History of Science: Enlightenment to Modernity4.0
HIST 290Technology and the World Community4.0
HIST 293Global Legal History4.0
HIST 303The Study of Global History4.0
HIST 315History of Capitalism4.0
HIST 321Themes in Global Environmental History4.0
HIST 322Empire and Environment4.0
HIST 323The History of Climate Change4.0
HIST 338 [WI] The Vietnam War4.0
HIST 355Venice and the Mediterranean from the Middle Ages to Napoleon4.0
HIST 358Witches, Demons, and Witch-hunters in European History4.0
HIST 365Science and State Power: Colonialism4.0
HIST 366The Black Atlantic: Slave Societies of the Americas4.0
PHIL 291Judaism and Christianity: Two Religions or One?3.0
PHIL 335Global Ethical Issues3.0
LING 102Language and Society3.0
SOC 210Race, Ethnicity and Social Inequality4.0
SOC 313Sociology of Global Health4.0
SOC 330Development and Underdevelopment in the Global South4.0

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: 

AFAS 101Introduction to Africana Studies3.0
AFAS 201Cross Currents in Africana Studies3.0
AFAS 260Race, Politics and Religion3.0
AFAS 301Politics of Hip Hop3.0
AFAS 385Rum, Rice and Revolution: Caribbean History3.0
ANTH 101Introduction to Cultural Diversity3.0
ANTH 117Introduction to World Religions3.0
ANTH 205Imagining Africa3.0
ANTH 212 [WI] Topics in World Ethnography3.0
ANTH 250Anthropology of Immigration3.0
ANTH 270Comparative Religious Ethics3.0
ANTH 330Media Anthropology3.0
BIO 200Connections in Biology3.0
BIO 204The Privilege of Aging3.0
BIO 305Mobilizing the Scientific Method3.0
BIO 444Human Genetics3.0
CJS 210Race, Crime, and Justice3.0
CJS 220Crime and the City3.0
CJS 261Prison, Society and You4.0
CJS 262Places of Justice3.0
CJS 280Communities and Crime3.0
CJS 320Comparative Justice Systems3.0
CJS 362Gender, Crime, and Justice3.0
CJS 372Death Penalty - An American Dilemma3.0
COM 101Human Communication3.0
COM 200Current Events in Media and Communication3.0
COM 210Theory and Models of Communication3.0
COM 246Media and Identity3.0
COM 250Diversity in Media3.0
COM 342English Worldwide3.0
COM 345Intercultural Communication3.0
COM 355Ethnography of Communication3.0
COM 360Strategic International Communication3.0
COM 362International Negotiations3.0
ENGL 203 [WI] Survey of World Literature3.0
ENGL 204Post-Colonial Literature3.0
ENGL 207 [WI] African American Literature3.0
ENGL 220LGBT Literature and Culture3.0
ENGL 307Literature of Genocide3.0
ENGL 345American Ethnic Literature3.0
ENGL 350Jewish Literature and Civilization3.0
ENGL 355 [WI] Women and Literature3.0
ENGL 365Topics in African American Literature3.0
ENGL 492Seminar in World Literature3.0
GST 101Becoming Global: Language and Cultural Context4.0
GST 102Understanding Global: Markets and Governance4.0
GST 231Introduction to Identities and Communities4.0
GST 241Introduction to Power and Resistance4.0
GST 261Introduction to Global Health and Sustainability4.0
GST 321Advanced Studies in Global Capital and Development4.0
GST 331Advanced Studies in Identities and Communities4.0
GST 341Advanced Studies in Power and Resistance4.0
GST 351Advanced Studies in Global Media, Arts, and Cultures4.0
GST 361Advanced Studies in Global Health and Sustainability4.0
GST 400Senior Project in Global Studies4.0
HIST 153Culture, Ethnicity, Religion: An Introduction to Jewish Studies3.0
HIST 161Themes in World Civilization I4.0
HIST 162Themes in World Civilization II4.0
HIST 163Themes in World Civilization III4.0
HIST 181Religion, Science, and Medicine in History4.0
HIST 206Race and Islam in Africa and the Middle East4.0
HIST 208Women in American History4.0
HIST 212Themes in African-American History4.0
HIST 214United States Civil Rights Movement4.0
HIST 215American Slavery4.0
HIST 216Freedom in America4.0
HIST 222History of Work & Workers in America4.0
HIST 248History of the Holocaust4.0
HIST 249Modern Jewish History4.0
HIST 253Jewish Life and Culture in the Middle Ages4.0
HIST 255Twentieth Century Russia & the USSR4.0
HIST 260Coexistence and Conflict: Jews, Christians, and Muslims in the Early Mediterranean4.0
HIST 264East Asia in Modern Times4.0
HIST 279History of Modern Medicine4.0
HIST 283Technology and Identity4.0
HIST 293Global Legal History4.0
HIST 322Empire and Environment4.0
HIST 334American Empire in the Nineteenth Century4.0
HIST 341Disabilities in History4.0
HIST 342Madness, Mental Health and Psychiatry in the Modern West4.0
HIST 366The Black Atlantic: Slave Societies of the Americas4.0
JWST (100-499)
LING 101Introduction to Linguistics0.0-3.0
LING 102Language and Society3.0
PHIL 212Ancient Philosophy3.0
PHIL 291Judaism and Christianity: Two Religions or One?3.0
PHIL 330Criminal Justice Ethics3.0
PHIL 335Global Ethical Issues3.0
PHIL 391Philosophy of Religion3.0
PSCI 100Introduction to Political Science4.0
PSCI 140Comparative Politics I4.0
PSCI 150International Politics4.0
PSCI 260 [WI] Power in Protest: Social Movements in Comparative Perspective4.0
PSCI 351The United Nations in World Politics4.0
PSCI 352Ethics and International Relations4.0
PSCI 375Politics of Immigration4.0
PSY 150Introduction to Social Psychology3.0
PSY 222Psychological Problems of Modern Youth3.0
PSY 225Child Psychopathology3.0
PSY 244Cross-Cultural Psychology3.0
PSY 270Psychology of Hate3.0
PSY 356Women's Health Psychology3.0
PSY 368Psychology - Inequity & Injustice3.0
SOC 101Introduction to Sociology3.0
SOC 115Social Problems4.0
SOC 207Medicine and Society4.0
SOC 210Race, Ethnicity and Social Inequality4.0
SOC 215Sociology of Work4.0
SOC 220Wealth and Power4.0
SOC 222Sex and Society4.0
SOC 230Gender and Society4.0
SOC 235Sociology of Health and Illness4.0
SOC 240Urban Sociology4.0
SOC 244Sociology of the Environment4.0
SOC 261Sex and The City4.0
SOC 271Sociology of Aging4.0
SOC 313Sociology of Global Health4.0
SOC 318Social Networks and Health4.0
SOC 320Sociology of Deviance4.0
SOC 330Development and Underdevelopment in the Global South4.0
SOC 340Globalization4.0
SOC 346Environmental Justice4.0
SOC 406Housing and Homelessness4.0
WGST (100-499)
WRIT 315Writing for Social Change3.0

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: 

Any MATH (100-499)
PHIL 111Symbolic Logic I3.0
PHIL 121Symbolic Logic II3.0

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.
BIO 100Applied Cells, Genetics & Physiology3.0
BIO 101Applied Biological Diversity, Ecology & Evolution3.0
BIO 107Cells, Genetics & Physiology3.0
BIO 109Biological Diversity, Ecology & Evolution3.0
BIO 114Climate Change and Human Health3.0
BIO 116How Your Body Works-Or Not3.0
BIO 118Basics of Cancer3.0
BIO 131Cells and Biomolecules4.0
BIO 132Genetics and Evolution4.0
BIO 133Physiology and Ecology4.0
BIO 214Principles of Cell Biology4.0
BIO 218Principles of Molecular Biology4.0
BIO 220Essential Microbiology3.0
BIO 221Microbiology3.0
BIO 228Evolutionary Biology & Human Health3.0
BIO 232Discovering Antibiotics3.0
BIO 244Genetics I3.0
BIO 284Biology of Stress3.0
BIO 285Forensic Biology3.0
BIO 348Neuroscience: From Cells to Circuits3.0
BIO 349Behavioral Neuroscience3.0
CHEM 101General Chemistry I3.5
CHEM 102General Chemistry II4.5
CHEM 103General Chemistry III4.5
CHEM 108Health Chemistry I3.0
CHEM 111General Chemistry I4.0
CHEM 112General Chemistry II4.0
CHEM 113General Chemistry I Laboratory1.5
CHEM 121Majors Chemistry I5.0
CHEM 122Majors Chemistry II5.0
CHEM 151Applied Chemistry3.0
CHEM 201Why Things Work: Everyday Chemistry3.0
ENSS 120Introduction to Environmental Studies3.0
ENSS 283Introduction to Environmental Policy3.0
ENSS 346Environmental Justice4.0
ENVS 169Environmental Science3.0
ENVS 230General Ecology3.0
ENVS 275Global Climate Change3.0
ENVS 260Environmental Science and Society3.0
GEO 101Physical Geology4.0
GEO 102History of the Earth4.0
GEO 111Natural Disasters3.0
GEO 201 [WI] Earth Systems Processes3.0
GEO 207Introduction to Oceanography3.0
PHYS: Any courses (100-499)
PSCI 336Political Economy of Climate Change3.0

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.
BIO 264Ethnobotany3.0
ENGL (All 100-499 ENGL course EXCEPT ENGL 101, ENGL 102, ENGL 103, ENGL 105, ENGL 111, ENGL 112, ENGL 113)
GST 100Introduction to Cultural Diversity3.0
GST 101Becoming Global: Language and Cultural Context4.0
GST 221Introduction to Global Capital and Development4.0
GST 231Introduction to Identities and Communities4.0
GST 241Introduction to Power and Resistance4.0
GST 251Introduction to Global Media, Arts, and Cultures4.0
GST 261Introduction to Global Health and Sustainability4.0
HIST (All 100-499 HIST courses EXCEPT HIST 296)
JWST (100-499)
PHIL (All 100-499 PHIL courses EXCEPT PHIL 105, PHIL 111, and PHIL 121)
PPE (100-499)
WGST (100-499)

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. 
ANTH (100-299)
BIO 349Behavioral Neuroscience3.0
CJS 101Introduction to Criminal Justice3.0
CJS 180Serial Killers3.0
CJS 200Criminology3.0
CJS 220Crime and the City3.0
CJS 261Prison, Society and You4.0
CJS 262Places of Justice3.0
CJS 280Communities and Crime3.0
COM 101Human Communication3.0
COM 111Principles of Communication3.0
COM 150Mass Media and Society3.0
COM 200Current Events in Media and Communication3.0
COM 210Theory and Models of Communication3.0
COM 220Qualitative Research Methods3.0
COM 221Quantitative Research Methods in Communication3.0
COM 222Interpersonal Communication3.0
COM 240New Technologies In Communication3.0
COM 246Media and Identity3.0
COM 248Reputation Management in Public Relations3.0
COM 250Diversity in Media3.0
COM 290Sports and the Mass Media3.0
COM 318Film, Celebrity and the Environmental Movement3.0
COM 355Ethnography of Communication3.0
COM 384Free Speech & Censorship3.0
COM 385Media Effects3.0
GST 100Introduction to Cultural Diversity3.0
GST 102Understanding Global: Markets and Governance4.0
GST 221Introduction to Global Capital and Development4.0
GST 231Introduction to Identities and Communities4.0
GST 241Introduction to Power and Resistance4.0
GST 251Introduction to Global Media, Arts, and Cultures4.0
GST 261Introduction to Global Health and Sustainability4.0
HIST (100-499)
LING 101Introduction to Linguistics0.0-3.0
LING 102Language and Society3.0
PHIL 210Philosophy of Sport3.0
PHIL 241Social & Political Philosophy3.0
PHIL 251Ethics3.0
PHIL 255Philosophy of Sex & Love3.0
PHIL 335Global Ethical Issues3.0
PPE 101Introduction to Philosophy, Politics and Economics3.0
PSCI 100Introduction to Political Science4.0
PSCI 110American Government4.0
PSCI 120History of Political Thought4.0
PSCI 140Comparative Politics I4.0
PSCI 150International Politics4.0
PSCI 210American Political Development4.0
PSCI 229Theories of Justice4.0
PSCI 240Comparative Politics II4.0
PSCI 250American Foreign Policy4.0
PSCI 252Global Governance4.0
PSCI 289Technology and Politics4.0
PSY 101General Psychology I3.0
PSY 120Developmental Psychology3.0
PSY 140Approaches to Personality3.0
PSY 150Introduction to Social Psychology3.0
PSY 270Psychology of Hate3.0
SOC 101Introduction to Sociology3.0
SOC 115Social Problems4.0
SOC 221Sociology of the Family4.0
SOC 230Gender and Society4.0
SOC 235Sociology of Health and Illness4.0
SOC 240Urban Sociology4.0

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:

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).
First Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CoursesCoursesCoursesVacation Term
 0 0 0 0
Second Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CoursesCoursesCoursesCourses
 0 0 0 0
Third Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CoursesCoursesCOOP EXPERIENCECOOP EXPERIENCE
 0 0 0 0
Fourth Year
FallCreditsWinterCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
CoursesCoursesCoursesUndergrad Degree Completed
 0 0 0 0
Total Credits 0
  • 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:

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.