LeBow College of Business

About the College

The mission of the LeBow College of Business is to shape the future of business and business education through innovative external partnerships that drive market-centric academic programs, cutting-edge research and evidence-based solutions impacting industry, and society. The pillars of the Strategic Plan of Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business build on the University’s long history of industry partnership and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. At the undergraduate level, this objective is accomplished by providing high-quality educational programs that integrate theory and practice. Drexel's highly regarded co-operative education program, in which students interchange periods of academic study and full-time, off-campus employment with partner companies, sets us apart from other business schools

The College and its distinguished faculty are committed to advancing the science and practice of management through basic, applied, and instructional research in the various disciplines of business. The College maintains strong connections to business professions and the community through participation in professional organizations, a commitment to community service, and dedication to providing opportunities for lifelong learning. Drexel's LeBow College of Business—fully accredited by AASCB-International—offers two distinct undergraduate degrees, Bachelors of Science in Business Administration that has 11 major options and 5 co-majors, and Bachelors of Science in Business and Engineering, plus an option in 17 minors and 2 certificate programs plus accelerated degree options.

About the College

The mission of the LeBow College of Business is to shape the future of business and business education through innovative external partnerships that drive market-centric academic programs, cutting-edge research, and evidence-based solutions impacting industry and society. The pillars of the Strategic Plan of Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business build on the University’s long history of industry partnership and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. At the undergraduate level, this objective is accomplished by providing high-quality educational programs that integrate theory and practice. Drexel's highly regarded co-operative education program in which students interchange periods of academic study and full-time, off-campus employment with partner companies, sets us apart from other business schools

The College and its distinguished faculty are committed to advancing the science and practice of management through basic, applied, and instructional research in the various disciplines of business. The College maintains strong connections to business professions and the community through participation in professional organizations, a commitment to community service, and dedication to providing opportunities for lifelong learning. Drexel's LeBow College of Business—fully accredited by AASCB-International—offers two distinct undergraduate degrees, Bachelors of Science in Business Administration that has 11 major options and 5 co-majors, and Bachelors of Science in Business and Engineering, plus an option in 16 minors and 2 certificate programs.

About the Curriculum

BS in Business Administration Program

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program is designed to prepare students for managerial positions in business and other institutions. To accomplish this, the undergraduate curriculum has the following characteristics and goals:

• An early exposure to the structure and functions of business enterprises
• The bridging of theory and concepts with professional practice
• The integration of material across disciplines within business as well as between business and other fields
• The enhancement of effective communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills
• Coverage of the ethical issues inherent in a business setting
• Coverage of the global, political, social, and legal/regulatory environment in which businesses operate
• Coverage of the impact of technology and technological changes on the operation of the business enterprise
• An emphasis on career preparation
• Opportunities for experiential learning through traditional co-op programs and other "hands-on" opportunities

BS in Business and Engineering Program

The Business and Engineering Degree Program contains a broad-based business and engineering curriculum, enabling graduates to work successfully in technically oriented business positions. Students complete a set of broad functional business core courses along with a firm foundation in science, mathematics, and engineering. Students also study more deeply the areas of accounting, economics, finance, information systems, law, marketing, organizational behavior, entrepreneurship, operations, and statistics along with the functional areas of engineering. Graduates of this program will be well prepared to participate in innovative technological efforts in business.

The Business and Engineering Degree Program gives students the opportunity to:

• Develop a breadth and depth of knowledge in functional business areas such as accounting, economics, entrepreneurship, finance, information systems, law, marketing, organizational behavior, operations, and statistics.
• Complete a broad education in engineering disciplines after completing a firm foundation in science and mathematics.
• Develop skills in technical communication and critical reasoning.
• Study ethical issues faced by managers and engineers, and understand technology from a historical perspective.
• Apply acquired skills from co-op work experiences to further enhance their knowledge base.
• Study entrepreneurship from a management and finance perspective for preparation in innovative technological efforts.
• Learn the operational aspects of business operations to improve the functioning of technically oriented businesses

BS in Economics Program

The Bachelor of Science in Economics program is designed to provide students with an understanding of the market system, as well as economic institutions, policies and development. In addition to this deep coverage of economics, the major includes liberal arts and sciences requirements. The program is flexible, allowing the student to customize the curriculum and choose areas of emphasis including concentrations in business economics or mathematical economics, as well as to select a coordinating field from other majors and minors at Drexel. The BS in Economics program provides excellent training for  graduate school in economics.

BA in Economics Program

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics introduces students to modern economics within the context of a broad-based liberal arts curriculum. The degree is oriented toward students with interest in the less quantitative features of economics and a broader liberal arts education, particularly in areas offered by the College of Arts and Sciences. The degree gives students the flexibility to major or minor in a coordinate field outside of economics.

The Economics program:

• Provides a deep understanding of economics and broad training in arts and sciences.
• Enables students to apply acquired skills from co-op work experiences to further enhance their knowledge base.
• Prepares students for a wide variety of opportunities after graduations ranging from; corporate positions, consulting, government agencies,  business, and law.
• Is a rigorous program that develops students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Degree Requirements

The Business Administration curriculum requires a minimum of 180.0 credits. The Business & Engineering curriculum requires a minimum of 183.0 credits. The Economics curriculum requires a minimum of 187.0 credits. The courses in each curriculum may be grouped into three categories:

General Education

The liberal arts comprise 50 percent or more of total credits required. Courses in communications, economics, English, history, mathematics, natural science, political science, psychology, sociology, and statistics teach students to think effectively and to communicate ideas to others. In addition, they provide a good understanding of the economic, social, and political systems within which we live and business operates.

Common Body of Knowledge in Business

Courses in accounting, business strategy and social responsibility, finance, law, organizational behavior, management information systems, production management, and marketing introduce students to all the functional areas of business, the quantitative aspects of decision-making, and the behavioral factors common to all organizational structures.

Major (BSBA) or Coordinated Field (BSECON & BAECON)

The curriculum permits students to pursue one or more majors within the (BSBA) programs. The major coursework and the common body of knowledge in business together comprise not more than 50 percent of the total credits required for graduation. In the Economic programs, students must select a coordinated field to augment the general education and economics course work.

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.

Cooperative Education

The five-year cooperative education programs consist of 12 terms in college and six terms in co-operative employment. During the freshman year, students spend three terms in school (fall, winter, and spring) and have a summer vacation. For each of the next three years, students alternate two terms in school with two terms of co-op. The senior year consists of three terms in college with no cooperative employment.

The four-year cooperative education program consists of 12 terms in college and two terms in cooperative employment. The two terms of co-op experience take place in the third year.

The non-cooperative four-year program comprises 12 terms in school with vacations during the summers.

Cooperative education, academic eligibility requirements, acceptance of transfer students, and placement services are described in detail in other sections of this catalog. Students wishing to prepare for admission to professional schools may obtain preprofessional counseling from the Office of Preprofessional Programs, 215.895.2437.

Special Programs

Accelerated/Dual Degrees

LeBow College offers an accelerated BS/MBA and BS/MS degree programs that provides academically qualified students with the opportunity to earn both a bachelor's degree and an MBA or MS in Accounting in the time normally required for the undergraduate degree at Drexel University. The program combines the advantage of practical work experience in the renowned Drexel Co-op with the graduate credentials of our nationally recognized programs.

LeBow College also offers a five-year dual-degree program with the European Business School (ESB) at Reutlingen University in Germany. This exciting dual degree program allows undergraduate students to earn degrees from both Drexel University's LeBow College of Business and Reutlingen University's European School of Business. In total students will spend 18 months in Germany completing two semesters of study and one semester on Co-op.

Drexel in London

The College’s Drexel in London Program offers flexible schedules for study abroad, ranging from six-week summer sessions to six-month (two-term) combined study and co-operative education programs in which students can earn up to 18 credits and fulfill one of their co-op requirements. The program’s emphasis is on international business in general, with a particular focus on the United Kingdom and the European Union. Business course selections each year will be selected from the list of courses that constitute the international business concentration, but students in other concentrations may participate in the program. Housing is provided in South Kensington, one of central London’s most desirable residential sections. Drexel in London applications are administered by the Study Abroad office, 215.571.3558.

Business Learning Community (BLC)

LeBow College’s Business Learning Community (BLC) is a way of life at Drexel University - a cohort of freshman business students who live and attend classes together. The BLC was recently recognized by AACSB Accreditation Committee as a “strength and effective practice of the LeBow College of Business.” The program is designed to ease transition to university life, enhance student academic performance, provide opportunities for student engagement and networking and improve the overall student experience.

LeBow BRIDGE

BRIDGE is a LeBow College of Business undergraduate program that provides support to students in four critical areas: academic excellence, financial literacy and social engagement and community service. BRIDGE scholars receive the tools to be successful through advising programs related to academics, financial skills, professional development, cultural awareness and community service.

Students work together to build relationships within a dynamic and diverse group experience. Mentors are also available to BRIDGE scholars to provide guidance and ensure a positive college experience. After freshman year, BRIDGE scholars can serve as peer mentors to underclassmen.

Global Classroom

The LeBow Global Classroom program prepares candidates to become 21st Century Executives, able to tackle the toughest business challenges in our increasingly globalized business world. Each year a select cohort of 20 high-potential students from around the world enters this rigorous global education experience to acquire the complex set of skills and attitudes to thrive in an increasingly uncharted and globalized marketplace. The learning community experience is akin to a "Global Classroom".

Peer Leader Program

LeBow College’s Peer Leader Program is an outstanding learning experience for sophomore business students. Through a highly competitive application process, top-performing LeBow students with extraordinary leadership potential are identified, selected, trained and paired with UNIV 101 instructors to serve as mentors for new freshmen both inside and outside the classroom.

Summer Institutes

LeBow Summer Institutes offer an introduction to business education through exceptional summer programs designed for outstanding high school students with an interest in business. LeBow Summer Institutes offer the opportunity to maximize and develop the business and leadership skills sought after by employers and college admissions officers.

Facilities

The 12-story, 177,500-square-foot home for LeBow College of Business is located at the heart of the Drexel University campus, at the intersection of Woodland Walk and Market Street, where it forms a gateway to Drexel and a backdrop to the historic statue of A. J. Drexel (Moses Ezekiel, 1904). The diagonal massing of the lower floors follows Woodland Walk and combines with the new Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building (Diamond & Schmitt, 2011) to energize the University’s central quadrangle. The building’s tower will mark the LeBow College and Drexel campus from all directions while the open, glassy Market Street façade will showcase the College’s student activities to passersby.

The building’s organization unites the school’s various constituencies around a five-story-high atrium ringed by classrooms, student lounges, events spaces, and offices. The atrium is immediately accessible from main entrances at the three corners of the building. An open stair within the atrium leads to a 300-seat auditorium and 100-seat lecture hall one floor below and to a divisible multipurpose room and additional classrooms above. The building’s upper floors contain faculty offices interspersed with seminar rooms and group study rooms. The top floor houses the Dean’s suite and a boardroom and conference suite that opens to east- and west-facing terraces.

The building’s warm masonry and glass exterior reflects the emerging vocabulary of the next generation of Drexel buildings. Sophisticated solar shading devices allow maximum transparency between the inside and outside while supporting the building’s high environmental aspirations.

Key Building Features

• Five-story atrium
• Finance trading lab with Bloomberg Terminal Room
• 300-seat auditorium
• 160-seat event space
• 100-seat lecture hall
• 45-seat seminar rooms
• 44-seat computer classrooms
• 60-seat classrooms
• Executive MBA classroom
• 24-seat classrooms
• Special areas for experiential learning simulations and business consulting
• Videoconferencing capabilities
• Integrated teaching technology in all classrooms
• Recording studio to support LeBow College’s online programs
• Extensive areas for students to gather socially and for collaborative study, including student collaboration rooms, two quiet study areas, and 3,500 square feet of student social space
• EMBA Alumni Lounge for the exclusive use of EMBA alumni
• Behavioral Studies Lab
• Starbucks
• Green Globe certifiable, meeting worldwide sustainability standards

Gerri C. LeBow Hall brings together faculty, students, and staff in a state-of-the-art building on the University City campus. Please visit the LeBow College of Business webpage, the Behavioral Lab webpage, and the Finance Trading Lab webpage to learn more about Gerri C. LeBow Hall.