Drexel University

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This school appears in our ranking Top 30 Online Master's in Special Education Degrees 2017.

Founded by Anthony J. Drexel, a philanthropist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University began as a school designed to meet the needs of a society that was growing increasingly more industrial. Originally, the school opened in 1891 as the Drexel Institute of Art, as a non-degree granting school. Drexel began offering bachelor's degrees in 1914. Drexel has had a unique career preparation model since 1919 when the cooperative education program began. Students alternate classroom study with full-time employment in their field of study. This gives them hands-on experience not found at other institutes of higher learning.

In 1936, the school became the Drexel Institute of Technology and gained university status in 1970, becoming Drexel University. In 1983, the school became the first to require undergraduates to have access to a computer for use in classes and the first to offer a fully wireless campus in 2000. Today, there are more than 24,000 students enrolled at Drexel University and it is consistently ranked in the top 100 research universities in the country.

Drexel University Accreditation Details

Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This indicates that faculty, administrators and staff use accrediting agency standards to self-evaluate the university and agrees to periodic review by the organization in order to confirm that students are receiving excellence in education. As part of the accrediting process, Drexel strives to correct any area deemed as needing improvement during periodic reviews. In addition to regional accreditation, degree programs throughout the university are accredited by industry-specific organizations as well.

Drexel University Application Requirements

Students who have not completed college courses after high school graduation are entered as freshmen at Drexel University. Students must complete an application and pay the fee. Official transcripts as well as an essay and letters of recommendation are required. Students must also provide official ACT or SAT scores. Students who have completed college courses after high school graduation may be accepted as transfer students at Drexel. An application must be completed an application fee paid. Students must provide official high school transcripts as well as official transcripts from any college or university attended. Official SAT or ACT scores are required for any student transferring less than 24 college credits. An essay is also required.

Graduate students must have a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Each graduate program has their own admission criteria, so students are encouraged to speak to an admissions counselor before applying. All students must complete an application and official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Students must provide official GRE, GMAT or MAT scores as well. An essay, resume and letters of recommendation are also required for all programs.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time undergraduate tuition at Drexel University is $50,874 per year while full-time graduate tuition varies depending on the program chosen. Online tuition also varies depending on the degree program selected.

Financial aid is available at Drexel as the university understands that the cost of higher education can be prohibitive. In order to qualify for financial aid, students must complete the FAFSA. Students may qualify for scholarships and financial aid which do not have to be repaid. State and federal government programs as well as private organizations provide funding for scholarships and grants which may be offered on either a merit or need-based system. Students are encouraged to create a RaiseMe account which tracks accomplishments in and out of the classroom. Drexel RaiseMe Scholarships are provided to students who reach certain benchmarks.

Students may also be eligible for federal work-study programs which provides students with employment to offset the cost of education. Student and parent loans are also available, but students should be aware that loans must be repaid upon graduation.

Online Degrees Available

Master of Science in Retail & Merchandising

Drexel University offers a Master of Science program in Retail & Merchandising that is available completely online. The program provides an understanding of such topics as branding, visual communication, fashion and supply chain management. The program uses theoretical and practical approaches, allowing students to gain critical thinking skills. Faculty have worked in the retail, fashion or merchandising industry which allows them to bring hands-on knowledge into the classroom. The program is designed for those who are currently in the industry or those who wish to move into retail and merchandising. The program can be personalized for the student's interests and career goals. Students must hold a bachelor's degree or higher and have a GPA of at least 3.0. Students must provide an application, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation and a personal statement. A resume is also required. Tuition for the program is $1,044 per credit hour and there are discounts available for Drexel alumni, members off the military and Drexel partner organizations.

Master of Science in Drug Discovery and Development

Drexel University offers a Master of Science in Drug Discovery and Development that is available online. Students study a rigorous program of scientific and technical subjects. Students study subjects such as biologics, biomarkers, computer aided drug design, IND application, peptide therapeutics and more. In addition, a wide range of electives allow students to customize their degree in areas such as:

  • Clinical Research
  • Epidemiology
  • New Product Development
  • Pharmaceutical Law
  • Regulatory Affairs
  • Strategic Planning
  • Technology Transfer

Faculty have extensive experience in the field, allowing them to bring real world examples into the classroom. Six full-time faculty members in the department have over 100 years combined experience in the field. In order to be admitted to the program, students must hold a bachelor's degree or higher and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0. An application must be completed, and students must provide official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, an essay and a resume. Tuition is $1,495 per credit hour. Discounts are available for Drexel alumni, members of the military and Drexel partner organizations.

Drexel University offers a wide range of online programs designed with the working adult in mind. The programs offer a flexible schedule so that students who may be employed or have family obligations that prevent them from attending traditional college classes can move into a new career or advance in a current career.

Drexel University Website