General Viewbook

Who do you want to

You’ve been asked where you want to go to school a hundred times. And even if you have an answer to that question, the one to follow is, “What are you going to major in?” As much as you’ve heard it from parents, siblings, friends, teachers, and coaches, no one has asked you more than you’ve asked yourself. But there’s a bigger question at hand: How do you get the experience you need to accomplish what you want to do?

Maybe you have it all mapped out. Maybe you have some rough ideas. Maybe your answer will change with time. But maybe, just maybe, as you read this page, you’re right where you’re supposed to be. Because at Drake, you’ll find the individual support, inclusive community, and multidimensional education needed to point you in the right direction. It’s where you can discover not only what you want to do—but who you want to be.

So, go ahead, take in the possibilities and find your path, your passion, your purpose. Become the person you want to be at Drake.

What do you care about? It’s a simple question that spurs endless possibilities. Whether you want to stop climate change or play soccer with your friends, you can find common ground at Drake. With more than 150 student groups and

Find your place

17 fraternities and sororities, there’s ample opportunity to grow your passions and learn about yourself along the way. So, what are you waiting for? Get involved, form connections, make a difference.

SHAPE YOURSELF. SERVE OTHERS.

At Drake, you can use your interests and talents to lead philanthropic fundraisers, connect with special-needs peers, go on Habitat for Humanity builds, promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, complete service-learning projects, and much more.

Home. Made by you.

Drake University Housing

Suddenly, you have a little place to call your own— to call home. For the next year, this room will be your safe place to recharge, to create, and to have movie nights with friends. It’s also where you’ll learn a lot of life lessons like doing your own laundry and budgeting your finances. With independence comes a mixture of challenge and excitement. It’s something you’ll share with new friends from across the hall and across different backgrounds.

To help you build your Bulldog community quickly, we use your first-year seminar schedule to place you in residence halls with familiar faces. When it comes to roommates, you can request to live with a fellow first-year you know, or we’ll find a roommate for you. You might spend hours with your new roomie binging your favorite shows. You might help one another study all night. You might argue over mini fridge space. You might become best friends. It’s all part of the journey.

Take

Hungry for more?

Your newfound independence means you have the freedom to choose when, where, what, and how you want to eat. Whether you’re craving pizza and burgers or looking for organic, locally grown options, you’ll find it at Drake. And if you need help deciding what’s right for you, there’s readily available nutritional information and an on-site dietician.

With a newly renovated multi-option dining center, fullservice Starbucks, library café, and grab-and-go convenience store, you’ll always have options when hunger strikes.

Feast your eyes on all your dining options at drake.edu/life/dining

TAKE A BITE OUT OF DES MOINES

The city offers vibrant culinary adventures ranging from unique fusion restaurants to classic diners. Whether you’re in the mood for laid-back, elegant, or eccentric, you’ll find it in Des Moines.

STARBUCKS AT OLMSTED STUDENT CENTER ON DRAKE’S CAMPUS

THE BEST SEAT IS THE ONE YOU NEVER SIT IN

DSM

When the Bulldogs hit the court or take the field, you’re in for an intense match-up. That’s because the Drake Bulldogs run with the big dogs, competing at the NCAA Division I level in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) and Pioneer Football League.

From the shared sense of comradery to the sheer thrill of a last-minute play, there’s something about cheering on and bonding over the Blue. So, clear your throat, grab your Drake gear, paint your face—it’s go time.

NCAA DIVISION I

MISSOURI VALLEY CONFERENCE

GODRAKEBULLDOGS.COM

INTERCOLLEGIATE PROGRAMS

MEN’S:

BASKETBALL

CROSS COUNTRY

FOOTBALL

GOLF

SOCCER

TENNIS

TRACK AND FIELD

WOMEN’S:

BASKETBALL

CROSS COUNTRY

GOLF

ROWING

SOCCER

SOFTBALL

TENNIS

TRACK AND FIELD

VOLLEYBALL

GET YOUR HEART

INTRAMURALS AND SPORTS CLUBS

You don’t have to compete at the intercollegiate level to be an athlete at Drake. You can still feel the triumph of a come-from-behind victory and the sting of a tough loss—and you’ll get to experience it all with teammates by your side. Join any of Drake’s more than 20 intramural teams or clubs. With options covering basketball to ultimate frisbee and just about everything in between, you’re bound to find your sport of choice. And if you don’t, you can start your own club.

Check out all the ways to break a sweat at drake.edu/life/sportsrecreation

There are lots of reasons for being active. It could be about training. It could be about looking fit. It could be about feeling good. But it’s definitely about being healthier, both physically and mentally. With free access to fitness centers that offer a 25-meter indoor pool, weight rooms, cardio equipment, and multiple sports courts, Drake makes it a little more manageable.

You can even take it to the next level with a free fitness assessment, exercise prescription, weight training clinic, or nutrition analysis. At Drake, you’ll have the resources and support to manage your wellness in a way that makes sense for you and your goals.

IN THE GAME

THE DRAKE RELAYS

Founded more than a century ago, the Drake Relays is one of the most renowned track and field events in the world. As a Drake student, you’ll have free access, so you can be in the stands as world-class athletes break major records on Drake’s legendary “Blue Oval.” You’ll even see Olympic athletes competing at the Relays. Whether they’re cheering from the stands, competing in events, or helping to produce the largest student-run television broadcast in the nation, Drake students are always at the forefront of the excitement.

Records Shattered

Roommates Splattered

STREET PAINTING

Finding yourself isn’t always some deep discovery. Sometimes you learn by letting loose. And Drake students love doing just that during Relays week. You can celebrate by taking in the track meet, swinging into a tent party, stopping by the student concert, cheering for your favorite pooch in the Beautiful Bulldog Contest, or tying up your laces for an all-ages mile run through the heart of downtown Des Moines.

But the No. 1 tradition? That’s the annual student street painting party. You’ll likely wear almost as much paint as the street, but that’s the fun of it!

Move to the beat of your he art

THE ARTS

You’re on your own taking in new experiences and broadening your horizons. At Drake, it’s easy to try new interests and grow as a person. Partly because you can immerse yourself in the fine arts nearly every day of the week, even if you don’t major in them.

Ponder over performance art, get inspired by the latest photography exhibit, express yourself through the visual arts, try out for one of our many bands or choirs—at Drake, there’s always space for your inner artist or art aficionado. And if you’re thinking about a performance or fine arts major, Drake offers expert faculty and fantastic facilities.

DRAKE OFFERS 100+ FINE ARTS PERFORMANCES AND EXHIBITS EACH YEAR.

Des Moines Named a Best City for Young Professionals policygenius.com, 2022

#4 Best Place to Live in the Midwest in 2023–2024

U.S. News & World Report, 2023

#3 Best Market for Recent College Graduates Zillow, 2023

Explore

Drake is five minutes from downtown Des Moines, a thriving hub of art, business, sports, culture, concerts, festivals, and everything from poetry to parks and food trucks to fine dining— explore them all with old friends and meet new ones along the way. It won’t take long for you to fall in love with Des Moines.

RESIDENCE OF PRESIDENTS

Every four years, presidential candidates come to Drake for the Iowa caucuses. With numerous candidate visits and nationally televised presidential debates, you’ll have a front-row seat to the action as a Drake student.

BUCKSBAUM LECTURE

This annual lecture series brings world-class speakers like renowned scientist and TV personality Bill Nye and two-time Olympic medalist and World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe to Drake. These high-caliber guests often spend the day on campus interacting with students.

Lauridsen Skatepark—As the largest in the nation, this skatepark hosts the Dew Tour and draws spectators from all over the country.

80/35—More than 30,000 music fans flood downtown Des Moines every summer for this annual music festival.

Copyright Mike Gustafson M//DESIGN

all this growing city has to offer at catchdesmoines.com

Miles of trails—Walk, run, or bike on 68 miles of paved and 19 miles of soft trails in the Des Moines metro.

Multicultural events—Celebrate diversity with events like CelebrAsian, Iowa Latino Heritage Festival, and World Food & Music Festival.

Des Moines Arts Festival—One of the world’s most respected festivals hosting 190 of the nation’s top artists.

Meet Griff II. He’s the official live mascot of Drake University. He loves people, attention, and naps. Lots of naps. You’ll see him at many University events, and you might even spot him getting his favorite puppachino at the campus Starbucks.

IT’S ALL IN THE NAME

Griff II is named after John L. Griffith, the organizer of the first Drake Relays in 1910. But the Relays aren’t the only tradition he started at the University. His beloved English bulldogs were the inspiration behind our mascot. Before Bulldogs, Drake teams were referred to as Ducklings, Drakes, Ganders, and Tigers … oh my!

FOLLOW GRIFF II: @DrakeUGriff

We know college is about more than getting a degree. It’s about getting an education that teaches you career skills alongside important life lessons. It’s about defining and redefining your goals and ambitions. It’s about finding the student, the athlete, the volunteer, the professional—the person—you want to become. With the support you’ll get from Drake, you can go anywhere, accomplish anything, and be anybody.

HEART

DAEH

DRAKE.EDU

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

HEAD TRAEH

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

You’ve done the research. You’ve felt the gut check. You’re at the point where you have to choose between your head and your heart. Or do you? Drake University is where your head and your heart connect. Where you can find your place in the world while receiving the tools and knowledge you need to change the world.

If you’re interested in pursuing an associate degree, John Dee Bright College at Drake University is a pioneering path forward.

Bright College has rewritten the formula for the two-year associate degree. Unlike most two-year program experiences, Bright students participate in dynamic discussions on thoughtprovoking issues, gain hands-on experience in an energizing environment, and work with engaged classmates who support and push one another toward their passions and pursuits.

John Dee Bright College DIFFERENTLY DO COLLEGE Bright

And with a consolidated schedule and enhanced financial aid, your education can fit into your life, not dominate it. Although the approach is different, the results are powerful: an education that can launch your career or serve as a springboard to a four-year bachelor’s degree from Drake.

EARN A TWO-YEAR ASSOCIATE DEGREE

2 PROGRAMS

Associate of Arts Degree in Business, Organization, and Professional Studies

Associate of Arts Degree in the Integrated Arts, Sciences, and Humanities

Discover a whole new pathway to higher education at drake.edu/bright

College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Healthcare professionals have always been in demand, but we’ve never needed heroes in healthcare more than we do now. And Drake is graduating the leaders who are shaping the changes that positively affect patients’ lives.

If you’re interested in entering the medical field but aren’t sure of your desired career path, an undergraduate degree in health sciences could be the answer. It provides a strong base for a multitude of healthcare pathways while serving as the foundation for accelerated degree options in pharmacy, occupational therapy, and athletic training. Regardless of the path you choose, you’ll have the opportunity to deliver patient care, assist faculty in research, and gain hands-on training in practice settings locally

including your own. Improve lives,

97.3% of students

OF STUDENTS HAVE AN ADVISOR WITHIN THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS.

100% ARE EMPLOYED OR PURSUING ADVANCED EDUCATION WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF GRADUATION.

See more at

Doctor of Pharmacy = 6 years

Occupational Therapy

Doctorate = 6 years

Master of Athletic Training = 5 years

Law School RAISE THE BAR

Whether you want to protect natural resources through environmental law or fight for political refugees and asylum seekers, Drake Law School will set you on a path to success. You’ll gain an excellent foundation in legal theory that you can put into action on the issues that matter to you.

Starting in your first year, you’ll get hands-on experience, such as observing and analyzing a real federal trial from start to finish. And our celebrated Legal Clinic allows students to serve clients in such areas as wrongful convictions, immigration law, children’s rights, business law, and more.

1,000 CASES

ARE HANDLED EACH YEAR BY THE DRAKE LEGAL CLINIC.

School of Journalism & Mass Communication

Tell stories that MOVE PEOPLE

Cut through the noise and make a difference. The School of Journalism and Mass Communication molds talented storytellers into media pros. You’ll be equipped to not only take on but to thrive in the constantly evolving worlds of print and online journalism, broadcasting, advertising, public relations, and digital media.

Plus, you can gain real-world experience through internships at major media organizations like ESPN, GQ, ABC News, and Cosmopolitan. You’ll also have opportunities to work in our campus television, radio, and podcast studios; at innovation and interactive media production labs; and on nationally recognized student magazines.

DRAKE’S SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION IS THE ONLY ACCREDITED PROGRAM IN A PRIVATE SCHOOL IN THE MIDWEST.

Drake’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication has

won more student Pacemaker awards than any other school in the nation.

See more at drake.edu/sjmc

School of Education LEARN TO TEACH.

Prepare for a lifetime of learning and shaping minds. The School of Education introduces you to learning best practices and teaching approaches that will launch a successful and rewarding career—all from a state-of-the art facility.

You’ll help students grasp new skills and overcome challenging concepts with practicums that give you the opportunity to experience teaching in rural, urban, and suburban school districts. Additionally, your education degree can be customized to meet the licensure requirements of the state where you see yourself after graduation.

TEACH TO LEARN.

96% of Education

launch their career or begin grad school within

six months of graduation.

See more at drake.edu/soe

Zimpleman College of Business

FIND PROSPERITY AND PURPOSE

Be a force for the good you want to see in the world while achieving your career aspirations. Our Zimpleman College of Business stands among a select group of colleges accredited through AACSB and equips students with the skills needed to lead positive changes.

$60,598

THE AVERAGE STARTING SALARY FOR ZIMPLEMAN STUDENTS.

You’ll start business classes from year one and get early hands-on experience, allowing you to quickly determine if your career goals align with your degree of choice. You can also earn your undergraduate and graduate degrees in less time for less money with our accelerated options. Plus, Drake’s location in Des Moines—a major U.S. business hub—will give you opportunities for internships that make you stand out in your career pursuit.

College of Arts & Sciences MAKE A

YOUR LIVING

Whether you’re exploring the natural world or creating your own through artful expression, you’ll attain skills that matter both inside and outside the office, the museum, the studio—wherever you do work.

The College of Arts and Sciences, which spans more than 40 majors, will help you master how to communicate clearly, think critically and creatively, work as part of a team, and solve problems—including those that haven’t been thought of yet.

Think outside the books

You probably have experience cracking open books, taking notes, memorizing theories, and acing tests. But at Drake, you get to experience a different kind of learning. You’ll learn in a way that prepares you for what lies ahead. You’ll learn by doing.

From a business internship to scientific research—all in your first year— you’ll get hands-on experiences and practical lessons right from the start.

ad Capital ^ venture

Des Moines offers everything from Fortune 500 companies to energetic start-ups. It’s also a thriving hub for government, nonprofit, legal, healthcare, insurance, and agribusiness firms. Plus, Des Moines is growing fast and it’s full of businesses looking for new talent. All of this adds up to abundant opportunities for internships, experiences, networking, and jobs.

92.6%

OF UNDERGRADUATES REPORT HAVING AN INTERNSHIP OR OTHER PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE.

Drake’s January Term (J-Term) gets you out of the classroom—and maybe out of the state, country, or hemisphere. It’s really up to you. Dive into subjects like letterpress and robotic programming, immerse yourself in a new culture or language, meet people and grow as an individual—all with no extra tuition needed.

If that’s not enough, you can also participate in a study abroad experience during your time at Drake. Whether you’re teaching English abroad or shadowing a health professional in India, a study abroad experience can be a life-changing one. At Drake, you get to choose from a wide range of locations, areas of study, lengths of stay, and language involvement, so you can create an experience that aligns with your personal and professional goals.

Your anywhere begins here

2,954 UNDERGRADUATES FROM 42 STATES AND 42 COUNTRIES

OVER 97% OF STUDENTS LAUNCH THEIR CAREERS OR BEGIN GRAD SCHOOL WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF GRADUATION

11:1

STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO

0 CLASSES TAUGHT BY GRADUATE ASSISTANTS

91.1% OF STUDENTS WHO BEGIN AND COMPLETE THEIR DEGREE AT DRAKE GRADUATE IN FOUR YEARS

WITH 150+ PROGRAMS, IT’S FASTER TO TELL YOU WHAT WE DON’T HAVE.

Go ahead. Go on a binge of saying “what if” to everything from algorithms to anthropology. You’ll learn from brilliant professors with advanced degrees, not teaching assistants, and have opportunities to do real research even as a first-year student. Get hands-on experience with the latest technologies and facilities.

MAKE A CALCULATED DECISION

1.5 Million Return

Drake ranks in the top 3% nationally for return on investment—the lifetime return on investment of enrollment at Drake is $1.5 million.

(Bipartisan Policy Center)

Guaranteed Scholarship

100% of Drake students receive a Presidential Scholarship which covers about half the cost of tuition. When you combine scholarship opportunities and need-based grants, the typical Drake student pays a fraction of the sticker cost of tuition.

#1 in Median Salary

Drake ranks #1 in the state of Iowa for median salary 10 years after a student first enrolled, with a salary of $73,000.

(Department of Education Scorecard)

Zero Tuition Increases

As part of the Tuition Guarantee, your tuition will never go up during your four years. Some restrictions apply, please visit drake.edu/tuition for full details.

Complete Support

Don’t go at it alone, we have a dedicated team ready to find every source of aid available to you.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

American Politics

Anthropology and Sociology

Anthropology Minor

Arabic Language and Culture Minor

Black Disapora Studies

Minor

Chinese Language and Culture Minor

East Asian Studies Minor

English

English Minor

French Language and Culture Minor

German Language and Culture Minor

International Relations

International Relations

Minor History

History Minor

Human Resources

Management Concentration

Human Rights Studies

Minor

Japanese Language and Culture Minor

Latin American Studies

Minor

Law, Politics, and Society

Philosophy

Philosophy Minor

Politics

Politics Minor

Religion

Rhetoric, Media, and Social Change

Rhetoric Media and Social Change Minor

Sociology

Sociology Minor

Spanish Language and Culture

Spanish Language and Culture Minor

Women’s & Gender Studies Concentration

Writing

Writing Minor

ART AND DESIGN

Art History

Art History Minor

Art Minor

Drawing (Studio Art)

Graphic Design

Graphic Design Minor

Painting (Studio Art)

Printmaking (Studio Art)

Sculpture (Studio Art)

MUSIC

Applied Music (Instrumental, Piano, or Vocal Performance)

Music

Music Minor

Music Education (Instrumental or Choral)

Music Major with Elective Studies in Business

Music Major with Jazz Studies Concentration

THEATRE ARTS

Theatre Acting

Theatre Arts

Theatre Arts with Teaching Certificate

Theatre Design & Technology

Theatre-Directing Minor

Theatre Minor

Theatre, Musical

SCIENCES

MATHEMATICS AND

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence Minor

Astronomy

Behavior Analysis of

Developmental

Disabilities Concentration

Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology

Biology Biology Minor

Biophysics Concentration Chemistry

Chemistry Minor

Comparative Animal

Behavior Concentration

Computer Science

Computer Science Minor

Cyber Security Minor

Data Analytics

Data Analytics Minor

Economics

Environmental Science

Environmental Science

Minor Environmental

Sustainability and Resilience

Geography Minor

Kinesiology

Mathematics

Mathematics Minor

Mathematics Education

(Secondary)

Mathematics for Secondary

Education Minor

Neuroscience

Neuroscience Minor

Physics

Physics Minor

Psychology

Psychology Minor

Quantitative Economics

Spatial and Informational Technology Minor

Zoo & Conservation

Science

INTERDISCIPLINARY

Individualized Major

Interdisciplinary Study of the Humanities and Sciences Concentration

Military Studies Minor

OPEN ENROLLMENT

JOHN D. BRIGHT COLLEGE

AA Degree in Business, Organization, and Professional Studies

AA Degree in Integrated Arts, Sciences, and Humanities

ZIMPLEMAN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Accounting

Accounting Minor

Actuarial Science

Actuarial Science

Concentration

Actuarial Science Minor

Business Studies

Business Studies Minor

Business Law

Business-Law (3+3)

Data Analytics

Economics

Economics Minor

Entrepreneurship Minor

Entrepreneurship

Concentration

Finance

Finance Concentration

Finance Minor

Information Systems

Information Systems

Concentration

Information Systems Minor

International Business Law and Business Minor

Management and Organizational Leadership

Management

Concentration

Management Minor

Marketing

Marketing Minor

Quantitative Economics

Risk Management & Insurance Minor

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Education Studies Minor

Elementary Teacher Education (K–8)

Leadership Education and Development Minor

Secondary Teacher Education (5–12)

Social Justice in Urban

Education Concentration

Adult Learning and Talent

Development Minor

SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM & MASS COMMUNICATION

Advertising

Advertising Minor

Digital Media Production

Magazine & Brand Media

Magazine Media Minor

Multimedia Journalism

Open Communication

Open Journalism

Public Relations

Strategic Political Communication

COLLEGE OF PHARMACY & HEALTH SCIENCES

Athletic Training (MAT–apply after completing Pre-Athletic Training)

Diabetes Concentration

Health Sciences Clinical and Medical Sciences

Track

Health Sciences Health Care Administration

Track

Health Science, Public Health Major Nursing (ABSN–apply after completing Pre-nursing)

Occupational Therapy (OTD—apply after completing PreOccupational Therapy)

Pharmacy (PharmD—apply after completing PrePharmacy)

Global and Comparative Public Health Concentration

PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS

Pre-Athletic Training

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Engineering

Pre-Law

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Nursing

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Veterinary Medicine

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Global Ambassador

LAW SCHOOL

Joint 3+3 degrees with Arts & Sciences, Business, Journalism, and Health Sciences

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES

Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Doctor of Education (PhD, EdD, and EdS)

Master of Arts in Teaching

Master of Science in Teaching

Master of Science in Leadership Development

Master of Science in Counseling

Master of Science in Education

SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM & MASS COMMUNICATION

Master of Arts in Communication

COLLEGE OF PHARMACY & HEALTH SCIENCES

Master of Science in Athletic Training

Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

LAW SCHOOL

Juris Doctor

Master of Jurisprudence in Compliance and Risk Management

Master of Law

ZIMPLEMAN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Master of Accounting

Master of Business Administration

Master of Public Administration

Master of Data Analytics Leadership

UNDECIDED ABOUT YOUR MAJOR?

Excellent choice.

If you’re not sure what you want to do, that’s okay! Most Drake students enter as open-enrolled, so welcome to the club. As an open-enrolled student, you’ll get the resources and advice you need to help ensure you take the necessary prerequisites to stay on track to graduate in four years. Meanwhile, your advisors and others will help you explore a variety of experiences that will lead to finding the right major for you.

Ready to charge ahead? Discover the path you want to take at Drake.

It’s the big question. The one that’s ever-present in your mind. You know you want a life of rewarding and interesting work, but which career will align with who you want to be?

ahead?

It’s likely this answer has changed over the course of your life. It’s likely to change, or shift, again … and again. It’s even likely that at this moment, you have no idea what the answer is. And that’s OK. Because at Drake, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. The Drake experience is designed to provide the support needed to help you find a career that connects with your personal values.

Are you ready to see what being a Bulldog is all about?

Plan your visit or apply today at drake.edu