Arts & Sciences Brochure PDF

The College of Arts and Sciences is a place where experience matters and where students, faculty and staff work to shape the future of our world together! At the core of arts and sciences is the understanding that in order to thrive in today’s global landscape, we must consider the human need and desire for local, national and global progress. Moreover, our constantly evolving and fast-paced culture requires a new approach to a liberal arts education that embraces traditional classroom learning with the real-world knowledge made possible by experiential learning.

In order to address modern problems, the College of Arts and Sciences calls upon versatile and agile individuals who ask the right questions, make insightful observations and communicate effectively.

Photo by Adam Werner

DREXEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES HUMANITIES

HUMANITIES OVERVIEW The College of Arts and Sciences' humanities departments include English, Global Studies and Modern Languages and History. Studies in humanities teach students how to see new perspectives as they learn essential skills needed to understand the modern world. Concepts in the humanities disciplines go beyond national boundaries and give students the opportunity to combine scientific literacy and global and cultural competence with the skills typically associated with a liberal arts education — effective written and verbal communication, information literacy, the ability to analyze and solve complex problems and to ask and answer meaningful questions.

ENGLISH Students in the English department engage with literature, creative writing and publishing to master their critical reading and writing skills while gaining knowledge of the world and diverse cultures.

Three tracks of study include: • Literary Studies • Writing • Secondary Education Degrees Offered • English (BA) Accelerated Degrees • BA in English + JD • BA in English + MS in Strategic and Digital Communications Certificates • Certificate in Health and Medical Humanities • Certificate in Writing and Publishing • Bachelor of Arts in English

DREXEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES HUMANITIES (continued)

GLOBAL STUDIES AND MODERN LANGUAGES In the Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages, students and faculty investigate complex global issues in and outside of the classroom. We employ transnational, multilingual and multidisciplinary perspectives to study topics such as economic development, human rights, culture, ethics and social responsibility.

Concentrations include: • Global Business, Economics and Development • Global Justice and Human Rights • Global Health and Sustainability • Global Media, Arts and Cultures Degree Offered • Global Studies (BA) Accelerated Degrees • Global Studies (BA) + Business Administration (MBA) • Global Studies (BA) + Strategic & Digital Communication (MS) • Global Studies (BA) + Public Health (MPH) • Global Studies (BA) + Global & International Education (MS) Minors • Asian Studies • French language • Italian Studies • Japanese language • Middle East and North Africa Studies • Religious Studies • Spanish language • + a variety of certificates

DREXEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES HUMANITIES (continued)

HISTORY Drexel University’s Department of History leads students in the exploration of lands, cultures and technologies far beyond the world of today. Students discover and evaluate evidence from the past in order to address the complexities of the modern economy and modern global challenges by focusing on race, identity and ethnicity.

Concentrations include: • History of Science, Technology and the Environment • Global History Degree Offered • History (BA) Accelerated Degree BA/JD in History and Law

PHILOSOPHY Drexel University’s philosophy students develop reasoning, writing, reading and dialogical skills that prove extremely valuable both in professional occupations and in academic research. The program is particularly valuable as preparation for careers in law, government, policy analysis, education, journalism and international business.

Concentrations include: • Philosophy, Technology and Science • Ethical Theory and Practice • Philosophy and Law Degree Offered • Philosophy (BA)

DREXEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES SOCIAL SCIENCES SOCIAL SCIENCES OVERVIEW Drexel’s social science disciplines include Communication, Criminology and Justice Studies, Politics, Psychological and Brain Sciences and Sociology. Studies in social sciences focus on human behavior, how communities are formed and maintained and how people behave within these communities. Students in social sciences have the opportunity to conduct innovative research with hands-on faculty to prepare them for the next steps of their career.

COMMUNICATION

Students in Drexel’s communication program take relevant courses that teach them how to become successful public relations, marketing, social media management, journalism and media professionals.

Concentrations include: • Public Relations • Journalism • Communication and Media Studies Degree Offered • Communication (BA) Accelerated Degree • BA/MS in Strategic and Digital Communication

DREXEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES SOCIAL SCIENCES (continued) CRIMINOLOGY AND JUSTICE STUDIES Drexel University’s Department of Criminology and Justice Studies empowers students to question these and other issues of crime, criminality, and justice policy. Programs in Criminology and Justice Studies offer a rich educational experience that emphasizes justice and criminological theory through the use of analytical tools and data.

Three concentrations include: • Justice Studies • Criminal Justice • Crime Science and Analytics Degree Offered • Criminology and Justice Studies (BS)

POLITICS Drexel University’s Department of Politics empowers students to ask and answer political questions, understand the limitations of data, and implement their own research projects.

Concentrations include: • American Politics and Policy • International Politics • Law and Politics Degree Offered • Political Science (BA) Accelerated Degree • BA/JD in Politics and Law

DREXEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES SOCIAL SCIENCES (continued) PSYCHOLOGICAL AND BRAIN SCIENCES

Students in Drexel’s psychology program learn how to ask and answer important questions regarding human behavior, cognition and emotion, and how to apply their findings to improve lives.

Concentrations include: • Mind, Brain and Behavior • Human Development • Clinical and Health Degree Offered • Psychology (BS) Accelerated and Pre-Professional Degrees • BS/MS in Psychology • BS+JD *Admitted students will enter Drexel University's Thomas R. Kline School of Law upon meeting all program requirements and law school admission criteria.

SOCIOLOGY In Drexel’s Department of Sociology, students investigate the values and incentives that are embedded in social norms, policies, institutions, and our built environment in an effort to better understand issues of social justice and equality.

Concentrations include: • Environmental Sociology • Medical Sociology (minor) • Urban Sociology Degrees Offered • Sociology (BA) Accelerated Degrees • BA/MS in Sociology and Urban Strategy • BA/JD in Sociology and Law

DREXEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES NATURAL SCIENCES

NATURAL SCIENCES OVERVIEW Drexel’s natural science disciplines include Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science; Biology; Chemistry; Environmental Studies and Sustainability, Math and Physics. Whether in the lab or in the field, Drexel’s natural sciences faculty engage students in innovative research, technology and instruction right from the start. Students in the natural sciences gain comprehensive skills and understanding that prepare them for advanced degree studies or careers in their field.

BIODIVERSITY, EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (BEES) The Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science (BEES) is the destination for budding scientists who want to make an impact with their research and discovery. Students have access to exceptional field sites and some of the most extensive research collections in the world. BEES areas of study are vital to understanding, conservation and restoration of healthy natural environments in the 21st century.

Concentrations include: • Biodiversity and Evolution • Earth Science • Ecology and Conservation • Environmental Science Degrees Offered • Environmental Science (BS, Accelerated BS/MS, MS, PhD) Minors • Climate Change • Ecology • Environmental Studies • Geoscience

DREXEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES NATURAL SCIENCES (continued) BIOLOGY The Department of Biology is a leader in natural science education, incorporating the latest techniques and leading the design of new curricular approaches to enhance student learning.

Concentrations include: • Cell, Molecular Biology, Genetics and Biochemistry • Organismal Biology and Physiology • Pathobiology • Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Genomics • General Biology Degrees Offered • Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences • Accelerated BS/MS in Biological Sciences Minors • Bioinformatics • Neuroscience Paths to Medical School • Traditional Path: Students apply to medical schools across the country in the spring of their junior year.

• BS + MD Early Assurance: An opportunity to enter the Drexel University College of Medicine after four years of undergraduate study at Drexel, including a six-month co-op experience. *Minimum requirements needed. See advisor for assistance.

CHEMISTRY Through hands-on research and access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, students in Drexel's Department of Chemistry explore the traditional disciplines and intricacies of chemistry in the natural and technological worlds.

Degrees Offered • Bachelor of Science in Chemistry • Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry

DREXEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES NATURAL SCIENCES (continued)

MATHEMATICS Drexel University’s mathematics department provides a healthy foundation of abstract reasoning, applications and computing. Courses in the mathematics department are data-driven and current with modern industry standards to prepare students for successful careers.

Degrees Offered: • Bachelor of Science in Mathematics • Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES AND SUSTAINABILITY Environmental Studies and Sustainability majors investigate how to restore vulnerable coastal marshes and preserve forestlands. Students work with Drexel faculty and local community activists seeking to enhance the ecological resilience of urban neighborhoods and create sustainable urban food systems.

Degrees Offered: • Environmental Studies and Sustainability (BA)

PHYSICS Drexel's innovative physics program empowers students to solve real-world problems using state-of-the-art techniques. Drexel physics students explore diverse areas such as biophysics and cosmology, nanoscience and particle physics.

Degrees Offered • Physics (BS)

DREXEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES ACCELERATED PROGRAMS “Obtaining my accelerated degree from the College of Arts and Sciences and LeBow College of Business has afforded me time and proven cost effective. Drexel advisers and faculty have helped guide my journey toward an accelerated degree and have provided invaluable mentorship and networking opportunities.”

– Julie Park, 2023 global studies graduate and 2024 LeBow College of Business MBA candidate

Drexel's accelerated degree programs enable academically qualified students to earn both a bachelor's and an advanced degree simultaneously, typically saving up to one year of time in comparison to traditional programs. In these programs, students accelerate the completion of their undergraduate courses and complete their graduate studies during their fifth year.

Eligibility and Requirements

Depending on the academic program, eligible undergraduate students can be admitted to an accelerated degree program in one of two ways: as an incoming freshman, or as a current student — after completing a minimum of 90 credits but no more than 120 credits.

Accelerated Dual Degree Programs • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Biological Sciences (BS) / Biological Sciences (MS) Chemistry (BS) / Chemistry (MS) Communication (BA) / Strategic and Digital Communication (MS) English (BA) / Strategic and Digital Communication (MS) Environmental Science (BS) / Ecology, Evolution and Earth Systems (MS) Environmental Science (BS) / Environmental Policy (MSEP) Global Studies (BA) / Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) Global Studies (BA) / Global and International Education (MS) Global Studies (BA) / Strategic and Digital Communication (MS) Global Studies (BA) / Public Health (MPH) Mathematics (BA or BS) / Biostatistics (MS) Mathematics (BS) / Mathematics (MS) Political Science (BA) / Public Policy (MS) Psychology (BS) / Psychology (MS) Sociology (BA) / Urban Strategy (MS)

DREXEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES EARLY ASSURANCE PROGRAMS

The College of Arts and Sciences, in cooperation with Drexel’s College of Medicine and the Kline School of Law, offers a number of early assurance programs. These highly specialized and competitive program offerings must be selected when students apply to Drexel University as incoming first-year students.

These early assurance programs guarantee students admission to either the Drexel University College of Medicine’s MD program or the Kline School of Law’s JD program provided they meet certain criteria while completing their undergraduate degrees. In addition, students in these programs are entitled to extra support and relevant advising in addition to special event invitations and student community-building.

Early Assurance Programs Bachelor’s (BA or BS) / Doctor of Medicine (MD) • Biological Sciences (BS) / Doctor of Medicine (MD) • Chemistry (BA**) / (Doctor of Medicine (MD) • **Note – Chemistry (BS) is not available for this Early Assurance option 3+3 Bachelor’s (BA or BS) /Juris Doctor (JD) English (BA) / Law (JD) • History (BA) / Law (JD) • Political Science (BA) / Law (JD) • Psychology (BS) / Law (JD) • Sociology (BA) / Law (JD) Interested students must apply for these programs along with their first-year admissions application.

Please reach out to your admissions counselor for information about applying to an early assurance program.

DREXEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES ADVISING

In the College of Arts and Sciences, our academic advisers are dedicated to the Drexel Difference — offering individualized attention and steadfast support as undergraduate students navigate their academic journey. Whatever your educational path may be, your adviser serves as a liaison across Drexel University, clarifying policies and procedures and advocating for students as they adjust to college-level academics. In addition, our advisers will guide you through your coursework and ensure that you are connected to the correct offices across the university from your first year until graduation.

College of Arts and Sciences Academic Advisers: Paige Chmielewski Chemistry (last names A-L); English; Mathematics; Mathematical Statistics; Physics; Visiting Scholars Derek Farrar Biology (last names I-J; O-Z).

Jenna Gregory Chemistry (last names M-Z); Political Science (last names A-J); Psychology (last names N-Z) Kate Hughes Global Studies; History; Philosophy; Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Tara Liss-Marino Arts and Sciences Exploring Florette Press Communication (including DUO students); Political Science (last names K-Z); Sociology Jennifer Rubin Weyant Biology (last names A; K-N) Mica Storer Criminology and Justice Studies (including DUO students); Psychology (last names I-M and all DUO students) Leanne Sweppenheiser Biology (BS-MD and last names B-C) Devon M. Thomas Psychology (Last names A-H) Laurie Zinberg Biology (last names D-H); Environmental Studies and Sustainability; Environmental Science

DREXEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES CONTACT US The experience of being a College of Arts and Sciences Drexel Dragon will change your life! Whether you are new to Philadelphia, or you have lived here your entire life, the exhilarating learning environment in our diverse urban campus is like no other.

Our experiential learning opportunities provide hands-on, practical instruction that will prepare students for a successful launch into a professional career or a graduate program. Arts and Sciences programs graduate students who are ready to tackle the diverse challenges of today's world! Arts and Sciences faculty and staff provide a roadmap for students to navigate the complexities of higher education through traditional classroom learning, laboratory research, cooperative job experiences and community-based learning opportunities both locally and abroad.

If you are ready to join the ranks of thousands of Drexel alumni who make up a successful network of professionals, please contact us at coas@drexel.edu. We look forward to welcoming you to campus soon!

Drexel University’s College of Arts and Sciences looks forward to welcoming you!