About Us
Can you tell me
about Drexel Online?
Drexel Online is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Drexel University offering innovative, Internet-based distance
education programs to working professionals and corporations in the US and
abroad. To learn more about Drexel Online, please click here.
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Can you tell me
about Drexel University?
Drexel
University is
Philadelphia's technological university and a major, private US academic and
research institution. Founded in 1891 by financier Anthony J. Drexel, the
university is a recognized leader in the integration of technology in academic
education. For more information about Drexel University, please click
here.
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Is Drexel
accredited? What are Drexel University’s
rankings?
Drexel University is accredited by the
Middle States
Association of Colleges & Secondary Schools. This is the highest accreditation authority for colleges in
Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania,
Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and other locations overseas. Institutions
such as Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, Cornell, New York University, Princeton, and
the University of Pennsylvania have the same accreditation. In addition, Drexel
programs enjoy the highest professional accreditations in their respective
fields. For instance, our MBA programs are accredited by
AACSB
International, our Nursing
programs by NLN, and our programs in library & information science by
ALA. Drexel
University has many highly ranked programs including several undergraduate
engineering programs, an MBA degree program ranked among the
best 25 Online
MBA programs by the US News
& World Report, and an MS program in library and information science
ranked among the Top 10 nationally by U.S.News & World
Report, with the specialization in Information Systems ranked
#1.
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Do you offer the
same curricula and degrees as the ones earned on
campus?
Yes. The same content and rigorous
academic standards apply in both. Our programs are usually taught by the same
professors who teach on campus – typically tenured faculty members of Drexel
University, with PhD degrees and distinctions for their research and expertise
in the subjects they teach. There is no distinction between on-campus and
online students. In fact, when you complete your degree, your diploma and
university transcript will be the same as those of students who earn their
degrees on campus.
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Your Military
Benefits
Military
Lifestyle
Is Drexel
University Online a good choice for active duty
servicemembers?
Yes. Drexel University Online recognizes
and appreciates the service and sacrifices of our nation’s active and veteran
military personnel. That’s why we make it as easy as possible for
servicemembers and their families to advance their education.
Drexel Online allows active duty military
personnel to earn important career-building credentials and a top-ranked degree
from anywhere in the world. With 24/7 online flexibility, you can attend class
anytime, anywhere. Plus, you and your immediate family members are entitled to
receive specially reduced tuition rates, among other
benefits.
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I've read that Drexel Online is "military friendly."
What does that mean?
Drexel University is proud to have been
named a Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs magazine.
This distinction is reserved for universities whose policies reflect a high
level of commitment to educating active and veteran members of the U.S.
military. Contact us and see why Drexel University Online is the military
choice. With one single point of contact to answer your questions, you're in
good hands. Contact Mike Harrington at mlh76@drexel.edu or (215) 895-3904.
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Tuition
Reductions
Does Drexel
Online offer reduced tuition for military servicemembers and families?
Yes. Drexel University Online offers
servicemembers, veterans, and their immediate family members a
10-30% tuition reduction. Just enter your affiliation
code “VETERANS” when you apply to
qualify. Plus, eligible servicemembers and veterans may attend Drexel Online
tuition-free through the Yellow Ribbon
Program.
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The
Yellow Ribbon
Program
What is the Yellow Ribbon
Program?
The Yellow Ribbon GI Education
Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11
Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. Drexel University has volunteered
into this agreement to contribute up to 50% of educational expenses while the
VA matches that of Drexel University.
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How much will I
end up paying for my schooling if I am
eligible?
Depending on your program of interest,
eligible veterans may attend Drexel University Online at little or no cost.
Most of our online programs are fully covered by this agreement, leaving just a
few that will cost the student no more than $173 or less per
credit.
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Who is eligible
to receive Yellow Ribbon
benefits?
Only individuals entitled to the maximum
benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive this funding.
Therefore, you may be eligible if:
- You served an aggregate period of
active duty after September 10, 2001 of at least 36 months
- You were honorably discharged from
active duty for a service connected disability and you served 30 continuous
days after September 10, 2001
- You are a dependent eligible for
Transfer of Entitlement under the post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran's
service under the eligibility criteria listed above
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Applying
Is there an
application fee?
No. We have waived application fees for
our online students.
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Do you award
credit for prior learning
experience?
Yes. Drexel University provides credit
for prior learning for our Bachelor of Science in General Studies with a minor
in Business, Bachelor of Science in General Studies - Individualized Studies,
Bachelor of Science in Computing Security and Technology, and the Bachelor of
Science in Communication and Applied Technology in the following ways: Transfer
credit from other institutions, credit by examination, CLEP examinations,
challenge examinations, and portfolio assessments. Once we receive your
complete application package, and after review by the Admissions Committee, we
will contact you concerning possible credit transfers. Students are evaluated
individually and granted credit for courses completed at accredited colleges
that are the equivalent to courses offered at Drexel University.
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Can I apply
after the application
deadline?
Even though we accept applications on a
rolling basis, we must receive applications by the application deadline. To
consider you for admission in the next available term, please see the
program of your
choice for application
deadlines. In some programs, you may be able to join as a non-matriculated
student and then matriculate as soon as you complete your application package.
If you are unsure, call us toll-free at (877) 215-0009 or e-mail
info@drexel.com.
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Do you offer
self-paced, 'correspondence' programs?
No. All our programs have set dates when
courses begin and end. Programs follow Drexel University's academic calendar.
Students take courses in groups, with homework and assignments due on specified
dates. However, students maintain the flexibility to decide when, within a
week, they will study their course materials and attend online classes, since
class sessions are asynchronous – they do not take place simultaneously for
everybody at set times.
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What is a quarter credit? How does it compare to a semester
credit?
Most Drexel University programs are
structured on the quarter system. This means that we have four, ten-week long
terms during the course of one year. Each semester credit is equal to 1.5
quarter credits. For instance, our Bachelor's in Communications and Applied
Technology program, which
has 180 quarter credits, is equal to 120 semester credits. Likewise, the
minimum of 24 quarter credits required for admission to the bachelor's degree
program is equal to 16 semester credits. Programs in Drexel University's
College of Nursing and Health Professions are structured according to the
semester system.
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I have applied and would like to check
the status of my application. Who should I
contact?
Please contact the Applicant Services Department
at (877) 215-0009 (toll-free).
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How It
Works
How does it
work? What is it like to take an online
class?
Taking an online program is easy to
understand:
Connecting
A student needs a personal computer with
an Internet connection and uses a web browser to access our e-learning
environment. Instructional materials come in text, graphics, audio and video
formats and are available online 24/7. Students can download and print them as
they wish.
Instruction
Instruction is delivered primarily asynchronously
(i.e., where the teacher and learner are not physically at the same place at
the same time). Students work with materials either on their own or in
discussion groups. They interact directly with each other and with the faculty
typically through e-mail, threaded discussions (online discussion boards), chat
and web-based whiteboard facilities, and some times through voice or video
communication during synchronous sessions.
Assignments
All readings, work sessions, assignments
and other tasks are pre-specified and monitored on a continuous basis. Written
assignments are submitted online. Exams are taken online. Access to grades and
feedback from instructors are provided online. Click here for our online
demo.
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Who teaches my
courses?
Our programs are usually taught by the
same professors who teach on campus – typically tenured faculty members of
Drexel University, with PhD degrees and distinctions for their research and
expertise in the subjects they teach. They follow the same curricula, standards
and accreditation as our programs on
campus.
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How do I
interact with my instructor? How are online discussions
conducted?
Interaction
Students interact with their professor on
a regular basis using e-mail, threaded discussions or online chat rooms. In
specific corporate programs, some real-time video/audio or even face-to-face
interaction may be possible.
Class Discussions
Discussions are conducted online through
'threaded discussions' (online discussion boards). Students post comments on
questions in response to their instructor or to their peers. Students can read
and post comments any time during the day. Over time, these threaded
discussions emulate face-to-face classroom discussions and become the primary
space where student inquiries are addressed, points of views get debated and
where an instructor can probe further into students’ understanding of key
concepts. On some occasions, discussions may also take place 'real time' (i.e.,
at the same time) through 'chat' facilities available for this purpose. Chat
participants talk to each other 'live' by typing back and forth messages that
appear on the screen as they are being typed. And of course, students and
instructors also interact via e-mail.
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How much time
does an online class take?
The total time to complete an online
course (i.e., studying materials, attending lectures, interacting, completing
assignments) is usually equivalent to that of an on-campus program. You have
the extra flexibility to 'attend class' (i.e., read materials, watch lectures
on your PC, interact in web-based discussions and complete assignments)
whenever you want during the week.
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How many people
are in a class?
This varies depending on the program, but
the number is usually not much different from what you would expect from most
traditional classroom settings (i.e., a maximum number of 20-30). We keep class
sizes smaller in courses that require more intense
interaction.
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How does grading
take place?
Grading takes place in a similar manner
to traditional, classroom-based education. The only difference is that most
assessment activities are web-based. You complete assignments and take exams
online.
In some rare cases, exams may be
proctored at specified locations.
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How can I access
the library?
Students to Drexel's online programs are
provided access to the same resources as traditional con-campus students. This
includes full access to Drexel University's online library. For more
information please click here.
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How can I order
books?
Textbooks can be ordered online from a general online bookstore
(such as Amazon.com) or from a college-recommended online bookstore, depending
on the program in which you are enrolled. Once you have confirmed enrollment, you
will receive detailed information about specific sources from which to purchase
books.
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What hardware
and software do I need?
Students need particular hardware and
software to successfully participate in our online programs. Typically, a
configured personal computer and access to the Internet is all you need. Some
programs require specific software, which is available to students free of
charge. Applicants may use our automated system
check or read our
technical
requirements for more information.
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Making Your Final
Decision
I have seen many
Online university programs advertised recently. How do I choose? Why is your
program better?
Online vs.
On-Campus
At Drexel University you will attend an
online program from a major, private, non-profit academic and research
institution. You will be taught by the same faculty teaching on campus, usually
tenured professors with PhD degrees and national recognition for their research
and expertise in the subjects they teach.
Your degree will be the same as the one
earned on the Drexel campus in Philadelphia. It will be accredited by the
Middle States Association of Colleges & Secondary
Schools as well as the
highest professional accreditation authority in your field (i.e.
AACSB, NLN, ALA).
Quality
Education
Our online programs provide quality
education and lead to credentials respected by employers. Completing our
programs allows you to add the power of the Drexel name to your resume. Some of
the recently established, online institutions cannot match our 110-year history
and reputation.
- They may use
instructors who teach part-time instead of full-time faculty members.
- They may lack
our breadth of accreditation and program distinctions.
We also note the interactive design of
our programs (offering ample communication with your instructors and peers, use
of multimedia, individualized counseling, class format, structured calendar)
vs. the self-paced, 'you-are-on-your-own' approach of other online programs.
Your education is a significant investment. We recommend that you do careful
research before you commit to a program. Stay away from unaccredited providers
(also known as 'diploma mills'). Learn more about the institution you want to
appear in your resume. Choose the program that fits better to your personal
interests and professional aspirations.
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What is better,
an e-Learning or an on-campus
program?
To answer this question, we believe you
need to consider the following factors:
QUALITY. In
all degree programs that we offer online, we apply the same academic standards
as on campus. Usually the same faculty members teach, drawing on the same
curriculum as on campus.
PEDAGOGY.
Through our system, interaction, which is sometimes perceived as a weak element
of e-learning, often proves to be better both in depth and breadth compared to
a typical classroom setting. For instance, our 'threaded discussion' facility
permits students to demonstrate their thinking in a deliberate, thoughtful
fashion, and for the teacher to see a learner's thought process. Students do
not have to compete for 'air time' as often happens in traditional classes, and
they can better think through their
comments.
RECOGNITION.
Completing our online programs you will receive the same, respected Drexel
degree as on campus. Nothing about your diploma or transcripts differentiates
you as an 'online' student.
CONVENIENCE.
In this aspect, e-learning has great advantages, especially if you are a
working professional or have family commitments that may prevent you from going
to campus.
In the end, the answer to 'what is best'
depends on the individual's priorities and preferences. An on-campus program
may be more appropriate for those who value most the extensive face-to-face
interaction, or those who do not feel comfortable with computers. On the other
hand, when commuting to campus, work-life balance, and time-out-of-work are the
most important considerations, e-learning presents a great
possibility.
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Who is
e-Learning for?
It is probably not for everyone, but it’s
certainly very appropriate for most working adults with at least some prior,
college-level education.
As an e-Learning student you need a basic
familiarity with computers and the Internet. You do not need to be an expert in
computing. You have to be comfortable with using a personal computer and Microsoft
Office (e.g., MS Word, MS PowerPoint), know how to use an Internet browser
(i.e., Internet Explorer) and how to communicate via e-mail. Most of the
interaction with your instructors and peers will be via e-mail, online chat and
'threaded discussions' (online discussion forums), so you need to be
comfortable with these applications.
You also need to be somewhat disciplined
as a learner and committed to your education; which makes e-Learning more
appropriate for adult learners who have already mastered the skill of learning
through at least some prior college-level, or equivalent,
education.
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What are the
benefits for students?
We believe we offer convenient quality
education online at a lower, total cost than equivalent education on campus. We
also provide opportunities for career advancement and academic credit while you
receive training at your workplace. For a more detailed discussion, please
click
here.
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What is the
quality of e-Learning compared to traditional, classroom-based education?
As indicated in a study by the Alfred P.
Sloan foundation "The medium is rarely the issue; it is good pedagogy that
matters. Good and bad results can be produced by good and bad teaching."
At Drexel Online we are fortunate to draw on a long history of curricular and
technological innovation. We have applied these lessons to develop a highly
interactive educational experience that keeps students engaged, and helps them
learn more and perform better in their studies and
beyond.
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Other
What is the
difference between courses offered via Drexel University Online and those I can
take online as a regular, on-campus student at Drexel
University?
Our courses are regular Drexel University
courses offered by the Colleges and Schools of Drexel University. They are
taught by Drexel faculty, follow the same standards and lead to the same
accredited degrees and other credentials as other programs offered by Drexel
University either on campus or online. Drexel University Online is the online
education subsidiary of Drexel University – a separate entity from your
College. The students in courses offered via Drexel University Online are
primarily working professionals (average age is 36). They attend entirely
online (never have to come to campus), usually part-time, and may live anywhere
in the US or abroad.
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How do I login
to a Drexel course offered via Drexel University
Online?
Most of the courses featured in our
eCatalog run on the Blackboard learning management system (as opposed to the
WebCT system that is used for many Drexel University web-enabled, on-campus
courses). The Blackboard login page is http://drexel.blackboard.com. Students login with their normal Drexel username and password.
You will not be able to login to Blackboard until shortly before the beginning
of the term for which you have registered. If you register right before the
beginning of the term, or after the term begins, there may be a delay of up to
48 hours between the time you register in Banner and when the course shows up
in Blackboard. WebCT is used for our Engineering Management courses. LeBow
College courses run on the eCollege platform. Please contact the LeBow College
for more information.
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Do I need a
textbook? How do I order
textbooks?
Most courses we offer require one or more
textbooks. The official site for ordering textbooks for our courses is the
Drexel University Online Bookstore located at http://direct.mbsbooks.com/drexelelearning.htm. Some textbooks may not be available in the campus bookstore.
Online courses offered via other Drexel colleges are available from the campus
bookstore, or as otherwise indicated in the course
syllabus.
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How will I
receive official communications from Drexel University Online and my online
course instructor?
Official communications will be sent via your Drexel e-mail
account and/or within the Blackboard system. It is very important for you to
have access to your Drexel e-mail account and to check it
often.
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What is the
schedule for courses offered via Drexel University
Online?
Our courses follow the academic calendar
of Drexel University. All programs run on the quarter system
(click here for
the university quarter academic calendar) except for the Advanced Physician Assistant program through
the of the College of Nursing & Health Professions and the Certificate
of Study in Clinical Research and the MS in Clinical Research Organization and
Management through the College of Medicine which run as semester-based programs
(click here for
the university semester academic
calendar). They start on
the first day of the term and end on the last day of the term. Within the term,
most courses follow a week-to-week schedule with readings, assignments, quizzes
and other activities due at specific deadlines set by the instructor. Our
classes are not “self-paced”. You must keep up with your assignments as the
term progresses.
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Is there an
orientation program for students new to online learning and/or the Blackboard
system?
Yes. All students have the opportunity to
take an online orientation course on Blackboard. The orientation course
includes a browser test to make sure your PC meets technical
requirements.
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How difficult
are courses offered via Drexel University Online? Are they easier than regular
Drexel University courses?
All the courses we offer are regular
Drexel University courses. They are just as rigorous as Drexel courses offered
on campus. Each course has been developed by and is taught by Drexel University
faculty. And they lead to the same, accredited degrees or other credentials you
would earn on campus.
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How does tuition
and billing work for a course offered via Drexel University
Online?
Currently enrolled Drexel students that
register for one of our courses will be charged just as they would be for the
same course offered on campus, with the exception that all undergraduate
classes are charged at the regular “day” part-time rate, not the lower Goodwin
College rate. Full-time undergraduate tuition covers Drexel University Online
courses in the same way as it covers any other Drexel course. Charges for
Drexel's online courses are included in the regular bill you receive from the
University Bursar's Office – you will not receive a special
bill.
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Where do I go
for technical support?
Contact information for help resources
may be found at www.drexel.com/help/.
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