When is the deadline to apply to the MS in Professional Studies program?
If you wish to begin the program in Fall 2017, the application deadline is Friday, August 11, 2017.
Are GREs/GMATs required to apply to the MS in Professional Studies program?
No, we do not require the GREs/GMATs, but if you have taken the exams and would like to include scores in your admissions file, please feel free to submit them.
Do I need to provide official transcripts in order to apply?
Yes; official transcripts are required. Note that official transcripts often take a few weeks in order to process, so be mindful of when you request your transcripts.
How will you assess my application?
Students are assessed on their entire application, and we make every effort to look at students holistically. Here are a few scenarios that illustrate how you will be evaluated:
- You earned a 2.8 GPA in college 10 years ago, but you have since demonstrated excellent work ethic, with high praise from your superiors. In this case, the 2.8 GPA is not as important as your recommendations and resume.
- Your GPA is 2.9 because you earned Ds in three chemistry classes before switching to a business major; all of your other grades are Bs and As. Those chemistry grades will not play a role in the decision.
- You have only been out of college for a year, although the requirements recommend three years of work experience. We will look at your position after college, in addition to any summer work, internships, and volunteer experience. (For this reason, we require a resume with your application.)
Do you accept transfer credits?
Up to 6 transfer credits may be accepted if the courses taken closely align with the core courses in the MS in Professional Studies curriculum. If you would like to receive transfer credits, you must submit the following for review:
- Proof of the grade
- Course description
- Course syllabus (from the actual course taken)
Can I apply for financial aid?
This program is financial aid eligible. If you are interested, more information can be found on the Drexel Online:
Investing in a Better U page.
How long will it take to complete the program?
This academic program operates on the University's quarter system. You will complete the program in two years by taking 2 courses each quarter for 7 quarters and complete your capstone project in your final 8th quarter.
I’ve been out of school for over ten years—what should I expect?
The MS in Professional Studies degree is designed for students with full and part-time positions who may not have been in a classroom for more than a decade.
While this can feel a little intimidating, we are here to support you throughout your time at Goodwin College of Professional Studies. We have high expectations, but will give you the tools necessary to succeed.
How does online education work?
Online education is a great alternative for the working professional. You learn when it is convenient for you versus being tied down to mandated schedules. While the length and variety of activities may vary from class to class, in general, in the online classroom you can:
- Listen to the weekly lectures (PowerPoints are also provided)
- Read assigned chapters from a textbook or relevant articles
- Complete assignments that build off of the lecture and the weekly reading material (this may include quizzes)
- Engage in a week-long discussion with your peers and your professor
The key to any educational endeavor is to plan your time wisely. Don’t leave assignments until the last minute. Turn in your work on time, and engage with your professor and peers.
What computer skills will I need to be successful in the program?
You will need regular access to a computer with high speed internet access to work through the weekly lectures and assignments. You should be proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite, in particular: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
How much time should I allot to complete the work each week?
Everyone is different, especially in the time it takes to read, but on average you should plan on between 10 and 15 hours per class each week. Some weeks will be less, while others may be more based on specific assignments. Staying organized will prevent you from getting behind.
Since this is online, how will I get to know my professor?
Just like in a face-to-face class, you have the opportunity to connect with your professor, ask questions, or get help: actively participating in the weekly discussions, email, telephone or Skype during office hours.
What resources will I have outside of the classroom?
From the moment you are accepted, you are part of the Drexel and Goodwin College family — an active community of learners.
How do we stay in touch?
- A monthly Professional Studies newsletter and weekly blog
- Regular discussions with your advisor
- Talking with peers in and out of class
- Getting to know your professors
- Virtual events and webinars
- Active social media posts and shares
In addition, you'll have access to the vast resources provided by Drexel University and Drexel University Online!
Where do I buy my books?
The Drexel University Bookstore is operated by Barnes & Noble, which will carry the books for all of the courses in the MS in Professional Studies program. Go to their website to
search for your textbooks and other course related items.
How is the MS in Professional Studies degree different from an MBA?
While there are similarities and you will take a couple of classes in the LeBow College of Business, the MS in Professional Studies program focuses more on the interpersonal skills you will need to collaborate (both in person and virtually), negotiate, attract and sustain talent, and lead others in the workplace.
Bloomberg recently
reported that these softer skills are in high demand and in short supply. When looking at the difference between a masters in Professional Studies vs. Masters in Business Administration, consider that our MS degree MS in Professional Studies will help you hone these softer skills, making you more marketable in a variety of different industries.
How will I find new employment opportunities when I graduate?
- In the core courses, which are taught within Goodwin College, you will have one assignment in each class that is career services related to better prepare students to launch, change, or advance their careers
- The Capstone course, also known as the Capstone Triad, is made up of three elements:
- The project itself, usually a written paper that examines a specific question related to your career interests
- The reflection – a written paper in which you will look at your career goals and your journey through the program
- The portfolio – you will build your portfolio in your first class and continue to add to it through the program to showcase work that demonstrates learned and mastered skills and knowledge, as well as evidence of growth
- There are a number of online resources, such as résumé and interviewing tips, etc. available through the LeBow Career Services and the Steinbright Career Center websites
- Finally, you will have access to the Director of Graduate Studies – Anne Converse Willkomm, who will work with you to update résumés, etc.
How will the Master of Science in Professional Studies program prepare me for employment after I graduate?
In addition to the many resources available through Drexel University and Drexel University Online, you will compile a portfolio of work throughout your time in the Master of Science in Professional Studies program. These projects, from communications and creative work to evidence of leadership and global competence, will aid you in your job search, interviews and other endeavors after completing the program.