Graduate Application Process

Admission Standards

Drexel is committed to a holistic application review of each candidate. Each college and department takes into consideration a number of criteria when determining admission, including prior college or university performance, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, essays and related experience.

Admission for graduate study at Drexel University requires a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent international institution. Although requirements vary by program, regular admission typically requires a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) for undergraduate work. The average for any graduate work must be at least 3.0. Applicants for post-master's status must show potential for further study by having maintained at least a 3.0 average in their master's-level studies. (Individual departmental requirements may exceed these minimums.)

The Admissions Committee evaluates all credentials submitted by applicants to determine a student's ability and potential to succeed in graduate study. In addition, the committee is interested in the applicant's potential to contribute to their program of study and to the University community as a whole.

Program Requirements and Deadlines

It is your responsibility to ensure that all materials required for the evaluation of your application are received by the Office of Admissions before the deadline. If your application is not complete by your program's deadline date, it may not be evaluated for the term requested.

Individual programs have specific deadlines and application requirements. To view the application requirements, deadlines, and available concentrations for your intended program, refer to our list of graduate programs or select the college or school you are applying to below and then choose your program:

Requirements for Nonmatriculated Status

Nonmatriculated applicants must provide a completed application, copies of transcripts, and a 500-word essay. Please contact the department directly to ensure that they allow nonmatriculated students in the class you intend to take.

Nonmatriculated status is not available in the Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, Goodwin College of Professional Studies, or the following programs: Clinical Psychology, Environmental Policy, Environmental Science, Law-Psychology, Psychology, and Graduate Nursing.

Current Nonmatriculated Students

Nonmatriculated students at Drexel who wish to apply for matriculation status must complete the Application for Change of Matriculation [PDF] and submit the form to the Graduate College.

GRE Exam Scores

Some programs require that you submit your GRE exam scores in order for your application to be considered. Even for programs that don't require you take the GRE, many programs still encourage you to take the test and send your scores along to Drexel. They will be included in your application review and as a consideration in the evaluation for eligible scholarships and fellowship awards.

In order to send your GRE scores to Drexel, you must log in to your ETS account and officially request that your scores be sent to Drexel using Drexel's school code: 2194. If you have any questions about this process, please visit ETS' instructions.

Expedite the Process

Request supporting documents such as transcripts, test scores, recommendation letters, and affidavits of support as soon as possible. They may take longer to receive than you expect.
Put your student identification number, intended program of study, and date of birth on all correspondence with the University. It will be easier for the admission staff to quickly match your application materials with your file if this information is included.
Send original copies of official test scores and transcripts. Please refer to Program Requirements and Deadlines for your program's requirements. Drexel's school code is 2194. Do not use departmental codes, and do not send scores to the academic department.
For programs that have rolling admission, please note this means that completed applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, not after a set deadline. Rolling admission means that applications are accepted until the class reaches capacity. A rolling admission policy encourages early submission of applications. Please refer to Program Requirements and Deadlines for your program's deadlines.

Mailing Addresses

Please refer to the Program Requirements and Deadlines for the correct mailing address for your program.

Admission Decisions

A decision cannot be rendered until all of the required application materials have been submitted. You will receive email notification that your file is complete upon receipt of all required documentation.

Check Your Application Status Online

During the admission process, you'll have the opportunity to check your admission status online. Once your application materials have been processed, you'll receive an email providing you with a Student ID and PIN that will give you access to Discover Drexel.

If you are offered admission to Drexel, be sure to review our information for Admitted Students.