The Power of Experiential Education

Experiential education has always been part of the fabric of Drexel University; we just didn't have a name for it at our founding in 1891 (or in 1919, when our cooperative education program was established). Now, though, we call it what it is and acknowledge the power of an education that allows students to learn by doing. For over 130 years, our model of experiential education has done just that — infusing world-class academics with the power of real-world experience to push the boundaries of what our Dragons can achieve. But what does that really look like?

Experiential education breaks down the walls between academic study and professional practice — allowing students to personalize their educational journeys and truly graduate with their own expertise. Students at Drexel are encouraged to embrace their individuality and forge their unique path while collecting the experiences that matter to them and their futures.

For over 130 years, our model of experiential education has done just that — infusing world-class academics with the power of real-world experience to push the boundaries of what our Dragons can achieve.

Experiential opportunities such as cooperative education, research, global experiences, engagement, project-based learning, and other high-impact options are essential elements that students can choose from to customize their Drexel education. Students often mix and match these throughout their journey, for example, dipping their toes in undergraduate research with a professor whose work interests them, taking an Intensive Course Abroad that sparks a new interest, and then returning to classes before going out on co-op for 6 months.

As the key to experiential learning at Drexel, our cooperative education program (what we call Drexel Co-op) equips students with the opportunity to explore their interests, apply classroom ideas in real time, and discover what they really want to do in life. With the flexibility to pursue up to three six‑month, full‑time work experiences, Drexel Co-op can help you connect the dots between what you learn in class and how it works in the real world.

Imagine yourself here at Drexel: Through combining co-op with other meaningful experiences, you too gain deeper insight, skills, and confidence as you discover what you do and don't want to do — well before graduation.