Accelerated Programs
Earn Your Advanced Degree Sooner
Julie Park, an accelerated degree scholar in Global Studies and Business Administration, found the perfect mentor through the Dragon Network.
Earn your advanced degree sooner — Drexel University's College of Arts and Sciences 17 accelerated degree programs allow academically qualified undergraduate students to earn a bachelor's degree and a master's degree concurrently. The college also offers streamlined pre-professional programs for students interested in a career in Medicine or Law, allowing them to graduate sooner than they would in traditional MD or JD programs.
About Accelerated Programs
Undergraduate students are encouraged to learn more about accelerated programs and how they can apply by reviewing Drexel University’s Accelerated, Combined, and Bridge Degree Programs. Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact your undergraduate adviser in the College of Arts and Sciences.
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Arts and Sciences Programs
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. Visit Drexel University’s Accelerated, Combined, and Bridge Degree Programs to learn more.
Please review eligibility and requirements for each College of Arts and Sciences accelerated program, below. List updated: July 2023
The accelerated degree program in Biological Sciences is for academically qualified students who are looking to advance their learning in the discipline by earning both a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree and a Master of Science (MS) degree in five years. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options.
The program is rigorous and challenging; it builds on a strong undergraduate foundation to allow students to engage in a more extensive study of the discipline at a graduate level. Students who apply to the program will often have advanced study plans and arrive with advanced placement credit as they enroll in the program. Requirements for the graduate portion of the program are the same as for the Master of Science degree in Biological Sciences.
The accelerated BS Biological Sciences/MS Epidemiology program is designed for academically qualified students who are looking to further prepare for careers in health-related biological science. Drexel’s BS Biological Science program trains students for technical careers in research or commercial laboratories, or for professional schools or graduate study. Discoveries in the biological sciences influence many aspects of our daily lives and have become the foundation of many new developments in biotechnology and medicine. The MS Epidemiology program builds off of the Biological Sciences curriculum to provide a deep dive into epidemiologic principles and methods to solve complex health issues. Epidemiologists play an integral and indispensable role in improving health and reducing illness.
The accelerated degree program in Chemistry provides the academically qualified student with an opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree and a Master of Science (MS) degree. Students receive two diplomas in five years, the time typically required to finish the Bachelor of Science degree with the co-op option alone.
This academically demanding program has several allowances built-in to enable the program to be completed in the time allotted. For instance, it requires only 180-181 rather than 190-195 undergraduate quarter credits. The co-op experience may be adjusted so that the student can take two rather than three co-op cycles, enabling two additional quarters of on-campus study. If needed, the student may also take evening courses while on co-op.
The accelerated degree program in Communication and Strategic & Digital Communication enables academically qualified students to earn both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree and a Master of Science (MS) degree — graduating sooner than they would in traditional programs. The ability to communicate effectively is one of the most sought-after skills by prospective employers. Graduates of the accelerated degree program enter the workforce one year sooner with the benefits of a master’s degree in communication, using the year saved to gain full-time experience and earn a salary in the field.
The BA in Communication program requires 180.0 UG credits and is committed to helping students become broadly educated and professionally competent communicators. Students are exposed to a variety of media and are guided in the development of their interpretive and expressive skills. Students may complete the BA in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations, Journalism, or open Communication. Independent of their chosen concentration, all BA in Communication majors take a common core of courses that emphasize communication theory and methods, as well as a modern language.
Drexel’s Master of Science in Strategic and Digital Communication requires 45.0 credits, and prepares students for careers in a wide range of professional activities relating to communication in both media environments and communication contexts that are characterized by advanced digitization.
The accelerated degree program in English and Strategic & Digital Communication enables academically qualified students to earn both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree and a Master of Science (MS) degree — graduating sooner than they would in traditional programs. The ability to communicate effectively is one of the most sought-after skills by prospective employers industry wide. Drexel University is committed to building this strong foundation through the accelerated degree option, which enables academically qualified students to earn both a bachelor's and master’s degree—graduating sooner than they would in traditional programs. Graduates of the accelerated degree enter the workforce one year sooner with the benefits of both a bachelor's degree in English and a master’s degree in Strategic and Digital Communication, using the year saved to gain full-time experience and earn a salary in the field.
The accelerated degree program in Environmental Science (BS) and Ecology, Evolution and Earth Systems (MS) is designed to provide an opportunity for highly motivated and qualified undergraduates to begin pursuing a graduate degree prior to completion of their bachelor’s degree in a 4+1 year format with one co-op. To be eligible, students must apply between 90-120 credits and have a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA overall and in their math and science courses.
The accelerated degree program in Environmental Science and Environmental Policy (BS+MSEP) brings two distinct but mutually enhancing disciplines together in one program. It provides an opportunity for highly motivated and qualified undergraduates to begin pursuing a graduate degree before completing their bachelor’s degree, in a 4+1 year format with either one or two co-ops.
Environmental policy and science pair naturally to help students bridge the gap between their strength in science and their interest in making change through public policy. Science without an effective avenue toward working with decision-makers and supporting public policy runs short of its reach and potential benefit. The BS+MS in ENVS-ENVP prepares students both as scientists and professionals who can communicate science and translate environmental data into actionable environmental policy with tangible impact. Students can also conduct real-world research writing through a case study thesis, select elective courses tailored to their interests, or complete their degree with research experience.
The accelerated program is appropriate for Environmental Science majors interested in learning about public policy and who have a desire to work in environmental policy, such as in government, advocacy work, consulting, or the nonprofit sector.
The accelerated degree program in Environmental Studies and Sustainability and Environmental Policy (BA+MSEP) provides an opportunity for highly motivated and qualified undergraduates to begin pursuing a graduate degree before completing their Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with either one or two co-ops. The Master of Science in Environmental Policy (MSEP) degree builds on the knowledge that undergraduates gain in the Environmental Studies and Sustainability program and offers advanced education for careers in environmental law, research, advocacy, and more.
Public policy that supports environmental stewardship is a challenging and critical endeavor. This program prepares students to engage critically with complex environmental challenges, devise and communicate innovative policy solutions, and work with decision-makers to effect policy change. Coursework spans the disciplines of law, political science, economics, engineering, business, and public health. Students have the opportunity to select elective courses tailored to their interests, gain hands-on research experience, and complete a case-based thesis with real-world impact.
The accelerated program is appropriate for environmental studies and sustainability majors interested in advanced studies in public policy and who have a desire to work in a range of environmental sectors.
The accelerated degree program in Global Studies and Business Administration enables academically qualified students to earn both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Science (MS) degree — graduating sooner than they would in traditional programs. To further prepare students for careers in the international sphere, Drexel University now offers an accelerated degree that allows students to complete an accelerated bachelor’s degree (BA) in Global Studies and an MBA. Students apply in their third year to Drexel’s LeBow College of Business. Those accepted begin working on their MBA as they complete their BA, getting their MBA a year earlier than if they had done the two degrees separately. They also have a chance to complete an undergraduate co-op and gain valuable work experience as they go.
The accelerated degree program in Global Studies and Strategic & Digital Communication enables academically qualified students to earn both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Science (MS) degree — graduating sooner than they would in traditional programs. The program provides students with an interdisciplinary, intercultural, and interactive program with four concentrations: media, arts and cultures; justice and human rights; business, economics, and development; and health and sustainability. Global Studies students develop the critical skills to understand global political, social, and economic trends. Drexel’s Master of Science in Strategic and Digital Communication ;requires 45.0 credits, and prepares students for careers in a wide range of professional activities relating to communication in both media environments and communication contexts that are characterized by advanced digitization. Graduates of the accelerated degree enter the workforce one year sooner with the benefits of an advanced degree in Strategic & Digital Communication, using the year saved to gain full-time experience and earn a salary in the field.
The accelerated degree program in Global Studies and Public Health prepares students for careers in the international sphere with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Global Studies and a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, an in-demand advanced option with unlimited applications. Students apply in their third year to the Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health and begin working on their MPH as they complete their BA, getting their master's degree a year earlier than if they had done the two degrees separately. They also may complete an undergraduate co-op and gain valuable work experience as they go.
The accelerated degree program in mathematics (BS+MS) is an exciting opportunity for highly motivated math students to take full advantage of the academic resources and research agenda that Drexel University has to offer. Graduates of the program build an in-depth understanding of the concepts introduced in the undergraduate courses and the more complex topics at the advanced level.
The combined degree offers our graduates a competitive advantage over students who have only obtained an undergraduate degree, allowing them to stand out when they start their professional careers. Additionally, the program is well suited for students who intend to apply to doctoral programs in mathematics as well as related areas (such as statistics, biostatistics, public health, graduate actuarial studies, mathematical finance). Many of our accelerated degree students get accepted into some of the nation's most elite and competitive graduate mathematics programs.
In this accelerated dual degree program in mathematics (BA) and biostatistics (MS), students participate in the undergraduate program for four full years — with or without one co-operative experience. After two years of undergraduate study, students begin their graduate studies in the Master of Science in Biostatistics program. The third and fourth year are a mix of undergraduate and graduate courses. After the successful completion of their fourth year, students receive their BA. When students successfully complete the remainder of their graduate studies –typically two graduate quarters– they will receive the MS degree.
In this accelerated dual degree program in mathematics (BS) and biostatistics (MS), students participate in the undergraduate program for four full years — with or without one co-operative experience. After two years of undergraduate study, students begin their graduate studies in the Master of Science in Biostatistics program. program. The third and fourth year are a mix of undergraduate and graduate courses. After the successful completion of their fourth year, students receive their BS. When students successfully complete the remainder of their graduate studies –typically two graduate quarters– they will receive the MS degree.
The Political Science program in the Department of Politics helps students cultivate perspective; develop critical thinking, communication, and data analysis skills; and understand the economic, social, and political systems within which we live and work. Our curriculum builds on the department's research focuses and strengths. These include public policy, environmental politics, international organizations, human rights, and law and society. This flexible program allows students to shape a curriculum that meets their needs whether they are preparing for public service, the business world, graduate school in political science, an MBA or other business program, or law school.
Drexel’s MS in Public Policy is designed for people who work, or who would like to work, for government or a nonprofit organization. It is innovative and distinct in at least two key respects: Its focus on case study research and its distinct tracks of specialization.
The accelerated degree program in psychology (BS+MS) allows students to begin taking graduate-level courses in their fourth year of undergraduate study with planned entry into graduate school upon completion of their Bachelor of Science (BS) degree at the end of the fourth year. Because students have received a head start by completing a structured curriculum in their fourth year, they complete graduate coursework for the Master of Science (MS) degree in one year after the bachelor's degree. The BS +MS curriculum fits the four-year, one co-op option or the four-year, no co-op option.
The accelerated degree program combines a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Sociology with a concentration in urban sociology (181 credits) and a Master of Science (MS) degree in Urban Strategy (48 credits). This cross-disciplinary degree focuses on the sociological analysis of cities, the communities that comprise them, and the social processes that organize and transform them. Students in the urban sociology concentration learn to apply sociological concepts and methods to analyze urban issues and problems including gentrification, revitalization, suburbanization, and urban decline; concepts of space, place, community, and neighborhood; and urban challenges such as poverty, affordable housing, global warming, policing and incarceration. The bachelor's degree portion prepares students to be leaders in urban issues, populations, and challenges, whether through careers in urban policy, planning, social work, community nonprofits, government, or industry. This leads directly into the Master of Science degree in Urban Strategy, a program that prepares students to become 21st-century urbanists equipped to collaboratively and creatively solve complex multifaceted urban challenges on all levels: locally, nationally, and globally. The program boasts a cross-disciplinary curriculum focused on strategy, problem-solving, and collaboration in the domains of urban planning, design, health, engineering, policy, community and economic development, and sociology.