The minor in actuarial science is designed to provide students with the quantitative and analytical skills required to obtain an entry-level position in the actuarial sciences profession. The coursework will help prepare students for the first two actuarial exams (probability and financial mathematics) and can be applied towards VEE (Validation by Education Experience) credit requirements from professional actuarial societies in the areas of Mathematical Statistics, Accounting and Finance, and Economics. Additional elective coursework will introduce students to appropriate statistical software or more advanced topics relevant to the actuarial sciences profession.

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The minor in Africana Studies allows students across the University to gain an understanding of, and background in, the history and cultures of peoples of African descent in North and South America, the Caribbean and Africa. This interdisciplinary minor includes courses in anthropology, history, literature, music, political science and sociology, and provides an opportunity for directed study in areas of particular interest.

As the picture of business is changing, it is imperative that job applicants show an understanding of the history that has dramatically shaped our world. The minor helps prepare students to meet the challenges of an increasingly diverse and sophisticated global arena. Students considering a profession in music, education, law, business management, city planning, international relations, politics, psychology or publishing, may find the Minor in Africana Studies particularly beneficial.

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This minor offers an interdisciplinary look at the East, Southeast, and South Asia regions, which hold a critically important geopolitical position in terms of not only business and security, but also in terms of political, religious, cultural, and gender studies. Together with content courses in English offered through a variety of departments, this minor also includes 12 credits of instruction in one of our three Asian languages (Chinese, Korean, or Japanese).

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Astrophysics brings together many disparate areas of physics: gravitational physics governs the evolution of galaxies and clusters; nuclear physics dominates the cores of stars; electromagnetism governs the radiation that we use to observe these objects. Students majoring in mathematics and computer science, as well as other disciplines, are often fascinated by the questions raised by astrophysics. The minor in astrophysics requires a total of 26.0 credits in addition to the required prerequisite courses.

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This program provides a solid grounding in the principles and applications of biochemistry for students interested in exploring in more depth the chemistry of living organisms. Offered jointly by the Departments of Chemistry and Biology, the minor in Biochemistry consists of a set of regularly offered courses in the two departments. The program efficiently complements degree requirements for students majoring in the natural sciences, engineering and the health sciences. It is highly recommended to students interested in pursuing a career in biology, chemistry, biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, material sciences, medicine, pharmaceutics or chemical biology. The minor must accompany another major program.

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The Department of Biology offers a multidisciplinary Minor in Bioinformatics that combines coursework in biology, computer science and software engineering. This minor is ideal for students interested in a more computational approach to studying the life sciences. Individual plans of study are developed in consultation with an academic adviser from the biology department. Plans will depend on the student’s major and field of study.

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For students who are not majoring in biological sciences but are interested in admission to medical schools or graduate programs, the Minor in Biological Sciences may be an attractive option. Students fulfill the core requirements in the biological sciences curriculum to get acquainted with the life sciences, while pursuing a major in another science-related discipline such as chemistry, engineering, physics or psychology.

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Biophysics is the study of the complexity of life using tools provided by physics. It attempts to construct mathematical frameworks that explain among many other topics, how organisms obtain energy from the environment, how complex structures appear in the cell and how these relate to function. In essence, biophysics looks for principles that describe observed patterns and propose predictions based on these principles.

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The Minor in Bioscience and Society is for non-science majors who are interested in learning how biology impacts their everyday lives and how it can be applied to real-world problems. The course offerings in this minor take a more topical approach to studying aspects of biology. Electives allow students to tailor the minor to their interests.

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The Minor in Chemistry is designed to expose students to each of the major sub-disciplines of chemistry: analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical. As chemistry is an experimental science, at least two laboratory courses must be taken for the minor. Students should note that their academic major might require certain chemistry courses that can also be used to fulfill the requirements of the minor.

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Climate change is one of the most serious challenges of our lifetime, and in the coming decades will impact every aspect of our lives and careers. Even though actions are being taken to reduce global emissions, today’s students will live through a period of rapid climate change unprecedented in human history. This minor in climate change provides an overview of the Earth’s climate system and the science of climate change, as well as how to understand, mitigate, and adapt to its potential impacts from varied disciplinary perspectives.

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The Minor in Communication introduces students to communication theory and provides training in print and electronic communication skills. The minor is a strong complement to other disciplines that emphasize presentations, interpersonal skills, publicity and marketing.

Three core courses in Communication Studies are required for the minor. Students can then choose to focus their remaining elective in one of the following areas: (1) Journalism; (2) Corporate and Public Relations; (3) Technical and Science Communication; or (4) Environmental Communication. Finally, students complete three additional electives from the Communication curriculum that fit their interest.

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Computers have created new opportunities to commit criminal acts. The Minor in Computer Crime provides students with an overview of the behavioral, legal, technical and administrative issues faced by the criminal justice system and security communities in addressing crime involving computers and related networking technologies. The curriculum exposes students to state-of-the-art solutions used within the public and private sectors to respond to and prevent computer crime.

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Students from any major who are interested in the law, legal issues and the forensic sciences may be interested in a career within the criminal justice system. These students can enhance their career possibilities by adding the Minor in Criminal Justice to their major field of study.

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The Minor in Ecology is open to all non-environmental science majors who are interested in the study of ecosystems, biodiversity and issues affecting the environment. However, Biological Science and Engineering majors are particularly suited for this minor being an additional focus area relevant in their field. Students should have completed one term to a year of General Biology and General Chemistry before enrolling in the minor.

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The minor English helps students from all disciplines to pursue their passion, demonstrate their empathy, improve their reading and writing skills and expand their critical and creative abilities.

For more information about the Minor in English, or about choosing a plan of study within the minor, contact the Program Director, Christopher Nielson, PhD

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NOTE: additional courses may be considered upon approval of the program directors.

The interdisciplinary Minor in Environmental Studies provides students in other majors with a background understanding of contemporary environmental issues and the ability to analyze those issues. For business and engineering majors, the Minor in Environmental Studies provides the tools to make better decisions about products or projects related to environmental economics, politic pollutants, environmental policy, and environmental justice. For liberal arts majors, this minor offers the opportunity to focus on the social and natural science aspects of the environment to prepare students for issues they may encounter in their careers.

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The French program takes a communicative and culture-based approach to learning which includes international study abroad programs and co-op placements. Over 220 million people speak French - by 2050, that number is predicted to rise to 700 million.

According to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development, French and English have the distinction of being taught in the education systems of most countries. Fluently speaking a second language, especially one as versatile as French, facilitates travel and significantly increases employment opportunities in the United States and abroad.

International Standing: French is one of the six working languages of the United Nations.

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Drexel University’s minor in Gender and Sexuality Studies offers students a unique opportunity to explore a broad array of interests in understanding how gender and sexuality have changed and developed over in time in their meaning, constructions, contexts and practices. The methodologies and conceptual frameworks that have come out of the field—such as queer theory, trans studies, feminist philosophies and reproductive justice—enable students to make sense of our current moment with the critical tools that work toward social transformation and justice.

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The Geoscience minor is designed to give students specializing in other fields the skills to understand and analyze these issues. It is a natural fit for environmental science majors who wish to understand how the physical world can impact biodiversity, ecological processes and environmental impacts. For students majoring in such fields as business and engineering, the minor in geoscience will provide them with the tools to make better decisions about products or projects related to natural hazards and their impact, cost and availability of natural resources, energy policy, space exploration, land use, and environmental justice.

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The Minor in Global Studies is open to students in all disciplines and is well suited for those studying abroad, and for those who want to add an international component to their major. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of Global Studies, the minor fits well with a variety of majors across the University, particularly anthropology, English, history, philosophy, political science, sociology and business.

Completion of level 201 in a language is a prerequisite for the minor. Students who elect an Global Studies minor must take 24 credits of literature, history, politics, social theory and/or business courses in their area of specialization.

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The History minor emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge and understanding, the development of written and oral communication, and the fostering of perspective and critical thinking.

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The minor in History of Capitalism is dedicated to the study of Capitalism and the emergence of the modern world economy from an historical perspective.

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The Drexel Minor in Japanese minor develops language competence and cultural sensitivity. Our Japanese program takes a communicative and culture-based approach to learning and provides students with access to a world of opportunities, including study abroad programs and co-op placements. Japanese has over 130 million speakers, mostly residing in Japan, and in other countries including the United States, Korea and the Philippines. Japanese is the second most spoken language in Brazil. According to a Congressional Research Report, the US and Japan are two of the largest economic powers which account for over 30% of the world domestic product. This makes learning Japanese a wise investment for anyone who wants to pursue a profession in global markets, business relations and digital technology and development.

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The Louis Stein Minor in Jewish Studies is designed to give students the opportunity to explore and understand the history, culture, politics, and religion of the Jewish people. Through interdisciplinary coursework and directed field study, students investigate the Jewish experience from both a contemporary and a historical perspective. The program has dedicated itself to three areas: 1) Jewish life in Europe before World War II, 2) intergenerational ethnic education and 3) Israel.

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The Justice Studies minor is designed for students who wish to connect their major fields of study with a justice-focused curriculum. The minor explores mostly place-based social, economic, health, and environmental risk factors in ways that extend beyond the traditional criminal justice system. With emphases on engaged learning, co-curricular opportunities, and data-driven problem-solving, the Justice Studies minor both educates and gives students the tools needed to practice “justice” across a wide spectrum of broader fields of study.

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Linguists study language form, meaning and context, especially by observing and analyzing human communication in its many spoken and written varieties. A knowledge of linguistics is the basis for studies in language diversity and communicative competence, the psychology of language, educational aspects of language that affect learners and classrooms, the formal logic and languages of philosophy and computer science, and the biological science of speech pathology.

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The Minor in Mathematics requires core courses in Calculus and Linear Algebra, as well as a selection of electives from a range of other areas. The minor complements programs in physics, computer science, finance or engineering, demonstrating further expertise and preparing students to excel after graduation.

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The minor in medical sociology is designed to give students a broader understanding of the social dimensions of contemporary medical practice. Investigating health and illness from a national and global perspective, the minor helps students understand the relations between inequalities, health care and social justice; trends in health professions; and the importance of organizations to health care. For students majoring in such fields as health sciences, nursing, or biology, the minor in medical sociology complements their scientific training with a social science focus on humans, policy, and power in healthcare.

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This minor offers an interdisciplinary look at the Middle East and North Africa region, which holds a critically important geopolitical position in terms of not only security and energy, but also in terms of political, religious, cultural, and gender studies. Together with content courses in English offered through a variety of departments, this minor also includes 12.0 credits of Arabic language instruction.

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The Neuroscience minor allows students from a vast array of disciplines the opportunity for formalized study in Neuroscience. This interdisciplinary minor integrates content from cellular, molecular and systems neurobiology with neuropsychology, providing students with a strong foundation in basic principles of neurobiology and neuropsychology. This minor is a collaborative effort between the Departments of Biology and Psychology, but is open to students in any major with an interest in gaining a deeper understanding of the biological and cognitive principles underlying brain function.

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The minor in Nonprofit Communication is designed to familiarize students with general communication theory and practice while providing training in print and electronic communication skills particular to the nonprofit sector. In addition to conventional course work this minor will include a practicum in the form of a 3.0 credit independent study (COM I399) for one term in which students will provide service and consultation for an area nonprofit organization as selected and coordinated by Drexel Edits, the university’s center for the support of nonprofit communication.

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The Minor in Philosophy adds depth to students’ education, breadth to their intelligence, and value to their degree. Philosophical study helps train students’ minds to be flexible and strong, and gives them the opportunity to expand their reflective and thoughtful dimensions. These qualities enhance students’ ability to be successful in their chosen career and help put life and work in perspective.

A student adding a Minor in Philosophy to his or her curriculum shows the world that in addition to the studies required for competence, he or she has gone further to explore and reflect upon issues that arise at the level of the foundations, assumptions, and implications of that knowledge. More practically, it has been noted that many employers have shown an interest in hiring graduates who have been trained to think logically and critically.

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Physics is a science that studies natural phenomena at all scales, from that of the universe to elementary particles. This minor exposes the students to some of the basic principles of physics and would easily complement many other disciplines including engineering and other sciences.

The Minor in Physics requires a total of 10 credits from the elective list, in addition to the prerequisite and core courses.

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A Minor in Politics enriches almost every major. With a Minor in Politics, you can hone your analytical and critical thinking skills and take your understanding of political science and research methodology to your field of study.

Political science pairs well with economics, criminal justice, psychology, public health, history, anthropology, communications or education.

To complete the Minor in Politics, the following are required:

• Three political science courses (choose from PSCI 100, 110, 120, 131, 140 or 150)
• Three elective political science courses (choose from any PSCI courses at the 200-level or higher)

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The Minor in Psychology provides students with the skills to analyze individual psychological processes to better understand, explain and predict human behavior.  Students must meet with a psychology faculty member to discuss the courses that best fit their major and interests.

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The minor in Religious Studies provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of religion with much flexibility to accommodate individual student interest. Students will gain a global comparative perspective on world religions.

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Science, technology and society (STS) programs, also called science and technology studies (STS), are growing in the U.S. and worldwide. Such programs train students to systematically investigate the social dimensions of technology, medicine and science—creating an interdisciplinary skillset that is highly valued in a wide range of settings such as health care organizations, government organizations, public policy realms, tech industries and more. Drexel's undergraduate Minor in Science, Technology & Society (STS) is for students who want to investigate the impact of new technologies and scientific knowledge, as well as their many social, ethical and legal implications. Students who pursue this minor will expand their coursework, research and future job opportunities by learning to integrate diverse academic perspectives and research methods.

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The Minor in Sociology provides students with a framework for understanding contemporary social challenges. How do social norms impact environmental change and vice versa? How do attitudes towards gender and race shape scientific inquiry? Can socioeconomic inequalities predict life outcomes?

The minor leaves students with the tools to analyze social issues such as poverty, racism, sexism, crime and unemployment. An understanding of societal forces, challenges and trends is invaluable for students majoring in fields as diverse as biology, business, economics, education, engineering, information science, marketing, nursing, psychology and public health.

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The Drexel Minor in Spanish develops language competence and cultural sensitivity. The Spanish program takes a communicative and culture-based approach to learning which includes international study abroad programs and co-op placements. Spanish is an official language of 21 countries, with almost 500 million native speakers, with 40 million people for whom it is the first (native) language in the US alone.

Fluently speaking a second language facilitates travel and significantly increases employment opportunities in the United States and abroad. According to the Census Bureau, the Spanish-speaking population in the United States will reach 132.8 million by 2050. This will make the United States the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world.

International Standing: Spanish is an official language of the United Nations, as well as these countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Spain, Uruguay and Venezuela.

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This history minor concentrates on the history of wars, military and related institutions, and their broader historical and political contexts.

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This Minor in Writing offers further study and practice of writing, with the goal of helping students use writing to think critically and creatively, and to communicate more effectively within and beyond their chosen disciplines. Students also gain significant practice and experience in a variety of genres and contexts.

Based on our interactions with students and faculty from around the University, several new writing courses are being developed to increase the writing experience for students in the minor:

• Issues in Grammar: This course aims to help students think about how they say what they say in their writing, while taking a critical look at how rules and guidelines about language emerge. Students will explore the rules, cultural conventions and myths about how we use language to create meaning for ourselves and others.
• Genres and Disciplines: Students investigate the way writing changes from genre to genre and discipline to discipline. Rather than providing students with writing practice in a specific genre or discipline, this course aims to help students better navigate new and different writing situations by exploring how topics change according to who writes about them and how they are written about.
• Scholarly Autobiography: In this workshop designed for students who are preparing to move on to careers and further education opportunities, participants use writing as a tool for forming their emerging academic and professional selves. Students come away from the writing experience with a better understanding of who they are, where they’ve come from, and where they’d like to go—making this especially valuable for students planning to apply for fellowships or graduate programs.

For more information about the Minor in Writing, contact the program co-directors:

Dan Driscoll at driscoll@drexel.edu or Rachel Wenrick at rw346@drexel.edu

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The Arabic program takes a communicative and culture-based approach to learning which includes international study abroad programs and co-op placements. Arabic is the official language of over 20 countries, is the fifth most spoken language in the world, and has over 300 million native speakers. Arabic is one of the United Nations six official languages.

According to the American Council for International Education, only 1% of U.S. college students study Arabic. They also state that there is a very high demand for Arabic-speaking professionals within the U.S. government, as well as private and non-profit sectors.

International Standing: Countries which host sizable populations of Arabic speakers include: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

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The Drexel Chinese program takes a communicative and culture based approach to learning and provides students with access to a world of opportunities, including international study abroad programs and co-op placements. Chinese has roughly 1.2 billion native speakers (or one in every six people), making Chinese the number one first (native) language in the world.

According to The World Bank, China has sustained an unprecedented steady growth of their gross domestic product. For example, China's GDP increased from $1,211 billion in 2005 to $11,007 billion in 2015. In global terms, learning Chinese can be beneficial for all career paths, especially international business and trade.

International Standing: China is the second-largest global economy. Additionally, Chinese is one of the six official languages of the United Nations.

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The Certificate in Ethical Theory and Practice exemplifies Drexel's commitment to engaged education and the Philosophy Program's emphasis on the inter-involvement of theory and practice. In our family, civic, work, and professional lives, we are confronted with issues of conduct and choices about what to do, what to create, how to move through the world and what kind of persons to be. This Certificate reflects each student's potential to move through the world as a positive and constructive force no matter what field of endeavor he or she may pursue. This certificate is only available to currently enrolled Drexel students.

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The Intermediate French Proficiency Certificate offers students a language certificate at the intermediate level as proof that they are sufficiently proficient to interact with native speakers in a basic everyday context and within standard cultural norms, whether abroad or in the United States.

Please note that this certificate is available only to currently matriculated Drexel students.

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The German program takes a communicative and culture-based approach to learning and provides students with access to a world of opportunities, including international study abroad programs and co-op placements. According to Germany’s official tourism website, over 100 million people speak German, the most widely spoken mother tongue in the European Union.

Students who are interested in pursuing a career in renewable energy may greatly benefit from a German minor. According to Bloomberg, Germany’s implementation and dedication to clean energy has made this country the global trailblazer in eliminating nuclear and fossil fuels.

International Standing: In 2015, according to worldbank.org, Germany’s gross domestic product ranked 4th behind the United States, China and Japan.

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The Intermediate Japanese Proficiency Certificate offers students a language certificate at the intermediate level as proof that they are sufficiently proficient to interact with native speakers in a basic everyday context and within standard cultural norms, whether abroad or in the United States.

Please note that this certificate is available only to currently matriculated Drexel students.

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Our Korean program takes a communicative and culture-based approach to learning which includes study abroad programs and co-op placements. Nearly 80 million people speak Korean as their first (native) language. Global companies like Hyundai, Kia Motors, Samsung, and LG, are based in Seoul. Korea’s geographical proximity to China and Japan can make learning this language particularly useful for anyone interested in pursuing a technology career.

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The certificate program in Health and Medical Humanities is designed to promote dialogue and mutual appreciation for various approaches to health-related issues. Students explore illness, disability, dying and healing as human experiences and evaluate limitations of an exclusively scientific perspective on medical practice and research. The wide range of courses foster an interdisciplinary context for investigating the many challenges within medicine and caregiving.

Students will receive guidance from the program director to choose courses best suited for their personal and professional goals. Completion of the certificate will highlight the students’ proficiency in an interdisciplinary approach to health-related issues not easily attainable through isolated courses.

Opportunities

• Improved preparation for the new MCAT that now includes questions on psychology and sociology
• Shadowing of medical professionals
• International travel to various health facilities through Drexel's Study Abroad Program

Medical Humanities Frequently Asked Questions

• Why should I study medical humanities?

  To gain a better understanding of the many factors that influence health care and that affect interactions between patients and medical practitioners. Such knowledge and sensitivity can help any member of a medical team be more empathic and effective. Published studies repeatedly indicate that trust between patient and physician promotes healing and avoids legal complications.

  To rethink illness, aging and dying as human experiences (rather than medical conditions), which generate complex ethical and emotional dilemmas as well as opportunities for insight. Studying these circumstances in the safety of the classroom gives us time to reflect on how we might handle such situations, regardless of our roles. Even those of us not engaged in medical professions are likely to become caregivers and even patients.

  To enhance preparation for the MCATs and other medical graduate programs. Starting in 2015, the MCAT will include sections on sociology and psychology. Our interdisciplinary program creates a venue for exploring how these and other disciplines in the humanities and social sciences apply to a medical context. Having a Certificate in Medical Humanities on your transcript calls attention to the intellectually integrated training you have had.

• What is the difference between a certificate and a minor?

  A certificate requires 18 credits in a wide range of related disciplines. A minor requires 24 credits in more specific areas of study.

• What majors can take the Medical Humanities Certificate?

  Students in any major are welcome including those in the Honors program with appropriate modification of their coursework.

• How do I enroll and how soon?

  Begin by contacting either Co-Director of the program: Stacey Ake, PhD, at sea29@drexel.edu or Ted Fristrom, PhD, at ecf35@drexel.edu in the Department of English and Philosophy. They will supply you with additional details best suited to your goals. Students can enroll as early as the end of their first undergraduate year at Drexel in any of the colleges and no later than the beginning of their third year.

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A Certificate in Philosophy (6 classes, 18 credits) will enhance any student's college experience, regardless of their major. Philosophical study is a way to explore the full variety of questions about life, reality and meaning. Philosophy classes are also an excellent preparation for the widest range of careers, including law because it helps us develop reasoning and argumentation skills that make us better listeners, speakers, readers, writers and thinkers. All of these skills and the attitudes that go with them make us better able to think for ourselves and understand and make our own choices in life.

The Philosophy, Arts and Humanities Certificate provides a solid philosophical foundation for the careful study of the philosophical dimensions of fields of endeavor including fine art, performing art and art criticism, literature, law and religion. Art and the humanities raise philosophical issues of great importance, which are essential to their enjoyment and their impact on how we live. What, if anything, do we learn about the world and life from art? What is the difference between music and noise? Does art have to be beautiful — and what is “beauty,” after all? What does it mean to grasp the meaning of a poem or a novel? Why do literature, music and dance matter to people? This is only a small sample of the kinds of questions students will think about and discuss in the classes taken for this certificate. The Certificate in Philosophy, Arts and Humanities gives students the opportunity to explore these complex issues in a rewarding way that will greatly enhance their involvement in and appreciation of the arts and the humanities.

For additional information, contact the program director Peter Amato at peterama@drexel.edu.

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A Certificate in Philosophy (6 classes, 18 credits) will enhance any student's college experience, regardless of their major. Philosophical study is a way to explore the full variety of questions about life, reality and meaning. Philosophy classes are also an excellent preparation for the widest range of careers, including law because it helps us develop reasoning and argumentation skills that make us better listeners, speakers, readers, writers, and thinkers. All of these skills and the attitudes that go with them make us better able to think for ourselves and understand and make our own choices in life.

The Philosophy, Science and Technology Certificate provides a solid philosophical foundation for the careful study of the philosophical dimensions of fields of endeavor including logic and the production of knowledge, the complexities of its application in the forms technology takes, and the effects it has on our lives, the lives of other creatures and the planet. Science and technology raise crucial philosophical issues for human life. What is the basis for scientific claims to tell us about reality? Is science the only way to know what is true? Do we control technology or does technology really control us? What are the ethical aspects of the choices we make about technology in its effects on people’s aspirations and living conditions? How much should criteria like sustainability or elegance guide the design of new technologies? This is only a small sample of the kinds of questions students will think about and discuss in the classes taken for this certificate. The Certificate in Philosophy, Science and Technology will guide students through many questions and ideas that will enhance their understanding of these important aspects of modern existence.

For additional information, contact the program director Peter Amato at peterama@drexel.edu.

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The Intermediate Spanish Proficiency Certificate offers students a language certificate at the intermediate level as proof that they are sufficiently proficient to interact with native speakers in a basic everyday context and within standard cultural norms, whether abroad or in the United States.

Please note that this certificate is available only to currently matriculated Drexel students.

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Only available to currently enrolled Drexel students.

The Spanish for Health Professionals certificate prepares students to engage Spanish-speaking populations in the field of healthcare. It offers a critical advantage to health professions students (College of Nursing and Health Professions, Public Health, Pre-Med) who will be much better positioned in the job market if they can certify their ability to use Spanish in the workplace and engage with patients in culturally sensitive ways.

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The Certificate in Writing and Publishing (CWP) provides both professional and personal development through a combination of courses in professional writing, creative writing and publishing that emphasize both theory and practical application. The certificate enhances employment opportunities for placement in Drexel's co-op program and in the post-degree job market as skills are acquired. As students' writing skills and associated professional knowledge develop and improve, so too does their on-the-job performance.

Completion of the Certificate in Writing and Publishing highlights student skills more visibly than a list of courses on a transcript. This can be particularly helpful to students majoring in science, business or technical areas in which writing skills are extremely valuable but often underdeveloped.

Tracks Offered

Students pursuing the CWP achieve certification in one or more of the following tracks:

• The Professional Writing and Publishing Track is useful for business majors or students in technical or science fields who want to highlight their acquisition of writing skills. For students majoring in the humanities, it provides an opportunity to develop areas of writing and publishing competencies in the professional arena.

• The Creative Writing and Publishing Track is useful to students in all disciplines, as it encourages personal and professional development through creative writing and an understanding of the field of publishing.

• The Comprehensive Writing and Publishing Track is for students who want to gain a more general background in publishing, creative or professional writing and journalism.

Tracks can be designed to meet the professional needs and personal interests of the individual student. The Program Director will advise the student on track selection and appropriate courses; it is likely that the student's academic adviser may also provide insight. Each track requires the completion of a minimum of six courses (18 credits) chosen from the courses in the CWP program. All courses are three credits, except WRIT 400 Writing in Cyberspace (four credits).

Note: Many majors already require one or more of the CWP courses or list these courses as recommended electives.

For additional information, contact the Program Director Harriet Millan at millanhl@drexel.edu.

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Drexel University’s minor in Communication is open to all graduate students. Minoring in Communication allows you to establish a foundation in professional communication and further develop your professional skills. Enhance your major by adding this cross-cutting credential.

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Drexel University’s graduate minor in Communication, Culture and Media is a great choice for academically oriented students who wish to learn the basics of research and theory in communication and media studies, possibly to test the waters for further study, or to explore a personal fascination with mass media, mediated communication, cultural studies, social change and media. The CCM program also encourages interdisciplinary approaches to the study of communication and media through faculty strengths in anthropology, communication, linguistics and sociology.

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Drexel University’s graduate minor in Interdisciplinary Team-Oriented Creativity aims to train graduate students to be creative, innovative problem solvers through evidence-based pedagogies with demonstrated effectiveness in interdisciplinary team-based research. The heart of the graduate minor lies in two core courses and two electives, at least one of which must be outside a student's home department.

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Drexel University’s online Graduate Certificate in Public Relations (PR) focuses on the basic building blocks PR professionals need. Courses cover the foundations of public relations, PR writing, PR planning, and strategic social media communication. Whether you’re new to the public relations field, are trying to expand your knowledge of PR, or find yourself needing additional PR training in your current position, this certificate will help you build a strong public relations foundation.

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Drexel's post-baccalaureate certificate in Quantum Technology and Quantum Information is designed for working professionals and will provide skills in areas of quantum technologies that can be applied to real-world problems. Students in the program will obtain a fundamental understanding of the current implementation platforms, as well as the operation and use of existing quantum computing hardware. 

Students who successfully complete the certificate program in Quantum Technology and Quantum Information are able to apply in-depth knowledge and experience across this quickly emerging field and position themselves for advanced study. Students who wish to pursue a Master of Science in Physics and Master of Materials Science and Engineering may transfer up to 12 credits, if they meet predetermined grade requirements and any additional admission requirements.

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