Students at Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health become part of a close-knit and diverse community of Drexel Dragons. The student experience extends beyond classrooms and labs to include organizations, school-wide events, and many other ways to get involved.
"Dornsife fights for health as a human right while empowering and equipping students with the tools they need to do the same." - Laxmisupriya Avadhanula, MPH student
Our diverse student body comes from many parts of the United States and includes international students from all over the world.
Students bring their experiences, curiosity, ambition, and life stories to Dornsife where they can create a unique identity and grow as individuals.
Our school's Office of Education manages our student intranet—Dornsife DASH— to keep current students informed and engaged about events and opportunities around the school, Drexel's campus, and public health community.
Drexel’s hometown of Philadelphia offers many opportunities to put public health into practice. It is a walkable, bikeable, hikeable city full of unique neighborhoods and communities, history and culture, challenges and success stories.
Diversity at Dornsife
Why Study Public Health in Philadelphia?
What Is Student Life Like at Drexel Dornsife?
There are countless ways to customize your experience and form connections here, whether you're an on-campus or online student.
Our community is rich with public health student organizations, ongoing research opportunities, inclusion initiatives, group study halls, department lectures, journal clubs, and much more.
Connect with Current Students
Hear straight from the source: Dornsife Ambassadors are current students in our on-campus and online graduate programs who share their experiences with prospective students and volunteer at recruitment events throughout the year.
Read why our ambassadors made the decision to choose Dornsife. If you would like to chat candidly with a Dornsife Ambassador, please contact our admissions team at sphadmissions@drexel.edu.
The Drexel Dornsife Difference
Listen to some of our undergrad and grad students in their own words:
Student Organizations and Communities
Many students join one of our Drexel Dornsife organizations and gather for events, discussions of public health research and policy, and community service projects.
"My biggest advice is don’t be afraid to do new things... Take on leadership opportunities...pursue fellowship opportunities or become the president of a club. It will solidify the skills you have and help you grow as a person and professionally." - Tamika Rowe-Maloney, MPH ‘18
Across Drexel, there are many enriching opportunities outside of the classroom, including student organizations and inclusive communities.
Student Leadership Opportunities
Getting involved in a leadership opportunity can be a great way to get involved at Drexel Dornsife while developing skills and contributing to the field of public health.
Leadership at Drexel Dornsife isn't limited to formal roles. Opportunities to lead arise from participating in journal clubs, collaborating with peers on projects and events like the annual case competition, and taking the initiative to make a positive impact in any setting.
Drexel Dragons Give Back
Drexel University is a national civic engagement leader, with many opportunities to engage with campus-focused and Philly-focused centers like the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement and the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships and initiatives like Drexel Votes and the ExCITEe Center. Make sure to sign up for the Lindy Center newsletter!
Within the school, Drexel Dornsife's Office of Education often posts volunteer opportunities on Dornsife DASH.
Ceremonies for Students
Orientation and Pinning Ceremony
Students pose at a reception after last year's Pinning Ceremony.
Each September, Drexel University holds Welcome Week, an orientation for new students. This celebratory and informative event gives all new Drexel Dragons the opportunity to be together before diving into classes.
Welcome Week offers events and activities to choose from to help new students make their home here at Drexel. In order to assist students during this exciting time, the Office of Education at Dornsife School of Public Health holds an orientation and supports programs for all new and incoming students.
As a special welcome for new students at the Dornsife School of Public Health, the School holds a Pinning Ceremony, which is a longstanding Dornsife tradition and an opportunity for our new students to meet each other, our staff, and faculty. View the photo album from the September 2024 ceremony.
All incoming students will receive important information via their new Drexel email account regarding the orientation schedule, communication tools, financial aid and enrollment, academic affairs and support services, and campus life and housing. To receive notifications be sure to set up your Drexel student accounts and email.
Are you new to Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health? Start here, and please reach out to the Office of Education at Ask Dornsife if you have any questions. Our team is always happy to assist with your transition to our school and to Drexel University.
Commencement
New grads hug at 2023 commencement.
Each June, Drexel Dornsife proudly invites all community members to celebrate the achievements of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral graduates with a special annual ceremony.
Information regarding both the School and University ceremonies, steps towards commencement, RSVP and ticket information, regalia, and diplomas is posted annually on Drexel's commencement website. If you have questions, please contact the Commencement Hotline at 1.800.2DREXEL.
Our 2024 graduation was full of memorable moments. Look back at our commencement photo album and video.
Connect with us to learn more:
Visit Drexel Dornsife
Apply Now
Upcoming Events