Frequently Asked Questions

Incoming Student FAQ

• How can my advisor help me?

  Your advisor will help you as you make the transition from high school to college life through academic goal setting and planning, course selection, connecting you with support services, evaluating AP/transfer credits, and clarifying Drexel policies and procedures.

• What if I’m not sure which Engineering major to choose? Can I wait to declare it?

  If you are not sure about your major, it's totally fine! You have the first two terms to take classes, talk to your peers, advisors, mentors and professors to learn about your options. If you decide on one this summer, you can email the Undergraduate Admissions Office at enroll@drexel.edu and let them know what major you want. You can also come in and start without a major and declare one by the end of your second term. Since nearly all Engineering majors have the same courses fall and winter, it makes the switching easy. Engineering Technology has slightly different courses in the first two terms, but it’s still possible to switch.

• What’s the difference between the 4-year and 5-year program?

  The 4-year program requires only one Cooperative Learning Experience (or Co-op cycle) and the 5-year requires multiple Co-op cycles. The academic programs are identical.

• I’ve heard of the BS/MS program. Can I really get both degrees in five years?

  The BS/MS program is structured to allow high achieving students to complete both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degrees.

  To complete the program in 5 years, students must be enrolled in the 4-years, 1 co-op program.

  Students must officially apply and be accepted into the program after their second year at Drexel. If they are accepted, they will be able to complete 12 semester credits of graduate coursework while enrolled as an undergraduate to apply to their Master’s Degree. 

  Students who are interested in the BS/MS program should consult with Drexel Central to discuss program cost. 

• How do I change my major before I start at Drexel?

  If you’d like to change your Engineering major before you begin, you can send an email to the Undergraduate Admissions office (enroll@drexel.edu) and the Admissions Office will evaluate your application to see if you are eligible for the desired change to your academic record. You can also change your co-op program from the 4-year program to the 5-year program or the reverse by emailing enroll@drexel.edu.

• Will I get to make my own schedule?

  Your fall academic schedule will be made for you based on your placement test scores, AP scores, and transfer credits. You will be able to make your own class schedule for the winter term and beyond.

• I’ve taken AP classes, how might that affect my college schedule?

  Based on the AP exams that you’ve taken and the scores that you received, your results may directly affect your course schedule. Your advisor will create the schedule that best meets your academic needs.

• I was in a dual enrollment program or have taken college credits. Will those credits transfer to Drexel?

  Yes, if you earn a “C” or better in a college level course, including those from dual enrollment programs, your credits may be eligible to transfer into Drexel University. Please send your official transcripts to the College of Engineering Undergraduate Advising Center so we can evaluate them and let you know if you qualify for college credit.

• When can I declare a minor?

  Students are eligible to declare a minor once they have 30 earned credits here at Drexel.

• How many credits does the average Engineering freshman take each quarter?

  The average engineering student takes an 16-19 credits, or about seven classes per quarter during their first year. Please see the University Catalog for more detailed information.

• What’s the difference between a quarter and a semester?

  For the coming academic year, Drexel will operate on a quarter term system, which means students are in classes for 10 weeks at a time followed by a Final Exam week. Starting in the fall of 2027, Drexel will operate on a semester system. Each semester will be 14 weeks. 

• When can I start taking electives?

  You may have room in your schedule to take electives in the fall term if you’ve received AP or transfer credit for some of your core courses. However, it is not recommended that freshman take more than 4-6 classes in their first term while they are transitioning to college, so electives may have to wait. 

• Do you know anything about my roommate?

  Unfortunately, your academic advisor is not involved with the roommate process. The Housing Office will send you your roommate information as soon as it becomes available. For more information you can contact the Housing Office at housing@drexel.edu.

• Am I required to have a computer and, if so, what kind?

  Yes! Laptops are required so that you can use them in labs. PC's are preferred as some of the engineering software you will encounter will not run in macOS. Get detailed specifications for engineering students.

• Can I study abroad and still do co-ops?

  Drexel offers several study + co-op abroad options. Because of the academic calendar of these programs, it is often necessary for students to re-arrange their co-op and academic cycles in order to complete both aspects of the study + co-op. If you are interested in one of the study + co-op options, it is critical to meet with both a Study Abroad and Co-op Advisor during your freshman year.

• What can you tell me about Drexel's planned switch to semesters in Fall 2027?

  Your academic advisor will help you create an individual plan of study based on your major, coop program, and any of your other interests that will aid you in a timely graduation. It will be your responsibility to update your advisor if your plans change or if you deviate from the plan you discuss with them so they can provide you with the best advice to move forward. We recommend that you review the Provost Office website on Academic Transformation here for answers to other frequently asked questions, including academic calendars for the next few years: Drexel’s Transformation: What it Means for You.

• Have more questions?

  Please email your academic advisor who would be happy to answer any questions you may have!