Immersive Learning

Since 1919, Drexel University's signature cooperative education (co-op) program has prepared students for the evolving world or work. Drexel is ranked second in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for top co-op/internship programs.

Drexel is also a global leader in experiential education through its partnership with the World Association of Cooperative Education (WACE), sharing in the commitment to preparing new generations for a lifetime of professional success in today’s global and diverse workforce. Drexel continues to enhance the co-op program through experiential projects, modules, analysis of survey data, and by working closely with our partners in academia, industry, government, community, and globally to prepare our students to become purpose-driven professionals and agents for positive change.

Drexel's Steinbright Career Development Center provides lifelong career counseling and services to Drexel students and alumni. By embracing a well-rounded and student-centered approach, the Steinbright team provides students and alumni with a wealth of experience, knowledge, and guidance that enables them to work and learn alongside the leaders of today as they develop into the leaders of tomorrow.

Fast Facts (as of 2023-2024):

• 96% of undergraduate alumni are either working or enrolled in a graduate or professional program.
• 96% of undergraduate alumni are working full-time and note being satisfied or very satisfied with their position.
• Drexel has a database of 1,479 unique employers that hire Drexel students.
• The majority of undergraduate co-op experiences are full-time and paid, and those that are both carry a gross median six-month salary of over $21K.
• 48% of co-op participants working full-time had received a job offer from a former co-op employer.
• Drexel is ranked in the top 3% of U.S. Universities for lifetime earnings.

Drexel University offers a range of immersive learning experiences, from internships and co-op programs to interdisciplinary project-based courses and global field experiences. We emphasize hands-on learning, industry collaboration, and real-world application of knowledge, helping students develop the skills needed to succeed in today’s dynamic world. Examples include:

• Through Drexel Solutions Institute (DSI)'s partnership with Longwood Gardens, 13 students from Drexel’s graphic design, fashion design, product design, and design and merchandising majors were recruited to create holiday-inspired dresses out of botanicals. The DSI has also partnered with various academic units and strategic partners to conduct case studies around experiential and project-based courses, custom corporate and executive training, and interdisciplinary research-based solutions.
• The partnership between the Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship and The Baiada Institute of Entrepreneurship translates the Close School's ground-breaking curricula into disruptive ideas and breakout companies led by Drexel students from all academic disciplines. The Baiada Institute has helped more than 110 businesses launched by Drexel students and recent graduates get off the ground by providing guidance, mentorship, a dedicated space to collaborate and multiple competitions each year where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to investors. Further, Michael Baum BS '85 pledged to give Drexel and nine other universities $100,000 apiece annually to support student-led startups for the next five years.
• In 2023, Drexel launched the Innovation Fund, investing as much as $600,000 annually in up to four student and postgraduate startups as well as those that commercialize the results of scientific research at Drexel.
• Drexel has more than 100 global partnerships with universities on six continents, which has increased opportunities for faculty research and exchanges as well as student co-op and educational options abroad. Read about a new model for study abroad which takes global classrooms on the road.

Drexel is an urban university committed to experiential learning and to creating solutions to real-world problems in collaboration with strategic partners needed to solve those problems. Drexel's Campus Master Plan is designed to provide physical places that seamlessly integrate the university with the city and industries surrounding it. Simultaneously, the plan identifies a vibrant network of compelling places in the core campus for the Drexel community to exchange ideas and socialize outside of the formal structure of classrooms, laboratories and studios.

• Drexel's state-of-the-art Health Sciences Building (HSB) opened in 2022 and features the Center for Interprofessional Clinical Simulation and Practice (CICSP), an innovative, experiential learning setting that provides a reflective practice model of teaching and learning through immersive simulation. The comprehensive, hands-on learning model provides the optimal environment for students to develop foundational skills, learn from mistakes and become practice-ready clinicians and leaders in their fields.
• The Academic Resource Center (ARC) serves as an integrated hub of on-campus academic support services focusing on providing tutoring, academic coaching, workshops, specialized courses, and more in an inviting, vibrant and collaborative space.
• Drexel's Living Learning Communities (LLCs) provide dedicated space for student residents to organize their own social and academic activities, from informal gatherings to lecture series.
• Drexel’s newer buildings include the Constantine N. Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building (PISB) with North America’s largest living biowall; the Gerri C. LeBow Hall with innovative spaces for business education; and the URBN Center housing labs, studios and other facilities in media, arts and design fields.
• Drexel partners with private developers to provide unique opportunities for integration between Drexel's campus and industry in West Philadelphia. Drexel is also developing new green spaces and updating infrastructure. Learn more about current projects.

The Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) works to inspire and promote excellence in teaching throughout Drexel’s diverse learning environments. As a university that values and celebrates experiential learning, Drexel knows that intentionally linking real-life experiences with highly effective learning environments is the key to stewarding today’s students into tomorrow’s community leaders. By investing in the University’s cohort of educators, we can ensure that every single student receives the most valuable, rigorous, experiential, technology-infused education possible. Initiatives include:

• The TLC offers workshops, discussion series, and book groups on a variety of topics to support educators in providing a more immersive learning experience, such as infusing AI into classrooms and curricula, Community-Based and Engaged Learning (CB-EL), classroom to co-op/career models, global perspectives and classrooms, teaching the whole student, and more.
• The Climate Pedagogy Incubator is a faculty learning community designed to bring together colleagues from across disciplines to foster community, share resources, and brainstorm collaborations in the area of climate/environmental justice education.
• The Teaching Assistant (TA) Orientation and Mentorship Circle and non-credit Certificate in College Teaching provide graduate students with training to help them become more effective instructors in higher education and/or to prepare for careers outside academia that involve training or teaching.

In addition to its own performing arts scene, media arts and design, and creative arts therapies programs, Drexel is also home to several influential art collections and galleries that speak to a variety of interests and draw enthusiasts from around the globe. Since its founding as the Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry in 1891, Drexel has made its art and collections available to students and the general public through classes, campus galleries and exhibitions.

Further, Drexel's location in Philadelphia offers offers unlimited opportunities to explore the city's history, art, and culture.