Applying for a Second Bachelor's Degree Is Easy at Drexel

Okay, picture this: you're walking across the stage with your diploma in hand and you're ready to get started with a career in your field. You do some job searching, maybe even start a new job, and decide there's something completely different you're interested in. The problem is...you need a little more schooling to accomplish that. 

It's actually not really a problem at all! Drexel's got you covered. Students apply for a second bachelor's degree all the time, and at Drexel, your credits from your previous degree can count toward your second degree (as long as you attended a regionally accredited institution). This means you could get a second bachelor's degree in 2–3 years. If you're interested in our Accelerated Career Entry nursing program, you could be on your way in as little as 11 months. 

First thing you should do is think about your plans, what your first degree is in, and whether a second bachelor's is right for you. At Drexel, we have a team of people here to help you make these decisions. Not only do we have a great group of transfer counselors (if I do say so myself) we also have recruiters in each school or college to discuss if this is the right option for you. Maybe you're on the fence about getting another bachelor's degree or moving on toward a graduate program — between our undergraduate and graduate admissions folks, we are here to help you make the most informed decision on what will get you where you need to go!

Students apply for a second bachelor's degree all the time, and at Drexel, your credits from your previous degree can count toward your second degree (as long as you attended a regionally accredited institution).

So, you're ready to apply for a second bachelor's? Great! The next step in the process is to apply as a "Transfer" student using either the Common App or the Drexel application. I know it may sound strange to apply as a transfer, since you're not transferring schools, but think about it more like transferring those credits you've already achieved toward a new degree. Once you've filled out the application, you'll need to request that any and all former institutions send your official transcripts to be evaluated. There's also an essay component to the application. In the essay, we're really just looking for some additional information about you. Think of it as giving yourself a seat at the Admissions Committee table — share your interests in obtaining a second degree, why Drexel, why your major, etc. This is a great opportunity for you to share more about yourself than we can see on a transcript. Share what you're comfortable with, but also know the essay is a great opportunity to let us know if you've had some hiccups along the way that may be reflected on your transcript. 

While we typically offer merit scholarships and institutional aid, it is important to note that for students who already have a bachelor's degree, you will not be eligible for institutional aid. I recommend checking out the Drexel Central website for additional resources regarding funding and options.

The last step is waiting for your decision! Once we've reached a decision on your application, you'll be notified to check your application portal. Within two weeks of your admission, you'll receive a credit evaluation from your academic advisor, where you can learn about how long it'll take to finish your degree, taking into account the credits you've already earned. Your academic advisor will be able to answer questions about credit transfer, and co-op scheduling at this point as well. We hope to make this process as seamless as possible so you can be on your way to earning a second degree; however, if you have any questions at all, feel free to reach out to a member of the transfer team for assistance.