The Westphal College of Media Arts & Design offers an Undeclared Design & Media option that allows incoming high school students to explore the wide range of our academic programs. Our Undeclared Design & Media program is designed as a point-of-entry for prospective students who know they want to study creative disciplines at Westphal, but are not sure which of our 17 undergraduate programs is right for them. These options give students the ability to enroll in their freshman year at Westphal and take courses that will help them discover their major without losing valuable time and tuition. 

Undeclared students will meet with their academic advisor to discuss their major choice during the fall term and subsequent terms as needed. As part of the plan of study, they’ll be enrolled in a custom-designed course that requires them to sit in on classes in our various majors. These classes are required for our majors, or serve as an introduction to them. As an Undeclared student, you'll also be able choose electives that fall under either the design or media categories. These electives will give you the chance to experience classes in specific programs that might interest you. Major placement is subject to meeting the program's requirements and space availability in the program. 

Program Policies and Procedures

• The College Recruitment Office will review applications for the option. Admissions requirements will be average Westphal requirements (GPA- 3.0 /SAT- 1100).
• Undeclared Students will be enrolled in a special three-term UNIV101 section. Here they will received extensive career counseling/assement provided by the Career Development Center. They will receive comprehensive orientation to their academic options at Drexel from College academic advisors and program directors.
• Students must meet Westphal academic standards (minimum college GPA 2.8) and follow procedures for change-of-major students when electing to transfer into a major. Change-of-major procedures will require an interview with the respective program director and a portfolio review for majors that require one. This must occur by the end of the freshman year.
• All change-of-major decisions will be made by the program directors.
• Students will meet with an academic advisor at the end of the winter term to discuss possible majors they are considering. Students will then meet with the program directors of the majors they are considering.
• Students will submit a 1st and 2nd choice major no later than middle of the spring term of their freshman year.
• Students who decide on a major before spring term can enter their new major during their freshman year, if there is space in the major.
• It is anticipated most students will complete their degrees in four years. Some students electing Fashion Design could take five years to complete their degrees.
• Music Industry and Architecture 2+4 are unavailable to students in this option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)