University Corner: Drexel University
Interview with
Dr. Kenneth E. Hartman
Academic Director
Drexel eLearning
Q: What makes Drexel University Online unique?
A: Founded in 1891 by financier and philanthropist Anthony J. Drexel, the university has several distinctions, including the world’s first school of nursing, the nation’s largest private medical college, and one of the most successful co-op education programs [est. 1919]. Also known as Philadelphia’s technological university, Drexel was the first major university to require all students to have microcomputers [1983-84], having a fully wireless campus [2000], and a wireless web portal for students [2002].
Drexel Online programs follow the same, high academic standards [same admission criteria, curricula, faculty, accreditation and exams] as Drexel programs on campus, leading to the same, quality degrees. Upon completion of an online program, students receive a diploma from Drexel University, no different from an on-campus student; and are welcome to attend graduation!
Studying online at Drexel you earn your degree while you earn a living. You can attend full-time or part-time, 100 percent online, without any need to commute to campus. You can take as many courses as you want every term and complete courses at your own pace during each week. And, shorter than in most colleges, 10-week terms help you stay on track and complete your program.
Instructional materials come in text, graphics, audio and video formats, and are available online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You interact with your classmates and professors primarily via email, Web discussion boards and web chat tools. And you are never alone! Our highly committed faculty and staff engage students in frequent communication and provide academic counseling and technical support.
Tuition prices for some of our online programs are lower than the same programs taught on campus. In addition, there are no application fees or campus-related university fees.
You can also transfer credit from prior college studies and reduce your total tuition this way. As a military member, spouse, or immediate family, you will receive a 10 to 30 percent tuition reduction off the regular tuition rate.
You can transfer credits from prior education and complete your degree earlier. You may also be able to have credit recognized for work experience through CLEP exams.
Q: What are the benefits offered at Drexel University Online for military students?
A: Drexel Online’s benefits to the military student are numerous and include:
Earning a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or certificate is convenient for members of the U.S. armed forces and their families at Drexel University. Our online degree and certificate programs provide many benefits that cater to the lifestyle of those in the military:
Active Military Tuition Reduction: Drexel Online offers a 10 to 30 percent tuition reduction off the regular tuition rate for all active military, their spouses, and immediate family. Use “military” as the affiliation code on your application.
No Commuting: Courses are online and students login at their own convenience to listen to lectures and complete assignments.
Flexible Terms: Our flexible terms work well with your schedule—courses take place over short 10-week terms and most programs start four times a year making it easy to complete your degree in a short period of time.
Undergraduate Credit for Military Learning: Drexel awards undergraduate credits for military experience or classes that have been evaluated for college equivalency by the American Council on Education.
Student Services: A variety of student services are available online to assist with questions, coursework, and research including the university library and writing center.
Financial Aid: Drexel University Online welcomes adult students from the military who are making use of military aid or Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits to cover their education costs.
Drexel’s online programs are listed in the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support [DANTES] catalog, which enables students to receive tuition reimbursement support available under DANTES for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Army Reserves, Air Force Reserves and the Air National Guard.
Q: What online degree and certificate programs are offered by Drexel University Online for military students?
A: Drexel Online offers over 60 online bachelors, master’s and certificate programs in the following areas: nursing and health professions, education, communication, engineering, business, psychology, library and information science, clinical research, information systems, public health, toxicology and industrial hygiene.
Q: How many military members and their families attend Drexel University Online?
A: Over the past two years, over 150 military members and their families have attended Drexel University Online.
Q: What specific branches of the military do your students represent?
A: The military breakdown of our student body is as follows:
- U.S. Air Force- 26 percent
- U.S. Army- 42 percent
- U.S. Coast Guard- 4 percent
- U.S. Marine Corps- 4 percent
- U.S. Navy- 24 percent
Q: What is Drexel’s placement rate?
A: Our most recent statistics show 2,095 students received bachelor’s degrees. Of those who obtained full-time employment, 86 percent accepted a position related to their training at Drexel. Sixty-one percent of graduates plan to attend graduate or professional school within two years. ♦