Today, more and more people are pursuing their Online Bachelor Degree in Education. This article is a review on the Online Bachelor of Science (Education) Degree at Drexel University.

About Drexel University

Drexel University was founded in 1891. It was founded by Philadelphia financier and philanthropist Anthony J. Drexel to provide educational opportunities for women and men of all backgrounds. Drexel achieved its university status in 1970. On July 2002, Drexel was united with MCP Hahnmann University to form the Drexel University College of Medicine. The School of Law was formed in the fall of 2006.

Accreditation and Rankings of Drexel University

Drexel University was ranked among the “Best National Universities – Top Schools” by US News & World Report. Drexel University and University of Pennsylvania are the only Philadelphia colleges in this category. Business Week ranked Drexel University’s undergraduate business program among the top 30 private institutions in US in 2007.

Drexel University was also frequently ranked the top 25 schools in the US for technology use by The Princeton Review. However, not all its rankings are positive. Among some negative rankings about Drexel University include “Campus is Tiny, Unsightly, or Both”, “Professors Make Themselves Scarce”, “Long Lines and Red Tape”, “Least Happy Students” and “Professors Get Low Marks.”

Drexel University is the third largest private engineering college in US. Drexel University also participates in the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU)’s University and College Accountability Network (U-CAN).

One feature of the Drexel University’s education is its career-oriented education approach. Drexel University’s co-operative education program is one of the oldest, largest and most successful in the US, with over 1,500 corporate and government institutions that offer students with practical experience as an integral part of their college studies.

More than 90% of Drexel University’s faculty staff have PhDs, and they are widely honored for teaching and research excellence.

Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges & Secondary Schools, which is the highest accreditation authority for colleges in Delaware, the district of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico and other locations.

Drexel University’s programs are also accredited by their respective top professional bodies such as AACSB for its business programs, ALA for Information Science program and NLNAC for its Nursing programs.

About Drexel University Online

Drexel University Online is Drexel University’s online education subsidiary. It offers online bachelor degree and certificate programs for working adults. Drexel University Online Degree Programs has been offering online bachelor degrees and certificate programs since 1996 and is a member o the Sloan Consortium (Sloan-C).

Accreditations & Rankings of Drexel University Online

Drexel University Online was ranked by US News & World Report among the “Best Online Graduate Programs” in the fields of Business Administration, Engineering and Library Science. Drexel University Online was the winner of USLA 21st Century Distance Learning Award.

The Drexel University Online’s School of Education was approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and is ranked among “America’s Best Graduate Schools” by US News & World Report.

Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University

The Online Bachelor of Science in Education program at Drexel University’s School of Education is a part-time program for students with previous college experience to complete their degree on part-time basis.

The Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University will prepare students to advance in the following fields:

• K-6 elementary teacher certification

• Advanced educational studies

• Human resources development

• Corporate training

• Higher education

There are two options available for the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University – the certification option or the non-certification option.

Students who opted for the certification option are given the certification to teach in Elementary Education (K-6) upon completion of the program. Teacher certification requires students to complete 12 weeks of full-day student teaching and an additional 150 hours of in-school pre-student teaching activities embedded in pedagogy courses throughout the program.

Students may also opt for the non-certification option if they plan to pursue the careers in education in the human resource development, corporate training, higher education or related fields. Students who opted for the non-certification option can skip the student teaching placement. Alternate pedagogy courses will be substituted for student teaching.

Duration of the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University

The duration to complete the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University is 2.5 years. Students that are admitted in the spring or summer terms will take other degree requirements in the spring and/or summer terms and then join a cohort group the following fall to begin their Education course sequence.

Curriculum of the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University

The program is a cohort-based program, which means that you will move through the courses with the same group of students who start the program with you. The followings details the required Education courses for each term and the recommended sequence of content/elective courses.

Educational Courses

The followings are the Educational courses for the Online Bachelor of Sciences in Education:

Term 1

Introductory Pedagogy Seminar

Foundation in Education Language

Arts Procses

Introductory Pedagogy Seminar

Computer Applications in Teaching

Learning Disabilities

Term 3

Introductory Pedagogy Seminar

Integrative Instruction Diversity and Today’s Teacher

Term 4

Seminar Multi-media in Instructional Design

Diagnostic Teaching: Using Literacy as a Frame for Diagnostic Teaching

Professional Studies in Instruction [pre-student teaching]

Term 6

Seminar: Reflection on Pre-student Teaching

Mathematics: Methods and Content Science Teaching Methods

Seminar

Evaluation of Instruction

Current Research in Curriculum and Instruction

Term 9

Student Teaching

Term 10

Seminar

In addition to the Educational Courses, students are also required to take Content/Elective courses. The followings are the Content/Elective courses for the Online Bachelor of Science in Education:

Mathematics

Mathematical Analysis I

Mathematical Analysis II

Mathematical Analysis II

Science

Survey of the Universe or Astronomy

Environment Science and Society I

Nutrition Course

General Biology I

General Biology II

General Chemistry I

General Chemistry II

General Physics I

General Physics II

Social Sciences

Economics

General Psychology I

Sociology of Education

Educational Psychology

Humanities

Principles of Communication

Expository Writing and Reading

Persuasive Writing and Reading

Analytical Writing and Reading

US History

History of Science

Electives

Art History

One Upper Level English Elective

Introduction to Information Technology

Introduction to Music

Students must also pass three writing-intensive courses, including two in Education course. The third may be from any discipline.

The followings are detail description of all the courses listed above.

ARTH 101 - History of Art I:

Ancient to Medieval This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University traces the rise of Western civilization from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, through Greek and Roman culture to the late Middle Ages, with an emphasis on the evolution of style and symbolism in art.

EDUC 112 - Integrative Instruction: World Geography

Through the study of geography, this course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education encourages students to find a meaningful framework for understanding the system of human culture as it exists over the surface of Earth. Explores the use of technology in education.

EDUC 114 - Science Teaching Methods

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University bridges theory and practice, providing hands-on experience in the application of constuctivist learing theory to designing and delivering effective classroom experiences in the area of science.

EDUC 216 - Diversity and Today's Teacher

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University explores major issues related to the increasing diversity of students in elementary and secondary classrooms in the United States. The multifaceted challenges of teaching heterogeneous student populations.

EDUC 218 - Math: Methods & Content (Elementary)

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University emphasizes diagnostic instruction in mathematics by allowing students to complete problems that their students will be expected to work, noting the error and correction process, as well as gaining an awareness of student difficulties in mathematics.

EDUC 301 - Introduction to Personalized Systems of Instruction

The student should be coaching or tutoring while taking this course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University. Covers the theory and practice of the Personalized System of Instruction and the Heuristic Diagnostic Learning approach. Includes emphasis on empowering students in teaching and learning by studying coaching strategies, instructional strategies, learning styles, student-coach interactions, current research, and applying PSI. Requires three hours per week of service comprised of one-to-one academic coaching. Students keep a weekly log of their coaching activities and a reflective journal about the academic coaching experience.

EDUC 310 - Computer Applications In Teaching

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University studies the unique characteristics of the microcomputer as an instructional tool in elementary and secondary school instruction. Provides students with an understanding of the instructional versatility and limitations of microcomputing through hands-on experience with applications in their subject-matter fields. Addresses issues concerning techniques for integrating computing into instruction.

EDUC 320 - Professional Studies in Instruction

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University offers field placement with practitioners in classroom environments appropriate to the student's certification area to provide instruction and experience in methodology, classroom management, and discipline, and the opportunity to apply results of current research on effective teaching. Addresses issues including the application to classroom instruction of developmental and learning theories, developmental reading and reading in the content areas, student motivation, the interrelationships among diverse populations within the school setting, and identification of instructional resources. This is a writing intensive course.

EDUC 322 - Evaluation of Instruction

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University permits students to acquire competence in new evaluation techniques, including portfolios, journals, performance assessments, individual and collaborative projects, and presentations. Covers qualitative and quantitative assessment used in measuring student achievement. Teaches techniques for grading and reporting pupils' classroom performance in cognitive, affective, and (where appropriate) motor tasks. The course is directed toward instruction in elementary and high school settings.

EDUC 323 - Diagnostic Teaching: Using Literacy as a Frame for Diagnostic Teaching

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University requires students to integrate and apply theories of learning, curriculum, and pedagogy to instruction and heuristic diagnostic teaching. Focuses on the individual learner. Covers processes involved in learning mathematics and science in particular, and studies their applications in relation to individual differences among learners. Emphasizes developing strategies that prevent learning problems. This is a writing intensive course.

EDUC 324 - Current Research in Curriculum and Instruction

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University examines the theories and assumptions underlying various approaches to instruction for elementary and high school teaching. Included are areas such as a) knowledge acquisition and critical reasoning in mathematics and science, b) teaching general and specific skills as related to content material, c) study skills and abilities to learn, and d) the roles of memory and meta-cognition in learning. Explores these processes of human cognition and learning with particular attention to how conditions that foster them might be built into materials, pedagogy, and learning environments.

EDUC 325 - Multi-Media in Instructional Design

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University imparts skills in selecting, using, and evaluating a range of instructional media, including interactive multimedia formats, in relation to educational goals and learner characteristics. Emphasizes presentation skills when using a variety of media to deliver instruction. Students design and write a software prototype as a group design project.

EDUC 326 - Language Arts Processes

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University studies the nature of language, including phonetic, semantic, and syntactic aspects of language development, and theories of language development. Applies contemporary research to processes and problems in teaching oral and written communication. Assumes that listening, speaking, writing, and reading in the content area are integrated processes and should be taught as such. This is a writing intensive course.

EDUC 327 - Learning Disabilities

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University will address issues such as definition of learning disability, various types of learning disabilities and the general approaches to the assessment and treatment of learning disabilities.

EDUC 410 - Student Teaching A 12-week field experience that approximates full time classroom teaching and related activities; This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University is designed to allow the candidate to demonstrate competencies necessary for certification.

EDUC 475 - Special Studies Teacher Education

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University covers various topics of particular interest to teacher education students.

HIST 201 - U.S. History to 1815

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University examines the political, economic, and social forces that shaped America in the era of its founding.

HIST 202 - U.S. History, 1815 - 1900

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University examines the emergence of modern America to the close of the Spanish-American War.

HIST 203 - U.S. History since 1900

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University examines America as economic giant, world political power, and scene of social change.

HIST 280 - History of Science

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University covers the development of the scientific ideas of Newton, with emphasis on the nature of science and scientific method. Provides an opportunity for students to pursue their own interests.

ENGL 101 - Expository Writing and Reading

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University develops students' abilities to read and write expository academic discourse. Teaches students how to read with understanding; how to access print and technological sources; how to research, plan, draft, revise, and edit academic essays and reports. Requires students to write expository essay and to keep a journal to express their responses to material read and study in the course.

ENGL 102 - Persuasive Writing and Reading

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University develops students' abilities to read and write persuasive academic discourse. Teaches students to think and read critically, to evaluate and use print and technological sources effectively, and to present a written argument effectively. Requires students to write persuasive essays and research papers and to keep a journal to express their responses to material read and studied in the course.

ENGL 103 - Analytical Writing and Reading

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University develops students' skills in critical and analytical reading and writing through a study of literature. Teaches students techniques to help them understand and appreciate literature. Requires students to read, analyze, and write essays and research papers about selected works of poetry, drama, and fiction and to keep a journal to express their responses to the literature studied.

NFS 101 - Introduction Nutrition & Food

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University provides basic understanding of required nutrients and how they are used in the body. Students complete a computerized nutrient analysis and apply the science of nutrition and food to food choices to improve their personal health.

NFS 216 - Nutrition and the Schoolchild

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University is designed for future elementary school teachers to increase their knowledge of childhood nutrition as it relates to health promotion, health maintenance, and the prevention and treatment of nutritionally relevant health abnormalities in elementary school students. The scientific basis of nutrition and principles of education are emphasized.

ECON 201 - Economics I Business and design arts students

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University examines allocation of resources within an economy. Major topics include interaction of supply and demand in markets, consumer choice, cost structure of firms, and profit maximization for competitive firms as well as firms with market power.

INFO 101 - Introduction to Information Technology

A survey course in information systems and issues associated with their use. Provides a broad-based introduction to computer hardware, software, telecommunications and information.

MATH 181 - Mathematical Analysis I

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University covers set theory, coordinate systems and graphs, functions, linear programming (geometric approach), matrices and linear systems, and linear programming (algebraic approach). Required for architecture, business administration, and construction management students. Non-credit for engineering and science students.

MATH 182 - Mathematical Analysis II

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University covers counting techniques, probability, statistics, and probability applications. Non-credit for engineering and science students.

MATH 183 - Mathematical Analysis III

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University covers limits, rates of change, derivatives, applications of differentiation, exponential and logarithmic functions, integrals, techniques of integration, applications of integration. Non-credit for engineering and science students.

MUSC 130 - Introduction to Music

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University provides an introduction to music in the European classical tradition, including elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, structure, history, and principal composers. Emphasizes listening with understanding.

PSY 101 - General Psychology I

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University reviews the fundamental principles, concepts, and methods of psychology, with emphasis on the concepts of motivation, learning, and perception, and their psychological foundations.

PSY 320 - Educational Psychology

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University covers role and relevance of psychology in the teacher-learner relationship, with independent application of research techniques in an individual field study. This is a writing intensive course.

PHYS 131 - Survey of the Universe

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University provides an overview of modern astronomy, including the scientific method; telescopes; stars and star clusters; stellar evolution; galaxies and the large-scale structure of the universe; and the Big Bang. May also include periodic visits to the university observatory. This is a writing intensive course.

PHYS 181 - Astronomy

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University provides an overview of modern astronomy, including the scientific method; telescopes; stars and star clusters; stellar evolution; galaxies and the large-scale structure of the universe; and the Big Bang. May also include periodic visits to the university observatory.

BIO 161 - General Biology I

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University covers structure and function of the cell and the organ-system plan of organization of the human body.

BIO 162 - General Biology II

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University covers the mechanics of heredity, including growth, differentiation, and development.

ENVR 260 - Environment Science and Society I

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University is a multidisciplinary introduction to the range of disciplines that make up the environmental sciences. The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of basic physical, ecological and social sciences that focus on the study of the natural environment and its interaction with human society.

COM 111 - Principles of Communication

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University explores the importance of communication in organizational settings. Includes assessment of appropriate modes of communication, including written, spoken, and electronic.

SOC 335 - Sociology of Education

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University provides a general introduction to the sociology of education through the study of social, political, and cultural forces operating on public education in the United States and Britain. Examines theories, methods, and case studies to explore issues of identity formation, inequality, and class reproduction in an attempt to understand the role of schooling in contemporary life.

CHEM 161 - General Chemistry I

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University covers atomic structure, stoichiometry, gases, valence theory, and thermochemistry.

CHEM 162 - General Chemistry II

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University covers solutions, colligative properties, chemical equilibrium, and electrochemistry. Introduces organic chemistry.

PHYS 182 - Applied Physics I

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University covers vectors; statics, kinematics, and classical dynamics, including Newton's laws, torque, projectile motion, and circular motion; work; power and energy; impulse and momentum; and rotation, in a non-calculus-based course.

PHYS 183 - Applied Physics II

This course from the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University covers fluids; elasticity; vibration, including simple harmonic motion; sound waves and acoustics; thermodynamics of temperature; heat; thermal-expansion; phase change; and heat transfer, in a non-calculus-based course.

Admission Criteria for Online Bachelor of Science Degree in Education at Drexel University

Students should have a minimum of 24 credits with a grade of C or better. College GPA of 2.5 or above, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 must be achieved by end of the program for a teaching certification.

International students applying for the Online Bachelor of Science in Education at Drexel University requires TOEFL examination. However, this is exempted for students whose native language is English.