Your comprehensive guide to choosing career-focused programs at Drexel that lead to lucrative opportunities
Drexel University’s renowned cooperative education program and industry-focused curriculum have consistently produced graduates who secure high-paying positions across various sectors. With a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, Drexel stands out as a leader in career-oriented education. Let’s explore the top programs that offer exceptional career prospects and impressive starting salaries.
Key Career Statistics
Average Starting Salary
$76,500
Across all programs
Employment Rate
96%
Within 6 months of graduation
Fortune 500 Partners
200+
For co-op placements
Top Programs for Career Success
Computer Science
$85,000 – $120,000
Consistently ranked among the top programs, Drexel’s CS degree offers specializations in AI, cybersecurity, and software engineering. The program features cutting-edge research opportunities in quantum computing and machine learning.
Key Highlights:
- AI and Machine Learning Focus
- Cybersecurity Specialization
- Software Engineering Track
- Cloud Computing Emphasis
Engineering
$75,000 – $95,000
Chemical, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering programs with extensive industry partnerships. Features state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities.
Key Highlights:
- ABET Accredited
- Research Opportunities
- Industry Partnerships
- Advanced Facilities
Business Analytics
$70,000 – $90,000
LeBow College’s analytics program combines business acumen with data science expertise. Features real-world projects with industry partners.
Key Highlights:
- Bloomberg Terminal Access
- Data Science Integration
- Business Intelligence Focus
- Industry Certifications
Biomedical Engineering
$72,000 – $92,000
Innovative program with strong connections to Philadelphia’s healthcare sector. Features collaboration with medical device companies and research hospitals.
Key Highlights:
- Medical Device Innovation
- Clinical Partnerships
- Research Opportunities
- FDA Regulations Training
Co-op Experience Details
Program Structure
Year 1
Foundation Building
Core coursework and co-op preparation workshops
Year 2
First Co-op
6-month paid industry experience with partner companies
Year 3
Advanced Studies & Second Co-op
Specialized coursework and another 6-month industry placement
Year 4
Final Co-op & Graduation
Last co-op experience and capstone projects
Top Co-op Employers
- Google, Amazon, Microsoft
- Johnson & Johnson, Merck
- Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan
- Lockheed Martin, Boeing
Co-op Benefits
- Average earnings: $19,000 per experience
- Real-world project experience
- Professional network building
- Potential for full-time offers
Global Opportunities
International Programs
Europe
- ETH Zürich
- TU Munich
- Imperial College London
Research collaborations and exchange programs with top European institutions
Asia
- Tsinghua University
- NUS Singapore
- KAIST Korea
Technology and innovation focused partnerships in rapidly growing markets
Academic Excellence
Research Opportunities
- AI and Machine Learning Lab
- Biomedical Innovation Center
- Data Analytics Research Hub
Faculty Excellence
- Nobel Laureate Faculty Members
- Industry Veterans as Professors
- Award-Winning Research Teams
Student Success Stories
Sarah Chen
Computer Science ’23
“Through Drexel’s co-op program, I interned at Google and secured a full-time position before graduation. The practical experience was invaluable.”
Software Engineer
Starting Salary: $125,000
James Rodriguez
Mechanical Engineering ’22
“The hands-on engineering projects and industry connections at Drexel prepared me perfectly for my role at Tesla.”
Tesla
Senior Engineer
Starting Salary: $110,000
Emily Patel
Business Analytics ’23
“LeBow’s analytics program gave me the perfect blend of technical and business skills. Now I’m a Data Scientist at Amazon.”
Amazon
Data Scientist
Starting Salary: $115,000
Michael Chang
Biomedical Engineering ’22
“The connections I made through Drexel’s healthcare partnerships led directly to my current position at Johnson & Johnson.”
Johnson & Johnson
Research Engineer
Starting Salary: $95,000
Program Reviews & Rankings
Computer Science
4.8/5.0
Ranked #15 nationally for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning specialization. Notable for its innovative curriculum and strong industry connections.
Top 20 for AI Research
95% Employment Rate
Average Starting Salary: $95,000
Source: U.S. News & World Report
Engineering
4.7/5.0
Top 50 Engineering Schools in the United States, known for exceptional research opportunities and comprehensive practical training.
ABET Accredited Programs
$45M+ Research Funding
200+ Industry Partners
Source: Times Higher Education
Business Analytics
4.6/5.0
LeBow College of Business ranked among top 100 business schools globally. Recognized for innovative curriculum and strong industry connections.
Bloomberg Certification
Real-world Projects
FinTech Integration
Source: Financial Times
Biomedical Engineering
4.5/5.0
Recognized for innovation in medical device development and research. Strong partnerships with Philadelphia’s medical community.
FDA Compliance Training
Medical Device Patents
Hospital Partnerships
Source: Princeton Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Drexel’s co-op program unique?
Drexel’s co-op program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation, offering students paid work experience with over 1,700 partner organizations worldwide. Students typically complete 2-3 co-op cycles, each lasting 6 months, allowing them to explore different career paths and build an impressive resume before graduation. The program’s success is evident in its outcomes: 50% of students receive full-time job offers from their co-op employers.
Are scholarships available for these programs?
Yes, Drexel offers comprehensive financial support options. Merit-based scholarships range from $15,000 to $35,000 per year, with additional opportunities for co-op earnings averaging $19,000 per experience. Program-specific scholarships are also available, particularly for STEM fields. The average financial aid package, including scholarships, grants, and co-op earnings, covers approximately 75% of total education costs.
How does Drexel support career development?
The Steinbright Career Development Center provides comprehensive career services throughout your academic journey and beyond. Services include personalized career counseling, resume and interview preparation, networking events, and access to Drexel’s extensive alumni network of over 150,000 professionals. The center also maintains relationships with over 1,700 partner organizations for co-op placements and full-time employment opportunities.
What are the admission requirements for these programs?
Admission requirements vary by program but typically include strong academic performance (GPA 3.0+), competitive SAT/ACT scores, relevant coursework, and demonstrated interest in the field. For example, Computer Science looks for strong mathematics background, while Engineering programs value physics and chemistry preparation. Some programs may require portfolios, interviews, or specific subject SAT scores. Early application is recommended as programs can be highly competitive.
Can international students participate in the co-op program?
Yes, international students can fully participate in the co-op program. Drexel provides specialized support through the International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) office to help with work authorization and visa requirements. The university has extensive experience helping international students secure CPT/OPT authorizations and maintains partnerships with global companies that regularly hire international students.
What is the return on investment for these programs?
Drexel graduates consistently report strong ROI, with average starting salaries 15-20% above national averages in their respective fields. The combination of co-op earnings (averaging $57,000 over three experiences) and competitive starting salaries helps offset educational costs. Additionally, 96% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation, with many receiving multiple job offers before graduation.
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