Academics
Walk across the Drew campus and catch snippets of conversation: the chiral centers of an amino acid, the brush strokes of Van Gogh, the challenge to eradicate global hunger. What you hear are Drew minds at work.
In the best liberal arts tradition, Drew fosters an academic community where learning is embedded in the rhythms of life. The heart of a Drew education is the free exchange of ideas that comes from close mentoring relationships with faculty and deep intellectual engagement with peers. So take risks, indulge creativity, be insatiably curious—a Drew education is an academic adventure.
With 50 areas of study and three pre-professional programs, Drew’s rich and varied liberal arts curriculum encourages exploration and invites students to take learning out of the classroom. And the curriculum at Drew is carefully constructed to shape certain competencies—in writing, quantitative reasoning, information literacy and foreign language—essential for success in the contemporary world.
Areas of Study
- American Studies
Lessons about America’s unique literature, history, politics, arts, sociology and economics can be found in Drew’s American studies curriculum. With courses from several varied departments, this interdisciplinary minor enhances students’ perspectives on the American experience. Learning about the distinct attributes of American culture provides the foundation for a well-rounded course of study. The flexibility of the curriculum and wealth of courses to choose from allow students to concentrate on their individual interests. Drew’s Washington, D.C., Semester is a perfect opportunity for students of American studies to learn from real-world experiences in the nation’s capital.
- Anthropology
Drew’s anthropology program encompasses classroom dialogues, archaeological excavations, travel to foreign countries and lessons about the origins of commonly used words and phrases. Students are encouraged to pursue research opportunities such as the Drew Summer Science Institute (DSSI), which teams them with a member of the faculty to work on a project of current relevance or historical significance. The anthropology department at Drew offers a full range of courses in all four of the discipline’s subfields: archaeology, cultural anthropology, biological anthropology and linguistics. Students frequently take advantage of the university library’s extensive collection of related materials, and have access to the artifacts in Faulkner House's small museum room.
- Archaeology
The archaeology minor at Drew is all about peeling away layers of time and earth to discover civilizations of yore. Archaeologists excavate with the hope of explaining the development of our modern society. By discovering undocumented aspects of culture and technologies, they can give the world a better understanding of what surrounds us today. Drew's archaeology minor has very broad appeal for students. For those interested in the natural sciences, this field helps to achieve a strong command of the scientific method. The cultural understandings of students who are interested in the arts, social sciences and humanities can also be enhanced through the study of archaeology. Faculty members who teach in the program strongly encourage their students to attend field schools during the summer months. Through Drew, students can opt to attend a summer program in Ecuador which provides hands-on experience, which prepares them for career paths related to archaeology.
- Art
Drew’s art department is in the new Dorothy Young Center for the Arts. The Art Wing has first rate studios for painting, drawing, sculpture, design, ceramics, printmaking and photography. Selected senior art majors are given their own work space in the senior studios to create works for the Senior Thesis exhibition. All art majors participate in the Semester on Contemporary Art during their junior or senior year. This entails making two trips per week to New York City and spending another afternoon in a seminar. The trips involve studio visits with significant artists, viewing art in galleries and museum exhibitions and discussions with artists, critics, gallery owners and museum curators. Drew art majors can also have their own curatorial experience through the arts administration minor or as seniors curating shows for the Student Gallery. In addition the Korn Gallery mounts six exhibitions annually—four of professional artists and two of student work. Selected students work with the gallery coordinator in mounting these shows and staging receptions.
- Art History
Students who major in art history benefit from Drew’s close proximity to the galleries and museums of New York City. The Semester on Contemporary Art brings classroom lessons to life through weekly trips to the five boroughs. In the city, students view and discuss prominent works, and meet with major artists in their studios. Additional hands-on learning opportunities can be found through internships at local places of artistic importance. Many intern at the Museum of Modern Art, Whitney, Guggenheim, Drawing Center, New Museum, Montclair Museum and a number of galleries in the area.
- Arts Administration and Museology
Arts, anthropological, historical organizations and museums of all kinds require cadres of talented and dedicated individuals to carry out their cultural missions. This minor provides a focused foundation for those who would like to consider careers in museum galleries, performing arts and anthropological, historical or other nonprofit cultural organizations. Because the New York metropolitan area provides access to many of the major cultural institutions in the country, students are encouraged to take advantage of off-campus internships in the appropriate field. Students interested in art, art history, theatre, music, anthropology, history, Pan-African studies, Holocaust studies as well as other cultural arenas might consider this a beneficial minor.
- Asian Studies
Regional and global perspectives can be found in lessons about the Far East’s cultural diversity. Drew’s interdisciplinary Asian studies minor fosters the development of these perspectives through course work in several different departments. To satisfy the curriculum, students may take courses in Chinese language, literature, anthropology, art, history, political science and religion. Since the Asian studies curriculum focuses heavily on the exploration of the region, students can apply approved study-abroad programs towards the completion of the minor. The university regularly offers Drew International Seminars that take students to China for 23 days of field study.
- Behavioral Science
Combining anthropology, psychology and sociology, Drew’s behavioral science program provides clear understandings of the social and cultural aspects of human functioning. Hands-on experience in the social sciences can be found through internships, which are an obligatory part of the major’s curriculum. In past years, students have been able to get competitive positions in the public and private sectors. The course work and experiential components of the behavioral science program prepare students for many different graduate programs and career paths after college. Majors have been hired to work in the fields of education, school psychology, social work, speech pathology, law, management, human relations and many others.
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
With a curriculum that provides inclusive training in biology and chemistry, Drew’s biochemistry major is the natural choice for students with interests in both fields. To demonstrate how different sciences can interact and complement each other, the program places an emphasis on collaboration between the college’s biology and chemistry departments. Students often take laboratory courses that focus on long-term, inquiry-based projects. In fact, they are encouraged to pursue their own scientific curiosities as their knowledge becomes more advanced. For students who prefer guided scientific exploration, opportunities to do research with faculty members are abundant. Some recent projects have included research on the molecular and chemical basis of cancer and cancer therapeutics, Alzheimer’s disease and antibiotic development. Students wishing to enter medical or research professions are well prepared for their graduate studies and employment endeavors because of the broad scientific insights provided by the program.
- Biological Anthropology
Biological anthropology studies humans as the products of biology, culture, environment and organism (developmental history). It takes a comparative and evolutionary approach to understanding humans and their closest primate relatives. It deals with important questions about human existence: Where did we come from? How did we get here? What is our relationship to the rest of nature? These and other concerns of the discipline go to the very core of what it means to be human and inform such debates as the biological validity of race or to what extent humans are innately violent. This interdisciplinary major combines course work in anthropology, biology and chemistry in an attempt to deepen students' understanding of human biology and behavior, of what it means to be human. We teach and engage in field and laboratory research in primate and human behavioral ecology, osteology, paleontology, evolutionary genetics, infectious disease and other areas designed to prepare students for graduate study or employment in biological and forensic anthropology as well as in human biology, primatology, human genetics and the health professions.
- Biology
Exciting and relevant research experiences, classroom dialogues and field trips are all central components of the biology experience at Drew. The goal of the department’s faculty is to help students understand broad concepts within the discipline and apply them to hands-on laboratory experiments. To maximize the autonomy of students, the biology department allows them to choose from several available study concentrations which include ecology and behavior, molecular and cellular biology, systems biology and pre-health professions. Research opportunities through the Drew Summer Science Institute (DSSI) and the Research Institute for Scientists Emeriti (RISE) are strongly encouraged. DSSI encompasses scientific exploration under the close tutelage of a faculty member, while RISE allows students to do lab work with former industrial scientists. Many of Drew’s biology alumni/ae have been successful in competitive graduate programs, such as Harvard University’s Program in Biology and Biomedical Science and Vanderbilt University’s Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in the Biological Sciences. Those who have entered the workforce after completing their studies at Drew have joined such entities as Merck & Company and the Alzheimer’s Research Center at Harvard/Massachusetts General.
- Business Studies
Drew believes the next generation of business leaders needs more than a basic business education. In our new business studies major, you’ll go beyond the balance sheet to consider the history of work, the business of sustainability and the economic theory that underpins it all. You’ll also go beyond the classroom, taking advantage of Drew’s location 30 miles from the financial capital of the world to study on Wall Street or intern at a major corporation. And, like all Drew students, you’ll benefit from the excellent teaching and mentoring that are the hallmarks of a Drew education.
Think beyond the bottom line. Think business at Drew.
- Business, Society and Culture
The interdisciplinary study of business organization, corporate culture and market systems can be found within the curriculum of the business, society and culture minor. The program, which focuses on business from diverse perspectives, integrates courses from the departments of economics, sociology, history, ethics and computer science. Students can concentrate on topics of interest to them by choosing between the communication, culture, commerce and ideology track, and the business, society and polity track. The former focuses on commercial communications and cultural representations of business, while the latter teaches students about how businesses operate within the boundaries set by liberal democracies. The culmination of the business, society and culture program—a capstone course—features prominent guest lecturers and field trips.
- Chemistry
The chemistry curriculum offers six study options, two of which are certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Students may choose to complete the basic major’s requirements or concentrate on traditional chemistry (ACS certified), chemistry/biochemistry (ACS certified), chemistry education or chemical engineering. The available co-op employment program incorporates two summers and one semester of full-time work in a position related to chemistry. The breadth of experiences offered by the department prepares students for graduate work and employment in the field. Employers of our recent graduates include Sanofi Aventis and the Schering-Plough Research Institute. Chemistry alumni have also continued their studies at the University of Rochester Medical Center and in the Ph.D. program in analytical chemistry at the University of North Carolina.
- Chinese Studies
By focusing on culture and history, the Chinese department underscores important aspects of China’s language and society. Field trips and films are used to supplement classroom lectures and enhance the breadth of students' perspectives. Studies within this discipline provide significant advantages in the world of commerce and business in light of China’s rapidly growing economy. Students add experiential elements to their courses of study through programs abroad. Several month-long Drew International Seminars (DIS) in China have allowed students to develop their language skills and apply their knowledge.
- Classics
The classics program at Drew engages students in an interdisciplinary study of the ancient world. Classical art, religion, philosophy, language, law and science have all contributed to the foundation of modern day society, and the study of such topics can enhance students’ appreciation for the beginnings of our civilization. Within the department, two courses of study exist. The classics program has a traditional, language-based curriculum, while the classical studies program encompasses a cultural assessment of antiquity. In the past, faculty members from the department have given students experiential opportunities by leading month-long Drew International Seminars to Greece.
- Comparative Literature
Drew’s comparative literature minor allows students to use their analytical and foreign language skills when juxtaposing prominent texts. Learning about literary production within the context of each time period’s defining events is a central component of the program. So that students can learn to identify similarities and differences between works, the curriculum encompasses the examination of at least two different literary traditions, one of which may be English. Drew’s semester in London, which includes the study of British literature, represents an excellent opportunity for students to satisfy the requirements of the minor while engaging in experiential learning. The comparative literature program’s capstone, an independent study, allows students to work closely with faculty members from the English and foreign language departments on a project related to their interests.
- Computer Science
At Drew, studying the mathematical elements of quantity, space, structure and change is done through logical reasoning and abstraction. In addition to gaining in-depth knowledge about math itself, students also can choose to study one of its most prevalent applications—computer science. Learning about algorithms, computation and programming prepares students for exciting graduate studies and careers in this constantly expanding field. As the country’s first liberal arts institution to provide laptop computers for all students, Drew’s commitment to technology has contributed to the high quality of the computer science program. Within the department, students can choose to major or minor in mathematics or computer science. A joint major also is available for students wishing to explore topics in both subjects.
- Dance
- Dual-Degree in Engineering and Applied Science
The college maintains cooperative arrangements with Columbia University and Stevens Institute of Technology for students interested in an engineering or technology degree. Under these programs, a student spends three years at Drew and two years at the other school in a dual-degree program.
Upon successful completion of the dual program, the student receives a B.A. degree from Drew and a B.S. or B.Eng. degree in one of the engineering sciences or applied sciences and technologies at Columbia University or Washington University, or a degree in chemical engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology. Highly qualified students may earn a master's degree in engineering or technology; such a program, however, requires more than five years of study. Students in this program complete at least 96 credits at Drew, including general education requirements and the requirements for a major. The student, with consent of the major department, may complete some major requirements at the cooperating institution.
- Dual-Degree in Medicine
A formal articulation agreement between the College of Liberal Arts of Drew University and the New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey makes it possible for prospective first-year students to apply directly to a special, seven-year dual-degree program in medicine. Students are admitted simultaneously to both Drew and New Jersey Medical School. They then spend three years of study at Drew and four years at NJMS, completing both the B.A. and M.D. degrees in seven years.
- Economics
Lessons and dialogues about the production, consumption and distribution of goods and services are major parts of the study of economics at Drew. The department’s faculty members are committed to illuminating the connection between economics and history, politics, society and the environment. Seminars are offered so that students can learn from each other and become comfortable expressing their knowledge in academic settings. Drew’s Wall Street Semester, which allows students to experience the world of economics first-hand, encompasses spending two days a week in New York City’s Financial District for lectures, discussions and hands-on experience. The economics faculty has maximized the autonomy of their students by allowing them to focus on one of the following concentrations: general economics, international economies, economic and public policy, and business, finance and money.
- English
In Drew’s English program you will be immersed in the vitality of human language and explore the range of possibilities for literary expression across time. You'll watch how literary artists awaken feeling and transform culture. You'll gain expertise in facing unfamiliar texts and broaden the kinds of questions that you will be able to ask about literature. You'll emerge from the major knowing many authors and books that others don't know, and you will have the chance to look at writers' drafts and meet living writers who come to campus. The Drew English program also allows students to chart their own paths. You can combine creative writing and the study of literature; follow the development of a genre (such as the novel, poetry or drama); study a period in depth (whether that's medieval or 20th century); focus on race and ethnicity or gender studies and literature; focus on literature in English from the Caribbean or India; combine theatre, visual arts, philosophy, or religious studies and literature. The Drew London Semester is wildly popular (prominent members of London’s literary scene are often guest speakers in the program’s courses). The number of required courses for the major is kept at a minimum so that students can explore other subjects such as Russian literature in translation, philosophy, theatre, art history, music, anthropology and other fields that enrich your knowledge of literature. Graduates from the program are currently working as spokespersons for nonprofit organizations, editors, high school and college teachers, information and technology experts, college administrators, ministers, lawyers and journalists.
- Environmental Studies & Sustainability
The interconnected fields of environmental studies and environmental sustainability address some of the most important issues of our time, including loss of biodiversity, resource depletion, climate change and growing shortage of fresh water in many parts of the world. The Environmental Studies and Sustainability (ESS) major at Drew University is designed to educate students on all aspects of these any many other issues. Further, it focuses on how society can live sustainably with the natural environment, using it without abusing it. Thus, the ESS major is based both on scientific understanding of the natural environment and coursework focused on human and societal impacts on nature. The major has three options – environmental science, environmental sustainability and society and a general option – that will allow students to tailor the major to their specific interests and career goals. All students will take courses in several disciplines – including natural and social sciences and humanities. Research and experiential work are also part of the major. Majors will take courses in environmental science, ecology, geographic information systems, social sciences (e.g., environmental economics or cultural ecology) and humanities (e.g., environmental ethics and history). Electives also include courses such as primatology, environmental justice and economics of global warming and peak oil. Students will be encouraged to put their knowledge to use either in Drew’s on-going campus sustainability activities on with any of several local environmental or community groups.
- European Studies
The interdisciplinary study of modern Europe includes course work in the humanities, social sciences and arts. In addition to the European studies minor's focus on the continent as a whole, the curriculum includes material on the identities of individual countries. Study-abroad programs that add experience to knowledge are strongly supported by the minor’s faculty members. Drew’s London Semester gives students the chance to experience the politics, arts and literatures associated with the United Kingdom. For those who wish to observe and examine the development of the European community, Drew’s European Semester brings students to Brussels, Belgium, to study the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The Drew International Seminar program, which consists of month-long excursions abroad, frequently includes European destinations.
- French
Drew’s French department offers more than just a language curriculum. Courses on the cultures of France, francophone Africa and the Caribbean are also taught by the department’s faculty members. Students of French practice their language skills in many ways. Reading well-known pieces of French literature in the original language brings different time periods and cultural climates to life. Drew International Seminars (DIS) to French-speaking regions are regularly offered. Trips in the recent past include France (Paris and Toulouse), Martinique and Tunisia. Students are also encouraged to apply for approved study-abroad semesters in regions related to French. Drew’s Office of International and Off-Campus Programs is here to help students find opportunities that suit their unique talents and desires.
- German
The German program has a distinctive, well-articulated range of courses in which students engage in the culture and language of the German-speaking countries through texts, films and computer resources. Undergraduates majoring in many fields find it important to study German; tutorials linked to courses in other departments help students prepare to use the language in their future careers. Opportunities for study in a German-speaking country are readily available through summer, one-semester, full academic year or Drew International Seminar programs. Students can also choose to attend one of the high-quality stateside German immersion programs. Co-curricular activities include hosting speakers and performers on campus, and field trips to the Metropolitan Opera or the Neue Galerie. Drew’s active German Club organizes on-campus socials and trips to New York, and Delta Phi Alpha, the National German Honor Society, has a festive annual induction. German majors have frequently been the recipients of Delta Phi Alpha, German Heritage Council and Fulbright awards as well as significant graduate fellowships.
- History
Drew’s history curriculum gives students insights into the problems facing societies today through the study of yesterday. The department’s faculty members allow majors and minors to focus their studies on a region of personal interest; historical explorations of America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia are all offered. Additionally, students can concentrate on African-American and women’s history. Small seminar courses that foster dialogues are the preferred format of many professors. Drew’s European Semester gives undergraduates an excellent opportunity to add an experiential element to their study of history.
- Holocaust Studies
The holocaust, which refers to the calculated attempt to eradicate the world’s Jewish population, is widely viewed as one of history’s most extreme manifestations of evil. Drew’s holocaust studies minor focuses on the activities of the Nazis between 1933 and 1945. As this example of genocide has come to represent the need for humans to be socially responsible, aware and accepting, the program has broad appeal for students of all backgrounds. Through learning about the teachings and discourse of scholars, psychologists, artists, theologians, historians, educators and political and social scientists, students can approach questions about the holocaust with knowledge of diverse perspectives. Courses encompassed by the program are drawn from the departments of history, Jewish studies, English, philosophy, political science, psychology and German. To ensure coverage of historically significant facets of the holocaust, all involved cohorts are studied.
- Humanities
The humanities courses offer the opportunity to roam historically and to explore across fields and cultures with issues relevant to the present. The core of the program is a set of Western comparative humanities courses taught by a team of faculty from among the anthropology, art, classics, history, literature, music and religion departments. Each course is taught by two professors who put their fields together on a thematic basis. Representing the college’s commitment to interdisciplinarity, the humanities program serves to increase historical consciousness, aesthetic and intellectual activity.
- Italian
The Italian faculty at Drew is committed to providing a rich and stimulating curriculum through the latest pedagogical and multimedia tools. Our courses (language, literature, culture and cinema) are taught entirely in Italian. Our minor provides opportunities for students to acquire both proficiency in the Italian language, and a good knowledge and appreciation of Italy’s rich cultural tradition. We also offer courses in English on Italian culture and on the representations of the holocaust in literature and film. We strive to create a cultural and global awareness to make students appreciate the language and the culture of another country in order to strengthen the intrinsic value of an undergraduate liberal arts education. Thanks to the vicinity to New York City, students have the possibility to participate in community events (conferences, films, music and exhibitions) related to Italy, and our very active Italian club organizes field trips, film screenings and lecturers with international guests. The weekly Italian table provides another opportunity for students to practice their language skills outside the class. Finally, students who want a full immersion in the language and culture of Italy can participate in our summer program in Venice or apply for a study-abroad semester in Italy through the Office of International and Off-Campus Programs.
- Jewish Studies
This interdisciplinary minor provides insights into the religion, history, literature, languages, civilizations and contributions of the world’s relatively small Jewish population. Through their studies, students become knowledgeable about the traditions and rituals associated with the faith. Course work in religion, history, English, psychology and modern Hebrew may be completed to satisfy the requirements of the minor. Hillel, Drew’s Jewish student organization, runs programs throughout the academic year that supplement classroom lessons.
- Latin American Studies
Drew’s Latin American studies minor blends courses from the departments of history, humanities, anthropology, political science and Spanish, allowing undergraduates to experience different aspects of Latin American culture. Students with advanced topical knowledge are encouraged to take on independent studies for longer projects. Drew’s Latin American studies professors strongly recommend studying abroad; students have traveled to Latin American countries through the Drew International Seminar program and by applying for approved opportunities through the Office of International and Off-Campus Programs.
- Linguistic Studies
The minor in linguistic studies at Drew, which shares characteristics with the departments of anthropology and English, allows students to learn about human language through a scientific framework. Courses on language acquisition, phonology, morphology and syntax are all included in the program’s interdisciplinary offerings. This course of study gives students profound understandings of the origins, evolutions and intricacies of modern-day language. Learning about the etymology of commonly used words and phrases cements students’ ability to communicate articulately. Those with strong interests in linguistics can, with the assistance and approval of the dean of the college, design a major that draws relevant courses from different academic departments and includes independent study credits.
- Mathematics
At Drew, studying the mathematical elements of quantity, space, structure and change is done through logical reasoning and abstraction. In addition to gaining in-depth knowledge about math itself, students also can choose to study one of its most prevalent applications—computer science. Learning about algorithms, computation and programming prepares students for exciting graduate studies and careers in this constantly expanding field. As the country’s first liberal arts institution to provide laptop computers for all students, Drew’s commitment to technology has contributed to the high quality of the computer science program. Within the department, students can choose to major or minor in mathematics or computer science. A joint major also is available for students wishing to explore topics in both subjects.
- Middle East Studies
Drew’s Middle East studies minor focuses on the tapestry of cultures, religions and lifestyles that exist in this region of the world. This interdisciplinary study allows students to explore the Middle East’s history, politics, languages, literature, economics, religions and cultures. Trips to this region historically have been offered by the Drew International Seminar program, which most recently brought students to Egypt, Israel and Yemen.
- Music
The study of music at Drew is an outlet for inventiveness that allows students to express their ideas and emotions. The department’s curriculum incorporates lessons in music history, theory/composition and performance practices, which thoroughly prepare undergraduates for success in their musical endeavors. Inside the classroom, students get to take advantage of Drew’s state-of-the-art concert hall. Outside of the classroom, Drew offers music students many opportunities to practice their craft; participating in the University Chorale, the University Chamber Orchestra, the University Wind Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Flute Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, chamber ensembles and the Madrigal Singers are great ways for majors and minors to enhance their musical abilities.
- Neurosciences
The interdisciplinary neurosciences major gives students an inclusive understanding of biology, psychology and chemistry, and provides a solid foundation for advanced studies. The different perspectives provided by these three subjects help students comprehend the known intricacies of the brain. The functions of genes and molecules, and how neurons connect with each other in the brain are lessons covered through course work in biology. The psychology curriculum has students examine the data and theory of learning, memory, sensation, perception, language, motivation, reasoning and creativity. Seminars on Alzheimer’s disease and pharmacology are regularly offered by the neurosciences faculty, in addition to routinely sponsored seminars on neurological diseases. Technological advantages of the program’s facilities include well-appointed laboratories and equipment capable of imaging live neurons with fluorescent microscopy, measuring brain chemicals in animals and examining changes in brain morphology due to drug exposure.
- Pan-African Studies
Drew’s Pan-African studies minor offers a comparative examination of the cultures that exist on the African continent. Drawing from the humanities, social sciences, behavioral sciences and fine arts, this program gives students a comprehensive view of the experiences of African people and those of African decent. The study of the history, politics and socioeconomic structures associated with this region of the world are major components of the curriculum. Since culture transcends time and location, the interactions of individuals of African decent with Europeans, Asians and Native Americans also are analyzed. Students of Pan-African studies frequently take advantage of study-abroad opportunities that bring them to regions related to their topical interests. Historically, Drew International Seminars in Ghana and Eritrea have been offered, and the university has plans to continue sponsoring experiential programs in Africa.
- Philosophy
At Drew, philosophy is focused on more than asking questions about the nature of reality. Through the study of great philosophers and concepts, students can seek to find their own answers and apply them to their lives. In recognition of the discipline’s subjective nature, the faculty encourage students to follow their own paths of rationality while adhering to philosophy’s basic principles. A framework for more advanced studies is provided by the analysis of the concepts of ethics and logic, and students are encouraged to explore other areas of academia so that they may apply their reasoning skills to the questions posed by other subjects.
- Physics
The physics curriculum at Drew lays the groundwork for strong understandings of astronomy, engineering and other sciences. To support independent study, Drew has two experimental labs that are used for NSF grant-funded research in atomic physics and optics/photonics. Students can apply to conduct research with faculty members in the Drew Summer Science Institute (DSSI). The Research Institute for Scientists Emeriti (RISE) allows students to work with retired members of scientific industries to gain practical insights into their studies. For their astronomical enrichment, the campus offers students a 16-inch research-grade telescope with a CCD camera to bring them closer to the stars than they have ever been before. After graduation, most physics majors pursue careers within the field. However, others have continued on to become successful practitioners of civil and aeronautical engineering, law and medicine. Our chapter of the Society of Physics Students promotes social and academic exchanges that enhance the undergraduate experience.
- Political Science
Drew’s political science department offers courses in four divisions—comparative politics, political theory, American politics and international relations. This framework allows students to focus on the area that is of the greatest interest. Drew’s study-abroad and off-campus programs give undergraduates opportunities to travel to Washington, D.C., for a first-hand look at the U.S. government in action, London to study the British Parliamentary system, and Brussels to learn more about the establishment of the European community. The Semester on the United Nations incorporates weekly trips to New York City to hear from prominent guest lecturers. In addition to the experiential element provided by off-campus programs, academic internships are great opportunities for hands-on learning; students are encouraged to intern with government institutions and agencies, legal entities, interest groups and non-governmental organizations. Within Drew’s extracurricular clubs and organizations, political science is strongly represented by the Pre-Law and Political Science Societies, the College Democrats and the College Republicans.
- Pre-Business
A broad-based liberal arts education cultivates a student's ability to ask the right questions, to conduct research, to think analytically and creatively and to communicate effectively. These skills prepare the students to advance successfully in whatever profession(s) they choose, and they are critical to successful careers in business.
A Drew education has other distinctive components that give the college's graduates an edge in preparing for business careers. For example, the increasingly necessary aspects of competing successfully in a global economy are dealt with through the use of technology as a learning and research tool and through multicultural studies.
- Pre-Law
Drew has a strong liberal arts tradition that enables a student to pursue an academic program in preparation for admission to and success in law school but does not offer an "official" pre-law major. At Drew, pre-law is a goal, not a major, and pre-law students enjoy great flexibility in both academic and career options while preparing for law school.
- Pre-Medicine
Pre-medical study is popular at Drew, where “pre-med” is not a major but a goal. Students interested in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry and related careers can choose any major in the college. Each student receives exceptional, individualized support and guidance with medical school preparation and applications from faculty members of the Health Professions Committee. An outstanding mentorship program is offered by Drew and nearby Morristown Memorial Hospital. Cutting-edge research experiences in the biomedical sciences are available for all interested students, working with science professors and eminent retired scientists in residence at Drew through the RISE program. Nearly all Drew University students with sufficiently strong grades and MCAT scores have been accepted into medical school.
- Psychology
With emphases on experiential learning, mentoring, independent study and the use of technology, the psychology curriculum provides many opportunities for students to become academically well-rounded. Establishing a familiarity with major topical concepts, developing the ability to apply basic research methods and learning how to communicate effectively are all goals of the department. Students are encouraged to participate in independent or directed research through Drew’s Child Development Lab, Cognition Lab, Social Psychology Lab and Biological Psychology Lab. Internships that offer hands-on learning experiences are strongly encouraged and can be found through the university’s academic internship office.
- Public Health
- Religious Studies
Drew’s religious studies curriculum—which combines history, sociology, philosophy, textual criticism, ethics, psychology and anthropology—encompasses the secular study of the world’s faith traditions. Scholarly discussions and debates are significant parts of the academic experience of majoring or minoring in this discipline. The diversified and well-rounded course offerings of the department are split into four categories: religious traditions of the world; sacred texts, interpretation and modern textual studies; philosophy, theology and ethics; and history, society and religion. To engage in a comparative study, students must focus comprehensively on two religious traditions of their choosing.
- Russian
Drew's minor in Russian includes comprehensive classroom studies and a range of field opportunities. According to a recent U.S. government report, Russian skills are in high demand, as there is a lack of proficient individuals to fill important posts in the Departments of Defense and State. In the past, Drew students have traveled to the Zimmerli and Princeton museums for special exhibits of Russian art, gone to Russian restaurants to sample authentic cuisine, seen Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin and listened to lectures touching on issues of historical and contemporary importance. During the annual High School Olympiada of Russian, which is held at Drew, they get to sharpen their language skills by judging contest participants.
- Sociology
Sociology’s vast presence allows students to apply classroom lessons to their daily lives. At Drew, the discipline’s academic study is focused on individuality and the formation of groups. These concepts are examined within the framework of social rules and processes. Students can address their individual curiosities through the wide range of concentrations offered by the department’s courses. These concentrations include crime, inequality, health care, politics, marriage and family, and race and ethnicity. Undergraduate sociologists are known to have great fun conducting field research by bending social norms. Also, field trips to museums, historical sites and local regions of sociological importance are not an uncommon part of the curriculum. Drew’s Sociology Club represents the discipline in the university’s extracurricular community. The students who sit on the organization’s board run programs that help their peers to recognize sociological concepts in their daily routines.
- Spanish
Since Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, the faculty members who teach in the department at Drew are here to provide students with skills that will help them communicate in many different settings. The major and minor are both open to students with varying levels of proficiency, and they provide the opportunity to take language courses that focus on speaking, writing and reading skills. For those who are more interested in learning about Spanish culture, the department offers courses in film, gender, history, identity and politics. Since study-abroad opportunities are a vital part of a well-rounded Spanish education, the university sends students in Drew International Seminars to Spain and South America. These month-long trips allow students to experience authentic Spanish cultures and hone their language skills. The La Casa theme house, Ariel student organization and our chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Honor Society in Spanish, are components of Drew’s extracurricular activities community that give students of Spanish plenty of opportunities to interact, become friends and learn from each other.
- Teacher Certification
Through a special arrangement with the neighboring College of St. Elizabeth, students may earn teacher certification in the following areas: elementary education, early childhood education, special education, secondary education and nongraded (K-12). Courses of study in art, the sciences, social studies, English, foreign languages, mathematics and music are offered.
- Theatre Arts
Students in the Drew theatre arts program acquire a sophisticated understanding of the discipline through the study of history, theory, literature and practice. Drew University Dramatic Society (DUDS) productions, which are usually directed, produced, stage managed and acted by students, are staged throughout the course of the academic year, allowing students to gain valuable experience. The program takes full advantage of its location in Drew’s new Dorothy Young Center for the Arts, which includes a state-of-the-art black-box theatre and directing lab. Theatre arts students are encouraged to use the available spaces to discover their strengths and perfect their craft.
- Western Heritage
The study of classical antiquity through Drew’s minor in Western heritage encompasses a historical analysis of Western development before the Renaissance. By examining the contributions of ancient Greeks and Romans, and the history, thought and literature associated with the Renaissance, students gain insight into the evolution of modern societies. To provide exposure to a diverse set of perspectives, this interdisciplinary program draws courses from the departments of classics, humanities, philosophy, art history, English, religion, German, music, theatre arts and Spanish. To add an experiential component to their studies, Drew students with interests related to Western heritage have traveled to Greece through the Drew International Seminar program.
- Women's Studies
Women's studies is an interdisciplinary program that examines the diversity of women's experiences as they are informed by gender, class, race/ethnicity, sexuality, age, ability, social location and cultural and national identity. The program is shaped by the theoretical and methodological insights of feminist thought and gender scholarship in many fields. The program curriculum explores women's involvement in and contributions to such areas as history, society, art, science, culture and politics. The program offers a major and a minor.
- Writing
Stimulating courses including nonfiction writing workshops, a journalism workshop, playwriting, poetry and fiction are all parts of Drew’s writing minor. The breadth of the program’s offerings ensures that students become well-rounded and are prepared to write in the professional world. In addition to regular course work, students are encouraged to take on longer projects in the form of independent studies. Historically, students have learned about writing-oriented professions through internships. In the past, students have interned in the following fields: TV news, print news, literary agencies, publishing companies, public relations firms, art auction houses, nonprofit agencies and corporations.
Spotlight on environmental studies and sustainability
Green is not just one of Drew's school colors, its our mindset. And it shows in everything we do--from our new Environmental Studies and Sustainability major to our eco-friendly approach to managing our campus, and beyond.
Spotlight on the sciences
Live like a scientist—conducting research, collaborating with colleagues and presenting your findings at a scientific session—without leaving campus.
Spotlight on the arts
What's your passion? Music, Theatre, or Studio Art? There’s a place for you in Drew’s Dorothy Young Center for the Arts.
Spotlight on english
In Drew’s English program you will be immersed in the vitality of human language and explore the range of possibilities for literary expression across time.
Spotlight on political science
The study of Political Science at Drew University engages students in the study of how people govern themselves -- from the smallest communities to the international system.
- Prospective Students
Colin Kanach
Major | Neuroscience
"Unlike large schools, where you might only know people in your classes, at Drew you pretty much get to know the entire campus—from the first-year students through the seniors, from the staff through the faculty—all by name. And professors treat students as peers deserving of the utmost respect."