How You Learn
LESS SITTING IN CLASS
From the lab bench and the arboretum to classrooms abroad and communities down the road, learning at Drew is action-oriented and experiential.
No teaching assistants
Full-time faculty at Drew not only teach undergraduates, but mentor, debate, advise, collaborate and even sometimes—if you’re lucky—buy them coffee.
Small class sizes
Just 2 percent of our courses have 50 or more students, while 72 percent have fewer than 20. That averages out to 17. Cozy.
Supportively rigorous
Our job isn’t to tell you everything you need to know, but to give you the foundation and the tools to find the answers yourself. That’s full-impact learning.
Heady conversations
practical applications
I was interested in placental stem cells as a treatment for brain disease. Even though Dr. Knowles wasn’t my professor, he was so supportive that I asked if I could join his Alzheimer’s research.
Laura Frese, double major, biology and computer science
Because of Laura’s interest, we now have four students working on stem cells for the first time.
Roger Knowles, professor of biology
“Your professors will know your name, your dog’s name,
your birthday and what you did last weekend.”
“Woof”
Dog
We don’t want students to master the course material, we want them to become the person or professional that uses it. It’s about becoming a scientist or musician, not just checking off curricular boxes.
Jonathan Levin, Dean
make your brain hurt
You’re smart. We know that. But we also know that for you, being smart is not enough. You’re curious, restless and hungry for a challenge. That’s why we provide exceptional students with two rigorous yet rewarding scholarship programs and opportunities for specialized honors once you’re here.
Baldwin Honors
Drew recognizes promising scholars and leaders with an invitation to the Baldwin Honors program, which includes a substantial four-year scholarship, opportunities for independent study and research, and access to master classes and VIP receptions.
Civic Scholars
Written in stone high on Drew’s gothic gateway are the words, “Freely Ye Have Received, Freely Give.” Drew’s Civic Scholars program rewards applicants showing extraordinary commitment to the community with a $20,000, four-year scholarship and inclusion in special seminars and community-based classes.
Specialized Honors
If receiving a diploma with the words “graduated with honors” on it sounds sweet, then keep your GPA high and you’ll receive an invitation your junior year to write and present a senior thesis. Do that well, and this distinction is yours.
your homework could
change
the world
It’s not enough to sit in a classroom and just read about the world. To truly understand it, we need to be a part of it. Our community-based learning classes let you apply your knowledge in partnership with local organizations, serving the needs of the community. Here, the outcome of a class isn’t simply measured in letter grades, but through meaningful change.
makeanimpact
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On the great outdoors
Brianne Flynn’s hours of GIS mapping and number-crunching are helping a local preserve protect its environment.
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At an immigration center
Gustavo Gonzalez helps day laborers improve their English and boost their employment chances.
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On public health
Zoe Crum’s GIS mapping project helps a Newark, N.J., neighborhood avoid a toxic waste nightmare.
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On stage
Drew theatre arts students and Newark, N.J., teens share the stage, teaching each other in the process.
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At the United Nations
Nicole Kuruszko pursues a passion for social justice and human rights as an intern in Manhattan.
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In a Cameroon village
Drew students provide a community with microfinance grants after weeks of on-site interviews and needs assessment.