Program Overview

Introduction to the BS in Educational Studies and Innovation

The online BS in Educational Studies and Innovation offered by Drexel University is a unique program that takes the education degree out of the classroom and into a larger world context. This degree focuses on applying theories of teaching and learning to careers in other fields, preparing students for roles in areas such as instructional design and education nonprofits. The program does not lead to teaching certification but instead equips students with pedagogy-based skills to support education-related initiatives.

What Can I Do with a BS in Educational Studies and Innovation?

Graduates of this program can pursue a wide array of career opportunities outside the classroom. The degree is designed for those who aren't seeking formal teacher certification but want to work in education-adjacent fields where a working knowledge of pedagogy and a strong education foundation can help them stand out. Potential career paths include education nonprofits, youth advocacy, instructional design, or training and development, among other areas. The program also prepares students for graduate study.

Bachelor's Degree in Educational Studies and Innovation Program Features

• Gain the skills and knowledge necessary to design, develop, and implement learning environments for a variety of settings.
• Customize your degree with several free electives in areas such as creativity and innovation, learning technologies, special education, or sport coaching leadership.
• Participate in three field experiences, in addition to your online courses, to better prepare you to analyze educational problems and provide viable solutions.
• Enjoy a flexible schedule that lets you learn when it's convenient for you.
• Learn from the same respected School of Education faculty who teach on campus.
• Transfer up to 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits) from any accredited institution of higher learning, as long as the grade is a C or better, and the transfer course meets program requirements.
• Drexel University is proud to be a partner of the PHMC Early Childhood Education Scholarship Programs.

Related Programs

• BS in Elementary Education
• MS in Education Improvement and Transformation

Curriculum

This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year, allowing students to take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits. Students can transfer up to 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits) from any accredited institution of higher learning, as long as the grade is a C or better. Most credits will fulfill liberal arts or general classes.

General Education/Content Requirements

Pedagogy: Educational Contexts

• EDEX 142: Special Education Foundations: Referral and Assessment | 3.0
• EDPO 312: Educational Policy, Law & Advocacy | 3.0
• EDUC 101: Foundations in Education I: A Historical and Philosophical Perspective | 3.0
• EDUC 106: First Year Seminar: A Case of Schools and Cities | 1.0
• EDUC 107: First Year Seminar: Exploring Pedagogies | 1.0
• EDUC 108: First Year Seminar: Designing Learning Spaces | 1.0
• EDUC 216: Diversity and Today's Teacher | 3.0
• EDUC 316: Teaching in Urban Contexts | 3.0
• EDUC 411: Family and Community Partnerships | 3.0

Pedagogy: Technology & Design

• EDLT 303: The Learning Sciences | 3.0
• EDLT 325: Design for Learning with Digital Media | 3.0
• EDLT 341: Foundations of Game-Based Learning | 3.0
• Select four courses from the following:
  • EDLT 238: New Media Literacies
  • EDLT 302: Learning Experience Design
  • EDLT 310: Making Culture: Designing/Maker-Centered Learning Environments
  • EDLT 326: Technology Applications for Learning
  • EDLT 343: Play and Learning in a Participatory Culture
  • EDLT 354: Learning In and Out of Schools

Pedagogy: Knowledge Construction

• EDEX 344: Inclusive Practices | 3.0
• EDEX 368 [WI]: Literacy and Content Skill Development PK-12 | 3.0
• EDUC 123: Adolescent Development | 3.0
• or EDUC 222: Development in Early Childhood Education
• or EHRD 460: Principles of Adult Learning
• EDUC 322: Evaluation of Instruction | 3.0
• EDUC 324: Current Research in Curriculum & Instruction | 3.0
• EDUC 326 [WI]: Language Arts Processes | 3.0

Free Electives

• 70.0 credits

Total Credits

• 180.0-190.0 credits

Admissions Criteria

• Transfer Students:
  • A minimum of 24 previous college semester credits (36 quarter credits) from a regionally accredited institution, with a grade of C or better in content courses, or a grade of B or better in core pedagogy.
  • College GPA of 2.5 or above.
• First-Year Students:
  • Between 0 – 23 previous college semester credits from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Must have earned a high school diploma or GED.
• Non-Matriculated Option:
  • Drexel University also offers a non-matriculated option, where you can take courses without being enrolled in a degree-granting program.

Required Documents

• A completed application.
• Transfer Students:
  • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended.
• First-Year Students:
  • Official high school transcripts.
  • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended.
  • Personal Essay.

Tuition

• The tuition rate for the academic year is $488 per credit, representing a 52% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1015 per credit.
• This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
• Special tuition rates are available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations.

Academic Calendar

• Academic Year | Term | Classes Begin | Classes End | Exams Begin | Exams End
• Fall 2025 | September 22, 2025 | December 6, 2025 | December 8, 2025 | December 13, 2025
• Winter 2026 | January 5, 2026 | March 14, 2026 | March 16, 2026 | March 21, 2026
• Spring 2026 | March 30, 2026 | June 6, 2026 | June 8, 2026 | June 13, 2026
• Summer 2026 | June 22, 2026 | August 29, 2026 | August 31, 2026 | September 5, 2026