iSchool (College of Information Science and Technology) Frequently Asked Questions

Are Drexel's iSchool (College of Information Science and Technology) programs accredited? 

Yes. Drexel is fully accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). Drexel University is also regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges & Secondary Schools (the same accreditation as Carnegie Mellon, Columbia, Cornell, New York University, Princeton, Yale and the University of Pennsylvania).

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Do you accept transfer credits into the graduate iSchool programs? 

Yes. Previously attended courses must meet the following guidelines to be eligible for transfer:

• Course completion date must not be more than 5 years ago.
• Grade must be "B" or better to be acceptable for transfer
• No more than 3 courses can be transferred in to a degree program
• Courses can only be transferred from an accredited graduate degree program.
• Credits, but not quality points, will transfer.

A 3 credit course taken at an institution following a semester schedule will be transferred in as a 3 credit course at Drexel University, regardless of the difference between the length of semesters or terms.

Generally, transfer courses will reduce the number of free electives needed in the program and therefore cannot be combined with credit for work experience.

To apply for credit transfer: 

Submit a course syllabus for each course with the approval form and official transcripts that indicate the course was passed with "B" or better to the iSchool, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, ATTN: Graduate Advisor

For more information regarding this policy and to access the appropriate form, please visit:
http://www.cis.drexel.edu/forms/Transfer_of_GraduateCredit.pdf 

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Do you award credit for work experience? 

Yes. Credit for work experience consists of the following guidelines:

• Credit for work experience is not granted to dual degree students, to students who have any outstanding incompletes, or to students who are on probation.
• Credits only apply to free electives courses.
• Credit will only be granted for relevant professional work experience.
• Work completed as a graduate assistant, during a graduate internship, or during undergraduate study is not applicable.
• Credit is not given for previous graduate degrees; however students may be eligible to transfer courses in to the degree program. See Approval of Transfer Credit form on the useful forms section of the iSchool webpage for more details.
• Credit will not be given for work experience accumulated throughout the degree program. It will only be considered for work experience received prior to starting the degree program.
• Students who are approved to receive credit for related professional work experience can not receive a tuition discount for joining a professional organization that will, in sum, discount their total tuition more than 20%.

For more information regarding this policy and to access the appropriate form, please visit:

http://www.ischool.drexel.edu/CS/GraduatePrograms/CWE 

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Is the GRE required for admission?  If so, what is the minimum score required? 

Yes, the GRE is required for all iSchool applicants (except those applying to the Advanced Certificate of Information Studies and Techology, and the Certificate in Healthcare Informatics); however, if your GPA is 3.2 or higher you may be permitted to waive the GRE. This decision is made by the Associate Dean of the College after reviewing the application.  As soon as the iSchool receives any transcript showing degree conferred (Bachelor's or above) then admissions will notify you if the GRE's are required, via a status email. The waiver is only final when given by the iSchool Admissions Board and is never automatic.  If the GRE is required, it will be the only standardized test considered (GMAT or LSAT cannot be used in place of GRE).

We don't have a minimum score since the GRE score is only one of several indicators of acceptance. The Admissions Review Committee looks at every application individually. However, we have found that scores at the 50th percentile or higher on the verbal, quantitative and analytic tests are generally associated with success in the program.

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If I do not fulfill all of the Admissions Criteria, do I still have a chance at being accepted? 

Yes, the only absolute requirement for application to our MS programs is that you have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. The 3.0 GPA for the last two years of your undergraduate study is a recommendation. We review each application on a case-by-case basis and take everything into consideration.

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How does someone with an International degree go about applying to the online graduate iSchool programs? 

In addition to the general admissions requirements, anyone who has been born outside of the United States is required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and have an official score report (indicating a minimum score of 600) sent directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS) to Drexel University before their file is evaluated.

TOEFL scores must be less than two years old to be considered. Information regarding the TOEFL can be obtained by contacting:

Educational Testing Service
Princeton, NJ 08541
609-921-9000, or 609-771-7100
http://www.toefl.org 

In addition, international students are required to list on their application all schools attended, including primary and secondary schools. Along with your application, you must enclose official transcripts (mark sheets and degree certificates) in your native language and in English from all colleges and graduate/ professional schools that you attended. Do not send transcripts from secondary schools. If your school issues only one transcript for life, you may send a notarized photocopy, bearing the seal on each page.

Applicants are responsible for contacting World Education Service for evaluation of transcripts:

World Education Service, Inc. (WES)
P.O. Box 745
Old Chelsea Station, New York, NY 10113-0745
212-966-6311
http://www.wes.org 

Applicants are responsible for supplying all necessary documentation.

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How long does it take to complete an iSchool online master's program? 

The time to complete each program varies from student to student. The length of the program depends on how many credits a student transfers into the program and also how many courses a student takes per quarter. Generally, students take 1-2 courses per quarter because of family and work commitments. Students may take as few or as many courses as they want per term, as long as the program is completed within 7 years.

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Can I take one or two classes from one of the iSchool curricula without being fully enrolled in the program? 

The iSchool (College of Information Science and Technology) does not allow students to take courses under the non-matriculated status (non-degree seeking).

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Are there any on-campus requirements for these programs? 

No, students are not required to travel to campus for the graduate iSchool programs.

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How many hours per week are generally spent on coursework for the online graduate iSchool programs? 

Based on student feedback, we have found that generally students spend about 9-12 hours per week on online coursework, readings, and exams.

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I want to be a school librarian. What program should I apply to? 

Drexel's MS in Library and Information Science is the most appropriate program. Specific requirements to become a school librarian differ from school to school. Some schools might require, in addition to your Master's degree, a teaching certificate. Keep in mind that this program does not offer a media specialist certification. Please contact the school where you plan to work and ask what credentials they require.

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Are there any available tuition discounts for employees or members of partnering corporations or associations? 

Yes. Drexel has a large network of partners all over the country who benefit from reduced tuition rates. To find out if your employer or association is one of Drexel's partners, please contact us toll-free at 877-215-0009 or via email at info@drexel.com.

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Do I need a certain level of computer skills to be successful in the program?

Please use the computer skills prerequisites evaluation to measure your technical proficiency for this program. There is no reply needed. It is for self evaluation purposes only.

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