Academics

"Institutions of learning must come under this rule: By their fruits ye shall know them. A practical education is that which gives the mind the most power and adaptability. The credentials that your young and hopeful alma mater will soon confer upon each of you can only give you an introduction to the world of letters and of actual life. They can serve you no further. In whatever of the varied vocations of life you may engage, as well as in general society, you must work out your own destiny."

- Drake Founder George Carpenter at Drake
  University's third commencement, 1884

Direct your destiny at Drake University.

Drake offers its students many of the benefits of large state universities with the intimacy and personalization of a private institution. Drake's size allows faculty and staff to foster close relationships with students that help meet educational, professional and personal goals.

• Students choose from more than 70 programs of study, design a personal academic plan, combine majors or create their own major.
• Drake's student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 offers a quality experience unmatched by large universities.
• Professors know students by name and become partners in their success, both in and out of the classroom.
  

Located in Des Moines, Iowa's capital city, the University is uniquely positioned to provide learning opportunities through partnerships with the city's bounty of businesses, schools, government and cultural activity.

In short, Drake helps you make your dreams come true.

Mission Statement

Drake's mission is to provide an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship. The Drake experience is distinguished by collaborative learning among students, faculty, and staff and by the integration of the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation.

Quality and Value

Drake is ranked among the top universities for:

• Educational quality (consistently named at the top by U.S. News and World Report)
• Student achievement in and out of the classroom (National Study on Student Engagement)
• Value for your dollar (Barron’s 300 Best Buys in College Education and Peterson’s Guide to Competitive Colleges)

Drake University Accreditations

Drake University has been on the approved list of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since that association was established in 1913.  Since reorganization of the Association in 2000, Drake University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.  Drake was granted continuing accreditation in 2008. Full report of the Higher Learning Commission Comprehensive Evaluation Visit Phone: (312) 263-0456 http://www.ncahlc.org/

In addition to University accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, the following Colleges, Schools, and departments have been accredited by the agencies designated: College of Business and Public Administration: The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Teacher Education and Educational Leadership programs are accredited by the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. Law School: Accredited by the Council of American Bar Association’s Section of Legal Education and Admission to the Bar and a charter member of the Association of American Law Schools. College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences: Accredited by The Accreditation Council on Pharmacy Education. School of Journalism and Mass Communication: Accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. Department of Art and Design is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. Department of Chemistry is accredited by The American Chemical Society. Department of Music is accredited by The National Association of Schools of Music.