Academic Programs
DePaul is one university comprised of 10 colleges and schools, containing over 200 undergraduate programs. These programs consistently boast national awards and rankings, which is probably why DePaul was recently named one of the top 25 Most Innovative Schools by US News and World Report.
Beyond the rankings are faculty who integrate real-world experience both inside and outside the classroom with a genuine desire to teach and challenge students. Look into our academic distinctions and you’ll find opportunities for students to intern with some of the most influential companies in the country, get practical experience in their field of interest through course work, with pre-professional and pre-health advising for those looking ahead to graduate programs and careers.
Our academic programs prepare students to be world ready, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Learn more about our academics.
Willy’s Story
Bachelor’s Degree Majors: Spanish & International Studies | Minor: International Politics
Masters Program: International Studies
When I first came to DePaul, I had very low expectations for myself. My only goal was to get my degree within four years, despite not knowing what I wanted to study. Even though I knew I was smart, I had struggled to find motivation all throughout high school. My parents had jokingly nicknamed me “70% Willy” because they said I never gave more than 70% effort to anything I did in school (which, looking back, I agree with).
I quickly learned that I couldn’t do that at DePaul, and more importantly, I didn’t want to anymore. I was constantly forced to apply what I learned in the classroom to the real world. Whether it was attending Spanish film festivals, visiting solar energy plants and national physics laboratories, analyzing a local social movement, or attending an invite-only lecture held by the former Deputy Secretary of State, my professors consistently pushed me to think outside of the classroom.
While I came to DePaul undecided and uninterested, I found the motivation and ambition that I had always lacked. After consulting my advisor, I applied to study abroad in Madrid, Spain, something that never even crossed my mind in high school. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. I came back not only with a greater mastery of the Spanish language, but an intense interest in Spanish history.
Luckily for me, DePaul offers a 5-year bachelor’s/master’s program in International Studies, so I’ve been able to start my master’s as an undergraduate student (and save a ton of money in the process).
When I applied to DePaul, my goal was to finish my bachelor’s in four years. Now I’m on track to have a master’s in International Studies, a Bachelor’s in Spanish, and a minor in International Politics within five years, and I feel grateful for all of the amazing opportunities, programs, and professors that I’ve encountered at DePaul. As I’m beginning to look at careers, I feel more prepared, qualified, and confident than I thought possible. I’m ready to go out into the world thanks to DePaul.