The CDU Advantage is Charles R. Drew University’s unique curriculum based on five specific pillars: research, social justice, international exposure, experiential education, and health policy.
The CDU Advantage equips graduates with the technical preparation needed to practice in their chosen field of healthcare, and a true understanding of health disparities, health policy, and social justice.
Excellence in Specialized Knowledge and Research
CDU is a leader in health disparities research with a focus on education, training, treatment, and care in cancer, diabetes, cardiometabolic, COVID, and HIV/AIDS. Students develop specialized knowledge, research methods, and ethics to advance wellness in under-resourced communities through a curricular activity that includes translational research, lab research, and thesis research.
Social Justice
As the second most diverse university in the country in terms of faculty and student diversity, CDU is deeply committed to issues of social justice and equity. Students learn to apply social justice and leadership theories within the context of cultural diversity and health care. This is achieved through analyses of diversity and health equity and participation in human rights advocacy projects as well as a range of symposiums, panels, and town-hall meetings.
Global-International Experience
CDU offers a global perspective through a robust international program while participating in global initiatives and consortiums. CDU students will evaluate the intersection of social determinants of health and health disparities at the local, national, and global level. This includes opportunities to study and perform service abroad while promoting global cultures and understanding.
Community and Experiential Education
CDU is closely integrated with the community and fully committed to improving health and well-being for all. CDU students evaluate the principles of community engagement through experiential education in underresourced communities. They then apply knowledge and skills learned from these experiences to explore, develop, and propose solutions to relevant issues.
Health Policy
CDU is actively involved in recommending and advocating health policies that support health equity and improve health outcomes for under-resourced communities. Our students are guided to evaluate the influence of policy on the dynamics of health and health systems. This is achieved through didactic learning, public policy research, and direct engagement with activities to promote, protest, and change health policies.
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