Since its founding as the Department of Domestic Economy in 1891, Drexel University’s Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design has been a pioneer in preparing students to become leaders in their fields. Westphal alumni, from Dance to Game Design and Production graduates, have gone on to excel in their professions. One profession in particular has seen an overwhelming amount of Westphal graduates succeed: coffee shop barista.
A recent survey of Westphal graduates recorded over 1,000 alumni working as baristas nationwide, with more than 500 employed in the Philadelphia area. From national chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts to local favorites such as Madis Coffee in University City, Westphal is proud of the positive contributions its alumni are making to the barista community.
Due to the significant number of graduates practicing the art of coffee brewing, Westphal is pleased to announce a new required course for all undergraduate students: Barista 101 (BAR 101). This introductory class will cover fundamental topics such as milk-steaming versus milk-foaming before progressing to more advanced skills, including how to clean an espresso machine. Students who excel in this course will have the opportunity to take specialized classes later in their academic journey — either as free electives or as credits toward the newly introduced Barista minor. Drexel is also excited to welcome back particularly successful alumni to teach advanced courses in the program, such as How to Treat a Steam Burn (BAR 211), Advanced Latte Art (BAR 167) and Name Spelling and Pronunciation (BAR 302). Westphal is proud of its hardworking graduates for expanding into fields beyond their majors and is excited to invest in the future of skilled baristas.
One other profession has seen a particularly high concentration of Westphal graduates succeed: Trader Joe’s cashier. An impressive number of Westphal alumni have brought their creative talents to the Trader Joe’s on 22nd and Market Street, just across the bridge from University City. Whether enthusiastically ringing up organic cauliflower gnocchi, artfully arranging seasonal displays or engaging in thoughtful conversations about customers’ weekend plans, these graduates are redefining the grocery shopping experience. In recognition of this trend, Westphal is introducing a new course: Express Lane Engagement (TJC 104). This class will cover essential skills such as sticker placement, bagging efficiency and the delicate art of complimenting a customer’s selections just enough to boost morale but not so much that it raises suspicion. For students looking to specialize further, elective courses such as Hawaiian Shirt Coordination (TJC 201) and The Psychology of Quirky Product Labels (TJC 310) will be available.
With these exciting new additions to the curriculum, Westphal continues its commitment to preparing students for the real world — whether that means designing the next groundbreaking video game or expertly steaming oat milk for a morning latte. By embracing the career paths their graduates are actually pursuing, the college ensures that students leave with both a refined artistic sensibility and the practical skills necessary to thrive in today’s workforce. As Westphal expands its academic offerings, students can look forward to even more innovative courses tailored to their futures — such as Advanced Exposure Therapy: Talking to Your Parents About Your Art Degree (LIFE450). Whatever their path, Westphal graduates can rest assured that they are fully equipped to bring creativity, adaptability and a touch of flair to any job they take on—whether behind an espresso machine or at a Trader Joe’s checkout counter.