University of Delaware College of Education and Human Development Programs

The University of Delaware's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) offers a wide array of programs designed to prepare students for leadership roles in education, human services, and related fields. These programs cater to diverse interests and career aspirations, ranging from early childhood education to social work and human resources. With a strong emphasis on research, practical experience, and community engagement, CEHD equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact on individuals, families, and communities.

Nationally Ranked Graduate Programs

The School of Education Graduate Program at the University of Delaware has consistently ranked in the top 15% of graduate education schools by US News & World Report’s “America’s Best Graduate Schools.” The College of Education and Human Development allows graduate students to attain in-depth knowledge on a wide breadth of topics. With almost a dozen graduate programs, students work closely with renowned faculty in a rigorous program, conducting evidence-based research in real-world educational settings. Online and traditional master's degrees, Ph.D.s and an Ed.D provide students with the knowledge and skills to become leaders in their field. The academic quality of the University of Delaware, and in particular the Human Development and Family Sciences department, is unquestionable.

Graduate Programs

The College of Education and Human Development graduate students have unequaled opportunities to participate in research and public service as well as internships in a variety of organizational settings and practicum experiences in schools. Many graduate students affiliate with one of the College’s nationally renowned research and public service centers. In addition to the extensive scholarly research and public service conducted by individual faculty and staff, the college’s research and public service centers provide research expertise and educational services to thousands of clients annually, including national and international groups and agencies as well as regional, state, and local organizations.

Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS)

The Department of Human Development and Family Sciences offers programs leading to the master of arts, master of science, and doctor of philosophy degrees. The Ph.D. program in Human Development and Family Sciences is designed to prepare the next generation of scholars for positions as researchers, professors, and leaders in early childhood, human development, family sciences, human services and related fields.

HDFS offers an M.S. and Ph.D. program designed to prepare the next generation of scholars for positions as researchers, professors, or leaders in human development, family studies, human services and related fields. The Department of Human Development and Family Studies is an interdisciplinary, applied academic unit that prepares undergraduates for practice or graduate studies in early childhood education, family studies, and human services, broadly defined. The Department educates graduate students to be scholarly and professional leaders who study critical child, youth, and family issues in the community, and build quality institutions of higher education that support college student learning. Faculty and students integrate theory, research, practice, policy and service into all our work.

4+1 Programs in HDFS

Students in the 4+1 Program in HDFS: Human Services Leadership Concentration will have a pathway to complete a B.S. and M.S. in Human Services Leadership in 5 years. Human Services majors who pursue this option will likely have opportunities for accelerated growth into administrative and policy human service positions as well as more diverse career choices upon completion of this program.

Students in the 4+1 Program in HDFS: Early Childhood Development and Inclusive Education will have a pathway to complete a B.S. and M.S. in 5.5 years. This program will prepare graduates for accelerated growth as direct service providers and advancement to administrative, policy and research positions in early childhood development and related fields.

The M.S. program emphasizes risk-and- resilience, multi-cultural issues, disabilities, and prevention and intervention. This program is designed to prepare students to be scholarly leaders, researchers or professors in human services and early childhood related fields.

Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Education and Social Policy

The interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Education and Social Policy program, a collaboration between the College of Education and Human Development and the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration, prepares students to ground in an understanding of how education, social and public policy systems work.

Master of Social Work (MSW)

The Master of Social Work program is designed to prepare the next generation of social workers who provide vital health and well-being services. Social workers support individuals and families through a wide range of life changes or challenges, including adoption, divorce, aging, terminal illness, loss of housing or employment, mental health, substance use and more. With practicum experiences in schools, healthcare agencies and nonprofit organizations, the program emphasizes community engagement and applied learning in real-world settings.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Admission into the Master of Social Work program will follow the university’s guidelines on admission as stated on the University of Delaware’s Graduate Admissions requirements for regular, provisional and non-degree status. More specifically, applicants for the Master of Social Work degree program will apply to Graduate College. A Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a scale of 4.0 = A. Admission to graduate programs at the University of Delaware is selective and competitive based on the number of well-qualified applicants and the limits of available faculty and facilities. Applicants for Advanced Standing status will be required to have earned a Baccalaureate degree in Social Work. Applicants will be admitted as full-time and part-time students. *This category will require verification and a written agreement with organizations where such students are employed - that the student would have the opportunity for employment-based practicum. The agreement will be developed by UD’s Social Work Program Director and will be executed before a prospective student is approved for this status.

The MSW degree requires 60 credits for graduation. Advanced-standing students are those entering the MSW program with a Baccalaureate degree in Social Work. Such students complete the MSW program in one year following. Students will be admitted for Fall and Spring semesters. Advanced Standing students may also be admitted for a Summer session start.

Online M.Ed. Programs

If you are an educator looking for a flexible, convenient master’s degree to advance your career, apply to one of our online M.Ed. programs in Literacy, Teacher Leadership, Teaching Students with Disabilities or Educational Technology. Designed by full-time faculty, the interactive curriculum allows you to enhance your skills by taking class assignments, implementing them in your classroom and comparing results with your cohort. Online tuition rates are equivalent to in-state tuition.

4+1 Programs for UD Undergraduates

For UD undergraduates interested in a graduate degree, we offer several 4+1 programs.

Human Services Leadership Concentration

Human Services Leadership Concentration is designed for UD undergraduates majoring in Human Services.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

Childhood Education in Language, Literature and Cultures

Childhood Education in Language, Literature and Cultures students in the Early Childhood Education major or Elementary and Middle School Teacher Education major have the opportunity to take graduate courses that could count towards both the ECE/EME major and the Master of Arts in Childhood Education in Languages, Literatures and Cultures.

Teaching English as a Second Language

UD students in the undergraduate English major can become eligible for teacher certification English as a Second Language and earn the M.A. Teaching Student with Disabilities

Teaching Student with Disabilities

Students majoring in Elementary and Middle School Teacher Education can earn an M.Ed.

Undergraduate Programs

The Department offers undergraduate degrees in Human Services and Early Childhood Education with many opportunities for hands on experiences working with children, youth, adults and families.

Bachelor of Science in Human Services

Do you want to work with people, but not sure what that looks like? Maybe as a teacher or an advocate for children, families and vulnerable populations? B.S. Students in the Human Services program are able to individualize their program of study by selecting one of several concentrations, designed to assist and support people of all ages and abilities. This allows each student to determine the type of service they want to offer, based on their career interests or strengths. Students emerge prepared to manage community-based programs, implement public policies benefiting at-risk populations, assist people with disabilities, oversee health and wellness initiatives, provide early childhood intervention or empower people in any number of fields. Graduates join the fields of human services, psychology, public policy, and social work helping to support individuals and families in their communities. UD's Human Services department has been by my side every step of my college career. The department supported my needs as a student and communicated regularly with me about requirements, opportunities and new programming. They added study aboard trips, new concentrations and partnerships with graduate schools.

Bachelor of Science in Human Relations Administration

B.S. Students in the Human Relations Administration major complete course work and field placements in preparation for careers in the growing field of human resources in both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. The major is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to facilitate critical workplace training and development, manage employee relationships, enhance staff motivation and navigate important legal aspects of workplace administration including diversity and inclusion. This program teaches students how to facilitate workplace training and navigate legal aspects of workplace administration.

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with dual certification in Early Childhood Special Education

B.S. The B. S. in Early Childhood Education with dual certification in Early Childhood Special Education is designed for students who want to teach and care for young children in schools, child care or inclusive settings. By combining intensive coursework with multiple field placements, our students graduate with the skills necessary to succeed in inclusive classrooms. Our curriculum includes extensive practicum experience at CEHD’s Early Learning Center, Lab School and local public schools. Students learn about children’s typical development stages and the development of young children with disabilities, while putting into practice techniques to educate and support children and their families.

Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary and Middle School Teacher Education

B.S.Ed. The B.S.Ed. in Elementary and Middle School Teacher Education (formerly Elementary Teacher Education) prepares elementary, middle school and special education teachers to meet the challenges of educating today’s diverse student population. Students are eligible for teacher certification in elementary and middle school education, and in an area of concentration in one of the following six areas: multilingual learner language, middle school English, middle school mathematics, middle school science middle school social studies and special education. They gain practical experience in the classroom, co-teaching for two semesters in local schools.

Associate in Arts in Elementary and Middle School Teacher Education

A.A. The Associate in Arts in Elementary and Middle School Teacher Education is offered in Wilmington, Delaware and on our Georgetown campus in southern Delaware. Students may use the SEED scholarship to cover the cost of tuition. This program is equivalent to the first two years of the B.S.Ed. in Elementary and Middle School Teacher Education. Students who successfully complete their A.A. degree can transition to our Newark campus to complete their B.S.Ed.

Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education

A.A. The Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education is offered online and on our Wilmington campus, designed for both working professionals and full-time students. This degree gives students the skills and knowledge necessary for delivering high-quality early care and education for children from birth to age 5 in center-based and home-based settings.

Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification

ARTC offers an alternative to the traditional route to teacher certification in Delaware. Professionals interested in becoming a teacher can complete certification requirements while they are employed as full-time teachers, through a state-approved program of professional education course work, accompanied by intensive, school-based supervision and mentoring in lieu of student teaching.

Visit UD’s Secondary Teacher Education webpage if you are interested in teaching a specific subject in grades 7 - 12. Undergraduates can earn a bachelor’s degree in their content area through their specific College, while completing pre-professional education courses and serving in semester-long field experiences that prepare them to teach.

Minors

Disability Studies is the most popular minor on campus. Students in the Educational Technology minor receive theoretical grounding and practical experience using technology to improve teaching and learning in real-world situations.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

The College of Education and Human Development provides numerous opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships, practicum experiences, and research opportunities. These experiences allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and develop valuable skills.

The Lab School

The Lab School is houses within the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences in the College of Education and Human Development. The University of Delaware Lab School welcomes over 180 children and their families annually to their developmentally supportive and inclusive part-time and full-time programs that range from infants to kindergarten. It has been awarded national accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the highest quality rating by the Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood. It is affiliated with the National Coalition of Campus Children’s Centers and the International Association of Laboratory Schools. Each year, the Lab School provides field placement experiences for more than 300 UD students preparing to enter fields of education, human services, psychology, social work, medicine, and more. The Lab School engages in curriculum development, exploratory studies, and is a research site for university faculty and students. For further information visit www.labschool.udel.edu contact Dr.

The Early Learning Center

The Early Learning Center is a National Association for the Education of Young Children accredited program and has obtained the highest quality rating by the Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood. Housed within the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, the Early Learning Center is a state-of-the-art inclusive early care and education facility designed to mirror the State of Delaware by serving families of all racial and economic backgrounds. The ELC offers full day, full year care for over 220 children ages 6 weeks through 5 years and a robust school age program that operates before and after care during the school year and a full day summer camp for children in grades K-2. As an inclusive early learning program, partnerships are essential. Current community partnerships at the Early Learning Center include New Directions Early Head Start, and The Delaware Department of Education through the State Funded Early Care and Education Program, the Child and Adult Food Program, the Office of Early Learning, Birth to Three, and the Christina School District. On campus, the ELC supports undergraduate and graduate student parents through the CCAMPIS grant.

The College School

Located in Newark, Delaware, on the children’s campus at the University of Delaware, The College School (TCS) provides a nurturing and challenging educational program for bright children who learn differently. Serving students in grades 1-8, TCS offers a rigorous and engaging curriculum that uniquely benefits from the research that comes from the College of Education and Human Development, among many other University resources. While not every student at TCS faces academic or social challenges, all students benefit from its personalized, supportive, and differentiated approaches. The College School is committed to laying a foundation built on best practices, assessment-driven instruction, and community engagement. Additionally, it serves as a laboratory site for University of Delaware students aspiring to become educators or practitioners in related fields. Contact Dr.

Preparing for Ph.D. Programs

Applying for Ph.D. programs is exciting but can also be overwhelming and stressful. How do you even begin the process? From narrowing down different programs to working on application materials, deciding which doctoral program is right for you takes some time. Some of our Ph.D.

Conclusion

The University of Delaware's College of Education and Human Development offers a comprehensive suite of programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in education, human services, and related fields. With a focus on research, practical experience, and community engagement, CEHD provides students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to make a positive impact on the world. Whether you are interested in early childhood education, social work, human resources, or another related field, CEHD has a program to help you achieve your goals.

Testimonial

“I came to UD because the Ph.D. program was so inclusive and interdisciplinary. I will be able to combine my interest working with at-risk populations with social psychology, disabilities studies and non-profit administration. I couldn’t find that combination anywhere else.” Christina Woodson, HDFS

tags: #university #of #delaware #college #of #education