University of Delaware Graduate Programs: A Comprehensive Overview

The University of Delaware (UD) offers a wide array of graduate programs, each designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in their chosen fields. These programs are known for their rigorous academic standards, distinguished faculty, and commitment to research and innovation. Understanding the nuances of each program, including admission requirements, funding options, and deadlines, is crucial for prospective students. This article provides a comprehensive overview of graduate studies at the University of Delaware, covering various aspects from application procedures to specific program offerings.

Navigating the Application Process

The University of Delaware's graduate application system is designed to empower applicants, giving them control over their application and associated documents. Prospective students should be aware that each graduate program has its own unique admission requirements, funding options, deadlines, review processes, and decision timelines. Therefore, understanding the specific structure of the program of interest is essential for a smooth and positive experience.

Admission Requirements and Status

Applicants in their final year of undergraduate or current graduate work who cannot submit complete official transcripts showing degree conferral may be admitted pending the official conferral, provided their records are otherwise satisfactory. This allows students to begin their graduate studies without delay, while still fulfilling all necessary requirements.

Provisional Status: Provisional status is offered to applicants seeking admission to a degree program who may lack specific prerequisites outlined in the University of Delaware degree requirements. All provisional requirements must be met within a specified deadline to achieve regular status. Failure to meet these provisions may result in dismissal from the program.

Non-Degree Status: Applicants who wish to earn graduate credit without pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Delaware may be admitted as non-degree graduate students. Admission with non-degree status does not guarantee future admission as a regular student. These applicants must submit official college transcripts and are held to the same academic standards as regular graduate students. This status is valid for a limited time, and students must complete an admission application to be considered for regular status. Earned graduate credit may or may not be accepted if the student's classification changes to regular status. Non-degree students taking classes under cooperative agreements must submit a letter from their home institution, typically from their graduate dean or registrar, certifying their good standing as graduate students at that institution.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

In addition to tuition, enrolled students are responsible for other fees. Detailed information on tuition rates and fees can be found in the Graduate Catalog. It's important to note that some programs may have higher or lower rates based on factors such as competitive market research and demonstrated success at their existing price point. Non-billable items, or indirect costs, are estimated totals for potential expenses students and their families may need to budget for. These totals will vary for each student and are typically covered through personal expenses or educational loans.

For full-time graduate or undergraduate students attending a Delaware college who intend to pursue a career in education in a high-need subject, the Delaware Educator Support Scholarship is an option to explore.

Fee Waivers

If an applicant qualifies for one of the fee waiver categories, they should check the appropriate box on the application form.

Academic Departments and Programs

The University of Delaware offers graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines, housed within its various colleges and departments. Here's a glimpse into some of the offerings:

College of Education and Human Development

The School of Education boasts well-respected faculty members who lead graduate programs designed to prepare alumni for leadership roles in their respective fields. Programs include:

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M.A./Ed.S. in School Psychology: This program integrates knowledge from various disciplines, including child psychology, development, and education. The selective program is known for its outstanding students and a highly productive and caring faculty of excellent teachers and researchers.
M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL): Qualified undergraduate English majors at the University of Delaware may apply to the 4+1 program in TESL, earning a B.A. in English at the end of the fourth year and an M.A. in TESL at the end of the fifth year.
M.Ed. in Educational Technology: This program provides candidates with a theoretical and practical grounding in educational technology methods and techniques, emphasizing theories of teaching and learning that support these methods.
M.Ed. in Exceptional Children and Youth: Designed for professional educators committed to careers involving children, youth, and adults with disabilities, this program is suitable for teachers with a teaching certificate in either general or special education who wish to develop advanced knowledge and skills.
Online M.Ed. in Literacy: This program prepares current teachers and educators for certification as Reading/Literacy specialists. Students develop knowledge of the theoretical and evidenced foundations of reading and writing development, plan culturally and linguistically relevant literacy instruction for all students, and support students and teachers in the use of digital literacy tools.
Online M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership: Designed for teachers who would like to assume additional leadership roles within their schools, such as department chair or curriculum coordinator. The program helps develop insights needed to better manage classrooms, improve student outcomes, and lead peers.
M.Ed. in Teaching Students with Disabilities: This program offers concentrations such as Autism/Severe Disabilities and K-12 Special Education. The Autism/Severe Disabilities concentration is part of the 4+1 track for current UD Early Childhood Education majors and Elementary and Middle School Teacher Education majors in the Special Education concentration. The K-12 Special Education concentration is part of the 4+1 track for current UD undergraduate secondary education majors and elementary and middle school teacher education majors in the multilingual learner education, middle school English, middle school math, middle school science, middle school social studies, and special education concentrations.
Ph.D. in Education: The School of Education also offers doctoral programs for those seeking to conduct research and teach at the university level.
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.

College of Agriculture and Natural Resources

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources offers a 4+1 track for elementary and middle school teacher education majors. Through the Environmental Education 4+1 program Middle School Science or Single Certification Focus Area students can earn an M.S. in Insect and Wildlife Environmental Education.

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Communication: The Department of Communication at the University of Delaware offers an in-person, research based master of arts (M.A.) degree that allows students to focus on the field of communication from a social science perspective, while building a program that suits their areas of interest and career goals. Many of our students continue on to earn a Ph.D. The Department of Communication at the University of Delaware offers a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree that allows students to continue to build their knowledge about the field of communication while preparing them for research-based careers in academia or a communication-related industry.
Department of English: The English MA to Ph.D.
Department of History: A master of arts degree in history from the University of Delaware opens the door to jobs in public history, museums and other cultural centers, academia, and secondary education. Students pursuing a Ph.D. in history from the University of Delaware specialize in American and European history with access to research opportunities and interdisciplinary partnerships.
Department of Linguistics and Cognitive Science: Students pursuing the M.A. in linguistics and cognitive science may specialize in cognitive science, linguistics, or an individualized program. Linguistics doctoral students research social phenomena, focusing on interpersonal, intergroup, motivation, and social cognitive processes.
Department of Physics and Astronomy: The department offers a graduate program leading to the Ph.D. or M.S. degree in physics. Nearly all Ph.D. students starting in the program receive funding support as graduate teaching assistants (TAs). More senior Ph.D. students are usually supported from research grants as graduate research assistants (RAs).
Department of Political Science and International Relations: The Department of Political Science and International Relations currently offers a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) degree, which consists of coursework during the first six semesters followed by dissertation research and writing. Students earn an M.A. as part of their Ph.D. studies. Applicants must have a bachelorâs degree (or equivalent) at the time of matriculation to be eligible to apply to the Ph.D. program. The department does not currently offer a terminal M.A.
Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice: The primary focus of the Criminology M.A. A sociology Ph.D.
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS): The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) at the University of Delaware is an interdisciplinary graduate program that emphasizes broad thinking and exploration of significant questions from multiple perspectives.

College of Health Sciences

Master of Science in Clinical Psychological Science: The master of science in clinical psychological science, offered through the Institute for Community Mental Health (ICMH), prepares students to meet the growing need for mental health professionals.

Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration

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.

Interdisciplinary Programs

Doctoral Program in Neuroscience: Doctoral students receive interdisciplinary training in contemporary neuroscience while working collaboratively across the University.
Preservation Studies: Preservation is the study of the historical context and meaning of international cultural monuments and material heritage combined with the methods, policies, and philosophies necessary to insure their long-term survival and access.
Department of Human Development and Family Sciences: The Department of Human Development and Family Sciences offers programs leading to the master of arts, master of science, and doctor of philosophy degrees. 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.
- M.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences: This 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.
- Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Sciences: 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.

Other Graduate Programs

Chemistry and Biochemistry: The University of Delaware offers both Master of Arts (M.A.) and Master of Science (M.S.) degree programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry. The primary difference between the two lies in the focus and requirements of the programs.
Childhood Foreign Language Education: The purpose of the MA in Childhood Foreign Language Education is to provide candidates with the knowledge and skills needed to teach effectively in the dual language immersion classroom.
Mathematical Sciences: The M.S. degree provides advanced mathematical training at a level beyond a Bachelor's degree. Mathematicians use mathematical models, algorithms, graphs, networks, and other mathematical structures to solve problems in various fields. The Ph.D. Further your career in industrial science with the 63-credit Ph.D.

Campus Life and Student Support

The University of Delaware provides a welcoming campus life enriched by various activities and events. These include distinguished guest speakers, NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics, concerts, and other arts and cultural activities, as well as over 50 graduate student organizations. The Newark campus is known for its beautiful mix of elegant landscaping, classic Georgian architecture, and modern, state-of-the-art teaching, research, and performance spaces.

Student Services

The UD Division of Student Life offers a comprehensive range of student support services to help students succeed academically, personally, and socially. These services include supporting students' transitions to UD, securing accommodations for students with disabilities, assisting students as they manage conflict and complex issues, and supporting student athletes and veteran and military-connected students. The university is dedicated to providing students with the assistance needed to thrive during their time on campus.

Housing Services: Living on campus and getting involved in the residential community can be one of the most rewarding experiences of college for students. Staff strive to create welcoming and inclusive environments that support studentsâ academic, personal, and social endeavors.

Library Services: The Library inspires the intellectual, scholarly, and creative achievement of University and global communities with expert staff, excellent service, dynamic learning spaces, and access to diverse collections and information resources.

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ICT Services: Information Technologies (IT) provides technology services for the University community.

Sports Facilities: University of Delaware Recreation offers a variety of activities throughout the year to help students and staff live a healthy and active lifestyle.

Student Clubs: Joining a social, cultural, co-curricular, or honors fraternity or sorority allows students to begin a lifelong bond with a community that has surpassed average campus GPAs for the past decade while donating an annual average of 55,000 hours of service to charitable organizations.

Accreditation

The University of Delaware has been continuously accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education since that association's inception in 1921.

Additional Support

Top-notch libraries, health clinics, recreational facilities, a writing center, and a counseling center are available to support students' academic, physical, and mental well-being.

University Rankings and Reputation

The University of Delaware consistently receives recognition in various university rankings. Hereâs a snapshot of its performance across different ranking systems:

Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): Ranked at #201 globally.
World University Rankings (Times Higher Education): Ranked at #401 globally.
QS World University Rankings: Ranked at #553 globally.
Best Global Universities Rankings (U.S. News & World Report): Ranked at #428 globally.

These rankings consider factors such as research output, academic reputation, faculty resources, and student satisfaction.

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