Founded in 1743, the University of Delaware is one of the oldest institutes of higher learning in the United States. The school originally opened in New London, Pennsylvania after a petition circulated by the Presbytery of Lewes demonstrated that there was a need for better educated clergy. The first class at the school included Thomas McKean, George Read and James Smith who eventually became signers
of the Declaration of Independence. Among the first students at the university were Thomas McKean, George Read and James Smith, all signers of the Declaration of Independence.
The school became NewArk College when it moved to Newark, Delaware in 1765 and gained land-grant status in 1867, becoming one of the oldest in the country. At that time, it was renamed Delaware College. In 1921, the school merged with a woman's college that opened in 1914, becoming the University of Delaware.
In 2009, the university purchased a 272-acre parcel of land adjacent to the Newark campus that had previously been a Chrysler automotive plant. The area is being developed as combination business, research, education and more while also housing the Science, Technology and Advanced Research Campus.
Today, the University of Delaware is a research-focused university with a wide range of programs. In 2009, the school purchased a former Chrysler automotive plant next to the campus which is being developed into a research and education building that will also include businesses. There are over 23,000 students enrolled at the school each year.
University of Delaware Accreditation Details
The University of Delaware is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Regional accreditation indicates that the university periodically undergoes a rigorous program to confirm that students are being provided the best education possible and that they work to improve any areas identified by the accrediting agency as needing improvement. Programs throughout the university are also accredited by industry-specific organizations as well.
University of Delaware Application Requirements
Any student who has not earned college credit after high school graduation enters the University of Delaware as a freshman. Students complete the Common Application and provide official high school transcripts and either ACT or SAT scores. Students must also submit information on extracurricular activities.
Students who have earned college credit after high school may be admitted as transfer students. They must also complete the Common Application and provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Graduate students must hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Requirements for admission to graduate programs varies by department so students are required to speak to an admissions counselor before applying for any graduate program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Full-time tuition at the University of Delaware is $27,198 for Delaware residents and $46,618 for non-residents each year. Graduate rates vary depending on the program chosen as well as residency with Delaware residents paying a lower tuition than out-of-state residents.
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for any financial assistance at the University of Delaware. The university issues financial aid packages to students that may include grants, scholarships, loans or work-study options.
Online Degree Programs Available
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – RN to BSN
The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed for students who have obtained a nursing degree and are licensed but do not hold a bachelor's degree. The program is an accelerated program that allows students to complete both their bachelor's degree and master's degree concurrently. The program is taught by the same faculty as the on-campus program. The curriculum further develops the writing skills, leadership skills and research knowledge a nurse needs to succeed. Students have access to all campus resources including an online library with retrievable text articles. The program requires 59 transferable non-nursing credits, 31 bachelor's level credits and 30-credits toward licensure. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all previous coursework. Not all online courses require tests as some require a formal paper. Testing is available at all online sites but if a course requires a proctor at a test, students may schedule testing through an online portal.
Master of Arts in Economics and Entrepreneurship for Educators
The Master of Arts in Economics and Entrepreneurship for Educators is designed for educators with leadership potential and who want to put their skills to use in their own classrooms as well as larger communities. Students are provided with a strong background in economic theory and strategies to teach economics, entrepreneurship and personal finance. Students are connected to a network of educators that they will come to see as mentors and use as inspiration throughout their career. Students must have completed at least three semester hours in economics and be referred by their principal, school district or other organization committed to improving economic, entrepreneurship and financial education. The program requires two on-campus, four-week summer sessions.
M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
The Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering is designed for engineers who wish to move into leadership roles. The University of Delaware is leading a groundbreaking change in engineering design and education. The program is one of the first of its kind that prepares students to lead development of sophisticated solutions that are designed to repel cyber threats. Students master information processing concepts in combination with cybersecurity applications. The program is designed to create graduates who will protect their organizations, saving them time and effort. The program focuses on the growing "Internet of Things" that many feel is creating a need for additional cybersecurity protections. The program is 30 credits that includes instruction in:
- 3G/4G/5G Cellular
- Advanced Wireless Communications
- Cybersecurity and Cryptography Strategies
- Efficient Algorithm Design
- Information Processing
- Networks
- Wi-Fi
The program creates an intersection offensive reverse engineering skills and defensive cybersecurity strategies. Students develop an understanding of the hardware and software necessary to provide the best security and return on investment for their organizations.
The University of Delaware offers bachelor and master's degrees in an online format that are designed to provide flexibility for working adults. The University of Delaware's online program options allow those who may have work, family or social obligations that make it difficult to attend traditional classes achieve their higher education goals and either move into a new career or advance in a current career.