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About University of Delaware

The University of Delaware prides itself on research and innovation. With roots tracing back to 1743, UD tackles the most compelling challenges of our time while actively preparing you for a rewarding career in today’s global arena. UD’s online learning environment is designed to help build your leadership potential through discovery-based learning, applied research and dynamic skill-building.

“The University of Delaware is committed to learning across the life span. Our array of online degree and certificate programs are designed to meet the needs of working professionals on a global scale. Programs will continue to be added as the University expands its support for online learning.”
– James K. Broomall, Associate Vice Provost of
Professional and Continuing Studies & Online Initiatives from 1988–2019

Why Choose The University of Delaware

Our proven academic approach extends to our online curriculum, which brings together expert faculty, experiential learning and the flexible access online learning offers. Working professionals from around the country can now earn a degree—on their own schedule from wherever they need to be.

Your enrollment in a UD Online program brings with it the same benefits enjoyed by our on-campus students. You are also invited to participate in the graduation ceremony held on campus.

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Accreditation

The University of Delaware is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 267-284-5000, info@msche.org. The University’s Accreditation was reaffirmed on November 17, 2016. Academic programs at UD have additional specialized accreditation.

Recognition

At UD, students earn a degree from a university that upholds a distinguished history of scholastic and research leadership. UD holds these recent recognitions:

  • One of fewer than 3% of U.S. institutions with a Carnegie classification of very high research activity1
  • Ranked No. 38 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 “Top Public Schools” national report2
  • Ranked No. 132 out of 600 by Forbes’ “America’s Top Colleges 2023”3
  • Ranked No. 141 out of 500 in Kiplinger’s 2019 “Best Values in Public Colleges”4
  • Distinguished alumni include elected officials, inventors, leaders in industry and service and signers of both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution

Fast Facts

  • On-Demand Coursework: Access lectures and resources at any time on your phone, tablet or computer.
  • Real-Life Case Studies: Build skills as you engage with assignments and examples drawn from actual scenarios.
  • Social Interaction: Collaborate with peers and connect with faculty online.
  • Digital Support: Rely on our team through admissions, enrollment and career development, with technical support available 24 hours a day, every day.
  • Value: We work hard to keep our tuition affordable while maintaining the highest academic standards.

Our Mission

The University of Delaware exists to cultivate learning, develop knowledge and foster the free exchange of ideas. State-assisted yet privately governed, the University has a strong tradition of distinguished scholarship, which is manifested in its research and creative activities, teaching and service, in line with its commitment to increasing and disseminating scientific, humanistic, artistic and social knowledge for the benefit of the larger society. Founded in 1743 and chartered by the state in 1833, the University of Delaware today is a land-grant, sea-grant and space-grant university.

The University of Delaware is a major research university with extensive graduate programs that is also dedicated to outstanding undergraduate and professional education. UD faculty are committed to the intellectual, cultural and ethical development of students as citizens, scholars and professionals. UD graduates are prepared to contribute to a global and diverse society that requires leaders with creativity, integrity and a dedication to service.

The University of Delaware promotes an environment in which all people are inspired to learn, and encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, free inquiry and respect for the views and values of an increasingly diverse population.

An institution engaged in addressing the critical needs of the state, nation and global community, the University of Delaware carries out its mission with the support of alumni who span the globe and in partnership with public, private and nonprofit institutions in Delaware and beyond.

Our Values

The University of Delaware embodies its motto—“Knowledge is the light of the mind”—and to spread that light requires a community that nurtures intellectual curiosity and free inquiry, where everyone is empowered to learn and to flourish. This is a community where we celebrate our individual and collective achievements and respect diverse backgrounds, values and viewpoints.

The values of the University of Delaware are woven throughout the institution in our mission statement, classrooms, offices and laboratories and through our actions. They guide us every day.

  • Academic Freedom: We each have the responsibility to foster an atmosphere that promotes the free exchange of ideas and opinions. Everyone has the right to benefit from this atmosphere.
  • Diversity and Inclusion: We welcome and value different backgrounds, perspectives and learning experiences; this is essential for educating global citizens, developing knowledge and advancing and enhancing our world.
  • Innovation: Revolutionary thinking is part of our DNA—our first students in 1743 helped found this nation. We want to make a significant difference in the world, and we are collaborating across disciplines with risk-taking, creativity and innovation to address the biggest challenges of our time.
  • Community: Our supportive, friendly campus community advocates for each individual’s voice to be heard. We encourage respect and civility toward everyone, knowing that mutual appreciation and dialogue lead to greater learning.
  • Service: As an engaged University, we create and capitalize on innovative partnerships with government, industry and the community for economic and civic development. These connections enrich our scholarship, research and creative activity, enhance the curriculum and ultimately contribute to the public good.

Our History

One of the oldest universities in the United States, the University of Delaware traced its roots to 1743 when the Rev. Dr. Francis Alison opened a school in New London, Pennsylvania.

His first graduating class would become statesmen, doctors, merchants and scholars. Thomas McKean, George Read and James Smith signed the Declaration of Independence and Read also signed the U.S. Constitution.

By 1765, Alison’s school relocated to Newark and opened as a degree-granting institution in 1834. Renamed Delaware College in 1843, the college was designated one of the nation’s historic land grant colleges in 1867.

The school became the University of Delaware in 1921. Since 1950, the University of Delaware has quadrupled enrollment and greatly expanded its faculty, academics and influence in the world.