Welcome to the University

A Message to Students

Welcome to the 2023-24 academic year at the University of Delaware.

We are thrilled that you have joined us on this lifelong journey of learning and discovery. We are committed to your success by helping you develop the interdisciplinary knowledge, creativity and critical thinking skills you’ll need to solve the biggest challenges facing our world.

UD has it all! We are proud of our long tradition of scholarly excellence and our rich legacy of enduring contributions to nearly every aspect of modern life. We have outstanding faculty who believe in the power of active and experiential learning, and we have a dedicated staff whose hard work every day makes the UD experience possible. We have more than 200,000 loyal Blue Hen alumni around the world, eager to serve as your mentors and role models. Most importantly, we have you - ­students who are committed to acquiring and advancing knowledge in the arts, humanities, science, engineering, health, education, economics and many other fields.

In the pages of this catalog, you’ll read about the many courses available at UD; they are the essential bricks and mortar of your degree curriculum. But getting a true education also requires your active participation and your contributions. We need your endless curiosity and your diligent effort. We need you to explore and to seek a better understanding of the world beyond what you’ve known. We need you to apply your passions and skills in service to others. 

At UD, you’ll be challenged by new ideas, exposed to new cultures and encouraged to see yourself and the world from new perspectives. And, together, we will be partners on this never-ending quest for knowledge and understanding.

Sincerely, 

Dennis Assanis, President

University Trustees and Administration

A complete list of UD faculty and staff is available online. Specific URLs can be found under department and program descriptions in this catalog.

Board of Trustees

Ex-Officio:

• John Carney (2017), Governor of the State of Delaware
• Shawn Brittingham (2022), President of the State Board of Education
• James Correll (2021), Master of the State Grange
• Dennis N. Assanis (2016), President of the University of Delaware

Elected and Appointed Members:

Trustees Emeriti

• Howard E. Cosgrove
• Robert A. Fischer, Jr.

Address of record for members of the University of Delaware Board of Trustees:

University of Delaware
Office of the Vice President and University Secretary
126 Hullihen Hall
Newark, DE  19716

University Administration

• Dennis Assanis, President
• Laura A. Carlson, Provost
• John Long, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
• Mary Remmler, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
• Melissa L. Bard, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
• Jennifer M. Becnel-Guzzo, Associate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel
• Beth G. Brand, Vice President and University Secretary
• Glenn Carter, Vice President for Communications and Marketing
• Angela Chen, Vice President of Information Technologies and Chief Information Officer
• Fatimah Conley, Vice President for Institutional Equity and Chief Diversity Officer
• James Dicker, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations
• Peter Krawchyk, Vice President for Facilities, Real Estate and Auxiliary Services and University Architect
• Kelvin Lee, Interim Vice President for Research, Scholarship, and Innovation
• Rodney Morrison, Vice President for Enrollment Management
• Aimee Turner, Vice President for Finance and Treasurer
• Chrissi Rawak, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Services
• José-Luis Riera, Vice President for Student Life

College Deans and Senior Academic Officers

• Laura A. Carlson, Provost
• Michael Chajes, Dean, Honors College
• William Farquhar, Dean, College of Health Sciences
• Gary T. Henry, Dean, College of Education and Human Development
• Calvin Keeler, Interim Dean, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Debra Hess Norris, Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
• Louis Rossi, Dean, Graduate College
• Amy Ellen Schwartz, Dean, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration
• Levi Thompson, Dean, College of Engineering
• Fabrice Veron, Dean, College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment
• Bruce Weber, Dean, Lerner College of Business and Economics
• Avron Abraham, Interim Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
• Ravi Ammigan, Associate Provost for International Programs
• Trevor A. Dawes, Vice Provost for Libraries and Museums and May Morris University Librarian
• George Irvine, Associate Vice Provost, Division of Professional and Continuing Studies
• Kim Isett, Vice Provost for Academic Programs and University Initiatives
• Matt Kinservik, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
• Michael Vaughan, Vice Provost for Equity
• Dana Veron, Associate Provost for Faculty Development
• Chris Williams, Associate Provost and Academic Director for the Office of Sustainability 

University Academic Calendar

The academic calendar is posted online a year prior to the start of the fall semester and is available from the webpage for the Office of the University Registrar. The calendar is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Any changes to the academic calendar will be posted to the on-line calendar version as they occur. Questions regarding the calendar: Email Registrar@udel.edu.

The University follows a semester plan. In addition to two semesters, Winter and Summer sessions are also offered. Other specific programs may follow alternative schedules. Information regarding class meeting times and credit hours can be found at http://www.udel.edu/registrar/policies-procedures/classtimes.html.

The University

Tradition and Innovation - Our History and Our Future

The University of Delaware has a great tradition of excellence, from our roots extending back to a small private academy started in 1743, to the research-intensive, technologically advanced institution of today.

Our alumni tell our story of achievement, from our first class, which included three signers of the Declaration of Independence and one signer of the U.S. Constitution, to the more than 200,000 living Blue Hens who are making vital contributions to the world. President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and First Lady Jill Biden are both UD alumni.

The University received its charter from the State of Delaware in 1833 and was designated one of the nation’s historic Land Grant colleges in 1867. Today, UD is a Land Grant, Sea Grant and Space Grant institution. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies UD as a research university with very high research activity-a designation accorded less than three percent of U.S. colleges and universities. UD ranks among the nation’s top 100 universities in federal R&D support for science and engineering.

A state-assisted, privately governed institution, UD offers a broad range of academic programs, including three associate degrees, 165 bachelor’s degrees, 135 master’s degrees and 64 doctoral degrees. Our student body encompasses more than 18,000 undergraduates, more than 4,500 graduate students and more than 800 students in professional and continuing studies from across the country and around the globe. Our distinguished faculty includes internationally known scholars and experts.

Mission Statement

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.    

University 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, where we respect diverse backgrounds, values and viewpoints. The values of the University of Delaware are woven throughout the institution and include:

• 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, Equity 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 leads 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.
• First State Commitment. The University offers excellent and affordable educational opportunities for Delawareans, provides research and innovation that strengthens the state’s economy, and builds partnerships with communities throughout Delaware for a better future.

The University of Delaware’s Values, as well as Mission Statement, Student Values Statement, and Statement of Respect & Responsibility are located at http://www.udel.edu/about/values/. 

Diverse Colleges And Extensive Degree Programs

Academic degree programs are administered by ten colleges at the University including: Agriculture and Natural Resources; Arts and Sciences; Business and Economics; Earth, Ocean, and Environment; Education and Human Development; Engineering; Health Sciences; Honors; Public Policy and Administration; and the Graduate College. Eight colleges offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees. See a complete list of the University’s extensive undergraduate degree programs . To see the graduate degree programs, please navigate to the corresponding Graduate Catalog. 

Through the Associate in Arts Program, students can earn their UD Associate in Arts degree on the campuses of Delaware Technical Community College in Dover and Georgetown and the Community Education Building in downtown Wilmington. The Division of Professional and Continuing Studies extends the opportunities of the University to students throughout the state and beyond.

Since 1921, the University has been accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Professional accreditation also is held in Accounting, Athletic Training, Business Administration, Chemistry, Clinical Psychology, Dietetics, Disability Studies, Early Childhood, Education, Engineering, Food Science, Foreign Language and Pedagogy, Health and Physical Education, Medical Technology, Music, Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Public Administration.

Academic Semesters

The University of Delaware follows a semester plan. The fall semester usually begins in August and ends in mid-December. The spring semester begins in February and ends in late May. During winter and summer sessions (described below), students may participate in off-campus field experiences, special projects for credit and a number of non-credit activities-as well as regular academic courses. Classes are offered from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 

The summer program begins in early June and features two consecutive five-week sessions, as well as some classes that meet for 7-1/2 weeks. The winter session is held in January through early February.

During winter and summer sessions, students may earn up to seven credits to accelerate progress toward a degree, to focus on a single subject, or to synchronize their course schedule with the sequence of fall and spring course offerings.

Besides on-campus courses, the Winter and Summer sessions offer travel study programs both abroad and within the U.S. Learn more about Study Abroad Programs in the Opportunities to Enrich Your Undergraduate Education  section. Special sessions also allow students to complete popular courses that may be in high demand during regular semesters. The Library, Student Centers, Housing and Dining Services, Carpenter Sports Building, and other support services are active during special sessions. Cultural activities including films, concerts, bus excursions, and lectures are also available. For more information, call the Special Sessions Office, (302) 831-2853 or visit: http://www.udel.edu/fanjoy/special-sessn.html.

Students Are Our Focus

Students are the focus of the University’s academic programs. In fall 2022, 24,039 students were enrolled, including 18,665 undergraduate students, 4,557 graduate students, and 817 students in Professional & Continuing Studies. Of the undergraduate total, 599 were enrolled in the Associate in Arts Program.

Entering first-time first-year students are typically ranked in the top-quarter of their high school graduating class. Their average SAT evidence-based reading and writing (EBRW) and math scores are well above the national average for college-bound students.

Many members of the faculty, including distinguished professors, teach introductory courses, ensuring that students have early contact with eminent scholars. At the same time, the presence of able graduate students enhances undergraduate programs by providing educational models for students aspiring to advanced degrees.

Our Unique Research Opportunities

While some institutions provide only limited research opportunities for undergraduates, a long-standing tradition at the University of Delaware encourages hands-on experience in research laboratories, libraries, and field work for students. Each year, an increasing number of undergraduates collaborate with faculty on research projects of mutual interest. Many hold summer research fellowships, prepare senior theses, and make professional presentations. Be sure to read more about the Undergraduate Research Program in the Opportunities to Enrich Your Undergraduate Education  section.

Graduate students at Delaware make a major contribution to the University’s objectives of creating, synthesizing, and disseminating knowledge. Through formal courses, seminars, independent studies, and research projects, students are introduced to existing knowledge in their fields and are provided with the principles and techniques for independent thinking and research. Some graduate students are supported under faculty research grants from outside agencies.

Campus-wide, the University conducts a wide variety of basic and applied research. Additionally, because the University cooperates with other research institutions, industry, major laboratories, and neighboring museums, students have access to an even wider range of advanced research facilities. Research funding is provided by federal grants, state and industrial contracts, foundation grants, University funds and other sources. The University of Delaware Research Foundation (UDRF), a nonprofit foundation chartered in 1955 to support University research, awards grants in science and engineering to young faculty investigating promising ideas.

The University Of Delaware Press, a nationally recognized scholarly press, publishes the work of authors in many fields, including that of faculty members at this University.

Read more about research opportunities in the corresponding Graduate Catalog’s section on research centers, institutes, and special facilities.

Cooperative Programs With Other Institutions

Academic Common Market

The University of Delaware participates in the Academic Common Market, an agreement among 16 member states of the Southern Regional Educational Board (SREB). The agreement enables students to pursue unique majors offered at publicly-funded institutions in the SREB states while paying in-state tuition. For more information on program benefits and participating states and institutions, contact the Southern Regional Educational Board, 592 10th St. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30318-5776; Phone: 404-875-9211; Fax: 404-872-1477; http://www.sreb.org/.

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, Hagley Museum and Library, Longwood Gardens

The University of Delaware and the College of Arts and Sciences collaborates with Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library and Hagley Museum & Library in providing graduate education and study in art conservation, American material culture, economic, technological, and business history. Graduate students in the American Culture and Art Conservation programs study at Winterthur that contains one of the world’s largest collections of American decorative art, including furniture, ceramics, textiles, folk art, silver, glass, and paintings. In the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, a graduate program in public horticulture was initiated in September 1967 in cooperation with Longwood Gardens.

ORAU

Since 1980, students and faculty of the University of Delaware have benefited from its membership in Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU). Located in Oak Ridge, Tenn., ORAU is a consortium of more than 150 major universities and colleges that works with its member institutions to help their students and faculty gain access to federal research facilities throughout the country; to keep its members informed about opportunities for fellowship, scholarship, and research appointments; and to organize research alliances among its members.

For more information about ORAU and its programs, please visit http://www.orau.org/.

Keeping Informed and Involved

Office of Development and Alumni Relations

The mission of the Office of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) is to engage donors, alumni, friends, parents, faculty, staff and students in a lifelong relationship and foster a tradition of philanthropy to strengthen the University of Delaware’s legacy as one of the great public institutions of higher education in America. The DAR staff works to create an unrivaled engagement and donor experience to secure philanthropic resources that advance the University for generations to come.

DAR initiatives and programs include:

• Alumni Engagement: DAR extends and enriches the UD experience by providing networking opportunities, programs, activities and services that celebrate our alumni and the University. We strive to instill pride in the University by fostering traditions and strong connections among alumni, students, faculty, staff, and UD friends. DAR conducts programs and activities for diverse constituencies, including regional club events around the country, networking events, Homecoming, and Alumni Weekend. For more details, visit www.udel.edu/alumni-friends.
• Giving to UD: Donor support provides for the margin of excellence at the University, ensuring UD can offer unique and innovative resource and experiences as well as providing scholarships so students can become Blue Hens regardless of their finances. In addition, although the University is known as a public institution, only a portion of operating funds comes from the state. Tuition and fees make up just a fraction of the cost of educating our students. The remaining costs must come from other sources such as gifts from alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and friends. To learn more about ways to give back to UD, visit www.udel.edu/giving.
• True Blue Hen Loyalty Society: All students who donate any amount every year to what they love at UD are part of the True Blue Hen Loyalty Society. More than 9,000 annual donors-dedicated alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff and students-collectively make a tremendous impact on UD’s people and programs through their loyal giving with gifts of any size. True Blue Hens receive special recognition for achieving giving milestones and anniversaries as well as digital newsletters, which highlight the meaningful difference loyal donors make at UD.
• Parents Fund: The Parents Fund creates a community of parents actively engaged in their students’ college experience and dedicated to providing philanthropic to the Division of Student Life. The fund provides valuable resources for services and programs that promote student learning, encourage personal development and wellbeing, build career readiness and facilitate strong bonds among students, enhancing their identity with the University. For more information, contact 302-831-2104 or email parentsfund@udel.edu.
• UD Student Alumni Ambassadors (UDSAA): The UDSAAs are a group of students selected to foster connections between alumni and students by interacting with alumni and encouraging students to consider their role as future alumni. The UDSAAs created the UD Bucket List to encourage Blue Hens to take part in many of the traditions unique to the University of Delaware. #UDBucketList consists of 60 items:17 gold items and 43 blue items to reflect UD’s founding year of 1743.
• UD Alumni Association (UDAA): All University of Delaware graduates are automatically granted membership in UDAA upon graduation and are inducted with a pinning ceremony at Commencement. The UDAA is proudly dedicated to engaging the entire alumni community by fostering a tradition of lifelong loyalty and commitment to the University. It provides exceptional value and ongoing support to alumni worldwide by expanding benefits available to alumni, supporting regional and affinity club events, recognizing alumni and their accomplishments and more.

Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action

The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence. 

For the University’s Legal Notice, please visit https://www.udel.edu/home/legal-notices/.

For inquiries or complaints related to non-discrimination policies, please contact: 

Dawn Barker Floyd, J.D., M.A.
Title IX Coordinator
413 Academy Street
Newark, DE  19716
(302) 831-8063
titleixcoordinator@udel.edu

For complaints related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact:

Elizabeth Reed
Interim Director, Office of Disability Support Services
Alison Hall, Suite 130
Newark, DE  19716
(302) 831-4643
ecreed@udel.edu

OR contact the U.S. Department of Education - Office for Civil Rights (https://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/OCR/contactus.cfm).