2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Biden School of Public Policy and Administration
|
|
Telephone: (302) 831-1687
bidenschool.udel.edu
Faculty Listing
The Biden School Experience: Turning Passion into Policy
Biden School of Public Policy and Administration
Named for the 46th president of the United States, the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to engage in research and public service activities to improve the quality of life in communities around the world. We believe every student can become an extraordinary leader, so we provide hands-on education and tangible skills and experiences that focus on applying your education in practical settings. We’re building a new generation of inspired, educated, and empowered public servants, ready to make change happen - and restore the promise of democracy.
Our Flagship Undergraduate Program
Our Civic Leadership and Policy Studies (CLPS) program prepares you to create positive change through effective dialogue, ethical decision-making, and innovative problem-solving. Whether you’re passionate about environmental sustainability, community development, or public service broadly, our program offers multiple options-including concentrations, honors degree, and accelerated graduate study-to help you build the skills needed to address today’s most pressing challenges while developing the civic engagement capabilities that employers and communities value. Our program provides the knowledge and skills to enter careers in law, politics, non-profits, local, state, and federal government, research, and civic-minded private enterprise.
The Civil Discourse Difference
At the Biden School, effective civic leadership begins with engaging in constructive dialogue across differences. Our program emphasizes developing the civic skills essential for creating positive change in diverse communities. Students learn and practice the principles of civil discourse, deliberative democracy, and inclusive community engagement. Our distinctive focus on civil discourse-supported by partnerships with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Ithaca Initiative and the university’s Community Engagement Initiative-prepares graduates who can navigate complex policy environments with analytical rigor and interpersonal effectiveness.
Program Evolution
Beginning Fall 2025, the Biden School is transitioning to a new flagship undergraduate program: the Bachelor of Arts in Civic Leadership and Policy Studies (CLPS). The CLPS program builds on our strengths while creating a more cohesive educational experience aligned with President Biden’s legacy of public service.
For Current Students: If you’re currently enrolled in one of our existing majors (Leadership, Public Policy, or Energy and Environmental Policy), you can complete your current degree program as planned with no changes to your requirements or timeline. If you are interested, you can change your major to CLPS.
For Prospective Students: Starting in Fall 2025, all new students admitted to the main campus in Newark will join the CLPS program, which offers multiple pathways to meet their educational and career goals.
Majors
Civic Leadership and Policy Studies (BA)
The Bachelor of Arts in Civic Leadership and Policy Studies prepares students to become informed and active members of society, capable of positively impacting their communities through effective leadership and informed policy-making.
Program Highlights:
- Develop essential leadership skills including communication, teamwork, and strategic planning
- Learn to analyze and evaluate problems and public policy solutions using qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Gain hands-on experience through required field experience or research opportunities
- Complete a capstone project addressing real-world policy challenges
Civic Leadership and Policy Studies (HBA)
The Honors Bachelor of Arts in Civic Leadership and Policy Studies offers an enhanced academic experience for high-achieving students. It combines the core elements of the standard BA program with the additional rigor and benefits of the University Honors Program.
Program Highlights:
- All the benefits of the standard BA program with additional depth and academic challenge
- Enhanced interaction with faculty
- Opportunities for advanced research and specialized projects
- Recognition of academic excellence through the Honors designation
Civic Leadership and Policy Studies with Concentration in Climate Change and Environmental Policy (BA)
This concentration prepares students to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change and environmental sustainability. Students develop specialized knowledge in environmental policy while building a strong foundation in civic leadership and policy analysis.
Program Highlights:
- Specialized focus on climate change policy and environmental issues
- Integration of environmental science with policy expertise
- Preparation for careers in environmental agencies, sustainability offices, environmental, social, governance (ESG) teams, social enterprises, and advocacy organizations
- Strong emphasis on developing effective and equitable environmental solutions
Civic Leadership and Policy Studies with Concentration in Community and Nonprofit Leadership (BA)
This concentration prepares students for leadership roles in community organizations and the nonprofit sector. Students develop specialized knowledge in organizational leadership, community engagement, and nonprofit management while building a strong foundation in civic leadership and policy analysis.
Program Highlights:
- Specialized focus on leadership in community and nonprofit contexts
- Development of strategic planning and organizational management skills
- Preparation for careers in nonprofit organizations, community development, and social enterprises
- Strong emphasis on inclusive leadership and community engagement
Minors and Certificate Programs
The Biden School offers three minors and a certificate program that complement our major offerings:
Minor in Leadership
Provides students from any major the opportunity to gain a substantive introduction to leadership concepts and applications, focusing on vision, integrity, change, communication, decision-making, and evaluation. (Not available to CLPS majors.)
Minor in Public Policy
Offers students a foundation in policy analysis, research, and communication, ideal for those who want to understand how policy shapes society without committing to the full major. (Not available to CLPS majors.)
Minor in Energy and Environmental Policy
Focuses on the intersections of energy, environment, and policy development, providing students with cross-disciplinary knowledge to address environmental challenges. (Not available to CLPS majors.)
Citizenship and Democracy Certificate
Develops students’ understanding of democratic principles and civic engagement, preparing them for active citizenship and community involvement. (Available to all majors.)
4+1 Pathway to Graduate Study
The Biden School offers an accelerated pathway to graduate study with multiple Biden School graduate programs. This option allows motivated undergraduate students to begin graduate coursework while completing their bachelor’s degree, creating a seamless transition to advanced study. This accelerated option is ideal for students who wish to deepen their expertise and enhance their career prospects in public service, policy analysis, or civic leadership.
Flex Pathway: Associate-to-Bachelor’s Degree
The Biden School offers a seamless flex pathway for students beginning with an Associate of Arts in Community and Nonprofit Leadership at UD’s satellite campus in Wilmington and transitioning to complete their Bachelor of Arts in Civic Leadership and Policy Studies at the main campus in Newark. This pathway is designed for students who prefer to begin their college experience in Wilmington before transitioning to Newark, or for those who want to explore their interest in community leadership before committing to a full bachelor’s degree program.
ProgramsMajorMinorHonors Degree4+1Certificate
|
