Delaware State University

Delaware State University Summary

Delaware State University is a historically black university in Dover, Delaware. Over the last 115 years, it has evolved into a fully accredited, comprehensive university with a main campus and two satellite sites that encompass six colleges and a diverse population of undergraduate and advanced degree students. The graduating class of 2006 is the largest in the University’s history, consisting of over 500 seniors and graduate students. Delaware State University’s athletic programs participate in NCAA’s Division I (I-AA for football). The main campus in Dover contains 30 buildings, including: Delaware State University is a part of Internet 2 initiative. Global Connections: The University has over 20 formal international partnerships with institutions in countries such as Egypt, Nigeria, Serbia, Mexico, China, Cuba and many others, which facilitate student exchanges and research and conference collaborations. Currently, the university consists of six colleges: College of Mathematics, Science and Technology, School of Business, College of Arts and Humanities, College of Professional Studies, College of Education and Sports Sciences and College of Agriculture and Related Sciences. As of Fall 2005, the University has about 3,700 students, of which about 340 are graduate students. The University offers PhD programs in Applied Mathematics/Mathematical Physics and Neuroscience, doctoral program in education and Master’s programs in various fields of sciences, nursing, social work, education, MBA program, natural resources, etc.

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Delaware State University History

Delaware State was originally established as the State School for Colored Students in 1891 as a land-grant college and first opened its doors in 1892. Provisional accreditation was granted in 1944 and full accreditation was granted in 1957 after a great deal of struggle on the part of the University’s administration. Until 1993 the institution was known as Delaware State College.

Delaware State University is located in Dover, Delaware. There are branch campuses located in Sussex and Wilmington. Delaware State University was founded in 1891 as a land-grant institution for blacks, became a 4-year school in 1911, and received university status in 1957. The University now awards bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and degrees. It is accredited by the Middle State Association of Colleges and Universities on the University level, and by several national and regional bodies on the programmatic level.

Delaware State University defines its mission as “to provide . . . meaningful and relevant education that emphasizes both the liberal and professional aspects of higher education.” The school is still largely African-American, and provides both courses that are traditional to liberal education and that are more vocationally oriented.

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Delaware State University Academics

Five colleges makeup the foundation of Delaware State’s academic offerings: Agriculture and Related Sciences; Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology; Humanities and Social Sciences; Education and Sport Sciences; and Health and Public Policy. The undergraduate curriculum is primarily liberal arts-focused. The University’s General Education Program provides required courses to all students that assist them in becoming well-rounded and developing critical thinking skills.

Bachelor’s degrees are awarded in a number of different disciplines, including general agriculture, environmental science, consumer studies, chemistry, mathematics, biology, physics, English, French, Spanish, journalism, art education, education, sports management, nursing, finance and banking, and airway science management. Minors are also awarded in many of these fields, and other more specialized ones such as mathematics and French or Spanish. The University has set its majors up around a General Education Program which requires a number of core courses in different areas, “foundation courses for life-long learning” that emphasize traditional liberal arts education, and a “capstone” course such as a senior seminar or internship in the major area. A few courses are offered as part of an honors program.

Master’s degrees are awarded in natural resources, chemistry, mathematics, biology, physics, French, Spanish, historic preservation, and various areas of education. Delaware State University also awards an MSW and an MBA. Certification in education administration and supervision is also available through the College of Education and Sports Sciences.

The school awards one doctoral degree, in interdisciplinary mathematics and mathematical physics. There are several concentrations within this field.

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Delaware State University Unique Programs

The Department of Airway Science educates future aviation professionals, such as pilots, air traffic controllers, or airline management professionals. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science in Airway Science and can choose concentrations in Airway Science Management or Aircraft Systems Management. Admission to the Professional Pilot program is predicated on approval by the Department.

The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences educates professionals who will contribute to the care and well being of families, individuals, and supporting institutions. Majors include Food, Nutrition and Dietetics; Clothing, Textiles and Fashion Merchandising; and Consumer Sciences.

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Delaware State University Financial Aid

Delaware State’s financial aid office usually requires that the FAFSA be submitted no later than the month of April to be considered for financial aid. The University’s website is a portal to scholarship applications for university or endowed scholarships, minority scholarships, and provides students with a search engine with access to more than 2.4 million scholarships nationwide. The website also allows applicants to browse Stafford Loans, Parent Loans (PLUS), and Sallie Mae signature loans, plus the convenience of an online loan management system.

In-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students were $4726 in 2004-2005. Students applying from out of state and graduate students will have different costs.

Financial aid is available with a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.

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Delaware State University Students

Students on campus can contribute to campus life by participating in a community building program or becoming a Resident Assistant. Intramural sports are also a favorite pastime, including flag football, basketball, soccer, and field hockey. The Student Leadership program provides enrichment activities, lectures, and cultural events on campus. And the on-campus Student Health Services program ensures that all students have access to necessary health services.

Residence life consists of eight different facilities, including the University Courtyard Apartments that are near the campus and designated solely for honor, married, and graduate students.

As part of its “airway science” program, Delaware State University maintains a small fleet of planes for instructional purposes. The University also provides support for the Schwartz Center for the Arts in the city of Dover, which is the venue for the Dover Symphony Orchestra and other shows and entertainment.

The Delaware State University Library offers electronic catalogs and on-line databases, in additional to physical volumes stored on site or available through interlibrary loan. It is also home to the Art Center Gallery, the Office of Disabilities, and various classrooms and instructional centers.

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Delaware State University Traditions

The DSU Choir is a 75-person chorus is a tradition that is nearly as old as the University itself. The choir, part of the University’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts, takes an annual tour across the country performing at venues in North Carolina, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Georgia. The choir sings an eclectic mix from old time spirituals to more classical works by Mozart and Bach.

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Delaware State University Local Community

The City of Dover is a quaint, quiet community of approximately 30,000. Shopping in Delaware is tax-free and Dover provides several fun venues such as Downtown Dover and the Dover Mall where visitors can take advantage. The Schwartz Center, the modern renovation of the old Dover Opera House, was reopened in 2001 and now hosts a variety of performances. But perhaps the most popular event at Dover is the annual MBNA 500, part of the NASCAR tour, which attracts 200,000 fans.

The city of Dover, population approximately 30,000 is located in central Delaware. It is the state capital and also home to Dover Air Force Base. The town has numerous festivals throughout the year, and hosts NASCAR races in June and September.

This site is not sponsored by, affiliated with, nor endorsed by Delaware State University