University of Delaware

1200 N. Dupont Highway, Dover, DE

University of Delaware (UD) is a state-assisted, privately governed university offering a wide range of degree programs. The UD has four associate's degree programs, 137 bachelor's degree programs, 117 master's degree programs, 50 doctoral degree programs and 12 dual graduate degree programs.  The UD has seven colleges that collaborate with more than 60 research centers.

The University of Delaware is one of the oldest universities in the U.S.  It has a rich history that produced three signers of the Declaration of Independence and one signer of the U.S. Constitution. UD receives substantial federal research and development funding for science and engineering programs, and is considered a "high research activity" institution.

The distinguished faculty of UD includes many well-known authors, artists and scientists. UD faculty members include Nobel laureates, Fulbright fellows, Guggenheim fellows, and more.  Prestigious alumni of UD include Vice President Joseph Biden, Jr., and his wife, Jill.

Considered a Sea Grant institution, the UD conducts exploration of the sea via its 146-foot coastal research vessel, Hugh R. Sharp. Other UD facilities include the High Performance Figure Skating Center, and a new Science and Technology campus that is currently under construction.

The University of Delaware has many Study Abroad programs, offered on all seven continents. Service Learning programs provide students with the opportunity to get real-world experience while making a difference in the community. Students over 50 can pursue one of many Lifeline Learning Programs.

History

Founded in 1743 as a private academy, the University of Delaware is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States. In 1833, it received its charter from the State of Delaware. In 1867, it was designated one of the nation's Land Grant colleges. The first graduating class of UD included three signers of the Declaration of Independence and one signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Today the University of Delaware is a Land Grant, Sea Grant and Space Grant institution with thriving research programs.

Academics

The academic calendar for the University of Delaware follows the semester format, with fall and spring semesters. There is also a shorter Winter Session that runs mid-January to mid-February, and two short Summer Sessions.

Colleges and Schools

• College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• College of Arts and Sciences
• Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics
• College of Earth, Ocean and Environment
• College of Education and Human Development
• College of Engineering
• College of Health Sciences

In addition to the University of Delaware's seven colleges, there are numerous schools and departments that administer majors and minors, and report to the dean's of each college.

Student Life

UD students will find many opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom by attending the distinguished speaker series or one of the many symposia offered on campus. There are numerous intramural and club sports available for new participants, and more than 300 student clubs and organizations, including 30 for graduate students. Student groups range in focus from culture to religion, profession to heritage, hobbies or special interests. Fraternities and sororities are active on campus as well. Music concerts, art exhibits and a host of cultural and recreational activities are available throughout the calendar year.

On campus housing is available, and there are also many groups available for involvement in Residence Life. Many dining options are available on campus, from dining halls to cafes.

Traditions

The University of Delaware school colors are blue and gold, with white as an accent color. The team mascot is a "Blue Hen," nicknamed "YoUDee." The athletic teams are nicknamed the Delaware "Fighting Blue Hens" or UD "Blue Hens." The fans cheering in the stands yell "Go Hens!"

The mascot is symbolic of the courage of the Delaware Regiment that fought for the birth of the nation in the Revolutionary War. The Delaware Regiment was alternately nicknamed "The Fighting Delawares," "The Blue Hens' Chickens," and the "Fighting Blue Hens." The leader of one of the most courageous division of the regiment owned fighting cocks and supervised cockfighting. The Delaware General Assembly named the Blue Hen Chicken the official state bird in 1939, though the bird had been chosen as a mascot for the University of Delaware as early as 1911.

Athletics

The University of Delaware "Blue Hens" athletic teams compete in many intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Field Hockey
• Football
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Rowing
• Soccer
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis 

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Lacrosse
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its main campus in Newark, Delaware - referred to by Thomas Jefferson as a "jewel" among states - the University of Delaware has satellite locations across the State of Delaware. Satellite locations include:

• Wilmington
• Dover
• Georgetown
• Lewes

Community Life

The University of Delaware is considered an "engaged university" by making a comprehensive and sustained contribution to improving its surrounding communities. The UD research centers are important state and national assets.

Delaware is referred to as being situated "halfway between London and Los Angeles." The city of Newark ("New Ark"), the home of the main UD campus, offers the charm of a small college town that still has accessibility to the major metro areas and all the culture and entertainment students may seek.