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Graduate Programming and Student Success

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Mission Statement

Graduate Studies and Research supports the mission of the University by providing infrastructural support for the development and implementation of transformative, high quality, graduate and professional degree programs that prepare leaders for the complexities of the 21st century. In collaboration with an excellent team of faculty, staff and administrators we will enhance the academic climate by providing curricular and co-curricular experiences that advance student leadership, research, scholarship and service for the Delaware State University community.

Vision Statement

Graduate Studies and Research will promote the vision of the University by offering graduate and professional degree programs that conform to the highest standards required by respective accrediting and funding agencies in DSU’s pursuit of excellence.

Core Values

  • Community
  • Integrity
  • Diversity
  • Scholarship
  • Outreach

Goals and Objectives

Graduate Studies and Research will address four key areas necessary for the successful admission and matriculation of graduate students at Delaware State University.

  • Admissions Processes –Implement best practices that ensure efficient, effective, graduate admissions process.
  • Academic Quality – Review and implement policies and procedures to ensure the quality of our academic programs.
  • Student Services and Records Management– Implement and maintain a records management system for all currently enrolled graduate students consisting of admissions data, student progress to degree, admission to candidacy, defense of thesis or dissertation, time to degree, and graduation.
  • Co-curricular and Professional Development Activities – In collaboration with the Graduate Student Association and academic programs, Graduate Studies and Research will provide services and implement activities for graduate students that provide professional development and networking opportunities

Whether your goal is professional advancement or a career in research or academia, Delaware State University can help you realize your dreams. Our small graduate student-to-faculty ratio sets us apart from larger institutions by providing more opportunities for you to explore your discipline and work alongside faculty on groundbreaking research. Learn more about the graduate programs offered at Delaware State University.

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to apply for DSU Graduate Programs:

  1. Review DSU graduate admissions requirements below to determine eligibility.
  2. Create an account to get started on your online application and pay $50 application fee.
  3. Forward application packet to include transcripts, test scores and letters of recommendation to the gradstudieswilm [at] desu.edu (Office of Graduate Admissions). (Check the requirements of the program to which you are applying.)

GRADUATE ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS AND PROCESS

The Graduate Admissions Office strongly encourages electronic submission of all required admission documents (letters of recommendation, transcripts (including foreign transcript evaluations), test scores, etc.). Documents should be uploaded with the completed application. Remaining outstanding documents and questions regarding the process can be sent to gradstudieswilm [at] desu.edu. 

To apply for graduate admissions, please complete the following: 

  • A completed online application and a non-refundable $50 application fee.  
  • Proof of having earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 and a 3.0 average in your undergraduate major
  • An official transcript from each college or university attended; international students should have transcripts evaluated by the World Education Service (WES), Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), or the Global Credential Evaluations, Inc. (GCE) and then forwarded by the evaluating organization to the gradstudieswilm [at] desu.edu (Office of Admissions). Please note that a course-by-course evaluation needs to be completed which provides the US equivalency of your credentials and US GPA. 
  • Successful completion of undergraduate courses in the field in which you  plan to pursue a graduate degree.
  • Letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your potential for graduate study.
  • Confirm you comply with the specific graduate program requirements.
  • For all graduate programs, official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or other specified examinations, writings, documents or productions as defined by the individual department or program are required. GRE and other test scores are received electronically via the University Testing Service. Please select code 5153 for electronic submission of your scores.
  • Students scoring below the 50th percentile on the verbal and/or analytical writing section of their standardized examination may be required to demonstrate additional proficiency.

*Please note that all graduate programs reserve the right to require more stringent admission guidelines and earlier deadlines than Graduate Studies and Research. We recommend that you discuss program requirements with the director of your specific program prior to submission of application materials.

INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE APPLICANTS

In addition to meeting general application requirements, non-English speaking international students applying for admission to graduate study at Delaware State University must demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency in the English language. This proficiency requirement may be satisfied by meeting criteria in any (1) of the following categories:

  1. Foreign applicants who hold the baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university within the United States are presumed to be proficient in the English language.
  2. Foreign applicants who hold the baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from a foreign institution in which English is the language of instruction are presumed to be proficient in English.
  3. Foreign applicants who do not meet the requirements outlined in 1 and 2 above must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Applicants should attain a score of at least 550 on the TOEFL (paper-based test), or a 79 (new internet-based TOEFL) or a 6.5 minimum IELTS score.
  4. In lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS exams, students can enroll in Delaware State University’s English Language Institute (ELI).  Upon successful completion of the ELI program, students will receive a certificate that fulfills the University’ English language requirement for enrollment into a regular degree-seeking program.  For more information, please visit https://www.desu.edu/eli.
  5. International applicants must provide WES or ECE evaluated transcripts 60 days prior to enrollment noting completion of the baccalaureate degree.

For more information, please see International Admissions.