Delaware State University

What is the history of Delaware State University?

Delaware State University is a public, historically Black university founded in Dover in 1891 as the State College for Colored Students. It was established under the land-grant system to expand educational access for Black students at a time when segregation restricted their options.

The institution later became Delaware State College and adopted its current university name in 1993. Its land-grant history remains visible in its agriculture and research programs, while its academic offerings now extend across the sciences, business, education, health, the arts, and other fields. In 2021, Delaware State acquired nearby Wesley College, expanding its presence in Dover. Applicants comparing programs should confirm which campus or learning site hosts their intended major.

What are the faculties and departments at Delaware State University?

Delaware State University offers undergraduate and graduate study across agriculture and the sciences, business, education, the humanities, social sciences, and health-related fields. Its academic organization includes colleges focused on agriculture, science and technology; business; humanities, education and social sciences; and health and behavioral sciences.

Representative areas of study include computer science, biology, agriculture, aviation, accounting, education, psychology, social work, and nursing. Program requirements can differ considerably: a student considering nursing, teacher preparation, or aviation should examine that program's admission, progression, clinical or flight-training, and licensure requirements separately from general university admission. The university's academic catalog is the appropriate place to confirm the current degree title, required courses, and campus location of a program.

What is the location of Delaware State University?

Delaware State University's main campus is in Dover, Delaware's capital. The setting places students near state government offices and community organizations that may be relevant to internships, public-service work, and field placements.

Dover is not a major transit hub, so commuting students should plan around their actual class and work schedules rather than assuming that every trip can be made by public transportation. The university also has facilities associated with its Wesley College acquisition. Students should check where their classes meet before arranging housing or transportation. Philadelphia International Airport is a regional option for longer-distance travel, but getting there from Dover requires additional ground transportation.

What is the mission and vision of Delaware State University?

Delaware State University describes its mission in terms of accessible education, teaching, research, and public service. Its identity as both a historically Black university and a land-grant institution informs its emphasis on educational opportunity and work connected to community needs.

For a prospective student, those commitments are most usefully evaluated through a particular program: its curriculum, research or service opportunities, advising, and support for the student's goals. A mission statement explains what the university says it prioritizes; it does not establish that every student will have the same experience or outcome.