Prospective Student Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline? February 1 is the priority deadline for full consideration for research assistantships for full-time study, subject to availability. The priority deadline for the M.P.A. Career Enhancement Option (part-time study) is April 15. Admissions occur on a rolling basis until the final deadline of July 1. Please note that applications received by the priority dates receive optimal consideration for admissions.
Are applications accepted after those dates? Yes. However, full-time applicants who meet the February 1 deadline are given priority consideration for research assistantship placements. Applications are accepted until the University’s final deadline of July 1 for fall admissions.
Can I apply for spring admission? Yes, with the exception of the PhD Urban Affairs and Public Policy program. The application deadline for spring admission is December 1. The bulk of research assistantships are awarded for fall admission. There are limited funding opportunities in the spring semester.
I went to UD as an undergrad. Will that help or hurt my chances of admission? What about those who say you should go to a different institution for graduate school? We are quite familiar with the quality of UD academic programs, as well as UD professors who may provide recommendations. We look to admit academically talented students, no matter their undergraduate institutions. We also look to admit a diverse class in terms of undergraduate institutions, majors, cultures, and life experiences. Being a UD graduate alone doesn’t help, nor hurt, your chances of admission.
Those who advise students to attend a different institution for graduate school may be thinking more of research degrees instead of professional degrees. It is rare for our graduate students to have had undergraduate courses with our professors, so you’ll have plenty of exposure to new faculty members and their research activities.
What undergraduate majors do you prefer to admit? We welcome applications for the master’s programs from ANY undergraduate major. Our programs are interdisciplinary in nature, so all academic backgrounds are respected.
At the same time, it is helpful for students to have some exposure to the social sciences. Depending on the program, many students find having some background in economics and statistics helpful.
What should I look for among the programs I am considering? Different applicants look for different qualities in graduate programs. You should look for strength in the attributes most important to you. Surveys show that our graduate students chose UD because of our strong academic programs, the Delaware Model (integration of theory and practice), the internship program, and the availability of their desired specialization or concentration.
What makes the School of Public Policy and Administration at UD stand out? We are told that the opportunities and the people are what sets us apart from other public affairs institutions. Through our program of research assistantships our students have remarkable opportunities for professional development. The School is also a community of people dedicated to our field and supporting student success. Our positive atmosphere is an attribute that impresses many visitors and is enjoyed by those in our community.
How do I set up a visit? We welcome you to set up a visit to learn more about the program. However, before you arrive, we’d like for you to spend time reviewing our web site and curriculum information to facilitate better conversations with faculty.
We’d also like to get to know more about you so we can set up a productive visit. Please be prepared to let us know which specialization or concentration area(s) and research center(s) you’re considering. We’d also like you to submit a resume to help us match you with appropriate people during your visit and let us know your major, previous college or university, and GPA. Then contact the School office at (302) 831-1687 or email us at sppa@udel.edu. We’ll arrange a personalized set of meetings with faculty and/or students and staff.
Should I submit all of my application materials together or wait until I take my GREs? It’s best to submit your application and any materials that are ready as soon as possible. It is NOT necessary to wait to send all of your materials together. It’s okay for things to arrive at different times. Your GREs can be added to your record when they’re received. Please note, however, that an admissions decision cannot be made until your record is complete.
Can I request a waiver for the GREs? All of the School of Public Policy and Administration’s graduate programs require submission of GRE scores. GRE scores are considered a helpful component of the applicant’s credentials. However, a few exceptions are sometimes granted for applicants who have taken other standardized tests or those who have earned a previous graduate degree. Waivers are granted on a case-by-case basis. Applicants who would like to request a waiver should include a letter in their application stating the reason for their request. It would be wise for applicants to follow up soon after their application is submitted to determine if the request has been granted. Please note that if a waiver is not granted, the applicant will need to submit GRE scores before an admissions decision can be made. This delay could significantly disadvantage an application.
If I have low GRE scores can I still be admitted? Admissions decisions are based on the applicant’s full spectrum of credentials. This includes standardized test scores, as well as previous academic performance, rigor of previous academic programs and institutions, recommendations, career and volunteer experience, and commitment to one’s chosen field. We have found that at the master’s level, undergraduate grades are the best predictor of graduate academic success.
You can check the statistics page to find out the mean GRE score for recently admitted classes. Obviously, some students scored higher than the average and some scored lower than the average. Some applicants may be advised to retake the GREs to improve their score and their chances of admission.
What’s the difference between the M.A. and M.P.A. programs? We’ve developed a matrix that compares the two master’s programs. Click here to find out more about the difference between the M.A. and the M.P.A. programs
How can I check the status of my application? You can check the status online through the Office of Graduate and Professional Education website. If you have difficulty or have a question, you can call the Office of Graduate Studies at 302-831-2129. You can also call our office at 302-831-1687.
When will I hear about an admissions decision? Good question! Applicants are always anxious to hear. All applications are individually reviewed by the faculty admissions committee. The first round of admissions decisions are made by late February to those of the applicant pool who are most qualified. The first round of notifications, then, are made in early to mid March.
Once students admitted in the first round have decided whether to accept UD’s offer, there may be additional spaces in the class or funding slots available, so some applicants may hear in April or May. In a few cases, especially those who apply late, may hear over the summer.
If I get accepted and want to enroll at Delaware, what are the next steps? You will be formally notified of your admissions decision from the Office of Graduate and Professional Education. You will need to send back your form indicating whether you accept the admissions offer.
If you are awarded a research assistantship, in a few weeks or so you will be mailed a letter with pertinent details along with a contract. Please sign and return the contract by the deadline indicated on the contract.
Once you return your forms accepting the admissions offer and the research assistantship contract, your next official communication from the School of Public Policy and Administration will come in late July. This letter will contain information for new students about orientation, registering for classes, etc.
In the meantime, check out our web pages for new students for information about advisement, orientation and beginning your program.
My question isn’t listed here. What can I do? We welcome inquires! Please call our office at 302-831-1687 or email us at sppa@udel.edu.
