
Graduate Certificate: Admissions Requirements
Because the required courses are offered through the Internet, admission to the graduate certificate in Socially Responsible and Sustainable Apparel Business in the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies is open to students residing anywhere in the world. Although most students hold undergraduate degrees in apparel design, fashion merchandising, or a related program, interested individuals with backgrounds in other scientific disciplines can also excel in the graduate certificate and are welcome to apply.
Individuals Currently Not Enrolled at UD
Individuals who are not currently University of Delaware students apply to the Office of Graduate Studies. There is a $60 application fee. Prospective students are required to submit evidence of an undergraduate degree and to provide essay responses to the following questions:
- What are your interests and objectives and how does pursuing the graduate certificate in socially responsible and sustainable apparel business relate to them?
- What experience, if any, have you had in the apparel, textile, or footwear industries?
- Are there any special circumstances related to your academic record that you feel we should know about?
Up to three references are allowed from teachers, supervisors, or other individuals who could provide relevant information about your likelihood of success in pursuing the graduate certificate.
Admission to the graduate certificate is decided by the Graduate Studies committee of faculty in the department. Admission to the graduate program is competitive. Those who meet stated requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet all of those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths.
Current UD Graduate Students
Graduate students who are currently pursuing a degree at the University of Delaware may take up to three of the required certificate courses without applying for admission into the certificate program. However, to take four or more required courses students must apply by completing an application form available from the Fashion and Apparel Studies Department and submitting essay responses to the following questions:
- What are your interests and objectives and how does pursuing the graduate certificate in socially responsible and sustainable apparel business relate to them?
- What experience, if any, have you had in the apparel, textile, or footwear industries?
- Are there any special circumstances related to your academic record that you feel we should know about?
Upon notification of being admitted into the graduate certificate program, UD students complete a change of classification form.
Application Deadlines
Applications are taken year round, but students wanting to begin the certificate program in Fall Semester should apply no later than July 1. Students wanting to begin in Spring Semester should apply no later than January 1.


