Dr. Peters holds a bachelors degree from Brown University (1960), a Masters from Northeastern University (1965) and a doctorate from Stanford University in Education and Psychology (1968). He served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1965.

Dr. Peters taught at The Pennsylvania State University from 1968 through 1985 when he joined the University of Delaware as Professor and Chair, Department of Individual and Family Studies. He Chaired the IFS Department until 1991. In 1990 he was named to the newly established Amy Rextrew Professorship within the College of Human Resources. In 1992 he founded and directed the program that evolved into the Center for Disabilities Studies at the University. In 1997 he was selected as a Francis Alison Professor for excellence in teaching, research and service to the University.

Dr. Peters is the author or editor of nine books. He has published more than 60 journal articles or book chapters in edited volumes. He has been a project director or principal investigator on more than thirty projects funded by federal and state agencies or private foundations. He has served as a reviewer or member of the editorial board for numerous journals and has served as a board member or consultant to many public and private agencies. He frequently presents his work at national and international professional meetings.

Dr. Peters stepped down from being the Director of the Center for Disabilities Studies, but remains associated with the Center as Senior Policy Fellow and as Co-Director of the Delaware Alternate Portfolio Assessment Project. He holds faculty appointments in the Department of Individual and Family Studies and in the Program in Urban Affairs and Public Policy.