Graduate Education:
"The Delaware Model"

Through the University of Delaware's Center for Community Research and Service, graduate students in the School of Urban Affairs & Public Policy, the Department of Individual and Family Studies, and other units of the University work with and for families and communities, pursuing interdisciplinary academic studies and research in issues such as:

• local and community-based development
• housing and homelessness
• poverty and hunger
• crime and family violence
• urban and neighborhood planning and governance
• media and communities
• family/community relationships
• utilization and management of nonprofit organizations in social service delivery
• the design, implementation and evaluation of social service programs
• organizational strategic planning and programmatic strategic analysis
• any number of other related areas!

In addition to course requirements, student research assistants work on projects that deliver and evaluate services and support for families and neighborhoods, thus enhancing their educational experience as they help improve communities and families. Research assistantships, which require 20 hours of work per week during the academic year and cover a 9-month stipend and full tuition, are offered through CCDFP to selected students matriculating in the following academic programs:

School of Urban Affairs & Public Policy

M.A. in Urban Affairs & Public Policy
(Community Development & Nonprofit Leadership concentration)

M.P.A. (Master of Public Administration)
(Community Development & Nonprofit Leadership concentration)

Ph.D. in Urban Affairs & Public Policy

Department of Individual & Family Studies

M.S. in Individual and Family Studies

Ph.D. in Individual and Family Studies

Full-time students can generally complete the Masters' degree programs in two years. Doctoral programs usually include two years of coursework before spending a year or more on dissertation research, analysis, writing, and defense. Students may also pursue degrees on a part-time schedule-the M.P.A. program has a mid-career option that allows for non-traditional students to take one course at a time and complete the degree in a little over 3 years.