Research Assistantships

The Delaware Model at work

A major component of your experience as an M.A. student in the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy is your Research Assistantship. Students gain real world professional experience while earning their degree.

While studying media policy you could be analyzing crime coverage on local television news
While studying community development, you could be asked to evaluate a community center’s homeownership program.
While studying environmental planning, you could be working on a proposal to minimize the impacts of poultry plants on the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
While studying architectural preservation you could be mapping the Underground Railroad

Research assistants work in tandem with faculty and staff on applied research and public service projects to collect and analyze information, evaluate policies, develop management systems, plan for future needs, train community leaders, and support the activities of the School and College. This community partnership is what makes the Delaware experience unique.

Research assistantships include tuition waivers for fall and spring semesters, and stipends for living expenses. Students awarded research assistantships are expected to work on sponsored research projects 20 hours a week during the contract period from September 1 to May 31 and receive a stipend ($12,200 in 2005-06). These funds are not tax-exempt. Students with research assistantships must register for a minimum of nine credit hours. Your concentration area, center affiliation, availability of funds, and ongoing projects can determine your assistantship. Because of the nature of research projects funded by outside agencies, there is a constantly evolving array of research opportunities. As often as possible, students' interests are taken into account when assigning students to research projects.

School of Urban Affairs & Public Policy
184 Graham Hall | University of Delaware | Newark, DE 19716
phone 302 831 1687 | e-mail suapp@udel.edu | fax 302 831 3296