The University of Delaware has launched three new undergraduate programs and five master’s degree programs, responding to student needs and the evolving business and industry landscape. Providing a blending of skills, knowledge and experience, these new offerings are intended to continue preparing students to be effective leaders and succeed in a competitive job market.

New majors for undergraduate students include applied molecular biology and biotechnology, construction engineering and management, and human relations administration.

New master’s degree programs include accounting practice, applied statistics, finance (combined bachelor’s/master’s degree program), information systems and technology management/cybersecurity dual degree, and medical sciences.

Full descriptions of majors and programs are provided below.

Overall, UD has a large, diverse set of academic offerings with more than 150 majors and over 200 graduate programs, including dual and online degrees, across its seven colleges and 80 research centers.  

In addition, undergraduate students in almost any major can complement their field of study by joining an enrichment program such as UD Honors or one of several Scholars and Fellows programs, which provide ambitious students challenge, specialized skills, career connections and living learning communities.

Those admitted for fall 2018 will be able to apply for the new Access:ABILITY Scholars program, providing a chance to bring the distinct perspective of their major—whatever that may be—to design and advocate for inclusive approaches to disability. Or, students can become World Scholars, immersing themselves in global experiences beginning with study abroad their very first semester. Those with an entrepreneurial spirit can become Innovation Fellows. Students can also be Cybersecurity or Community Engagement Scholars, tackling some of the most pressing concerns of our time. Engineering majors may join the Grand Challenges Scholars program and address critical global technological challenges.

New undergraduate programs

Applied molecular biology and biotechnology

The applied molecular biology and biotechnology (BAMBB) major, offered by the College of Health Sciences, is significantly different from other basic science programs in that it will provide a foundation in the basic biotechnology laboratory skills set as well as a solid science background. With a hands-on, competency based curriculum, students completing the BAMBB major will be able to hit the ground running as entry-level scientists, making this an attractive option as a major. With a combination of academic preparation and work experience, BAMBB graduates are eligible to sit for the certification examination in molecular biology offered by the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathology, should they so desire.

Human relations administration 

The College of Education and Human Development is offering students a new human relations administration major, in which they will complete coursework and field placements in preparation for careers in human resources at both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. The curriculum includes courses in several academic disciplines including business, communications, human development, interpersonal relationships, and mentorship/counseling, and up to 450 hours of internship experience. Completion of this major, which includes a minor in organizational and community leadership, will provide students with the skills necessary to manage employee relationships, facilitate critical workplace training, enhance staff motivation and ensure compliance of important legal issues including diversity and inclusion.

Construction engineering and management

The College of Engineering now offers a major in construction engineering and management (CEM).  The 126 credit-hour program is founded on core math and science courses, with a curriculum developed according to requirements outlined by ABET, the accrediting body for engineering programs in the U.S. All students in the program will gain real-world experience by participating in a 26-week co-op. Unlike most co-op programs, the UD CEM program enables students to complete the co-op without extending the time for degree completion, four years.  All students will also complete a certificate of business essentials offered by UD’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics as part of their degree program or they may opt for additional study towards the achievement of a minor in business administration.

New master’s degree programs

Master of accounting practice

The master of accounting practice (MAP) is designed for students who did not major in accounting as undergraduates but want to pursue the professional practice of accountancy through graduate study and prepare to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination. The MAP—offered through the Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics—will prepare students for a leadership role in an accounting career, such as public accounting, information systems consulting, industry, finance or government.

Master of science in applied statistics

The master of science in applied statistics is a program offered completely online, with the goal of transforming students into data professionals who can satisfy the increasing demand for data analytics. Housed in the Department of Applied Economics and Statistics (APEC) in UD’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the program is now accepting applications for spring 2018. The program targets professionals from a broad spectrum of industries and functional areas whose work brings them in contact with data. APEC has recruited expert statisticians from industries such as financial services, healthcare, chemical, pharmaceutical, technology and farming to build courses that use case studies. The online courses are managed by statisticians who are full-time APEC faculty members.

Finance bachelor of science and master of science accelerated degree program (4+1)

The finance B.S. and M.S. accelerated degree program offered through the Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics provides students with the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in finance in less time and at less cost than completing each program individually. With a combined degree, students will have specialized, in-depth financial knowledge and will be prepared to succeed within the increasingly complex financial services industry.

Master of science in information systems & technology management/cybersecurity dual degree program

The master of science in information systems & technology management/cybersecurity dual degree program combines two successful programs at the University of Delaware: the Lerner College’s M.S. in information systems and technology management program and the College of Engineering’s M.S. in cybersecurity. Students in this dual degree program will build skills that are critical to the successful implementation and management of both cybersecurity and IT in government and business.

Master of science in medical sciences

The master of science in medical sciences (MMS), offered by the College of Health Sciences, is designed for practicing professionals who want to advance their knowledge and skills in the clinical laboratory sciences and develop new proficiencies needed to meet the challenges of a changing profession and fast-paced development in technology. The MMS will allow students to specifically tailor their program of study to meet their specific career goals whether it be laboratory administration, advanced laboratory practice skills, research or laboratory science education.