University of Delaware

The University of Delaware's nursing programs blend practical learning and research to prepare students for impactful healthcare careers.

Discover University of Delaware

Newark, Delaware

School Ranking: A
0 reviews

University of Delaware is a public and non-profit National University. The insitution offers a variety of hybrid programs—including BSN, Entry Level BSN, RN to BSN, Accelerated BSN, RN to MSN, DNP, BSN to DNP, MSN to DNP, PhD, BSN to PhD, MSN to PhD, NP, Post Grad Certificate, and Other degrees. Programs are accredited by the CCNE and the institution is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Student Demographics

  • 19 Average Age
  • 41% Men
  • 59% Women
  • 1% Veterans
  • 82% White
  • 5% Hispanic
  • 11% Black
  • 4% Asian

College Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education and complemented with additional insights from our analysts. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology.

Nursing Programs

  • $58,320 In-State Undergraduate Tuition*
  • $46,557 In-State Graduate Tuition*

*Tuition is an average of the programs listed below.

*Program Score compares similar specialty programs across our database. Learn more about our Rankings Methodology

The University of Delaware, a public research university, was founded in 1743 when a petition for the need for educated clergy was made by the Presbytery of Lewes that led the Reverend Dr. Francis Alison to open a school in New London, Pennsylvania.

The school relocated to Newark, Delaware in 1765, renamed Delaware College in 1843, and became the University of Delaware in 1914.

Undergraduate

Traditional (BSN)

This program consists of 122 credits and a four-year commitment. The program is broken down into four areas:

  • Freshman Year: Introduction to the nursing profession incorporating clinical skills, science and liberal arts courses.
  • Sophomore Year: Continuation of the development of clinical skills and critical thinking skills through simulation and laboratory experiences.
  • Junior Year: Expansion of nursing knowledge spread into the clinical setting and other field experiences.
  • Senior Experience: Continuation of clinical field experience and expansion and enhancement of nursing knowledge.

Accelerated Degree (ABSN)

The Accelerated Degree Program is for individuals who hold a baccalaureate degree in another field and wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Length of program: 17 months, full time, on campus commitment.

Accelerated Degree Program FAQ

What are the requirements for the accelerated degree program?

You must have a 3.0 GPA or higher in your previous baccalaureate degree field to be eligible. For science courses to be awarded credit, they must be completed within 10 years and the A&P classes no more than 5 years.

Are classes available in the evenings and on weekends? Can I attend this program part time?

No, there are no evening or weekend classes, not at this time. Part time is also not an option at this time.

RN to BSN

There are two programs for nurses who hold an RN license and diploma or associates degree and wish to pursue their BSN.

  • The RN to BSN Program for licensed nurses who want to obtain a BSN
  • RNs who want to obtain their MSN can go from an RN to an MSN and receive a BSN and MSN upon graduation

Courses are provided Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer sessions providing year-round learning opportunities. After completing 120 hours of credited coursework, students of the School of Nursing are awarded their BSN degree. A 2.5 cumulative GPA is required of all previously attended colleges.

RN-BSN FAQ

Is this program available online? I cannot attend a "brick and mortar" program.

Yes, the RN-BSN program is 100% online.

Can I obtain credit for life/work experience?

Yes. The University of Delaware allows 30 credits for all currently licensed RNs but does not allow college credits for nursing certifications.

Graduate

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

  • Post-Master's DNP with or without Nurse Practitioner specialization
  • Post-BSN DNP with Nurse Practitioner specialization
  • Post-DNP with Nurse Practitioner specialization 

Specialty Areas

  • Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Family Nurse Practitioner Primary Care (Family/Individual Across the Lifespan)
  • Psych-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

DNP Application Requirements (not all inclusive)

  • MSN from NLNAC or CCNE accredited nursing program with APRN national certification
  • Graduate GPA 3.5 or higher
  • Documentation of clinical hours completed
  • RN license verification
  • Written career goals
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Successful interview with the DNP Program Coordinator and subcommittee members
  • Curriculum vitae or resume

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Admission Requirements (not all inclusive)

  • BSN from accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.0)
  • MSN or Master's in another health related discipline from an accredited college/university (minimum GPA 3.5)
  • Statement of goals and objectives
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Active Registered Nurse (RN) license
  • A curriculum vitae or resume
  • A minimum of 3 credits undergraduate and 3 credits graduate level statistics

DNP FAQ

Do I need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?

The GRE is not a requirement to enter the program.

Can I do the clinical rotations in my own state, or do I need to do the clinical in Delaware?

Clinical rotations can be done in any state. Contractual arrangements must be made between each clinical agency and the University of Delaware.

How long is the program if I am full-time?

Full-time students can finish the program within 24 to 36 months.

PhD FAQ

What is the research focus of UD's PhD in Nursing Science?

Research foci must fit within one of the three areas and compliment the program of research of one of the School of Nursing faculty members who will serve as the doctoral student advisor/mentor.

  • Aging / Healthy Aging
  • Community Based Research / Health Disparities
  • Symptom Science / Self Management

How long will it take me to complete the PhD program?

Students usually finish the program on a full-time status within two years. Part-time students must meet the UD requirement of seven years.

Can the PhD in Nursing Science Program be completed online?

No, the program is primarily an on-site course of study.

Accreditation

The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited the University of Delaware School of Nursing and was granted re-accreditation of the baccalaureate (BSN), the master's (MSN) degree programs and the post-graduate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) certificate programs.

The University of Delaware is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Rankings

US News and World Report (2019)

  • #89 (tie) in National Universities
  • #53 (tie) in Best Colleges for Veterans
  • #38 (tie) in Top Public Schools
  • #297 (tie) in Best Global Universities

NICHE (2019)

  • Best Big Colleges in America #35 of 131
  • Top Public Universities in America #36 of 672
  • Colleges with the Best Student Life in America #63 of 1,542
  • Best College Campuses in America #95 of 1,408
  • Best Value Colleges in America #123 of 1,590
  • Best Colleges in America #127 of 1,647
  • Best Colleges for Nursing in America #133 of 599
  • Colleges with the Best Academics in America #188 of 1,591
  • Most Liberal Colleges in America #301 of 687
  • Best College Locations in America #439 of 1,553
  • Most Diverse Colleges in America #559 of 1,592
  • Best College Dorms in America #645 of 1,370
  • Best Value Colleges in Delaware #1 of 6
  • Most Diverse Colleges in Delaware #3 of 6
  • Best Colleges in Philadelphia Area #6 of 36
  • Best Value Colleges in Philadelphia Area #6 of 36

Forbes (2019)

  • #150 Top Colleges
  • #42 in Public Colleges
  • #79 in Research Universities
  • #70 in the Northeast
  • #150 America's Best Value Colleges

The Princeton Review (2018-2019)

  • The Best 384 Colleges
  • Best Northeastern

Kiplinger (2017)

  • #39 100 Best Values in Public Colleges
  • #179 Best College Values (Public & Private Combined)

MONEY Magazine ranked UD #68 Best Colleges For Your Money (2018-2019).

UD made the Victory Media's 2017 Military Friendly® Schools list and Top 10 Gold Award.

UD was Featured in Fiske's 2017 Guide to Colleges.

DISCLOSURE: This page may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click on a link.

There are no reviews to display.