Delaware may be one of the smallest states in the U.S., but it boasts a number of higher education institutions that provide students with a variety of academic opportunities and specialized programs. While the state is home to more public universities, Delaware’s private colleges and universities offer students access to personalized education, liberal arts curricula, and professional degree programs, often with a focus on leadership, ethics, and innovation.
Wesley College (now part of Delaware State University)
Wesley College was a private liberal arts college located in Dover, Delaware, until its merger with Delaware State University in 2021. Though no longer operating independently, Wesley College played a significant role in Delaware’s educational landscape for over a century, providing a strong foundation in liberal arts education with a focus on developing leaders.
Overview
- Location: Dover, DE
- Founded: 1873 (merged with Delaware State University in 2021)
- Enrollment (pre-merger): Approximately 1,200 students
- Religious Affiliation: Historically Methodist, later non-denominational
Academic Programs
Wesley College offered a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a focus on liberal arts, healthcare, and professional fields.
- Undergraduate Majors:
- Nursing
- Business Administration
- Education
- Environmental Science
- Criminal Justice
- Graduate Programs:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Education (M.Ed.)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Focus on Leadership and Service
Wesley College emphasized leadership development and community service, integrating these elements into its academic programs and student activities.
- Leadership Program: Wesley provided leadership training through its academic and extracurricular offerings, preparing students to take on leadership roles in their communities and professional careers.
- Service Opportunities: Many programs, particularly in education and healthcare, involved service-learning components that encouraged students to engage with the local community through volunteering and service projects.
Campus Life
Before its merger, Wesley College fostered a close-knit community where students had opportunities for personal growth and active participation in campus life.
- Greek Life: Wesley had several fraternities and sororities that offered social engagement, leadership opportunities, and community service.
- Student Organizations: Students could participate in more than 50 clubs and organizations, including academic societies, cultural groups, and special interest clubs.
- Athletics: NCAA Division III, Capital Athletic Conference, with programs in football, basketball, soccer, and softball.
Legacy
Though now part of Delaware State University, Wesley College left a legacy of offering quality liberal arts education with a strong emphasis on leadership, service, and ethics. Many of its programs and traditions continue under the Delaware State University umbrella.
Goldey-Beacom College
Goldey-Beacom College, located in Wilmington, is a private institution known for its business-focused academic programs and career-oriented education. With a strong commitment to preparing students for professional success, Goldey-Beacom offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, psychology, and other career-driven fields.
Overview
- Location: Wilmington, DE
- Founded: 1886
- Enrollment: Approximately 1,500 students
- Religious Affiliation: None
Academic Programs
Goldey-Beacom College specializes in business education but also offers other career-focused programs that prepare students for professional success in various fields.
- Undergraduate Majors:
- Business Administration
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Finance
- Psychology
- Graduate Programs:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Science in Finance
- Master of Science in Management
- Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Career-Oriented Focus
Goldey-Beacom’s programs emphasize real-world application and practical skills, making it a popular choice for students looking to enter the workforce quickly and effectively.
- Internships and Professional Development: The college has a strong network of business and industry partners, providing students with internship opportunities, mentorship, and career placement services.
- Practical Learning: Business programs include real-world case studies, simulations, and hands-on projects, ensuring students graduate with experience and marketable skills.
Campus Life
Goldey-Beacom fosters a professional, yet close-knit campus community, with a strong focus on academics and career readiness.
- Student Organizations: Students can join various professional organizations, academic clubs, and social groups, including the Student Government Association and the International Business Club.
- Events and Activities: The campus hosts career fairs, business workshops, and networking events that connect students with employers and industry leaders.
- Athletics: NCAA Division II, Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference, offering sports like basketball, soccer, and volleyball.
Notable Alumni
- John D. Taylor: Business leader and philanthropist.
- Jennifer Montague: Chief Customer Officer at Commonwealth Edison.
Wilmington University
Wilmington University is a private, non-profit institution offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Known for its flexible learning options, including online and hybrid courses, Wilmington University serves a diverse student population that includes traditional students, working professionals, and adult learners. The university emphasizes career readiness and practical skills.
Overview
- Location: New Castle, DE
- Founded: 1968
- Enrollment: Approximately 20,000 students (including online students)
- Religious Affiliation: None
Academic Programs
Wilmington University offers a broad array of degree programs, from business and technology to education, healthcare, and social sciences.
- Undergraduate Programs:
- Information Technology
- Business Management
- Health Sciences
- Nursing
- Criminal Justice
- Graduate Programs:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Education (M.Ed.)
- Master of Science in Information Systems Technology
- Master of Science in Human Services
- Doctoral Programs:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Flexible Learning Options
Wilmington University is known for its commitment to flexibility, offering multiple delivery formats to meet the needs of diverse students.
- Online Programs: A significant portion of Wilmington’s degrees can be completed online, allowing students to balance their studies with work and personal commitments.
- Hybrid Learning: Many programs combine online coursework with in-person sessions, giving students the best of both worlds—flexibility and face-to-face engagement.
Campus Life
While Wilmington University primarily caters to non-traditional students, there are still opportunities for campus involvement and community building.
- Student Organizations: Students can participate in professional development organizations, honor societies, and service-oriented clubs.
- Career Services: Wilmington University places a strong emphasis on career readiness, offering career counseling, resume workshops, and job placement services.
- Athletics: NCAA Division II, Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference, offering sports such as basketball, soccer, baseball, and softball.
Notable Alumni
- Karen Valihura: Justice on the Delaware Supreme Court.
- Brian DiSabatino: CEO of EDiS Company.
Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD)
Delaware College of Art and Design (DCAD), located in Wilmington, is a specialized art and design college that offers associate degrees in various creative disciplines. DCAD is known for its hands-on learning environment, small class sizes, and emphasis on preparing students for careers in the arts. It also serves as a stepping stone for students looking to transfer to four-year art schools.
Overview
- Location: Wilmington, DE
- Founded: 1997
- Enrollment: Approximately 200 students
- Religious Affiliation: None
Academic Programs
DCAD focuses exclusively on associate degree programs in art and design, preparing students for professional careers or further education at four-year institutions.
- Associate of Fine Arts Degrees:
- Animation
- Fine Arts
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Photography
Focus on Artistic Development
DCAD’s curriculum emphasizes technical skills, creative expression, and professional preparedness, providing students with a solid foundation in visual arts.
- Studio-Based Learning: Students spend significant time in studios, honing their craft under the guidance of experienced artists and designers.
- Portfolio Development: All students graduate with a professional portfolio that showcases their best work, essential for applying to four-year art schools or entering the job market.
Campus Life
As a small, art-focused institution, DCAD offers a tight-knit, collaborative community where students can immerse themselves in their creative pursuits.
- Art Exhibitions: Students have the opportunity to display their work in DCAD’s on-campus galleries, which also host exhibitions featuring professional artists.
- Clubs and Organizations: Students can join art-related groups, including a student-run gallery committee and clubs that focus on specific art forms like photography or digital design.
- City Engagement: Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, DCAD students are closely connected to the local arts scene, with opportunities to intern, volunteer, and collaborate with community arts organizations.
Notable Alumni
- Raya Montero: Freelance illustrator and concept artist.
- Jessica Lewis: Photographer and visual storyteller, known for her work in portrait and lifestyle photography.
Strayer University – Delaware Campus
Strayer University is a private, for-profit university with campuses across the United States, including one in Newark, Delaware. Strayer primarily serves working adults and professionals looking to advance their careers through flexible, career-focused degree programs in business, technology, and public administration.
Overview
- Location: Newark, DE
- Founded: 1892 (Delaware campus established later)
- Enrollment: Approximately 40,000 students across all campuses and online
- Religious Affiliation: None
Academic Programs
Strayer University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees designed to meet the needs of working professionals.
- Undergraduate Degrees:
- Business Administration
- Information Systems
- Criminal Justice
- Accounting
- Health Services Administration
- Graduate Degrees:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Science in Information Systems
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Flexible Learning for Professionals
Strayer is known for its flexibility, offering evening and weekend classes as well as online learning options that allow students to balance work, life, and education.
- Online and Hybrid Classes: Students can choose from fully online programs or hybrid options that combine online learning with in-person classes at the Delaware campus.
- Career-Focused Curriculum: Strayer’s programs are designed with input from industry professionals, ensuring that the curriculum aligns with current job market needs.
Campus Life
The Delaware campus of Strayer University is primarily focused on academic and professional development, with fewer traditional campus activities.
- Career Services: Strayer offers personalized career counseling, job placement services, and resume-building workshops to help students transition into their chosen professions.
- Networking Opportunities: Students have access to alumni networks, career fairs, and industry-specific networking events that connect them with potential employers.
Notable Alumni
- Reneé Elise Goldsberry: Award-winning actress, known for her role in the musical Hamilton (studied at Strayer’s online campus).
- Brian Billick: NFL coach and Super Bowl champion.