Program Overview

Introduction to the Dean's Scholar Program

The Dean's Scholar Program is designed to serve the needs of extraordinary students by allowing them to design, in consultation with faculty advisors, imaginative and rigorous individual plans of study to meet the total credit hours required for graduation.

What is a Dean's Scholar?

A Dean's Scholar is an unusually talented and motivated student whose intellectual aspirations would be difficult to accommodate within four years by conventional means. These students require administrative arrangements that can be made only at the college level, and they are designated as the responsibility of the college dean.

Policy Regarding Majors and Degrees

A Dean's Scholar must have a major approved by a University of Delaware academic department or college. When a Dean's Scholar's program of study crosses two or more traditional disciplines, that program must provide the same depth in a discipline achieved in an existing major. Sometimes, the Dean's Scholar will earn an existing major, having requested modifications only in the general college requirements.

Changes to the Program of Study and Graduation

Any changes to a Scholar's individual program of study must be made in close consultation with the student's committee of Dean's Scholar program faculty advisors, who must approve the changes on a "Dean's Scholar Change-in-Program" form. For a Dean's Scholar's senior check out, the Program Director will review the student's record in comparison with the student's most recently updated proposal and will certify to the Registrar's Office that the student is cleared for graduation.

What Does an Outstanding Proposal Address?

An outstanding proposal should present, clearly and cogently:

1. A statement of the focal question, issue, and/or goals driving the student's plan;
2. An evaluation of why existing options are insufficient in addressing this issue and an explanation of the choice of courses listed in (3);
3. A detailed outline of specific courses, independent study, research projects, internships, etc. that will constitute the proposed plan of study;
4. An explanation of the role of each individual faculty advisor in the applicant's Dean's Scholar program.

Application and Proposal Information

A student interested in becoming a Dean's Scholar in the College of Arts and Sciences will meet first with the Program Director to discuss the student's general questions concerning the Dean's Scholar Program. The proposal should be sent as an attachment to the Dean's Office, and deadlines for receipt of all materials are October 15 and March 15.

Requirements for the Proposal

• A statement of the focal question, issue, and/or goals driving the student's plan
  • This should clearly articulate the student's objectives and motivations
• An evaluation of why existing options are insufficient in addressing this issue
  • The student should demonstrate why their needs cannot be met by existing programs
• A detailed outline of specific courses, independent study, research projects, internships, etc.
  • This should provide a comprehensive overview of the proposed plan of study
• An explanation of the role of each individual faculty advisor
  • The student should describe how each advisor will contribute to their program

Additional Requirements

• A supporting letter from the chair of the department must be included if the applicant expects to earn a major or the "spirit" of a major
• College of Arts and Sciences applicants must also submit a transcript and expect to be interviewed by the College's Dean's Scholar Committee

Conclusion

The Dean's Scholar Program offers a unique opportunity for exceptional students to design their own individual plans of study, allowing them to pursue their intellectual aspirations in a rigorous and imaginative way. By providing a supportive and flexible environment, the program enables students to achieve their full potential and make the most of their time at the University of Delaware.