“My experience at UD has prepared me in so many ways for the future. With the rigorous courses, challenging yet rewarding student teaching placements, and professors to guide us through the education program-I can say without a doubt that UD pushes their education students to reach new heights.”
D. DiMatteo, teacher at Edison Charter school and education majorAbout Us
Welcome to the College of Education and Human Development!
Our college is dedicated to finding answers to the problems that confront our schools and to developing solutions to the challenges faced by children, youth and families around the world.
Our faculty and staff, who serve as teachers, researchers, mentors and advisors, challenge our students to become highly skilled professionals in the fields of education and human services.
We set high standards, allowing our students to start strong and finish strong. By integrating classwork with extensive field experience, our students are given the knowledge and tools to positively affect children and families, locally, nationally or around the globe.
Our graduates have the opportunity to become the next generation of leaders – teachers, parent educators, early interventionists, directors of family and community services agencies – all skilled professionals who will make a positive difference in the lives of children, adults and families.
Gary Henry, Dean
College of Education and Human Development
There is a myriad of deeply-rooted issues that face our society today–schools educating our children without adequate resources; families struggling with homelessness, mental illness and substance use; social inequities that limit the potential for people of all abilities; fissures in the structures that we count on to support our most vulnerable populations.
The faculty, students, staff and alumni in UD’s College of Education and Human Development all have a uniting purpose—to develop strategies, interventions and initiatives that aid individuals, groups and communities around the world to achieve their maximum potential.
As a national and international leader in research and teaching, we are committed to transforming the lives of people on campus, throughout Delaware, and beyond.
Our History
In July 2010, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) was formed, combining the School of Education, the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, and their affiliated centers. Although CEHD is the newest college at the University of Delaware, our roots can be traced back to 1743 when Dr. Rev. Francis Alison established an institution to create better educated clergy.
In 1843, the school was renamed Delaware College, providing men the opportunity to receive degrees, including education. In 1914, the Women’s College opened on an adjoining campus, offering women degrees in Home Economics, Education, and Arts and Sciences. And during the 1940s, the University of Delaware become a single co-educational entity.
Through the 1900s, the College’s education and home economics curriculum opened up new professions for women, such as dietitians, food testers, clothing buyers and nursery-school teachers.
Over the years, our College name has changed to reflect social norms. In 1978, the College of Home Economics was renamed the College of Human Resources, which included the Department of Individual and Family Studies (now the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences).
Since 1997, there have been a number of reconfigurations of the college, including the College of Human Resources, Education and Public Policy; the College of Human Services, Education and Public Policy; and the College of Education, Human Development and Public Policy.
Although the names of departments, schools and colleges have changed over the years, the University of Delaware has been maintained a consistent standard, training well-respected professionals in education, human development, and family studies for over two centuries.
You can help us Make a Difference in the lives of our students or the community.
Support our College by visiting our Giving page and make a gift to the program or center of your choosing.