Admission Requirements For Graduate Certificate

​Because the required courses are offered through the Internet, admission to the Graduate Certificate in Socially Responsible and Sustainable Apparel Business in the Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies is open to students residing anywhere in the world. Although most students hold undergraduate degrees in apparel design, fashion merchandising, or a related program, interested individuals with backgrounds in other scientific disciplines can also excel in the graduate certificate and are welcome to apply.

​Individuals who are not currently University of Delaware students apply to the Office​ of Graduate and Professional Education. There is a $75 application fee. The application package needs to include:

1. Evidence of an undergraduate degree
2. A personal statement addressing the following questions:

• What are your interests and objectives and how does pursuing the graduate certificate in socially responsible and sustainable apparel business relate to them?
• What experience, if any, have you had in the apparel, textile, or footwear industries?
• Are there any special circumstances related to your academic record that you feel we should know about?

Recommendation letters are optional but welcome. Up to three recommendation letters are allowed from teachers, supervisors, or other individuals who could provide relevant information about your likelihood of success in pursuing the graduate certificate.

Admission to the graduate certificate is decided by the Graduate Studies Committee of faculty in the department. Admission to the graduate program is competitive. Those who meet stated requirements are not guaranteed admission, nor are those who fail to meet all of those requirements necessarily precluded from admission if they offer other appropriate strengths.​

Students who are currently pursuing a graduate degree or Minor in Sustainable Apparel and Textile Innovation at the University of Delaware may take up to three of the required certificate courses without applying for admission into the certificate program. However, to take four or more required courses, students must apply for admission to the graduate certificate program. Please contact Dr. Sheng Lu, director of graduate s​tudies, for details (shenglu@udel.edu). ​

Certificate Program applications are accepted up to one month prior to the student’s desired start date.