Policy Studies

The guidelines below are specific to the master’s program in policy studies. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States or proof of equivalent preparation from a foreign college or university with a minimum 2.8 cumulative average (4 point scale) in the last 60 hours and an in-major cumulative average of 3.0.

Applicants may be allowed to transfer up to six graduate credits depending on their chosen program. Courses must have been completed at an accredited graduate institution with a grade of “3.0” or higher. Expiration dates of potential transfer credits may vary depending on the time-sensitive nature of the course content.

Applicants should submit:

• A completed Application for Admission form with non-refundable application fee of $50 made payable to Delaware Valley College
• Selection of specialization:  (1) Food and Agricultural Policy, (2) Environmental Policy, or (3) Developmental Policy
• Official transcripts from all graduate and undergraduate institutions attended. Transfer credits listed on a transcript must include grades earned.
• Graduate Record Exam scores. Test scores are used to evaluate students with cumulative average grades under the recommended cut-off and for teaching assistantships.
• Students from countries in which English is not the native language must submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Information on TOEFL can be obtained from the Office of Career and Life Education, Segal Hall, 215.489.2312.
• Three recommendations from professors or work supervisors using the Reference Form provided.
• A 500-word personal statement that addresses: your personal and career goals, a brief history explaining why you are specifically interested in policy studies, why you are choosing Delaware Valley College’s policy studies master’s program, what you hope to achieve professionally after graduation, and a brief summary of your strengths and areas for growth.
• A current curriculum vitae or résumé

Applicants will also complete an in-person interview with administrators and/or program faculty.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants interested in enrolling in the fall semester are encouraged to submit applications no later than April 1. While applications will continue to be accepted past that date, those candidates who do submit completed applications by April 1 will be given preference. All materials should be submitted to: Office of Graduate Programs-Policy Studies Delaware Valley College, 700 E.Butler Ave., Doylestown, PA 18901.

Applicants with learning disabilities who wish to discuss the academic accommodations available should contact Student Support Services at 215.489.2490.
If you are applying for federal or state financial aid, the Delaware Valley College institutional code is 003252. Links to FASFA and institutional forms can be found on the financial aid website. You can contact an aid counselor at 215.489.2272 or finaid@delval.edu.

If you have any questions about this process, please contact Pam Heffner.

Download the Application

Download the Reference Form