The second Morrill Act (1890) increased funding for existing land-grant schools, but only to those in states that did not prohibit college admission based upon race. That is how the 1890 land-grant system came to be.

The College of Agriculture and Related Sciences is sustaining growth while remaining loyal to the 1890 land-grant tradition. Ours is a touchable history; one that began with the 1890 legislation that created Delaware State University as a land-grant institution and that is reinforced daily through our teaching, research and extension activities--the three fundamental components that define our land-grant mission.

As the vanguard of that mission, the college includes four divisions: The academic departments of Human Ecology and Agriculture and Natural Resources, as well as Cooperative Extension and Cooperative Research.

Imagine attending the University of Namibia in Africa and experiencing a new culture while studying ancient and time-tested agricultural techniques. As part of the University’s study-abroad programs, agri-business majors have access to this kind of opportunity and many others.

As a University that is non-traditional in its approach to providing the latest developments, exciting research and exposure to cutting-edge techniques in conservation, DSU teaches its students how to preserve and perpetuate the soils and enhance the crops on which our very survival depends.

The college’s Department of Human Ecology also offers degree programs in consumer studies and in food, nutrition and dietetics. Those wanting to work in the dynamic fashion industry can ignite such aspirations by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in clothing, textiles and fashion merchandising.