Doctor of Social Science in Prevention Science Admission
Upcoming Cohorts:
The DSS program is currently accepting applications for the following:
- Spring 2025 – Online Cohort
- Fall 2025 – Online Cohort
Closed Cohorts:
The DSS program is no longer accepting applications for the following:
- Spring 2024 – Online Cohort
- Fall 2024 – Online Cohort
Consideration for acceptance to the DSocSci program is based on an applicant’s demonstrated competency and significant alignment with the following criteria.
- Experience in the field of prevention science could include but is not limited to, design, delivery, evaluation, and/or collaboration of prevention policies, practices, or programs.
- Strong academic performance at both the undergraduate and the master’s degree levels.
- Recommendations from individuals that can reflect relevant academic and career/experience skills and competencies to be successful in a prevention science doctoral program.
- Writing and critical thinking skills.
- Career goals that are in alignment with the degree program competencies.
- Application essay meets or exceeds stated writing and content standards.
Admission Requirements
For consideration and admission to the Doctor of Social Science in Prevention Science program, applicants should submit:
- A Completed Doctoral Application
Create an Admissions Portal Account at www.wilmu.edu/apply. Submit an application and supplemental items through the portal. You are able to track the status of all Admissions documents through the portal. Please allow 3-5 business days for the processing of applications and documents.
There is a $35 nonrefundable fee to submit the application.
- Official Transcripts, reflecting the following:
- A conferred bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- A conferred master's degree from an accredited institution.
Official Transcripts may be sent electronically or by mail, directly from the school of attendance, in a sealed envelope to:
Any transcripts from institutions outside of the United States require an official course-by-course evaluation by a NACES.org approved agency.
- A Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Upload a copy of a current professional Resume or Vitae as either a PDF or Word document in your Admissions Portal.
- Three Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation must be completed by professionals who can attest to an applicant's aptitude for doctoral-level study, openness to interdisciplinary learning, and professional self-development.
Recommendations are to be requested through the Admissions Portal.
Delayed recommendation forms/letters will hinder the admissions process. It is suggested you follow-up with your recommendation sources to be sure your recommendations are received in a timely manner.
- An Essay
Please respond to the following statements. Use APA 7th edition writing standards.
The response should be a minimum of two full pages (8 ½ x 11) typed, with at least three citations/references.
I. Describe your personal and professional goals. How would earning a doctoral degree in prevention science help you meet those goals? What personal and professional experiences have you had throughout your life that have influenced your desire to be a prevention scientist?
II. Describe a focus area of prevention and associated research you would like to pursue during the doctoral program. Assume you’ve just been awarded $50,000 to do prevention work. What would you do (describe your plan in some detail)? What evidence-based models or frameworks would guide your work and why are these appropriate? How would you assess the effectiveness of your work?
Since we do not require standardized test scores as criteria for admissions, your responses to these questions will weigh significantly in the initial screening process. Please give careful attention to the quality of the content, writing mechanics, and organization of thought.
Upload through the Admissions Portal as either a PDF or Word document.
- If You are an International Student, Please Click Here for Additional Admission Requirements
Admissions Process Stages
Stage 1: Review of Application Materials
- Undergraduate and graduate academic transcripts (3.0 GPA or higher is desired)
- Relevant professional/volunteer experience documented on the resume
- Three recommendation letters from individuals knowledgeable of an applicant's abilities and potential for success
- Statement of goals and objectives as expressed on the thought questions
Applicants who successfully meet the screening criteria in Stage 1 are invited to interview in Stage 2.
Stage 2: Interview
- All admissions materials must be complete and submitted by the application deadline for an applicant to be considered for an admissions interview. Interviews will be conducted either in person or using technology (e.g. Zoom/Skype)
- All information is confidential. Information requested on race/ethnicity and gender is gathered to enable Wilmington University to comply with its Equal Opportunity obligations and will not be used to discriminate against individuals.
- The PSC Program Admissions Committee reviews all application materials and interview information to determine a candidate's fit for the PSC Program based on academic readiness, personal/professional experiences, and career goals. Decisions of the committee are final.