Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Delaware, Ranked (2026)
Delaware's sole APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral program for 2026, with cohort size, the 3,000 supervised hours (1,500 pre-doctoral + 1,500 post-doctoral), EPPP requirements, and Delaware's PSYPACT status (effective July 2019).
Key Takeaways
- Delaware has only 1 APA-accredited doctoral psychology program: University of Delaware (UD) Clinical Science PhD (Newark), continuously APA-accredited since 1975 (clinical program established 1968). Also accredited by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) since 2011 (dual APA + PCSAS accreditation).
- UD Clinical PhD is research-intensive (Clinical Science model, not generalist clinical PsyD-style). Highly competitive: typically accepts 5 to 7 students annually from ~200+ applicants (~2 to 3% acceptance rate). 5 years to completion (4 years coursework + 1-year APA-accredited internship). Full tuition remission for all admitted PhD students; stipend ~$28,000-$32,000/yr (per third-party program directories). GRE is WAIVED.
- No other APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs exist in Delaware. No PsyD programs. No school psychology doctoral programs. No counseling psychology doctoral programs. Delaware Valley residents seeking PsyD typically commute to Drexel (Philadelphia), La Salle, or PCOM in Pennsylvania.
- Delaware licenses psychologists through the Delaware Board of Examiners of Psychologists (Division of Professional Regulation) under 24 Del. C. Ch. 35. Required supervised experience is 3,000 total hours: 1,500 hours pre-doctoral (typically the APA internship) + 1,500 hours post-doctoral completed in not less than 1 calendar year and not more than 3 calendar years.
- Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score per ASPPB national standard; ~$600 ASPPB). If EPPP was passed less than 5 years before application, retake is not required. Delaware Jurisprudence Exam: not separately documented as a stand-alone written jurisprudence exam in the way some states require (e.g., TX, OH); applicants should verify directly with the Board.
- Fees: Initial license fee $185 (psychologist licensure; $55 if upgrading from Psychological Assistant) processed via DELPROS. Licenses expire July 31 of odd-numbered years (biennial renewal). Renewal fee set at time of renewal. 40 CE hours per biennial cycle including 3 hours ethics + 3 hours equity/diversity/inclusion (EDI); at least 10 hours must be live (in-person or live webinar).
- Delaware is a PSYPACT operational state since July 4, 2019 (one of the early adopter states). Delaware HB 172 signed by Governor John Carney on July 4, 2019. DE-licensed psychologists may apply for ASPPB's E.Passport (telepsychology) and IPC (temporary in-person) authority to practice across all 40+ PSYPACT-participating jurisdictions.
- Delaware Psychiatric Center is among the oldest continuously operating state psychiatric hospitals in the United States, founded 1889. Located at 1901 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle. Operated by DSAMH (Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health). Acute inpatient + extended care + 42-bed forensic unit serving Delaware DOC.
Delaware runs the smallest APA-accredited doctoral psychology training landscape in the United States: only 1 program. University of Delaware (UD) Clinical Science PhD (Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, 105 The Green, Wolf Hall, Newark, DE 19716) has been continuously APA-accredited since 1975 (clinical program established 1968). Also accredited by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) since 2011 (dual APA + PCSAS accreditation; PCSAS is the more selective clinical-science accreditor with only ~40 programs nationally).
UD Clinical PhD is research-intensive (Clinical Science model, not generalist clinical PsyD-style). Highly competitive: typically accepts 5 to 7 students annually from ~200+ applicants (~2 to 3% acceptance rate). 5 years to completion (4 years of formal coursework + 1-year APA-accredited clinical internship). Full tuition remission for all admitted PhD students. Standard UD graduate tuition reference: ~$18,504/yr in-state graduate + ~$1,042 fees, waived for funded PhDs. Stipend $28,000-$32,000/yr (per third-party program directories; verify with UD). GRE is WAIVED (department is not requiring or evaluating GRE General or Psychology Subject Test scores; applicants can enter a placeholder future exam date in the system). The broader UD PhD in Psychological and Brain Sciences offers concentrations in Clinical Science, Behavioral Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology, and Social Psychology. Affiliations: Psychological Services Training Center (on-site teaching clinic).
What is NOT APA-accredited in Delaware: No other APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs exist in Delaware. No PsyD programs. No school psychology doctoral programs. No counseling psychology doctoral programs. Delaware Valley residents seeking PsyD typically commute to nearby Pennsylvania programs (Drexel, La Salle, PCOM, Widener, Immaculata) or to UMBC/UMD for nearby PhDs.
The Delaware Board of Examiners of Psychologists licensure path under 24 Del. C. Ch. 35 requires a doctorate (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) in psychology from an APA-accredited program (or substantially equivalent), 3,000 total hours (1,500 hours pre-doctoral completed before the doctoral degree is granted, typically the APA internship; 1,500 hours post-doctoral completed in not less than 1 calendar year and not more than 3 calendar years), and the EPPP (passing scaled score per ASPPB national standard; if EPPP was passed less than 5 years before application, retake is not required). Delaware Jurisprudence Exam not separately documented as a stand-alone written exam; verify directly with the Board. Initial license fee $185; licenses expire July 31 of odd-numbered years (biennial renewal); 40 CE hours per biennial cycle including 3 hours ethics + 3 hours EDI; at least 10 hours must be live. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 9 to 12 years.
Delaware is a PSYPACT operational state since July 4, 2019 (one of the early adopter states). Delaware HB 172 was signed by Governor John Carney on July 4, 2019 (legislative passage June 27, 2019). DE-licensed psychologists may apply for ASPPB's E.Passport (telepsychology) and IPC (temporary in-person) authority to practice across all 40+ PSYPACT-participating jurisdictions. Delaware Psychiatric Center (1901 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle), founded 1889, is among the oldest continuously operating state psychiatric hospitals in the United States. Operated by DSAMH (Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health). Acute inpatient + extended care + 42-bed forensic unit serving Delaware DOC.
APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Delaware
All 1 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Delaware (UD Clinical Science PhD) | Full tuition remission for all admitted PhD students. Standard UD graduate tuition reference: ~$18,504/yr in-state graduate (waived for funded PhDs). Stipend ~$28,000-$32,000/yr (verify with UD) | On-campus |
University of Delaware (UD Clinical Science PhD)
In-State
Full tuition remission for all admitted PhD students. Standard UD graduate tuition reference: ~$18,504/yr in-state graduate (waived for funded PhDs). Stipend ~$28,000-$32,000/yr (verify with UD)
Out-of-State
Full tuition remission for all admitted PhD students
Length
5 years (4 years of formal coursework + 1-year APA-accredited clinical internship)
Field Hours
1,500 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at Psychological Services Training Center (on-site UD teaching clinic)
Concentrations
- Continuously APA-accredited since 1975; also PCSAS-accredited since 2011 (dual APA + PCSAS accreditation)
- Highly competitive: typically accepts 5 to 7 students annually from ~200+ applicants (~2 to 3% acceptance rate)
- GRE is WAIVED (department is not requiring or evaluating GRE scores)
- Full tuition remission for all admitted PhD students; stipend ~$28,000-$32,000/yr
- On-site Psychological Services Training Center; PCSAS dual accreditation = top-tier research/scientist-practitioner program (not PsyD-style applied training)
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Delaware
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Delaware Board of Examiners of Psychologists (Division of Professional Regulation)
(302) 744-4500
Delaware regulates psychologists through the Delaware Board of Examiners of Psychologists within the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation. Statutory authority: 24 Del. C. Ch. 35.
Education requirement is a doctorate (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) in psychology from an APA-accredited program (or substantially equivalent).
Required supervised experience is 3,000 total hours: 1,500 hours pre-doctoral (completed before the doctoral degree is granted, typically the APA internship) + 1,500 hours post-doctoral completed in not less than 1 calendar year and not more than 3 calendar years.
Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score per ASPPB national standard; ~$600 ASPPB). If EPPP was passed less than 5 years before application, retake is not required. Delaware Jurisprudence Exam not separately documented as a stand-alone written exam in the way some states require (e.g., TX, OH); applicants should verify directly with the Board.
Fees: Initial license fee $185 (psychologist licensure; $55 if upgrading from Psychological Assistant) processed via DELPROS (Delaware Professional Regulation Online Services). Licenses expire July 31 of odd-numbered years (biennial renewal). Renewal fee set at time of renewal (not published in advance per DPR policy). 40 CE hours per biennial cycle including 3 hours ethics + 3 hours equity/diversity/inclusion (EDI); at least 10 hours must be live (in-person or live webinar). Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 9 to 12 years.
Supervised pre-doctoral training (1,500 hours; typically APA internship)
Supervised practice during the doctoral program under faculty and site supervision; not a separate Board credential
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: Not applicable
Psychological Assistant
Supervised practice while completing post-doctoral hours toward full licensure (master's or doctoral; supervised by Licensed Psychologist)
Hours
1,500
Duration
Pre-doctoral internship completed; $55 fee for upgrade to full licensure
Exam: EPPP may be pending
Licensed Psychologist
Independent practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, psychological testing and assessment, supervision of trainees, expert testimony, telepsychology under PSYPACT for DE LPs holding E.Passport/IPC
Hours
3,000
Duration
3,000 total hours: 1,500 pre-doctoral + 1,500 post-doctoral (post-doc completed in not less than 1 calendar year and not more than 3 calendar years)
Exam: EPPP (ASPPB passing score); if passed less than 5 years before application, retake not required
Delaware does not offer automatic reciprocity. Out-of-state applicants must complete Delaware licensure requirements.
Delaware is a PSYPACT operational state since July 4, 2019 (one of the early adopter states). Delaware HB 172 signed by Governor John Carney on July 4, 2019 (legislative passage June 27, 2019). DE-licensed psychologists may apply for ASPPB's E.Passport (telepsychology) and IPC (temporary in-person) authority to practice across all 40+ PSYPACT-participating jurisdictions.
Clinical Psychologist Salary in Delaware
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Delaware psychologist wages run roughly at or above national medians. The BLS Delaware OEWS data should be verified for SOC 19-3033 (state median + Wilmington-Newark metro). Delaware-specific figures from Delaware Department of Labor LMI: Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033) ~190 employed, mean hourly $52.13 = ~$108,430 annual mean. School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034) ~320 employed, mean hourly $40.97 = ~$85,220 annual mean. National median for SOC 19-3033 is $96,100; national mean ~$106,850.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)
National median: $96,100
Top metro: Verify with BLS MSA pages (Wilmington-Newark, Dover, Lewes)
School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)
National median: $84,940
Top metro: Verify with BLS (Christina (largest), Red Clay Consolidated, Brandywine, Colonial, Indian River)
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists (SOC 19-3032)
National median: National mean ~$109,000-$139,000
Top metro: Data may be suppressed (Wilmington (corporate/pharma))
Delaware Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Delaware has a moderate psychology employment market concentrated in northern New Castle County (Wilmington/Newark; high healthcare/pharma concentration), Kent County (Dover), and rapidly growing Sussex County (Lewes/Rehoboth coastal communities). Major employers fall into five buckets.
Health systems: ChristianaCare (Newark; the largest health system in Delaware). Christiana Hospital (Newark) and Wilmington Hospital. Major behavioral health, neuropsychology, and integrated primary-care psychology employer. Nemours Children's Health (Wilmington; Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children), one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States; major employer of pediatric and school-aged clinical/neuropsychologists. Beebe Healthcare (Lewes, Sussex County; largest Sussex County health system serving beach/coastal communities). Bayhealth (Dover + Milford; central/southern Delaware health system). Saint Francis Healthcare (Wilmington; Catholic health system, behavioral health services).
State government: Delaware Psychiatric Center (DPC) at 1901 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720. State-operated psychiatric hospital founded 1889 (among the oldest continuously operating state psychiatric hospitals in the United States). Acute inpatient + extended care + 42-bed forensic unit serving the Delaware DOC. Operated by DSAMH. Delaware DSAMH (Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health) under DHSS oversees community mental health and crisis services. Delaware Department of Correction (DOC) hires forensic/correctional psychologists.
Federal / VA: Wilmington VA Medical Center, serves Delaware and southern New Jersey veterans; comprehensive mental health services, PTSD specialty care, neuropsychology.
K-12 school districts (employers of doctoral-level school psychologists; bulk of 19-3034 employment): Christina School District (largest; Newark area). Red Clay Consolidated School District (Wilmington area). Brandywine School District (north Wilmington). Colonial School District (New Castle). New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District. Caesar Rodney School District (Kent County / Dover area). Indian River School District (Sussex). Cape Henlopen School District (Sussex / Lewes-Rehoboth).
Workforce profile: Small total population, but high healthcare/pharma concentration in New Castle County (Wilmington/Newark) drives demand. Sussex County (beach communities + retirees) is growing rapidly and has documented behavioral health shortage. Most of Kent and Sussex Counties carry federal Mental Health HPSA designations.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
Delaware State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): Up to $100,000 over a minimum 2-year service commitment. Psychologists ELIGIBLE; explicitly lists "Licensed Clinical Psychologists" and "health services psychologist" among eligible behavioral health professionals. Other eligible BH professions: Psychiatric Nurse Specialists, LCSWs, LPCMHs, LMFTs. Service requirement: 2 consecutive years full-time (40 hrs/wk) or half-time (20-39 hrs/wk) at a federally designated HPSA site in Delaware. Administered by Delaware Health Care Commission.
Delaware Health Care Provider Loan Repayment Program (HCPLRP): Up to $50,000/year for up to 4 years ($200,000 max). Psychologists NOT eligible. Limited to family medicine physicians, specialists, NPs, CNMs, PAs. Note: Applicants may apply to ONLY ONE of HCPLRP or SLRP.
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal. Psychologists (health service psychologists) ELIGIBLE as behavioral health providers. Up to $50,000 initial 2-year contract for behavioral/mental health providers at Mental Health HPSA sites. 2026 enhancement: up to $55,000 for full-time non-primary-care participants.
VA Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Wilmington VA Medical Center employed psychologists can qualify for EDRP awards up to $200,000 over 5 years.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Available to psychologists at qualifying public/501(c)(3) employers in Delaware (Wilmington VA, DSAMH/DPC, ChristianaCare nonprofit, Nemours nonprofit, public schools, state agencies). 120 qualifying payments under income-driven repayment. Notable 2026 changes: New Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) takes effect July 1, 2026 and will count as a PSLF-qualifying plan.
How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in Delaware
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing a Delaware clinical psychology doctoral program is straightforward given only 1 APA-accredited option (UD Clinical Science PhD in Newark). The bigger consideration for many DE residents is whether to apply to the highly competitive UD program (2-3% acceptance rate) or commute to Philadelphia-area programs. Here is how to actually narrow it down.
If you want the only APA-accredited doctoral psychology program in Delaware: University of Delaware Clinical Science PhD (continuously APA-accredited since 1975; also PCSAS-accredited since 2011; dual APA + PCSAS accreditation; ~5 to 7 admits per year from 200+ applications = ~2 to 3% acceptance rate; GRE is WAIVED; full tuition remission for all admitted PhD students; stipend $28,000-$32,000/yr; 5 years to completion). Clinical Science model = research-intensive, not generalist PsyD-style.
If you want PCSAS-accredited clinical science training: UD's PCSAS accreditation (since 2011) is the more selective clinical-science accreditor with only ~40 programs nationally. UD is one of the few PCSAS programs in the mid-Atlantic.
If you want a PsyD: Delaware has NO APA-accredited PsyD programs. Delaware Valley residents seeking PsyD typically commute to nearby Pennsylvania programs: Drexel (Philadelphia), La Salle, PCOM (Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine), Widener, Immaculata. Or to UMBC/UMD for nearby PhDs.
If you want pediatric psychology training: Nemours Children's Health (Wilmington; Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children) is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and a major employer of pediatric and school-aged clinical/neuropsychologists. Strong post-doctoral pipeline.
If you want academic medical center training: ChristianaCare (Newark; largest health system in Delaware) is the dominant academic medical center anchor; major behavioral health, neuropsychology, and integrated primary-care psychology employer.
If you want maximum PSYPACT leverage: Delaware was an early PSYPACT adopter (HB 172 signed by Governor John Carney on July 4, 2019). DE LPs holding E.Passport/IPC can practice telepsychology across all 40+ PSYPACT-participating jurisdictions.
If you want strong state loan repayment: Delaware State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) awards up to $100,000 over 2-year service commitment for licensed clinical psychologists at HPSA sites. Most of Kent and Sussex Counties carry federal Mental Health HPSA designations. Important: Delaware Health Care Provider Loan Repayment Program (HCPLRP) is NOT psychologist-eligible; don't confuse with SLRP.
If you want training at one of the oldest state psych hospitals in US: Delaware Psychiatric Center (founded 1889; New Castle) is among the oldest continuously operating state psychiatric hospitals in the US. 42-bed forensic unit. DSAMH-operated.
Caveats worth knowing before applying: Delaware has only 1 APA-accredited doctoral psychology program. UD Clinical Science PhD is research-intensive (PCSAS dual accreditation); applicants seeking PsyD-style applied training should look out-of-state. Delaware Health Care Provider Loan Repayment (HCPLRP) is NOT for psychologists; use SLRP instead. Verify Delaware Jurisprudence Exam requirement directly with Board (not separately documented as stand-alone written exam).
Related Pages
Counseling Programs in Delaware
CACREP-accredited counseling programs and the Delaware LPCMH license, a master's alternative to the 7-year clinical psychology doctorate
MSW Programs in Delaware
CSWE-accredited social work programs and Delaware LCSW licensure
ABA Programs in Delaware
BACB-verified course sequences and Delaware BCBA practice for students considering applied behavior analysis
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs by State
Browse APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs (PhD and PsyD) in every state
Sources
- APA Commission on Accreditation, Accredited Programs Directory
- Delaware Board of Examiners of Psychologists (DPR)
- Delaware Administrative Code Title 24, Section 3500
- PSYPACT, Compact Map
- PSYPACT State Legislation
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Delaware Estimates
- Delaware State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program
- University of Delaware Clinical Science Concentration
- Delaware Psychiatric Center (DSAMH)
- Wilmington VA Medical Center