Best MSW Programs in Delaware (2027)
Every CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program in Delaware for 2027, with tuition, LMSW/LCSW licensure requirements, salary data, and field placement details.
Key Takeaways
- Delaware has 2 MSW programs — Delaware State University (CSWE-accredited) and the University of Delaware (CSWE candidacy, expected full accreditation in 2026). In-state tuition starts at roughly $455/credit at Delaware State University.
- The LCSW requires 3,200 supervised clinical hours (minimum 2 years), with at least 1,600 hours under direct professional supervision, plus the ASWB Clinical exam. The LMSW requires only the MSW degree and the ASWB Masters exam — no post-degree experience.
- Delaware social workers earn below the national median in most specialties. Child, family, and school social workers earn a median of approximately $54,480, roughly 7% below the national figure, though the state's lower cost of living partially offsets the gap.
- Delaware has multiple areas designated as mental health HPSAs by HRSA, with particular shortages in Wilmington, Newark/Stanton, and rural Sussex County communities.
- The Delaware State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) offers up to $100,000 for behavioral health providers who commit to 2 years of full-time practice in a designated shortage area, making it one of the most generous state loan repayment programs in the country.
Delaware offers 2 MSW programs: Delaware State University, the state's only Historically Black University (HBCU) with a fully CSWE-accredited MSW, and the University of Delaware, which launched its MSW program in 2024 and is pursuing CSWE accreditation (students admitted Fall 2024 or later will be retroactively recognized as graduates of a CSWE-accredited program once full accreditation is granted, expected in 2026). Delaware State University offers both on-campus and fully online formats with in-state tuition starting at approximately $455/credit, while the University of Delaware is an in-person-only program in Newark at $882/credit.
After graduation, Delaware offers three social work license levels through the Board of Social Work Examiners: the Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The LMSW is available upon completing your MSW and passing the ASWB Masters exam — no post-degree supervised experience is required. The LCSW requires 3,200 hours of supervised clinical practice over a minimum of 2 years, with at least 1,600 hours under direct professional supervision, plus the ASWB Clinical exam.
Delaware's compact size creates a tight-knit professional community where networking is straightforward. The state's proximity to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. also opens up additional field placement and employment opportunities in major metropolitan health systems. The Delaware State Loan Repayment Program offers up to $100,000 for behavioral health providers serving in shortage areas, and the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area provides competitive salaries for social workers in northern Delaware.
CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in Delaware
All 2 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delaware State University | $455/credit (tuition only); ~$665/credit total (on-campus); ~$620/credit total (online) | On-campus | |
| 2 | University of Delaware | $882/credit | On-campus |
Delaware State University
In-State
$455/credit (tuition only); ~$665/credit total (on-campus); ~$620/credit total (online)
Out-of-State
$890/credit (tuition only); ~$1,100/credit total (on-campus); ~$1,050/credit total (online)
Length
2 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
900 (400 foundation year + 500 concentration year)
Concentrations
- The only fully CSWE-accredited MSW program in Delaware, with accreditation since 2004
- One of the nation's HBCUs, bringing a strong commitment to social justice and serving underrepresented communities
- Fully online MSW available at approximately $620/credit total cost, open to students nationwide
- Advanced Generalist Practice concentration prepares graduates for work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Two face-to-face locations: Dover main campus and Wilmington satellite at 3931 Kirkwood Highway
- 900 field placement hours across hospitals, schools, mental health centers, and government agencies throughout Delaware
University of Delaware
In-State
$882/credit
Out-of-State
$1,116/credit
Length
2 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
900 (across two years of practicum)
Concentrations
- Three distinct specializations: Children and Families, Gerontology, and Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder
- Clinical focus with community-engaged practicum experiences at schools, hospitals, mental health organizations, and assisted-living facilities
- Flexible pathways: 1-year, 16-month, 2-year, or 3-year options to accommodate working professionals
- Located in Newark with access to the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area for field placements and employment
- Housed in the College of Education and Human Development with strong interdisciplinary connections to human development and family sciences
- Research-informed coursework taught by faculty experts in child welfare, aging, and behavioral health
Social Work Licensure Requirements in Delaware
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Delaware Board of Social Work Examiners — Division of Professional Regulation
302-744-4500
Delaware issues three levels of social work licensure through the Board of Social Work Examiners under the Division of Professional Regulation. The LBSW is the bachelor's-level license, the LMSW is the entry-level master's license, and the LCSW is the advanced clinical license required for independent practice, private practice, and diagnosing mental health conditions.
The LMSW requires no post-degree supervised experience — you can apply immediately after completing your MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and passing the ASWB Masters exam. The application fee is $195, and the ASWB exam registration fee is $230. For the LCSW, you need 3,200 hours of post-degree supervised clinical social work experience over a minimum of 2 years (maximum 5 years), with at least 1,600 hours under direct professional supervision. Direct supervision must be 1-to-1 face-to-face or by live video conferencing. The ASWB Clinical exam costs $260. LMSW licenses require 30 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle, and LCSW licenses require 40 hours.
Licensed Master Social Worker
Generalist social work practice, case management, community organizing, policy analysis, supervised clinical work
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: ASWB Masters
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Independent clinical practice, psychotherapy, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, private practice, insurance billing
Hours
3,200
Duration
2 years
Exam: ASWB Clinical
Delaware offers licensure by reciprocity for clinical social workers licensed in another jurisdiction, provided the applicant's current license is in good standing and the licensing requirements of that jurisdiction are substantially similar to Delaware's. Applicants must have passed the ASWB Clinical exam, submit a completed application with the required fee, and provide verification of their current license. Professionals who were "grandfathered in" by another state without passing the ASWB exam will need to pass it before becoming licensed in Delaware. Contact the Board of Social Work Examiners at 302-744-4500 for specific guidance on reciprocity applications.
Social Worker Salary in Delaware
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Delaware social worker salaries generally fall near or slightly below national medians, though workers in the Wilmington area — part of the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro — tend to earn more competitive wages. The state's relatively low cost of living compared to neighboring Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland helps offset the salary gap. All salary data below is from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
National median: $58,570
Top metro: $62,350 (Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington)
Healthcare Social Workers
National median: $68,090
Top metro: $70,480 (Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington)
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
National median: $60,060
Top metro: $63,170 (Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington)
Delaware Social Work Job Market and Workforce
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Delaware has multiple areas designated as mental health Health Professional Shortage Areas, including communities in Wilmington, Newark/Stanton in New Castle County, and rural areas across Kent and Sussex counties. The state employs approximately 2,310 social workers across all specialties, but growing demand driven by behavioral health needs, the opioid crisis, and an aging population continues to outpace supply — particularly in lower Delaware.
Major employers for social workers include ChristianaCare (Delaware's largest healthcare system), Nemours Children's Health, Bayhealth Medical Center, the Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families (DSCYF), the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH), the Wilmington VA Medical Center, Connections Community Support Programs, and Federally Qualified Health Centers like Westside Family Healthcare and La Red Health Center. Delaware's small size means social workers often develop relationships across agencies, and the state's proximity to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. opens additional career opportunities within commuting distance.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
Delaware State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) — Up to $100,000 for behavioral health professionals (including LCSWs) who commit to 2 years of full-time practice (40 hours/week) in a designated HPSA in Delaware. Half-time options (20–39 hours/week) are also available at a reduced award level. Both federal and private student loan debt qualify. This is one of the most generous state-level programs in the nation.
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program — Up to $75,000 in federal loan repayment for LCSWs serving at NHSC-approved sites in Health Professional Shortage Areas for an initial 2-year commitment, with extensions available. Delaware has multiple NHSC-approved sites including FQHCs and community mental health centers.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — Social workers at DSCYF, DSAMH, ChristianaCare, Nemours, the Wilmington VA, and other qualifying nonprofit or government employers are eligible for federal PSLF after 10 years of qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan.
NHSC Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Workforce Loan Repayment Program — Up to $75,000 for LCSWs providing SUD treatment at NHSC-approved sites, with a 3-year full-time service commitment. Particularly relevant in Delaware given the state's ongoing opioid crisis response.
How to Choose an MSW Program in Delaware
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
With only 2 MSW programs, Delaware's choice comes down to distinct trade-offs: cost vs. specialization, online flexibility vs. on-campus depth, and HBCU mission vs. R1 research university resources. Your decision will depend on residency status, whether you need to study online, your clinical interests, and budget.
If you want the best value as a Delaware resident: Delaware State University at approximately $455/credit (tuition only) is the most affordable option in the state. Even at full cost (~$665/credit on-campus, ~$620/credit online), DSU is significantly less expensive than UDel's $882/credit.
If you need a fully online program: Delaware State University is the only Delaware MSW program offering a fully online format. The University of Delaware's program is in-person only on the Newark campus. If you need online flexibility, DSU's online MSW is open to students nationwide.
If you want specialized clinical training: The University of Delaware offers three distinct specializations — Children and Families, Gerontology, and Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder — while DSU focuses on Advanced Generalist Practice, which provides broad preparation across all practice areas.
If you have a BSW and want to finish fast: Both programs offer advanced standing for BSW holders from CSWE-accredited programs. DSU's advanced standing track is 39 credits, while UDel offers a 1-year pathway.
If you value an HBCU mission and community: Delaware State University is an HBCU with a strong commitment to social justice, serving underrepresented communities, and preparing culturally responsive practitioners. DSU's program has been CSWE-accredited since 2004.
If you want access to the Philadelphia metro job market: The University of Delaware in Newark is about 45 minutes from Philadelphia, offering convenient access to one of the largest healthcare and social services markets on the East Coast. DSU's Wilmington satellite location also provides northern Delaware access.
If you want to work full-time while studying: DSU offers both online and evening format options designed for working professionals, with 3-4 year part-time tracks available. UDel offers a 3-year pathway for those balancing work and school.
Related Pages
Best Online MSW Programs
National ranking of the top online MSW programs
Best Online BSW Programs
Undergraduate social work programs
Best Online DSW Programs
Doctoral programs for experienced social workers
Clinical Social Worker Career Guide
What LCSWs actually do day-to-day
Clinical Social Worker Salary
Salary data by state and experience level
MSW Programs by State
Compare MSW programs across all 50 states
Sources
- CSWE Accredited Programs Directory — Delaware
- Delaware Board of Social Work Examiners — Division of Professional Regulation
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Social Workers in Delaware (May 2024)
- ASWB — Licensing Exams
- HRSA — Mental Health HPSA Data
- Delaware State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)
- Delaware Administrative Code Title 24, Section 3900 — Social Workers