Best MSW Programs in Delaware
Want to earn your MSW in Delaware? This tiny state spans just 1,982 square miles, but it packs quite a punch with its social work opportunities.
Delaware State University leads the way as your go-to choice for CSWE-accredited MSW degrees, both online and on campus. The university stands out by offering the state’s only Master of Social Work program that focuses on Advanced Generalist Practice. Your career outlook after graduation shows real promise – healthcare social workers in Delaware take home a median salary of $56,170 annually. This is a big deal as it means that the state’s median household income of $68,287 tops the national average.
Right now, about 3,290 social workers serve Delaware’s communities. Here, we will help guide you through your educational choices, highlight specialization options, and show you the career paths that await MSW graduates in the First State.
Top MSW Program: Delaware State University
Delaware State University is the flagship institution with the only CSWE-accredited MSW program in the state. The program received its initial accreditation in 2004 and has become the life-blood of social work education in the region.
Program overview
Delaware State University ranks as a top choice among MSW programs. The university’s complete curriculum prepares students to become skilled at advanced generalist practice. Students learn to understand social, economic, political, and interpersonal problems from a global point of view. The MSW program weaves five key elements into its curriculum – empowerment, strengths point of view, a Black point of view, global point of view, and rural point of view.
Delaware State University’s MSW program comes with two distinct paths:
- Regular admission: 60 credits if you have bachelor’s degrees in fields other than social work
- Advanced standing: 30 credits if you have BSW degrees from CSWE-accredited programs
Students with regular admission can finish the program in four semesters full-time, or six to eight semesters part-time. The curriculum has foundation courses in the first year that teach a generalist point of view. Advanced courses build on this foundation. Regular admit students can earn their degree in about 18 months through a year-round schedule.
Students get up to five years to complete the program. This flexibility helps them maintain proper course order with advisor guidance. The MSW program’s excellence shows in its national ranking by US News and World Report.
Specialization and internships
The MSW program at Delaware State University focuses on advanced generalist practice. This specialization helps graduates work well with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The program provides a complete education that enables students to practice in a variety of settings.
Field education serves as the life-blood of the MSW experience. The Council on Social Work Education calls it the “signature pedagogy” of social work. Students take part in two distinct field practicums:
- First-year internship: 400 hours over two semesters (about 14 hours weekly)
- Second-year internship: 500 hours over two semesters (about 18 hours weekly)
Advanced standing students need to complete only the 500-hour advanced year practicum. These experiences let students apply theoretical knowledge in ground settings while integrating the program’s core elements.
Students can find internship opportunities at:
- Delaware Health and Human Services
- Nemours Children’s Hospital
- Kent General and Bayhealth Hospitals
- Private businesses
- School districts
These placements might be paid or unpaid, based on the hosting organization. The field education component provides hands-on experience. Students learn to integrate social work theory with practice within an ethical framework and ecological point of view.
Pricing and affordability
Delaware State University’s MSW program comes with competitive tuition rates that make graduate education available. The 2025-2026 academic year per-credit cost for Social Work graduate programs is $455 for in-state students.
Students should plan for these additional fees each semester:
- Registration Fee: $60
- Technology Fee: $55
- Athletic Fee: $35
- Graduate Student Activity Fee: $60
Online students pay an extra distance education fee of $50 per class. The total cost per credit hour for in-person social work students comes to $665, while online social work students pay $620.
The program’s total cost for regular admission students (60 credits) runs about $26,200. This price point beats many similar programs nationwide.
The university makes sure education stays within reach. Recent data shows Delaware State University met 98% of its students’ financial aid needs. First-year students in 2021-2022 received an average need-based scholarship or grant of $13,024. About 86% of first-year students got need-based financial aid.
Online learning format
Delaware State University’s MSW program comes in multiple formats. The fully online option gives working professionals maximum flexibility. This online program keeps the same high standards and CSWE accreditation as on-campus classes.
The online MSW runs mostly asynchronously. Students can access course materials and finish assignments on their schedule without required live sessions. Teachers might offer optional live sessions at convenient times.
The online program uses an 8-week course structure. Students usually take:
- Two courses in the first eight weeks of a semester
- Two courses in the second eight weeks
- Field practicum through the full 16-week semester
This well-laid-out approach helps full-time students complete 15 credits per semester while keeping work-life balance. Part-time students take 2-4 classes per semester.
The on-campus program uses a hybrid model with 16-week semesters. Classes meet face-to-face for 75 minutes weekly. The rest happens online through discussions, videos, group projects, and readings.
The program’s flexibility works well for people advancing their social work careers. Students can keep their jobs and don’t need to move.
MSW Career Opportunities in Delaware
A Delaware MSW degree opens up many career paths in the state’s social service world. Your advanced education qualifies you to work in specialized roles that serve vulnerable populations throughout the First State.
MSW Career Opportunities in Delaware
Your Master of Social Work creates rewarding career opportunities throughout Delaware. Delaware might be one of the smaller states, but it still offers plenty of employment options for social work professionals with advanced degrees.
Child and family social workers support Delaware’s most vulnerable young residents. You’ll protect at-risk children and help families get vital resources and services. Your role includes:
- Helping families secure housing, childcare, and public benefits
- Intervening in cases of suspected child neglect or abuse
- Facilitating adoptions and locating foster families
- Working toward family reunification when appropriate
School social workers team up with teachers, parents, and administrators to boost students’ academic performance and social development. You’ll tackle issues like bullying and aggressive behavior while connecting students with specialized resources in Delaware’s educational settings. The Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families looks for social workers at more than 20 locations that serve over 8,000 children daily. The department also offers a $10,000 sign-on bonus for eligible full-time positions in its Education Unit.
Delaware school districts give MSW graduates numerous opportunities. You’ll counsel students about stress management, attendance issues, substance abuse, and teen pregnancy. You’ll also help teachers create effective strategies for classroom behavior management.
Delaware’s healthcare social workers help clients understand medical diagnoses and make lifestyle adjustments. Your expertise becomes vital when patients move from hospital to home care. You’ll:
- Connect patients with home healthcare resources and support groups
- Help clients manage chronic illnesses or diseases
- Show healthcare teams how medical conditions affect patients’ mental and emotional health
Some healthcare social workers focus on geriatric social work, hospice care, palliative care, or medical social work. Delaware’s aging population has made gerontological social work crucial, especially for handling challenges like dementia and social isolation.
Healthcare social work positions show up often in Delaware’s job listings. Companies like Highmark Health look for social workers who can do psychosocial assessments, provide crisis intervention, coordinate post-acute resources, and plan discharges. These jobs usually require travel within assigned territories throughout the state.
Mental health and substance abuse social workers play a vital role in Delaware’s social service world. Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) are crucial because of the state’s high opioid overdose rates. They help individuals who struggle with addiction and mental health challenges.
Your work in this field usually includes:
- Providing information about support groups and recovery programs
- Helping clients develop coping mechanisms for mental illness
- Running 12-step programs
- Leading individual and group counseling sessions
Delaware’s job market regularly features substance abuse counselor positions. These roles involve psycho-education groups, brief counseling, lecture series seminars, and program meetings. Many jobs require special certifications like Certified Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certification.
Mental health social work has become more important as Delaware addresses growing needs within the state. Your MSW specialization in this area lets you work in various settings including correctional facilities, community mental health centers, and substance abuse treatment programs. MSW holders’ clinical skills and specialized knowledge make them valuable in addressing Delaware’s mental health challenges.
Delaware offers growing opportunities in postsecondary education for MSW graduates interested in academic careers. The University of Delaware is creating a new Master of Social Work program. It focuses on three specialized areas: children and families, gerontology, and mental health and substance use disorder.
This growth creates teaching positions for qualified social work professionals. The University of Delaware has posted openings for an Assistant Professor in its new MSW program. This job includes:
- Conducting high-quality scholarship in social work
- Teaching MSW program courses
- Mentoring MSW students in their academic and professional development
- Serving the MSW program and university
- Working with interdisciplinary faculty on scholarship and course design
You’ll need a Ph.D. or equivalent in social work or related field, an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, and proven teaching ability. The university particularly wants faculty with research experience in children and families, gerontology, or mental health and substance use disorder.
The University of Delaware also seeks a Faculty Director for its Master of Social Work program. This leadership role involves:
- Hiring and supervising productive faculty
- Maintaining an active research program
- Teaching in the MSW program
- Working with the Program Director on curriculum development
- Creating connections with communities throughout Delaware
Delaware’s educational institutions also offer adjunct teaching opportunities. Delaware Technical Community College looks for adjunct instructors in areas like Drug & Alcohol Counseling, which creates part-time teaching options for experienced professionals.
The need for social work educators grows with Delaware’s increasing demand for qualified social workers across multiple specialties. An academic career path lets MSW graduates shape future social work professionals while researching Delaware’s unique social challenges.
These four specializations continue to grow as Delaware tackles complex social issues. Your MSW from Delaware State University prepares you for meaningful work serving diverse populations throughout the state, whether you’re helping children in schools, supporting patients in healthcare settings, helping people overcome mental health challenges, or teaching future social workers.
Social Issues Driving MSW Demand
Delaware’s social landscape creates unique challenges that accelerate the need for qualified social workers with advanced degrees. The state needs more social services than ever before. This makes MSW programs in Delaware vital to prepare professionals who can help communities across the First State.
Mental health and suicide rates in Delaware
Mental health problems affect Delaware residents substantially. This creates a big need for specialized social work help. Recent data shows that almost 30% of Delaware’s adults showed signs of anxiety or depression in early 2023. The state needs trained professionals who can provide mental health support and help during crises.
Suicide remains a serious public health issue throughout the state. Delaware’s age-adjusted suicide rate stayed below national levels in 2021. Yet troubling patterns persist. The state’s suicide rate by firearm (7.4 per 100,000) was higher than other methods (6.3 per 100,000). This shows why social workers must know how to create safety plans for at-risk clients who have access to firearms.
Young people face particular risks. Suicide ranked as the second, third, and fourth leading cause of death for people aged 25-34, 15-24, and 35-54 before recent interventions. Deaths by suicide among 12 to 21-year-olds doubled in 2012 compared to 2011. This led to targeted programs to help young people.
COVID-19 made mental health challenges worse. About 20.1% of Delaware’s adults now have depression. This number exceeds the target of 20.0%. Delaware State University’s MSW graduates play a key role in addressing these issues through proven methods and community support programs.
Homelessness and poverty trends
Homelessness grows at an alarming rate in Delaware. This creates an urgent need for social workers who know about housing help and crisis support. The state’s homeless population jumped from 1,245 in 2023 to 1,358 in 2024 – a 9% rise. The 2024 count was the highest ever recorded, except during pandemic years.
More people now live without shelter. The number reached 238 people in 2024—58% more than before the pandemic in 2020. Race plays a big role in these numbers. About 60% of homeless people in Delaware are Black and African American. MSW programs must prepare students to address these social justice issues.
Age brings extra challenges. Over 500 homeless individuals are 55 or older. Nearly 360 children have no homes, and one in four homeless people are under 18.
Poverty drives these homeless numbers. About 10.8% of Delaware residents lived in poverty during 2023. Many households fall into the ALICE category. These families earn more than federal poverty levels but less than what they need to live in their county.
Housing costs cause many problems. The Family HOPE Project in New Castle County shows this clearly. Program leaders say: “rent is too high, incomes are too low… Any little thing can really put them back into housing instability”. Delaware’s MSW programs give graduates the skills to help with these complex social and economic challenges.
Aging population and healthcare needs
Delaware faces major population changes that increase the need for geriatric social workers. The state’s population aged 85 and older will more than double to 48,565 by 2040. The number of people 65 and older will grow by over 41% to 269,248.
These changes strain the healthcare workforce. Ed Ratledge from University of Delaware’s Center for Applied Demography and Survey Research explains: “As people age and leave the labor force, there aren’t enough people in the lower age groups to replace them… When we say that the labor market is tight, it’s not because of the economy. The demographics are driving this”.
Healthcare faces two big challenges – more people need services while worker shortages grow. Delaware started the COVID-19 pandemic with too few healthcare workers. Burnout, illness, and stress made things worse. Worker numbers are returning to pre-pandemic levels but still fall short of what’s needed.
Delaware offers many job opportunities for MSW graduates who focus on helping older adults. Services include personal care, adult day programs, emergency response systems, and respite care. The state’s Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities helps nursing home residents move to community settings when possible. This creates roles for social workers who specialize in care transitions.
Youth obesity and school support services
Youth obesity presents another vital social challenge that needs school social workers’ help. About 33.2% of Delaware’s children ages 10-17 are overweight or obese. This ranks the state 36th nationally. Poor families suffer more, with 44.8% of children below poverty level facing weight issues.
Race affects these numbers significantly. About 42.7% of Black non-Hispanic children in Delaware are overweight or obese, compared to 27.9% of white non-Hispanic children. Hispanic children face even greater challenges – 53.8% deal with weight issues.
Delaware has started to address these problems. Childhood obesity dropped from 35.5% to 32% between 2003 and 2012. Yet current rates remain above the state’s target of 22%. This shows more work lies ahead.
School social workers with MSW degrees play key roles in solving these issues. They teach about nutrition, encourage physical activity, and connect families with resources. They also help with related mental health issues since weight stigma often leads to anxiety and exercise avoidance.
Delaware State University’s MSW program gives graduates the skills to tackle these complex social challenges. As these problems evolve, the state will need more qualified social work professionals with specialized training.
MSW Licensure and Professional Development
Getting your MSW is just the beginning of your professional experience. Delaware’s licensure process will give you many practice opportunities and helps protect clients through regulated standards.
After earning your MSW degree, Delaware has three different licensure paths based on your education level and career goals:
- Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) – You’ll need a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program and must pass the ASWB Bachelor’s exam.
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) – You’ll need an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and must pass the ASWB Master’s exam.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – You’ll need an MSW or DSW from a CSWE-accredited program, 3,200 hours of post-degree supervised clinical experience over at least two years (with at least 1,600 hours under an LCSW’s supervision), and must pass the ASWB Clinical exam.
Starting your application is simple. Create an account in Delaware’s Professional Licensing Online Services (DELPROS) portal. You can apply through three paths:
- Examination – If you’re a first-time applicant
- Reciprocity – If you’re already licensed in another state
- Upgrade – If you want to move to a higher license level (once you meet all requirements)
You have six months to complete your application once you start it. The licensing board looks at complete applications during their monthly meetings. These meetings happen on the third Monday of each month, except in August and December.
Delaware Board of Social Work Examiners requirements
Delaware’s Board of Social Work Examiners keeps strict standards to protect the public and maintain professional excellence. The board creates professional standards and regulations, handles complaints, and takes disciplinary action when needed.
The law has changed some supervision requirements. Starting September 2024, master’s social workers can’t supervise clinical social worker applicants anymore. However, if you started or finished supervision with a master’s social worker within 180 days after the law passed, you’re still covered.
State agencies and private/nonprofit organizations must hire licensed professionals if they provide social work services after June 11, 2024. This shows how social work practice is becoming more professional throughout Delaware.
The 3,200 hours of supervised experience are the life-blood of clinical licensure. You must complete these hours over at least two years, and a licensed clinical social worker needs to provide half of your supervision. This supervision equips new clinicians with the right skills before they practice independently.
Continuing education and professional resources
Your Delaware social work license needs ongoing professional development through continuing education (CE). Each license type has different requirements:
- LBSW: 20 hours every two years, with 6 hours in ethics and 1 hour in mandatory reporting
- LMSW: 30 hours every two years, with 6 hours in ethics and 1 hour in mandatory reporting
- LCSW: 40 hours every two years, with 6 hours in ethics and 1 hour in mandatory reporting
Licenses expire on January 31 of odd-numbered years. Renewal fees vary: LBSW and LMSW cost $65, while LCSW renewal is $183 plus a $65 background check fee.
NASW Delaware chapter is a great resource for professional development. Members get updates on licensing rules, help with licensure prep, certificate programs, and CE opportunities. You can choose from day and evening programs, both online and in-person, plus on-demand options that fit your schedule.
NASW’s CE Tracker service helps you keep tabs on your credits. It costs $25 for members and $40 for non-members. This tool helps you stay organized especially when the licensing board does random audits to check CE completion.
The board accepts CE courses from approved providers, especially those for clinical social workers. The Delaware Department of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) Training Office also offers workshops for CE hours. These workshops are pre-approved by several certification boards, including the Delaware Board of Nursing, NAADAC, and the National Board for Certified Counselors.
If you miss your license renewal deadline, you can still renew late within one year, but you’ll pay extra fees. After that, your license ends and you’ll need to apply as a new applicant. So keeping your license current through timely renewal and proper continuing education is vital for uninterrupted practice.
Your MSW program in Delaware is just the start. These licensure and professional development requirements build the foundations for an ethical, successful social work career while keeping you ready to meet the state’s changing social service needs.
Affordable MSW Program Alternatives
Students can find several budget-friendly alternatives to Delaware State University when pursuing their MSW education. Social workers of all types are in high demand across the region, making these options worth looking into.
Nearby out-of-state MSW programs
Students who want more program variety can head over to neighboring states that offer CSWE-accredited alternatives. New Jersey has seven accredited MSW programs. Pennsylvania brings thirteen to the table, while Maryland features three. Widener University in Chester, PA stands out as a smart pick with both in-person and fully online formats. Widener’s reputation shines as one of Pennsylvania’s best colleges for social work. Students might also want to check out Concord University’s online MSW program, which costs $6,516 for six credit hours.
Online MSW programs with lower tuition
Online programs often save students more money than traditional campus options. Several schools nationwide offer MSW programs at yearly tuition rates under $12,000. Troy University tops the affordability list at $7,125 per year. The University of North Alabama follows at $7,425, and the University of West Florida comes in at $8,100. These affordable programs average $9,810 yearly – this is a big deal as it means that typical graduate social work programs cost over $20,000. Most online programs let students complete their practicum hours close to home, which saves on moving expenses.
Advanced standing MSW options for BSW holders
A BSW degree opens up faster paths to an MSW through advanced standing programs. These programs usually ask for half the credits of regular MSW tracks, which cuts both time and costs by up to 50%. Delaware State University’s advanced standing track takes 30 credits – 24 academic and 6 field practicum. BSW graduates can finish this in 12 months of full-time study. Simmons University offers a 9-month full-time advanced standing option for those who earned their BSW in the last seven years. The University of Connecticut’s advanced standing path takes less than a year full-time or 18 months part-time.
Start Your MSW in Delaware Today
Delaware State University is the life-blood institution that provides the state’s only CSWE-accredited MSW program with its advanced generalist practice focus. The program gives you great flexibility with both online and on-campus formats, making advanced social work education available whatever your schedule looks like.
Career prospects look great after completing an MSW in Delaware. Healthcare social workers earn median salaries of over $56,000 annually. You’ll find plenty of opportunities in child welfare, school settings, mental health services, and emerging academic positions. These paths help you align your interests with meaningful service to vulnerable populations.
Social challenges that fuel the need for qualified social workers keep growing throughout Delaware. Mental health concerns affect nearly 30% of Delaware’s adults. Homelessness has hit record levels. The aging population will double by 2040, and youth obesity affects one-third of children statewide. MSW graduates can tackle these problems through evidence-based interventions.
Delaware’s structured licensure pathways open doors to professional growth beyond graduation. You can choose LBSW, LMSW, or LCSW credentials based on your education level and career goals. On top of that, continuing education requirements keep your skills sharp as you advance professionally.
Delaware State University’s program is excellent, but you have other options if you want different specializations or pricing structures. Neighboring states have many CSWE-accredited programs, while online programs nationwide can save you substantial money. BSW holders can benefit from advanced standing programs that could cut their program duration and costs by half.
Without doubt, an MSW in Delaware is a meaningful investment in your future and the wellbeing of First State communities. Whether you pick Delaware State University or look at alternatives, your advanced social work education will prepare you to help solve the complex challenges Delaware’s diverse populations face.