Accredited Delaware Masters in Counseling Programs

A Delaware master’s in counseling is a must to become a licensed professional counselor in the state. You can still work under a licensed professional counselor’s (LPC) supervision while completing your education with a lower degree.

Delaware has four schools that teach the five main counseling areas: mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling, and substance abuse counseling. Two schools also offer hybrid and online counseling degrees that give you flexible options when traditional programs don’t fit your schedule. This piece will help you explore your choices, including the University of Delaware master’s in counseling and other Delaware master’s programs.

Delaware’s counseling professionals have good career prospects. Marriage and family therapists earn a median salary of around $51,830 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Delaware LPCMH licenses need renewal in September of even years, and professionals must complete 40 hours of continuing education.

Wilmington University

Wilmington University leads Delaware’s masters in counseling options with its detailed counseling programs that prepare graduates to practice professionally. Students can choose between two distinct counseling paths that match different career goals in the mental health field.

Programs offered

Students at Wilmington University can choose between two main counseling degree programs that prepare them for different aspects of the counseling profession:

Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC)

Wilmington University’s CMHC program prepares students to practice professional counseling and address mental health issues in a variety of populations. Students need to complete 60 credit hours, which includes practicum and internship experiences. Students can finish this detailed program in three years, though they have up to five years to meet all requirements.

Students train for careers in:

• Community mental health and human service agencies
• Educational institutions
• Private practices
• Government organizations
• Business and industrial settings

Graduates can sit for the National Counselor Examination administered by the National Board of Certified Counselors, which helps them become Licensed Professional Counselors of Mental Health (LPCMH) in Delaware.

Master of Education in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling

This 51-credit program shapes counselors specifically to work in K-12 educational settings. Students learn theory and practice to develop modern school counseling skills, with focus on:

• Research methodologies
• Critical thinking skills
• Ethical decision-making
• Counseling strategies
• Advocacy skills

Students can choose between two tracks:

1. Certification Track: Graduates qualify for state licensure as school counselors in public, private, or charter schools
2. Non-Certification Track: Perfect for those who want to work with children/youth outside K-12 settings where state licensure isn’t needed (such as nonprofit agencies, mental health settings, or group homes)

Both programs require students to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA to graduate. The CMHC program demands a minimum grade of ‘B’ in all courses, which means that the cumulative GPA might be higher than the university standard.

Accreditation & licensure alignment

Wilmington University’s counseling programs have earned prestigious accreditations that show graduates meet industry standards for professional practice:

CMHC Program Accreditation

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits the Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. This program stands as the only CACREP-accredited program of its kind in the region.

This accreditation matters because:

• The program meets strict national standards for counselor education
• Graduates fulfill requirements for national certification and state licensure
• The curriculum matches American Counseling Association (ACA) standards for professional practice

CMHC program students must show competencies in eight core areas required by CACREP and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

School Counseling Program Accreditation

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits the Master of Education in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling program. The program builds on:

• American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) National Model
• ASCA’s Ethical Standards for School Counselors

Employers value this accreditation as it meets State Department of Education requirements. The program uses a three-tiered system that focuses on various skills, where Level 1 courses build content knowledge that supports counseling skill development in Level 2 courses.

Online and hybrid options

Wilmington University has adapted its counseling programs with flexible formats that suit modern students’ needs.

The CMHC program now runs as a hybrid model with three learning approaches:

1. Digital Asynchronous Learning
   • Uses Canvas as the Learning Management System
   • Includes syllabus, learning modules, assignments, tests, and quizzes
   • Students participate in regular projects and activities with course materials, classmates, and instructors
2. Digital Synchronous Learning
   • Students learn in real-time through regular Zoom class meetings
   • Students must attend all digital synchronous sessions
3. In-Person Synchronous Learning
   • Some activities happen on campus with instructors
   • Students must attend and travel to specified Delaware locations

School Counseling program courses often run in an online live (OLL) format with weekly three-hour virtual meetings. Two Level 1 courses and all Level 2 and 3 courses follow this format, letting students pick their preferred day or time.

Students benefit from the hybrid approach because it:

• Works well for professionals
• Cuts down travel time
• Keeps important interactive elements for developing counseling skills
• Helps students learn complex concepts effectively

Admission requirements

Wilmington University carefully selects candidates for its counseling programs through a thorough process that ensures only qualified students enter these professional programs.

CMHC Program Admission Process

The CMHC program welcomes new candidates yearly, with cohorts starting in Summer Block 1. Students must submit applications and supporting documents by February 1st of their intended start year.

Students go through a two-stage admission process:

1. The CMHC admissions committee reviews completed application materials thoroughly
2. Qualified applicants participate in on-campus group and individual interviews

Students need to submit:

• Graduate application with $35 non-refundable fee
• Official transcripts showing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Proof of undergraduate GPA (usually 3.0 or higher)
• Goal statement answering two specific thought questions in essay format
• Two recommendation letters from academic or professional references
• Current resume
• Signed retention statement
• Completed CMHC Digital-Hybrid Program document

School Counseling Program Admission Requirements

School Counseling program applicants must:

• Show a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for their most recent two years of post-secondary education
• Provide official transcripts proving bachelor’s degree completion
• Submit immunization records
• Meet with an academic advisor for program planning
• Sign up for MED 6102 (E-folio)

Strong candidates typically show excellent people skills and genuine interest in counseling.

Accepted students in both programs must complete all admission steps, get formal acceptance notification, sign the program admissions policies and procedures agreement, and attend orientation.

Each 3-credit course costs $1,611, making these programs some of Delaware’s most affordable masters in counseling options.

University of Delaware

The University of Delaware has several paths for students who want to pursue masters in counseling Delaware programs. Students get academic excellence and hands-on training to become mental health professionals. The respected faculty and variety of programs make it an excellent choice for anyone starting a counseling career in the state.

Counseling programs offered

The University of Delaware has graduate-level counseling and psychology programs that prepare students for various mental health careers:

Master of Education in School Counseling

This 48-credit program helps students become elementary or secondary school counselors. Students learn how people interact with their environment and turn theory into effective, complete developmental counseling programs. The program teaches a counseling model that works well in schools.

Key curriculum areas include:

• Human development
• School counseling services
• Educational measurement and research
• Career development
• Counseling and consulting theories and skills for individuals, groups, and families

Master of Science in Clinical Psychological Science

The Institute for Community Mental Health (ICMH) runs this innovative program that meets the growing need for skilled mental health professionals. Students learn scientific methods and clinical practice. Graduates excel at evidence-based treatments and can improve mental health care.

The program stands out with:

• Strong foundations in scientific methods that support evidence-based practices
• Meeting licensing requirements from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards
• Following American Psychological Association accreditation standards

Partnership Programs and Specialized Training Opportunities

The University of Delaware has built mutually beneficial alliances with regional schools to create more educational paths in counseling:

Thomas Jefferson University Partnership: Human Services majors at UD with a 3.25 GPA or higher can join the Master’s in Couple and Family Therapy program at Thomas Jefferson University. Students in this two-year, full-time program get 500 hours of direct clinical experience. They can specialize in sex therapy and family therapy.

Bryn Mawr College Partnership: Students can head over to the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research at Bryn Mawr College. Their Master of Social Service (MSS) equals an MSW degree and has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education.

Students also get professional growth through:

• Externships during master’s or doctoral degrees
• Doctoral internships with supervised individual and group counseling
• Associate clinician roles for graduates working toward licensure

Accreditation & licensure alignment

The university maintains high standards through proper accreditation and programs that match professional license requirements:

Center for Counseling and Student Development Accreditation

The International Association of Counseling Services, Inc. has fully accredited the Center for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD). This shows the center’s steadfast dedication to quality mental health services and training. Students get clinical services and training for future counseling careers here.

Clinical Psychological Science Program Alignment

The Master of Science in Clinical Psychological Science program:

• Matches licensing requirements from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)
• Follows American Psychological Association (APA) accreditation standards
• Gets graduates ready for mental health licenses across most U.S. states

School Psychology Program Standards

The School Psychology program (M.A./Ed.S.) sets high standards for student training. Students learn to analyze educational problems, create and test interventions, and work together with families, educators, and community members.

The counseling programs focus on developing professional skills that match ethical standards and best practices:

• Taking initiative with enthusiasm and flexibility
• Analyzing performance thoughtfully
• Using excellent critical thinking and writing skills
• Welcoming diversity and treating others respectfully

Online and hybrid options

The university runs most counseling programs on campus but offers some flexible options for different student needs:

Flexible Scheduling Options

The Master of Education in School Counseling program schedules all courses (except practicum and internship) after 4:00 p.m. Students can attend part-time or full-time. Working professionals can advance their education with this schedule.

Students can:

• Take evening classes
• Study part-time
• Keep their jobs while completing the program

Sequenced Course Structure

Part-time students should take at least two courses each semester. Courses follow a logical order. This helps students build knowledge step by step, even when studying part-time.

The university doesn’t seem to offer fully online masters in counseling Delaware options. However, flexible scheduling shows they understand students’ needs for accessible programs.

Admission requirements

Each counseling program at the University of Delaware has its own evaluation process:

School Counseling Program Requirements

The Master of Education in School Counseling needs:

• Graduate Record Exam scores (verbal & quantitative)
• 5 minimum GPA in undergraduate courses
• 0 minimum GPA in graduate courses (if applicable)
• Three strong recommendation letters
• Statement of objectives
• Personal interview

Clinical Psychological Science Requirements

The Master of Science in Clinical Psychological Science asks for:

• 0 minimum GPA in a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
• Completed basic courses in psychology, research methods, measurement, and statistics
• Extra courses in affective, biological, cognitive, social, and developmental psychology help

School Psychology Program Process

The M.A./Ed.S. in School Psychology program follows these steps:

• Apply by January 15 for fall semester
• Have a 3.0 minimum GPA in undergraduate and graduate work
• Submit GRE verbal and quantitative scores (waived for Fall 2023)
• Provide three recommendation letters
• Non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL or IELTS

The selection process includes:

1. Two faculty members review each application
2. About 15 promising candidates get interviews
3. Small group orientation during interview days
4. One-on-one faculty interviews
5. Meeting current students

After evaluation, candidates either get accepted, wait-listed, or rejected. Each new class usually has 8-10 students.

Financial Support Opportunities

Students worried about costs have several support options. Almost all specialist students in the School Psychology program get assistantships and tuition scholarships. During 2017-18, specialist students with assistantships received $19,000 and 60% tuition coverage.

The university helps qualified students afford these high-quality counseling programs. This creates more skilled mental health professionals in Delaware.

Delaware State University

Delaware State University (DSU) trains aspiring mental health professionals who want to pursue masters in counseling Delaware programs. Students planning to enter the counseling profession can choose from flexible learning formats that help develop practical skills.

Counseling programs offered

The Master of Science in Psychology with a Clinical Psychology track stands as DSU’s flagship counseling education program. This program prepares students to become licensed professional counselors. Students need 60 credit hours to fulfill Delaware’s counseling licensure requirements. The program lets you choose between full-time and part-time study paths based on your schedule.

The curriculum covers eight core areas that most states, the National Board for Certified Counselors, and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) require. This well-laid-out approach helps graduates master essential counseling practice domains.

The Clinical Psychology track stands out by requiring students to complete 700 hours of supervised field experience at a mental health organization. Students apply their theoretical knowledge in ground settings under qualified supervision—a vital step toward professional growth and licensure.

DSU keeps its student-to-teacher ratio at 16:1, which means students receive tailored attention and mentorship throughout their studies. Faculty members guide each student’s clinical skills development and professional identity formation.

The Department of Psychology also offers a Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling. This certificate path trains specialists in substance abuse counseling. The courses meet requirements for the International Certification & Reciprocity (IC&RC) Certification Examination. Students benefit from:

• 300 hours of education credits through 8-week accelerated courses
• Evening and online classes that work around your job
• Courses covering assessment, treatment planning, counseling techniques, and professional duties
• Training that meets certification requirements for alcohol and drug counselors

DSU’s Department of Social Work offers an MSW program that US News and World Report ranks nationally. The program readies graduates for entry-level graduate licensing exams. Students learn advanced generalist practice skills to work with diverse populations in various settings.

Choose a Delaware Masters in Counseling

Picking the right master’s in counseling program is a key step to reach your professional goals in Delaware. This piece highlights four accredited schools that offer different paths to counseling careers. Wilmington University excels with its CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and hybrid learning options. The University of Delaware’s program features specialized tracks in School Counseling and Clinical Psychological Science with strong hands-on components.

Delaware State University makes education available to working professionals through online programs that need minimal campus visits. Delaware Technical Community College doesn’t offer master’s degrees but provides a solid foundation through associate programs and transfer options to four-year schools.

Your program’s accreditation ensures quality education that meets industry standards and license requirements. Most programs line up with state licensing boards and professional organizations like CACREP to prepare you for the National Counselor Examination.

Delaware’s counseling profession continues to grow with competitive salaries and opportunities in various specialties. Licensed Professional Counselors of Mental Health must renew their licenses every two years during even years with 40 hours of continuing education.

Our exploration of program options, admission requirements, and learning formats helps you choose the best educational path. Each school brings unique benefits based on your career goals, whether you want to work in schools, mental health agencies, or substance abuse treatment centers. Your path to becoming a licensed professional counselor in Delaware starts with choosing a program that matches your career dreams and personal needs.