2026 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Delaware

Counseling Psychology is proud to present our comprehensive guide to the Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Delaware. Our expert team has carefully evaluated and ranked the top counseling programs in the state, focusing on academic excellence, student outcomes, and program flexibility. Delaware offers several outstanding options for aspiring counselors, with many programs now embracing online and distance learning formats to accommodate working professionals and students with diverse schedules. These virtual programs provide unprecedented access to high-quality education, allowing students to balance their academic pursuits with personal and professional commitments. Our rankings consider factors like faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, and overall program reputation to help prospective students make informed decisions about their counseling education journey. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

Wilmington University

New Castle, DE - Private 4-year - wilmu.edu

Master's - M.Ed. in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Wilmington University's M.Ed. in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling offers a comprehensive state-approved program targeting K-12 educational environments. Aligned with the American School Counselor Association standards, the hybrid program emphasizes leadership and systemic change in student achievement. Candidates engage in a rigorous 51-credit curriculum focusing on academic, career, and social-emotional counseling strategies. With 600 hours of supervised fieldwork and Praxis II exam requirements, graduates are thoroughly prepared for impactful school counseling roles. The program's military-friendly approach ensures diverse professionals can develop advanced skills in comprehensive student support.

  • Delaware state-approved program
  • 51 credit hour curriculum
  • 600 hours supervised fieldwork
  • ASCA National Model aligned
  • Praxis II exam required
  • Three-tiered learning approach
  • K-12 counseling focus
  • Certification track available
  • Comprehensive student support skills

Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Online Learning - Visit Website

Wilmington University's Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling delivers a robust 60-credit CACREP-accredited program designed for transformative mental health professionals. The three-year curriculum blends scholarly knowledge with practical skills, enabling students to effectively work with diverse populations. With a competitive admission process recommending a 3.0 GPA, the online program prepares graduates for national certification and professional licensure. Coursework comprehensively covers ethics, counseling techniques, psychopathology, and specialized counseling approaches, positioning students for impactful careers in mental health counseling.

  • 60-credit CACREP-accredited program
  • Three-year comprehensive curriculum
  • Prepares for national certification
  • Practicum and internship included
  • Diverse counseling specialization options
  • Online and on-campus formats available
  • Competitive admission process
  • 3.0 GPA recommended
  • Professional licensure preparation

Master's - M.Ed. in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling

Concentration: Certification Track - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Wilmington University's M.Ed. in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Certification Track provides a comprehensive pathway for aspiring school counselors. This state-approved Delaware licensure program spans 51-57 credit hours, emphasizing K-12 student development through rigorous coursework in counseling theories and clinical experiences. Aligned with the American School Counselor Association standards, the hybrid program requires 600 hours of supervised fieldwork and Praxis II exam completion. With a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, the program ensures candidates develop advanced skills in academic, career, and social-emotional counseling strategies.

  • Delaware and NJ state-approved program
  • 51-57 total credit hours
  • 600 hours supervised fieldwork
  • ASCA National Model aligned
  • Hybrid program format
  • 3.0 GPA requirement
  • Praxis II exam required
  • K-12 counseling focus

Master's - M.Ed. in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling

Concentration: Non-Certification Track - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Wilmington University's Non-Certification Track M.Ed. in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling offers professionals a flexible 39-credit program to enhance counseling expertise. Designed for those not seeking state licensure, the hybrid format accommodates working professionals seeking comprehensive skill development. The curriculum aligns with American School Counselor Association standards, featuring a three-tiered approach focusing on counseling theories and intervention strategies. With a 200-hour supervised practicum and minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, participants can complete the program within five years, expanding their educational and counseling competencies.

  • Non-licensure counseling track
  • 39 total credit hours
  • 200-hour supervised practicum
  • Aligned with ASCA standards
  • Three-tiered curriculum design
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Completion within five years
  • Hybrid program format
  • Diverse counseling skill development
Show 3 More Programs ˅
#2

Delaware State University

Dover, DE - Public 4-Year - desu.edu

Master's - Clinical Psychology, MS

Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website

Delaware State University's online Master of Science in Clinical Psychology with Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration provides a robust pathway for aspiring mental health professionals. Uniquely designed to meet licensure requirements, the program offers comprehensive training through an asynchronous learning model. Students complete 45 credits of rigorous coursework and 15 credits of practicum and internship experiences, accumulating 700 supervised hours. As an HBCU institution, the program ensures flexible completion within two to three years. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA and specific psychology course prerequisites. The curriculum covers eight core professional areas, positioning graduates for potential licensure in Delaware and potentially other states, with a strong emphasis on practical, career-ready skills in mental health counseling.

  • Online program
  • Two to three years completion
  • 45 coursework credits
  • 15 practicum/internship credits
  • Licensure preparation
  • Asynchronous learning
  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration
  • Admission requires 2.5 GPA
  • Specific course prerequisites for non-majors
  • 700 supervised hours required
*Original data: IPEDS 2023, NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

How to Find a Counseling Program in Delaware

Delaware's schools' counseling programs are diverse. You'll find that degree options, specializations, and modes of learning vary depending on which school you're looking at.

When considering which program to enroll in, take into account your personal situation, the academic experience you want, and your professional aspirations. You might prioritize tuition cost, schedule, location, faculty, specialty, or another factor.

Counseling Degree Pathways in Delaware

The counseling degree programs in Delaware usually last from one to many years (ask doctoral students). Depending on your current academic resume and future aspirations, you might choose any of the following:

  • Associate Degree – two years, requires a high school diploma
  • Doctorate Degree – three to six years, or more, requires a bachelor's or master's degree

A master's degree is required to become a licensed professional counselor in Delaware, but you can work under a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with a lower degree. Doctorate degrees offer opportunities for clinical study (Psy.D.) or research (Ph.D.), and graduate certificates provide plenty of opportunities for specialization.

Doctorates that don't require a master's degree usually include one within their own curriculum, so you earn both a master's and a doctorate as you go through the program. Other doctorates require that you complete a separate master's beforehand.

Choose a Counseling Specialty

Some of the counseling degree programs in Delaware are generalized programs, while others are specialized counseling programs. A few of the specializations available include:

  • Social justice counseling
  • Child and adolescent counseling
  • Mental health counseling
  • Chemical dependency counseling
  • Couples and family counseling

Whether you should pursue a particular specialization depends largely on your interests, the needs where you want to work, and the clients you hope to serve.

Accreditation

Accredited counseling programs meet educational standards, and they'll be recognized for licensure or further academic study. The two bodies that accredit Delaware counseling degree programs are CACREP (the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs) and APA (the American Psychological Association).

Only consider programs that are accredited by one of these two bodies, lest your degree isn't recognized in the future.

Online vs. Traditional Counseling Programs in Delaware

The counseling degree programs that Delaware schools offer include both online and traditional classes. Online programs tend to cost less and give you more scheduling and location flexibility. Traditional programs tend to cost more and be less flexible, but they afford better access to classmates, faculty, internship opportunities, and library resources.

Your situation might dictate that you attend online or traditional classes, or you might be able to choose between the two.

Becoming a Licensed Counselor in Delaware

Licensed counseling professionals in Delaware are either licensed associate counselors of mental health (LACMH) or licensed professional counselors of mental health (LPCMH). Associate counselors are on their way to becoming professional counselors and currently work under an LPCMH.

Before you can become an LPCMH, you must complete 60 credits of master's or doctorate work. You also need an internship (included within the degree) and a total of 3,200 hours of counseling experience (outside of the degree). An exam and fee are also required.

Delaware LPCMH licenses expire in September of every even year (i.e. 2024, 2026, etc.). Renewing requires 40 hours of continuing education.

2026 Affordable Master's in Counseling Program Options

Pursuing a Master's in Counseling requires careful financial planning, and Delaware offers several promising options for students seeking affordable advanced education. Students in urban areas like Wilmington and Newark can find programs that balance quality training with manageable tuition costs. These educational paths prepare future mental health professionals while keeping economic considerations in mind. Affordable graduate programs allow passionate individuals to advance their careers without overwhelming financial burden. By exploring diverse educational opportunities across the state, aspiring counselors can find programs that match their professional goals and budget constraints. The right program can make a significant difference in launching a meaningful career in mental health support and therapeutic services.
School NameHighlightsAnnual Estimated Tuition & Fees
Delaware State University
  • Online program
  • Two to three years completion
  • 45 coursework credits
  • 15 practicum/internship credits
  • Licensure preparation
  • Asynchronous learning
  • Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration
  • Admission requires 2.5 GPA
  • $6,500 - $9,800 (Graduate In-State)
  • $12,000 - $18,000 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Wilmington University
  • Non-licensure counseling track
  • 39 total credit hours
  • 200-hour supervised practicum
  • Aligned with ASCA standards
  • Three-tiered curriculum design
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Completion within five years
  • Hybrid program format
  • $7,600 - $11,400 (Graduate)
University of Delaware
  • 48-credit program
  • Evening classes
  • Full or part-time
  • GRE scores required
  • 2.5 GPA minimum
  • 3 recommendation letters
  • Internship included
  • Comprehensive exam
  • $15,600 - $23,500 (Graduate)
*Information sourced from the NCES Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (2023).

List of Counseling Degree Programs in Delaware

Are you searching for a counseling degree program in Delaware? Browse our comprehensive list of schools offering counseling programs, both online and on-campus, and follow the links to learn more about what each program has to offer.

Jump to City:

Dover, DE

Delaware State University

  • Master's - Clinical Psychology, MS

    Concentration: Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Online Learning - Website

    • Online program
    • Two to three years completion
    • 45 coursework credits
    • 15 practicum/internship credits
    • Licensure preparation
    • Asynchronous learning
    • Clinical Mental Health Counseling concentration
    • Admission requires 2.5 GPA

New Castle, DE

Wilmington University

  • Master's - M.Ed. in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Delaware state-approved program
    • 51 credit hour curriculum
    • 600 hours supervised fieldwork
    • ASCA National Model aligned
    • Praxis II exam required
    • Three-tiered learning approach
    • K-12 counseling focus
    • Certification track available
  • Master's - M.Ed. in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling

    Concentration: Certification Track - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Delaware and NJ state-approved program
    • 51-57 total credit hours
    • 600 hours supervised fieldwork
    • ASCA National Model aligned
    • Hybrid program format
    • 3.0 GPA requirement
    • Praxis II exam required
    • K-12 counseling focus
  • Master's - M.Ed. in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling

    Concentration: Non-Certification Track - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Non-licensure counseling track
    • 39 total credit hours
    • 200-hour supervised practicum
    • Aligned with ASCA standards
    • Three-tiered curriculum design
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
    • Completion within five years
    • Hybrid program format
  • Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    Campus Based - Website

    • 60-credit comprehensive counseling program
    • CACREP-aligned curriculum standards
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
    • Practicum and internship experiences
    • Multicultural counseling focus
    • Professional ethics emphasized
    • Community mental health preparation
    • Minimum 'B' grade requirement
  • Master's - Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

    Online Learning - Website

    • 60-credit CACREP-accredited program
    • Three-year comprehensive curriculum
    • Prepares for national certification
    • Practicum and internship included
    • Diverse counseling specialization options
    • Online and on-campus formats available
    • Competitive admission process
    • 3.0 GPA recommended
  • Graduate Certificate - Advanced Study in School Counseling

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format
    • Flexible scheduling
    • Taught by experienced faculty
    • Supports career advancement
    • Contributes to re-certification
    • Multiple start dates
    • Focus on K-12 students
    • Practical learning approach

Newark, DE

University of Delaware

  • Master's - Master of Education Degree Program in School Counseling

    Campus Based - Website

    • 48-credit program
    • Evening classes
    • Full or part-time
    • GRE scores required
    • 2.5 GPA minimum
    • 3 recommendation letters
    • Internship included
    • Comprehensive exam
*From: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023 dataset. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

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