Best Counseling Schools in Delaware

2025 Best Master's in Counseling Programs in Delaware

Looking for the best master's in counseling programs in Delaware? counselingpsychology.org has ranked the top options to help you decide. These programs prepare students for rewarding careers in mental health. Online programs are key, offering flexibility for those balancing work or family. Distance learning options make it easier to pursue your degree from anywhere. Find out which schools made the list and how they can fit your goals. Learn more about our rankings at https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-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 is a hybrid program designed for aspiring school counselors. It offers a 51-credit curriculum aligned with the American School Counselor Association standards, focusing on K-12 counseling. The program includes 600 hours of supervised fieldwork and requires the Praxis II exam for Delaware state certification. Ideal for those seeking to impact student achievement through leadership and advocacy in educational settings.

• 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

The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Wilmington University is a 60-credit, CACREP-accredited online program. It prepares students for national certification and licensure, covering ethics, counseling techniques, and psychopathology. Admission is competitive, with a preferred 3.0 GPA. This program is perfect for professionals aiming to work with diverse populations in mental health settings.

• 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) is a hybrid program requiring 51 credit hours and 600 hours of supervised fieldwork. It aligns with ASCA standards and prepares graduates for Delaware licensure, including passing the Praxis II exam. A 3.0 GPA is recommended for admission, making it suitable for those dedicated to K-12 student support.

• 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

The M.Ed. in Elementary and Secondary School Counseling (Non-Certification Track) at Wilmington University is a 39-credit hybrid program. It focuses on developing counseling skills without licensure, featuring a 200-hour practicum and alignment with ASCA standards. This program is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their counseling expertise in educational environments.

• 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 a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, is tailored for those aiming to become licensed professionals. This program, accredited and flexible, spans 60 credits, combining 45 credits of coursework with 15 credits for practicum and internship, ensuring 700 supervised hours. It's designed for completion in two to three years, offering asynchronous learning for maximum flexibility. Admission criteria include a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 GPA and prerequisite psychology courses for non-majors. Notably, no entrance exam is required, making it accessible for many aspiring counselors. The curriculum is structured to meet licensure requirements in Delaware, with potential reciprocity in other states.

• 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

*Data retrieved from: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023.

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

• Bachelor's Degree – four years, requires a high school diploma

• Master's Degree – one to two years, requires a bachelor's degree

• Doctorate Degree – three to six years, or more, requires a bachelor's or master's degree

• Graduate Certificate – one year, 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.

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.