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Become a Social Worker in Delaware
To become a social worker in Delaware, you must obtain your license to practice from the Delaware Board of Social Work Examiners. The board licenses three different types of social workers, which have their own requirements for education, examination, experience and other criteria. Across all types of social workers in the state, there are an estimated 2,150 social workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Read on to learn more about the steps to become a social worker in Delaware, master of social work degree programs available in Delaware, Delaware social work licenses and more.
Information below was retrieved February 2026 and is only meant to be a high-level overview. Requirements may change, always check with the state licensing board for complete and up to date information.
University of Denver • Denver, CO
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
54-81 graduate-level credits
Concentrations
Mental Health and Trauma, Health, Equity and Wellness
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution to be considered for admission
- Minimum undergraduate GPA is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Career goals statement
Syracuse University • Syracuse, NY
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 24 months
Credits
36-60
Concentrations
Advanced Integrated Practice, Advanced Clinical Practice
Admission Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred
- Transcripts
- Resume
- Essays
- Prerequisite coursework
- Letters of recommendation
Simmons University • Boston, MA
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Accelerated and Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 9 months
Credits
37-65
Concentrations
Mental Health Practice Optional Certificate, Trauma Practice Optional Certificate, Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families
Admission Requirements
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Recommendation forms
- Statement of professional and educational intent
Howard University • Washington, DC
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
45+
Concentrations
Direct Practice, Community, Administration and Policy (CAP) Practice
Admission Requirements
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- College transcripts
- A personal statement
- An application essay
- A resume
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution, award within four years of first term start date
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all social work foundation and undergraduate coursework
Hawaii Pacific University • Honolulu, HI
Master of Social Work
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
12-36 months
Credits
30-57
Concentrations
Military and Veterans Affairs, Child or Adult Protective Services, Health Care, Mental Health, Individual and Families, Social Agency Administration
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 30 credits in Liberal Arts from an accredited four-year institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA, but applicants below that will be considered for provisional admission
- Completed courses in Statistics and Research Methods
- Applicants must have completed each course with a grade of a "C" or higher
- Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited program within the past five years
- Minimum 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale in social work courses
- Online application
Common Steps to Become a Delaware Social Worker
Before becoming a social worker in Delaware, you’ll need to meet the education and licensure requirements for the career path you choose. The Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR), Board of Social Work Examiners offers three license types, each with its own education, exam, and (for clinical practice) supervised experience requirements. Depending on the license you pursue, you may also need to complete additional steps, such as Delaware’s criminal background check/fingerprinting process and required clinical supervision for clinical licensure. The steps below are based on current Delaware Board requirements.
1. Earn a CSWE-accredited social work degree
To become a licensed social worker in Delaware, you will have to complete a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). You can pursue these degrees in Delaware through various formats, including full time, part time and online.
2. Pass the ASWB exam required for your license level and complete supervised experience if required (for clinical licensure)
Delaware has three levels of social worker, according to the state’s licensing board, with increasing requirements:
Licensed bachelor social worker (LBSW): A person with an accredited baccalaureate degree in social work or a related field who has passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelor’s exam.
Licensed master social worker (LMSW): A person with an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work or a related field who has passed the ASWB master’s exam. Those seeking this license must also complete at least 2 years of professional experience.
Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW): A person with an accredited master’s or doctoral degree in social work or a related field who has passed the ASWB clinical exam. Those pursuing this license must complete at least 3,200 hours of supervised clinical experience (completed over the timeframe required by Delaware rules).
3. Get licensed
Once you’ve met the requirements for your license level, you may apply for Delaware social work licensure.
Learn more about how to become a social worker.
Social Work Degree Programs in Delaware
Social work degree programs in the United States are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Because accreditation status can change over time, the most reliable way to confirm current options is to search the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs.
In Delaware, Delaware State University offers a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and also lists a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program.
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Delaware
Master of Social Work (MSW) programs may offer concentrations or focus areas, depending on the school. In Delaware, Delaware State University offers an MSW with one concentration—Advanced Generalist Practice, which prepares students for advanced social work practice across micro, mezzo, and macro settings (individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities).
Delaware students may also find MSW options through the University of Delaware’s MSW program. Because accreditation status can change over time, the most reliable way to confirm whether a specific MSW program is CSWE-accredited is to check the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs.
| Institution & Program | Location | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
Delaware State UniversityMaster of Social Work | Dover, DE | 2+ years | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Online MSW Programs in Delaware
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs can be a flexible option for students who need to balance school with work or family responsibilities. In Delaware, Delaware State University (DSU) offers an MSW that can be completed through online study and includes one concentration—Advanced Generalist Practice.
Because online formats, pacing options (such as full-time vs. part-time), and program delivery methods can change, students should confirm the most current details directly with the school and, when accreditation status matters, verify programs using the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs.
| Institution & Program | Location | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
Delaware State UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Dover, DE | N/A | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Learn more about advanced standing online Master of Social Work programs, online MSW programs for aspiring clinical social workers and online master’s in social work programs.
Social Work Licenses in Delaware
In Delaware, social work licenses are issued by the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR), Board of Social Work Examiners. The board issues three types of social work licenses: licensed bachelor social workers, licensed master social workers and licensed clinical social workers.
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) in Delaware
- Education Requirement: Baccalaureate degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited college/university (per official transcript).
- Exams: ASWB Bachelor’s exam
- License Renewal: Renewed every two years (Feb 1–Jan 31 in odd-numbered years). 20 hours of approved CE per full renewal cycle, including at least 6 hours of ethics and 1 hour of mandatory reporting; no more than 10 hours from self-directed activity
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Delaware
- Education Requirement: Master of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Exams: ASWB Master’s exam
- License Renewal: Renewed every two years (Feb 1–Jan 31 in odd-numbered years). 30 hours of approved CE per full renewal cycle, including at least 6 hours of ethics and 1 hour of mandatory reporting; no more than 10 hours from self-directed activity
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Delaware
- Education Requirement: Master of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Field Requirements: 3,200 hours of post-degree supervised clinical social work experience, including 1,600 hours under direct professional supervision (with at least 100 hours of 1-to-1 supervision), completed within Delaware’s required timeframe
- Exams: ASWB Clinical exam
- License Renewal: Renewed every two years; 40 hours of approved CE per renewal cycle, including at least 6 hours in ethics and 1 hour in mandatory reporting (per Board CE rules)
Learn more about online clinical MSW programs.
Social Work Salaries for Delaware
Delaware Social Work Careers | Number of Social Workers in Delaware | Annual Mean Social Work Salary |
|---|---|---|
Child, Family and School Social Workers | 810 | $52,350 |
Healthcare Social Workers | 710 | $66,300 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 410 | $58,850 |
Social Workers, All Other | 110 | $86,780 |
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary | 80 | $70,440 |
Information on the above social work salaries in Delaware was retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates - Delaware in February 2026.
Learn more about social work salaries.
Delaware Social Work Scholarships
Delaware students can find financial support for social work education through a mix of scholarships and loan repayment programs. Because eligibility rules and deadlines can change, students should always confirm details on the official program pages.
- Delaware Higher Education Office (DHEO) Scholarships (Delaware Department of Education)
- Delaware State Loan Repayment Program
Learn more about social work scholarships.
Delaware Social Work Organizations
In Delaware, one major professional organization for social workers is:
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Delaware Chapter: The state chapter representing social workers across Delaware and providing professional development, continuing education opportunities, and advocacy for the profession.
Delaware Social Work FAQs
Yes. Delaware allows licensure by reciprocity for applicants who hold an active license in good standing in another state, but you must still apply through the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation and meet Delaware’s reciprocity requirements (including providing verification from the state(s) where you’re licensed).
In Delaware, social work continuing education (CE) requirements vary by license level: 20 hours for Licensed Bachelor Social Workers (LBSWs), 30 hours for Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs), and 40 hours for Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) during each renewal cycle. Regardless of license type, at least six hours must be in professional ethics and at least one hour must be in mandatory reporting. Delaware licenses renew on a two-year cycle and expire on January 31 of odd-numbered years, and the Board allows no more than 10 hours of CE credit from self-directed activities.
Learn more about continuing education for social workers.
In Delaware, social work license verification can be obtained through the Division of Professional Regulation’s DELPROS (eLicense) License Look-Up. You can search by a licensee’s name and, if needed, narrow your search using filters such as profession/license type or a license number.
Information last updated: February 2026