Delaware Psychology Doctorate Programs

As more and more people become accepting of the need for mental health treatment, the demand for qualified, trained professionals in the field will continue to rise. This need was identified way back in the 1960s, which led to the development of the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree, which was designed to focus on the hands-on training of psychologists.

For students in Delaware who are interested in becoming professional psychologists, there are several degree options in the state that will set them on the path to successful careers. Let’s take a look at the program options and licensure requirements here in Delaware.

What’s On This Page

• Delaware PsyD Programs
• Other Delaware Doctorate Programs
• Delaware Psychologist Requirements
• Delaware Doctorate Salary Outlook

List of PsyD Programs in Delaware

There aren’t any Psy.D. degrees offered on campuses in the state of Delaware, but several online Psy.D. programs are available to students living here. While none of these programs are accredited by the American Psychological Association, which means that graduates of these programs who apply for licensure in Delaware will face additional steps during the application process, as they must verify the specifics of their programs.

Also, in every state, Delaware included, rules require psychologist license applicants to complete hundreds of hours of supervised professional experience, and they should be sure that any program to which they apply includes internships or practicum experiences.

Alliant International University

Alliant International University’s California School of Education offers a 100% online Psy.D. in Educational Psychology. It’s split into two tracks, school psychology or school counseling. The program is relatively new, so the university has yet to publish career or licensure outcomes for graduates.

• Institution type: Private, for-profit
• Campus: Online, headquarters are in California
• Total expected tuition: $64,835
• Degrees offered: PsyD in Educational Psychology
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Visit school: Click here

Capella University

Capella’s online Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology is flexible, including both online and in-person work outside of the internship or practicum experience. A Capella survey found that 88% of doctoral graduates said what they learned in the program was immediately applicable in their careers.

• Institution type: Private, for-profit
• Campus: Online, headquartered in Minnesota
• Total expected tuition: $78,300
• Degrees offered: PsyD in Clinical Psychology
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Visit school: Click here

California Southern

CalSouthern’s online Psy.D. was formulated with California’s state requirements for licensure in mind, and the 100% online delivery method allows students across the country to benefit. But an internship is optional with this program, which means students may face additional obstacles to licensure after their doctoral program is over.

• Institution type: Private, for-profit
• Campus: Online, headquartered in California
• Total expected tuition: $35,970
• Degrees offered: PsyD
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• Visit school: Click here

Other Psychology Doctorates in Delaware

One other type of psychology doctorate is available in Delaware, and many students may find it a good option if they are uninterested in online education.

University of Delaware

The University of Delaware’s Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program first earned APA accreditation in 1971. Today’s students often begin clinical training in their first year thanks to an on-site community mental health care center staffed by faculty and students in the psychology department. A total of 42 people have completed the program in the past 10 years, and half have earned professional licensure.

• Institution type: Public
• Campus: Newark
• Annual tuition: All students receive full tuition remission and annual stipends
• Degrees offered: PhD in Clinical Psychology
• Accreditation: APA
• Visit school: Click here

How to Become a Practicing Psychologist in Delaware

Several educational and experience-related requirements must be fulfilled in Delaware before the state will grant an individual a psychologist license. Let’s take a look at the several-step process and what Psy.D. students should know about becoming a professional psychologist in the state of Delaware.

1. Earn your bachelor’s degree in psychology or a closely related field. It’s not a state requirement, but majoring in psychology while in college is the best foundational step in the educational journey to becoming a psychologist. For those without an undergraduate degree in psychology, extensive coursework in the field will be required, and many advanced degree programs, such as those for doctorates, may require remedial coursework or a master’s degree in the field. Closely related fields could include statistics, biology or social work, depending on the doctoral program’s focus and admissions prerequisites.
2. Get your doctorate. Delaware requires psychologist license applicants to complete a doctoral program, such as a Psy.D. or Ph.D, that’s designed specifically to train professionals in the field. APA accreditation isn’t a requirement, but it’s strongly recommended, as those with degrees from non-APA-accredited programs will have additional hurdles to clear when it comes to documentation.
3. Meet other requirements for licensure. In addition to the educational requirements outlined above, Delaware requires applicants to complete 1,500 hours of supervised postdoctoral experience. Applicants must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.
4. Keep your license active. Delaware psychologist licenses expire every two years, and continuing education requirements apply depending on the date upon which you were issued your license. They range from 0 hours to 30 hours.

Delaware Clinical Psychologist Salary and Job Outlook

Delaware’s average annual wage for all jobs is about $54,000, but clinical, counseling and school psychologists are usually better paid, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In fact, the average salary for these professionals in Delaware is about $80,000.

Psychologist jobs in Delaware are expected to grow by nearly 12% over the next decade, well over double the expected growth rate for all U.S. jobs of 5%.