Delaware Psychology Doctorate Programs
Delaware’s growing mental health landscape offers aspiring psychologists unique opportunities to pursue doctoral education while serving a diverse Mid-Atlantic population. With its strategic location between major metropolitan areas and its commitment to behavioral health initiatives, Delaware offers an ideal setting for psychology doctoral training.
Whether you’re considering the research-focused PhD path at the University of Delaware or exploring online PsyD options, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate your doctoral psychology journey in the First State.
What’s On This Page?
- Delaware Psychology Programs Overview
- PsyD Program Options
- PhD Programs in Delaware
- Online Doctorate Options
- Program Comparison Table
- How to Become a Psychologist in Delaware
- Delaware Psychologist Salary Outlook
- Financial Aid & Funding
- Career Opportunities
- Frequently Asked Questions
Delaware Psychology Programs Overview
Delaware’s psychology education landscape combines traditional on-campus excellence with innovative online options. The state’s proximity to major healthcare systems, including ChristianaCare, Nemours Children’s Health, and the Delaware Psychiatric Center, provides exceptional clinical training opportunities for doctoral students.
Currently, Delaware offers one APA-accredited doctoral program through the University of Delaware, supplemented by several online options available to residents of the state. This blend of local and distance learning opportunities ensures Delaware students can find programs that match their career goals and learning preferences.
For prospective students comparing different doctoral paths, understanding the differences between PsyD and PhD programs is essential for making an informed decision about your professional future.
Delaware Psychology Doctorate Programs at a Glance
| Institution | Degree Type | Format | APA Accredited | Annual Tuition | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Delaware | PhD Clinical Psychology | On-Campus | Yes (Since 1971) | Fully Funded | 5-6 years |
| Alliant International University | PsyD Educational Psychology | 100% Online | No | $12,990 | 4-5 years |
| Capella University | PsyD Clinical Psychology | Online + Residencies | No | $14,541 | 4-7 years |
| California Southern University | PsyD Psychology | 100% Online | No | $8,514 | 3-5 years |
PhD Programs in Delaware
University of Delaware – PhD in Clinical Psychology
The University of Delaware’s PhD in Clinical Psychology program stands as Delaware’s premier doctoral psychology offering, maintaining continuous APA accreditation since 1971. This research-intensive program combines rigorous academic training with extensive clinical experience through the department’s on-site Psychological Services Training Center.
Program Highlights:
- Full Funding: All admitted students receive complete tuition remission plus annual stipends ranging from $28,000 to $32,000
- Clinical Training: Students begin hands-on clinical work in their first year at the university’s community mental health center
- Research Excellence: Access to state-of-the-art research facilities, including neuroimaging labs and behavioral observation suites
- Specialization Areas: Child clinical psychology, neuropsychology, health psychology, and behavioral medicine
- Success Metrics: 67% licensure rate among recent graduates, with 90% employed in their field within six months of graduation
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field
- GRE scores (optional as of 2025)
- Minimum GPA of 3.5
- Research experience strongly preferred
- Three letters of recommendation
Learn More: Visit University of Delaware’s Clinical Psychology Program
Students interested in fully funded psychology doctorate programs will find the University of Delaware’s offering particularly attractive given its comprehensive financial support package.
PsyD Program Options for Delaware Students
While Delaware doesn’t currently host any campus-based PsyD programs, several reputable online options serve residents of the state who are seeking practice-focused doctoral training. These programs emphasize the development of clinical skills and their practical application over research, making them ideal for students focused on direct patient care careers.
Online PsyD Programs Available to Delaware Residents
Alliant International University – PsyD in Educational Psychology
Alliant’s fully online PsyD offers two specialization tracks: school psychology and school counseling. The program’s asynchronous format allows working professionals to balance education with existing commitments while preparing for licensure in educational settings.
- Format: 100% online, asynchronous learning
- Total Tuition: Approximately $64,950
- Duration: 4-5 years
- Specializations: School psychology or school counseling tracks
Learn More: Visit Alliant International University’s PsyD Program
Capella University – PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Capella’s FlexPath option offers self-paced learning, complemented by required in-person residencies. The program reports that 88% of doctoral graduates find immediate career application for their training, with strong support for internship placement assistance.
- Format: Online with residency requirements
- Total Tuition: Approximately $72,705
- Duration: 4-7 years (flexible pacing)
- Success Rate: 88% of graduates report immediate career application
Learn More: Visit Capella University’s PsyD Program
California Southern University – Doctor of Psychology
As one of the more affordable online options, CalSouthern’s PsyD program offers flexibility with optional internship components. However, students should carefully verify that the program meets Delaware’s specific licensure requirements, particularly regarding the number of supervised experience hours.
- Format: 100% online
- Total Tuition: Approximately $42,570
- Duration: 3-5 years
- Note: Internship is optional – verify Delaware licensure compatibility
Learn More: Visit California Southern University’s PsyD Program
For comprehensive comparisons of online programs, explore our guide to accredited online PsyD programs to find options that align with your career goals.
Online Psychology Doctorate Considerations
Delaware residents pursuing online doctoral programs should carefully evaluate several critical factors:
| Consideration | APA-Accredited Programs | Non-APA Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Licensure Process | Streamlined application | Additional documentation required |
| Internship Placement | Access to the APA match system | Self-directed placement |
| Delaware Board Recognition | Automatic recognition | Case-by-case review |
| Clinical Training Sites | Established partnerships | Student-initiated arrangements |
| Career Opportunities | Broader acceptance | May face limitations |
How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in Delaware
Delaware’s path to psychology licensure follows a structured progression designed to ensure practitioners meet rigorous professional standards. The Delaware Board of Examiners of Psychologists oversees this process, maintaining requirements that align with national best practices while addressing state-specific needs.
Step 1: Complete Your Undergraduate Education
While not mandated by state law, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology provides the strongest foundation for doctoral studies. Delaware’s undergraduate programs at institutions such as the University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and Wesley College provide excellent preparation. Students from related fields, such as neuroscience, sociology, or biology, may need to complete prerequisite coursework before being admitted to a doctoral program.
Step 2: Earn Your Doctoral Degree
Delaware requires a doctoral degree from a program specifically designed to train professional psychologists. While APA accreditation isn’t legally required, it significantly streamlines the licensure process. Graduates from non-APA programs must provide extensive documentation demonstrating their program’s equivalency, including:
- Detailed curriculum documentation
- Faculty credentials verification
- Clinical training hour logs
- Dissertation or doctoral project documentation
Step 3: Complete Supervised Experience Requirements
Delaware mandates 1,500 hours of supervised postdoctoral experience, which must include:
- Direct client contact (minimum 750 hours)
- Face-to-face supervision (minimum 75 hours)
- Experience in assessment, intervention, and consultation
- Work in settings approved by the Board
Popular postdoctoral training sites in Delaware include:
- ChristianaCare Behavioral Health
- Nemours Children’s Hospital Delaware
- Delaware Psychiatric Center
- VA Medical Center Wilmington
- Private practice groups throughout New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties
Step 4: Pass Required Examinations
Candidates must successfully complete the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and achieve the required passing score set by the state of Delaware. The state has recently adopted the EPPP Part 2, which focuses on professional skills and competencies.
Step 5: Maintain Your License
Delaware psychology licenses require renewal every two years, with continuing education requirements varying based on initial licensure date:
- Licensed before July 1, 2018: No CE requirements
- Licensed July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2020: 20 hours per renewal period
- Licensed after July 1, 2020: 30 hours per renewal period
For detailed guidance on the doctoral journey, consult our comprehensive resource on how to get a doctorate in clinical psychology.
Delaware Clinical Psychologist Salary Outlook
Clinical and counseling psychologists in the Delaware region command competitive salaries that reflect the state’s high demand for mental health services. According to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, psychologists in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metropolitan area (which includes Delaware) enjoy strong earning potential.
| Salary Metric | Delaware Region | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (25th Percentile) | $82,450 | $62,840 |
| Median Annual Salary | $106,330 | $92,740 |
| Mean Annual Salary | $119,060 | $106,420 |
| Experienced (75th Percentile) | $138,720 | $126,520 |
| Top Earners (90th Percentile) | $195,540 | $168,350 |
Employment projections indicate robust growth for psychology positions in Delaware, with an expected 8.2% increase through 2032—double the national average for all occupations. This growth reflects Delaware’s expanding healthcare infrastructure and increasing recognition of the importance of mental health.
For detailed salary comparisons across specializations, visit our Delaware clinical psychologist salary guide or explore nationwide data in our clinical psychologist salary by state comparison.
May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary for Psychologists and Psychologists, all other. National labor market information and state labor market information also sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor. Information based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2025.
Financial Aid & Funding Opportunities
Financing your psychology doctorate requires strategic planning, but Delaware students have access to numerous funding sources:
State-Specific Resources
- Delaware SEED Scholarship: Up to $7,000 annually for Delaware residents attending in-state institutions
- Delaware State Loan Repayment Program: Up to $70,000 for psychologists committing to underserved area practice
- Governor’s Workforce Development Grant: Support for students in high-demand fields, including behavioral health
Federal Programs
- Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Scholarships: Full tuition plus stipend for students committing to underserved populations
- National Health Service Corps: Loan repayment up to $75,000 for qualifying mental health professionals
- Graduate Psychology Education (GPE) Program: Training grants for students focusing on underserved populations
Institutional Support
The University of Delaware’s PhD program provides full funding to all admitted students, including:
- Complete tuition remission
- Annual stipends ($28,000-$32,000)
- Health insurance coverage
- Conference travel support
- Research funding opportunities
Students considering various funding options should explore our guide to combined master’s and PsyD programs, which can offer cost-effective pathways to doctoral education.
Career Opportunities for Delaware Psychology Graduates
Delaware’s strategic Mid-Atlantic location and diverse population create abundant career opportunities for psychology doctorate holders. The state’s commitment to integrated healthcare and behavioral health parity ensures strong demand across multiple sectors.
Major Employers
| Employer | Location | Specialties Sought |
|---|---|---|
| ChristianaCare Health System | Newark, Wilmington | Health Psychology, Neuropsychology |
| Nemours Children’s Health | Wilmington | Pediatric Psychology, Developmental |
| Delaware Psychiatric Center | New Castle | Severe Mental Illness, Forensic |
| Bayhealth Medical Center | Dover, Milford | Integrated Behavioral Health |
| Beebe Healthcare | Lewes, Rehoboth | Geropsychology, Health Psychology |
| VA Medical Center | Wilmington | PTSD, Substance Abuse |
Emerging Practice Areas
Delaware’s evolving healthcare landscape creates opportunities in specialized fields:
- Telehealth Psychology: Expanding access to rural Sussex County communities
- Integrated Primary Care: Collaborative practice models in medical settings
- School-Based Mental Health: Partnerships with Delaware’s education system
- Corporate Wellness: Supporting Delaware’s financial and pharmaceutical sectors
- Forensic Psychology: Collaboration with Delaware’s justice system
Graduates interested in specialized career paths should explore our resources on the highest-paying psychology careers and emerging opportunities in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any APA-accredited PsyD programs in Delaware?
Currently, Delaware does not have any APA-accredited PsyD programs on campus. However, the University of Delaware offers an APA-accredited PhD in Clinical Psychology program that has maintained accreditation since 1971. Delaware residents interested in PsyD programs can pursue online options or consider programs in nearby states, such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland.
Can I become a licensed psychologist in Delaware with an online doctorate?
Yes, Delaware accepts online doctoral degrees for licensure, but the program must meet specific requirements. The degree must be from a regionally accredited institution and include appropriate supervised clinical training. Graduates from non-APA accredited online programs will need to provide additional documentation during the licensure application process to demonstrate program equivalency.
How competitive is admission to the University of Delaware’s PhD program?
The University of Delaware’s Clinical Psychology PhD program is highly competitive, typically accepting 5-7 students from over 200 applicants annually (approximately 2-3% acceptance rate). Successful candidates typically possess strong research experience, excellent academic records (with a GPA above 3.5), and clear research interests that align with faculty expertise.
What’s the difference between Delaware’s psychology licensure requirements and neighboring states?
Delaware requires 1,500 hours of postdoctoral supervised experience, which is less than Pennsylvania’s 2,000 hours but comparable to Maryland’s requirements. Delaware recently adopted the EPPP Part 2 examination, aligning with national trends. The state’s continuing education requirements (30 hours biennially for recent licensees) are moderate compared to neighboring states.
Are there loan forgiveness programs for psychologists in Delaware?
Yes, Delaware offers several loan forgiveness options for psychologists. The Delaware State Loan Repayment Program offers up to $70,000 to professionals who commit to practicing in underserved areas for at least two years. Additionally, psychologists working in qualifying nonprofit or government positions may be eligible for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) after 120 qualifying payments.
What specializations are most in demand in Delaware?
Delaware shows particularly high demand for psychologists specializing in: integrated behavioral health (working in medical settings), pediatric and school psychology (supporting the state’s education initiatives), geropsychology (serving Delaware’s growing retiree population), substance abuse treatment (addressing the opioid crisis), and bilingual practitioners (serving Delaware’s diverse communities, particularly Spanish-speaking populations).
