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.

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

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Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

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Simmons University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

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Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

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Hawaii Pacific University

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Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas. 

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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 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 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.

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.

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. 

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.

Learn more about online clinical MSW programs.

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 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.

Learn more about social work scholarships.

In Delaware, one major professional organization for social workers is:

Does Delaware have social work reciprocity?

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).

What are the social work continuing education (CE) requirements in Delaware?

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.

What is the best way to look up my social work license in Delaware?

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. 

Last updated: February 2026