Delaware offers focused but limited options for pursuing an MSW degree, with Delaware State University currently serving as the only institution providing a fully online MSW program within the First State. The program is fully CSWE-accredited, offering both traditional and advanced standing tracks for students with BSW degrees. Given Delaware’s compact size and the growing demand for online education flexibility, many Delaware residents also pursue MSW degrees through nationally-accredited online programs offered by universities across the country, which provide broader specialization options and diverse scheduling formats to accommodate working professionals.

Despite its small geographic footprint, Delaware presents a surprisingly robust job market for MSW-educated social workers. The state’s strategic location between major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C., combined with a densely populated environment and thriving economy, creates diverse opportunities for graduates in clinical practice, healthcare social work, community organizing, and policy advocacy. Whether students aim to become licensed clinical social workers or pursue leadership roles in social service organizations, these programs provide the theoretical foundation and practical skills needed to make meaningful impact in Delaware’s tight-knit communities and the broader regional network of social services.

2026 Best Delaware MSW Programs Online

Masters in Social Work Online provides an expert guide to the best Delaware MSW programs available through distance learning. As online education continues to grow, virtual social work degrees offer unprecedented flexibility for working professionals and students seeking advanced training. Our comprehensive rankings highlight top-tier online programs that prepare future social workers with cutting-edge curriculum and robust academic experiences. Delaware's online MSW programs enable students to balance personal commitments while pursuing meaningful professional development in social services. These programs leverage innovative digital platforms to deliver high-quality education that meets rigorous academic standards and prepares graduates for impactful careers in social work. Understanding the critical role of accessible education, we've carefully evaluated programs to help prospective students make informed choices about their academic journey. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

Delaware State University

Dover, DE - Public 4-Year - desu.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)

Concentration: Advanced Generalist Practice - Online Learning - Visit Website

Delaware State University's fully online Master of Social Work program emerges as Delaware's sole MSW degree, specializing in Advanced Generalist Practice. Uniquely positioned as an HBCU institution, the program provides comprehensive training across micro, mezzo, and macro practice domains. Students benefit from CSWE accreditation, two flexible internship practicums, and an empowerment-oriented curriculum designed to address complex social challenges. The advanced standing option allows qualified students accelerated degree completion. Graduates are prepared for professional licensing exams and equipped to serve marginalized populations with critical thinking skills and global perspectives.

  • Only MSW in Delaware
  • Advanced generalist practice concentration
  • CSWE fully accredited program
  • Two student-selected internship practicums
  • National US News ranking
  • Priority application: Fall (March 15)
  • Advanced standing option available
  • Prepare for graduate licensing exams
  • Focuses on marginalized populations
  • Empowerment-oriented framework
*IPEDS 2023 survey data, provided by NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

List of Delaware Online MSW Programs

Jump to City:

Dover, DE

Delaware State University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)

    Concentration: Advanced Generalist Practice - Online Learning - Website

    • Only MSW in Delaware
    • Advanced generalist practice concentration
    • CSWE fully accredited program
    • Two student-selected internship practicums
    • National US News ranking
    • Priority application: Fall (March 15)
    • Advanced standing option available
    • Prepare for graduate licensing exams
*Credit: NCES, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2023.

2026 Affordable Online Delaware MSW Program Options

Explore Delaware's diverse online social work education landscape, offering multiple pathways for students seeking advanced degrees and professional development. These virtual programs provide crucial flexibility for working professionals, parents, and those balancing multiple commitments. Whether you're in Wilmington, Dover, or rural areas across the state, distance learning options make advanced social work credentials more accessible than ever. Students can choose from various degree levels, including bachelor's, master's, graduate certificates, and doctoral programs. Online platforms break down traditional geographical barriers, enabling Delaware residents to advance their careers without disrupting current work or personal responsibilities. These programs prepare social work professionals to address complex community needs with comprehensive, technology-enabled educational experiences.
Delaware State University
  • Only MSW in Delaware
  • Advanced generalist practice concentration
  • CSWE fully accredited program
  • Two student-selected internship practicums
  • National US News ranking
  • Priority application: Fall (March 15)
  • Advanced standing option available
  • Prepare for graduate licensing exams
  • $6,500 - $9,800 (Graduate In-State)
  • $12,000 - $18,000 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023.

List of Delaware Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs

Advanced standing MSW programs in Delaware are specifically designed for students who have completed a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, allowing them to pursue their master’s degree through an accelerated track. While Delaware has limited in-state MSW program options due to its small size, students have access to quality programs that focus on advanced clinical practice, policy development, and community-based interventions to address the state’s unique challenges, including coastal community needs, healthcare access in rural areas, and supporting diverse populations in both urban Wilmington and smaller communities throughout the First State.

Jump to City:

Dover, DE

Delaware State University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Advanced Generalist Practice - Online Learning - Website

    • Only MSW in Delaware.
    • Advanced Generalist Practice concentration.
    • Fully CSWE accredited.
    • Nationally ranked by US News.
    • Experiential learning focus.
    • Two internship practicums.
    • Prepares for micro, mezzo, macro practice.
    • Flexible full-time, part-time options.
*Institutional data extracted from: IPEDS 2023, NCES.

2026 Affordable Online Delaware Advanced Standing MSW Programs

Delaware offers aspiring social work professionals compelling online advanced standing programs that provide flexible learning paths for students across the state and beyond. These distance learning opportunities enable working professionals and students in urban areas like Wilmington and Dover to advance their education without disrupting their current careers. Virtual programs create accessible routes to graduate-level social work credentials, allowing students to balance academic goals with personal and professional commitments. Online advanced standing options typically accommodate students with prior bachelor's degrees, accelerating their educational journey and providing efficient pathways to master's-level qualifications. As the demand for skilled social work professionals continues to grow, these innovative online programs represent a critical avenue for educational and career development in Delaware's dynamic social service landscape.
Delaware State University
  • Only MSW in Delaware.
  • Advanced Generalist Practice concentration.
  • Fully CSWE accredited.
  • Nationally ranked by US News.
  • Experiential learning focus.
  • Two internship practicums.
  • Prepares for micro, mezzo, macro practice.
  • Flexible full-time, part-time options.
  • $6,500 - $9,800 (Graduate In-State)
  • $12,000 - $18,000 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*Analysis based on: NCES IPEDS 2023 survey data.