Delaware has no in-state MFT program, so students must choose from online or hybrid options at out-of-state schools.
The state uses a two-tier licensing ladder requiring an associate license (LAMFT) before upgrading to full LMFT status.
COAMFTE accreditation is not required for Delaware licensure but simplifies documentation and interstate credential transfers.
Delaware employs roughly 380 marriage and family therapists, with much of the demand concentrated near Wilmington.
As of 2026, Delaware has no COAMFTE-accredited MFT graduate programs and no in-state graduate certificate options in marriage and family therapy. That gap pushes every aspiring Delaware LMFT toward out-of-state or online MFT degrees from the start.
The practical challenge is alignment: not every accredited online program automatically satisfies Delaware's specific coursework, clinical hour, and supervision requirements for licensure. Choosing the wrong program can mean extra classes, delayed applications, or denied credentials. Accredited online MFT programs from schools across the country do accept Delaware residents, and many are structured to meet or exceed state licensing standards, but verification before enrollment is essential.
Delaware employs roughly 380 marriage and family therapists, with most concentrated near Wilmington. Demand is steady, yet the supply pipeline depends entirely on out-of-state training, making program selection unusually high-stakes for students here. If you are new to the profession, our guide to becoming an MFT outlines the full journey from enrollment through independent practice.
No in-state MFT programs currently appear in our database for Delaware, so this ranking focuses on nationally available programs that accept Delaware residents. Schools are ordered by a quality composite that weighs graduation rates, net price, and early career outcomes, with editorial notes on Delaware licensure fit. Some programs can be completed from Delaware; others are best for students willing to relocate.
Our ranking methodology
What went into the score
Graduation and retention rates
Net price to students
Early career earnings
Program accreditation status
Delaware licensure fit
Where the data comes from
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (earnings and debt) — collegescorecard.ed.gov
IPEDS institutional survey data from NCES covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) — cacrep.org
Our program database of school-reported details
Independent editorial research
University of South Florida
#1
Tampa, FL · $10,000/yr
Best for: Practicing clinicians expanding into family systems work
USF offers a 15-credit graduate certificate in marriage and family therapy designed for practicing mental health professionals rather than as a first-time licensure route. The curriculum centers on systemic approaches to relationship and family concerns, with six required credits and nine elective credits. Delaware students should treat this as supplemental clinical training, not as a standalone path to LMFT licensure.
15-credit certificate for practicing mental health professionals
6 required credits plus 9 elective credits
Focus on systemic therapy for relationship and family concerns
Not designed to satisfy LMFT licensure requirements
Northwestern University
#2
Evanston, IL · $55,000/yr
Best for: Remote learners pursuing family therapist licensure
Northwestern's marriage and family therapy master's carries COAMFTE accreditation, a credential Delaware's licensing board recognizes without requiring a course-by-course review. The curriculum includes supervised clinical fieldwork, and placement specialists help students secure training sites in their home state. For Delaware residents who want a national-caliber MFT education without relocating, this is one of the most direct routes available.
Best for: Cohort students wanting local clinical placements
USC's master of science in marriage and family therapy is a 24-month, 60-unit program with a cohort model and scholarship support. The curriculum is built around California licensure preparation, so Delaware applicants should verify content-area coverage with the Delaware Board. USC arranges clinical placements in students' local communities, which makes it feasible for Delaware residents to stay home during fieldwork.
60-unit curriculum designed around California LMFT preparation
Cohort-based format completed in 24 months
Scholarship awards of $15,000 to $30,000 available
92% clinical exam pass rate reported by program
98% alumni career effectiveness reported by program
California State University-Northridge
#4
Northridge, CA · ~$9,000/yr (est.)
Hispanic-Serving Institution
California State University Northridge offers a Master of Science in marriage and family therapy with a sequence that can be completed in under two years. The program emphasizes family therapy theories, ethics, research, diversity awareness, assessment, and clinical intervention. The class format assumes regular access to the Northridge campus, so it is less practical for Delaware residents who cannot relocate.
Covers ethics, assessment, diversity, and clinical intervention
Accredited by COAMFTE and IACSTE
Prepares for LMFT and LPCC licensure in California
Moody Bible Institute
#5
Chicago, IL · $10,000/yr
Moody Bible Institute offers a graduate certificate in marriage, family, and couples counseling for clinicians who already hold a graduate degree and want faith-integrated training. The curriculum blends biblical perspectives with contemporary mental health practice. This is best viewed as advanced enrichment rather than a licensure pathway for Delaware LMFT applicants.
Certificate for master's-level mental health professionals
Faith-based approach integrated with clinical counseling
Specialized family and couples counseling focus
Faculty interview required for admission
Multiple interview dates available
John Brown University
#6
Siloam Springs, AR · $10,000 – $15,000/yr
John Brown University offers a Master of Science in counseling with a marriage and family therapy emphasis, plus play therapy and adventure therapy tracks. The 60-credit curriculum includes 100 practicum hours and 600 internship hours, and the program is CACREP accredited. Delaware students should know this route is primarily designed for LPC or LMHC licensure, so an LMFT path requires extra documentation.
Adventure therapy emphasis within 60-credit counseling degree
CACREP accredited through 2032
91% job placement rate reported
Three credit hour emphasis choice
University of Oregon
#7
Eugene, OR · ~$19,000/yr (est.)
University of Oregon's couples and family therapy master's is a 90-credit COAMFTE-accredited program that prepares graduates for LMFT licensure. Students complete 350 direct client contact hours through the Center for Healthy Relationships and community externships. The optional Spanish Language Specialization is valuable for Delaware's growing bilingual population, though Delaware students should plan to relocate to Eugene.
Spanish Language Specialization within same degree
150 relational system hours required
Bilingual clinical training and supervision
Focus on culturally responsive work with Latino/a families
Western Kentucky University
#8
Bowling Green, KY · $12,000 – $18,000/yr
Western Kentucky University offers a CACREP-accredited marriage, couple, and family counseling master's with practical training at the on-campus Talley Family Counseling Center. The curriculum is designed for marriage and family therapist licensure, but Delaware does not give automatic recognition to CACREP programs, so graduates would likely need to map content areas and clinical hours.
CACREP-accredited marriage, couple, and family counseling program
Hands-on training at Talley Family Counseling Center
Designed for marriage and family therapist licensure
Financial support options may be available through department
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
#9
Winona, MN · $12,000/yr
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's master of arts in marriage and family therapy is a COAMFTE-accredited, 48-credit program emphasizing systemic and relational interventions. Students complete 300 clinical contact hours, including 150 relational hours, and no GRE or MAT is required. The schedule assumes a Minnesota presence, so Delaware students should plan to relocate for at least part of the program.
Texas Woman's University offers a COAMFTE-accredited master of science in marriage and family therapy that typically takes about three years and includes a thesis option. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, a letter of intent, and an on-campus interview. Clinical training is tied to Texas-area sites, so Delaware students would generally need to relocate rather than complete fieldwork at home.
Most Affordable Online MFT Programs for Delaware Residents
Because Delaware does not currently have in-state MFT programs, online and hybrid options from accredited schools nationwide are worth exploring. The table below ranks five of the most affordable programs by institution-wide average net price after financial aid. Keep in mind that these net price figures reflect a school-wide average for all students receiving aid and are not a guaranteed quote for your specific situation. Delaware residents will typically pay out-of-state tuition rates at public universities, so both columns are included for comparison.
School
State
Out-of-State Tuition
Avg. Net Price (After Aid)
Format
Accreditation
Degree Level
Purdue University Northwest
IN
$11,960
$6,079
Hybrid
COAMFTE
Master's
California State University, Northridge
CA
$19,062
$7,021
Hybrid
COAMFTE
Master's
University of South Florida
FL
$21,126
$9,812
Hybrid
N/A
Graduate Certificate
Western Kentucky University
KY
$18,340
$10,990
Hybrid
CACREP
Master's
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
MN
$12,474
$11,704
Hybrid
COAMFTE
Master's
Questions to Ask Yourself
Does this program require any on-campus residency, and can I realistically travel for it?
Some online MFT programs include weekend intensives or week-long residencies at the home campus. Since Delaware has no in-state MFT program, factor travel costs and time off work into your total budget before committing.
Will this program's clinical hour structure satisfy Delaware's LMFT requirements?
Delaware requires specific supervised clinical contact hours for licensure. If a program's practicum falls short, you may need to accumulate additional post-degree hours, which delays your path to independent practice.
Does the program help arrange practicum placements in Delaware, or will I need to secure my own?
Not every out-of-state program has clinical site partnerships in Delaware. Programs that leave placement logistics entirely to students can add months of lead time and uncertainty to your fieldwork planning.
Is COAMFTE accreditation a factor in my Delaware licensure path?
Delaware does not strictly require COAMFTE accreditation for LMFT licensure, but holding a degree from an accredited program can streamline your application and strengthen reciprocity if you ever practice in another state.
How to Become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Delaware
Delaware uses a two-tier licensing ladder. You first earn an associate license (LAMFT) to complete supervised postgraduate work, then upgrade to full LMFT status after meeting all clinical and exam requirements. Here is the path from enrollment to independent practice.
Delaware LMFT Licensure Requirements Mapped to Your Program Choice
Choosing the right MFT program is not just about academics. It is about making sure every credit hour, clinical placement, and coursework area aligns with what Delaware demands before you can practice. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the state's requirements so you can vet any program, especially online options, before committing your time and tuition dollars.
Step 1: Confirm the Degree and Coursework Requirements
Delaware requires a master's or doctoral degree that includes at least 45 semester credits in marriage and family therapy, with content spanning nine designated coursework areas.1 These areas cover foundational topics such as human development, family systems theory, research methodology, professional ethics, and clinical practice. Your program must also include a minimum of 9 practicum credits, during which you complete at least 300 direct client contact hours, with no fewer than 150 of those hours involving couple or family therapy.1
Programs holding COAMFTE accreditation are generally structured to meet or exceed these content and clinical benchmarks. If you are considering a non-accredited program, you will need to cross-reference its curriculum against Delaware's nine required content areas before enrolling. The safest approach is to contact the Delaware Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counseling directly and ask whether the program you are considering satisfies their educational standards.2 For a broader overview of what the journey looks like from enrollment through independent practice, see our guide to becoming an MFT.
Step 2: Plan for Clinical Placements as an Online Student
Online students face a practical challenge: those 300 pre-degree direct client contact hours must be completed with real clients in a supervised clinical setting. Delaware does not waive this requirement for distance learners. That means you will need to arrange a local practicum site, typically a community mental health agency, private practice, or hospital, and confirm that the site meets your program's standards as well as the state's. Start this process early; securing a quality placement in Delaware can take several months. If you want to know what the clinical experience actually looks like day to day, our article on MFT practicum requirements offers helpful context.
Step 3: Understand the LAMFT-to-LMFT Pathway
Delaware uses a two-tier licensure structure that directly affects how you plan your postgraduate career. For a detailed comparison of associate and fully licensed credentials, see our breakdown of the difference between AMFT and LMFT.
LAMFT (Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist): This is the provisional license you obtain after completing your degree and passing the national exam. It authorizes you to practice under an approved supervisor. The initial fee is $194, the license lasts two years, and it can be renewed a maximum of two times. You must submit a supervision plan with your application.1
LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist): This is the fully independent license. To upgrade, you need at least two years and 3,200 hours of postgraduate clinical experience, including 1,600 supervised clinical hours and 1,500 direct therapy hours.2 Within those direct therapy hours, at least 500 must involve couple or family therapy and another 500 must involve individual therapy.1 You also need a minimum of 100 supervision hours, though no more than 50 of those may be conducted via telesupervision.1
Your supervisor must hold a Delaware LMFT credential, carry AAMFT Approved Supervisor designation, or be an out-of-state licensed MFT with at least five years of experience.4 Understanding this pathway matters at the program-selection stage because some programs offer stronger supervision networks and practicum coordination than others.
Step 4: Prepare for the Licensure Exam
Delaware requires passage of the national AMFTRB examination with a minimum score of 70 percent.1 You must pass this exam before applying for your LAMFT, so plan to sit for it shortly after graduating.2 The LMFT application fee is $194, and the upgrade fee from LAMFT to LMFT is $55.1 Once fully licensed, you will need to complete 40 continuing education hours per renewal cycle to maintain your credential.5
Step 5: Verify Before You Enroll
This step cannot be overstated: not every online MFT program satisfies Delaware's nine required content areas or its specific practicum structure. A program that meets licensure requirements in one state may leave gaps in another. Before you enroll, request a course-by-course alignment with Delaware's standards from your prospective program, and confirm that alignment independently with the Delaware Board of Mental Health. A few phone calls or emails now can save you from costly surprises after graduation.
Coamfte-Accredited vs Non-Accredited Programs: What Delaware Students Should Know
Delaware does not require graduation from a COAMFTE-accredited program to qualify for LMFT licensure. However, the path you choose affects how much documentation you need, how quickly you can get licensed, and whether your credential transfers easily to other states. Here is a clear breakdown of each option so you can weigh the trade-offs before committing.
Advantages
COAMFTE programs are the recognized gold standard and receive automatic acceptance by the Delaware board, eliminating course-by-course evaluation.
Clinical training, including the required 300 direct client contact hours, is built into COAMFTE curricula from the start.
Graduating from a COAMFTE program streamlines licensure portability if you ever relocate to another state.
Non-COAMFTE, regionally accredited programs give Delaware students more options, including lower cost and accelerated formats.
Graduates of allied fields such as counseling, social work, or psychology may still qualify under Delaware rules if coursework covers all nine required content areas.
Regionally accredited programs are often more widely available online, expanding choices for working adults in Delaware.
Drawbacks
Fewer COAMFTE-accredited programs exist, especially fully online options, which limits flexibility for Delaware residents.
COAMFTE programs can carry higher tuition, and you should still verify that the curriculum addresses all of Delaware's nine specific content areas.
Non-COAMFTE graduates face conditional acceptance and must complete a detailed documentation worksheet proving equivalent coursework across 45 or more graduate credits.
The course-by-course review process for non-COAMFTE applicants can delay licensure and require additional paperwork with the Delaware Board of Professional Regulation.
Degrees from non-accredited (non-COAMFTE) programs are less portable, potentially requiring extra evaluations if you seek licensure in states that mandate COAMFTE graduation.
Supervised clinical credit requirements, including 150 hours with couples or families, may not be embedded in non-COAMFTE curricula, forcing students to arrange placements independently.
Online Vs. Hybrid MFT Programs: Residency and Fieldwork Considerations for Delaware Students
Choosing between a fully online MFT program and a hybrid or in-person option is one of the most consequential decisions you will make as a Delaware student. The format you pick affects your schedule, your clinical training experience, and how much legwork you need to do to secure practicum placements close to home.
What "No Residency" Actually Means
When an online MFT program advertises "no residency requirement," it means you will not be required to travel to a physical campus for intensive weekends, summer sessions, or orientation blocks. Your coursework is delivered entirely through a virtual platform. That said, every accredited MFT program, whether online or on campus, requires supervised clinical fieldwork. Delaware licensure demands hands-on client contact hours, and no program can waive that. So "no residency" does not mean "no in-person obligations." It simply means those obligations happen at a practicum site in your own community rather than at a university campus hundreds of miles away.
How Online Programs Handle Practicum Placement
Practicum logistics vary significantly from one program to the next, and this distinction matters more in a small state like Delaware.
University-assisted placement: Some programs maintain networks of approved clinical sites and will actively help match you with a supervisor in your area. This is a major advantage if you are unfamiliar with the local mental health landscape.
Student-directed placement: Other programs require you to locate and propose your own site, then seek the school's approval. This approach gives you more flexibility but places the burden of networking squarely on your shoulders.
Before you enroll, ask admissions whether the program has placed students in Delaware before and whether it has existing site agreements in the state.
Common Practicum Sites in Delaware
Despite its small size, Delaware offers a range of clinical settings where MFT students can accumulate supervised hours:
Community mental health centers in Wilmington, Dover, and Newark
Private group practices that accept practicum trainees
Hospital-based behavioral health programs, including those within the ChristianaCare and Bayhealth systems
Nonprofit family service agencies focused on domestic violence intervention, child welfare, or substance use treatment
Building relationships with these organizations early, even before your practicum semester begins, can make the placement process far smoother.
Nearby Hybrid and In-Person Alternatives in the Philadelphia-Wilmington Corridor
If you prefer some face-to-face classroom instruction, several COAMFTE-accredited programs sit within commuting distance of northern Delaware. Drexel University offers a 90-credit Master of Family Therapy with on-campus and some hybrid coursework, requiring 500 direct client contact hours and 100 supervision hours.1 Thomas Jefferson University runs a 66-credit, primarily on-campus program designed to be completed in about 24 months, with the same 500 direct client contact hours and 100 supervision hours.2 La Salle University also provides a primarily in-person Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with COAMFTE accreditation.3
For students in central or southern Delaware, the commute to Philadelphia may be less practical. In that case, a fully online program paired with a local practicum site is often the more realistic path. Capella University, for example, offers a COAMFTE-accredited online MS in Marriage and Family Therapy at 72 quarter credits, with completion timelines ranging from roughly 33 to 42 months, giving you the flexibility to stay rooted in your community while earning your degree.4 You can compare this and similar options in our roundup of best online MFT programs.
The bottom line: weigh how much in-person interaction you need in a classroom against the convenience and geographic flexibility of an online format, and always confirm that your chosen program can support a successful practicum experience in Delaware. For a broader look at COAMFTE accredited programs across the country, explore our full school directory.
Before enrolling in any online MFT program, contact the Delaware Board of Professional Regulation to confirm the program satisfies all state licensure requirements. This single step can save you years of frustration, wasted tuition dollars, and the possibility of needing additional coursework or supervised hours after graduation.
MFT Career and Salary Outlook in Delaware
Despite being one of the nation's smallest states, Delaware employs an estimated 380 marriage and family therapists, reflecting steady demand for mental health professionals across the region. Many Delaware MFTs practice in the Wilmington area, which sits within the broader Philadelphia metropolitan corridor and offers additional employment opportunities across state lines. The table below compares Delaware MFT salary benchmarks with related roles to help you gauge earning potential after completing your online degree.
Role
Total Employment in Delaware
25th Percentile Salary
Median Salary
Mean Salary
75th Percentile Salary
Marriage and Family Therapists
380
$53,560
$63,360
$64,840
$76,350
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
80
$64,070
$81,530
$83,940
$101,210
Frequently Asked Questions About MFT Programs for Delaware Students
Choosing the right MFT program and understanding Delaware's licensure process can raise many questions. Below are answers to the most common concerns from prospective students in the state, drawn from current Delaware licensing regulations and program data.
Are there any MFT programs in Delaware?
Delaware does not currently have any COAMFTE-accredited, campus-based MFT programs within the state. However, Delaware students can enroll in accredited online or hybrid MFT programs offered by universities in other states. Many of these programs are specifically designed to meet licensure requirements across multiple states, including Delaware.
Can I complete an MFT degree entirely online and still get licensed in Delaware?
Yes, you can earn your MFT degree online and still qualify for Delaware licensure. However, you will need to complete supervised clinical hours, including direct client contact, at an approved site. These practicum and internship placements typically must be arranged in person at a local agency or practice in Delaware or a nearby state.
What is the difference between LAMFT and LMFT in Delaware?
The LAMFT (Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist) is the initial, supervised license for graduates who have not yet completed all post-degree clinical hours. The LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) is the fully independent license. To upgrade from LAMFT to LMFT, you must accumulate the required supervised experience and pass the national exam. The upgrade fee is $55.
Which online MFT programs are COAMFTE accredited?
Several universities offer COAMFTE-accredited online or hybrid MFT programs open to Delaware residents. Examples include programs at Northcentral University (now the University of Arizona Global Campus), Capella University, and Fairfield University. Always verify a program's current COAMFTE accreditation status before enrolling, as accreditation can change.
How long does it take to become a licensed marriage and family therapist in Delaware?
The full timeline is typically five to seven years. This includes earning a master's degree in MFT (two to three years), completing post-graduate supervised clinical experience as a LAMFT (usually two or more years), and passing the AMFTRB National MFT Exam. Accelerated programs may shorten the academic portion slightly.
What are the practicum or fieldwork requirements for Delaware licensure?
Delaware requires supervised clinical experience as part of both your degree and your post-graduate training. Your graduate program must include a clinical practicum with direct client contact hours. After graduation, you will practice under supervision as a LAMFT until you meet the state's required hours for full LMFT licensure.
How much does it cost to apply for MFT licensure in Delaware?
The application fee for either the LAMFT or LMFT license in Delaware is $194. The national exam fee is paid separately to the testing organization. If you are upgrading from LAMFT to LMFT, there is an additional $55 upgrade fee. Budget for these costs alongside any background check or credential verification expenses.
Does Delaware offer licensure reciprocity for MFTs licensed in other states?
Yes, Delaware offers licensure by reciprocity for marriage and family therapists who hold a current, active license in another state. You must demonstrate at least five years of clinical experience to qualify. This pathway can simplify the process for experienced practitioners relocating to Delaware. Specific requirements are outlined in the state's administrative code.
More Online MFT Programs Available to Delaware Students
Beyond our top-ranked selections, these additional online MFT programs offer Delaware students more options to consider. Each program can be completed from Delaware and provides unique features worth exploring.
Offers a hybrid M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy with concentrations in Medical Family Therapy, Substance Use Disorder Treatment, and Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, focusing on rural mental health and multicultural competence.
Provides a CACREP-accredited Master of Science in Counseling with a Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling concentration, delivered in a hybrid format with minimal campus residency.
Offers a 60-credit hybrid MS in Marriage and Family Therapy with 300 direct client contact hours, preparing students for licensure with flexible full- and part-time enrollment.
Provides a hybrid M.A. in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling, blending online coursework with on-campus clinical training at clinics in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.
Delivers a CACREP-accredited hybrid Master of Science in Counseling with a Marriage & Family Therapy concentration, emphasizing hands-on experience through multiple clinical internship sites.
Offers a COAMFTE-accredited hybrid Master of Science in Couple and Family Therapy, requiring 500 client contact hours and 100 supervision hours within a scholar-practitioner model.
Offers a COAMFTE-accredited online M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy with live evening classes and a 500-hour clinical practicum, including a 40% tuition scholarship.
Provides a hybrid Master of Science in Counseling Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration, featuring clinical training and comprehensive exam preparation for licensure.
Offers a COAMFTE-accredited hybrid Master of Family Therapy with concentrations in Trauma and Addiction or LGBT and Specific Populations, including extensive clinical practicum hours.
Provides a COAMFTE-accredited hybrid M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy with evening and weekend classes, experiential learning, and an on-campus practicum.
Offers a hybrid Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling integrating biblical principles with evidence-based techniques, including 800 hours of clinical experience.
Provides a hybrid Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy with a contextual approach, blending online and in-person courses and requiring 500 internship hours.
Offers a COAMFTE-accredited hybrid Master of Science in Psychology with a Marriage and Family Therapy concentration, featuring evening classes and university-based clinic training.
Provides a hybrid Graduate Certificate in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling focusing on couples therapy and addiction counseling, with flexible online and on-campus options.
