Healthcare experts who examine, classify and treat mental, emotional and behavioral problems are known as psychologists. The Board of Examiners of Psychologists in Delaware issues licenses to psychologists who want to practice in this state.

Should I Become a Psychologist in Delaware

Psychologists are doctors who study and understand the emotional state and behavior of human beings and how it affects their dealings with others and their environment. Psychologists also have the liberty of choosing their area of specialization in which they want to practice. For example, psychologists are categorized by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as follows:

  • Industrial & Organizational Psychologists
  • Clinical or Counseling & School Psychologists
  • All other Psychologists
Education Required A doctoral degree (otherwise known as PhD)
Major Requirement Psychology
License/Certification Getting licensed is mandatory
Experience/Training Supervised work experience of 2 years
Key Skills Integrity and Patience; Observational, Organizational, Analytical, Communication and Problem-solving Skills etc.
Annual Mean Salary (2019) –

National

 $87,450 (Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists)
Annual Mean Salary (2019) –

Delaware

 $80,060 (Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists)
Job Outlook

(2018-2028)

 14% (Faster than the average)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019)

Career Outlook

As per the data reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2019, Delaware had an employment level of 560 for Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists. Moreover, the BLS projected a 14% rise in employment for psychologists between 2018 and 2028.

Steps to Become a Psychologist in Delaware

This easy 5-step guide can help you become a licensed psychologist in Delaware. So, if you are interested, let’s begin!

  1. Completing a Bachelor’s Degree
    2. Several universities in Delaware offer a bachelor’s degree in Psychology which typically takes 4 years to complete. For instance, the Wilmington University offers a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology.
  1. Obtaining a Master’s Degree
    2. Usually, a bachelor’s in Psychology with excellent grades gets you into a doctoral degree directly. However, sometimes a combined master’s degree leading to PhD or a standalone master’s degree in Psychology might be required. The University of Delaware offers a combined master’s leading to a PhD degree in Psychology.
  1. Graduating a Doctoral Degree
    2. To work as a licensed psychologist in the US all candidates are required to complete at least a doctoral degree which may be completed in 4-6 years. As mentioned above, the University of Delaware offers a Master’s leading to PhD degree in Psychology with many areas of specializations.
  1. Getting Supervised Experience in the Field
    2. All aspiring psychologists are mandated to complete 2 years of supervised work experience under a licensed psychologist to get a license of their own.
  1. Acquiring a State Issued License
    2. As mentioned before, the Board of Examiners of Psychologists in Delaware acts as the regulatory authority for psychologists and they submit their applications for licensure to the Board with complete documentation. The requirements of licensure are explained below.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist in Delaware?

The specific duration varies based upon the educational choices you make, the time you take to apply for licensure as well as when you pass all required exams. Taking all that into consideration, it may take you anywhere between 10 to 12 years (or more) to finally begin working.

What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Licensed Psychologist in Delaware?

To work as a licensed psychologist in the state of Delaware, you must:

  • Complete a doctoral degree in Psychology from an APA or ASPPB accredited institution
  • Provide proof of supervised work experience of 2 years under a licensed psychologist
  • Submit results of the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
  • Clear the Background check and not have a criminal record
  • Pass the licensure exam conducted by the Board of Examiners of Psychologists of Delaware etc.

For complete details on licensure, visit the official state website.

How Much Can I Make as a Psychologist in Delaware?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported $80,060 as the annual mean salary of Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists employed in the state of Delaware in 2019.