Written by Janice Monti, SWG Rankings Team
Last Updated: May 2023

Social work is a growing field with a variety of career options. Many social work positions require applicants to hold a master of social work (MSW). Earning an MSW prepares you for state licensure and makes you more competitive in the job market for positions, such as mental health counselor, school social worker, and clinical social worker.

This ranking can help you find the best school to fit your needs and what features to look for in an MSW program.

What to Look for in an MSW Program

Accreditation

Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) provides assurance that an MSW degree has met nationally established professional and academic standards. Graduating from a CSWE-accredited program ensures that you have met the requirements for state licensure and tells prospective employers that you possess the competencies necessary to enter social work practice.

Cost

Tuition and fees for an MSW vary by school type and program format. Public colleges and universities offer lower tuition rates than private institutions but often charge higher rates to out-of-state residents. Keep in mind that you will have other expenses outside of tuition, including distance learning fees, books, lodging, transportation, and healthcare.

Financial Aid

Prospective MSW students should investigate any sources of available financial assistance for tuition, fees, and living expenses. The first step to receiving financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form required for government financial assistance.

Merit- and need-based grants and scholarships offered by schools, foundations, and professional associations do not require repayment. However, student loans from the federal government or private financial institutions must be repaid, along with fees and interest. Some states offer loan forgiveness programs for social workers.

Admission Requirements

Before you apply to any MSW program, make sure you meet the admission requirements. Some programs only admit bachelor of social work (BSW) graduates, while others accept students from non-social work majors. Admission to most master of social work (MSW) programs requires completion of specified undergraduate credits in general education coursework and prerequisites in the natural sciences and statistics. Some schools offer advanced standing MSW programs, which enable BSW graduates to bypass foundational social work courses, completing the master's program in as little as a year.

Online Requirements/Formatting

Online MSW programs have grown in popularity because of their flexibility and convenience, especially for working professionals and students who want to earn their degree while maintaining other responsibilities. Before enrolling in any program, find out about course delivery formats. Are classes offered asynchronously, enabling you to complete assignments at your own pace? Or are courses offered in a synchronous format, meeting at the same time and day each week? What are the in-person requirements?

Featured Online Programs in Social Work

Research How to Become a Social Worker by State

Each state sets their social work licensing requirements. In some states, you can pursue licensure with a BSW, while others require a master's degree. Other requirements include getting the required experience and passing your state's social work licensure exam.

The 10 Best MSW Programs in 2023

Read about our ranking methodology to learn why these schools made the list.

1. University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley offers a master of social welfare with specialization options in advancing health and well-being across the adult lifespan. Students learn how to strengthen organizations, communities, and children, youth, and families. The program emphasizes leadership, professional responsibility, and social justice advancement.

The 54-unit curriculum also includes generalist practice coursework, field practicum internships with concurrent field integration seminars. Students also complete courses in diversity-sensitive, competent practice and social research methods.

Financial aid resources include fellowships, field-based stipends, and work study.

Program(s): Master of Social Welfare
Campus: Berkeley, California
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $13,472 per semester for California residents, $19,595 for out-of state students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; minimum 3.0 GPA; prerequisite coursework in liberal arts, humanities, social sciences, and statistics; 1-2 years of paid or volunteer social welfare or humans services work
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Students with bachelor in social work (BSW) degrees can earn their master of social work at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in one year. UNC also offers two- and three-year programs for non-BSW holders, which require 62 credits and 1,100 field hours.

Students choose from two concentration options: direct practice working with individuals, families, and small groups or community, management, and policy practice. The community option helps prepare graduates for leadership, community organizing, and policy development roles.

Program(s): Master of social work
Campus: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $811 per credit for North Carolina residents; $1,841 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a background in various disciplines; for 12-month advanced standing track, BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, minimum 3.0 GPA, 400 direct service hours
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

3. University of Chicago

The master of social work curriculum at the University of Chicago combines direct social work practice with interdisciplinary research, policy development, and social science theory. The program emphasizes framing individual distress in the larger social context and offers clinical and social administration concentrations.

First-year courses introduce the diversity of the human experience, fundamentals of behavior, and social intervention methods. The second year focuses on concentrations and includes classroom and field instruction. UChicago also offers part-time and one-year advanced-standing options.

Program(s): Master of social work
Campus: Chicago, Illinois
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $16, 578 per quarter for full-time and advanced standing; $11,052 per semester for part-time enrollment
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; bachelor's in social work for advanced standing
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

4. Brigham Young University

Founded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), Brigham Young University offers a master of social work with a clinical or research emphasis. Clinical enrollees prepare for their licensed clinical social work (LCSW) exams, and research participants can continue their studies in a Ph.D. program.

Courses include global issues-children at risk, refugee studies, and social justice and diversity. The 60-credit curriculum also includes a master's research project and supervised clinical practicums.

Program(s): Master of social work
Campus: Provo, Utah
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $8,096 per year for LDS students; $16,192 for non-LDS students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; minimum 3.0 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

5. University of Georgia

The master of social work program at the University of Georgia offers full-time, extended-time, or online formats. Students with a bachelor of social work (BSW) can apply for advanced standing.

Full-time students select among three specializations: micro (individuals, families, and groups), macro (communities, organizations, and policy), and integrated practice (combines micro and macro). Part-time and online programs focus on micro social work.

The program includes a generalist year (except for advanced standing) and subsequent specialization year(s) with field experiences.

Program(s): Master of social work
Campus: Athens, Georgia
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $402 per credit for Georgia residents; $1,091 per credit for out-of-state students; $629 per credit for online students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; minimum 3.0 GPA (BSW with 3.2 GPA for advanced standing); liberal arts background
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

6. University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin's master of social work requires 60 credits of coursework and 1,020 hours of field experience. Students can select one of two concentrations: clinical social work or administration and policy practice.

Clinical social work topics include assessment and diagnosis, cognitive group therapy, motivational interviewing, and treatment of traumatized populations. Administration and policy practice focuses on culturally responsive practice in human service organizations and community-based agencies.

Enrollment options include a one-year track for bachelor of social work holders to a three-and-a-half-year program.

Program(s): Master of social work
Campus: Austin, Texas
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $1,400 per credit hour for Texas residents; $2,011 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (BSW for advanced standing); minimum 3.0 GPA; C in introductory statistics
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

7. University of Michigan

The master of social work program at the University of Michigan offers full-time, part-time, and online enrollment options. Bachelor of social work graduates can apply for advanced standing.

MSW students can specialize in:

Community change
Global social work practice
Interpersonal practice in integrated health, mental health, and substance abuse;
Management and leadership
Policy and political social work
Program evaluation and applied research
Social work practice with older adults and families from a lifespan perspective
Welfare of children and families

Program(s): Master of Social Work
Campus: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: Online: $15,452 per semester for Michigan residents, $24,871 for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (BSW with 3.5 GPA for advanced standing); liberal arts background
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

8. Florida International University

Florida International University's master of social work (MSW) admits students on a rolling basis. Advanced standing requires a bachelor of social work and takes about a year to complete. The 60-credit regular MSW curriculum consists of a social work generalist year and a specialization year. Both tracks include field practicums and electives.

Coursework includes clinical assessment and intervention planning, human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, and social work practice with diverse populations.

Program(s): Master of social work
Campus: Miami, Florida
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $4,101 per semester for Florida residents, $9,015 for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; minimum 3.0 GPA (BSW with 3.25 GPA for advanced standing); C in biology, statistics, and social science prerequisites
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

9. Tulane University

The master of social work (MSW) at Tulane University focuses on affecting culturally relevant change through integrated clinical and community-based practice. The program requires 60 credits (45 credits for advanced standing) and 900 hours of field experience. Enrollees can complete their MSWs on campus in 16 or 32 months or online in 16 months.

Advanced standing students with bachelor of social work degrees can finish in 12 or 24 months, depending on whether they enroll full- or part-time.

Program(s): Master of social work
Campus: New Orleans, Louisiana
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $38,432 (first year), $41,940 (second) year for on-campus students; $1,276 per credit for online students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree with 3.0 GPA (BSW with 3.3 GPA for advanced standing)
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

10. California State University, Long Beach

California State University, Long Beach offers a master of social work (MSW) with specializations in adulthood and aging, child and family well-being, and integrated health.

Students can study on campus and finish in 2-3 years or enroll in online learning. Bachelor of social work holders can apply for advanced standing and earn their MSWs in one year.

The curriculum emphasizes a person/system environmental approach and includes field placements during both the generalist and specialization years.

Program(s): Master of social work
Campus: Long Beach, California
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $8,442 per year for California residents; $15,570 for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with 2.5 GPA (BSW with 3.0 for advanced standing); C in elementary statistics
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

What to Expect in an MSW

Coursework

All accredited MSW programs offer a similar first-year curriculum, covering the areas of human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, research, clinical practice, and field education. However, concentrations and electives, typically taken in the second year, vary by program focus. Common social work concentrations include child welfare, healthcare, mental health, and addictions and substance misuse.

Program Length

A traditional MSW, typically requiring 60-70 credits with field placements, takes about two years to complete. However, the time to completion varies based on several factors, including full- or part-time enrollment status and number of prior social work credits accepted toward the degree. Graduates of accredited BSW programs who qualify for advanced standing can shorten the completion time by approximately one year.

Field Placement

While each program and state licensing authority establishes specific field placement requirements, all MSW programs contain field work components. Field placements help students connect their classroom training to practical clinical experiences supervised by professional, licensed social workers. Each social work program offers different field placement opportunities in various settings, such as healthcare centers, community service agencies, correctional facilities, and schools.

Prepare for Licensure

In most states, you must apply for a social work license to claim the social worker title or provide social work services. To become a licensed master social worker or licensed clinical social worker, you need an MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited school and a passing score on the Association of Social Work Boards licensure exam.

What Can You Do with an MSW?

The employment outlook for MSW graduates is promising in traditional fields, such as school social work and marriage and family counseling, as well as in non-traditional specialties like criminal justice and military social work. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an overall 9% job growth rate between 2021 and 2031, adding 74,700 new social work openings on average each year. Healthcare and mental health and substance misuse social workers have the highest projected job growth of 11% through 2031.

Careers with an MSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

LCSWs assess, diagnose, and treat patients with behavioral, mental, and emotional disorders. They work with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of client-focused settings, including hospitals, social services agencies, mental health clinics, correctional centers, schools, and private practice.

Salary: $62,600

Hospice Social Worker

Hospice social workers help patients and their families plan for end-of-life care and provide support to deal with the stress associated with debilitating medical conditions. They advocate on behalf of their clients to help them understand treatment plans and options and address the emotional and financial issues related to late-stage illness .

Salary: $56,950

Substance Misuse Counselor

These social workers specialize in treating individuals and families with addictions and substance issues, including misuse of alcohol, tobacco, prescription medications, and other drugs. They may work with clients of all ages and backgrounds in an array of settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community outreach clinics.

Salary: $43,360

Social Worker

Social workers are trained professionals who provide a variety of services to vulnerable individuals, groups, and families dealing with problems in their lives. They assess client needs and provide support. Licensed clinical social workers who diagnose and treat clients with mental, emotional, and behavioral issues must have an MSW. Social workers with a BSW can find entry-level jobs in case management, child welfare, substance abuse counseling, and other fields.

Salary: $51,610

Bereavement Coordinator

Bereavement coordinators assist clients who have family or friends in hospice care or are struggling with the loss of a loved one. Their duties include creating grief support programs, providing therapy and emotional support, and seeking programs and referrals through social services agencies.

Salary: $48,780

How Much Can You Make with an MSW?

Salary ranges for social workers vary considerably. According to Payscale data from April 2023, the average annual salary for social workers with an MSW degree is $59,000 a year. Earnings for licensed clinical social workers range from $47,000 to $84,000 annually.

Specializations, years of experience, type of employer, and location all impact how much a social worker makes. Social workers in some regions of the U.S earn higher-than-average pay because the cost of living is higher. Metropolitan areas typically offer higher salaries and broader employment opportunities for social workers than areas with low population density.

Healthcare social workers and mental health and substance abuse social workers rank among the highest paid in the profession, making average yearly salaries above $60,000, compared to child, family, and school social workers who make an average annual salary of $56,690, according to the BLS.

Frequently Asked Questions about Getting Your MSW

How long does it take to complete an MSW?

Most traditional MSW programs take two years to complete with full-time attendance. Students who hold a BSW degree may enter an advanced standing program to complete their degree in one year.

What can you do with an MSW?

The rising demand for healthcare services of all kinds has made an MSW degree a worthwhile investment. Many graduates find positions in school social work, child and family services, and mental health and substance misuse counseling. An MSW also prepares social workers for employment in less conventional areas, such as forensic and criminal justice social work, human resources, and military social work.

Do you need an MSW to become a licensed social worker?

In some state licensure agencies, a BSW is the minimum educational requirement for a social work license, although most states require an MSW degree. To qualify for a licensed master social worker or licensed clinical social worker designation in every state, you must obtain an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program.

What prerequisites are required to pursue an MSW?

Most MSW programs seek candidates who have completed a BSW with at least a 2.5 GPA. Some schools admit applicants who hold a bachelor's degree in related fields, such as psychology or sociology. For many programs, applicants must complete undergraduate prerequisites in biology, social sciences, and statistics. MSW programs may consider letters of recommendation, essays, in-person interviews, and GRE scores to make their admission decisions.

In This Article