Written by Rebecca Munday, SWDG.com Rankings Team
Last Updated: July 2023
A master of social work (MSW) degree can advance your career, whether you earned your bachelor of social work (BSW) or a bachelor's degree in another field. Some of the highest-paying and fastest growing fields in social work require or prefer MSW graduates. You need an MSW to qualify for master's and clinical level licensure.
Find out what you can do with an MSW, what to consider when choosing an MSW program, and which of the top MSW programs could be right for you.
What You Can Expect from a Master of Social Work Degree Program
A master of social work (MSW) degree can lead to a career in social work with higher pay, more responsibilities, and more autonomy than the opportunities for bachelor of social work (BSW) graduates.
An MSW program takes 2-3 years to complete, depending on whether you earn a BSW and enter the program with advanced standing. Students complete at least 900 hours of field work experience and learn how to manage large caseloads, advocate for policy, and use resources in your community to help clients. Enrollees take courses in social welfare policy, research methods, and human behavior in the social environment.
Featured Online Social Work Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Best Social Work Degree Programs
An MSW degree is a big investment in your career, so carefully consider program options. Examine factors, such as accreditation, program length, fieldwork experience, curriculum requirements, and tuition and costs.
Accreditation: You need to graduate from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited MSW program to qualify for your social work license. All programs on this list hold proper accreditation.
Fieldwork Experience: The CSWE requires you to complete at least 900 hours of fieldwork experience in generalist social work. Many programs require more. During field placement, you learn how to manage large caseloads and leverage community resources to meet clients' needs.
Tuition and Education Costs: You need to compare tuition and fees for each program to find out which program is the most cost-effective. Then, make a plan to pay for tuition, fees, books, and other living expenses while you are in school.
The Top MSW Programs of 2023
We use a data-driven methodology to determine the best social work degree programs based on three influential factors, including affordability, academics, and reputation.
1. Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
The master of social work at IUPUI features on-campus and online options preparing students for licensure in both micro- and macro-level practice. The curriculum covers foundational knowledge, clinical and community practice, and research and evaluation. Concentrations include children, youth, and families; health; school social work; community and organizational leadership; mental health and addictions; and special practice areas in social work.
The degree requires students to complete a total of 900 hours of field experience, with the possibility of completing placements at their current place of employment. Graduates with a BSW degree from Indiana University may enter the MSW with advanced standing, finishing their degree in 12 months.MSW applicants must have a bachelor's from an accredited institution, with a minimum of six courses in social or behavioral sciences and language. A college-level math course is also required for admission.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: Indianapolis, Indiana
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Higher Learning Commission; Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $480 per credit in-state; $1,021 per credit out-of-state
2. Daemen University
Daemen University offers a master of social work in on-campus and online formats. The 60-credit, two-year regular standing MSW admits students who have completed various undergraduate degrees. Students who hold a BSW can enter the advanced standing MSW, which can be completed in one year.
The degree trains students for culturally-responsive practice and evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, and intervention with children, youth, adults, and families. Students must complete 950 hours of field education, including 500 hours in advanced clinical practice. International placements are also available. The degree integrates licensure preparation throughout the curriculum to assist students in passing the Association of Social Work Boards licensing exam.
The program accepts students with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a 2.7 GPA or higher. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a 3-4 page personal statement, and three letters of reference.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: Amherst, New York
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $1,072 per credit
3. Campbellsville University
The online master of social work at Campbellsville University provides students with a Christian-based focus to social work practice that emphasizes the ecological and strengths perspectives. Students with a BSW from an accredited school may enter the 30-credit advanced standing track. Applicants with a bachelor's in a discipline other than social work enter the 60-credit foundation social work program, which may be completed in as little as 21 months.
Students may choose from three concentrations in clinical, addiction, or faith-based areas of study. The curriculum includes a 450-hour internship that students complete under the supervision of an approved MSW- and/or LCSW-field agency instructor.
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree (a BSW degree for advanced standing) with an overall GPA of 3.0 and a minimum of 15 credits in liberal arts. The program requires students to submit official transcripts and three letters of recommendation.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: Campbellsville, Kentucky
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $603 per credit
4. Springfield College
Springfield College provides convenient pathways to earning a master of social work with a concentration in advanced generalist practice. The full-time weekday and full-time hybrid evening options take two years to complete, while the part-time weekend program takes three years.
Students who have a bachelor's degree in a field other than social work may enter either the weekday program or weekend programs. Students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program may apply to enter the advanced standing track. Advanced standing students may finish their MSW in one summer, plus one year of full-time study. The college also offers a master of social work/juris doctor dual degree.
The program admits students who have a bachelor's degree (or a BSW for those applying for advanced standing). Applicants must submit official transcripts, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement demonstrating what makes the candidate a good fit for the program.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: Springfield, Massachusetts
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: New England Commission on Higher Education; Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $1,178 per credit
5. University of New England
In 2023, the University of New England inaugurated the nation's first online, asynchronous, CSWE-accredited master of social work. The program offers students the opportunity to participate in a global cross-cultural health immersion experience in western Ghana.
The traditional track can be completed in two years if full-time study or 3-4 years of part-time study. Students who have a BSW degree from an accredited program may enter the advanced standing track, finishing degree requirements in one year if attending full time and two years if part time. UNE students can earn both their bachelor's and master's in social work through the 4+1 BSW/MSW program, completing both degrees in five years.
Admission to the MSW is based on a holistic review of a candidate's academic readiness. Applicants must submit a resume, goal statement, and two letters of reference, along with official transcripts documenting conferral of a bachelor's degree from an accredited school.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: Biddeford, Maine
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: New England Commission on Higher Education; Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $1,050 per credit
6. Seton Hall University
The master of social work program at Seton Hall University offers online and traditional on-campus options. The regular standing track, for students with a bachelor's degree in fields other than social work, can be completed in two years if attending full time and up to four years of part-time study. The first year delivers coursework on campus or in an online synchronous format.
Students with a BSW in social work enter the program with advanced standing, moving straight into the second year of the curriculum. The second year consists of all online asynchronous courses. The MSW features a fully online behavioral health concentration and an on-campus forensic concentration.
The program admits students with a bachelor's degree who have an overall 2.75 GPA. Advanced standing applicants must have a 3.0 GPA in all social work courses. Prerequisites include a statistics course and 24 credits in liberal arts and sciences. Candidates must submit three letters of recommendation and a 3-5 page personal statement.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: South Orange, New Jersey
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Middle States Commission on Higher Education; Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $1,450 per credit
7. North Carolina State University at Raleigh
The master of social work degree at North Carolina State University prepares graduates for advanced generalist practice with diverse populations. The traditional MSW track for students with a bachelor's degree in any discipline is a full-time program that takes two years to complete. The advanced standing track offers an intensive 12-month program for students with a BSW from an accredited school.
The program offers certifications in school social work, child welfare education, and addiction and recovery. Students interested in combining social work training and intervention skills with legal advocacy may pursue the dual JD/MSW degree, offered in partnership with the Campbell Law School.
MSW admission requirements include a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA (or a BSW degree with a 3.5 GPA for advanced standing) and prerequisites in biology and statistics. The application asks for official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and demonstration of work and life experience that relates to the social work profession.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: Raleigh, North Carolina
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $526 per credit in-state; $1,635 per credit out-of-state
8. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The UTRGV master of science in social work emphasizes multicultural awareness, professional competence, and social services that promote social and economic justice in a bi-national environment. The MSSW program offers an entry-level, 63-credit track and a 33-credit advanced standing track with concentrations in administration and community practice, and direct practice with Latino individuals, families, and groups.
Students in both the entry-level or advanced standing tracks may pursue traditional campus-based or online formats. The MSSW prepares graduates to sit for the state examination to become a licensed master social worker.
MSSW candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants to the advanced standing track must have completed a BSW from a CSWE-accredited school with a 3.2 GPA or higher. The application requires three letters of recommendation, a resume, and a personal statement outlining academic and professional goals.
- Program: Master of science in social work
- Campus: Edinburg, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $1,585 per credit in-state; $2,809 per credit out-of-state
9. Spalding University
The master of social work at Spalding University uses an integrative model for social work practice that connects individual and community well-being. The program features a regular standing 60-credit option for students from undergraduate disciplines other than social work, and a 31-credit advanced standing option for BSW-holders.
The MSW offers flexibility and convenience, with options for full- or part-time study and a hybrid course delivery format. Students receive half of their instruction through face-to-face meetings on Thursday and Friday evenings. The remaining half takes place through online, synchronous experiences. Students may arrange field placements in their home communities.
The MSW program considers students with a bachelor's degree in any discipline for entrance to the regular standing track. Advanced standing applicants need a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited institution. All applications must include official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: Louisville, Kentucky
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $760 per credit
10. Georgia State University
The master of social work at Georgia State features an exclusive specialization focus that emphasizes community partnerships, based on a generalist practice model. The curriculum consists of three components: a liberal arts perspective, a social work generalist practice, and the specialization coursework. Regular entry-level students typically complete the 60-credit MSW in two years of full-time study or three years on a part-time schedule. Advanced standing students who already hold a BSW may finish their degree by completing 39 credits.
Students may choose from on-campus or hybrid options. Part-time students in the hybrid track complete all courses online except for a once-a-month on-campus requirement.
The MSW admits students who have a bachelor's degree in social work or related disciplines. For advanced standing admission, applicants must have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution. All candidates must submit a $50 application fee, a statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation.
- Program: Master of social work
- Campus: Atlanta, Georgia
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges; Council on Social Work Education
- Tuition: $4,476 per semester in-state; $15,108 per semester out-of-state
How to Pay for a Social Work Degree Program
The average cost to attend graduate school was $19,750 in the 2020-2021 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). This cost does not include other expenses, such as transportation, books, and school supplies.
You can lower these costs with financial aid, scholarships, grants, and student loans. Online programs may have a lower tuition rate or waive some fees in-person programs include. If you study online or part-time, you may continue to work and attend classes to make it easier to pay tuition.
Careers and Salaries with a Social Work Degree
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 9% job growth for all social workers between 2021 and 2031. BLS data also shows a projected 11% job growth for social workers in healthcare, substance misuse, and mental health, fields that require or prefer social workers with an MSW.
The average salary for social workers who hold an MSW degree is $59,000 per year, according to Payscale data from June 2023. This salary is about $3,000 more annually than social workers with a BSW degree.
MSW-degree roles with higher salaries include:
- Clinical social worker ($63,880)
- Post-secondary professor ($90,070)
- Social work supervisor ($65,470)
- Healthcare social worker ($62,760)
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Degrees
Do I need a BSW to get into an MSW program?
No, you do not need to earn a BSW to get into an MSW program. MSW students come from a variety of backgrounds, including education, sociology, biology, political science, and psychology. However, a BSW degree allows you to enter an MSW program with advanced standing and graduate with as few as half the credits required for students with a bachelor's degree in another field.
What is the highest-paying job with an MSW?
A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) makes a higher average salary than any other social work license. LCSWs earn an average of $63,880, according to Payscale data from June 2023. This is more than the average annual salary for all MSW graduates. Social workers in fields, such as research, social work education and healthcare, also make higher salaries.
Where are social workers most needed?
Projections Central expects Arizona's social work field to grow by 4,610 social workers across all specialties between 2020 and 2030. There is also an expected 40% job growth for social workers in mental health, substance misuse, and healthcare in Arizona between 2020 and 2030. The growth for child, family, and school social workers is expected to reach 25%.
Is an MSW worth it?
An MSW degree can be worth it if you want to expand your role in social work, help people in more ways, take on leadership positions, or earn higher salaries. With an MSW, you can also supervise other social workers, develop and implement programs, teach social work at the postsecondary level, and practice clinical social work.