MSW Programs
Schools with MSW Programs
Social Work Licensure
Social Worker Careers with an MSW Degree
Social Work Licensure
Quick Comparison: MSW vs MSSW vs MSSA
| Degree | Full Name | Prevalence | CSWE Accreditation | Career Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSW | Master of Social Work | Most Common (90%+ of programs) | Yes | All social work positions |
| MSSW | Master of Science in Social Work | Less Common (5-7% of programs) | Yes | All social work positions |
| MSSA | Master of Science in Social Administration | Rare (2-3% of programs) | Yes | All social work positions |
The Key Takeaway: They’re Essentially the Same
Despite the different names, MSW, MSSW, and MSSA degrees are functionally equivalent in terms of educational quality, career opportunities, and eligibility for licensure.
The most crucial factor isn’t the specific degree title, but rather whether the program holds CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) accreditation. According to the CSWE’s official stance, all three degree types meet the same rigorous educational standards required for professional social work practice.
Understanding Each Degree Program
Master of Social Work (MSW)
The MSW is by far the most common graduate degree in social work, offered by approximately 320 of the more than 350 accredited master’s programs in social work across the United States. This widespread adoption makes the MSW the most recognizable credential among employers and licensing boards.
Top-ranked MSW programs include institutions such as Columbia University, the University of Michigan, and Washington University in St. Louis. These programs typically offer both traditional on-campus and online MSW options, with specializations ranging from clinical practice to policy advocacy.
The MSW curriculum follows CSWE’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS), ensuring graduates master nine core competencies essential for professional practice. These competencies encompass ethical decision-making, diversity awareness, and the implementation of evidence-based practice.
Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
The MSSW degree, while less common, carries equal weight in the professional world. Universities offering the MSSW include prestigious institutions like the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The “Science” designation in the degree title reflects these programs’ emphasis on research methodology and evidence-based practice, though MSW programs also cover these areas extensively.
MSSW programs often feature strong partnerships with research institutes and may offer enhanced opportunities for students interested in pursuing doctoral studies or research-focused careers. However, graduates are equally prepared for direct practice roles, including clinical social work positions.
Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA)
The MSSA is the rarest of the three degree types, with Case Western Reserve University’s Mandel School being the most prominent provider. Despite its unique name suggesting an administrative focus, the MSSA curriculum mirrors that of MSW and MSSW programs, covering both micro (individual and family) and macro (organizational and policy) practice.
Case Western’s MSSA program, established in 1915, is one of the oldest social work programs in the nation. The program offers both campus-based and online MSSA options, demonstrating that even this less common degree has evolved in line with modern educational delivery methods.
Career Outcomes and Opportunities
Regardless of whether you earn an MSW, MSSW, or MSSA degree, your career opportunities remain identical. All three degrees qualify graduates for the same positions and meet the educational requirements for clinical social work licensure (LCSW) in all 50 states.
Common Career Paths Include:
- Clinical Social Work: Providing therapy and mental health services in private practice, hospitals, or community mental health centers through clinical social work programs
- Healthcare Social Work: Coordinating patient care, discharge planning, and psychosocial support in medical settings
- School Social Work: Supporting students’ academic success and emotional well-being in K-12 educational settings
- Child Welfare: Protecting vulnerable children and strengthening families through government agencies and nonprofits
- Policy and Administration: Developing and implementing social programs through macro social work practice
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Providing specialized treatment for individuals with addiction and co-occurring disorders
Specializations and Concentrations
While the degree titles differ, the specialization options across MSW, MSSW, and MSSA programs are remarkably similar. Most accredited programs offer concentrations that align with primary practice areas in social work.
| Concentration | Focus Area | Typical Coursework | Career Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical/Direct Practice | Individual and family therapy | Psychopathology, CBT, Assessment | LCSW, Private Practice |
| Children & Families | Child welfare and family systems | Child Development, Family Dynamics | CPS, Family Services |
| Healthcare | Medical social work | Health Policy, Chronic Illness | Hospital Social Work |
| Mental Health | Psychiatric social work | DSM-5, Crisis Intervention | Community Mental Health |
| Policy/Macro Practice | Systems and organizational change | Policy Analysis, Program Evaluation | Administration, Advocacy |
How to Choose the Right Program for You
Since the degree titles are equivalent, focus on these factors when selecting a program:
1. CSWE Accreditation Status
This is non-negotiable. Only graduates from CSWE-accredited programs are eligible for licensure in most states. Verify accreditation status on the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs.
2. Program Format and Flexibility
Consider whether you need a traditional on-campus experience, a fully online program, or a hybrid format that combines both. Many programs now offer part-time options for working professionals, with completion times ranging from 2 to 4 years.
3. Advanced Standing Options
If you hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, you may qualify for advanced standing, allowing you to complete your master’s in just one year.
4. Specialization Alignment
Ensure the program offers concentrations that match your career goals. If you’re interested in clinical practice, verify that the curriculum includes sufficient clinical coursework and supervised field placements in therapeutic settings.
5. Field Education Quality
All accredited programs require 900 hours or more of supervised field education. Research the quality and variety of field placement sites, as these experiences often lead to job offers upon graduation.
6. Cost and Financial Aid
Program costs vary significantly, from $15,000 at public in-state institutions to over $80,000 at private universities. Consider the return on investment, especially given social work salary ranges.
Salary Expectations for Master’s-Level Social Workers
According to 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, median salaries for social workers with master’s degrees vary by specialization and geographic location:
| Specialization | Median Annual Salary (2024) | Top 10% Earn | Job Growth (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Social Workers | $62,940 | $95,580+ | 9% |
| Mental Health/Substance Abuse | $55,960 | $89,790+ | 11% |
| Child, Family & School | $53,880 | $82,120+ | 7% |
| All Other Social Workers | $61,980 | $92,540+ | 9% |
It’s important to note that salary potential is not affected by whether you hold an MSW, MSSW, or MSSA. Factors that do influence earnings include years of experience, geographic location, sector (public vs. private), and additional certifications or specializations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will employers prefer an MSW over an MSSW or MSSA?
No, employers recognize all three degrees as equivalent. The MSW is simply more familiar because it’s more common. What matters most to employers is CSWE accreditation, your specialization, field experience, and licensure eligibility. Many hiring managers and HR departments are well aware that these degrees are interchangeable.
Do the different degree titles affect licensure eligibility?
No, all three degrees meet the educational requirements for social work licensure at all levels, including the LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). State licensing boards explicitly recognize MSW, MSSW, and MSSA degrees from CSWE-accredited programs as equivalent credentials.
Is one degree better for doctoral studies?
While some believe the “Science” designation in MSSW might indicate stronger research preparation, this isn’t necessarily true. Admission to doctoral programs in social work depends on your research experience, academic performance, and fit with faculty research interests, not your specific master’s degree title.
Should I choose a program based on its degree title?
Absolutely not. Choose based on factors that actually impact your education and career: accreditation status, faculty expertise, specialization options, location, cost, program format, and field placement quality. The specific degree title should not influence your decision.
Can I switch between degree types if I transfer to a different school?
Yes, credits from CSWE-accredited programs are generally transferable regardless of degree title. However, transfer policies vary by institution, and you may need to complete additional requirements at your new school. Always verify transfer credit policies before making a change.
Do online programs offer all three types of degrees?
Yes, you can find online versions of MSW, MSSW, and MSSA programs. Online programs must meet the same CSWE accreditation standards as campus-based programs, including field education requirements. The degree you earn is identical to what campus students receive.
Making Your Decision
When choosing between MSW, MSSW, and MSSA programs, remember that the degree title is the least important factor in your decision. Focus instead on finding a CSWE-accredited program that aligns with your career goals, learning style, and life circumstances.
The best social work master’s program for you is the one that provides quality education, matches your specialization interests, fits your budget and schedule, and prepares you for licensure in your intended practice state, regardless of whether it’s called an MSW, MSSW, or MSSA.
As you research programs, look beyond the degree title to examine curriculum design, faculty credentials, field placement opportunities, and alums outcomes. These factors will have a far greater impact on your education and career than whether your diploma says “Master of Social Work” or “Master of Science in Social Work.”
The social work profession needs qualified, compassionate practitioners regardless of their specific degree title. What matters most is your commitment to the profession’s values of service, social justice, dignity, and integrity, combined with the knowledge and skills gained through a quality, accredited education.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Healthcare Social Workers, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, Child, Family, and School Social Workers, and Social Workers, All Other reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2025.
