Arkansas MSW Programs
Schools with MSW Programs
Social Work Licensure
Social Work Careers
Arkansas Social Worker Careers with an MSW Degree
Arkansas Social Work Licensure
Quick Answer:
Arkansas has 2 CSWE-accredited MSW programs at the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Both schools offer online and on-campus formats with Advanced Standing options for BSW holders (12-15 months) and traditional programs (2 years). Graduates qualify for Arkansas LMSW licensure and earn median salaries ranging from $38,680 to $62,040 depending on specialization.
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MSW Programs in Arkansas: Overview
The state of Arkansas currently offers 2 MSW programs that have received accreditation through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the national accrediting body for social work education. These programs prepare students for advanced clinical practice, leadership roles, and specialized interventions across diverse populations and settings.
Arkansas’s MSW programs are strategically located to serve different regions of the state. The University of Arkansas serves Northwest Arkansas from Fayetteville, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock serves Central Arkansas and the capital region. These universities have expanded their reach through distance learning options, with UA Little Rock offering fully online programs and UA Fayetteville providing hybrid formats, making quality social work education more accessible to students throughout the state.
Online MSW Programs in Arkansas
Both CSWE-accredited MSW programs in Arkansas offer fully online options designed for working professionals and students who need flexible scheduling. These programs maintain the same rigorous standards and accreditation status as their on-campus counterparts while providing the convenience of remote learning.
University of Arkansas Online MSW
The University of Arkansas School of Social Work offers a comprehensive online MSW program with multiple concentration options. Students can choose between part-time and full-time enrollment, with Advanced Standing available for qualified BSW graduates. The program features a Multi-System Life Course Perspective specialization that prepares students for practice across micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Online MSW
UALR’s School of Social Work offers a flexible online MSW program with concentrations in Direct Practice and Community and Organization. The program utilizes both synchronous and asynchronous learning formats, enabling students to balance their education with work and family commitments. Field education coordinators assist in arranging practicum placements in students’ local communities.
If you haven’t completed your bachelor’s degree yet, explore BSW programs in Arkansas to begin your social work education journey.
Program Details & Requirements
| University | Location | Program Options | Concentrations | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville | On-campus, Online, Advanced Standing | Multi-System Life Course, Clinical Practice | 60 (Traditional), 33 (Advanced Standing) |
| UA Little Rock | Little Rock | On-campus, Online, Part-time | Direct Practice, Communities & Organizations | 60 (Traditional), 36 (Advanced Standing) |
Admission Requirements
Both Arkansas MSW programs require applicants to submit comprehensive application materials that demonstrate academic preparation and a commitment to social work values. Standard requirements include:
- Bachelor’s Degree: From an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (requirements may vary)
- Prerequisites: Statistics, research methods, and liberal arts coursework
- Application Materials: Official transcripts, personal statement, resume, and three professional references
- GRE Scores: Some programs offer no GRE options or waivers for qualifying students
- Advanced Standing: BSW from a CSWE-accredited program with a 3.25+ GPA typically required
Arkansas Social Work Licensing Requirements
The Arkansas Social Work Licensing Board oversees professional licensure for social workers throughout the state. Understanding these requirements is essential for planning your career path after graduation.
License Types and Requirements
| License Type | Education Required | Experience Required | Examination |
|---|---|---|---|
| LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) | MSW from a CSWE-accredited program | None | ASWB Master’s exam |
| LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) | MSW from a CSWE-accredited program | 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience | ASWB Clinical exam |
Arkansas also offers reciprocity agreements with certain states, allowing licensed social workers to transfer credentials when relocating. The LCSW credential enables independent clinical practice, including diagnosis, treatment planning, and opportunities in private practice.
Social Work Salaries in Arkansas (2024 Data)
According to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, social work salaries in Arkansas vary significantly by specialization and level of experience. The following data reflects median annual wages for different social work roles:
| Specialization | Arkansas Median Salary | National Median | Arkansas Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Social Workers | $62,040 | $68,090 | 1,310 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $38,680 | $58,570 | 1,070 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $64,250 | $60,060 | High demand |
| Social Workers, All Other | $46,210 | $69,480 | 680 |
Metropolitan Area Salary Variations
Social work salaries in Arkansas vary by geographic location, with metropolitan areas typically offering higher compensation due to cost of living and demand factors:
- Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway: The state’s largest metro area offers the most diverse employment opportunities across healthcare systems, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations
- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers: Northwest Arkansas’s growing region provides opportunities in corporate wellness, community mental health, and school systems
- Fort Smith: Western Arkansas metro area with opportunities in rural health, veterans’ services, and substance abuse treatment
Career Paths & Specializations
Arkansas MSW graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors, each offering unique opportunities to serve vulnerable populations and create systemic change. The state’s growing healthcare sector, expanding mental health services, and focus on child welfare create strong employment prospects.
Healthcare Social Work
Healthcare social workers in Arkansas earn the highest median salaries ($62,040) and work within hospitals, clinics, hospices, and rehabilitation centers. They coordinate patient care, provide crisis intervention, facilitate discharge planning, and connect patients with community resources. Major employers include Arkansas Children’s Hospital, UAMS Medical Center, and Baptist Health Systems.
Child and Family Services
Despite lower median salaries ($38,680), child and family social workers play crucial roles in Arkansas’s child welfare system. They collaborate with the Division of Children and Family Services, nonprofit organizations, and school districts to safeguard children, support families, and facilitate adoptions. The state’s focus on family preservation and reunification creates ongoing demand for skilled practitioners.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
This rapidly growing specialization offers competitive salaries ($64,250 median) and addresses Arkansas’s behavioral health needs. Social workers provide individual and group therapy, develop treatment plans, and coordinate care for clients with mental health diagnoses and substance use disorders. The state’s opioid response initiatives and mental health parity laws have expanded opportunities in this field.
Macro Practice and Administration
MSW graduates with leadership interests pursue roles in program development, policy analysis, and nonprofit management. These positions involve grant writing, community organizing, strategic planning, and advocacy work. Arkansas nonprofits, state agencies, and foundations seek MSW-prepared leaders to guide organizational growth and community impact initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complete an MSW program while working full-time?
Yes, both Arkansas MSW programs offer part-time and online options designed for working professionals. Part-time programs typically take 3-4 years to complete, with classes available in the evenings and on weekends. Online programs provide additional flexibility with asynchronous coursework and local field placement options.
What’s the difference between Advanced Standing and traditional MSW programs?
Advanced Standing programs are accelerated options for students who hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, typically completed in 12 to 15 months. Traditional programs accept students from any bachelor’s degree background and take 2 years full-time or 3-4 years part-time. Advanced Standing students skip foundation courses and proceed directly to the advanced practice curriculum.
How do I choose between clinical and macro practice concentrations?
Clinical concentrations prepare students for direct practice with individuals, families, and groups, ultimately leading to licensure as an LCSW and various therapy roles. Macro concentrations focus on community organizing, policy development, and administration. Consider your career goals, preferred work environment, and whether you want to provide direct services or create systemic change.
What financial aid options are available for Arkansas MSW students?
Arkansas MSW students can access federal financial aid, state-specific grants, university scholarships, and specialized funding, such as the Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend Program. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Arkansas Chapter also offers scholarships. Many students qualify for employer tuition assistance or Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs.
How competitive are the Arkansas MSW program admissions?
Arkansas MSW programs maintain selective admissions, with acceptance rates typically ranging from 60% to 75%. Strong applications demonstrate academic preparation (a GPA of 3.0 or higher), relevant experience (such as volunteer work or internships), clear career goals, and alignment with social work values. Advanced Standing admission is more competitive, often requiring a GPA of 3.25 or higher in the BSW program.
Next Steps
Ready to advance your social work career in Arkansas? Start by researching program specifics, attending virtual information sessions, and connecting with admissions counselors. Both universities offer campus visits, class observations, and opportunities to speak with current students and alums.
For those still exploring undergraduate options, review BSW programs in Arkansas to begin your social work education journey. If you’re considering online education from out-of-state programs, explore online CSWE-accredited MSW programs that accept students from Arkansas.
Arkansas’s commitment to social work education, combined with the growing demand for mental health and healthcare services, creates excellent opportunities for MSW graduates. Whether you choose the University of Arkansas or UA Little Rock, you’ll join a professional community dedicated to social justice, individual well-being, and community transformation.
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Child, Family, and School Social Workers, Healthcare Social Workers, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, and Social Workers, All Other reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary—data accessed September 2025.
