Missouri MSW Programs Guide

Throughout the state of Missouri, people interested in pursuing social work degree programs may have several different options to choose from. The best choice for a MSW degree program would be a program that is currently accredited through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

In Missouri, there are 7 MSW programs that can help students gain experience and expertise in this incredible field. Universities such as Missouri State University and the University of Missouri may be leading colleges for MSW programs throughout the state, with some other collegiate options being Washington University and St. Louis University.

Online MSW Programs in Missouri

If you reside in Missouri, you might be considering enrollment into online degree programs in social work. However, there may be factors to consider prior to enrolling in available programs, such as their current accreditation status.

Make sure the program you choose meets licensure requirements

Accredited programs can help you obtain licensure after graduation and are required by the Missouri State Committee for Social Workers during the licensing process.

There is just one online MSW program at a Missouri-based school

Online MSW programs in Missouri can be an excellent choice for people that are in need of convenience with their degree programs. Throughout the state, there is 1 CSWE-accredited degree program that can be completed online. This program may be found at the University of Missouri. This fully-online degree program can help students maintain current on issues in social work and also offers asynchronous learning opportunities for students with even the busiest schedules.

There are options to study your MSW full or part-time, consider Advanced Standing if you qualify

Different programs that may currently be offered to students at this university may be part-time and full-time. Advanced standing options can also be applied to by students that have previously graduated from a BSW program and are licensed social workers employed in the field.

Consider a specialization track for your MSW degree

The specialization options currently available through this school are Clinical Social Work and Policy, Planning, and Administration. These programs can be great for people with differing goals in the field of social work, such as working directly with client and human services management.

If You Do Not Yet Have a Bachelors: View BSW programs in Missouri(includes online).

Missouri Social Worker Careers with an MSW Degree

Some of the highest paying cities for Social Worker in Missouri include Kansas City and Jefferson City. Read more in the guide below to explore some of the most popular career options in this state and how they translate in terms of average salaries.

• Child, Family, and School Social Workers: $37,240 median salary per year. Social Workers within this area of specialization may work with families involved in the child welfare system. Coordinating child and family team meetings, referring to therapeutic services, and conducting home and school visits may be part of this role. Social Workers may also provide transportation to children on their caseload, establish mental health services for parents and children, and advocate for the needs of their clients.
• Healthcare Social Workers: $48,190 median salary per year. Social Workers in Healthcare may have a wide array of responsibilities depending on their organization. Conducting assessments for client needs, developing a progress plan for movement through health services, and advocacy for patients rights are a few of the goals of professionals in this field. Social Workers in this field may also refer clients to needed mental health services and community support services at discharge.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: $44,200 median salary per year. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers can work directly with clients as they navigate supportive mental health or drug rehabilitation programs. Helping clients gain access to resources for their success may be the primary role of professionals in this field, as well as working with client families to establish a strong foundation of support as clients transition back into their natural environment.
• Social Workers, All Other: $37,200 median salary per year. Social Work positions within your community may include those involved in social research, which can contribute to the betterment of Social Work practice, or education. Supervisory positions may also be available to Social Work professionals that have experience in the field or for those with higher level degrees in the field.

Social Worker Salaries in Missouri’s Metropolitan Areas

• Columbia: $73,260 median salary per year
• Jefferson City: $37,200 median salary per year
• St. Louis: $41,420 median salary per year
• Kansas City: $40,460 median salary per year

2021 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; Social Workers, All other, reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed March 2023. 

Missouri Social Work Licensure

The Missouri Division of Professional Registration currently provides licensing options for masters graduates in the field of Social Work.

LMSW licensure

The most popular licensing option for graduates in this field is the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). In order to achieve this level of licensing, you must provide the board with proof of graduation and transcripts from a CSWE-accredited university, submit letters of recommendation from other professionals in your field, and register for and pass the ASWB examination for masters-level candidates.

Clinical licensing options may also be available to graduates interested in engagement in a 3,000 hour supervision requirement.

More on Social Work Programs in Missouri

Prospective students that live in St. Louis, Kansas City, or Columbia may have closer access to available MSW programs, since these may be the most popular locations for degree programs throughout the state.

If you might be interested in pursuing specialty fields as part of your degree program, you might be pleased to discover that Missouri’s MSW programs may consists of concentration options such as Clinical Social Work and Policy, Planning, and Administration in Human Services. The state of Missouri can be a great place for future professionals to engage in course work and internship opportunities that can assist them in becoming more knowledgeable and educated professionals.