Washington MSW Programs Guide

Located in the Northwestern tip of the U.S., the state of Washington may be an ideal place for adventurous and dedicated learners to pursue a degree. The field of social work can be an extraordinary place to settle into a degree program that focuses on helping others in their times of need.

If you are a resident of the state of Washington or nearby state, you should read more in this guide as we outline what kind of programs may be open for you to enroll in. All over the state of Washington, students can choose from 11 MSW programs when seeking reliable options for jump-starting their careers.

8 of these programs contain accreditation through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), meaning they have the highest level of accreditation for social work degree programs. Seattle is the most popular city for MSW programs, closely followed by Tacoma. Students interested in finding MSW programs to enroll in can find them through universities such as Seattle University, the University of Washington, and Walla Walla University.

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

Online MSW Programs in Washington

For those that may be more accustomed to convenience with education, Washington may also offer online MSW programs for you to consider. The online MSW is similar to the traditional MSW in that is provides CSWE-reviewed curricula that contains well-researched and updated materials for your use. The end result of these programs can often be licensure, which can take place after a supervised work experience in the field.

Many online MSW programs consist of concentration paths that may be helpful to students intrigued by working with diverse groups within society. Child, Youth, and Family Social Work may be one popular option for people that would like to work for social service agencies, while Mental Health Social Work and Healthcare Social work might be ideal for people interested in partnering their social work knowledge with various trade industries.

Washington Social Worker Careers with an MSW Degree

Washington can be a great place to pursue a career in Social Work. Assisting families with wellness goals, life planning with individuals attempting to change their lives for the better, and client advocacy are just a few of the many job responsibilities you can participate in within this field.

• Child, Family, and School Social Workers: $59,950 median salary per year. Social Workers in the child welfare system and in schools can be leading sources of support to children in need. Assisting with family health and wellness, visiting children at home and while at school, and attending court hearings may be part of your daily responsibilities in this area.
• Healthcare Social Workers: $77,240 median salary per year. Social Workers in Healthcare can provide clients with support as they learn about new diagnoses and their longterm treatment options. In some cases, Healthcare Social Workers may also work with clients in the months following their diagnoses to ensure that they receive adequate follow-up care and treatment during their recovery.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: $61,210 median salary per year. Social Workers in this field can assist clients with finding Mental Health, addictions, or vocational services to support their overall Mental Health. Some Social Workers in this field can even work for rehabilitation agencies responsible for helping individuals find recovery from drugs or alcohol.
• Social Workers, All Other: $81,510 median salary per year. If you are seeking Social Work positions outside of the normal options, your state may offer specialized positions for disabled individuals, those involved in the legal system, and even in long-term care facilities for the elderly.

Social Worker Salaries in Washington’s Metropolitan Areas

• Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue: $89,230 median salary per year
• Spokane: $68,950 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. 

Washington Social Work Licensure

The Washington State Department of Health reviews and approves licensing applications for social workers in this state. Washington only currently licenses 2 types of social work professionals, both of which require periods of clinical experience. The Licensed Advanced Social Worker (LASW) option requires 3,200 hour of supervised experience and the ASWB advanced generalist examination. Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) applicants are required to obtain 4,000 hours of clinical experience in addition to testing.

MSW Curriculum and Degree Type Options in Washington

The curriculum for these programs may include both relevant course work in social work, as well as a supervised internship requirement. Each of the components included can be vital to a student’s comprehension of what all goes into being a helpful social team member.

Online MSW programs can also be available in different formats in order to assist students with varying personal schedules. Part-time, full-time, and advanced standing MSW programs may be open for enrollment for those interested. No matter what your intentions are, the people you plan to influence, or the type of work experience you have in the field, there can be online MSW programs in Washington to fit your needs.