MSW Programs
Schools with MSW Programs
Social Work Licensure
Social Worker Careers with an MSW Degree
Social Work Licensure
Why Location Matters for Social Work Education
Your choice of location for social work education affects more than just your daily commute. According to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), geographic location influences several critical factors in your educational journey and future career.
Financial Considerations
In-state tuition rates can save students between $10,000 and $25,000 annually compared to out-of-state rates. For example, the University of Michigan’s MSW program charges approximately $24,000 per year for Michigan residents versus $49,000 for non-residents. These savings can significantly reduce student loan debt, allowing new social workers to pursue lower-paying but highly impactful positions in nonprofit and public sectors.
Field Placement Opportunities
Social work programs require extensive field education, with BSW students completing at least 400 hours and MSW students completing at least 900 hours of supervised practice. Studying in your target employment state provides several advantages:
- Local agency connections: Schools maintain relationships with nearby healthcare systems, schools, government agencies, and nonprofits
- Networking opportunities: Build professional relationships where you plan to practice
- Understanding local issues: Gain firsthand experience with your state’s specific social challenges, populations, and resources
- Employment pipeline: Many students receive job offers from their field placement sites
State Licensing Preparation
Each state has unique social work licensing requirements, including specific coursework, supervision hours, and examination standards. Programs typically align their curriculum with their state’s licensing board requirements, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for licensure in that state. While licenses can transfer between states through reciprocity agreements, initial licensure is often smoothest in the state where you studied.
Social Work Programs Overview: National Statistics
The landscape of social work education varies significantly across states, influenced by population needs, funding priorities, and educational infrastructure. Understanding these variations can help you make informed decisions about where to pursue your degree.
| Region | Total BSW Programs | Total MSW Programs | Average In-State Tuition (BSW) | Average In-State Tuition (MSW) | Online Options Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | 142 | 68 | $11,500/year | $16,800/year | 45+ programs |
| Southeast | 198 | 79 | $9,200/year | $12,500/year | 62+ programs |
| Midwest | 215 | 71 | $10,400/year | $14,200/year | 58+ programs |
| Southwest | 89 | 42 | $8,900/year | $11,800/year | 35+ programs |
| West | 126 | 60 | $10,800/year | $15,400/year | 48+ programs |
Source: Data compiled from CSWE accreditation directory and institutional websites, 2024
How to Choose the Right Social Work Program in Your State
Selecting a social work program requires careful consideration of multiple factors beyond location. The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) serves as the foundation for generalist practice, while the Master of Social Work (MSW) provides advanced clinical and specialized training.
Essential Evaluation Criteria
1. CSWE Accreditation Status
Only graduates from CSWE-accredited programs qualify for social work licensure in all 50 states. Accreditation ensures programs meet rigorous standards for curriculum, field education, and student outcomes. Currently, 531 BSW programs and 277 MSW programs hold full accreditation, with additional programs in candidacy status.
2. Program Specializations and Concentrations
Many MSW programs offer specialized tracks aligning with career goals:
- Clinical/Direct Practice: Mental health, healthcare, and therapeutic interventions
- Children and Families: Child welfare, school social work, and family therapy
- Community Practice: Policy development, advocacy, and program administration
- Gerontology: Aging services and elder care
- Military Social Work: Veteran services and military family support
3. Format and Flexibility Options
Modern social work programs offer various formats to accommodate different learning styles and life circumstances. Traditional on-campus programs provide face-to-face interaction and immediate access to resources. Online social work programs offer flexibility for working professionals, with many featuring synchronous and asynchronous components. Hybrid programs combine online coursework with in-person intensives, striking a balance between flexibility and community building.
4. Advanced Standing Opportunities
Advanced Standing MSW programs allow BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs to complete their master’s degree in as little as one year, saving both time and money. These accelerated pathways recognize the foundation knowledge gained in undergraduate social work education.
5. Financial Aid and Funding
Beyond tuition rates, consider the availability of:
- Graduate assistantships offering tuition waivers and stipends
- Federal programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- State-specific grants and scholarships for social work students
- Employer tuition reimbursement programs
- Title IV-E funding for child welfare specializations
BSW Programs by State
Bachelor of Social Work programs provide the foundation for professional social work practice. These CSWE-accredited programs prepare students for generalist practice and qualify graduates to pursue licensure as Licensed Bachelor Social Workers (LBSW) in states that offer this credential. BSW graduates can also enter the workforce immediately or pursue Advanced Standing MSW programs.
Find BSW Programs in Your State:
BSW Programs by State
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
DC
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
MSW Programs by State
Master of Social Work programs prepare students for advanced clinical practice and leadership roles within the field of social work. These programs typically require 60 credit hours (approximately 2 years full-time) for students without a BSW, although advanced standing options can reduce this to 30-36 credits for qualified BSW graduates.
Find MSW Programs in Your State:
MSW Programs by State
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
DC
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Online Social Work Program Considerations
The rise of online social work programs has expanded access to social work education nationwide. According to the CSWE, over 100 programs now offer fully online or hybrid options, with enrollment increasing by 35% annually since 2020. However, choosing an online program requires additional considerations beyond traditional campus-based education.
State Authorization and Reciprocity
Online programs must be authorized to operate in your state of residence. Most accredited programs participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which facilitates the interstate exchange of online education. However, some states have additional requirements for field placements and licensure preparation. The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements maintains current information on participating states and institutions.
Field Education Coordination
Field education remains mandatory for all CSWE-accredited programs, regardless of delivery format. Online programs typically offer three approaches to field placement:
- Local placement coordination: The school helps arrange placements near your location
- Self-directed placement: Students identify potential sites with school approval
- Employment-based placement: Current employers may qualify as field sites under specific conditions
Technology and Support Services
Successful online learning requires reliable access to technology and self-directed learning skills. Programs should provide:
- 24/7 technical support and learning management system access
- Virtual library resources and research databases
- Online academic advising and career services
- Synchronous and asynchronous learning options
- Virtual community building opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions About State Social Work Programs
How many CSWE-accredited social work programs exist in the United States?
As of 2024, there are approximately 531 fully accredited BSW programs and 277 fully accredited MSW programs across the United States, with additional programs in candidacy status. These numbers fluctuate as new programs achieve accreditation and existing programs expand their scope. The distribution varies significantly by state, with New York hosting the most programs (42 BSW and 21 MSW) and several states having only one or two options at each level.
Can I practice social work in a different state than where I earned my degree?
Yes, you can practice in different states, but you’ll need to meet that state’s specific licensing requirements. Most states participate in licensing reciprocity agreements, making the transfer process smoother for licensed social workers. However, each state has unique requirements for supervised hours, examinations, and continuing education. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) provides resources for understanding interstate licensing mobility.
What’s the difference between state and private social work programs?
State (public) universities typically offer lower tuition rates for residents, with BSW programs averaging $9,000 to $ 12,000 annually for in-state students, compared to $25,000 to $ 40,000 at private institutions. However, private schools often provide more generous financial aid packages, smaller class sizes, and specialized program offerings. Both must meet the same CSWE accreditation standards, ensuring equivalent educational quality regardless of institutional type.
How do I know if a program in my state is properly accredited?
Only programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) qualify graduates for professional licensure. You can verify a program’s accreditation status through the CSWE online directory, which lists all accredited and candidacy programs. Be wary of programs claiming “national accreditation” from other bodies, as CSWE is the sole accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for social work education.
Do all states require the same field education hours?
CSWE sets minimum field education requirements that all accredited programs must meet: 400 hours for BSW programs and 900 hours for MSW programs. However, some states and individual programs exceed these minimums. For example, California requires additional hours for certain specializations, while New York mandates specific field experiences for different practice areas. Always verify your target state’s specific requirements with their licensing board.
Which states offer the best job prospects for social workers?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, states with the highest employment levels for social workers include California, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. However, the best opportunities depend on your specialization. States like Alaska and Montana offer higher salaries to attract professionals to underserved areas, while metropolitan areas in California and New York provide diverse practice settings but with higher competition and cost of living.
Can I complete field placements in a different state than my school?
Many programs allow out-of-state field placements, particularly for online students or those planning to relocate. However, this requires advance coordination between your school, the placement site, and potentially both states’ licensing boards. Some states have specific requirements for field instructor credentials or site approvals that must be met regardless of your school’s location. Start planning at least one semester before your field placement begins.
Are there special considerations for military families choosing programs?
Military families face unique challenges with frequent relocations. Many schools now offer military-friendly policies including:
- Priority admission for veterans and military spouses
- Flexible field placement arrangements across different states
- Leave of absence policies for deployments
- Online program options for continuity during moves
- Yellow Ribbon Program participation for additional funding
Several states also expedite licensing for military spouses through interstate compacts, making career continuity more feasible.
Making Your Decision: Next Steps
Choosing a social work program requires balancing multiple factors including location, cost, specialization options, and career goals. As you explore programs in your state or region, consider these action steps:
- Research accreditation status: Verify all programs through the CSWE directory
- Compare program costs: Factor in tuition, fees, and living expenses for your specific situation
- Investigate field placement options: Understand how programs support practicum experiences
- Connect with current students and alums: Join program information sessions and social media groups
- Review state licensing requirements: Ensure programs prepare you for licensure in your target practice state
- Explore financial aid opportunities: Research scholarships, assistantships, and loan forgiveness programs
Remember that the “best” program is one that aligns with your personal circumstances, professional goals, and learning style. Whether you choose a traditional campus experience in your home state or an online program with national reach, ensure the program holds proper CSWE accreditation and prepares you for the specific area of social work practice you’re passionate about pursuing.
For more detailed information about specific degree levels, explore our comprehensive guides to Bachelor of Social Work programs and Master of Social Work programs, or learn about the importance of CSWE accreditation in your educational journey.
