Master of Social Work (MSW)
The Master of Social Work (MSW) is a graduate-level degree in the US preparing students for advanced social work practice and leadership roles in diverse settings.
Careers open to social work graduates
Institutions awarding this level in social work (358)
Source: IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education). IPEDS records the field and level of each award, not its exact title.
- Walden University · Minneapolis
- Fordham University · Bronx
- University of Kentucky · Lexington
- University of Denver · Denver
- The University of Texas at Arlington · Arlington
- University of Southern California · Los Angeles
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick · New Brunswick
- Columbia University · New York
- Aurora University · Aurora
- Hunter College · New York
- Simmons University · Boston
- New York University · New York
- Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus
- Loyola University Chicago · Chicago
- Indiana University-Indianapolis · Indianapolis
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor
- Yeshiva University · New York
- University of Maryland, Baltimore · Baltimore
- Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond
- Arizona State University Digital Immersion · Scottsdale
- Boston University · Boston
- Boston College · Boston
- University of Oklahoma · Norman
- Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global · Marion
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College · Baton Rouge
- Portland State University · Portland
- Stony Brook University · Stony Brook
- University of Utah · Salt Lake City
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville · Knoxville
- Boise State University · Boise
- Campbellsville University · Campbellsville
- University at Buffalo · Buffalo
- Widener University · Chester
- Adelphi University · Garden City
- University of Houston · Houston
- Metropolitan State University of Denver · Denver
- University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia
- California State University, Long Beach · Long Beach
- University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago
- University of Nevada, Reno · Reno
- University of Kansas · Lawrence
- Brandman University · Irvine
- Our Lady of the Lake University · San Antonio
- Arizona State University Campus Immersion · Tempe
- University of Georgia · Athens
- Pennsylvania Western University · California
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Urbana
- University of Central Florida · Orlando
- University of Louisville · Louisville
- San Jose State University · San Jose
- University of Chicago · Chicago
- Baylor University · Waco
- Wayne State University · Detroit
- Western New Mexico University · Silver City
- Washington University in St Louis · Saint Louis
- Salisbury University · Salisbury
- California State University, Northridge · Northridge
- University of South Carolina-Columbia · Columbia
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus · Pittsburgh
- Tulane University · New Orleans
- Case Western Reserve University · Cleveland
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · Edinburg
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee · Milwaukee
- University of Alabama · Tuscaloosa
- Troy University · Troy
- The University of Texas at Austin · Austin
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill
- California Baptist University · Riverside
- University of Iowa · Iowa City
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Seattle
- Sacred Heart University · Fairfield
- University of Connecticut · Storrs
- University of Wisconsin–Madison · Madison
- University of New England · Biddeford
- Grand Valley State University · Allendale
- University of South Florida · Tampa
- George Mason University · Fairfax
- Winthrop University · Rock Hill
- University at Albany · Albany
- California State University Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa · Honolulu
- Montclair State University · Montclair
- Salem State University · Salem
- California State University, San Bernardino · San Bernardino
- Rhode Island College · Providence
- Cleveland State University · Cleveland
- West Chester University · West Chester
- Touro College · New York
- Spring Arbor University · Spring Arbor
- Azusa Pacific University · Azusa
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte · Charlotte
- San Diego State University · San Diego
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock · Little Rock
- Smith College · Northampton
- California State University, Fullerton · Fullerton
- University of Nebraska at Omaha · Omaha
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis
- Temple University · Philadelphia
- University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley
- Eastern Washington University · Cheney
- Saint Mary's University of Minnesota · Winona
- California State University, Dominguez Hills · Carson
- University of St. Thomas - Minnesota · Saint Paul
- California State University, Stanislaus · Turlock
- Texas State University · San Marcos
- Westfield State University · Westfield
- Southern Connecticut State University · New Haven
- Bridgewater State University · Bridgewater
- Dominican University · River Forest
- University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- North Carolina State University · Raleigh
- Delaware State University · Dover
- Long Island University · Brookville
- Northern Kentucky University · Highland Heights
- Ramapo College · Mahwah
- Concord University · Athens
- Ohio University Lancaster · Athens
- New Mexico State University · Las Cruces
- Morgan State University · Baltimore
- Barry University · Miami
- University of North Carolina Wilmington · Wilmington
- University of New Hampshire · Durham
- Saint Leo University · Saint Leo
- Missouri State University · Springfield
- Howard University · Washington
- Stephen F. Austin State University · Nacogdoches
- West Virginia University · Morgantown
- University of North Alabama · Florence
- Northeastern Illinois University · Chicago
- Springfield College · Springfield
- Binghamton University · Binghamton
- SUNY Brockport · Brockport
- North Carolina Central University · Durham
- Colorado State University-Fort Collins · Fort Collins
- California State University, San Marcos · San Marcos
- University of Cincinnati · Cincinnati
- University of North Dakota · Grand Forks
- Western Carolina University · Cullowhee
- California State University, Bakersfield · Bakersfield
- East Tennessee State University · Johnson City
- The University of Texas at San Antonio · San Antonio
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas · Las Vegas
- Walla Walla University · College Place
- Wichita State University · Wichita
- Monmouth University · West Long Branch
- East Carolina University · Greenville
- Bryn Mawr College · Bryn Mawr
- Saint Louis University · St Louis
- California State University, East Bay · Hayward
- Lehman College · Bronx
- East Texas A&M University · Commerce
- Marywood University · Scranton
- Union University · Jackson
- Appalachian State University · Boone
- University of Wisconsin–Green Bay · Green Bay
- University of Southern Mississippi · Hattiesburg
- Syracuse University · Syracuse
- University of Memphis · Memphis
- Daemen College · Amherst
- Northern Arizona University · Flagstaff
- University of North Carolina at Pembroke · Pembroke
- Kennesaw State University · Kennesaw
- Youngstown State University · Youngstown
- California State University, Fresno · Fresno
- Catholic University of America · Washington
- Kean University · Union
- Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University · Normal
- University of Wisconsin–Whitewater · Whitewater
- Cal Poly Humboldt · Arcata
- Marshall University · Huntington
- California State University, Sacramento · Sacramento
- Stockton University · Galloway
- Saginaw Valley State University · University Center
- Georgia State University · Atlanta
- University of Saint Joseph · West Hartford
- Western Kentucky University · Bowling Green
- Washburn University · Topeka
- California State University, Monterey Bay · Seaside
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale · Carbondale
- Eastern Michigan University · Ypsilanti
- Regis College · Weston
- University of Akron · Akron
- Tarleton State University · Stephenville
- College of Staten Island · Staten Island
- St. Catherine University · Saint Paul
- Valdosta State University · Valdosta
- University of Maine · Orono
- Jackson State University · Jackson
- University of Missouri–St. Louis · Saint Louis
- University of Washington Tacoma · Tacoma
- Utah Valley University · Orem
- California State University, Chico · Chico
- University of Arkansas · Fayetteville
- Millersville University · Millersville
- Weber State University · Ogden
- Chamberlain University-Illinois · Addison
- Kutztown University · Kutztown
- Governors State University · University Park
- Fort Hays State University · Hays
- Nazareth College · Rochester
About
The Master of Social Work (MSW) is a master level graduate study program in the United States designed for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree. It focuses on developing advanced skills and knowledge for professional social work practice. The MSW is typically offered by universities accredited by regional bodies and social work-specific organizations, ensuring recognized quality and standards. This degree prepares graduates to work in various social services, healthcare, education, and community organizations, addressing complex social issues. It is suitable for those passionate about helping individuals, families, and communities through direct practice, policy, or administration. The MSW also serves as a prerequisite for licensure as a clinical social worker in many states, enabling graduates to provide therapy and counseling. Overall, it is a key step for those aiming to make a significant impact in social welfare and advocacy.
- Graduate-level degree after a bachelor's
- Offered by accredited universities with social work program accreditation
- Prepares for advanced social work roles in diverse settings
- Leads to clinical licensure eligibility in many states
- Focuses on practice, policy, and administration
How to get in
Admission to an MSW program generally requires a completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Applicants often submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and sometimes GRE scores, although requirements vary by school. Many programs seek candidates with a background or interest in social sciences, psychology, or related fields, but some accept students from diverse academic paths. Selectivity varies, with competitive programs emphasizing relevant experience, academic performance, and commitment to social work values. Some universities offer advanced standing options for students holding a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), allowing them to complete the MSW faster. Prospective students should research each program's specific admission criteria and prepare accordingly.
- Bachelor's degree required from accredited institution
- Application includes transcripts and essays, possibly GRE
- Relevant experience valued but diverse backgrounds accepted
- Advanced standing options for BSW holders
- Varied selectivity by program
Format and schedule
The MSW typically takes two years of full-time study to complete, although part-time and online options are often available to accommodate working students. The curriculum combines classroom learning with practical fieldwork through supervised internships or practicum placements, which are essential for hands-on experience. These placements occur in social service agencies, healthcare facilities, schools, or community organizations. Evaluation methods include coursework, field performance assessments, and sometimes comprehensive exams. The balance of theory and practice prepares students for real-world challenges in social work. Many programs follow a semester system, with credit hours accumulating toward degree completion. Some programs offer specialized tracks or concentrations, but the overall structure emphasizes both academic rigor and applied skills.
- Two years full-time study, with part-time options
- Includes supervised field internships in real settings
- Combination of coursework and practicum
- Evaluations through exams and field assessments
- Credit hours accumulate toward degree
What next?
After earning an MSW, graduates can enter the workforce in a variety of roles such as clinical social worker, school social worker, healthcare social worker, or community program manager. Many states require MSW graduates to pass licensure exams to practice clinically, such as the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) exam. The degree also opens pathways to leadership, policy development, and research positions within social services. Some graduates choose to pursue doctoral studies (PhD or DSW) for academic or advanced clinical careers. Additionally, articulation agreements may facilitate credit transfer or further study in related fields. The MSW is widely recognized across the US, providing solid professional credentials for those committed to social welfare careers.
- Qualifies for clinical licensure in many states
- Wide range of social work careers available
- Pathway to doctoral studies for research or teaching
- Opportunities in leadership and policy
- Recognized by employers nationwide
Frequently asked questions
What prior education is needed to apply for an MSW?
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. While many come from social sciences, students from diverse academic backgrounds are often welcome.
Is clinical licensure possible after an MSW?
Yes, the MSW is typically required to pursue clinical social work licensure, such as the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential, which involves passing a state exam.
Can I study part-time or online?
Many MSW programs offer part-time and online options to accommodate working students, though field internships must be completed in person.
How important are internships in the MSW program?
Internships are essential, providing supervised practical experience in social work settings that complement academic learning.
Are GRE scores always required for admission?
GRE requirements vary by program; some schools waive them, especially for applicants with relevant experience or strong academic records.
What career opportunities does an MSW open?
Graduates can work in clinical practice, schools, healthcare, community organizations, policy, administration, or pursue doctoral studies.
Is the MSW recognized across all US states?
Yes, MSW degrees from accredited programs are widely recognized, but licensure requirements vary by state.
Can I shorten my MSW if I have a Bachelor of Social Work?
Many programs offer advanced standing options allowing BSW holders to complete the MSW in less time.