Social Work Masters Programs | Best MSW Degree Schools
Compare accredited online and on-campus Master’s programs in social work. Find MSW degrees with our guide to CSWE-accredited programs.
Are you researching the best MSW programs for clinical social work and other specialties?
Hundreds of academic establishments in the US offer fully approved MSW studies. These establishments are scattered throughout the 50 states of the country.
If you want to learn about some colleges with master’s in social work, keep reading this article. We will list the social work schools that offer MSW degrees.
We will review social work master’s degrees, MSW programs, specializations, and career tips.
Below are some specializations you should look into:
- Clinical Social Work
- Behavioral Therapy
- Child Social Work
- Medical Social Work
- International Social Work
- Forensic Social Work
Are you interested in an MSW Degree?
MSW studies equip social workers with multi-level approaches, facts, values, and skills to become social work experts.
This is entirely thanks to their exciting array of electives and field placement experiences, which helps scholars expand beyond their abilities.
MSW Schools Near Me
We are pleased to have briefly reviewed MSW-accredited schools in the US.
However, there are too many of them to talk about. But certainly, in our subsequent articles, we will talk about some of the best programs.
Below is a table of MSW programs by state.
TOP MSW PROGRAMS RANKED BY STATE
Available MSW Study Formats
There are many study alternatives in which an academic may seek an MSW. Accelerated MSW, advanced MSW, Clinical MSW, Dual MSW, and foundation MSW.
Let’s briefly discuss each one to make it easier to understand.
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Accelerated MSW
This study route was created for candidates with some experience in social work.
It comprises four consecutive terms with one summer term included. Most schools have shortened their fast-track studies to take less time. Rather than spending 24 months studying, it was cut to 16 months.
However, you should know that not all educational institutions provide this pathway.
Those that offer have different entry criteria. Thus, it would help if you researched which universities offer accelerated studies and their essentials.
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Advanced Standing MSW
Advanced standing or specialized studies are synonymous with the study path above, only that it is created for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in social work from an approved CSWE establishment.
The study path takes less time than others, as the introductory courses are canceled. Some core courses are believed to have already been delivered at the undergraduate level.
Consequently, they switch to specialized courses that are not as common as other avenues of study. In less than one year, you can obtain your MSW.
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Clinical MSW
A clinical study is a technical field of social work. The study pathway equips fellows to become qualified clinical social workers after completing their studies.
However, a few hands-on courses are given some extra attention. These are behavioral assessment techniques as well as intervention techniques.
As for the length of this study stream.
The first five semesters are dedicated to introductory courses, while the remaining five are devoted to clinical concentration areas.
To obtain a master’s degree under this stream, you will need an average of 1.5 to 4 years, depending on your chosen institution.
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Dual MSW
This type of study enables researchers to earn two degrees, one in social work and another in other fields, in a short time frame. Such a twinning could be appropriate where the second degree complements social work and the public community.
For Example, master of public health (MPH), master of laws, Master of Science in social policy (MSSP), master of public administration, etc.
This study track will be sound if you aim to work on macroeconomics. After graduation, you may consider working in a public or private environment. We can even work with not-for-profit groups.
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Traditional MSW
Traditional MSW suits researchers without a license or background intellect in social work. That’s the principal reason the study’s curriculum incorporates foundation courses.
Additionally, fellows will likely offer 60-70 credit courses with an average of 900-1200 hours of field teaching. The traditional full-time MSW classes last two years, while the part-time course lasts 3-4 years.
Before pulling the cotton, we wish to inform you that there are three study formats for studying MSW. These are online, on-campus, and hybrid studies. Pick whatever you suit and chase your dreams.
However, if you stay away from the school you wish to enroll in, opting for online or hybrid studies is best.
Master’s Degree in Social Work Programs
Here are some institutions that offer the best social work graduate programs.
- Simmons University
- University of Central Florida
- Boston University
- Arizona State University
- University of Tennessee
- Indiana University, Bloomington
- University of Michigan
- Case Western Reserve University
- University of Kentucky
- Baylor University
- University of Houston
- George Mason Bloomington
- Rutgers University
- Syracuse University
- Humboldt State University
- University of South Florida
Best Social Work Masters Programs
Let’s quickly review a few of these academic institutions that offer MSW.
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Fordham University
Fordham University provides a wide range of MSW studies that are 100% approved by CSWE. Researchers can sign up for their MSW studies online, on-campus, or hybrid.
You will also be able to establish your appropriate study structure with one of their discipline practice areas. These include people and families, political practice and advocacy, establishments and community, evaluation, etc.
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University of Denver
MSW programs at this university are ranked among the best in the USA.
Perhaps their courses address current needs such as environmental justice, mental health care, housing, food security, sustainability, etc.
MSW studies at the University of Denver are online, hybrid, and on-campus. As for their study options, you can opt for advanced status or conventional studies.
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University of South California
If you want to get an MSW at the University of Southern California, you should be ready to offer a variety of core and advanced social work classes.
Courses focus on mental health and well-being. The available learning format is hybrid, online, and on-campus. No matter what format you think is appropriate; you choose it.
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Simmons University
It is one of the universities in the US with outstanding MSW programs in clinical social work. They provide scholars with flexible study options. You may opt for online, on-campus, or hybrid programs.
In addition, there are two program leads from which you may choose. They are advanced standing and traditional MSW. Both courses are available on a full-time or part-time basis.
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University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida is an excellent place to study to become a licensed clinic worker.
Their MSW studies will show how to deliver mental health services to individuals, families, and the broader community.
Furthermore, an online and hybrid study framework provides researchers with practical and flexible studies. Notwithstanding, CSWE fully approves all their MSW studies.
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Arizona State University
Arizona State University provides standard on-campus and online MSW for interested researchers. They aim to offer researchers a practical and flexible learning option in their field of interest.
If you want to graduate soon, you can choose from advanced, intensive, and fast-track programs. With a year, you can secure your MSW.
Additional Resources
- The US. BLS, Social Work
- National Association of Social Workers
- Council on Social Work Education
- International Federation of Social Workers
- Clinical Social Work Association
BEST MSW PROGRAMS IN THE US
Above are some institutions in the US that offer a fully approved MSW.
You can choose any of your choices to achieve a career in MSW, but ensure you get more details regarding their entry criteria, tuition, study format, etc.
Social workers who undergo these studies have everything necessary to work in rugged surroundings.
Want to know about more Online Master in Social Work programs? Then go through the links to MSW schools above.
You will be enlightened on MSW programs to assist you in getting ready for your MSW studies across the US.