MSU Denver Social Work Masters

MSU Denver’s Department of Social Work empowers students to create positive change through skillful, ethical, and justice-oriented practice. Right in downtown Denver, the department provides one of Colorado’s most affordable and high-quality social work education programs. On top of that, the Master of Social Work Program, which is one of the university’s first graduate programs, has grown into one of MSU Denver’s most popular degrees.

The social work program at MSU Denver stands out because of its focus on field education. Students get nearly 500 hours of hands-on experience through field placements at more than 700 partner organizations throughout Colorado. These placements happen in a variety of settings like mental health clinics, public schools, state and local human services departments, police departments, and healthcare facilities.

The program’s success shows in its graduate outcomes. About 50% of Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) graduates and 81% of Master of Social Work (MSW) graduates find jobs in the field within two months of finishing their degree. About 30% of graduates get hired by their field placement agencies, which shows the program’s strong community ties and reputation.

The Department of Social Work at MSU Denver has built an inclusive and inspiring learning space that values education, research, cultural responsiveness, and academic excellence. Theory and practice blend naturally, preparing students for modern social work challenges. The student body reflects the diversity of their communities, and most graduates work in and contribute to Colorado communities.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the only accrediting body for social work education in the United States, has fully accredited both undergraduate and graduate social work programs at MSU Denver. This accreditation means the curriculum meets professional standards, and programs go through thorough reviews to maintain educational standards.

Faculty members bring rich social work experience to both in-person and online classes. They help students reach their full potential throughout the program, which helps create excellence as students begin their social work practice.

Students at MSU Denver find great support from advisors in the Office of Social Work Student Services, Operations and Finance, along with strong community connections through the Office of Field Education. These resources help students direct their educational experience and develop their unique professional identity as social workers.

Programs offered

MSU Denver’s Master of Social Work degree comes with two unique paths that match your educational background and career goals. Students get a blend of academic learning, research, and hands-on field experience to prepare them for various professional roles.

The Regular Program needs 60 credit hours and welcomes students with undergraduate degrees from any discipline except social work. Students can start this program only in fall semesters. You can finish in 2 years as a full-time student with 15 credits each semester, or take your time with 6-9 credits per semester to complete it in 4 years.

Students with a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program can choose the Advanced Standing Program. This streamlined 36-credit hour path begins in summer semesters only. Students complete this program in just 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.

Both programs let you customize how you earn your degree. Your options include:

• Fully online delivery: Complete all courses online with guaranteed spots in required sections
• Mixed traditional delivery: Mix of on-campus, online, and hybrid courses

The MSW curriculum builds on Integrative Practice, which shows social work’s power through its versatility and social justice roots. This approach gives you the skills to work as a clinician, therapist, leader, organizer, and activist. You can also choose specific paths to help particular populations or areas.

MSU Denver’s MSW program stands out with its exceptional quality and value. The program ranks among the most affordable graduate-level social work degrees in the region. This perfect mix of quality education and affordability makes it a smart investment.

Social work careers continue to grow strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows employment growth of 6% from 2024-2034, which beats the average across all jobs. Social workers earn median pay of $61,330.

Graduate success rates prove the program’s quality. In the last six years, 141 MSW graduates took the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Exam and achieved an 81% pass rate, which is substantially higher than North America’s 66% average.

About the online program

MSU Denver’s online MSW program puts flexibility first, with options that match your learning priorities. Students can choose between a fully online format or a mixed traditional delivery method. The fully online path lets you take all courses through internet-based platforms, while the mixed traditional track combines on-campus classes with hybrid and online courses.

The online MSW program keeps high academic standards even without physical classes. Students need good time management skills, planning abilities, and clear communication to work well in this format. The program needs you to be active on the Canvas platform several times each week. You’ll join discussion boards, give presentations, complete assignments, and work with your peers.

Physical classes might not be there, but setting aside specific study time is crucial. The program needs the same time investment as regular classes—about three hours of “class time” weekly, plus extra time to read and finish assignments. Online courses blend two types of learning:

• Synchronous learning: Live online meetings where you connect with teachers and classmates at set times. These sessions boost student participation, teacher presence, knowledge sharing, and overall satisfaction.
• Asynchronous learning: Work at your own pace and complete tasks before deadlines.

Students in the fully online track can access all coursework through the internet without visiting campus. Field placements still happen in person—1,080 hours for traditional track students or 600 hours for advanced standing students. The good news is these hands-on experiences can happen in your local area. The Office of Field Education helps find the right placement sites.

Students move through the program step by step, starting with foundation courses before concentration work. The program guarantees spots in online sections of required courses for fully online students. Some online classes might have required live sessions, but the setup still gives you more flexibility than traditional programs.

MSU Denver’s online MSW program brings together quality education and convenience, but success depends on your dedication. This mix of flexibility and high standards prepares you to practice ethically and fight for justice while fitting into your life.

Accreditation

Quality assurance in any social work program depends on accreditation as its foundation. MSU Denver’s Master of Social Work Program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which serves as the only accrediting body for social work education in the United States. The program has managed to keep this prestigious recognition since 2011, showing its steadfast dedication to educational excellence.

This accreditation carries immense weight. Students who join MSU Denver’s MSW program receive an education that meets strict national standards for curriculum content and delivery. The program has passed detailed evaluations of its teaching methods, course materials, and educational outcomes that benefit students throughout their academic journey.

CSWE’s accreditation involves a systematic review process. Programs must go through this detailed assessment periodically to verify they still comply with educational standards. Your degree stays relevant and respected in the field through this ongoing evaluation. Yes, it is a quality control system that safeguards both students and future social work service recipients.

CSWE accredits 347 master’s programs in the United States, which puts MSU Denver’s program in a select group of institutions meeting these high standards. Students can complete their degree online or on campus since the accreditation covers all approved program locations and delivery methods.

The CSWE accreditation goes beyond simple quality assurance and serves several key purposes:

• The program follows a clear mission that arranges with social work practice expectations
• Programs must educate culturally competent practitioners at higher standards
• Graduates develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills they need for effective advocacy
• Educational quality stays consistent in all program formats

Employers and licensing boards look at your credentials and see that you completed a program that upholds the profession’s core values of justice, dignity, integrity, and competence. Most states require degrees from CSWE-accredited programs, which makes this recognition particularly valuable for licensure.

MSU Denver’s program has adapted to new standards and updated its curriculum for Fall 2025 to arrange with CSWE’s 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.

Admission Requirements

MSU Denver’s Master of Social Work program accepts applications once a year, starting in early September. Students can submit their applications by November, to meet the priority deadline, or by January 15, which is the final deadline for Summer/Fall admission.

The MSW program looks for a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. In spite of that, students with lower GPAs can still apply if they meet additional requirements. MSU Denver makes the process easier by not requiring GRE scores for admission.

Students entering the Regular Program (without a social work bachelor’s degree) need to complete these prerequisites before fall semester:

• 3 credits in social/behavioral science with focus on multicultural or diversity issues
• 3 credits in social/behavioral science about American Government
• 3 credits in human biology OR 6 credits in natural/physical science
• 3 credits in simple statistics

BSW holders can qualify for Advanced Standing if their social work degree comes from a CSWE-accredited program earned within 6 years of their planned start date. Students with degrees between 6-10 years old can request Advanced Standing consideration during application.

Your application package should have:

• Transcripts from every school attended (official or unofficial at first)
• Personal statement
• Case study (only for Advanced Standing applicants)
• Three professional recommendations (from teachers, work/volunteer supervisors, or colleagues, not family or friends)

The MSW Admissions Committee reviews completed applications within 7-9 weeks after the deadline. Students might be accepted, accepted with conditions, waitlisted, or denied. Regular Program applicants have an 80% acceptance rate, while Advanced Standing applicants see a 75% acceptance rate.

International students must meet all standard requirements plus score at least 540 on TOEFL (or 76 on the internet version) and provide immigration documents to receive their I-20.

Accepted students can delay their start date up to one academic year from their acceptance term. Students don’t need completed prerequisites when they apply, but they must finish all requirements before classes begin.

Tuition

MSU Denver’s MSW program tuition costs are a vital part of planning your education. The program sets different rates based on where you live. This is a big deal as it means that Colorado residents pay much less than out-of-state students. The total Cost of Attendance (COA) for off-campus residents comes to around $22,693, while non-residents should budget approximately $43,538.

Graduate students pay mandatory fees per credit hour on top of their base tuition. These fees cover various services: Auraria Bond, Intercollegiate Athletics, Campus Recreation, Tivoli Park Facility, Clean Energy, Student Affairs, Student Technology, Phoenix Center, Metro Bond, and Health & Wellness. A student’s mandatory fees would total about $774.36 for 9 credit hours per semester.

Your MSW degree budget should account for yearly tuition increases. The program’s costs typically rise 2-5% each year, though the administration tries to minimize these increases. Students planning for multiple years should factor these changes into their budgets.

Graduate students have access to several financial support options, though fewer than undergraduate programs. Most MSW students rely on Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans as their main funding source. Graduate PLUS Loans offer additional credit-based funding. Students receive around $8,000 in financial aid per academic year, depending on their unmet need. Private loans can help bridge any gaps between attendance costs and available aid.

Students can apply for specific scholarships like the Behavioral Health Professional Preparation Project, which offers $5,000 yearly ($2,500 per semester). Federal loan forgiveness or discharge programs might become available after graduation.

Submit your FAFSA by March 1 each year to maximize your financial aid chances. Aid typically arrives in your student account 10 business days before classes start. Note that changes in enrollment status before the census date could affect your aid package.

Additional Information

MSU Denver’s social work program gives graduate students access to reliable student support services that go beyond regular academic help. The Office of Social Work Student Services (OSWSS) serves as a “one-stop shop” throughout your educational experience – from when you first show interest until after graduation. You’ll work with both professional and faculty advisors who provide complete guidance.

The social work department helps students handle unexpected financial challenges through emergency assistance. Students can receive between $500 and $2,000, based on their application and available funds. The department reviews applications continuously and usually responds within 1-2 weeks.

Students should understand the policies outlined in the MSU Denver Graduate Catalog. The program has strict rules about incomplete grades. Your academic standing could be affected if you have any outstanding incompletes when a semester begins.

The program’s career outcomes paint an impressive picture. About 69% of social work graduates land jobs within two months, while 87% secure positions within six months. These graduates work in a variety of settings like mental health centers, healthcare facilities, schools, child welfare agencies, and criminal justice settings. Community College of Denver, Jefferson County Human Services, Aurora Mental Health Center, Denver Public Schools, and the Department of Human Services regularly hire MSW graduates.

This is a big deal as it means that MSU Denver graduates have maintained an 81% pass rate on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Exam in the last six years – the North American average sits at 66%.