University of Montana MSW

The Montana University System’s flagship School of Social Work resides at the University of Montana. Students pursue their social work education in the historic Jeannette Rankin Hall in Missoula, Montana, where both undergraduate and graduate programs thrive.

The school builds its foundation on three key principles: preventing social problems, building strong social relationships, and fostering human development. Social work professionals focus on people and their social environments, and students learn the skills they need to help clients of all types.

Students can choose between Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work (BSW and MSW). The Bachelor of Arts program creates graduates ready for generalist social work practice. The Master of Social Work degree prepares students to work in specialized settings with advanced integrated practice. Both degrees have earned full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), meeting the highest professional standards.

Students learn to become skilled practitioners who champion social and economic justice through direct practice and community work. The program develops competent, ethical, and collaborative professionals who value diversity, think critically, and understand both rural and global perspectives.

The MSW program offers several learning paths, including traditional campus-based classes and online options. The school launched a new Advanced Standing Program that builds on previous BSW or BSSW degrees. Qualified students can now complete their MSW in just one year.

Students who want to strengthen individuals, families, and communities while creating a more just society will find their place at the University of Montana School of Social Work. You can visit the main office in Jeannette Rankin Hall, Room 004 to learn more.

Programs offered

The University of Montana’s Master of Social Work degree programs give students multiple paths to achieve their career goals. Students can choose the program that best fits their needs. The MSW program takes an all-encompassing approach that connects personal challenges to broader social issues.

The traditional campus-based MSW program requires 60 credits spread over two years for full-time students or three years for part-time students. The detailed curriculum has 51 credits of core social work courses and 9 credits of electives. Students must complete a 450-hour practicum placement during fall and spring semesters, which means about 15 hours of hands-on field experience each week. Part-time students start their practicum when they begin their second year.

The online asynchronous MSW program works well for professionals who need more flexibility. The program spans three years part-time and covers the same 60-credit curriculum. Students can keep their jobs while completing coursework online at their own pace. The program requires 450-hour practicum placements in years two and three, averaging 15 hours of fieldwork weekly.

The Advanced Standing MSW program, launched recently, speeds up the process for students who have accredited BSW or BSSW degrees. Students can finish this 37-credit synchronous online program in 12 months. The program starts with a 9-credit summer bridge component and continues with two 14-credit semesters. Students complete an intensive 600-hour field experience during fall and spring semesters, which amounts to about 20 hours each week.

Students can customize their education through optional emphasis areas:

• Micro-Practice Emphasis: Students develop clinical skills to work directly with individuals, couples, families, and small groups. The program offers electives in addiction studies, child welfare, gerontology, and clinical diagnosis.
• Macro-Practice Emphasis: Students learn community, organizational, and political practice skills. Their practicum experiences help them build skills in planning, advocacy, and social action.

Program application deadlines:

• Campus MSW and Advanced Standing: February 15
• Online Asynchronous: December 5 (spring start), April 5 (summer start), or July 5 (fall start)

The MSW program equips graduates with research, policy analysis, and advocacy skills that work in any setting. Students become ethical practitioners dedicated to social justice. Each MSW pathway maintains CSWE accreditation and high standards, ensuring quality education no matter which format students choose.

About the online program

The University of Montana’s online MSW degree programs are available to students whatever their location or circumstances. Students in the digital learning environment receive the same quality education as those attending campus classes.

Course delivery methods vary by program type. The traditional MSW online option runs completely asynchronously. You can access materials and complete assignments on your schedule within set deadlines. So this format works great for professionals who need to balance their education with other commitments.

The Advanced Standing (AS) program takes a different approach with synchronous online classes. Real-time virtual sessions promote direct interaction with professors and peers. This setup preserves the benefits of classroom discussions in a digital setting.

Both online paths follow a structured academic calendar. The asynchronous program splits semesters into 8-week blocks for fall and spring, while summer blocks last 7 weeks. Classes continue through regular holiday periods because of the asynchronous format. This requires careful planning of your studies.

Hands-on practicum experiences remain essential to the online MSW curriculum. Traditional track students complete 450-hour practicum placements in fall and spring semesters during their second and third years. Advanced Standing students take on more intensive 600-hour practicum experiences over two semesters. This translates to about 20 hours of field experience weekly.

The University of Montana’s online MSW curriculum takes an all-encompassing approach. Individual challenges connect directly to broader social issues. The program teaches you to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities at once. This strengthens personal abilities, social programs, and public policies.

This integrated approach suits Montana’s diverse communities perfectly. Social workers here must tackle complex challenges in both urban and rural settings. The program prepares you to help diverse clients at multiple levels, from individual counseling to community initiatives.

The online format’s flexibility is a great advantage for working professionals. Many students in the 3-year asynchronous track keep their jobs while studying. Advanced Standing students might find it easier to focus only on academic and practicum requirements during fall and spring semesters. The exception is when they can arrange employment-based practicums.

Accreditation

Quality assurance in social work education depends on accreditation. The University of Montana’s MSW program has earned full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This recognition makes a substantial difference in your career options.

The MSW program’s accreditation journey shows its steadfast dedication to excellence. Initially approved in 2001, the program welcomed its first class in fall 2002. The program earned full CSWE accreditation in 2005 after completing its candidacy. Two successful reaffirmations followed – one in 2009 and another in 2017. This ongoing recognition proves the program’s commitment to high educational standards.

CSWE accreditation matters more than just a program achievement – it shapes your professional future. Montana requires LCSW licensure candidates to graduate from CSWE-accredited programs. Without this qualification, clinical social work practice in the state becomes nearly impossible.

Students looking at different educational options should know that Montana recognizes degrees from CSWE-accredited online programs. You can choose either the campus-based or online MSW program. Both options carry similar accreditation status, which guarantees consistent quality regardless of how you study.

The School of Social Work reviews its programs regularly to keep its accreditation strong. Faculty and administration check how well programs align with their mission, goals, and core professional competencies. This quality check involves input from many groups and helps improve the curriculum and student experience.

The program’s accreditation philosophy focuses on being accountable to clients, agencies, communities, and society. Choosing the University of Montana’s CSWE-accredited MSW program means your education meets national professional practice standards.

CSWE accreditation holds value beyond Montana. The Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes CSWE, which means your degree carries weight nationwide. Your credentials transfer across state lines for jobs and licensing – vital knowledge if you plan to move later in your career.

Admission Requirements

The University of Montana MSW program welcomes new applications each year starting September 15. Students can submit their completed applications until February 15 for both campus-based and Advanced Standing programs.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university serves as the basic requirement. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate studies. Advanced Standing program students need a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution. These students should have a 3.25 GPA, or alternatively, a 3.0 overall GPA with 3.25 in their core social work courses.

Your application package should include these essential items:

• Official transcripts from all educational institutions previously attended
• Three letters of recommendation (one must be academic)
• Professional resume showing your education, paid experience, and volunteer work
• Two essay responses (traditional MSW) or personal statement (Advanced Standing)

Advanced Standing applicants must provide a recommendation from their BSW/BSSW faculty member. Recent graduates who completed their degree less than two years ago need an additional reference from their BSW practicum supervisor. The program looks for Advanced Standing candidates who have accumulated at least 2,000 hours of post-BSW professional experience. Their degrees should be no more than seven years old.

Traditional MSW applicants must write two essays following APA formatting guidelines. Each essay should be 3-4 pages long. The first essay focuses on your personal qualities and experiences that led you to social work. Your second essay should analyze a relevant contemporary social issue in the field.

The School will not review incomplete applications. While GRE scores aren’t mandatory, students with GPAs below 3.0 should submit them to demonstrate their readiness for graduate-level work.

The School of Social Work values both academic excellence and diverse backgrounds among other experiences. Students who receive acceptance must complete a background check before starting their field placement.

Tuition

Money plays a significant role in choosing the right University of Montana MSW program. Students need to understand how much each option costs to make smart decisions that match their budget and career goals.

The traditional on-campus MSW program costs Montana residents approximately $19,132 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $46,704 annually. Part-time students save money in their first year by paying about half of the full-time rate. Their tuition increases to the full rate in later years.

Advanced Standing MSW students face a shorter but intensive financial commitment. Montana residents pay $6,000 for summer semester and $8,500 each for fall and spring. Out-of-state rates are $16,000 for summer and $21,000 each for fall and spring. The total cost comes to $21,547 for residents and $43,662 for non-residents.

The online asynchronous program keeps things simple with one flat rate. Every student pays about $41,500 whatever their location. This approach helps out-of-state students plan their finances better over the three-year program.

These estimates include university tuition, program fees, and field education costs. Field education fees support practical training activities. They cover the field liaison model that connects classroom learning with hands-on experience, outside supervision, agency field instructor training, and administrative support.

Graduate-level SW-prefix courses in social work cost $240 per credit.

Students have several ways to manage these expenses. The School of Social Work offers departmental scholarships. On top of that, students can get financial help through the UM Financial Aid Office, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Note that these numbers are estimates and actual costs might change. Students should check with Business Services or visit the Student Tuition and Fees website to get their customized cost information before enrolling.

Additional Information

Student support at University of Montana makes your MSW experience even better. You’ll find the Office of Student Services ready to help with recruitment, admissions, financial aid, and retention. UMOnline Student Services provides specialized resources that remote students need.

The university’s campus resources will support you every step of the way. You can access the Mansfield Library, Mental Health Services, the Writing and Public Speaking Center, and the Office for Disability Equity. These services give you complete support whatever program format you choose.

MSW graduates enjoy excellent career prospects. A master’s degree opens doors to roles like counselor, case manager, mental health professional, clinical supervisor, or medical social worker. Montana’s major employers include Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Department of Veterans Affairs, Leidos, Logan Health, and Western Montana Mental Health Center.

The university keeps track of graduates’ success through surveys and online sources. This helps monitor how well alumni do within six months of graduation.