West Virginia University Social Work Masters
West Virginia University’s School of Social Work leads social work education by preparing graduate students in Advanced Integrated Practice. The program focuses on vulnerable and underserved populations in small towns and rural areas. US News & World Report ranked the program #83 in their 2024 rankings of graduate schools of social work.
The School of Social Work, located in Field Hall on WVU’s campus, shapes professionals who tackle complex social issues through research, academic state-of-the-art, and public service. The BSW and MSW programs hold national accreditation from the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation allows graduates to pursue social work licensure at their degree level.
Students in the WVU MSW program learn Advanced Integrated Practice. They develop skills to combine micro (individual-level), mezzo (group-level), and macro (community and society-level) practice skills in service sectors of all types. Graduates can work with interdisciplinary teams that address social and human problems in a variety of practice areas.
The program’s unique strength lies in its focus on rural service delivery models, which proves especially valuable in the Appalachian region. The curriculum includes digital literacy in both on-campus and online formats. This prepares students to become skilled advanced practitioners who can handle complex practice situations in different roles and settings.
Students benefit from dedicated advising and mentorship throughout their academic trip and field experiences. This customized support helps them succeed during the program and after graduation. WVU’s School of Social Work faculty and students tap into their full potential to create real-life social change.
The school aims to develop leaders who can solve challenging social issues through education, research, and service. Students analyze personal, familial, and environmental factors that affect practice settings and techniques. They learn to advocate for people facing barriers to achieving their fullest potential. This complete preparation gives graduates the tools for professional social work careers in nonprofits, government, education, business, and higher education.
Programs offered
WVU’s social work education pathways offer many choices, and the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is the substance of graduate-level education. Students learn Advanced Integrated Practice through the WVU MSW program, which helps them work with interdisciplinary teams across service sectors.
Students can choose from multiple enrollment options that fit their schedule. The program offers two main degree plans:
Regular Standing MSW – This 60-credit complete program works great for students who have bachelor’s degrees in other fields. Students can pick from these options:
- Full-time option: Get your degree in 2 years (Fall 2025 – Spring 2027)
- Part-time option: Complete it in 3 years (Fall 2025 – Summer 2028)
- Study on campus or online (part-time only)
Advanced Standing MSW – Students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last eight years can take this faster 36-credit program. The accelerated track gives you these choices:
- Full-time option: Finish in just 12 months (Summer 2025 – Spring 2026)
- Part-time option: Complete in 2 years (Fall 2025 – Summer 2027)
- Choose between campus and online learning
Students who can’t make it to campus can take advantage of the fully online asynchronous MSW program. The online version delivers the same quality curriculum and charges in-state tuition rates whatever your location. College Transitions ranked it as the #4 Best MSW Program for 2024.
WVU takes things further with a unique dual degree option. Students can earn both a Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) and MSW through collaboration with the School of Law. Regular Standing students complete this program in 4 years, while Advanced Standing students finish in 3 years.
The School of Social Work’s PhD program creates scholars who shine in research, teaching, and leadership with community-based research at its core. Students enjoy flexibility with full-time and part-time options in a hybrid course structure that adapts as they advance.
WVU’s Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) trains students to become generalist social workers. Students can also choose a Gerontology Minor that explores the aging process.
Every program at WVU focuses on quality education with practical applications. The MSW program has specialized electives covering child mental health, clinical practice in integrated healthcare, addiction and social work practice, child welfare, and gerontology. Graduates can pursue social work licensure at their degree level in any state.
About the online program
The WVU online MSW program features a fully asynchronous learning experience that welcomes students from any location. Students can pursue their social work education without moving to Morgantown, WV.
Most students take 2-3 courses (6-9 credit hours) per semester on a part-time basis. Advanced Standing students finish their studies in two years, completing classes and field work by the summer of their second year. Regular Standing students need three years and wrap up by their third summer. A new pilot full-time Advanced Standing option will let students complete the program in just 12 months (May 2026-May 2027).
Students access coursework through an asynchronous format that eliminates campus visits. These structured online classes differ from self-paced correspondence courses. Each class includes deadlines, learning outcomes, and meaningful instructor interaction with students. This setup means you won’t need specific login times but still get valuable connections with faculty and classmates.
The WVU MSW curriculum’s foundation rests on field experience. Regular Standing students must complete 300 general field placement hours and 600 advanced placement hours. Advanced Standing students focus on 600 advanced placement hours. Students complete these placements at sites near their homes, and the Field Placement Director helps match them based on their location and interests.
Your technical requirements include:
- A desktop/laptop with 8-16 GB RAM
- High-speed internet connection
- Cell phone or dual sign-in device
- Microphone/headphones with web camera
- Access to scanner/printer
- Google Chrome or Firefox browser
The program’s tuition structure remains simple – every student pays in-state rates. Online courses cost $747 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year. Advanced Standing students need 36 credits while Regular Standing students complete 60 credits.
Working professionals will find this program fits their schedule. Notwithstanding that, you should talk with your employer about graduate school plans since field placements need schedule flexibility. Your degree will qualify you to seek social work licensure across the United States.
The program accepts applications once yearly. Students who apply by February 1 get priority consideration and scholarship eligibility. April 15 marks the final application deadline. Advanced Standing students begin in summer, while Regular Standing students start in fall.
Accreditation
The WVU School of Social Work stands among the nation’s most established programs. It received its first accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 1942. This remarkable achievement spans over eight decades, making WVU a leader in social work education.
The MSW program holds full national accreditation from the Council for Social Work Education. CSWE serves as the only accrediting body for social work education that the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes in the United States. Students benefit from this recognition because CSWE accreditation involves a detailed peer-review process. This process helps programs maintain consistent outcomes while giving institutions room to showcase their unique strengths.
CSWE accreditation shows the program’s dedication to quality education. It prepares students with the social work skills they need for professional practice. Students who choose WVU’s MSW program can trust that it has clear, achievable goals that match what social work practice demands.
This accreditation makes a big difference in your career opportunities. WVU MSW graduates can pursue social work licensure at their degree level anywhere in the United States. Many employers, institutions, and licensing boards won’t recognize degrees without proper accreditation.
The accreditation process looks at how well programs prepare students to work respectfully with people of all cultures and communities. Social work education aims to build and maintain healthy communities while serving the public good. CSWE accreditation makes sure programs meet these goals.
CSWE wants to “ensure a well-educated social work profession equipped to promote health, well-being, and justice for all people in a diverse society”. The accreditation process checks if programs like WVU MSW teach students to think critically, solve problems, and support justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity.
Advanced Standing applicants must have earned their BSW from a CSWE-accredited program in the past eight years. This requirement shows how important this credential remains throughout your educational path.
Admission Requirements
The WVU social work masters program looks at several aspects of your background when you apply. Your educational history plays a key role, but the program takes a broader view of each candidate.
The WVU MSW program welcomes students through two different paths:
For Regular Standing applicants:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution (any field)
- Minimum 2.75 overall GPA (3.0 preferred)
- Students with GPAs below 2.75 might qualify for provisional admission if their application shows other strengths
For Advanced Standing applicants:
- BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last eight years
- Minimum 2.75 overall GPA (3.0 preferred)
- We prefer a 3.25 or higher GPA in undergraduate social work courses
Your application needs these items:
- WVU Graduate Application with $75 application fee
- Official transcripts from every college or university you attended
- Current resume showing your work and volunteer experience with dates
- Three professional recommendation letters from:
- Academic reference (Advanced Standing applicants should get one from their program director)
- Social Work/Human Service Experience reference
- Employer reference
- Detailed admission essay that follows specific guidelines
International students must meet extra requirements. The English proficiency test scores should be:
- Academic IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL iBT: 79
- PTE Academic: 53
- Duolingo English Test: 105
The program reviews applications as they arrive, with three important deadlines:
- November 1: Early decision deadline (scholarship eligibility)
- February 1: Priority deadline (scholarship eligibility)
- April 15: Final deadline
The admission team reviews all parts of your application to make their decision. Current WVU BSW students can use a shorter application process – just reach out to the program directly.
The School of Social Work does not give academic credit for work or life experience. Students with provisional admission must keep a 3.0 GPA in their first semester to stay in the program.
Tuition
The WVU social work masters program requires a most important yet manageable financial investment with clear costs and several funding options. The online MSW program has a flat rate of $747 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year, whatever your residency status. Advanced Standing students need 36 credits, which costs around $26,892 in total tuition. Regular Standing students complete 60 credits at approximately $44,820 for the full degree.
Students should also plan for other educational costs:
- Books and materials: $1,500-2,000 per academic year
- Field placement expenses: $2,000-3,000 annually for transportation, professional attire, and liability insurance
- Technology requirements: One-time costs of $1,000-1,500 for adequate computer and software
Students can access financial aid through several sources. We focused on helping students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 using WVU’s federal code 003827. This opens up federal unsubsidized loans of up to $20,500 each year, with total limits of $138,500 for combined graduate and undergraduate education.
The School of Social Work provides these financial resources:
- Graduate Assistantships that cover tuition plus stipends for work
- Merit-based waivers for top academic performers
- Specialized training programs with stipends like Title IV-E Child Welfare Training
West Virginia residents could receive the prestigious Hazel Ruby McQuain Graduate Scholarship, which offers up to $20,000 yearly for two years ($40,000 total).
MSW graduates usually see positive returns within 5-7 years after graduation. Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows new MSW graduates in West Virginia can expect starting salaries between $38,000-45,000. These salaries grow substantially as graduates gain experience and specialized credentials.
WVU’s financial aid office can provide individual guidance on funding options and payment plans to help you create your financial strategy.
Additional Information
Your WVU social work masters experience goes way beyond regular coursework with detailed support systems that help students succeed. The program starts with MSW Orientation where you learn about academic expectations and available resources. Regular meetings with faculty advisors each semester help you stay on track with your academic progress and career goals.
The Eberly Writing Studio provides one-on-one consultations and workshops to boost your writing skills. A dedicated Social Work Librarian helps you navigate research databases and academic resources.
Student-led Social Work Organizations and virtual Lunch and Learn Seminars are great ways to develop professionally and earn continuing education credits. As graduation approaches, you get ready for licensure with proctored practice exams and informational workshops.
Your mental health is a priority—Carruth Counseling Center offers free services on campus and online counseling for remote students. The program has several financial support options. Graduate Assistantships cover tuition and provide stipends for on-campus students. Students can also benefit from specialized programs like the Rural Integrative Behavioral Health Training Program with $10,000 stipends and the Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program that offers in-state tuition waivers.
These resources work together to support you as you become a skilled social work professional.