16 Top CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs

Looking for CSWE accredited MSW programs? The options might surprise you. Only 324 CSWE-accredited master’s programs exist in the United States, and they’re not evenly spread across the country. California leads with 27 schools offering these programs, while states like Nebraska and Rhode Island have just one program each.

The right program can make or break your social work career. CSWE accreditation ensures your education meets quality standards and gives you the competencies you need for professional practice. This matters even more in today’s ever-changing field of social work, where jobs are expected to grow by 6% between 2024-2034. This guide covers 16 top options in both traditional and online CSWE-accredited MSW programs to help you choose the best path for your future.

What is CSWE Accreditation and Why Does it Matter

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the leading accreditation authority for social work education in the United States. A CSWE accreditation stamp sets quality social work programs apart from those that don’t meet strict educational standards.

CSWE assesses programs through specific criteria such as curriculum design, faculty qualifications, program resources, and student outcomes. Programs must complete detailed self-studies and host peer reviewer visits. Regular assessment ensures they maintain excellence in education.

Your career path can benefit greatly from CSWE accreditation. Most states won’t grant social work licenses without a degree from a CSWE-accredited program. This credential is crucial, particularly for clinical roles. Employers also favor graduates from accredited schools because they know these candidates are ready for professional duties.

On top of that, CSWE-accredited programs give you guaranteed field education experiences—the core of social work training with supervised ground practice. These internships need 900+ hours of hands-on experience, so you can use your classroom knowledge in real situations.

Financial aid options become more accessible too. Students in CSWE-accredited programs can tap into specific scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs. Federal Title IV financial aid and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program are available to these students.

CSWE accreditation will give a standardized curriculum built around nine core competencies. These include ethical practice, diversity awareness, policy navigation, and evidence-based interventions. Employers know exactly what skills and knowledge you’ve gained from your education.

Each program featured in this guide meets these strict CSWE standards. You can be confident that your educational investment will prepare you for licensing and a successful career in social work.

Syracuse University

A Master of Social Work degree helps you realize the full potential of your career in clinical settings, human services, and advocacy organizations. Syracuse University’s outstanding MSW program blends rigorous academics with hands-on field experience.

Concentrations

Syracuse offers two specialized concentrations for MSW students. The Advanced Clinical Practice concentration prepares you for careers as mental health clinicians and licensed clinical social workers (LCSW). This path emphasizes diagnosis and psychotherapy in inpatient and outpatient settings. The Advanced Integrated Practice concentration gives you the skills needed for direct practice and leadership roles in complex human service organizations. Many graduates lead non-profit organizations, help patients navigate healthcare systems, conduct social research, or make adoptions easier.

Online format

The online MSW program matches the on-campus version’s curriculum content. Students without a social work bachelor’s degree can complete the 60-credit curriculum in as few as 36 months. Students with a bachelor’s in social work can take the Advanced Standing track and complete 36 credits in as few as 24 months. Both tracks use a 15-week structure with 14 weeks of instruction and a week of exams. Students can start the program at three points during the year – January, May, and August.

Admission requirements

The program prefers a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. You need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Your application should include unofficial transcripts from all postsecondary institutions, a resume, three recommendation letters, and a personal essay (600-800 words). Advanced Standing applicants must have earned their BSW in the last 10 years.

Tuition

The 2025-2026 tuition rate is $1,196 per credit hour. The total cost reaches $71,760 for the 60-credit MSW program. Students in the 36-credit Advanced Standing program pay $43,056. You can explore several financing options including Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (up to $20,500 per academic year), Federal Direct PLUS Loans, and private loans.

Howard University

Howard University’s School of Social Work is the top social work program in Washington, D.C. and ranks #12 nationally according to U.S. News & World Report. Since 1935, this historically Black university has built an MSW program that combines academic excellence with meaningful social change.

Program focus

The Black Perspective philosophy guides Howard’s curriculum. This approach looks at how oppression, self-determination, and culture affect service delivery to individuals and communities. Students can choose between two practice areas. The first focuses on direct practice with individuals, families, and small groups. The second concentrates on community, administration, and policy (CAP) practice to create system-level change. Students also have access to valuable dual degree options that combine MSW with MBA, MDiv, or MPH programs.

Online delivery

Students in the online MSW program receive the same high-quality education as their on-campus peers. The program offers two paths. The Traditional MSW requires 60 credits and takes 16 months full-time or 36 months part-time. BSW holders can choose the Advanced Standing option with 45 credits, completing it in 8 months full-time or 16 months part-time. Weekly live sessions create an interactive learning environment where students work closely with peers and instructors.

Tuition and aid

The 2025-2026 academic year sets tuition at $1,288 per credit hour. Traditional students pay $77,280 for the complete program, while advanced standing students invest $38,640. Additional costs include a $464 annual grad fee and $185 professional development fee each semester. Students can access various financial support options including merit-based scholarships, graduate assistantships, and federal loans (Stafford and GRADplus).

Best for

Howard’s program shines brightest for students who care deeply about social justice, especially when working with Black and marginalized communities. The program creates leaders who can reshape oppressive systems while staying true to the principles of inclusion, critical thinking, and community growth.

Adelphi University

Adelphi University has educated social service professionals for over 70 years. Their CSWE-accredited MSW program shows remarkable results—more than 90% of graduates secure employment within a year of graduation.

Health lifespan focus

The MSW program blends theoretical study with hands-on training to prepare students for careers in healthcare settings of all types. Students learn through experience backed by academic theory, with a curriculum that promotes anti-oppressive practice and social justice. Career opportunities await graduates in hospitals, medical clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and hospices.

Part-time format

Students can complete the 64-credit part-time MSW program in three years while maintaining their personal and professional lives. The program features weekly online sessions every Thursday evening (6:30-9:50 p.m. ET), combining live and asynchronous learning. Students must attend virtual residencies twice a year during August and January, each lasting two to four days.

Admission process

A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale is required for admission. Candidates need to submit two recommendation letters, a personal essay, and official transcripts from previous institutions. The program values paid or volunteer human service experience but doesn’t require it. The GRE requirement has been waived.

Tuition

Tuition costs $1,035 per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year. The 61-credit standard MSW program totals $63,135, while the 31-credit Advanced Standing option costs $32,085. Accepted students must pay a $200 deposit.

Boise State University

Boise State University’s fully accredited MSW program delivers outstanding results. Their students’ licensing pass rates are 10% higher than the national average.

Clinical practice focus

The program will prepare you to work with individuals, families, and communities in advanced social work practice. You’ll develop skills in clinical work, organization, and policy that help create social justice, advance equity, and make lives better. Your coursework focuses on professional direct practice across various system sizes. This approach helps you create interventions that make life better for individuals and families.

Online structure

You can complete all coursework online while gaining hands-on experience through field placements in your community. The program offers two paths: a Standard MSW (61 credits) if you don’t have a social work bachelor’s degree, and an Advanced Standing MSW (37 credits) if you have a CSWE-accredited BSW. Full-time students finish the Standard program in two years, while part-time students usually need three years. Students in the Advanced Standing track can graduate in three semesters full-time or less than two years part-time.

Admission requirements

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree with a preferred minimum 3.0 GPA. The application package should include your personal statement, resume, three recommendation letters, and a background check. If you’re applying for Advanced Standing, your BSW should be from the last five years. The program also accepts BSWs from the last ten years with substantial post-graduation experience.

Boise State MSW tuition

Each credit costs $565 without any extra out-of-state tuition or online fees. Students can easily access financial aid and payment plans.

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville University’s CSWE-accredited MSW program combines academic excellence with Christian servant leadership to create a unique faith-based approach to social work education.

Clinical and addiction tracks

Students can choose from four specialized tracks at Campbellsville that prepare them for different practice settings. The Clinical track builds expertise in psychopharmacology, change theory, and theories of social work practice—perfect for students who want mental health careers. Students interested in clinical drug and alcohol counseling licensure will benefit from the Substance Use Disorder track, which features specialized courses in addictions. The program stands out by offering Faith-Based and Forensic tracks that give you the skills to ethically integrate spirituality in practice or work effectively in criminal justice contexts.

Online format

Students can complete their coursework asynchronously through the online MSW program while gaining field experience. The program requires a 450-hour practicum in an approved setting under a licensed supervisor. Students learn through a person-in-environment framework with a trauma-informed focus. Working professionals can choose between full-time or part-time formats.

Tuition

Students pay $624 per credit hour. Campbellsville ranks as the No. 2 in Kentucky and No. 6 in the South for the lowest rate of student debt. Students can access financial aid through FAFSA-based assistance, scholarships, and grants.

Best for

Military members can benefit from the Yellow Ribbon program. Graduates typically work as clinical social workers, substance abuse counselors, healthcare social workers, and faith-based practitioners.

Delaware State University

Delaware State University (DSU) is the only provider of CSWE-accredited MSW education in Delaware. The university offers a complete graduate program that prepares future social work professionals.

Advanced generalist focus

DSU’s program concentrates on advanced generalist practice. This focus helps students work effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The program takes a comprehensive approach instead of offering multiple specializations. Students gain skills to practice at every system level. Foundation courses teach essential concepts about human behavior, social policies, research, and field practicum. Students then build on these core skills through advanced courses that show how to apply them in different practice settings.

Online delivery

Students can choose between two program formats. The program lets you complete coursework online with no campus visits. Another option combines online and campus-based learning in a hybrid format. Both paths share similar field education requirements—500 hours for advanced standing students and 900 hours for full-program students. The main difference shows up in course length. Hybrid courses run for 16 weeks, while online courses take eight weeks to complete.

Admission requirements

You’ll need these items to apply:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum 3.0 GPA preferred
• Three recommendation letters from professors or professionals
• Personal essay
• Advanced standing needs a CSWE-accredited BSW earned in the last 5 years with 3.0+ GPA

PennWest Global Online

PennWest Global Online’s MSW program has earned CSWE accreditation with its focus on trauma-informed practice and family-centered approaches. The Department of Social Work has full accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Trauma-informed practice

The program’s curriculum focuses on trauma-informed family social work practice. Students learn to understand how policy, diversity, trauma history, and family dynamics work together. You’ll develop skills to participate in, assess, intervene, and review clients using trauma-informed principles. We trained graduates to handle professional, trauma-informed, family-centered practice in settings of all types.

Online format

PennWest has two fully online MSW programs available: a traditional two-year program (60 credits) and an advanced standing one-year program. Both programs use asynchronous instruction, so you can complete your coursework whenever it fits your schedule. Students in the traditional program must complete 900 hours of field education split between two internships (400 and 500 hours). Advanced standing students need 500 hours. Field placements require 18 hours each week during fall and spring quarters.

Tuition

Out-of-state students pay about $568 per credit hour, which comes to $34,080 for the complete 60-credit program. In-state students pay less at $516 per credit hour, totaling $30,960 for the full program. Students in the advanced standing program pay less because it requires fewer credits.

Florida State University

Florida State University has had one of the nation’s most respected CSWE-accredited online MSW programs for more than 20 years. Students enjoy flexibility without compromising their education quality.

Part-time structure

The university’s part-time online MSW program specializes in Clinical Social Work concentration. Students learn through asynchronous instruction, so they don’t need to log in at specific times. Traditional track students complete 61 credit hours over three years spanning nine semesters. Advanced standing students need 39 credit hours and usually finish in two years or six semesters. Students following the traditional path must attend two mandatory weekend workshops at the Tallahassee campus. These workshops help develop clinical skills before field placement begins.

Admission requirements

The program no longer needs GRE scores for admission. Traditional track applicants should have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any field. Advanced standing applicants must hold a CSWE-accredited BSW earned within the last seven years. Both paths require students to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in upper-division courses. Additional requirements include a statement of purpose, resume, recommendation letters, and a $30 application fee.

Tuition

Florida residents pay $444 per credit hour, while non-residents pay $625. The complete 61-credit traditional program costs about $27,084 for state residents and $38,125 for non-residents. Advanced standing students pay less since they only need 39 credits.

Indiana University

Indiana University offers a CSWE accredited MSW program that blends clinical expertise with community practice skills. Working professionals looking to advance their careers will find this program among the best CSWE-accredited online MSW options available.

Clinical and community practice

The IU MSW curriculum will give you the skills needed for both micro and macro-level practice through its “clinical and community practice” concentration. Students become skilled at working throughout social work’s continuum through this advanced generalist approach. You can specialize in five key areas: military social work, e-social work, telebehavioral health, mental health, and addictions. The program’s partnership with Community Health Network, known as the Behavioral Health Academy™, lets you pursue dual licensure as both an LCSW and LCAC in Indiana.

Online format

IU’s MSW Direct stands out by letting students progress at their own pace instead of following a cohort model. Students can choose between two online paths: a 60-credit traditional program that takes two years full-time or 3-4 years part-time, and a 41-credit advanced standing track for BSW holders. Students must complete 960 hours divided across two practicums. The program’s five-year completion window provides excellent flexibility for professionals balancing work and studies.

Tuition

Each campus location has different tuition rates, and graduate students pay per credit hour. Students can access fellowships, student academic appointments, and traditional financial aid. MSW students who need help understanding their accounts or finding financial awards can reach out to their financial aid office.

Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University’s School of Social Work is one of the region’s oldest social work education programs. Since 1937, it has delivered quality graduate education. The CSWE-accredited MSW program combines challenging academics with hands-on field experience in a flexible format.

Child and youth services

LSU gives currently enrolled MSW students a specialized focus in Children & Youth Services. This specialization tackles one of social work’s largest professional fields. Children are an exceptionally vulnerable population who need specialized protection, which makes this work a high social priority. Students who choose this specialization must complete nine elective credit hours that center on practice with children and youth. They also need field placements where children’s needs make up at least 50% of services. Students can choose from courses like Direct Practice with Children and Adolescents, Social Work Practice in Schools, and specialized Child/Family courses.

Online structure

LSU’s online MSW breaks from traditional semester formats by using intensive 7-week modules with six annual start dates. Students can complete coursework at their own pace with guided deadlines through an asynchronous program. A full-time student typically graduates in about 2 years, while part-time students finish in 3.5-4 years. Brief 1-2 week breaks between modules complement this year-round format. Field education remains the basis of LSU’s program, and students complete their placements in their local communities.

Admission process

Students need a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA to qualify. They should complete at least 12 credit hours in social/behavioral sciences, 9 hours in humanities, and earn a “C” or better in a statistics course. The application package must include a letter of intent, current resume, official transcripts, and three recommendation letters from academic or professional references.

Our Lady of the Lake University

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) stands out as one of just three MSW programs nationwide that specializes in serving the Hispanic community. The university’s prestigious Worden School of Social Service offers a CSWE-accredited MSW program with flexible pathways that match different student needs.

Program overview

Students can choose between two program options. The 57-credit Foundation Program suits those with non-social work bachelor’s degrees and takes just over three years to complete. BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can opt for the 30-credit Advanced Standing track, which takes less than two years. The curriculum focuses on developing service leaders and advanced practitioners who work with Hispanic children and families. Graduates can build rewarding careers in organizations of all sizes across the country.

Online format

Working professionals will appreciate the program’s fully asynchronous structure. Classes run for seven weeks without mandatory login times, which gives students maximum flexibility. The program requires no campus visits. Students must complete field education hours at approved local agencies. Foundation students need 950 hours (450 foundational, 500 advanced), while advanced standing students complete 500 hours.

Tuition

The 2025-2026 tuition rate is $991 per credit hour. Students in the Advanced Standing Program can expect to invest $29,730, while the Foundation Program costs about $56,487. OLLU’s per-course tuition of $2,973 costs by a lot less than the $4,330 average at similar online institutions.

Texas State University

Texas State University offers a CSWE-accredited MSW program that stands out for its focus on leadership and practice skills. The program helps professionals serve diverse populations through public services.

Advanced practice leadership

The Advanced Practice Leadership curriculum combines direct practice with administrative coursework seamlessly. Students become ethical and effective social workers who lead positive change with cultural awareness. The program helps students develop valuable skills for both hands-on and administrative roles while they learn current social work trends and cross-disciplinary approaches. Many distinguished alumni have become recognized social work leaders at state, national, and global levels.

Online delivery

The online program offers the same curriculum and textbooks as the campus version, and core faculty teach all courses. Students can choose between two tracks: Advanced Standing track with 36 credit hours for recent CSWE-accredited BSW graduates, and Foundation track with 62 credit hours for non-BSW degree holders. The program accommodates both part-time students who typically finish in 2-4 years and full-time students who complete their degree in 1.5-2.5 years. Traditional students must complete 900 hours of field education, while advanced standing students need 540 hours.

Admission requirements

Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Required materials include:

• Completed online application with $55 fee ($90 for international applicants)
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended
• Resume/CV (maximum two pages)
• Statement of purpose
• Interview

University of Alaska Anchorage

Alaska’s size creates unique challenges for social work education. The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) meets these challenges through its CSWE-accredited MSW program. This program caters to the state’s communities of all types.

Advanced generalist focus

The advanced generalist concentration at UAA matches Alaska’s complex needs in remote, rural, and small metropolitan communities. Social workers here often serve as their only professionals in agencies or regions. They must take on multiple roles in direct, organizational, and community practice. The curriculum has five essential sequences: social work practice, policy, human behavior, research, and field practicum. We designed this approach to prepare graduates for clinical practice, policy work, and leadership positions. UAA graduates have shown excellent results. Their first-time Licensed Clinical Social Worker exam takers achieved a 96% pass rate in 2022.

Online format

The program is 100% distance-delivered and available for students who live in Alaska. It employs both synchronous and asynchronous technologies. Blackboard and Zoom help facilitate video conferencing. MSW classes meet at set times each week from 5:00-6:45pm and 7:00-8:45pm. Students can pick full-time or part-time study options. They can complete the program in as little as 12 months depending on their track. Field practicums let students gain hands-on experience at community agencies throughout Alaska.

Tuition

Graduate courses will cost $528 per credit hour for residents in 2025-2026. All admitted MSW students can get resident tuition rates whatever their location in Alaska. The traditional MSW (62 credits) costs about $31,806. The Advanced Standing MSW (31-35 credits) runs around $15,903. Students might qualify for additional tuition benefits through the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education program.

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s MSW program holds CSWE accreditation and gives students flexibility to attend classes on the main campus or complete their degree entirely online.

Program structure

Students need 60 credit hours of graduate work to complete UALR’s curriculum. This includes 32 foundation hours, 22 concentration hours, and six elective hours. Advanced-standing students can complete their degree with just 43 hours. The program spans two academic years – foundation and concentration. The foundation year builds core social work knowledge that applies to settings of all types. The concentration year then helps students develop advanced practice skills in specialized areas.

UALR MSW online format

Students in the online program learn mostly through asynchronous classes, though some courses may require real-time participation. We designed the online program to accommodate both full-time students who finish in two years and part-time students who graduate in three years. While coursework happens virtually, students must complete their internships in person. The online program currently limits students to the Advanced Direct Practice concentration, while campus-based students have more options to choose from.

UALR MSW tuition

The program’s internship requirements are substantial. Foundation year students spend about two days each week at their internship sites throughout the academic year. This commitment increases to three days weekly during the concentration year.

University of Texas at Arlington

University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has a top-ranked CSWE accredited MSW program that students find affordable and convenient with flexible study options. The program prepares graduates for one of the most promising career fields that will see a 16% increase in jobs.

Direct practice tracks

UTA’s Advanced/Specialty Year features five specialty tracks. Students can pick from four micro-focused specialties:

• Direct Practice in Health – This track gives you the skills to communicate treatment options, help during crisis situations, and support patients
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse – Students learn assessment and intervention techniques
• Children and Families – Students gain skills to work in schools, child protective services, and related settings
• Aging – Students learn to create effective interventions for older adults and their caregivers

Online format

BSW graduates who qualify for advanced standing complete 38 credit hours, while non-BSW graduates need 61 hours. The program lets students choose between full-time and part-time options. Students get hands-on experience at one of 800+ partner agencies. Traditional students complete 960 hours over two placements, and advanced standing students finish one 480-hour practicum.

Admission requirements

Students should have a minimum 3.0 GPA from their last 60 hours of study. The GRE becomes mandatory with a minimum score of 1000 for students with lower GPAs. The program only accepts new students in fall.

Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University prepares social work professionals to serve rural communities that need them most. The university offers a CSWE-accredited MSW program that blends theory with hands-on skills.

Program overview

WKU’s MSW program focuses on advanced rural community practice and helps meet the workforce needs of family service agencies. Students can choose between two paths: a Traditional Program (60 semester hours) open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree, and an Advanced Standing Program (30 semester hours) designed for BSW graduates from accredited programs. Both paths need students to complete SWRK 661 as a capstone course and pass the Practice Readiness Exam. Graduates become well-rounded practitioners who can work effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Online format

Students can finish the online MSW in two years. Web classes run on Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 CST. The program needs students to attend one orientation session at the Bowling Green campus, with no other campus visits required. Students learn through an Advanced Generalist curriculum that centers on Rural Social Work Practice. The program includes 900 hours of hands-on field education.

Tuition

Graduate assistants get excellent financial support. The University pays the out-of-state and international tuition during appointment periods. Many assistants also receive coverage for their resident tuition portions. Students can access various funding options, including federal work-study positions on and off campus.

Start Your Social Work Journey Today

Your social work career advancement starts with picking the right CSWE-accredited MSW program. This piece shows you programs with unique specializations. Syracuse University offers clinical practice while Howard features its distinctive Black Perspective philosophy. These programs come in different formats – fully online, hybrid, or part-time. This flexibility helps you balance your education with life’s demands.

Program costs vary quite a bit. Boise State charges $565 per credit while other options cost over $1,000 per credit hour. In spite of that, schools provide financial aid packages, scholarships, and payment plans to help manage costs. BSW holders can complete their degree faster and cheaper through advanced standing tracks.

Field education is the foundation of all CSWE-accredited programs, whatever the format. You’ll develop your skills through supervised practice that takes 500-960 hours based on your program track.

Look beyond just rankings and cost while picking your program. Think about which specialty matches your career goals – clinical practice, community organization, addiction counseling, or work with specific groups. The program’s flexibility matters too, along with where required residencies are located and what you need to get in.

CSWE accreditation will give a degree that meets professional standards recognized by licensing boards across the country. This credential lets you pursue clinical licensure. Employers know exactly what your education means.

You now have a complete picture of top CSWE-accredited MSW programs. This knowledge helps you make smart choices that fit your professional dreams, personal situation, and long-term career goals in this ever-changing field of social work.