Case Western MSW

The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences ranks among America’s oldest social work schools. This 108-year-old institution became one of the first social work schools to join a university system. Case Western Reserve University’s University Circle neighborhood in Cleveland houses this prestigious school, one of its six professional institutions.

U.S. News & World Report places the Mandel School among the top 4% of social work schools nationwide, making it Ohio’s top-ranked program. The school’s steadfast dedication to developing change leaders in social work spans over a century. The program proudly holds the #12 spot among U.S. social work schools.

Dean Dexter R. Voisin, PhD, LCSW leads the institution while serving as President of the National Association of Deans and Directors of Schools of Social Work. His leadership ensures students become champions of equity and meaningful change. The core team of 30 academic staff members delivers exceptional education to aspiring social workers.

The Mandel School operates 10 multidisciplinary research and training centers that specialize in different areas. Four of these centers have earned the Center of Excellence designation. These facilities are a great way to get hands-on experience with real-life challenges while enriching students’ educational journey.

Case Western Reserve University graduates excel in both job placement and advanced studies. The Class of 2024 achieved a record-breaking 91.3% knowledge rate. Most graduates – about 80% – find employment within three months after completing their studies.

The school pioneered the nation’s first competency-based curriculum approved by the Council on Social Work Education. Students become skilled at eight core social work competencies through an Ability-Based Learning Environment.

The Harris Library enriches students’ learning experience with its collection of over 30,000 volumes, making it one of the few dedicated social work libraries left in the nation. The school’s resilient infrastructure includes partnerships with more than 1,000 organizations throughout Greater Cleveland and beyond, creating an ideal environment for future social work professionals.

Programs offered

Case Western Reserve University’s Mandel School offers MSW programs in several formats that fit students’ needs and career goals. Students can choose from multiple paths to complete their degree.

The standard on-campus MSW is a 60-credit, two-year program built for students who don’t have a bachelor’s degree in social work. Students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program can take the advanced standing option. This path needs only 39 credits and takes just one year to complete.

Students can choose from two other ways to earn their MSW beyond the traditional on-campus format:

• Online MSW Program: Students get the same quality curriculum as the on-campus program with added flexibility. The 60-credit standard program takes two and a half years, while students finish the 39-credit advanced standing track in about 20 months.
• Weekend MSW Program: This option works best for professionals who need to balance their studies with work commitments.

The transformative Change Agent Intensive (CHAI) kicks off each program. This week-long immersion course helps students understand social work’s identity, history, values, and philosophy. It builds a strong foundation for their professional growth.

Students can specialize in various areas across program formats, though options vary by delivery method:

• Children, Youth and Families (available in all formats)
• Community Practice for Social Change (available in on-campus and online formats)
• Mental Health with Adults (available in all formats)
• Mental Health with Children and Adolescents (on-campus only)
• School Social Work (on-campus only)
• Substance Use Disorders and Recovery (on-campus and weekend formats)

The School Social Work path requires 72 credit hours instead of the standard 60.

Students can also combine their social work education with other fields. The school’s program in social work and nonprofit management lets students earn both an MSW and a Master of Nonprofit Organizations (MNO) in just 2.5 years.

The MSW curriculum brings together students from nursing, medicine, and other graduate disciplines through team-based learning. This shared approach prepares graduates to work well in settings with multiple disciplines.

The Mandel School’s competency-based curriculum was the first to get approval from the Council on Social Work Education. This trailblazing educational approach helps students develop knowledge and practical skills. They learn to tackle key social justice issues and build cultural awareness as professional social workers.

About the online program

Case Western Reserve University’s online MSW program combines academic excellence with digital flexibility. Students get the same rigorous education as on-campus options without campus visits. The university launched this virtual learning experience in 2013 as its first online degree program. The Mandel School’s top-10 national ranking reflects these distinguished standards.

Students follow a well-laid-out yet flexible format. Traditional students complete 60 credit hours while those with qualifying BSW degrees (advanced standing) need 39 credit hours. Weekly live classes happen through Zoom—an easy-to-use platform that works on both desktop and mobile devices. This live learning setup promotes collaboration between faculty and peers across different locations.

Small class sizes give students exceptional learning opportunities. A student-to-faculty ratio of about 12:1 helps you build strong connections with instructors who lead social work education. This tailored attention gives you the guidance you need to excel in this challenging program.

Field education remains the foundation of the Case Western MSW experience for online students. Through collaboration with over 1,000 organizations nationwide, students get meaningful in-person field placements in their local communities. Traditional students must complete 900 hours of fieldwork, while advanced standing students need 500 hours. This hands-on experience lets you apply classroom theories to ground practice immediately.

The online program offers three distinct paths to prepare you for specialized careers:

• Children, Youth and Families: Prepares you for family counseling, child welfare and related services
• Mental Health with Adults: Focuses on clinical skills for community-based mental health settings
• Community Practice for Social Change: Develops advocacy skills to address societal issues like poverty and human rights

Traditional students can complete the online MSW in about two and a half years. Advanced standing students finish in around two years. So you can advance your career while keeping your personal and professional commitments. After graduation, you’ll meet social work licensure requirements in all 50 states.

Case Western’s online MSW stands out with its fully synchronous technology. Students experience engaging virtual classrooms that mirror the school’s successful “Intensive Weekend” format. This approach combines community-based field experiences with focused academic instruction.

Accreditation

Quality education in social work programs needs proper accreditation. Case Western Reserve University’s Master of Social Work program has earned full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation. This recognition means more than just a credential – it proves the program’s excellence and shows its dedication to high educational standards.

The Case Western MSW program has a rich history. It’s an old program that ranks among America’s first accredited graduate social work programs. This 100-year track record shows the university’s unwavering focus on delivering top-tier social work education.

Students get the same quality education no matter how they choose to learn. The accreditation covers both traditional campus classes and online learning options. This consistency gives future online MSW students peace of mind about their education quality.

CSWE accreditation means a program meets or exceeds quality standards through peer review. Programs must have enough resources to achieve their goals and follow detailed Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards.

Every eight years, Case Western Reserve University MSW goes through a full assessment and external review. The program’s latest accreditation review happened in 2018, and it remains fully certified until October 2026. These regular evaluations help maintain high standards and drive continuous improvement.

CSWE accreditation brings real benefits to students. All 50 states require social workers to graduate from CSWE-accredited programs for licensure. Case Western’s MSW helps graduates meet this vital requirement for their career. Yes, it is a clear sign of program quality and graduate competence.

Case Western Reserve University also holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. This adds another layer of academic credibility.

Accreditation makes sure social work programs prepare students for real-world practice. Case Western’s long history of accreditation sets it apart in social work education. Graduates can feel confident their degree will open doors throughout their careers.

Admission Requirements

The Case Western MSW program offers a simple application process that works the same way for all delivery formats. The Mandel School maintains similar admission standards whether you choose on-campus, online, or weekend programs.

You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.7. Your undergraduate degree can come from any discipline—while social work experience helps, it’s not required. Case Western stands out from other graduate programs by not requiring GRE scores for MSW admission.

Your application package should include these key components:

• Transcripts: Submit unofficial transcripts from all institutions where you completed six or more credits. Official transcripts are only required after admission.
• Two-Part Essay: A five-page, double-spaced document addressing both your motivation to pursue an MSW and your analysis of a social justice issue.
• Resume: A current resume highlighting your professional and volunteer experiences.
• Recommendation Letters: At least one recommendation letter (two preferred) from faculty members, direct supervisors, or volunteer coordinators.

The Mandel School takes an all-encompassing approach to review applications, considering your work and lived experiences as valuable qualifications. This method recognizes that your professional potential goes beyond just academic performance.

Students whose first language isn’t English must prove their language skills through standardized tests. The minimum scores needed are: TOEFL 90 (internet-based) or 577 (paper-based), IELTS 7.0, or PTE Academic 61.

The school’s dedication to accessibility means there’s no application fee for the Case Western Reserve University MSW program [192]. This approach removes a common barrier and supports the school’s mission to advance social justice and equality.

The admissions team reviews applications continuously and usually sends decisions within 3-4 weeks. This quick response helps you plan your educational future with confidence.

Tuition

The cost of a Case Western MSW degree needs most important financial planning, but the program helps make education available to more people through strong scholarship support. Students in the 2024-2025 academic year will pay total tuition for the traditional 60-credit MSW program of $99,000, while those in the advanced standing 39-credit track pay $64,350.

The good news is that the Mandel School gives out more than $5 million each year in scholarship funding. Students who attend full-time on campus receive scholarships that average $52,000, which brings their actual tuition down to about $47,000. Students in the advanced standing program usually get around $34,000 in scholarship money.

Each program format comes with its own scholarship structure. Weekend MSW students get an automatic 35% tuition fellowship that equals $34,650 for traditional students and $22,500 for advanced standing students. Online MSW students receive a 15% tuition scholarship worth $14,850 for traditional students and $9,652.50 for advanced standing students.

The Mandel School’s field education support sets it apart from other institutions. They are the only social work school in the country that gives all on-campus, full-time MSW students a $6,000 yearly field award, paid directly as $3,000 each semester.

Students who work at workforce partner organizations can get a 50% tuition scholarship. The Leadership Fellows Program awards full-tuition scholarships to seven outstanding students yearly, and this includes the prestigious Louis Stokes Fellowship in Community and Social Development.

Students can access more than just scholarships. The university provides four payment plan options that range from one to four months. Federal student aid programs also offer low-interest loans that cover tuition, fees, books, and living costs. Veterans can reduce their tuition through Case Western’s participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Financial aid advisors are ready to help with tailored assistance and information about funding options. Many employers help pay for graduate education, and the university provides all needed documentation to process these benefits.

Additional Information

Case Western MSW program’s 96% career placement rate shows its commitment to student success. The school’s complete student support system plays a vital role in this achievement from day one through graduation.

Each student works with a dedicated Student Advancement Specialist (SAS) who guides them as a mentor and resource throughout their academic experience. This tailored support makes Case Western stand out from other social work programs since they are one of the few schools that provide this extra layer of dedicated assistance.

Student Services offers these key resources:

• Academic advising and career planning
• State licensure guidance
• Skill-building workshops
• Regular check-ins

The school creates lasting benefits for current students through strong alumni relationships. The Office of Alumni Relations and Development creates lasting connections between graduates and the Mandel School. Alumni take active roles in Career Connections Nights, Student-Alumni Network Meet and Greets, and the Alumni Mentoring Program.

Students gain valuable hands-on experience through the school’s field education network, which includes over 1,000 partner organizations throughout Northeast Ohio and the U.S.. Full-time, on-campus students receive field education awards of $6,000 for 2025-26 ($3,000 in fall and $3,000 in spring). These funds help cover expenses during this typically unpaid experience.

The Mandel School blends challenging academics with real-world experience and tailored support. This approach contributes to its graduates’ career success and the program’s standing as a leader in social work education.