University of Georgia MSW
The University of Georgia School of Social Work has been essential to social work education in Georgia since 1964. This pioneering institution was the state’s first publicly funded school of social work. Students can attend classes at 279 Williams Street in Athens, the Gwinnett campus, or through online platforms.
UGA’s School of Social Work holds a remarkable spot in national rankings. The program stands at No. 10 among public master of social work programs and ranks No. 20 overall in U.S. News and World Report. These rankings showcase the school’s steadfast dedication to excellence in education and professional training.
The school’s mission focuses on developing practitioners who respond effectively to cultural needs. These professionals tackle ongoing and new social challenges through their practice, research, and policy work. The school aims to boost human welfare and meet people’s simple needs, particularly those who are vulnerable or marginalized.
Dean Philip Hong leads a team of 40 full-time academic staff members who guide students through well-laid-out programs. The student body is diverse, with current enrollment showing 257 graduate students. Women make up 89.9% of MSW graduates, while racial-ethnic minorities represent 38.2%.
UGA graduates work in schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, senior centers, elected offices, private practices, prisons, corporations, and agencies that serve families in need. Students gain ground experience through practicum internships that equip them to become skilled and innovative practitioners.
Students who want a global viewpoint can study, research, and serve in international communities. These opportunities help them gain broader knowledge and strengthen their skills to work in different settings.
The school’s building sits next to the university’s North Campus. This location gives students easy access to UGA’s resources while maintaining their own space for social work education.
Students get both intensive academic training and hands-on field experience. The program’s full CSWE accreditation means graduates meet Georgia’s educational requirements to become licensed social workers.
Programs offered
The University of Georgia’s MSW programs cater to different student needs and career goals. U.S. News and World Report ranks these programs No. 10 among public master of social work programs and No. 20 overall. Students can choose flexible paths that lead to advanced social work practice.
Students at UGA progress through their coursework in cohorts. This approach helps them build strong professional networks as they study with the same group of peers. The program options match specific student requirements:
- Athens Campus Full-Time: A traditional 2-year program with daytime in-person classes
- Athens Campus Advanced Standing: An accelerated 11-month option if you have a BSW degree from CSWE-accredited programs
- Gwinnett Campus Extended-Time: A 3 or 4-year program with evening in-person classes
- Online Extended-Time: A 3-year program with asynchronous online classes
UGA’s three specializations give students distinct career paths, though availability depends on the program format:
- Micro Practice: This specialization heads over to work with individuals, families, and groups in various settings. You can become a school social worker, counselor, substance abuse social worker, child and family social worker, or medical social worker. All program formats offer this specialization.
- Macro Practice: The focus lies on organizational leadership, community organizing, and policy practice. Students can only access this at the Athens campus.
- Integrated Practice: This option merges micro and macro practice approaches. Athens campus students can exclusively access this specialization.
Extended-Time and Online programs only offer the Micro practice specialization. Students gain skills needed to take professional leadership positions and can become Independent Licensed Social Workers with options to start private practices.
UGA’s core MSW program opens doors to specialized education paths. Students can pursue dual master degrees in public health (MSW/MPH) and law (MSW/JD). They can also earn certificates in substance use counseling, nonprofit management and leadership, and gerontology.
Practicum internships are essential to graduate social work education. Students must complete their field placements in Georgia. Online program students need to complete 60 credit hours of graduate study—44 credit hours come from online coursework and 16 credit hours from practicum education.
The Master of Social Work program meets all educational requirements to get social work licensing in Georgia and many other states. Graduates gain knowledge and skills in advanced practice, cultural competence, and show steadfast dedication to social and economic justice—values that both the School and profession uphold.
About the online program
UGA launched Georgia’s first fully online Master of Social Work degree program in Fall 2020. The program enables students to pursue advanced social work education while maintaining their work-life balance. It meets a crucial need by preparing qualified social workers to serve rural communities and medically underserved areas.
Georgia residents pursuing social work careers will find the program carefully designed to meet their specific needs. Social work jobs are expected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, which outpaces average job growth in other fields. Healthcare social work positions should maintain this growth rate through 2032.
Students enjoy a flexible and convenient learning experience. They can complete most coursework online, except for field internships. The program uses a cohort model where students move through their studies together and build a supportive community online. Students can easily connect with faculty through virtual office hours, just like traditional in-person meetings.
UGA’s PrOSEAD philosophy guides the curriculum. It emphasizes social justice through evidence-based practice, advocacy tools, and diversity celebration by addressing power and oppression in society. This framework recognizes how power and resources have been distributed among different populations, both historically and today.
The program requires 60 credit hours – 44 from online courses and 16 from practicum education. The practicum includes:
- Generalist year: 312 combined hours (72 in fall semester, 240 in spring semester) with integrating seminar
- Specialization year: 600 hours of supervised practicum education
Students don’t need GRE scores or a thesis to apply. They must complete their field practicum at Georgia agencies, whatever their state of residence. Most placement sites require background checks and/or drug testing.
Graduates meet all educational requirements to become licensed social workers in Georgia and many other states. The Micro specialization focus prepares them to work with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings.
The program started in 2020 and bridges a vital gap in social work education throughout Georgia. It opens doors to professional growth for students who can’t attend campus-based programs because of location, work, or personal commitments.
Accreditation
Quality education in social work programs nationwide depends on accreditation. The University of Georgia School of Social Work has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which serves as the only accrediting organization for social work education in the United States. This credential confirms that UGA’s MSW programs, both on-campus and online, meet the highest standards of excellence.
UGA became one of the first social work schools in the country to receive accreditation under new CSWE standards. These standards require programs to meet ten core competencies that are vital to social work practice. This achievement shows UGA’s dedication to excellence and innovation in social work education.
The accreditation trip started in 2007 with a complete self-study of BSW and MSW programs. A site visit team met with school members and university leaders after the internal assessment. The team ended up identifying ten program strengths without raising any concerns about UGA’s social work programs.
The Commission on Accreditation found that UGA met all CSWE’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. Both bachelor’s and master’s level social work programs received an eight-year accreditation renewal. This extended period demonstrates the program’s exceptional quality and alignment with national standards.
CSWE accreditation brings great benefits to students pursuing an MSW at Georgia. Students receive education that meets nationally recognized standards for social work practice. Many employers require graduates to come from CSWE-accredited programs. The accreditation will give a solid foundation in core social work values like justice, dignity, human relations, integrity, and competence.
Advanced standing applicants must have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. This requirement helps ensure all students start with similar foundational knowledge.
Georgia’s MSW program meets all educational requirements for social work licensing in the state. Graduates can take licensing examinations right after completion. CSWE-accredited programs prepare social workers for licensing exams while developing professionals who can help communities solve complex problems.
U.S. News and World Report ranks UGA’s program #10 among public MSW programs and #20 overall. This recognition shows that UGA goes beyond meeting basic accreditation standards to deliver excellence in social work education.
Admission Requirements
Getting into the University of Georgia MSW programs means meeting specific criteria whatever format you choose. You must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution in any major. The admissions committee looks at your overall application strength rather than specific undergraduate majors.
Your application package needs these key components:
- Online Graduate School application
- Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended (official versions required after acceptance)
- A personal narrative that explains why you want to pursue social work
- Resumé showing your human service experience
- Three letters of recommendation (at least one academic reference works best)
- Application fee: $75 for first application, $25 for each additional application
The good news is that GRE test scores aren’t required for UGA’s MSW programs. You should submit them only if you think they show more academic potential.
Advanced Standing status has these extra requirements:
- BSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- Degree earned within five years of starting the MSW program
- Minimum 3.2 GPA in undergraduate social work courses
You might still qualify for Advanced Standing if you earned your BSW within ten years and worked in settings with MSW staff and professional learning experiences.
The priority deadline usually falls in early January, with standard deadlines in mid-March. Students seeking assistantships and international applicants should apply by the priority deadline. The school reviews late applications based on available space.
The online MSW program accepts applications until July 1st as space allows. You need to choose your preferred campus (Athens, Gwinnett, or Online) and specialization path in your application.
UGA’s application process shows its steadfast dedication to finding students who combine academic potential with hands-on experience in a variety of environments.
Tuition
Your investment in a University of Georgia education will bring valuable returns throughout your career. Understanding the financial commitment is a vital part of your decision as a prospective MSW student.
UGA is one of the nation’s best values in higher education. The university provides quality education at competitive rates. MSW program tuition rates depend on your residency status and enrollment type. Georgia residents in the full-time MSW program pay $4,945 per semester or $412 per credit hour for part-time study. Out-of-state students pay higher rates at $14,179 per semester full-time or $1,182 per credit hour part-time.
The online MSW program uses UGA’s E-Rate designation. Students who complete this program at the recommended pace will pay about $38,700 in total tuition, based on 2024-25 credit hour costs. Online program students also pay technology fees of $422 per semester.
Graduate students should plan their budget around direct and indirect expenses. Direct costs include tuition and fees paid to UGA. Indirect costs cover housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses. Graduate students typically spend $758 each year on books, course materials, supplies, and equipment.
The Office of Student Financial Aid website provides a complete cost breakdown for both on-campus and off-campus options. Georgia resident graduate students living off-campus can expect a total cost of $35,532 for 2025-26. Non-resident costs total $56,724.
MSW students have many funding options available through departmental, institutional, state, federal, and external sources. Students should explore all potential funding sources. The Bursar’s Office website offers an Estimated Cost Calculator to help determine precise academic year expenses.
Additional Information
The University of Georgia School of Social Work builds a thriving community that focuses on professional growth and social justice, going beyond just academic programs. Students can access great academic resources like the Writing Center, Center for Teaching and Learning, and specialized libraries.
The MSW degree offers excellent career prospects. The class of 2024 achieved an impressive 94% Career Outcomes Rate. Previous graduating classes showed strong results too – 79% of graduates quickly found full-time jobs, while others chose to continue their education (7%) or take internships (3%).
MSW graduates succeed in a variety of settings. They work in hospitals, mental health centers, schools, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Many become therapists, case managers, school social workers, and clinical counselors. The career outlook looks bright since social work is listed on Georgia’s State Workforce Development Board High Demand Career List.
Student organizations and social justice events provide plenty of chances to get involved during your studies. The school values student wellness and provides resources to help you maintain a healthy balance during your academic journey.
Graduates become part of a strong network of over 5,500 living UGA Social Work alumni. This community stays connected through alumni groups and professional networks that help advance your career long after graduation.