Social work is best described as assistance with life. Helping people is the driving purpose for Social Workers; individuals provide counseling, accountability and access to resources to assist people and help them to function the best they can in their environment. This can include direct services or therapy on an individual basis or working for a larger-scale change to improve social conditions. Social workers are driven by their passion; passion to relieve pain and anxiety, passion to reduce human suffering, passion to see another individual turn their life around and start thriving. It is one of the most rewarding professions and it brings about genuine change in the lives of those with need. Successful careers in this field require a college degree and a Masters in Social Work (MSW) opens up more opportunities and variety within the field. Achieving a master’s degree demonstrates skills, knowledge and persistence to become a prominent member of the industry. Popular and gratifying social work employment opportunities for MSW professionals include: Medical Social Worker, Substance Abuse Counselor, Child Welfare Case Worker, School Social Worker, and Clincal Mental Health Social Worker.
A Masters of Social Work degree can take two years to complete full-time; there are several careers in addition to those listed above that are open to MSW graduates. Such opportunities as nursing home directors, hospice workers, college professor, and prison social workers. Each of these career paths comes with its own sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Among post-graduate degree programs, social work offers some of the most diverse set of job opportunities in meaningful areas that bring a high level of satisfaction.
Methodology: The criteria for this ranking was based on student-faculty ratio, enrollment figures and percentage of students enrolled online. Net cost was considered, but not as a primary criterion. Any ties were decided based on online enrollment.
- Total enrollment (30%)
- % of students enrolled online (30%)
- Student-to-faculty ratio (30%)
- Net overall cost of the program (10%)
50. Portland State University
SourcePortland State University is a four-year, public, research university located in the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon. Known as Oregon’s most affordable public research university, the institution’s main mission is to “let knowledge serve the city.” Offering over 200 degree programs, the University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and comprises several colleges and schools. These include the College of the Arts; the Maseeh College of Engineering & Computer Science; the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences; the College of Urban & Public Affairs; The School of Business; the Graduate School of Education; the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health; the School of Social Work; and the University Honors College. Portland State University takes its reputation seriously, operating with a mission to pursue “excellence through: Accessibility; innovation; collaboration; engagement; sustainability; transformation.”
Program Details
Portland State University offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) through its online division, PSU Online. Available 90% online, the degree program is designed to be completed in as little as three years and is taught by the faculty members of the University’s School of Social Work. A 78-credit-hour program, the MSW is grounded in the School’s commitment to “advance social justice and equity”. The core curriculum includes courses such as Skills for the Helping Process; Social Welfare History and Policy; Advocacy and Empowerment; Social Justice in Social Work; Societal, Community, and Organizational Structures and Processes; Human Development Thru the Lifespan; and more. Students of the program also benefit from the Portland State School of Social Work’s nationally recognized research and training centers which bring cutting-edge expertise to enhance the academic experience. These include the Center for Improvement of Child and Family Services; the Regional Research Institute for Human Services; and the Center for Interdisciplinary Mentoring Research.
Admissions
49. San Jose State University
SourceSan Jose State University is a major comprehensive public university and the oldest public institution of higher education in the West. Located on a 154-acre campus in downtown San Jose, California, the University is located midway between San Francisco and the Monterey/Carmel area. The University’s mission is to “enrich the lives of its students, to transmit knowledge to its students along with the necessary skills for applying it in the service of our society, and to expand the base of knowledge through research and scholarship.” Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the University offers approximately 150 areas of study through its several colleges. These include the College of Applied Sciences and Arts; the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business; the Connie L. Lurie College of Education; the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering; the College of Humanities and the Arts; the College of International and Extended Studies; the College of Science; and the College of Social Sciences.
Program Details
San Jose State University offers a Master of Social Work through its School of Social Work. A Graduate professional education in advanced generalist social work practice, the program is designed to prepare graduates for advanced practice and leadership in one of three major fields of practice: aging; health/mental health; and children, youth, and families. Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the program’s curriculum “emphasizes the application of skills in those areas of practice where the need for social workers in the next decade will be the greatest in the state of California.” Typically a traditional, on-campus program, San Jose State University also offers the Master of Social Work (MSW) as an Online/Hybrid program which requires continuous part-time enrollment and can be completed in as little as two years.
48. Fordham University
SourceFordham University is a private, Jesuit, Catholic university located Bronx, New York. A four-year, nonprofit, research institution, Fordham University began in 1841 and is founded upon three ideas: to strive for excellence in everything you do; to care for others; to fight for justice. In its mission statement, the University declares its commitment to “discovery of Wisdom and the transmission of Learning, through research and through undergraduate, graduate and professional education of the highest quality.” This mission statement continues, “Guided by its Catholic and Jesuit traditions, Fordham fosters the intellectual, moral and religious development of its students and prepares them for leadership in a global society.” Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Fordham University offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the Fordham College at Rose Hill; Fordham College at Lincoln Center; Gabelli School of Business; Fordham School of Professional and Continuing Studies; Graduate School of Arts and Sciences; Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education; Graduate School of Education; Graduate School of Social Service; and the School of Law.
Program Details
Fordham University offers an Online Master of Social Work program through the Fordham Graduate School of Social Service. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to practice effectively across social work contexts. Available as either a traditional online Master of Social Work (MSW) or an advanced standing online MSW, the latter program is available to students who have already earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or have completed the first year of a CSWE-accredited MSW program. Students of both program options are able to individualize their degree, choosing from four areas of focus including individuals and families; organizations and community; evaluation; and policy practice and advocacy.
47. Indiana University
SourceIndiana University is a four-year, multi-campus, public research institution and Indiana’s premier urban research university. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, the University operates multiple campuses across Indiana including IU Bloomington; IUPUI (Indianapolis), unique partnership between Indiana University and Purdue University; IUPUC (Columbus); IU East (Richmond); IU Fort Wayne; IU Kokomo; IU Northwest (GARY); IU South Bend; IU Southeast (New Albany); and IU Online which offers 100 online academic programs and hundreds of online classes. A world leader in professional, medical, and technological education, Indiana University is firmly grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The University’s mission is to” provide broad access to undergraduate and graduate education for students throughout Indiana, the United States, and the world, as well as outstanding academic and cultural programs and student services.” Its vision is to “be one of the great research universities of the 21st century and to be the preeminent institution of higher education in Indiana.”
Program Details
Indiana University offers a 100% online, 60-credit-hour Master of Social Work (MSW) program. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, Indiana University’s MSW is designed to prepare individuals to “work in a broad range of practice settings, including community mental health agencies, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, employee assistance programs, family service agencies, and community service agencies.” The program covers foundational coursework in diversity, human rights, and social justice; social policy; and social practice in organizations, communities, and societies. Students may also explore specialized fields of practice including mental health, addictions, telabehavioral health social work, e-social work, and military social work.
46. University of Alabama
SourceThe University of Alabama is a four-year, comprehensive, public university located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Alabama’s flagship university, the University of Alabama (abbreviated UA) was the state’s first public college, established in 1831. UA strives to offer excellence in teaching, service, and resource, and has earned the nickname of “The Capstone of Higher Education”. With a vision to be known as the “university of choice” among Alabama’s brightest and best scholars and for all students seeking “exceptional educational opportunities”, UA’s formal mission is to “advance the intellectual and social condition of the people of the state, the nation and the world through the creation, translation and dissemination of knowledge with an emphasis on quality programs in the areas of teaching, research and service.” Incoming freshmen make a pledge during convocation, promising that “As a member of The University of Alabama community, I will pursue knowledge, act with fairness, integrity and respect; promote equity and inclusion; foster individual and civic responsibility; and strive for excellence in all I do.” Offering nearly 200 degree programs, UA is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Program Details
The University of Alabama offers A Master of Social Work (MSW) available through the University of Alabama School of Social Work. A 42-60 credit-hour program, the MSW degree is available primarily online with certain face-to-face laboratory session requirements. Available as a traditional or an advanced standing program, both options offer two concentrations in Children, Adolescents and their Families or Adults and their Families. The program’s courses are offered online through Blackboard Learn, though certain courses do require face-to-face skills laboratory sessions. These mandatory, in-person skills labs are held on select weekends at regional locations across Alabama as well as Jackson, Mississippi and Atlanta, Georgia.
45. University of Hawaii at Manoa
SourceThe University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa serves as the flagship campus of the University of Hawaiʻi system. Located on the Mānoa Valley, just outside of Honolulu on the island of O’ahu, the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa (abbreviated UH Mānoa) is one of the few land-, sea- and space-grant institutions in the US. UH Mānoa has been ranked among the 50 best universities in research expenditures by the National Science Foundation. Classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having “very high research activity”, UH Mānoa reported $300 million extramural funds for research in 2014. The University is known for pioneering in several fields, including oceanography, astronomy, Pacific Islands and Asian area studies, linguistics, cancer research, and genetics. UH Mānoa’s motto is “Maluna aʻe o nā lāhui a pau ke ola ke kanaka” translated, “Above all nations is humanity”. More than 18,000 students are enrolled, including over 5,000 graduates, with representatives from all fifty states and over 140 foreign countries. Among UH Mānoa’s notable alumni are former Governor of Hawai’i, Niel Abercrombie; Olympian Robyn Ah Mow-Santos; former U.S. Senator Daniel Akaka; and more.
Program Details
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers a Master of Social Work degree through the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work. Available as a Distance Education program, this option is designed for neighbor island residents in their communities (specifically Hawai‘i, Moloka‘i, Kaua‘i, Maui, or Lana‘i). The program’s classes are delivered via an internet-based delivery system and the degree typically takes three years to complete (including the field practicum requirement). UH Mānoa’s Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is designed to prepare “professional social workers for advanced practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities” and offers specialization options in the fields of children and families, behavioral mental health, health, and gerontology.
44. University of Nevada
SourceThe University of Nevada is a four-year, public, land-grant institution of higher education located in Reno, Nevada. Established in 1874 as the State University of Nevada, the University today offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources; the College of Business; the College of Education; the College of Engineering; the College of Liberal Arts; the College of Science; the Graduate School; the Orvis School of Nursing; the Reynolds School of Journalism; the School of Community Health Sciences; and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. The University is accredited by the Northeast Commission on College and Universities and operates with the core values of Excellence, Integrity, Inclusiveness, and Collaboration. The University’s mission is to provide “outstanding learning, discovery, and engagement programs that serve the economic, social, environmental, and cultural needs of the citizens of Nevada, the nation, and the world.” This mission statement continues, “The University recognizes and embraces the critical importance of diversity in preparing students for global citizenship and is committed to a culture of excellence, inclusion, and accessibility.”
Program Details
The University of Nevada offers an online Master of Social Work designed to prepare students for work in a variety of settings and situations. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the program’s coursework can prepare students for licensure in their state. One of the few MSW programs solely structured around advanced generalist practice (AGP), students are also required to spend two days of on-sight residency which provides valuable real-world experience designed to prepare students for their careers in social work.
43. University of Houston
SourceThe University of Houston is a four-year public university located in Houston, Texas. Established in 1927, the University’s mission “is to offer nationally competitive and internationally recognized opportunities for learning, discovery and engagement to a diverse population of students in a real-world setting.” This mission statement continues, “As a knowledge resource to the public, the university builds partnerships with other educational institutions, community organizations, government agencies, and the private sector to serve the region and impact the world.” Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the University of Houston offers over 250 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its several colleges and schools. These include Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts; the C. T. Bauer College of Business; the College of Education; the Cullen College of Engineering; the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management; the UH Law Center of College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences; the College of Medicine; the College of Natural Sciences & Mathematics; the College of Nursing; the College of Optometry; the College of Pharmacy; the Graduate College of Social Work; the College of Technology; and the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design.
Program Details
The University of Houston offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) Online through the Graduate College of Social Work. An excellent option for independent, self-motivated learners, the online format of the program allows for greater convenience and flexibility. Following a cohort model where students progress through the entire program as a group, classmates and professors learn and connect via online discussion boards and innovative technology. In addition to the online coursework, students are required to complete a minimum of 900 clock hours of fieldwork in order to gain the necessary hands-on, practical experience.
42. Virginia Commonwealth University
SourceVirginia Commonwealth University (abbreviated VCU) is a premier urban, public research university located in Richmond, Virginia. Established in 1832, the University began as a Medical College known as the Medical College of Hampden-Sydney in 1838 and then the Medical College of Virginia before merging with Richmond Professional Institute, at which time its current name was adopted. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Engineering; the College of Health Professions; the College of Humanities and Sciences; the School of the Arts; the School of Business; the School of Dentistry; the School of Education; the Honors College; the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs; the Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture; the School of Medicine; the School of Nursing; the School of Pharmacy; the School of Social Work; the School of World Studies; the VCU Graduate School; and the University College. The University’s mission is to “advance knowledge and student success” and it is committed to the core values of Accountability, Achievement, Collaboration, Freedom, Innovation, Service, Diversity, and Integrity.
Program Details
Virginia Commonwealth University offers a distance education Master of Social Work. Available through the University’s School of Social Work, the School was the first of its kind in the south, established in 1917. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, VCU’s Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is designed to enable students to “empower others and effect change in prevalent areas” including Addictions; Gerontology; Child welfare; Criminal Justice; Developmental disabilities; Health Care; Military; Private Practice; Mental Health; Public welfare and much more.
41. Texas State University
SourceTexas State University is a public, student-centered, Emerging Research University located in San Marcos, Texas on a 491-acre main campus. The University began as a teacher preparation school, originally authorized by the Texas Legislature in 1899. In 1903 the Southwest Texas State Normal School opened its doors to receive its first students; over the years both the scope and mission of the school broadened and changed and in 2003 the University adopted its current name. Located on the banks of the San Marcos River, Texas State University’s mission is to be “dedicated to excellence in serving the educational needs of the diverse population of Texas and the world beyond.” The University offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including over 90 master’s degrees, through its several colleges and schools. These include the Colleges of Applied Arts, McCoy College of Business Administration, Education, Fine Arts and Communication, Health Professions, Liberal Arts, Science and Engineering, University College and The Graduate College.
Program Details
Texas State University offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) through The Graduate College. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the program is offered online as an Advanced Standing degree, available to applicants who already hold a Bachelor of Social Work from an accredited school. Specifically known as the Social Work Advanced Practice Leadership for Foundation and Advanced Students, Texas State’s MSW program focuses on “providing direct practice and administrative services to diverse individuals and families across the lifespan.” A 36-credit-hour program, there is no thesis requirement and no minors offered. However, electives are offered on several varied and specific topics including health care, diversity, international social work, gerontology, spirituality, adventure therapy, work with veterans, and more.
40. University of Tennessee – Knoxville
SourceThe University of Tennessee-Knoxville (abbreviated UT) is a public research institution and Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university. Located in Knoxville, TN on a 910-acre campus, UT is a member of the University of Tennessee System and is governed by a board of trustees with 26 members. Established in 1794 as Blount College, UT seen countless changes, new discoveries and weathered many storms. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges since 1897, UT is classified as a Doctoral University with the highest research activity by the Carnegie Foundation and is a Carnegie Engaged University. The University offers more than 900 programs including over 360 undergraduate programs and 530+ graduate programs through its several colleges. These include the Herbert College of Agriculture; the College of Architecture and Design; the College of Arts and Sciences; the Haslam College of Business; the College of Communication and Information; the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences; the Tickle College of Engineering; the College of Law; the College of Nursing; the College of Social Work; and the College of Veterinary Medicine. UT’s mission “is to move forward the frontiers of human knowledge and enrich and elevate the citizens of the state of Tennessee, the nation, and the world.”
Program Details
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers an online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) through its College of Social Work. A highly flexible program, the Online MSSW offers the same courses of study (full-time, part-time, and advanced standing options), the same concentration options (Evidenced-Based Interpersonal Practice and Organizational Leadership), and the same field practice requirements as the traditional on-campus program. The online courses are taught through synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous approaches, giving students the best of both worlds with live online sessions and 24/7 access to educational resources.
39. Case Western Reserve University
SourceCase Western Reserve University is a private, nonprofit, comprehensive institution of higher education located in Cleveland, Ohio. Established in 1826, Case offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate-level programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the Case School of Engineering; the College of Arts and Sciences; the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing; the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences; the School of Dental Medicine; the School of Graduate Studies; the School of Law; the School of Medicine; and the Weatherhead School of Management. Founded upon the core values of Academic Excellence and Impact; Inclusiveness and Diversity; Integrity and Transparency; and Effective Stewardship, the University’s vision is to be “recognized internationally as an institution that imagines and influences the future.” Its mission is to improve and enrich other’s lives through “research that capitalizes on the power of collaboration, and education that dramatically engages our students.”
Program Details
Case Western Reserve University offers a Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA) through the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. Equivalent to the Master of Social Work degree, Case’s MSSA is offered entirely online, allowing students to balance their other obligations without compromising the quality of their education. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the MSSA degree fulfills many of the requirements of social work licensure in all fifty US states. The program is available with two distinct concentrations in Community Practice for Social Change and Direct Practice. The latter concentration also includes further specialization options in Children, Youth and Families (CYF) and Mental Health with Adults (MHA). A traditional program (meaning students with any baccalaureate major may apply), the MSSA is also available as an Advanced Standing Program for applicants who hold an accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).
38. University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign
SourceThe University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign (abbreviated U of I) is a public land-grant located in the twin cities of Champaign & Urbana in east-central Illinois. An original land-grant institution, created shortly after the Morrill Act was signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862, today U of I offers a wide range of academic program ranging from associates to doctorate and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The University comprises several colleges and schools, including the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences; College of Applied Health Sciences; College of Business; College of Education; College of Engineering; College of Fine and Applied Arts; Division of General Studies; Graduate College; School of Labor and Employment Relations; College of Law; College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; School of Information Sciences; College of Media; Carle Illinois College of Medicine; School of Social Work; and the College of Veterinary Medicine. With a vision to be “the pre-eminent public research university with a land-grant mission and global impact”, U of I’s mission is to “enhance the lives of citizens in Illinois, across the nation and around the world through… leadership in learning, discovery, engagement and economic development.”
Program Details
The University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) Outreach program through its School of Social Work and Illinois-Online, the University’s online learning department. Concentrations are available in Advocacy, Youth and Family Services, Health Care, Mental Health, and School Social Work. The MSW program is available in either an online or blended (online combined with face-to-face components).The blended format allows students to complete most coursework online and requires meetings on the Urbana-Champaign campus one weekend per month; this option is ideal for local students who are interested in pursuing their MSW while remaining active in their profession and community.
37. Florida State University
SourceFlorida State University is a public comprehensive degree-granting institution located in Tallahassee, Florida on a 476-acre main campus. One of the nation’s premier research universities, Florida State began in 1851 and is the oldest continuously operating institution of higher education in the state. Classified by the Carnegie Commission as a “Doctoral University with the Highest Research Activity”, the University’s goal is to be a “community that fosters free inquiry and embraces diversity.” Florida State University is founded upon the core values of Transformative Daring; Inspired Excellence; Dynamic Inclusiveness; Responsible Stewardship; and Engaged Community. In its mission statement, the University declares that it “preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking.” Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the University offers a wide range of programs through its several departments, centers, and Institutes, as well as through its Graduate School, the College of Law, and the College of Medicine.
Program Details
Florida State University offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) through its Office of Distance Learning, also known as Distance@FSU. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the program is offered 100% online and is geared towards students who have a bachelor’s degree in an area other than social work. The program is designed to be completed in three years with part-time study, taking two online courses at a time; two internship experiences are also required. A 61-credit-hour program, the core coursework includes courses covering Human Behavior and the Social Environment; Social Work Practice; Policies and Programs in Social Services; Social Work Practice with Groups and Communities; and Social Work Research.
36. Catholic University of America
SourceThe Catholic University of America is a private, nonprofit, papally chartered institution of higher education located in Northeast Washington, DC on a stunning 176-acre campus not far from Capitol Hill. Established in 1887 as a graduate and research center, the University was founded by the Catholic bishops of the United States with a charter from then-Pope Leo XIII to create the national university of the Catholic Church in America. In 1904 the University expanded and began offering undergraduate education and today the institution offers a wide range of programs ranging from associates to doctorate. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the University’s mission as the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States is to be “a comprehensive Catholic and American institution of higher learning, faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ as handed on by the Church.” Its mission statement continues, “Dedicated to advancing the dialogue between faith and reason, The Catholic University of America seeks to discover and impart the truth through excellence in teaching and research, all in service to the Church, the nation and the world.”
Program Details
The Catholic University of America offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) program through the National Catholic School of Social Service. Taught from a comprehensive clinical social work coursework, the degree is designed to prepare students for successful careers in a wide range of fields, including Medical/Public Health; Mental health; Elderly Care; Substance Abuse; Child Welfare; and K-12 Social Work. The online MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the U.S.).
Admissions
35. Metropolitan State University of Denver
SourceThe Metropolitan State University of Denver is a comprehensive, baccalaureate- and masters-degree granting, urban university located in Denver, Colorado. A public institution, Metropolitan State University’s mission is to “provide a high-quality, accessible, enriching education that prepares students for successful careers, post-graduate education and lifelong learning in a multicultural, global and technological society.” This mission statement continues, “To fulfill its mission, Metropolitan State University Denver’s diverse university community engages the community at large in scholarly inquiry, creative activity and the application of knowledge.” Committed to the core values of Diversity, Access, Entrepreneurship, Respect, and Community, the University’s vision is to “become the preeminent public urban university in the nation.” Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the University comprises multiple colleges and a school, including the College of Letters, Arts & Sciences, the College of Professional Studies, the College of Business, and the School of Education.
Program Details
The Metropolitan State University of Denver offers a Master of Social Work, available through its Department of Social Work. Offered as a Regular 60-credit-hour program as well as an Advanced Standing Program, this latter option requires 36 credit-hours and is designed specifically for applicants who already hold a Bachelor of Social Work degree accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Regardless of the option chosen, students may complete the Master of Social Work (MSW) program full-time or part-time in a fully online or mixed traditional course delivery option. Both options are available for Colorado residents while out-of-state students who wish to complete the MSW fully online are evaluated on a case-by-case basis during the admissions process. A number of concentration options known as Pathways are available within the MSW program, allowing students to focus on their area of interest. Pathway offerings include Children and Families; Mental Health; and Leadership and Management.
34. Widener University
SourceWidener University is a private, nonprofit institution of higher education located on a 100-acre main campus in Chester, Pennsylvania. A leading metropolitan university, Widener began in 1821 as a preparatory school for boys in 1862. Originally located in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1862 the school relocated to Pennsylvania and from 1892 through 1972 was known as the Pennsylvania Military College. The name Widener College was adopted in 1972, chosen in honor of the prominent Widener family of Philadelphia. In 1979 the name was changed to Widener University in recognition of its comprehensive program offerings. Widener University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and offers over 60 degree options through its several colleges and schools, including two distinct law schools located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and in Wilmington, Delaware. These colleges and schools include the College of Arts & Sciences; the School of Business Administration; the School of Engineering; the School of Human Service Professions; the Widener University Delaware Law School; the Widener University Commonwealth Law School; and the School of Nursing.
Program Details
Widener University offers an Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Program. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Widener University’s MSW incorporates trauma as a central theme in all of the coursework, providing students with an understanding of “trauma as a potential root cause in mental health challenges” in order to better prepare them to advance their “client base and career in treating individuals, families and communities in the area in which [students] would like to have the greatest impact.” The MSW is available as a Regular 64-credit Admissions program, available to applicants of who hold a regionally accredited undergraduate degree in any major and a 41-credit hour Advanced Standing option, available to applicants who have earned a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work within the last six years.
33. University of Louisville
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SourceThe University of Louisville is a public, four-year, research university located in Louisville, Kentucky on a 287-acre main campus. Founded in 1798, the University began as Jefferson Seminary, established by eight men who encouraged local citizens to pledge to fund the school’s building, land, and teachers. Chartered by the Kentucky legislature, the new school struggled during its early years and did not officially open until 1813 only to close its doors in 1829. In 1837 the school reopened as the Louisville Collegiate Institution and just 9 years later was designated the University of Louisville. Today, the University of Louisville offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate-level programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Arts and Sciences, the Brandeis School of Law, the College of Business, the School of Dentistry, the College of Education and Human Development, the School of Graduate and Interdisciplinary Studies, the Kent School of Social Work, the School of Medicine, the School of Music, the School of Nursing, the School of Public Health and Information Sciences, and the Speed School of Engineering.
Program Details
The University of Louisville offers a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW), available as a 100% online degree program. Offered through the Kent School of Social Work, the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Available with optional specializations in Psychosocial Oncology, Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Military Social Work or Gerontology, these options allow students to focus on their key area of interest. The Kent School of Social Work’s mission is to teach the “next generation of social workers, preparing them to promote social justice and be positive change agents in the fast-growing field of social work, and empowering them to help others lead a healthier, more productive and safer life.”
32. University of North Dakota
SourceThe University of North Dakota (abbreviated UND) is a public research university located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of approximately 50,000 on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. The flagship institution of the North Dakota University System, UND is the largest and oldest University in the state and is one of only 47 public institutions in the nation to have both an accredited law school and medicine. UND offers over 225 fields of study – more than any other institution in the state, – including more than three dozen online programs. Comprising several colleges and schools, these include the College of Arts and Sciences; the College of Business & Public Administration; the Chester Fritz Library; the College of Education & Human Development; the College of Engineering and Mines; the School of Graduate Studies; the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences; the School of Law; and the College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines. UND’s mission is to serve “the state, the country, and the world community through teaching, research, creative activities, and service.”
Program Details
The University of North Dakota offers a Master of Social Work, available in a traditional (on-campus) format and online. Available with an Advanced Generalist emphasis, the program is designed to prepare students for all practice settings including clinical social work; to equip providers with the necessary skills for supervisory, management and program develop positions; and to prepare students to provide advanced social services to individuals, families, and groups in their local communities. UND’s MSW degree is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education, and the program’s curriculum adheres to the CSWE standards.
31. California State University-San Bernardino
SourceCalifornia State University-San Bernardino (abbreviated CSUSB) is a public, four-year institution of higher education and a preeminent center of intellectual and cultural activity in Inland Southern California. Located in San Bernardino, California, CSUSB was established in 1965 and currently offers over 70 undergraduate and graduate programs through its several colleges. These include the College of Arts and Letters; the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration; the College of Education; the College of Natural Sciences; the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences; and the College of Extended Learning. As part of its mission, CSUSB “ensures student learning and success, conducts research, scholarly and creative activities, and is actively engaged in the vitality of our region.” This mission statement continues, “We cultivate the professional, ethical, and intellectual development of our students, faculty and staff so they thrive and contribute to a globally connected society.” Built upon the core values of Inclusivity, Innovation, Integrity, Respect, Social Justice and Equity, Sustainability, Transparency, and Wellness and Safety, the University’s vision is to “be a model for transforming lives.”
Program Details
California State University-San Bernardino offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree through its School of Social Work. Modeled on the requirements of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the MSW program is available in a number of formats, including a Pathway Distance Education Program which is taught online. A demanding program, the degree is designed to be completed in three years with full-time study. During their final year of the program, students are required to select a specialization based on a social issue, client population or field of practice, applying assignments and research projects to their chosen specialization. Options include (though are not limited to) Child Welfare; Mental Health; Physical and Mental Disabilities and Rehabilitation; Families; Poverty and Public Welfare and much more.
30. Temple University
SourceTemple University is a public, doctoral, research university and one of the nation’s premier institutions for higher education. Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the University began in 1884 through the efforts of Reverend Russell Conwell who convinced members of his congregation and the local community to open “an educational institution intended primarily for the benefit of working men.” Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the University offers hundreds of degree programs ranging from associates to doctoral through its 17 schools which are spread across eight campuses. These colleges and schools include the Tyler School of Art; Fox School of Business; Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry; College of Education; College of Engineering; Beasley School of Law; College of Liberal Arts; Lew Klein College of Media and Communication; Lewis Katz School of Medicine; Boyer College of Music and Dance; School of Pharmacy; School of Podiatric Medicine; College of Public Health; College of Science and Technology; School of Social Work; School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management; and School of Theater, Film and Media Arts.
Program Details
Temple University offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) available with an online learning option. A 60-semester-hour program, the MSW consists of both coursework and field practice. Online students typically complete the program in 3-4 academic years, however, an accelerated format is available for qualified students who have earned the Bachelor of Social Work degree. Offered through Temple University’s School of Social Work, the institution’s mission is “to strive to transform society by eliminating social, political, and economic injustices for poor and oppressed populations and advance the quality of life.” The MSW is available with concentrations including Clinical Practice with Individuals, Families and Small Groups or Macro Practice with Organizations, Communities & Policy Arenas. Students may also choose to specialize in the areas of Children & Families; Health/Mental Health; or an Individualized Option that is designed by the student with an academic advisor.
29. Louisiana State University
SourceLouisiana State University-Baton Rouge is a public, coeducational institution located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The flagship campus of the Louisiana State University System, Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge (abbreviate LSU) is one of the premier research universities in the South. LSU began in 1853 as the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning & Military Academy and was originally located in what is today known as Pineville, Louisiana; its current main campus was dedicated in 1926. The University boasts several notable alumni, including 38th Vice President of the United States, Hubert Humphrey; Lieutenant General Claire Lee Chennault, military aviator and commander the Flying Tigers in WWII; James Carville, former Presidential campaign advisor to Bill Clinton; four-time NBA Championship winner, Shaquille O’Neal; and gold medalist, Lolo Jones. The University offers a wide range of programs through its fifteen colleges and schools as well as through its two Health Sciences Centers in New Orleans and Shreveport.
Program Details
Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge offers a wide range of distance-learning programs through LSU Online including the Master of Social Work (MSW) Online. An asynchronous program, the online format offers freedom, convenience, and flexibility as students are able to access their classes, interact with classmates and professors, and complete assignments on their own schedule. Offered by the LSU School of Social Work, the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Available as a traditional or an advanced standing option, the latter option can be completed in as little as one year while traditional students typically earn their degree after two years of full-time study or three-four years when enrolled part-time.
28. Columbia University
SourceColumbia University, located on West and Broadway in New York, New York, is a private, nonprofit institution of higher education. Established in 1754 as the King’s College by the royal charter of King George II of England, Columbia University is the oldest institution of higher learning in New York and the fifth oldest in the United States. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the University offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, & Preservation; Graduate School of Arts and Sciences; School of the Arts; Barnard College; Columbia Business School; Columbia College; Columbia Journalism School; Columbia Law School; College of Dental Medicine; Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science; School of General Studies; School of International and Public Affairs; Jewish Theological Seminary; School of Nursing; Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons; School of Professional Studies; Mailman School of Public Health; School of Social Work; Teachers College; and the Union Theological Seminary.
Program Details
Columbia University offers a Master of Social Work through its School of Social Work. An online program, this format allows for greater freedom, convenience and flexibility as students are able to take classes and complete coursework from anywhere in the world. Most classes in the program are synchronous, which does mean that students must be at their computer to participate in the live class. Columbia University’s MSW is available in 5 program choices, including an Advance Standing and a Two-Year Program option. The program is also offered with various specializations including two concentrations in Advanced Clinical Practice and in Social Enterprise Administration and in two fields of practice including Family, Youth & Children’s Services and Health, Mental Health & Disabilities.
27. The University of Texas Rio Grande
SourceThe University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (abbreviated UTRGV) is a public, comprehensive, doctoral university located in Edinburg, Texas. Founded in 2013 by the Texas Legislature, UTRGV is the first major public university of the twenty-first century to be established in Texas. The University’s mission is “to transform the Rio Grande Valley, the Americas, and the world through an innovative and accessible educational environment that promotes student success, research, creative works, health and well-being, community engagement, sustainable development, and commercialization of university discoveries.” Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, the University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the School of Medicine; the College of Health Affairs; the College of Sciences; the College of Liberal Arts; the College of Fine Arts; the College of Engineering & Computer Science; the Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship; the College of Education & P-16 Integration; the Honors College; the Graduate College; and the University College.
Program Details
The University of Texas Rio Grande offers a Master of Science in Social Work through the Graduate College and the Division of Academic Affairs. Available 100% online with a concentration in Administration and Community Practice, the MSW is an Advanced Standing program, available to applicants who already hold a Bachelor of Social Work. The Program requires 33 credit hours and can be completed in as little as 12 months with full-time study. The program’s coursework is specifically designed to “help students develop the leadership skills and communication necessary for strengthening agencies and improving human services for at-risk Latino communities.” Students enrolled in the program gain real-world experience in applying community organization, social advocacy, and social action mobilization when participating in the required 500-hour practicum in the field setting of their choice.
26. University of Denver
SourceThe University of Denver is a private, four-year institution of higher education located in a picturesque section of Denver, Colorado “where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains.” Established in 1864 as the Colorado Seminary, the institution is built on the foundation of exploration through research, encouraging collaboration among educators and students in local and global communities. The University strives for the values of excellence, innovation, engagement, integrity, and inclusiveness. Its mission is “to promote learning by engaging with students in advancing scholarly inquiry, cultivating critical and creative thought, and generating knowledge.” And its vision is to be “a great private university dedicated to the public good.” Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the University of Denver offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its several colleges, schools, and divisions. These include the Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science, the Daniels College of Business, the Division of Natural Sciences & Mathematics, the Divisions of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, the Morgridge College of Education, the Graduate School of Professional Psychology, the Graduate School of Social Work, the Sturm College of Law, and the University College.
Program Details
The University of Denver offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW). Available through the University’s top-ranking Graduate School of Social Work, the School’s mission is to “foster social responsibility regarding social and economic justice, quality of life and multicultural communities, based on equality for all people.” Available as an advanced standing program, students who hold a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited (CSWE) institution can complete the program in as little as 18 months. This advanced standing program is also available with a concentration in Mental Health and Trauma.
25. Salisbury University
SourceSalisbury University is a four-year, public, comprehensive university. A member of the University System of Maryland, the University is located in Salisbury, Maryland on the historic Eastern Shore, about 30 miles from Atlantic beaches and less than three hours from Baltimore and Washington, DC. Regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the University operates four privately endowed schools – the Fulton School of Liberal Arts, the Henson School of Science and Technology, the Perdue School of Business, and the Seidel School of Education & Professional Studies, – as well as its Honors College, Graduate Studies Department, and the College of Health and Human Services which houses the Schools of Nursing, Health Sciences, and Social Work. Salisbury University’s mission and highest purpose are to “empower our students with the knowledge, skills, and core values that contribute to active citizenship, gainful employment, and life-long learning in a democratic society and interdependent world.” Its mission statement continues, “Salisbury University cultivates and sustains a superior learning community where students, faculty, and staff are viewed as learners, teachers/scholars, and facilitators, and where a commitment to excellence and openness to a broad array of ideas and perspectives are central to all aspects of University life.”
Program Details
Salisbury University offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program with an online option. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, Salisbury University’s online option for its MSW degree allows students to earn their degree from the convenience of their own home within a student-centered and supportive environment. The program follows a 20-student cohort model per year and courses are offered in 7-week blocks year round. It should be noted that the program is only available to current full-time residents of Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
24. Western Kentucky University
SourceWestern Kentucky University is a public institution of higher education located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Founded in the early 1900s by the Kentucky General Assembly, the University was originally established as one of two teacher training institutions (also known as “normal schools”) in the state and was named the Western Kentucky State Normal School. In 1911 the school moved to its current campus on “the Hill”, located just 125 feet above downtown Bowling Green. In 1966, after several years of growth and change, the then-college was officially granted university status. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Western Kentucky University offers several undergraduate and graduate-level programs and degrees through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, Gordon Ford College of Business, Ogden College of Science and Engineering, Potter College of Arts & Letters, University College, Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, The Graduate School, and Honors College. The University’s mission is to prepare “students of all backgrounds to be productive, engaged, and socially responsible citizen-leaders of a global society.”
Program Details
Western Kentucky University offers a 100% online Master of Social Work (MSW) accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Designed to provide the theoretical knowledge, skills, and values necessary to function at many levels of intervention, the program is geared towards students interested in advancing their careers and who desire to aid individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Available as both a part-time, 33-credit-hour, Advanced Standing program as well as a 60-credit-hour, part-time, Traditional Program, the former option is available to applicants who have completed their Bachelor of Social work within the last seven years.
23. Rutgers University – New Brunswick
SourceRutgers University-New Brunswick is a comprehensive, public research university located in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The state’s most preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education, Rutgers is also a leading national research university and the eighth oldest university in the country having been established in 1766. The University holds to a threefold mission, each point supporting the other two: “Providing for the instructional needs of New Jersey’s citizens through its undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs; conducting the cutting-edge research that contributes to the medical, environmental, social, and cultural well-being of the state, as well as aiding the economy and the state’s businesses and industries; and performing public service in support of the needs of the citizens of the state and its local, county, and state governments.” Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Rutgers offers over 150 undergraduate majors and more than 200 graduate programs and degrees through its 30 schools and colleges. The University also boasts approximately 300 research centers and institutes and is home to New Jersey’s most extensive and diversified network of research laboratories.
Program Details
Rutgers University-New Brunswick offers a 100% online Master of Social Work (MSW) through its School of Social Work. Designed especially for self-directed students who benefit from the flexibility and convenience of online learning, Rutger’s MSW program also offers close interactions between students and faculty, ensuring a top quality and personal education experience. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and satisfies the requirements for licensure in the state of New Jersey. Classes are held in an asynchronous format, allowing classes to be accessed 24/7, and additional program options are available for advanced standing students who hold either a BSW or a BASW from a CSWE-accredited school.
22. University of Missouri
SourceThe University of Missouri is a public land-grant institution located in Columbia, Missouri. Affectionately referred to as “Mizzou” or abbreviated MU, for short, the University was established in 1839 and was the first public university to be founded west of the Mississippi River. The state’s largest and most comprehensive university, MU offers more than 300 degree programs, including 90 online options, through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; the College of Arts and Science; the Trulaske College of Business; the College of Education; the College of Engineering; the School of Health Professions; the Honors College; the College of Human Environmental Sciences; the Missouri School of Journalism; the School of Law; the School of Medicine; the Sinclair School of Nursing; and the College of Veterinary Medicine. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, MU’s mission is to “provide all Missourians the benefits of world-class research universities” and to be “stewards and builders of a priceless state resource.”
Program Details
The University of Missouri offers an online Master of Social Work through its internet campus, Mizzou Online. Offered 100% online through the College of Human Environmental Sciences and the School of Social Work, the program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the Council on Social Work Education. Designed for professionals seeking to further their current career in clinical practice or policy, planning and administration, the program is geared towards persons who wish to help others maximize their opportunities for change. It should be noted that the MU School of Social Work only accepts applications for the online MSW from students who currently reside in Missouri and contiguous states (including Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois.
21. Washburn University
SourceWashburn University is a public institution of higher education located on a 160-acre residential campus in the heart of Topeka, Kansas. Home to nearly 7,000 students with an average student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1, Washburn University offers over 200 academic programs ranging from two-year associate degrees to juris doctor. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the University comprises the College of Arts and Sciences as well as the Schools of Applied Studies, Business, Law, and Nursing, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Washburn University’s mission is to enrich “the lives of students by providing opportunities for them to develop and to realize their intellectual, academic, and professional potential, leading to becoming productive and responsible citizens.” This statement continues, “We are committed to excellence in teaching, scholarly work, quality academic and professional programs, and high levels of faculty-student interaction. We develop and engage in relationships to enhance educational experiences and our community.”
Program Details
Washburn University offers a Master of Social Work through its School of Applied Studies and the Department of Social Work. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), one of the benefits of earning your Master of Social Work (MSW) through Washburn University is its attention to each student. Small classes are taught by highly experienced faculty who provide one-on-one attention to their students. Each student is also assigned a faculty advisor who regularly meets with students to discuss a range of topics including course selection, practicum placements, and career planning. The program’s mission is to “prepare graduate students for the competent practice of clinical social work in order to meet the multilevel needs of clients and other people that we serve.”
20. California State University-Northridge
SourceCalifornia State University-Northridge (abbreviated CSUN) is a public institution of higher education located in Northridge, California. One of the largest single-campus universities in the country, CSUN’s 356-acre campus is set in the heart of Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), CSUN offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including nearly 60 master’s degrees, through its nine colleges. These include the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication; the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics; the Michael D. Eisner College of Education; the College of Engineering and Computer Science; the College of Health & Human Development; the College of Humanities; the College of Science & Mathematics; the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences; and Tseng College: Graduate, International and Midcareer Education. The University’s CSUN’s mission is to “to enable students to realize their educational goals” by designing “programs and activities to help students develop the academic competencies, professional skills, critical and creative abilities, and ethical values”. This mission statement continues, “We seek to foster a rigorous and contemporary understanding of the liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines.”
Program Details
California State University-Northridge offers a Master of Social Work available as an online, two-year, full-time program. The program was designed in collaboration with the Department of Social Work at CSUN’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and The Tseng College. All courses are taught by CSUN faculty members who are experts in their field and the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The two-year online MSW follows an asynchronous, full-time schedule (with the exception of a weekly synchronous field education class), which means students do not need to log in online at specific times, allowing for greater flexibility and convenience.
19. Our Lady of the Lake University
SourceOur Lady of the Lake University (abbreviated OLLU) is a private, nonprofit, Catholic institution of higher education, located in San Antonio, Texas. Sponsored by the Sisters of Devine Providence, the University was originally established in 1895 by the Congregation of Devine Providence. Known particularly for the personal teaching style of faculty members and recognized for its highly respected programs on Mexican-American culture, OLLU offers a wide range of programs and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The University’s mission is to serve students by: “Ensuring quality, innovative undergraduate and graduate learning experiences; Fostering spiritual, personal, and professional growth; and Preparing students for success and continued service.” Its vision, as guided and motivated by its Catholic values, is to be a “community that seeks to transform individuals as they discover their purpose in life,” to be nationally recognized for its distinctive programs, and to graduate “accomplished men and women who lead and serve with faith and wisdom to improve the world.”
Program Details
Our Lady of the Lake University has expanded its online program offerings over the years and currently offers the Online Master of Social Work through the Worden School of Social Service at OLLU. The program is designed to prepare students to “change the lives of children and families in need, while building the foundation for your own career in social service leadership and advanced direct practice.” Established as Texas’ first school of social work, the Worden School of Social Services has been educating social work leaders since 1942 and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The school earned the Presidential Award for Excellence from the CSWE in 2009, a distinguished honor reserved for only one of nearly 500 social work degree programs in the nation.
Admissions
18. University of South Florida
SourceThe University of South Florida (USF) is a major metropolitan, public research university located in Tampa Bay, Florida. The University of South Florida System is comprised of three separately accredited institutions, namely the University of South Florida, the University of South Florida-St. Petersburg, and the University of South Florida-Sarasota-Manatee. Established in 1956, the University comprises 14 colleges, including the Colleges of Arts; Arts and Sciences; Behavioral and Community Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering; Global Sustainability; Graduate Studies; Honors College; Marine Science; Nursing; Pharmacy; Public Health; and the Morsani College of Medicine. USF is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and offers 180 undergraduate majors and concentrations and numerous graduate, specialist and doctoral programs. The University’s mission is to “deliver competitive undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, to generate knowledge, foster intellectual development, and ensure student success in a global environment.” Its vision is to be a “global research university dedicated to student success and positioned for membership in the Association of American Universities (AAU).”
Program Details
The University of South Florida offers a Master of Science degree, available as a 60-credit-hour program or a 35-credit-hour program for applicants who graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work from an accredited university less than five years ago. The curriculum requires several core courses covering the areas of Human Behavior and Social Environment; Social Work Practice; Policy and Services; Social Work Research; and Field Experience. All MSW students are required to take 9 clinical elective credit hours in USF’s School of Social Work during any semester including summer sessions. A Comprehensive exam lasting an hour concludes the program, or students may complete a Capstone Project involving content from across the curriculum in lieu of the exam.
17. University at Buffalo
SourceThe University at Buffalo (UB), located in Buffalo, New York, is the flagship institution of The State University of New York (SUNY). A premier, research-intensive, doctoral university, UB is also the largest and most comprehensive institution within the 64-campus SUNY system. Established in 1846, UB is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and offers over 100 undergraduate degrees and nearly 300 graduate and professional programs. The University’s mission is to be “a diverse, inclusive scholarly community dedicated to bringing the benefits of its research, scholarship and creative activity, and educational excellence to global and local communities in ways that impact and positively change the world.” The University comprises several colleges and schools, including the School of Architecture and Planning; the College of Arts and Sciences; the School of Dental Medicine; the Graduate School of Education; the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences; the Law School (SUNY’s only law school); the School of Management; the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; the School of Nursing; the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; the School of Public Health and Health Professions; the School of Social Work; and the Roswell Park Cancer Institute Graduate Division.
Program Details
The University at Buffalo offers an online Master of Social Work program through the Graduate School’s School of Social Work. An online part-time program, UB’s MSW curriculum offers students the same level of in-depth knowledge and skill building of its traditional program. A 60-credit-hour program, the degree can typically be completed within three years of part-time study. A nationally ranked and recognized program, the MSW is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and integrates trauma-informed and human rights perspectives into the program.
16. University of Alaska – Anchorage
SourceThe University of Alaska-Anchorage (UAA) is a public, comprehensive institution and the largest member of the University of Alaska Statewide System as well as the largest university in the state. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, the University operates four community campuses and extension sites throughout the southcentral portion of the state. Established in 1954 as the Anchorage Community College and incorporated into the University of Alaska Statewide System in 1962, the UAA holds the distinction of offering the first college-level courses in the Anchorage area. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the UAA offers over 100 academic programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, College of Business and Public Policy, College of Engineering, College of Health, Community and Technical College, and the University Honors College. Built upon five core themes including Teaching and Learning, Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity, and Student Success, the UAA’s mission is to “discover and disseminate knowledge through teaching, research, engagement and creative expression.”
Program Details
The University of Alaska-Anchorage offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) through its School of Social Work. A distance-learning program, the UAA’s MSW is designed to “prepare advanced generalist social workers who address health and social issues in Alaska.” Goals and outcomes of the program include the ability to lead in multiple practice roles for the purpose of addressing health and social issues in Alaska; to engage in practice consistent with the values and ethics of the social work profession; to develop and conduct research to inform practice; and to demonstrate the ability to “intervene differentially with, and on behalf of, populations at risk or who experience discrimination, economic deprivation, and/or oppression.”
15. Colorado State University
SourceColorado State University is a public, doctoral, research institution located in Fort Collins, Colorado. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Colorado State University (CSU) is known for its solid academic results and offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the Colleges of Agricultural Sciences; Business; the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering; Health and Human Sciences; Liberal Arts; Natural Sciences; Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences; the Warner College of Natural Resources; and the Schools of Music, Theatre and Dance; Biomedical Engineering; Education; Global Environmental Sustainability; Social Work; and Public Health. CSU has a strong online presence in the CSU-Global Campus, through which its internet-based programs are offered. The mission of the CSU-Global Campus is to advance “student success in a global society, investing in human capital, expanding the state economy, and enhancing the quality of life for citizens in the state of Colorado and beyond by providing access to dynamic degree programs characterized by academic excellence, innovative delivery technologies, and strong stakeholder engagement.”
Program Details
Colorado State University offers a Distance Master of Social Work program through its College of Health & Human Sciences. A three-year, part-time, hybrid program, this MSW program combines online coursework with two intensive learning weekends each semester. Offered primarily online, the goal is to make the program more accessible to students who are seeking to advance their degree while balancing work and other life demands. The MSW’s distance program curriculum is the same as is used on-campus and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Other benefits include excellent instruction from qualified and experienced faculty; a supportive and accessible program staff; and a cohort model (where students progress through the entire program as a group, beginning and ending together) which facilitates peer connection and support.
14. University of Arkansas
SourceThe University of Arkansas is a public, doctoral, research university headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas on a large and scenic campus. The flagship campus of the University of Arkansas system, the University was originally established in 1871 as a land-grant institution. Today the University of Arkansas is classified as offering “the highest possible level of research” according to the Carnegie Foundation, placing it in the top 2% of all higher learning institutions in the nation. Consistently ranked among the top public research colleges and universities, the University of Arkansas follows a “student-first” philosophy which helps it to stand out from among the rest. A “concrete proof” of the University’s strong commitment to its students is its unique tradition of the Senior Walk which consists of more than 3 miles of crisscrossing sidewalks on the campus with the names of over 175,000 graduates dating back 140 years. The University of Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers over 200 academic programs through its several colleges and schools.
Program Details
The University of Arkansas offers an Online Advanced Standing Master of Social Work (MSW). This program and all of the University’s online programs are supported by the Global Campus, U of A Online. Because it is an Advanced Standing program, applicants are required to hold a Bachelor of Social Work from an accredited institution. A full-time, 100% online program, the MSW is GRE exempt, requires 39 credit hours and can be completed in as little as one year. The University of Arkansas’ MSW degree is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and includes a year-internship (totaling 22 hours per week) required for graduation.
13. Boise State University
SourceBoise State University is a public, doctoral, research university located in Boise, Idaho. The largest university in the state, Boise State is also the fastest-growing research enterprise in Idaho. The University recently joined a consortium of research universities including Purdue, Rice, Georgia Tech, University of Michigan, and Texas A&M in $5 million foundation-funded effort designed to create “long-term, hands-on applied research projects that will ensure undergraduate and graduate students get unprecedented experience tackling real-life problems in real time.” Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Boise State offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate-level programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Economics, the College of Education, the College of Engineering, the College of Health Sciences, the College of Innovation and Design, the School of Public Service, the Graduate College, and the Honors College.
Program Details
Boise State University offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree through its College of Health Sciences. The College’s mission is “to unify people and align resources in an integrated education model and an environment of collaborative community problem solving where progressive research and teaching engage and empower people to optimize resources and advance life-long health.” The MSW degree is designed to prepare students for advanced social work practice in a variety of settings including with individuals and families. Available 100% online, the program equips students with the clinical, organizational, and policy skills necessary for enhancing the quality of life and promoting social justice. The program is available in an Advanced Program Track for applicants who have graduated with a Bachelor of Social work from a CSWE (Council of Social Work Education) accredited school within the last five years.
12. Boston University
SourceBoston University is a private, comprehensive, research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 1839 as the Newbury Biblical Institute, in 1867 the institution was re-chartered as the Boston Theological Seminary and divisions were opened to women. In 1869 the Seminary was re-established as a University and today, Boston University is “committed to educating students to be reflective, resourceful individuals ready to live, adapt, and lead in an interconnected world.” The University enrolls over 30,000 students across nearly 300 areas of study. Comprising several colleges and schools, these include the College of Arts & Sciences; Graduate School of Arts & Sciences; College of Communication; College of Engineering; College of Fine Arts; College of General Studies; College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences: Sargent College; Metropolitan College & Extended Education; Questrom School of Business; Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine; School of Education; Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies; School of Hospitality Administration; School of Law; School of Medicine; Division of Graduate Medical Science; School of Public Health; School of Social Work; School of Theology; and the Arvind and Chandan Nandlal Kilachand Honors College.
Program Details
Boston University offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) available as an online program. Fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, the program is offered through the Boston University School of Social Work as a part-time course of study. Students may choose to concentrate on Clinical Social Work Practice or Macro Social Work Practice. The program is available in three options, including a traditional MSW track, which can be completed in 9 consecutive semesters; a Human Service Experience track, available to applicants who possess a minimum of two years of supervised human services experience; or an Advanced Standing track, available to graduates of an accredited undergraduate social work program.
11. Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
SourceEdinboro University of Pennsylvania is a public, regional, comprehensive institution of higher education located in Edinboro, Pennsylvania on a 585-acre campus. Established as a private training school for teachers in 1857, today the University has become the largest and most comprehensive institution of higher education in northwestern Pennsylvania. The University’s mission is “to develop students personally, intellectually and professionally to become contributing citizens to the Commonwealth and beyond.” Its vision is to “be the first choice among students, employers and the community” by offering excellent programs and services for an ever-changing society.” Edinboro University offers over 100 areas of academic study including over 25 award-winning and nationally accredited graduate programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, the College of Science and Health Professions, the School of Business, the School of Education, and the School of Graduate Studies and Research. The University is institutionally accredited by the Middle States on Higher Education.
Program Details
Edinboro University offers an online Master of Social Work through its School of Graduate Studies and Research. The program is designed to prepare graduates to work within a wide range of practice settings, including family-based and mental health agencies, medical and psychiatric facilities, addiction treatment centers, schools, hospitals, veterans’ agencies, foster care and adoption agencies, rehabilitation and correctional facilities, nursing homes, within the military, and in private practice. Graduates of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program are eligible to sit for the national licensure exam to become licensed social work practitioners upon completion of the program. Edinboro University’s MSW degree is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
10. University of Central Florida
SourceThe University of Central Florida is a public research and space-grant university, located in Orlando, Florida. Established by the Florida Legislator on June 10, 1963, the University was originally named Florida Technological University, operating with a mission to provide support and personnel to the new space program at the Kennedy Space Center in particular. In 1978 the University was renamed the University of Central Florida (abbreviated UCF) in order to better reflect the institution’s expanded academic scope. UCF’s main 1,415-acre Orlando campus is located about 13 miles east of downtown and is adjacent to one of the top research parks in the nation. One of the largest universities in the United States, UCF offers more than 200 degrees including 93 bachelor’s, 85 master’s, and 27 research doctorates through its thirteen colleges. These include the colleges and schools of Arts and Humanities, Business Administration, Education and Human Performance, Engineering and Computer Science, Graduate Studies, Health and Public Affairs, Medicine, Nursing, Optics and Photonics, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Sciences, Undergraduate Studies, and The Burnett Honors College.
Program Details
The University of Central Florida offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) through the College of Health and Public Affairs. A part-time, nine-semester online degree, the MSW is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The traditional MSW program is designed for students who do not have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or who earned their BSW over five years ago. UCF also offers a four-semester MSW Advanced Standing program option which is available to students who do hold a current BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Both tracks are designed to prepare students for advanced social work practice and to educate individuals for “community-based clinical social work practice with individuals, families, and groups.”
Admissions
9. The University of Texas at Arlington
SourceThe University of Texas at Arlington is a comprehensive research, teaching, and public service institution located in Arlington, Texas. Established as Arlington College in 1895, the University of Texas at Arlington (abbreviated UT Arlington) has had eight different names over the course of its existence. The University currently offers nearly 200 total degree programs with research centers in every discipline. UT Arlington comprises eight colleges -each of which houses multiple schools and departments- including the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs; the College of Business; the College of Education; the College of Engineering; the College of Liberal Arts; the College of Nursing and Health Innovation; the College of Science; the School of Social Work; and the University College. UT Arlington’s mission and goal “is the advancement of knowledge and the pursuit of excellence.” This statement continues, “The University is committed to the promotion of lifelong learning through its academic and continuing education programs and to the formation of good citizenship through its community service learning programs.”
Program Details
The University of Texas at Arlington offers a Master of Social Work through its top-ranking School of Social Work. One of the broadest and most versatile degree programs available, UT Arlington’s social work graduates lead as clinical practitioners, program administrators and managers, consultants, educators, and researchers. The MSW program is designed to prepare students for a career in human services, following a 61-hour program comprising a Generalist Practice foundation and an Advanced Practice curriculum. Available as an online cohort (where students begin and end at the same time, progressing through the program as a group), the program can be completed in as little as 16 months when following the Advanced Standing option; the MSW Traditional program typically requires 26 months to complete.
8. University of New England
SourceThe University of New England (abbreviated UNE) is a private, nonprofit, doctoral research university located in Biddeford, Maine. The largest private university in the state, known for its innovative educational community, UNE is also home to Maine’s only medical and dental schools. The University comprises several colleges, spread out across its two Maine campuses located in Biddeford and Portland. These include the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Osteopathic Medicine, located in Biddeford; the College of Dental Medicine and the College of Pharmacy, located at the Portland Campus; the Westbrook College of Health Professions, which has a presence on both campuses; and the UNE Online College of Graduate and Professional Studies. This latter College partners with the UNE’s other colleges in order to provide “programmatic, financial, and logistical support to students enrolled in online programs, while ensuring excellence and consistency in maintaining the highest academic standards.” Presently, UNE’s total student population consists of 52% of on-campus students and 48% online students. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, UNE’s mission is to provide its students with “a highly integrated learning experience that promotes excellence through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in education, research, and service.”
Program Details
The University of New England offers a Master of Social Work through the Westbrook College of Health Professions. The program is available in three formats: a traditional on-campus format, a completely online program, and a hybrid course option which blends on-campus classroom experience with online learning. UNE’s Master of Social Work (MSW) is available with three specializations in Clinical Practice, Community Practice, or Integrated Practice, all of which are designed to “prepare graduates for professional social work leadership positions within their communities.”
7. Simmons College
SourceSimmons College, located in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, is a private institution made up of both a women-focused undergraduate college and a coeducational graduate school. Established in 1899, Simmons has been ranked as one of the “best values” among private universities in the country and was named “One of the Nation’s Top Institutions” by the Princeton Review. The University’s mission is straightforward: “To provide transformative learning that links passion with lifelong purpose.” Its vision is to “become a beacon of leadership in the world of higher education; a resource to our nation and world; known for our expertise in fields which improve the human condition; sought out for the findings of our highly reputable research and seen as the global expert in educating women for their own empowerment and for leadership.” Comprising several departments as well as the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, the School of Social Work, the School of Business, and the School of Library and Information Science, Simmons College is accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Details
Simmons College offers an online, clinically focused Master of Science in Social Work (MSW). Available through its School of Social Work – the first school of its kind in the nation, – Simmon’s MSW is designed to prepare clinical social works for practice in a variety of settings including schools, court clinics, health centers, and hospitals. The program’s curriculum “draws on practical approaches, such as solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavior therapy, as well as theories of human development, relational and group process, culture learning, and social policy.” Designed to offer convenience and flexibility, the program is available in full-time, part-time, and accelerated paths. The online program follows the cohort model (where students progress through the entire program as a group) which allows individuals to connect with their classmates and professors, building valuable relationships.
6. Purdue University Global
SourcePurdue University Global is a public institution of higher education headquartered in West Lafayette, Indiana. One of the most prestigious research universities in the world known for its online, world-class education opportunities, in 2017 Purdue acquired Kaplan University, a longtime leader in online adult education. The purpose of the new, public institution was to provide students from around the world access to top quality education. Grounded in its original mission “to provide greater access to affordable, high-quality education,” Purdue University Global seeks to “deliver a fully personalized online learning experience that’s tailored to the unique needs of working adults—one that gives [them] the support [they] need to achieve [their] goals and creates new opportunities for [their] future.” In order to fulfill this mission, Purdue University Global offers a wide range undergraduate and graduate-level programs, all of which are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Program Details
Purdue University Global offers a Master of Science in Human Services available entirely online with concentrations in either Family and Community Services or Organizational and Social Services. The program is “designed for professionals who are committed to improving the quality of life for all people in the growing field of human services.” A member of the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE), the program – though not accredited by the CSHSE – adheres to the standards set forth by the organization. Outcomes of the program include the ability to “examine broad organizational roles and functions and various methods of advocacy; apply appropriate strategies using a theoretical and philosophical framework built on values of the human service profession; apply skills strategies, and knowledge related to design, implementation and evaluation of human services programs” and much more.
5. Campbellsville University
SourceCampbellsville University is a private, comprehensive Christian institution located in Campbellsville, Kentucky. Established in 1906, Campbellsville University describes itself as a Christian institution built upon a foundation in the liberal arts. The University’s mission is to prepare “students as Christian servant leaders for life-long learning, continued scholarship, and active participation in a diverse, global society.” Built upon four core values, the University’s goals are to “foster academic excellence; to provide an environment conducive for student success; to value diverse perspectives within a Christ-centered community; and to model servant leadership and effective stewardship”. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the University comprises several schools and a college, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education, the Carver School of Social Work, the School of Music, the School of Nursing, and the School of Theology.
Program Details
Campbellsville University offers a Master of Social Work degree. The program is designed to provide students with an “advanced understanding of the intricacies of social work, including human development, cultural competencies and psychopathology.” The program includes 30 hours of study for advanced standing students; the full two-year program covers 60 credit hours and may be completed in as little as twenty-one months. Several elective courses are offered, designed to meet students’ areas of interest, covering the topics of Addictions; Human Trafficking Interventions; School Social Work; Clinical Administration and Ethics; Clinical Diagnosis and Psychopharmacology and more. Available as an internet-based program, the online nature of the degree program allows busy students to have the convenience and flexibility they need without compromising quality.
Admissions
4. University of Southern California
SourceThe University of Southern California (abbreviated USC) is a private, four-year institution of higher education located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, California. A leading research university, USC serves as an anchor institution in Los Angeles as well as a global center for the arts, technology, and international business. Established in 1880, the institution began with just 53 students and 10 teachers. Today USC enrolls over 43,000 students and maintains a low student to faculty ratio of 9 to 1. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the University offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences; Leventhal School of Accounting; School of Architecture; Marshall School of Business; School of Cinematic Arts; Annenberg School for Communication; School of Dentistry; Rossier School of Education; Viterbi School of Engineering; Roski School of Fine Arts; Leonard Davis School of Gerontology; Gould School of Law; Keck School of Medicine of USC; Thornton School of Music; School of Pharmacy; School of Policy, Planning, and Development; Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work and School of Theatre.
Program Details
The University of Southern California offers a Master of Social Work through the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and taught from the same curriculum and by the same professors as its on-campus equivalent, USC’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program is available in a 100% online format. Offering quality field experience providing training for real-world practice, students can expect to receive dedicated support throughout the program, with advisors available to help students find field internships in or near their own community. Interactive coursework reinforces classroom discusses and may be accessed 24/7 via the program’s mobile app.
3. Capella University
SourceCapella University is a for-profit, online institution of higher education headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Owned by the Capella Education Company, the University was originally established as The Graduate School of America (TGSA) in 1993, founded upon the belief that “quality higher education should be broadly accessible to working adults.” In 1997 TGSA was granted accreditation and the school graduated its first students. In 1999 TGSA became Capella University and today offers a wide range of doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees as well as a number of certificate programs. Students can choose from two online-learning formats, FlexPath, a self-paced, pay-per-session format, and GuidedPath. The University’s mission is to “extend access to high-quality bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs for adults who seek to maximize their personal and professional potential.” This statement continues, “This mission is fulfilled through innovative programs that are responsive to the needs of adult learners and involve active, engaging, challenging, and relevant learning experiences offered in a variety of delivery modes.”
Program Details
Capella University offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) through its School of Public Service Leadership. A CSWE (Council on Social Work Education)-accredited program, the MSW is available in both online and in-person formats and includes 15 core courses, 2 elective courses, and an internship. The program prepares students to connect with their clients; to lead professionally; apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments; to connect research with practice, and to work for human rights. Featuring a rigorous combination of online coursework and face-to-face experiences, Capella University’s MSW prepares graduates for licensure, offering full support through the University’s licensure team which assists students through the license application process to beyond graduation.
2. Saint Leo University
SourceSaint Leo University is a private, nonprofit, Catholic institution of higher education located in Saint Leo, Florida. Established in 1889, Saint Leo University is the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in Florida and is known as one of the top universities in Central Florida. As a Catholic institution, Saint Leo University is firmly grounded in its 1,500-year-old Benedictine tradition yet welcomes students from all backgrounds and faith traditions. The University’s mission is to “growth in mind, body, and spirit for all members of its community.” In order to accomplish this goal, Saint Leo University offers “a practical, effective model for life and leadership in a challenging world; a model based on a steadfast moral consciousness that recognizes the dignity, value, and gifts of all people.” Founded upon several core values, these include Excellence, Community, Respect, Personal Development, Responsible Stewardship, and Integrity.
Program Details
Saint Leo University offers a Master of Social Work with four program options, each of which is available online. Options include a One Year Full-time Advanced Standing Program; a Three Year Program; a Two Year Program; and a Part-time Advanced Standing Program. The mission of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program is to “prepare graduate students for professional advanced practice in becoming leaders through the provision of social work services that promote social and economic justice, and human rights locally, nationally, and globally.” Graduates of the program are expected to “contribute to the empowerment of people/groups that experience discrimination and oppression.” Taught entirely online, classes are attended via webcam in order to allow for face-to-face interaction between classmates and professors. It should be noted that Saint Leo University’s MSW is currently only available to students who are residents of Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, South Carolina, and Virginia.
1. Western New Mexico University
SourceWestern New Mexico University is a four-year, master’s level, public university located in Silver City, New Mexico on a large, 83-acre campus on a hill. Established in 1893 as New Mexico’s Normal School, the University has gone by four names including New Mexico State Teacher’s College, New Mexico Western College and its current name which was adopted in 1963. Offering over 70 fields of study ranging from accounting to zoology, Western New Mexico University (abbreviated WNMU) is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution and boasts a 50% Hispanic undergraduate student population. Founded upon the core values of Innovation/Creativity, Integrity, Intellectual Curiosity, Personal Responsibility, Service to University and Community, and Student Success, WNMU “engages and empowers learners in a multicultural, inclusive, creative, and caring community of teaching, scholarship/research, and service.” The University’s vision is “to be the premier teaching university excelling in student-centeredness, the liberal arts and sciences, professional programs, and career and technical preparation.”
Program Details
Institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Western New Mexico University offers a Master’s in Social Work which is also accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Available as either advanced standing or non-advanced standing programs, the University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) is designed to instill in graduates the values, knowledge, and skills necessary for practicing social work in a variety of settings and with people from all ages and backgrounds. As part of the program, WNMU’s social work department offers a wide range of electives designed to support student learning in areas of interest. Options include Practice with the Aged; Social Work Practice with the Military; Social Work in the School Setting; Disabilities & Empowerment; Human Trafficking; Practice & Client Sexuality; Understanding the Rural Community; Child Welfare and much more.
