A nationwide shortage of mental health professionals is increasing the demand for social workers and other practitioners. Social workers are key providers of mental healthcare services. A master of social work (MSW) offers advanced training to those passionate about helping vulnerable people.
Explore some of the best master's degrees in social work, what you can expect in an MSW program, and licensure and career opportunities.
What is a Master's in Social Work?
A master's in social work prepares students to pursue professional practice, advanced social work licensure, and leadership positions. Students can choose from on-campus or online programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Many social work schools offer part-time programs and accelerated options for those with relevant education and experience.
The MSW curriculum consists of coursework and field education. Training often focuses on generalist practice, clinical practice, or another advanced specialization. Most states have different levels of social work licensure, and an MSW paves the way for career mobility and higher pay.
Popular Online MSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Master's in Social Work Programs
Reputable online MSW programs hold CSWE accreditation, which requires a peer review process that ensures high standards. CSWE accreditation is also necessary to secure federal financial aid and to transfer credits to accredited institutions. Explore our ranking of the nation's best master's in social work.
What to Expect From an MSW
Learn about the courses you'll complete, how to prepare for licensure, and the cost of a master's in social work.
Curriculum and Program Length
MSW students can expect to spend two years completing approximately 65 credits of coursework and supervised fieldwork. Graduates with a bachelor's in social work (BSW) can apply to advanced standing programs, which require approximately 32 credits and a commitment of 9-12 months.
Core courses in human behavior in the social environment, social work practice, and practice with individuals and groups. Online and on-campus MSW programs offer specialized training or tracks such as clinical practice, child and adolescent, substance use, or social work administration.
Licensure Preparation
To become a licensed master social worker or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) you'll need to earn an MSW and pass a social work licensing exam. The MSW's practicum component provides generalist or specialization-specific experience at an agency or organization.
Since the licensure process varies by jurisdiction, you should contact the social work licensing board in the state where you intend to practice. The Association of Social Work Boards maintains a directory of licensure requirements by state.
Cost and Financial Aid
The cost of a master's in social work depends on whether the school is private or public, the duration of the program, and the delivery format.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate students paid an average of $12,600 in tuition and required fees at public institutions for the 2021-2022 school year. Comparatively, graduate students paid an average of $28,000 at private institutions that year.
MSW students can explore financial aid options, including merit and need-based scholarships, grants, and student loans. Financial aid offices and professional associations such as the CSWE and the National Association of Social Workers Foundation (NASW) are great places to start your search.
Career Opportunities for MSW Graduates
Graduates can find a variety of career opportunities as social work generalists or clinicians with specialized training. According to Payscale, social workers with an MSW earned an average salary of $64,000 as of September 2025.
Advanced education pays; MSW holders earned at least $13,000 more than BSW graduates, according to NASW salary research. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the highest-paid 10% of social workers earned more than $99,500.
Some career possibilities for advanced social workers include:
Clinical Social Worker: These practitioners work with individuals, families, and groups to address a variety of mental health, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
Mental Health Therapist: Therapists also diagnose and treat mental and behavioral conditions using counseling, psychotherapy, and other interventions.
Medical Social Worker: Healthcare social workers help individuals and families cope with chronic or terminal illnesses by providing counseling, referrals and information, advocacy, and case management services.
School Social Worker: School social workers are trained mental health professionals who focus on improving children's psychological and behavioral health and helping them better cope with learning disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
A master's degree in social work takes 1-3 years to complete, depending on full-time or part-time enrollment and whether students have a BSW that qualifies them for advanced standing in an MSW program.
