30 Best Master’s Degrees in Social Work

Florida Atlantic University offers a Master of Social Work through its School of Social Work. The 60-credit degree program incorporates theory, practice, and professional skills in social work. It also has an emphasis on clinical-community practice. Students can choose to focus on adults and families; children, adolescents, and families; or elders and families. Course offerings include Animal-Assisted Therapy, Conflict Resolution, Social Work and Human Sexuality. Students may also choose to complete a study abroad experience. The degree can be completed in two years of full-time study or four part-time years. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for clinical social work licensure in Florida and elsewhere.

Established in 1961, FAu was the first public university in southeast Florida. The public university is a member of the State University System. In addition to its main campus in Boca Raton, it operates satellite campuses throughout South Florida, in the towns of Dania Beach, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce, and Jupiter. Its major research facilities include the Max Planck Society, the Scripps Research Institute, and the Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies. The university is also home to two centers of excellence, in Biomedical and Marine Biotechnology and Ocean Energy Technology. U.S. News & World Report ranks the FAU School of Social Work at No. 96 at the graduate level.

The University of Texas at Arlington provides a Master of Social Work. The program can be completed online, in a hybrid format, or on campus in Arlington or Fort Worth. The 61-credit curriculum consists of two parts: Generalist Practice and Advanced Practice. It is organized around six areas of study, including Community and Administrative practice, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, and Social Welfare Policy. It has two concentrations: Community and Administrative Practice and Direct Practice. Students can also expect to spend 16 to 40 hours per week on field practicum experience.

Founded in 1895, UT Arlington was previously a member of the Texas A&M University System and is now a member of the University of Texas System. The public research university is the largest university in North Texas in terms of student enrollment. It is also the fourth-largest university in the state. The campus is located in Arlington, midway between Dallas and Fort Worth. It includes research facilities such as the Aerodynamics Research Center, the Center for Mexican American Studies, and the Shimadzu Institute for Research Technologies. U.S. News & World Report ranks UTA at No. 126 in Top Public Schools and No. 51 for graduate Social Work.

Florida State University awards a Master of Social Work through its College of Social Work. The program can be completed on-campus in Tallahassee or Panama City or online from anywhere. Students can choose a concentration in Social Leadership or Clinical Social Work Concentration. The 61-credit curriculum includes courses in Social Work with Groups and Communities, Social Work Research, and Social Welfare Policies and Programs. The program is typically completed in two years, or five semesters, of full-time study. Students can alternatively complete the degree on an online and/or part-time basis at their own pace.

Founded in 1851, FSU is situated on the oldest site of higher education in Florida. The public state research university is a senior member of the State University System of Florida. A sea- and space-grant institution, FSU is home to research facilities such as the High-Performance Materials Institute and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. Located in Tallahassee, the campus houses seven libraries, the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, and the Ruby Diamond Auditorium performance venue. U.S. News & World Report ranks FSU at No. 70 in National Universities, No. 37 in Most Innovative Schools, and No. 26 in Top Public Schools. The university's College of Social Work ranks at No. 33 for its graduate programs.

University of Maryland, Baltimore County provides a Master of Social Work. The degree program offers students the choice between a Clinical or Macro concentration. Students can also choose a further specialization in an area such as Aging, Community Action & Social Policy, or Families and Children. The 60-credit general curriculum covers clinical social work, community organization, and human services management. Advanced course offerings include Equality and Social Justice, Intimate Partner Violence – Breaking the Cycle, and Mental Health and Social Policy. The program also requires a field practicum experience, which can be completed on sites throughout Maryland, particularly in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

Established in 1966, UMBC was the first public college in Maryland to be inclusive of students of all races. A member of the University of Maryland System, the university was originally intended to serve the overflow of students in the area seeking admission to UMD, College Park. However, UMBC has become a high-achieving institution in its own right. Located in Baltimore County, the school was home to Maryland's first university research park. The space-grant institution is counted among the fastest-growing research universities in the United States. U.S. News & World Report ranks UMBC at No. 87 in Top Public Schools and No. 9 in Most Innovative Schools.

New York University provides a Master of Social Work through its Silver School of Social Work. The degree program emphasizes research-based clinical training in social work practice. It also offers emphasis options in integrated primary and behavioral health care; policy practice; and global social work practice, which offers study abroad opportunities. Course offerings include Clinical Social Work Practice with LGBT Clients; Creative Arts Therapy; and Mindfulness and Social Work Practice. The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Students may also choose to pursue a dual degree that includes child development, global health leadership, law, or management.

NYU was established in New York City in 1831. In addition to its main campus in Greenwich Village, the university operates campuses in Abu Dhabi and Shanghai and learning locations in major cities across the globe. The private research university has one of the largest research budgets of any university in the nation. It is home to the Bobst Library, which is one of the largest academic libraries in the United States and includes the Avery Fisher Center for Music and Media, which is one of the largest academic media centers in the world. U.S. News & World Report ranks NYU at No. 56 in Best Value Schools, No. 37 in Most Innovative Schools, and No. 30 in National Universities. The university's Silver School of Social Work ranks at No. 13 for its graduate studies.

California State University, Long Beach awards a Master of Social Work that prepares students for advanced generalist social work practice. Students may choose from three areas of specialization: Adulthood and Aging, Child and Family Wellbeing, and Integrated Health. The 60-credit curriculum includes required courses in Addressing Oppression through Social Justice, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, and Skills and Interventions with Groups. It also includes two 500-hour field placements. Students can choose to culminate their program with a master's thesis or research project. Depending on their chosen plan of study, students can complete the degree program in two or three years.

CSULB was established in 1949 to accommodate the expanding population of Southern Los Angeles following World War II. It has since grown into one of the largest universities in the state of California by student enrollment. The public university is the third-largest member of the 23-campus California State University system. Located at the coastal tip of Los Angeles County, the campus overlooks the Pacific Ocean. It is designed in a minimalist layout, featuring brick, glass, and a primary focus on its lush landscaping. U.S. News & World Report ranks CSULB at No. 68 in graduate-level Social Work programs, No. 26 in Regional Universities West, and No. 3 in Top Public Schools.

Lehman College provides a Master of Social Work geared toward training graduates for leadership positions in urban communities. The traditional program is offered on a full-time basis. The program includes two evenings of classes and three days of fieldwork per week. Courses include Administration in Urban Agencies, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, and Human Diversity and the Social Environment. The 65-credit curriculum also includes social work research each year and fieldwork and seminars each semester. The degree can be completed in four semesters of full-time study. Graduates of the program will have completed the education requirements to sit for the New York State licensure exam for clinical social work.

Lehman College was founded in 1931 and served as U.S. Navy facilities during World War II. Formerly known as the Bronx Branch of Hunter College, Lehman is located in The Bronx borough of New York City. It occupies a 37-acre campus featuring modern and Collegiate Gothic architecture. The public state liberal arts college is a member of the City University of New York System. U.S. News & World Report ranks Lehman at No. 121 in graduate-level Social Work programs, No. 120 in Regional Universities North, No. 37 in Top Public Schools.

The University of Minnesota offers a Master of Social Work through its School of Social Work. The degree program aims to prepare graduates for advanced and leadership positions in the field of social work. Students choose from four concentration areas: clinical mental health; community practice; families and children; and health, disability, and aging. The 53-credit curriculum includes foundational courses in Historical Origins & Contemporary Policies in Social Welfare and Human Behavior and the Social Environment. Students must also take advanced policy classes in areas such as aging and disability, health and mental health, and international social welfare. The program includes field placement experience, which can be completed in a social work agency in the Twin Cities or in neighboring states. The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis.

Established in 1851, UMN is the flagship campus of the University of Minnesota system, and the oldest and largest institution within it. The university's main campus is divided across the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, approximately three miles apart. A land- and space-grant institution, UMN is a member of the Association of American Universities. Its research facilities include the Minnesota Population Center and the Consortium on Law and Values in Health, Environment, and the Life Sciences. The public research university is counted among the nation's "Public Ivy" universities. U.S. News & World Report ranks UMN at No. 86 in Best Value Schools, No. 76 in National Universities, and No. 30 in Top Public Schools. The university's School of Social Work is ranked at No. 36 for its graduate programs.

The University at Buffalo offers a Master of Social Work through its School of Social Work. The degree program prioritizes evidence-based practice and trauma-informed and human rights perspectives. The 60-credit curriculum can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. Courses include Diversity and Oppression, Social Welfare History and Policy, and Theories of Human Behavior and Development. It also includes a professional development seminar. Students must work on a field placement each semester. The program can be completed in two academic years, or four semesters, of full-time study. Students have the option to complete the coursework requirements to become a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor.

The University at Buffalo was established in 1846 as a private medical school. Today, it is the largest public university in the state of New York. It is the flagship campus of the State University of New York system, and it has the largest enrollment and endowment in the system. The university is spread across three campuses in Amherst and Buffalo. A sea- and space-grant research institution, it is a member of the Association of American Universities. The university is home to two New York State Centers of Excellence, in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences and Materials Informatics. U.S. News & World Report ranks SUNY Buffalo at No. 102 in Best Value Schools, No. 89 in National Universities, and No. 38 in Top Public Schools. The university's School of Social Work ranks at No. 25 in the nation.

Students can earn their Master of Social Work in one to three years from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The multiplatform degree from UNC Charlotte is offered in three different tracks. The Full-Time Plan of Study requires two years of class, the Part-Time Plan of Study takes around three years to complete, and the accelerated Advanced Standing Plan of Study is completable within one year. The Full-Time and Advanced Standing programs currently have a two-year waiting list for incoming students.

The university's MSW program is guided by seven themes, which include Context, Cultural Sensitivity and Humility, and Critical Reflection. While three different programs exist for the MSW program, each degree track requires students to complete courses such as Advocacy and Policy Change, Mental Health Assessment, and Advanced Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities. The university requires applicants to apply with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and to have an undergraduate degree in liberal arts. All applicants must submit GRE scores for consideration unless they acquired a GPA above 3.25-3.5 or already possess a doctoral degree in the U.S.

Newman University offers a Master of Social Work with a contemporary curriculum built upon clinical and trauma competencies. The degree program is available at the university's Wichita campus and Colorado Springs site. The 62-credit curriculum covers areas such as diversity, ethics, human behavior, and social and economic justice. It includes graduate research and a field practicum experience in social work. The degree program can be completed in two years of full-time study, four part-time years, or a combination of both in three years. Graduates of the program will have met the educational requirements for state social work licensure.

Newman was founded in 1933 by the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. Named after John Henry Cardinal Newman, it is a private Catholic liberal arts university. In addition to its liberal arts foundations, the university emphasizes community engagement beyond the classroom. The university has been awarded the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll several times. The Newman campus occupies 60 acres of urban Wichita, Kansas. It operates additional learning locations in Colorado Springs, Colorado; southeast and western Kansas; and Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma. The university's small size allows for intimate interactions and personalized mentorship.

Fordham University provides a Master of Social Work through its Graduate School of Social Services. Beyond the core curriculum, each student can build their own plan of study in one or more areas of advanced practice, such as Individuals and Families or Organizations and Community. The program includes a field placement component, which students can complete at one of many sites in the New York metropolitan area and nationwide. The flexible program also offers students the choice to study at the university's Lincoln Center, Long Island, or Westchester locations. The program can also be completed in a hybrid or fully online capacity. Students can complete the program on a part-time, full-time, or accelerated basis. Students may also choose to take weekend courses.

Fordham is the third-oldest university in the state of New York and the only Jesuit university in New York City. The private research university operates three campuses in New York State: in West Harrison, the Bronx, and Manhattan's Upper West Side. Its research facilities include the Louis Calder Center and the William Spain Seismic Observatory. Fordham has been named among the nation's "Hidden Ivies," a group of smaller private institutions that rival the Ivy League. U.S. News & World Report ranks at No. 70 in National Universities and No. 25 for graduate Social Work.

The University of Pittsburgh awards a Master of Social Work through its School of Social Work. Pittsburgh's School of Social Work and the MSW program have a long history, particularly in practice with vulnerable children, youth, and families. Students can participate in the program's Child Welfare Education for Leadership project, which provides training to employees of public child welfare agencies. The school also serves aging populations through several aging initiatives and programs. Despite its specializations and historic foundations, the MSW curriculum is contemporary in nature and also includes generalist studies. It consists of 42 class credits and 18 field credits. Courses include Models of Intervention, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, and Social Work Practice with Diverse Populations. The program is generally completed in two full-time years or four part-time years.

Pitt was founded in 1787 on the edge of the American frontier. Today, it is a public state-related research university. Its historic main campus is located in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The university operates four additional campuses in Western Pennsylvania: in Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown, and Titusville. A member of the Association of American Universities, Pitt is a major recipient of health research funding from the U.S. government and the National Institutes of Health. The university is noted as the location for the development of the polio vaccine by Dr. Jonas Salk. U.S. News & World Report ranks Pitt at No. 70 in National Universities, No. 55 in Most Innovative Schools, and No. 26 in Top Public Schools. The university's School of Social Work is tied at No. 17 for its graduate programs.

Rutgers University offers a Master of Social Work through its School of Social Work. The degree program is offered on all three Rutgers campuses. Students may choose from a schedule of daytime and evening classes. Students may also choose an emphasis area from such areas as children, youth, and families; international social work; and mental and behavioral health. Each student must complete a field placement experience, which can be completed at sites throughout New Jersey and neighboring states. Students may additionally choose to pursue a certificate in an area such as Promoting Child and Adolescent Well-Being or Violence Against Women and Children. The degree program can be completed in two years of full-time study or four years part-time.

Chartered in 1766, Rutgers is one of the oldest colleges in the United States. It is counted among the original colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. Today, the public research university is the largest institution of higher education in the state of New Jersey. The university has three campuses in the state: in Camden, Newark, and New Brunswick. It is a member of the Association of American Universities. U.S. News & World Report ranks Rutgers at No. 56 in National Universities and No. 17 in Top Public Schools. The university's School of Social Work ranks at No. 17 for its graduate programs.

Boston University offers a Master of Social Work through its School of Social Work. The hands-on curriculum is rooted in social justice and integrates both research and practice in social work. Students can major in Clinical or Macro Practice and choose from five specializations, including Behavioral Health and Trauma and Violence. The curriculum also includes a required field education internship. The program can be completed in a full-time, part-time, hybrid, or online capacity. On-campus students have the option to complete the program on the main Boston campus or at one of the university's four regional campuses throughout Massachusetts. The program has a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1.

BU first took root in the Newbury Biblical Institute, a theological school established by Methodist ministers in 1839. In 1869, the theological school was chartered as Boston University by the state legislature. Today, BU is a nonsectarian private research university. Its main campus is situated along Commonwealth Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts, and features traditional Boston brownstone. The university is a member of the Association of American Universities. Notably, former professor Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in a BU lab. U.S. News & World Report ranks BU at No. 46 in Best Value Schools, No. 42 in National Universities, and No. 28 in Most Innovative Schools. The university's School of Social Work ranks at No. 10 for its graduate programs.

The University of Illinois at Chicago awards a Master of Social Work through its Jane Addams College of Social Work. The 62-credit curriculum covers areas of social work such as human behavior, field instruction, the social environment, and research. Students can choose from four specializations: Child and Family, Mental Health; Organization and Community Practice; and School Social Work. Course offerings include Human Behavior and the Social Environment and Social Work in a Multicultural Society. Students may also choose to participate in training programs addressing behavioral health care, child welfare, child mental health, substance use disorders, or urban youth with disabilities. All students must complete a field placement, and they are offered the option to complete a master's thesis.

Comprised of three campuses on the Near West Side of Chicago, UIC a designated Hispanic Serving Institution, UIC consistently ranks among the most ethnically diverse universities in the nation. U.S. News & World Report ranks UIC at No. 129 in both National Universities and Best Value Schools, and No. 61 in Top Public Schools. The university also ranks at No. 25 in Social Work at the graduate level.

ndiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis provides a Master of Social Work with a concentration in Clinical and Community Practice. The degree program is offered through the university's School of Social Work, which is the oldest university-affiliated school of social work in the United States. The curriculum covers healthy communities and organizations, social and economic justice, and social and economic policies. Foundational courses include Diversity, Human Rights, and Social Justice; Generalist Theory and Practice; and Social Policy Analysis and Practice. Clinical and Community Practice courses include Assessment in Mental Health and Addictions and Community in Global Theory and Practice. Students may also choose from five focus areas, including Health, Mental Health & Addictions, and School Social Work. The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis and must be completed within five years.

IUPUI was born from the 1969 merger of Indiana University Indianapolis and the Purdue Indianapolis Extension Center. It is now a core campus of Indiana University that offers both IU and Purdue degrees. The campus is located on a peninsula along the White River near downtown Indianapolis. The university is home to the only dental school in Indiana and the second-largest medical school in the United States. Its research efforts include the Arts and Humanities Institute, Innovation-to-Enterprise Central, and the Integrated Nanosystems Development Institute. U.S. News & World Report ranks IUPUI at No. 106 in Top Public Schools and No. 45 in Most Innovative Schools. The university's graduate Social Work programs rank at No. 36.

Saint Louis University provides a Master of Social Work degree program. The program offers flexible format options for students working full- or part-time or for those who want to progress through the material at a faster pace. Elective courses may be completed in nontraditional formats, such as two week-long intersession periods, online blended classes, or Saturday sessions. The 57-credit curriculum is built on a generalist foundation. Individuals can then choose an Applied Behavior Analysis, Clinical, or Community and Organization concentration. Each student will complete mentored fieldwork in the community. Students can further specialize their studies by choosing courses or practicum experiences in areas such as Criminal Justice, Nonprofit Administration, or Substance Use Disorder Treatment.

Established in 1818, SLU is the oldest university west of the Mississippi River. Founded by a Roman Catholic bishop, it is also the second-oldest Jesuit university in the United States. The private research university operates two campuses: one in St. Louis, Missouri, and another in Madrid, Spain. The St. Louis campus includes four libraries, a central clock tower, a 10-story research center, and a multi-purpose arena. The university's Center for Service and Community Engagement encourages community service efforts in collaboration with campus ministry and student organizations. U.S. News & World Report ranks SLU at No. 106 in National Universities and No. 36 in Best Value Schools. The university's School of Social Work ranks at No. 51 at the graduate level.

Baylor University offers a Master of Social Work through its Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. Baylor's Social Work degree program prepares graduates for a wide range of social work positions with individuals, families, and communities. The 60-credit curriculum includes courses in Administrative Practice in Social Work, Practice with Individuals & Families, and Social Policy for Social Work Practice. Students can choose to specialize in Clinical Practice or Community Practice. They may also choose to concentrate on a specific area within their specialization, such as children and families, death and grief, or international social work. Each student must also complete two internships. The program culminates in a week-long capstone seminar. The degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis. It fulfills all graduate education requirements for state licensure and professional social work credentials.

Chartered in 1845, Baylor is one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the state of Texas. It is also one of the oldest educational institutions west of the Mississippi River. Located in Waco, it sits on the largest Baptist university campus in the world. The private Baptist Christian university encourages students to participate in volunteer efforts and faith-based activities. A research university with high research activity, Baylor is a member of the Collider Detector at Fermilab collaboration and the Central Texas Technology and Research Park. The university is ranked by U.S. News & World Report at No. 78 in National Universities and No. 57 in Best Value Schools. It also ranks at No. 59 in Social Work at the graduate level.

Tulane University offers a Master of Social Work through its School of Social Work. The degree program has an emphasis on clinical and community-based learning. The 60-credit study sequence includes courses in Community Organizing and Policy Advocacy, Diversity and Social Justice, and Theories of Human Behavior Across the Life Course. The coursework integrates creative simulations, electronic learning, fieldwork, and team projects. Students can also expect to complete a capstone seminar, community practice experience, field practicum, and program evaluation. The degree program can be completed in 16 months over four consecutive semesters of full-time study. Part-time students can complete the program in eight semesters.

Tulane was founded in 1834 as the Medical College of Louisiana. Today, it is a comprehensive private research university considered to be the most prestigious and selective university in Louisiana. Located in the vibrant city of New Orleans, the Tulane campus is known for its historic architecture and towering oak trees. The university is a member of the Association of American Universities, a prestigious group of prominent North American research universities. It is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its community engagement and very high level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks Tulane at No. 63 in Best Value Schools and No. 44 in National Universities. The university is also ranked at No. 36 for Social Work at the graduate level.