[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social workers play an important role in connecting a vast array of communities and systems with local resources. Their duties may include counseling couples working through relationship issues or helping kids deal with bullying at school. They can also help diagnose and treat mental health issues.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social work master’s programs qualify you for professional licensure and most clinical social work jobs. Possible careers for graduates with this degree include clinical social worker, community services manager, and psychotherapist. You can work with individuals, couples, and families; advocate for social policies; research social welfare; or become a social program administrator.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This page details the best MSW programs, social work careers, and the salary potential for different careers in this field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10 Best Schools for MSW Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability, so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This ranking is from 2025. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]MSW Program Overview[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pursuing a master’s degree in social work equips you with a comprehensive understanding of essential skills and knowledge for social work jobs, including counseling approaches, cognitive treatment methods, and clinical assessment techniques. Beyond coursework, you also complete fieldwork, which offers hands-on experience in actual social work settings.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Generally, MSW programs take two years of full-time study. Some [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/social-work/”]social work degrees[/hen-ui-link] may take less time to complete. For example, if you already have a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-social-work/”]bachelor of social work[/hen-ui-link] (BSW), you may be able to graduate from an MSW program in just one year.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]MSW Cost[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The cost of a traditional, on-campus MSW program can vary depending on factors such as institutional prestige, location, and delivery format. In 2020, the average tuition and fees for an MSW was $18,523, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many social work programs offer financial aid, scholarships, and assistantships to help defray the cost of earning your master’s degree. [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-social-work/”]Online MSW programs[/hen-ui-link] may also help you reduce the cost of your degree, as online MSW programs cost about $5,000 less per year, on average, than in-person MSW programs, according to the NCES.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accreditation for MSW Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To qualify for social work licensure, you need to earn your MSW from a programmatically accredited school. Many employers only hire candidates with an accredited degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cswe.org/” target=”_blank”]Council on Social Work Education[/hen-ui-link] (CSWE) grants programmatic accreditation to MSW degrees. The organization evaluates programs based on curricula, field experience, and faculty. Programs must undergo review regularly to keep their accreditation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]MSW Concentrations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many MSW programs offer concentrations that allow you to tailor your degree to your goals and interests. Common concentrations include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Child and family social work[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School social work[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare social work[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Community and social systems[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social policy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social work administration[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Three Types of Social Workers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are three major types of social workers: macro, direct services, and clinical. We explore these categories below.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. Macro Social Workers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Macro social workers work with communities, large groups of people, major institutions, and cities. Depending on their position, these social workers may advocate for large-scale social policy change, lobby to change healthcare laws, or organize statewide activist groups. They may also engage in research or work as managers and administrators for community programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Licensed Clinical Social Workers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/clinical-social-worker/”]Licensed clinical social workers[/hen-ui-link] (LCSWs) diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. They can offer therapy to individuals, groups, or families. Their workplaces include hospitals, community centers, rehabilitation facilities, and private practices.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The job title for social workers with a clinical social work license varies by state. States may use titles such as LCSW, licensed independent social worker, or licensed independent clinical social worker.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Clinical social workers without a license can practice clinical social work under the supervision of an LCSW. They must earn licensure to practice independently.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Direct Service Social Workers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Direct service social workers connect individuals with relevant resources and services. They may also provide limited counseling services, but they cannot provide psychotherapy. Depending on their role, these professionals can perform intake screenings, refer clients to relevant services, provide mediation services, and work in case management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Do Social Workers Make?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/000000″ target=”_blank”]median social worker salary[/hen-ui-link] was $61,330 in 2024. [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/careers/career-guide/social-services-careers/”]Social work salaries[/hen-ui-link] depend on factors like location, degree, and industry.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, professionals with a master of social work usually earn higher wages than professionals with only a bachelor’s degree in the field. Similarly, clinical social workers generally earn higher salaries than nonclinical social workers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As with other fields, social workers often see an increase in their earning potential after gaining experience, earning an advanced degree, and/or learning specialized skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Social Workers Salary Outlook[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Social Workers Salary Outlook[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Careers in Social Work[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (2024)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Social and Community Service Managers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers in Social Work”]$78,240[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Healthcare Social Workers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers in Social Work”]$68,090[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Marriage and Family Therapists[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers in Social Work”]$63,780[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers [/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers in Social Work”]$60,060[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Child, Family, and School Social Workers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Careers in Social Work”]$58,570[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Master’s Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is an MSW degree?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MSW is a master of social work—a graduate-level degree in social work. In most states, licensed social workers need an MSW.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What does a master of social work do?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MSW qualifies you for positions in [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/clinical-social-worker/”]clinical roles as therapists[/hen-ui-link], as well as nonclinical roles including case managers or public policy officers. These professionals help vulnerable populations and provide assistance to adults, children, families and couples who need guidance and access to resources.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a master’s in social work worth it?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An MSW can lead to a career as a social worker, which some people find fulfilling because of the opportunities the job presents to impact people’s lives positively. Social workers made a median wage of $61,330 in 2024, which was over $10,000 higher than the median wage for all occupations that year.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the difference between an MSW and an MA in social work?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typically, graduate-level social work degrees are MSW programs, while MAs in social work are less common. Whatever designation your degree offers, ensure that the program you attend holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education if you plan to pursue licensure.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much can you make with a master of social work?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The top 10% of social workers saw a median salary of $99,500 in 2024, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/000000″ target=”_blank”]BLS data[/hen-ui-link]. Social workers at this salary level likely have years of field experience and additional certifications. Other factors that can influence your earning potential include education, experience, location, and employer.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”352,173,7916″][/hen-ui-article-row]