Online Master of Social Work (MSW)

Earn your MSW online in a CSWE-accredited program and prepare for licensure in as little as one year.

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Why Choose the University of Saint Mary for Your MSW?

The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Saint Mary is a flexible, CSWE-accredited graduate program designed to prepare students for professional social work practice and licensure. Offered in an online format, the program combines rigorous coursework with supervised field experience to develop clinical, ethical, and leadership skills.

Mission-Driven Education

At the University of Saint Mary, your education is grounded in values that matter—service, dignity, and justice. USM’s Catholic heritage emphasizes ethical leadership and service to others—principles that align closely with the profession of social work.

Flexible Online Learning

Complete your coursework online through a blend of synchronous and asynchronous formats designed for working adults. Regular and Advanced Standing Tracks are available.

Personalized Support

Small class sizes and engaged faculty provide individualized attention and mentorship throughout your program. We have weekly Virtual Coffee Chats, where you can get to know your professors and other students. This forum allows students to freely discuss their professional and personal needs.

Committed to Affordability

98% percent of MSW textbooks are free Open Education Resources, saving students thousands of dollars a year in textbook costs. Scholarships are available.

Specialized Learning Opportunities

Focus your studies in areas such as:

• • Health and mental health social work
  • Forensic social work

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MSW Program Structure

The University of Saint Mary offers flexible pathways to meet your goals:

Two MSW Specializations

Regardless of your Track, you can choose to specialize in the following areas. Both specializations provide focused, real-world training aligned with your career goals. 

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Accreditation and Licensure

The University of Saint Mary MSW is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)—the gold standard for social work education.

This means:

• Your degree meets national standards for quality
• You are eligible and prepared to sit for exams to pursue social work licensure, including 
  • Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
  • Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), (with additional supervised experience)
• Coursework and field education align with licensing requirements in Kansas and most states

View USM's MSW Learning Outcomes

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What Can You Do With an MSW?

7% Job Growth Expected

Graduates of the MSW program pursue careers in: Clinical social work, Mental health counseling, Healthcare and hospital systems, School social work, Community advocacy and nonprofit leadership. Some graduates go on to pursue licensure as Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW).

Apply to USM

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Admissions Requirements

To apply, you’ll need:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum GPA of 2.75 (or conditional consideration)
• Official transcripts
• Completed application and resume 
• The GRE is not required

Advanced Standing applicants must hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program

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Committed to Affordability

Scholarship Opportunities Available

The University of Saint Mary is committed to making your education affordable. We offer annual scholarships to qualified students to help reduce the financial burden of an MSW.

Request More Information

 

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Mission Statement

The University of Saint Mary (“USM”) Master of Social Work (“MSW”) Program educates students in a variety of both generalist and specialized social work practice methods and skills that contribute to the well-being of our global society. The program prepares social workers who are rooted in professional values and ethics and are equipped for future leadership and successful careers in the field of social work.

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Accreditation

The University of Saint Mary MSW Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA). Accreditation of a master's in social work program by the BOA indicates that it meets or exceeds standards of program quality evaluated through a peer review accreditation process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the BOA has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.