Iowa MSW Degree Programs

School	Program	Admissions
Adelphi University	Online Master of Social Work Online flexibility and a personalized approach. Placements near you. No GRE.	Website
Virginia Commonwealth University	Online Master's in Social Work Part-time and full-time online options, with three intakes throughout the year, let you learn from anywhere in the country.	Part-time and full-time options Website
University of Kentucky	Online Master of Social Work CSWE Accredited, 100% online. Regular and Advanced Standing MSW tracks.	Website
University of Denver	Online Master of Social Work GRE scores are not required to apply.	Website
Case Western Reserve University	Online Master of Social Work No GRE required. Earn your Master of Social Work online at CWRU in as little as two and a half years. Bachelor’s degree required.	Website

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Click to view online MSW programs that are taking applications for 2024.

Four different institutions in the state of Iowa offer multiple levels of accredited education in social work, which includes Clarke University and the University of Iowa. The city of Des Moines traditionally pays social workers at higher average rates, including the estimate of $59,630 for youth and school services.

Iowa CSWE Accredited MSW Programs

In total, there are four programs offering Master's degrees in social work that has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in the state of Iowa. This designation shows that programs have been reviewed and follow guidelines set by the organization to prepare students for their career in social work.

The University of Iowa offers education in various locations throughout the state, including the capital city of Des Moines, and an online format.

Are there online MSW programs in Iowa?

Yes, there are colleges in Iowa with an online Master of Social Work degree program. Consider a featured online MSW program that is taking applicants right now, or move on to the list.

Click to see more accredited online MSW programs that are taking applications for 2024.

List of online MSW programs in Iowa that are CSWE accredited

Finding a Campus Based Iowa MSW Program

Full social work programs can be found at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Clarke University in Dubuque, and St. Ambrose University in Davenport. Specializations that students can consider include gerontology, rural social work, and management. The city of Des Moines tends to have more social work opportunities, including working with youth and school services.

University of Iowa's Online Master of Social Work

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers graduate social work programs at various locations, including the main campus at Iowa City, Des Moines, and Sioux City. An online format begins in the summer every two years and requires three years of part-time education. Students can choose to pursue a combination MSW and PhD in social work that lowers the credit requirement for quicker graduation.

60 total credit hours are needed for the full program, but this requirement can be truncated for students eligible for advanced standing. Having this designation requires the completion of a Bachelor's degree in social work accredited by the CSWE. No Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are required in the application process for the online program.

Accelerated Advanced Standing Format

Students that are near the Iowa City or Des Moines campus locations and meet eligibility for advanced standing may complete the program in just one year. This requires full-time enrollment and additional requirements in the application process, including more references and two essays.

Online Format

Online education is limited to residents that live in Iowa or are located in a bordering state. Many courses will require live attendance in the evening hours and others will utilize an asynchronous format. In order to succeed in this format, students should meet the technical requirements and be able to manage time effectively to pursue the degree in a proper manner.

Review of campus-based Iowa MSW programs

Careers, Licensures, and Salaries in Iowa

Overall, the state of Iowa sees employment and salary estimates within social work hover around the national average. The highest-paid specialization is in mental health and substance abuse work with an annual mean wage of $47,720. This estimate does jump up to $72,860 for those in the top 10 percent of employment throughout the state.

Iowa Social Work Licensure Requirements

Three different stages of licensure are available in the state of Iowa. Those looking to independently practice in clinical work must obtain certification for the Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW). Applicants must prove they have completed at least a Master’s degree and they need to submit a plan that designates an LISW professional that will supervise them in their post-graduate work.

Hours of Experience Requirements

At least 4,000 hours of social work experience must be completed after receiving the graduate degree, and this is must be completed between two to six years. The supervisor must have been practicing with an LISW licensure for at least three years. A clinical examination is also required through the Association of Social Work Boards.

Endorsement and Renewal Requirements

Licenses from other states can be endorsed by the state if they meet equivalent requirements. All licensures offered by the state of Iowa must be renewed every two years with 27 credit hours of continuing education. Those with LISW certification and are planning to supervise others looking to gain the licensure must complete three credit hours worth of supervision education.