Consider a sponsored online MSW program that is taking applications for 2024.
| School | Program | Admissions |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | Master of Social Work
GRE waived. 100% Online, Advanced Standing available. |
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Click to view online MSW programs that are taking applications for 2024.
Two institutions have online education opportunities for the Master of Social Work in the city of Minneapolis. These programs can help gain professional state licensure for the state of Minnesota and many other locations in the United States.
Minnesota CSWE Accredited MSW Programs
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited 12 institutions that have a Master's degree in social work in the state of Minnesota. There are two universities that offer online education - Capella University and Walden University, which are both based in the city of Minneapolis.
Many institutions with social work programs are located in the Minneapolis-St. Paul location, including the University of Minnesota, University of St. Thomas, and St. Mary's University of Minnesota.
Are there online MSW programs in Minnesota?
Yes, there are colleges in Minnesota 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.
| School | Program | Admissions |
|---|---|---|
| Adelphi University | Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited |
Website |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Online Master's in Social Work
Accredited |
Website |
| University of Kentucky | Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited |
Website |
| University of West Florida | Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited |
Website |
| Our Lady of the Lake University | Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited |
Website |
Click to see more accredited online MSW programs that are taking applications for 2024.
List of online MSW programs in Minnesota that are CSWE accredited
| School | Program | CSWE Accredited? |
|---|---|---|
| Capella University | Online MSW, Specialized Practice: Advanced Generalist | ✓ |
| Walden University | Online MSW: Advanced Clinical Practice, Military Social Work, Social Work in Health Care, and Social Work with Children and Families | ✓ |
Finding a Campus Based Minnesota MSW Program
Both of the online institutions require on-campus residencies for a specific period of time. Walden University provides specialized practice in many categories, including military social work and dealing with children and family clients. International students can pursue a degree at either university.
Capella University's Online Master of Social Work
The School of Social Work and Human Services provides a Master's degree in social work that is accredited by the CSWE. This is a hybrid format that provides educational opportunity on-campus and through the convenience of an online learning management system. Internships will be required throughout the program to gain competency with a specific role in social work.
On-Campus Residency and Field Requirements
For the on-campus residency, students will learn how to conduct their practicum education and work on communication skills in group sessions. They have an ability to meet with faculty members and other students directly, and they will have a seminar on the code of ethics. A total of 1,000 clock hours is needed for field experience to complete the curriculum.
Program Tracks
Those unfamiliar with online education take advantage of GuidedPath, which sets deadlines and requirements for assignments and course discussions. Student become more active and responsible in their pursual of the degree, and tuition varies based on what courses are being taken.
Examples of courses that can be taken in the program include Integrative Technology in Advanced Social Work Practice, Theory and Practice in Mental Health Practice and Advanced Interventions, and Systems Analysis of Social Work Practice. In addition to critical thinking skills and additional research capability, this program will help with licensure in many states.
Walden University's Online Master of Social Work
This accredited Master of Social Work has a variety of convenient pursual routes and provides unique activities such as virtual reality situations to prepare students for the workplace. There are four different concentrations that students can consider through this program: Advanced Clinical Practice, Military Social Work, Social Work in Healthcare, and Social Work with Children and Families.
Program Requirements
Full-time students can choose between the standard or accelerated format, where they take one to three courses in each semester. Those with a Bachelor's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited school and hold high academic marks in their work may qualify for advanced standing. This eliminates introductory courses and shortens the degree for professionals.
92 quarter credit hours are needed for the standard degree when looking at the Advanced Clinical Practice concentration. In addition to electives and field experience, there are two six-week skill labs, which require on-campus residency for a four-day period. These labs must be completed before entering advanced social work education and field practice.
Graduates from the program will be able to apply their education to practice, using evidence-based research to develop treatment plans and acknowledge cultural diversity in their practice. VR has the value of putting students in real-life scenarios and they can become more prepared for difficult situations in their eventual career.
Review of campus-based Minnesota MSW programs
Augsburg College - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Minneapolis
Concentrations available in multicultural clinical practice and macro practice. Students understand different communities and cultures and apply evidence-based practice. Macro practice focuses on advocacy for policy change and community development. 920 total hours needed in field practice across two internship experiences. At least 500 hours dedicated to the concentration selected. Program ends with portfolio showing competency in clinical work or summative evaluation project.
Capella University - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Minneapolis
Curriculum offers 15 core courses and two elective options for further specialization. Examples include micro-level social practice, integrative technology, and research methods. Electives should combine similar topics, such as working with youth or adults. Graduates have gone on to positions as clinical directors and school-based social workers. Active military service members may hold eligibility for 10 percent off tuition.
Capella University - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Minneapolis
CSWE-accredited program offered both online and on-campus. Students holding an accredited undergraduate degree may be eligible for advanced standing. At least 1,000 field experience hours needed across two different internships. Offers unique GuidedPath option where students pursue a structured online curriculum. Up to three courses taken in each three-week quarter term and tuition is per credit.
Minnesota State University-Mankato - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Mankato
Concentration as an advanced generalist with preparation for licensure in Minnesota. Requires one to two years of study based on traditional or advanced standing pathway. Admission requirements include Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA. Should detail prior work experience and complete an essay detailing NASW standards followed. Program only administers students in the fall semester.
Saint Cloud State University - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Saint Cloud
Specialization focuses on advanced generalist studies preparing for various fields in social work. Culminates with thesis for further study or comprehensive final exam. Advanced standing available to students with accredited BSW in the last seven years. Offers both full and part-time enrollment options for scheduling flexibility. Student-based advocacy group can promote better policy and further understand injustice. Application requires essay detailing career goals and relation to the school's mission.
St Catherine University - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Saint Paul
Course distribution through online education or on-campus at the St. Paul location. Students may consider a hybrid version of the two if possible. 1,000 total clock hours needed for the field experience under traditional study. Advanced standing lowers this amount to 600 hours, needed in the second-year internship. May consider dual-degree option with the Holistic Health Studies discipline. Specific clinical practice areas include substance abuse, military, and rural communities.
The College of Saint Scholastica - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Duluth
Blends together online and on-campus education to convenience those continuing professional work. Lectures available in a live setting or on-demand on the student's own time. Complemented with physical meetings, seminars, and various class activities. Provides preparation for the Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work designation in Minnesota. 62 total credit hours for the traditional format that begins in the fall semester. 900 total clock hours needed for the field experience.
University of Minnesota-Duluth - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Duluth
Concentration as an advanced generalist offers wide-ranging skill set for social work opportunities. Students gain practice and policy procedure in rural settings and American Indian communities. Specific course topics include dynamics and health care services for these families. Further scholarship opportunities for students looking at a career in social welfare. Incoming students should have a Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA. Prerequisites in biology and statistics with a C grade or higher.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) - Minneapolis
Concentrations offered in clinical mental health, community practice, families, and health in aging. Advanced standing for students with accredited BSW and B grades for main coursework. Field experience takes place during business hours with some weekend and evening availability. 960 clock hours acrosss two internships needed for the full curriculum. Course availability on Monday through Wednesday evenings and Thursday through Saturday. Dual degrees blend together topics such as urban/regional planning and public health.
University of St Thomas - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Saint Paul
Graduate program emphasizes clinical work in various fields. Concentrations available in gerontology, military veterans, and immigrants and refugees. These areas offer resources in networking opportunity and completed in two years. Courses available at the St. Paul campus during weekday and evening hours. Hybrid format allows for online emphasis with three Saturday courses on-campus each semester. 90 percent of faculty members have state licensure within social work.
Walden University - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Minneapolis
Concentrations available in military veterans, health care, and advanced clinical practice. Program distributed in the traditional or accelerated pathway. The latter option requires three courses in each term until program completed. 900 total hours required for the field practicum sessions. Traditional program requires 2.5 GPA with accredited Bachelor's degree. Advanced standing requires 3.0 GPA with accredited BSW earned in the last eight years.
Social Work Careers, Licensure, and Salaries in Minnesota
Minnesota offers high salary estimates in working with youth and substance abuse in the social work discipline. The average salary across the state for mental health professionals is $60,090 annually, and that is around $84,910 for the top 10 percent of earners according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries are generally spread evenly across the state, with slightly more pay in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area.
Minnesota Social Work Licensure Requirements
Three different licensures can be earned after the completion of a Master’s degree in social work for the state of Minnesota. The Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) provides an opportunity to practice in non-clinical social work, and with licensed supervision, can perform clinical work. In addition to the degree, a criminal background check is needed and the completion of the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination.
Hours of Experience Requirements
For the Licensed Independent Social Worker designation, 4,000 hours of supervised social work experience must be completed after receiving the degree. This can be accomplished under an LGSW, meaning this licensure is applicable for non-clinical work in an independent setting. Supervision hours must be verified by the licensed professional that is reviewing the applicant.
The Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker needs to accomplish a total of 360 hours of clinical training, which is spread out across six different areas, such as clinical treatment planning, clinical intervention methods, and social work values and ethics. 4,000 hours of supervised clinical practice still applies to receive the licensure, as does the completion of the ASWB clinical exam and passing the criminal background check.
