If you want to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Alabama, you'll eventually need to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. With a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or related degree in hand, you will be eligible for some entry-level roles, but when you're ready for the next level, obtaining an MSW is vital for most social work roles in the state. To learn more about this rewarding degree type and why it's an important part of your education, read our guide to MSW programs in Alabama below.

MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in Alabama

Alabama Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements

Alabama MSW programs usually require around 60 total credits and take around two years to complete on a full-time basis. Traditional MSW degree programs are geared toward those who don't already hold a BSW degree. While specific entry requirements vary from school to school, they typically include:

  • Bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a related area, from a regionally accredited institution
  • Minimum GPA requirement (typically around 3.0)
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement or essay
  • Resume or CV outlining relevant experience
  • Completion of prerequisite courses (such as psychology, sociology, or human services)
  • GRE scores (some programs may waive this requirement)
  • Interview (some programs may require an interview as part of the application process)
  • Background check and/or fingerprinting

Alabama Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements:

An advanced-standing Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is an accelerated program for those with a BSW degree. Entry requirements routinely include:

  • A BSW degree from an accredited institution typically awarded no longer than five years prior
  • Minimum GPA of 3.5
  • All other requirements from the Traditional MSW above

The Advanced-Standing MSW degree typically requires around 38 credits and takes approximately one year to complete. Examples of Advanced-Standing MSW programs in Alabama include:

RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries

Alabama MSW Program Tuition and Costs

The average range of tuition costs for a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree in Alabama is approximately $400 to $800 per credit hour for in-state students and $800 to $1,200 per credit hour for out-of-state students. This can result in total tuition costs ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 or more for the entire program, depending on the school and residency status. Keep in mind that students must also account for additional expenses such as textbooks and computers.

To get an idea of MSW tuition costs in Alabama, check out some examples below:

SchoolTuition (per credit hour)Total CreditsTotal Tuition
University of Alabama at Birmingham$468 for in-state students
$1,109 for out-of-state students
61$27,450 – in-state
$62,830 – out-of-state
University of North Alabama$495 for in-state students
$990 for out-of-state students
60$29,700 – in-state
$59,400 – out-of-state

Are Online MSW Programs in Alabama as Good as Campus-Based?

While the face-to-face interaction of in-person programs is still a big draw for many, the flexibility and convenience of online MSW programs is a significant advantage.

Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in Alabama

Traditional MSW ProgramsOnline MSW Programs
FormatIn-person classesOnline classes with some in-person requirements
FlexibilityLimited scheduling optionsMore flexibility in scheduling, often part-time options
LocationGeographically limitedAccessible from anywhere with internet connectivity
Learning EnvironmentClassroom-basedVirtual classroom, discussion boards, and online resources
NetworkingLocal networking opportunitiesNetworking with students and professionals from diverse locations
CostTuition, commuting, and relocation expensesGenerally lower tuition and flexibility to continue working
Hands-on ExperienceField placements and internshipsVirtual or field placements and internships arranged in the student's local area

Whether you choose a campus-based or online MSW program in Alabama, you'll want to ensure that your degree program is properly accredited by a trusted agency such as the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Learn more about Social Work Degree Options:

Getting Your Alabama Social Work License

Getting licensed as a social worker in Alabama is the next step once you earn your MSW degree. Each state has different requirements for licensure. Learn more about how to get your social worker license in Alabama.

Popular Social Work Careers

Discover the specializations available to you within social work. These social work careers can help you work with diverse populations in a variety of environments.

Female social worker talking with elderly female woman

School Social Worker

School social workers provide counseling, support, and advocacy for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop student success strategies, provide crisis intervention, and facilitate support groups.

Healthcare Social Worker

Healthcare social workers assess patients' social, emotional, and practical needs. They provide counseling and support, coordinate care with healthcare providers, advocate for patients' rights, and connect patients and their families with community resources to ensure holistic and comprehensive care.

Court Social Worker

Court social workers assess the needs of individuals involved in court cases. They develop intervention plans, provide counseling and support, monitor progress in court-ordered programs, collaborate with legal professionals, and advocate for clients' best interests in legal proceedings.

List of MSW Degree Programs in Alabama

Auburn, AL

Master's Programs

Auburn, AL 36849
(334) 844-4000

Birmingham, AL

Master's Programs
Administration Bldg Suite 1070
Birmingham, AL 35294-0110
(205) 934-4011

Florence, AL

Master's Programs
One Harrison Plaza
Florence, AL 35632-0001
(256) 765-4100

Jacksonville, AL

Master's Programs
700 Pelham Road North
Jacksonville, AL 36265
(256) 782-5781

Montgomery, AL

Master's Programs
915 S Jackson Street
Montgomery, AL 36104-0271
(334) 229-4100

Normal, AL

Master's Programs
4900 Meridian Street
Normal, AL 35762
(256) 372-5000

Tuscaloosa, AL

Master's Programs
739 University Blvd
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0100
(205) 348-6010

Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.

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