Best MSW Programs in Georgia 2025: Online & Campus

Navigating the realm of Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in Georgia offers prospective students a spectrum of opportunities for academic and professional growth. As one of the dynamic states in the United States, Georgia boasts a diverse landscape of educational institutions, each offering unique curricula, specializations, and experiential learning opportunities tailored to meet the evolving demands of the field. From the vibrant city life of Atlanta to the serene landscapes of its countryside, Georgia’s MSW programs cater to many interests and career aspirations within the realm of social work. Embarking on a journey to explore these programs unveils a tapestry of possibilities, empowering individuals to pursue their passion for social justice and community advocacy in one of the South’s most dynamic states.
2025 Best MSW Programs in Georgia
Looking for the best MSW programs in Georgia? CounselingPsychology.org has ranked the top schools to help you find the right fit. Our list highlights programs that stand out for their quality, affordability, and student support. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, these schools offer the tools you need to succeed. Learn more about how we chose these programs by visiting our rankings methodology page.
Fort Valley State University
Fort Valley, GA - Public 4-Year - fvsu.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Mental Health, Addiction, Clinical Behavioral Health - Online Learning - Visit Website
Fort Valley State University offers a specialized Master of Social Work (MSW) program with concentrations in Mental Health, Addiction, and Clinical Behavioral Health, catering to students aiming for careers in these critical areas. This program stands out for its blend of online and in-person learning options, making it accessible to a wide range of students. It is designed to prepare graduates for licensure as Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) or Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW), with a curriculum that emphasizes cultural diversity and practical experience through internships and fieldwork. Starting Spring 2023, this affordable program addresses the growing demand for skilled social workers in healthcare and social services, offering a pathway to impactful careers. Program highlights include a focus on mental health and addiction, flexible learning formats, and high job growth projections.
- Mental health and addiction focus
- Online and in-person options
- Starts Spring 2023
- Leads to LCSW/LMSW licensure
- Culturally diverse curriculum
- Internship and fieldwork included
- High job growth projections
- Affordable program access
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA - Public 4-Year - gsu.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Community Partnerships - Campus Based - Visit Website
Georgia State University's Master of Social Work program emphasizes Community Partnerships, offering a robust 60-credit curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical field experiences. This CSWE-accredited program is designed for those aiming to lead in addressing urban social challenges, with options for full-time, part-time, and advanced standing tracks. Focused on social justice, it prepares graduates to combat poverty and inequality through community engagement. Highlights include flexible scheduling, a February 15 application deadline, and a specialization in community practice, making it ideal for aspiring social work professionals.
- 60 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced standing available
- Community partnerships focus
- Fall application deadline: Feb 15
- On-campus and online formats
- CSWE accredited program
- Specialization in community practice
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Community Partnerships - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
The hybrid Master of Social Work program at Georgia State University caters to working professionals, focusing on Community Partnerships. This part-time, CSWE-accredited program combines online coursework with monthly on-campus sessions over three years, offering a practical approach to tackling social issues. With a curriculum centered on social justice and community engagement, students gain hands-on experience through a two-semester field placement. Key features include a 60-credit requirement, advanced standing options, and a February 15 application deadline, tailored for those seeking to make a difference in community settings.
- Part-time, hybrid program
- 60 semester hours total
- Three-year completion timeline
- Monthly on-campus sessions
- Community partnerships focus
- CSWE accredited program
- Advanced standing option
- Fall application deadline: Feb 15
- Specialization in Community Partnerships
- Two-semester supervised field placement
Albany State University
Albany, GA - Public 4-Year - asurams.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Albany State University offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) program designed to foster advanced clinical practice skills among students, emphasizing work with vulnerable populations. This CSWE-accredited program since 2011 focuses on social and economic justice, preparing graduates for leadership in clinical social work, child welfare, and mental health services. With options for advanced standing for BSW graduates, the program can be completed in less time. The curriculum requires 64 credit hours, includes mandatory field education, and prepares students for the LCSW exam. Admission requires three recommendation letters, a personal interview, and a minimum grade of 'B' in prerequisite courses.
- 64 total credit hours
- CSWE Accredited 2011-2024
- Clinical practice focused
- Advanced standing option
- Part-time and standard programs
- Prepares for LCSW exam
- Field education required
- Three recommendation letters
- Personal interview mandatory
- Grade 'B' or higher required
Clark Atlanta University
Atlanta, GA - Private 4-year - cau.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Child and Family - Campus Based - Visit Website
Clark Atlanta University's MSW program specializes in Child and Family, offering a 59-credit curriculum that blends clinical practice with an Afrocentric Perspective. This program stands out for its focus on social justice and cultural competence, preparing students to tackle complex social issues affecting diverse populations. With options for full-time, part-time, and advanced standing pathways, it caters to a wide range of students. Highlights include no GRE requirement, multiple degree completion options, and a strong emphasis on empowering marginalized communities through specialized tracks in Child and Family and Behavioral Health.
- Master of Social Work (59 Credits)
- Two specialization tracks available
- Three degree completion options
- Advanced Standing Option (38 Credits)
- Afrocentric Perspective curriculum
- Child and Family track
- Behavioral Health track
- Minimum 27 liberal arts credits required
- GRE waived for application
- Two-Year Full-Time Option
- Three-Year Part-Time Option
- One-Year Advanced Standing Option
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Health/Mental Health - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on Health/Mental Health, Clark Atlanta University's MSW program equips students with the skills to address societal challenges through an Afrocentric lens. The program offers two specializations and emphasizes clinical practice, social justice, and leadership. With 59 credit hours required, students can choose from full-time, part-time, or advanced standing options. A standout feature is the no GRE requirement, alongside a curriculum designed to prepare graduates for impactful roles in supporting diverse and underserved populations.
- Two specialization options available
- Three degree completion paths
- Advanced Standing Option
- 59 total credit hours
- No GRE required
- Liberal arts prerequisites
- Full-time and part-time options
- Clinical practice focus
- Afrocentric Perspective integrated
- Social justice emphasis
Master's - Master of Social Work
Campus Based - Visit Website
Clark Atlanta University's MSW program provides a broad foundation in social work, with specializations available in Child and Family or Behavioral Health. The program's Afrocentric Perspective enriches its 59-credit curriculum, focusing on cultural competence and social justice. Flexible study options, including advanced standing, cater to various student needs. Notably, the program does not require the GRE, making it accessible to a wider audience. Graduates are prepared to lead and innovate in addressing the needs of diverse communities.
- 59 total credit program
- Two specialization tracks
- Afrocentric Practice Perspective
- Multiple degree completion options
- Advanced Standing available
- No GRE required
- 27 liberal arts credits prerequisite
- Focuses on social justice
- Clinical practice emphasis
- Diverse population preparation
Savannah State University
Savannah, GA - Public 4-Year - savannahstate.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Clinical Practice - Campus Based - Visit Website
Savannah State University's MSW program with a concentration in Clinical Practice is a CSWE-accredited, 60-credit hour curriculum designed for those aiming to excel in advanced social work. Emphasizing cultural competence and evidence-based practice, students engage in 900 field practicum hours, preparing them for licensure and impactful careers in diverse settings. The program offers both Regular and Advanced Standing tracks, requiring a minimum 2.8 GPA for admission. Highlights include international learning opportunities and day-time field placements, making it ideal for students focused on clinical social work in various communities.
- CSWE Accredited Program
- 60 credit-hour degree
- Two specialization options
- 900 field practicum hours
- Two admission pathways
- Regular and Advanced Standing
- Minimum 2.8 GPA required
- International learning opportunities
- Preparation for LMSW licensure
- Day-time field placements only
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Social Administration - Campus Based - Visit Website
Focusing on Social Administration, Savannah State University's MSW program equips students with the skills for leadership in human services. This 60-credit hour, CSWE-accredited program includes 900 hours of field practicum, blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience. With options for Regular and Advanced Standing, the program caters to a range of educational backgrounds, requiring a 2.8 GPA. Graduates are prepared for LMSW licensure, with opportunities for international learning, making it a robust choice for those aiming to influence social policy and administration.
- 60 credit-hour MSW program
- CSWE accredited program
- Two specialization options
- 900 hours field practicum
- Prepares for LMSW licensure
- Regular and Advanced Standing tracks
- 2.8 minimum GPA required
- International learning opportunities
- Two-year full-time curriculum
- Advanced Standing: 33 credits
MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in Georgia
Georgia Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements
Traditional MSW degrees typically span over two years and require the completion of 60 credits. Unless they already have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), most social work majors must enroll in a traditional MSW program. To apply, schools will typically require the following:
- 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
Georgia Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements
If you do have a BSW already and you have a GPA of 3.5 or higher, you’ll want to apply for an advanced standing MSW program, which takes about half the time and requires significantly fewer credits. All the application requirements listed above will also be required when applying to these programs. Here are a few advanced standing MSW programs available in Georgia:
- University of Georgia – visit site
- Georgia State University – visit site
- Valdosta State University — visit site
RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries
Georgia MSW Program Tuition and Costs
Georgia is home to some of the country’s most expensive and most affordable social work degree programs. For those residing in the state, you will be eligible to enroll in many decent programs at a reasonable price, such as the $9,372 MSW program offered at Savannah State University. For those looking to invest, you could be looking at upwards of $62,000 or more. Take a look at a few examples of MSW tuition costs in the State of Georgia below:
School | Tuition (per credit hour) | Total Credits | Total Tuition |
University of Georgia | $289 (Resident) $821 (Non-resident) | 60 | $17,364 (Resident) $49,260 (Non-resident) |
Georgia State University | $362 (Resident) $1,048 (Non-resident) | 60 | $21,744 (Resident) $62,864 (Non-resident) |
Savannah State University | $156 (Resident) $581 (Non-resident) | 60 | $9,372 (Resident) $34,836 (Non-resident) |
Are Online MSW Programs in Georgia as Good as Campus-Based?
Many students have come to appreciate the flexibility offered by online MSW programs, but that doesn’t mean they’re right for everyone. Consider the various factors below.
Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in Georgia
Traditional MSW Programs | Online MSW Programs | |
Format | In-person classes | Online classes with some in-person requirements |
Flexibility | Limited scheduling options | More flexibility in scheduling, often part-time options |
Location | Geographically limited | Accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity |
Learning Environment | Classroom-based | Virtual classroom, discussion boards, and online resources |
Networking | Local networking opportunities | Networking with students and professionals from diverse locations |
Cost | Tuition, commuting, and relocation expenses | Generally lower tuition and flexibility to continue working |
Hands-on Experience | Field placements and internships | Virtual or field placements and internships arranged in the student's local area |
When you apply to MSW programs, ensure that it’s accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This is required of all MSW programs that lead to licensure.
Learn more about Social Work Degree Options:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Graduate Certificate in Social Work
- Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Getting Your Georgia Social Work License
All social workers working in a clinical setting will need to become licensed. Georgia has its own specific requirements for licensure. Learn more about how to get your social worker license in Georgia.
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.

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 Georgia
Albany, GA
Albany State University
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Website
- 64 total credit hours
- CSWE Accredited 2011-2024
- Clinical practice focused
- Advanced standing option
- Part-time and standard programs
- Prepares for LCSW exam
- Field education required
- Three recommendation letters
Atlanta, GA
Clark Atlanta University
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Child and Family - Campus Based - Website
- Master of Social Work (59 Credits)
- Two specialization tracks available
- Three degree completion options
- Advanced Standing Option (38 Credits)
- Afrocentric Perspective curriculum
- Child and Family track
- Behavioral Health track
- Minimum 27 liberal arts credits required
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Health/Mental Health - Campus Based - Website
- Two specialization options available
- Three degree completion paths
- Advanced Standing Option
- 59 total credit hours
- No GRE required
- Liberal arts prerequisites
- Full-time and part-time options
- Clinical practice focus
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Campus Based - Website
- 59 total credit program
- Two specialization tracks
- Afrocentric Practice Perspective
- Multiple degree completion options
- Advanced Standing available
- No GRE required
- 27 liberal arts credits prerequisite
- Focuses on social justice
Georgia State University
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Community Partnerships - Campus Based - Website
- 60 total credit hours
- Full-time and part-time options
- Advanced standing available
- Community partnerships focus
- Fall application deadline: Feb 15
- On-campus and online formats
- CSWE accredited program
- Specialization in community practice
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Community Partnerships - Online & Campus Based - Website
- Part-time, hybrid program
- 60 semester hours total
- Three-year completion timeline
- Monthly on-campus sessions
- Community partnerships focus
- CSWE accredited program
- Advanced standing option
- Fall application deadline: Feb 15
Fort Valley, GA
Fort Valley State University
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Mental Health, Addiction, Clinical Behavioral Health - Online Learning - Website
- Mental health and addiction focus
- Online and in-person options
- Starts Spring 2023
- Leads to LCSW/LMSW licensure
- Culturally diverse curriculum
- Internship and fieldwork included
- High job growth projections
- Affordable program access
Kennesaw, GA
Kennesaw State University
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Clinical Social Work Practice - Campus Based - Website
- Full-time 60 credit hour program
- Clinical social work focus
- Two-year academic track
- CSWE fully accredited
- Advanced Standing available
- 48 classroom + 12 practicum credits
- Eligible for LMSW exam
- Atlanta area field placements
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Advanced Standing - Campus Based - Website
- Full-time 2-year MSW program
- 60 total credit hours
- CSWE fully accredited
- Advanced Standing available
- Clinical social work focus
- 48 classroom credits
- 12 field practicum credits
- LMSW exam eligibility
- Master's - Master of Social Work / Master of Business Administration
Campus Based - Website
- CSWE Accredited Program
- 60 Credit Hour Traditional Track
- 36 Credit Hour Advanced Standing
- Face-to-Face Program Format
- Fall Semester Entry
- Two-Year Program Length
- March 15 Application Deadline
- 3.0 Minimum GPA Required
Savannah, GA
Savannah State University
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Clinical Practice - Campus Based - Website
- CSWE Accredited Program
- 60 credit-hour degree
- Two specialization options
- 900 field practicum hours
- Two admission pathways
- Regular and Advanced Standing
- Minimum 2.8 GPA required
- International learning opportunities
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Social Administration - Campus Based - Website
- 60 credit-hour MSW program
- CSWE accredited program
- Two specialization options
- 900 hours field practicum
- Prepares for LMSW licensure
- Regular and Advanced Standing tracks
- 2.8 minimum GPA required
- International learning opportunities
Valdosta, GA
Valdosta State University
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Advanced Generalist - Online & Campus Based - Website
- CSWE fully accredited program
- 33 total credit hours
- Hybrid degree format
- 1-year or 2-year cohorts
- No GRE required
- Fall semester admission
- Minimum 3.0 GPA required
- BSW degree prerequisite