As the demand for skilled professionals in the field of social work continues to rise, Iowa stands as a beacon of opportunity with its diverse array of Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. Nestled within the heartland of America, Iowa offers prospective students a unique blend of academic excellence, hands-on experience, and a commitment to fostering compassionate, community-focused practitioners. With a landscape rich in both urban centers and rural communities, MSW programs in Iowa cater to a broad spectrum of interests and career aspirations, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to embark on a rewarding journey in the field of social work.

2025 Best MSW Programs in Iowa

Looking for the best MSW programs in Iowa? counselingpsychology.org has ranked the top schools to help you find the right fit. Our list focuses on quality, affordability, and student support. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, these programs stand out. We've done the research so you can make an informed choice. Learn more about how we rank these programs here.

#1

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA - Public 4-Year - uiowa.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Clinical Practice - Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Iowa's Master of Social Work (MSW) program with a concentration in Clinical Practice is designed for those aiming to excel in clinical social work. Offering both online and in-person formats across Iowa City, Des Moines, and Sioux City, this program stands out for its no GRE requirement and a remarkable 90.4% licensure pass rate. It's tailored for students seeking advanced skills in counseling, healthcare, and community leadership, providing flexible study options and the advantage of a top-tier research university.

  • Online and in-person options
  • No GRE required
  • 90.4% licensure pass rate
  • In-state tuition for all students
  • Multiple campus locations
  • Accredited since 1951
  • Flexible full/part-time study
  • Research university advantage
  • Strong alumni network

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Leadership Practice - Campus Based - Visit Website

Focusing on Leadership Practice, the University of Iowa's MSW program prepares students for leadership roles in social work. With options for online and in-person study, the program emphasizes advanced skills development without the need for GRE scores. Its 90.4% licensure pass rate highlights the program's effectiveness, offering students a pathway to leadership in clinical social work and community services, supported by the university's strong research infrastructure.

  • No GRE required
  • Online and in-person options
  • 90.4% licensure pass rate
  • Multiple campus locations
  • In-state tuition for all students
  • Three-year part-time option
  • Accredited since 1951

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online Learning - Visit Website

The online MSW program at the University of Iowa provides a flexible solution for professionals aiming to advance in social work. Accredited by the CSWE, it offers both advanced and regular standing tracks, accommodating students with or without a BSW. Evening classes via Zoom and multiple completion timelines (2-4 years) make it ideal for working professionals, ensuring a balance between education and personal commitments.

  • Fully CSWE-accredited program
  • 36-54 semester hour options
  • Advanced and regular standing tracks
  • Evening classes via Zoom
  • Serves Iowa and bordering states
  • Flexible part-time and full-time options
  • December 1 and March 1 application deadlines
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#2

Dordt University

Sioux Center, IA - Private 4-year - dordt.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online Learning - Visit Website

Dordt University offers a Master of Social Work program that blends faith with professional social work education, available entirely online for flexibility. This CSWE-accredited program is tailored for those aiming to make a difference in social justice, offering three specialization tracks: clinical practice, community administration, and advanced generalist approaches. With tuition at $800 per credit, students can choose between advanced standing (36 credits) or regular standing (60 credits), accommodating various professional backgrounds. The curriculum emphasizes clinical skills and community service, supported by professional field experiences. Starting May 14, 2025, this program is ideal for working professionals seeking a Christ-centered education in social work.

  • 100% Online Program
  • $800 per credit
  • Christ-centered curriculum
  • Three specialization tracks
  • Next start date: May 14, 2025
  • CSWE Accredited Program
  • 36-60 total credit hours
  • Advanced and regular standing
  • Professional field experience
  • Comprehensive clinical courses
#3

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA - Public 4-Year - uni.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Trauma-Informed Care - Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Northern Iowa offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program with a concentration in Trauma-Informed Care, designed for online learners. This program stands out for its focus on equipping students with the skills to address and mitigate the effects of trauma on individuals and communities. Accredited by the CSWE, it combines academic rigor with essential field experience, guided by faculty experts. Graduates are prepared to lead in social work practice, advocating for change and applying trauma-informed approaches in various settings. Highlights include specialized trauma care training, accredited curriculum, and practical field engagements.

  • Trauma-informed care specialization
  • Field experience required
  • Accredited by CSWE
  • Expert faculty support
  • Advanced social work practice

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online Learning - Visit Website

At the University of Northern Iowa, the Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers an online pathway for students passionate about driving social change, with a focus on trauma-informed care. This CSWE-accredited program emphasizes hands-on learning through internships and partnerships with community agencies, fostering professionals adept at addressing systemic trauma. With small class sizes and dedicated support, students explore research-informed practices and join professional organizations, enhancing their readiness for impactful careers in social work. Key features include a trauma care specialization, accredited status, and immersive field experiences.

  • Trauma-informed care specialization
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Hands-on internship experiences
  • Small class sizes
  • Individual student support
  • Community agency partnerships
  • Research-informed practice focus
  • Professional student organizations
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#4

Clarke University

Dubuque, IA - Private 4-year - clarke.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Integrated Health - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Clarke University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program, with a concentration in Integrated Health, stands out for its hybrid format, blending online and in-person learning to suit diverse student needs. This CSWE-accredited program emphasizes a holistic approach to social work, preparing students for impactful careers in healthcare settings. Offering both advanced standing and traditional pathways, the program requires 57 credit hours and includes over 900 hours of field practice, ensuring hands-on experience. With a strong focus on integrated health, students are equipped to address complex health disparities. The program boasts a 95.5% ASWB exam pass rate and fosters close faculty-student relationships with a 9:1 ratio.

  • CSWE Accredited Program
  • 57 credit hours total
  • Advanced Standing Option
  • 900+ hours field practice
  • Two pathway options
  • Integrated health focus
  • Dubuque, Iowa based
  • Community partnership opportunities
  • 9:1 faculty-student ratio
  • 95.5% ASWB exam pass rate
*Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/ (IPEDS 2023).

MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in Iowa

Iowa Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements

Traditional MSW programs are typically geared toward students with bachelor’s degrees unrelated to social work. They require a full two years plus 60 credits. Below are a few admissions requirements typical of one of these programs:

  • 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

Iowa Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements

If you already have a BSW and you’ve kept your grades above a 3.4 GPA, you may want to go the advanced standing MSW route. You can obtain your MSW with as little as 35 credits in as little as one year. You’ll need a BSW and all of the above requirements to apply. Below are a few options for students in Iowa:

RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries

Iowa MSW Program Tuition and Costs

If you’re looking for an affordable MSW program, Iowa is a good place to start. Compared to the national average, Iowa offers several affordable schools at as little as $19,382 for residents. If you aren’t currently residing in Iowa, online options can be a great way to cut back on tuition costs.

SchoolTuition (per credit hour)Total CreditsTotal Tuition
University of Iowa$626 (Resident)
*Non-resident upon request
54$33,804 (Resident)
*Non-resident upon request
University of Northern Iowa$323 (Resident)
$692 (Non-resident)
60$19,382 (Resident)
$41,548 (Non-resident)
St. Ambrose University$80560$48,300

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

Online options can be a great way to cut costs, but they aren’t for everyone. Take a look at the table below to see if the convenience of an online MSW is convenient enough for you.

Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in Iowa

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

When applying to MSW programs, you must ensure that your degree program is properly accredited by a trusted agency such as the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This ensures you’ll meet the state board’s requirements when it comes time to get licensed.

Learn more about Social Work Degree Options:

Getting Your Iowa Social Work License

Becoming a licensed social worker in Iowa is the next step after earning your MSW degree. Each state has different licensure requirements. Learn more about how to get your social worker license in Iowa.

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 Iowa

Jump to City:

Cedar Falls, IA

University of Northern Iowa

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Trauma-Informed Care - Online Learning - Website

    • Trauma-informed care specialization
    • Field experience required
    • Accredited by CSWE
    • Expert faculty support
    • Advanced social work practice
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online Learning - Website

    • Trauma-informed care specialization
    • CSWE accredited program
    • Hands-on internship experiences
    • Small class sizes
    • Individual student support
    • Community agency partnerships
    • Research-informed practice focus
    • Professional student organizations

Dubuque, IA

Clarke University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Integrated Health - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CSWE Accredited Program
    • 57 credit hours total
    • Advanced Standing Option
    • 900+ hours field practice
    • Two pathway options
    • Integrated health focus
    • Dubuque, Iowa based
    • Community partnership opportunities

Iowa City, IA

University of Iowa

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Clinical Practice - Campus Based - Website

    • Top-ranked MSW in Iowa
    • Online and in-person options
    • No GRE required
    • 90.4% licensure pass rate
    • In-state tuition for all students
    • Multiple campus locations
    • Accredited since 1951
    • Flexible full/part-time study
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Leadership Practice - Campus Based - Website

    • Top-ranked MSW in Iowa
    • No GRE required
    • Online and in-person options
    • 90.4% licensure pass rate
    • Multiple campus locations
    • In-state tuition for all students
    • Three-year part-time option
    • Accredited since 1951
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online Learning - Website

    • Top-ranked Online MSW program
    • Fully CSWE-accredited program
    • 36-54 semester hour options
    • Advanced and regular standing tracks
    • Evening classes via Zoom
    • Serves Iowa and bordering states
    • Flexible part-time and full-time options
    • December 1 and March 1 application deadlines

Sioux Center, IA

Dordt University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Program
    • $800 per credit
    • Christ-centered curriculum
    • Three specialization tracks
    • Next start date: May 14, 2025
    • CSWE Accredited Program
    • 36-60 total credit hours
    • Advanced and regular standing
*Data obtained from: IPEDS 2023 survey (NCES).

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