MSW Programs in Minnesota: Online & Campus
In the dynamic landscape of social work education, Minnesota stands as a beacon of excellence, offering a plethora of Master of Social Work (MSW) programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of aspiring and seasoned practitioners. With a steadfast commitment to fostering compassionate and competent professionals, Minnesota’s MSW programs boast a rich tapestry of academic rigor, experiential learning opportunities, and a dedication to social justice principles. As we delve into the diverse array of MSW programs across the North Star State, we uncover the unique facets that distinguish each institution while exploring the broader impact these programs have on shaping the future of social work practice in Minnesota and beyond.
2025 Best MSW Programs in Minnesota
Looking for the best MSW programs in Minnesota? CounselingPsychology.org has you covered. We ranked top schools to help you find the right fit. Our list considers quality, affordability, and student support. Whether you're starting or advancing your career, these programs stand out. Check out our rankings to make an informed choice. Learn how we picked them here.
Bethel University
Saint Paul, MN - Private 4-year - bethel.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Bethel University's Master of Social Work (MSW) is a dynamic online program designed for passionate advocates seeking to create meaningful social change. Rooted in justice and liberation principles, the program prepares students for clinical and community social work practice. With flexible completion times ranging from 12-21 months, students can earn their degree while balancing work and personal commitments. Tuition ranges from $27,300-$43,680, and scholarships up to $25,000 are available for those committed to working in Minnesota schools.
- Fully online MSW program
- 12-21 month completion time
- Advanced Standing option available
- CSWE accredited program
- Tuition $27,300-$43,680
- Scholarships up to $25,000
- Strong clinical practice emphasis
- Justice and liberation focused
- Prepares for clinical licensure
Master's - Master of Social Work: Advanced Standing
Online Learning - Visit Website
Bethel University's Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing program provides a transformative educational journey for social work professionals. Designed for BSW graduates, this fully online program can be completed in just 12 months, preparing students for professional licensure and impactful social change. The curriculum emphasizes justice-informed practices, equipping graduates to address complex societal challenges ranging from mental health to systemic inequities through evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches.
- Fully online program
- 36 total credit hours
- Complete in 12 months
- Advanced Standing track
- CSWE accredited program
- 500 field practicum hours
- Summer 2025, 2026 start dates
- Prepares for professional licensure
- Focuses on social justice
- Addresses systemic challenges
Master's - Master of Social Work: Full Program
Online Learning - Visit Website
Bethel University's Master of Social Work (MSW) is a comprehensive online program designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds. This justice-informed degree prepares professionals to address complex social challenges through advanced practice and licensure preparation. Students complete 56 credits in just 21 months, engaging in rigorous coursework and 900 hours of hands-on field practicum, ensuring graduates are equipped to tackle systemic issues ranging from poverty to mental health disparities.
- Fully online program
- 56 total credit hours
- Complete in 21 months
- 900 hours field practicum
- CSWE accredited program
- Prepares for licensure exam
- Justice-informed curriculum
- Diverse population focus
- Evidence-based practice training
- Fall 2025 start date
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, MN - Public 4-Year - mnstate.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Multicultural Clinical - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Minnesota State University Moorhead's Master of Social Work provides transformative education for aspiring social work professionals. The program uniquely offers advanced specializations in Multicultural Clinical and Social Change & Leadership, preparing students for high-impact careers. With flexible online learning, experienced faculty mentorship, and a strong history of social work education, students can develop advanced practice skills tailored to regional workforce needs. Advanced standing is available for students with a BSW, enabling faster degree completion.
- 100% Online plus option
- Unique specialization tracks
- Advanced standing available
- Forbes Advisor ranked 2024
- 50+ years social work education
- 12% projected job growth
- Average salary $67K
- Evening and late classes
- CSWE accredited program
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Social Change & Leadership - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Minnesota State University Moorhead's Master of Social Work (MSW) equips students with advanced practice skills tailored to regional workforce needs. The program offers unique specializations in Multicultural Clinical and Social Change & Leadership, setting graduates apart in competitive job markets. With a 100% online plus format, students can flexibly pursue their degree while benefiting from experienced faculty mentorship. Advanced standing options are available for BSW graduates, potentially shortening program completion time.
- 100% Online plus format
- Unique MSW specializations
- Advanced standing available
- Forbes Advisor top-ranked
- 50+ years social work education
- 12% projected job growth
- $67K average salary
- Multicultural Clinical focus
- Social Change & Leadership track
- Council on Social Work Education accredited
University of St Thomas
Saint Paul, MN - Private 4-year - stthomas.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Clinical Social Work - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Elevate your social work career with the University of St. Thomas's clinically focused Master of Social Work program. Designed for emerging leaders passionate about social justice, this transformative degree prepares students for advanced clinical practice across diverse settings. The program offers flexible learning options, including on-campus and hybrid formats, with opportunities to specialize in areas like immigrant populations and geriatric care. Students gain comprehensive skills in clinical interventions, supervision, and research, supported by 90% clinically licensed faculty and an extensive network of field partners.
- Advanced clinical social work focus
- Multiple program completion options
- On-campus and hybrid formats
- One to four-year program lengths
- Advanced and regular standing tracks
- Specialized emphasis areas available
- Three elective course options
- CSWE accredited program
- Prepares for clinical licensure
- Requires 600-1000 field practicum hours
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN - Private 4-year - smumn.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Clinical Social Work Specialization - Online Learning - Visit Website
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers a flexible, CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work (MSW) program designed for professionals seeking clinical social work careers. With two tracks - Advanced Standing (30 credits) and Traditional (60 credits) - students can customize their educational journey. The program costs $925 per credit and can be completed in 1-4 years, with multiple start dates annually. Ideal for those passionate about social justice, the curriculum prepares graduates to work directly with individuals, families, and communities while developing advanced clinical skills.
- 100% Online Coursework
- CSWE Accredited Program
- 30-60 Credit Options
- $925 Per Credit
- 1-4 Year Completion
- September, January, May Starts
- Full-Time or Part-Time
- No Prerequisites Required
- Advanced Standing Option
- Optional Addiction Studies Certificate
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Advanced Standing Program - Online Learning - Visit Website
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers a flexible online Master of Social Work (MSW) program designed for aspiring clinical social workers. With two dynamic tracks - Advanced Standing (30 credits) and Traditional (60 credits) - students can customize their educational journey. The CSWE-accredited program prepares professionals to diagnose mental health conditions, treat complex issues, and promote social justice. Featuring affordable tuition at $925 per credit, flexible start dates, and optional Addiction Studies Certificate, students can complete the program in 1-4 years. The curriculum emphasizes ethical leadership, clinical practice, and real-world fieldwork experiences.
- 100% Online Coursework
- CSWE-Accredited Program
- $925 Per Credit
- Two Program Tracks
- 1-4 Years Completion
- September, January, May Starts
- No Prerequisites Required
- Full-Time/Part-Time Options
- Optional Addiction Certificate
- Field Placement Coordinator
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Addiction Studies Certificate - Online Learning - Visit Website
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers a robust online Master of Social Work (MSW) program designed for aspiring clinical social workers. With two flexible tracks—Advanced Standing (30 credits) and Traditional (60 credits)—students can pursue their professional goals efficiently. The CSWE-accredited program prepares graduates to diagnose mental health conditions, treat complex issues, and advocate for diverse populations. Featuring an affordable per-credit rate of $925, the program offers full-time and part-time options, with start dates in September, January, and May. Students benefit from dedicated field placement coordination, optional Addiction Studies Certificate, and a curriculum emphasizing ethical practice and social justice.
- CSWE-accredited online MSW
- 30-60 total credits
- $925 per credit
- 1-4 year completion
- Multiple start dates
- Advanced Standing track available
- No prior social work experience required
- Optional Addiction Studies Certificate
- Dedicated Field Placement Coordinator
- 100% online coursework
Winona State University
Winona, MN - Public 4-Year - winona.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Trauma-informed clinical social work - Online Learning - Visit Website
Winona State University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program prepares students to become trauma-informed clinical social workers ready to address critical mental health challenges. The fully online, flexible program offers two admission pathways and focuses on holistic healing for children, adults, and families. Students gain extensive practical experience through 1,000 field hours with over 140 national partners, preparing them for diverse roles in healthcare, schools, and social service agencies.
- Online flexible coursework
- 7-week course blocks
- Trauma-informed concentration
- LICSW licensure preparation
- Up to 1,000 field experience hours
- 60 total program credits
- Professional development labs
- Asynchronous class schedules
- CSWE accredited program
- Two admission standing options
MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in Minnesota
Minnesota Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements
If you’re looking at traditional MSW programs, you likely have a bachelor’s degree in another field. MSW programs take about two years and 60 credits to complete. You’ll need the following to apply:
- 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
Minnesota Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements
If you have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree and a GPA of at least 3.5, you can obtain your MSW a little quicker. Advanced-standing students can finish their respective programs in under a year with around 35 credits. Here are a few advanced-standing MSW programs located in Minnesota:
- University of Minnesota – visit site
- Saint Mary’s University – visit site
- Minnesota State University – visit site
Minnesota MSW Program Tuition and Costs
If you’re looking for an affordable yet quality MSW education, you can find it in Minnesota. Minnesotan students can find reduced costs on tuition based on their residency without lowering their standards. Take a look at the examples below:
| School | Tuition (per credit hour) | Total Credits | Total Tuition |
| University of Minnesota | $547 (Resident) $1,298 (Non-resident) | 53 | $28,992 (Resident) $68,820 (Non-resident) |
| Saint Mary’s University | $595 | 60 | $35,700 |
| Minnesota State University | $200 (Resident) $282 (Non-resident) | 56 | $11,186 (Resident) $15,776 (Non-resident) |
Are Online MSW Programs in Minnesota as Good as Campus-Based?
There are plenty of advantages and disadvantages when it comes to both online MSW programs and campus-based MSW programs. Take a look at the table below to see which one is right for you.
Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in Minnesota
| 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 |
As you’re deciding on which type of program to enroll in, it’s a good idea to make sure that the programs you apply to are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This will ensure that you will be eligible for licensure upon graduation.
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 Minnesota Social Work License
Getting licensed as a social worker in Minnesota 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 Minnesota in our Guide to Social Work Licensure.
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 Minnesota
Duluth, MN
University of Minnesota-Duluth
- Doctorate - PhD in Couple and Family Therapy Specialization
Campus Based - Website
- Nationally accredited program
- Clinical master's degree required
- Emphasizes diversity and inclusion
- Prepares leaders in family therapy
- Research and clinical focus
Minneapolis, MN
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
- Doctorate - Ph.D. in Couple & Family Therapy
Campus Based - Website
- COAMFTE and IACSTE accredited
- Requires clinical master's degree
- Doctoral students clinically active
- Focus on diverse family systems
- Leadership and research emphasis
Saint Cloud, MN
Saint Cloud State University
- Master's - Marriage & Family Therapy (M.S.)
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Master of Science degree
- On-campus program
- Cohort learning model
- State-of-art training clinic
- Community internship experience
- 100% internship placement
- 5:1 student/teacher ratio
- Limited campus attendance
Saint Paul, MN
University of St Thomas
- Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Concentration: Family Psychology Concentration - Campus Based - Website
- 66 total credit program
- Minnesota LMFT licensure track
- 90+ practicum sites
- Minneapolis campus location
- Fall and Spring start dates
- Supervised clinical training
- Specialized family psychology focus
- Comprehensive counseling curriculum
Winona, MN
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
- Master's - Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online & Campus Based - Website
- COAMFTE Accredited Program
- 48-credit Master's Degree
- 300 clinical practicum hours
- Blended learning format
- Minnesota licensure preparation
- No GRE required for admission
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Multiple contemporary issue courses
