MSW Programs in Montana: Online & Campus
Renowned for its rugged landscapes and close-knit communities, Montana boasts a growing reputation for its Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. As the need for skilled social workers continues to escalate across the state, Montana’s MSW programs have emerged as crucial hubs for fostering compassionate and effective practitioners. Against the backdrop of its diverse populations and unique challenges, these programs offer rigorous academic training and immersive field experiences tailored to the distinct needs of Montana’s communities. In this article, we delve into the landscape of MSW programs in Montana, exploring their offerings, impact, and vital role in shaping the future of social work in the Treasure State.
2025 Best MSW Programs in Montana
Looking for the best MSW programs in Montana? counselingpsychology.org has ranked the top options 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 offer the tools you need. We've done the research so you can make an informed choice. Check out our full rankings and see which schools stand out. Learn more about how we rank programs here.
Carroll College
Helena, MT - Private 4-year - carroll.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Carroll College's Master of Social Work program is designed for those aiming to make a significant impact in the field of social work. Offered entirely online, this CSWE-accredited program provides a trauma-informed curriculum that prepares students for clinical licensure. With options for full-time or part-time study, students can complete the program in as little as nine months. The program includes virtual and in-person intensives, nationwide internship opportunities, and is taught by experienced practitioners. It's ideal for those looking to address mental health provider shortages with evidence-based practices.
- Online Master of Social Work
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Full and part-time options
- Potential 9-month completion
- Trauma-informed curriculum
- Virtual and in-person intensives
- Nationwide internship opportunities
- Employer tuition assistance possible
- Clinical licensure preparation
- Experienced practitioner faculty
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Traditional Track - Online Learning - Visit Website
The Traditional Track of Carroll College's online Master of Social Work program is tailored for students seeking a flexible yet comprehensive education in social work. This CSWE-accredited program emphasizes trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices, preparing graduates for clinical licensure. Students benefit from full and part-time study options, an accelerated pathway for BSW holders, and a curriculum that includes virtual and in-person intensives. The program also offers practicum experiences in community organizations, enhancing career-oriented skill development.
- Online flexible learning format
- CSWE accredited program
- Full and part-time pathways
- Accelerated option for BSW holders
- Nine-month potential completion
- Trauma-informed curriculum focus
- Career-oriented skill development
- Virtual and in-person intensives
- Practicum in community organizations
- Potential employer tuition assistance
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Advanced-Standing Track - Online Learning - Visit Website
Carroll College's Advanced-Standing Track in the Master of Social Work program is perfect for BSW holders looking to fast-track their education. This fully online, CSWE-accredited program focuses on advanced clinical skills and trauma-informed care, preparing students for independent licensure. With flexible synchronous and asynchronous learning options, five weekend intensive sessions, and nationwide internship opportunities, graduates are well-equipped for careers in social services, healthcare, and behavioral health settings.
- Fully online program
- CSWE accredited degree
- Clinical licensure preparation
- Full and part-time options
- Accelerated pathway for BSW holders
- Five weekend intensive sessions
- Trauma-informed curriculum focus
- Flexible synchronous/asynchronous learning
- Nationwide internship opportunities
- Experienced practitioner faculty
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT - Public 4-Year - umt.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Montana offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program designed for those aiming to excel in the social work field. This program stands out for its flexibility, offering both full-time and advanced standing tracks, catering to students at different stages of their careers. With a curriculum that spans 51 credit hours, it covers essential areas such as research methods, social policy, and hands-on practicum experiences in clinical and community settings. Students can tailor their education with optional electives in specialized areas, preparing them for a variety of roles in mental health, child welfare, and beyond. The program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission and emphasizes both micro and macro practice approaches to social work.
- Full-time and advanced standing options
- Micro and macro practice emphases
- 51 total credit hours
- Online synchronous advanced standing track
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Practicum in clinical/community settings
- Optional electives in specialized areas
Master's - Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Concentration: Micro Practice - Online Learning - Visit Website
Focusing on Micro Practice, the Master of Social Work program at The University of Montana equips students with the clinical skills needed to work effectively with individuals and families. This 51-credit program is available online, offering an advanced standing track for BSW graduates, making it accessible for working professionals. The curriculum is research-driven, with a strong emphasis on practical experience through clinical practicums. Students are required to maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and have the opportunity to develop a professional portfolio. The program also offers optional specialized electives, allowing students to further tailor their education to their career goals.
- 51-credit comprehensive MSW program
- Online advanced standing track
- Micro and macro practice options
- Practicum in clinical settings
- Advanced research methodology
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Two practice concentration paths
- Professional portfolio development
- Optional specialized electives
- Community-focused curriculum
MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in Montana
Montana Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements
If you want to get your MSW but don’t have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, you’ll need to enroll in a traditional MSW versus an advanced-standing MSW. These types of programs take about two years and 60 credits to complete. While every school will have different admissions requirements, here are a few common ones:
- 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
Montana Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements
Students with a BSW can opt into a fast-tracked MSW option: the advanced-standing MSW program. In addition to a BSW, you’ll also need to have a GPA of 3.5 and all of the admissions requirements listed above. Montana currently has two advanced-standing MSW programs: the University of Montana and Caroll College.
RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries
Montana MSW Program Tuition and Costs
Students looking in Montana for an MSW program will find that there are limited options, but the options available aren’t particularly expensive. If you’re looking to relocate to this beautiful state for your MSW, you’ll find that the programs are worth the investment. Here’s a ballpark of what to expect:
| School | Tuition (per credit hour) | Total Credits | Total Tuition |
| University of Montana | $583 (Resident) $1,1440 (Non-resident) | 60 | $35,000 (Resident) $86,400 (Non-residents) |
| Carroll College | $920 | 60 | $55,200 |
Are Online MSW Programs in Montana as Good as Campus-Based?
Some students prefer the convenience and affordability of an MSW program,, while others prefer the resources that on-campus MSW programs offer. Below is a full range of pros and cons.
Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in Montana
| 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 |
Whether you choose a campus-based or online MSW program in Montana, 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:
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- Master of Social Work (MSW)
- Graduate Certificate in Social Work
- Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Getting Your Montana Social Work License
Getting licensed as a social worker in Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana
Helena, MT
Carroll College
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Website
- Online Master of Social Work
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Full and part-time options
- Potential 9-month completion
- Trauma-informed curriculum
- Virtual and in-person intensives
- Nationwide internship opportunities
- Employer tuition assistance possible
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Traditional Track - Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible learning format
- CSWE accredited program
- Full and part-time pathways
- Accelerated option for BSW holders
- Nine-month potential completion
- Trauma-informed curriculum focus
- Career-oriented skill development
- Virtual and in-person intensives
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Advanced-Standing Track - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program
- CSWE accredited degree
- Clinical licensure preparation
- Full and part-time options
- Accelerated pathway for BSW holders
- Five weekend intensive sessions
- Trauma-informed curriculum focus
- Flexible synchronous/asynchronous learning
Missoula, MT
The University of Montana
- Master's - Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Online Learning - Website
- Full-time and advanced standing options
- Micro and macro practice emphases
- 51 total credit hours
- Online synchronous advanced standing track
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Practicum in clinical/community settings
- Optional electives in specialized areas
- Master's - Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Concentration: Micro Practice - Online Learning - Website
- 51-credit comprehensive MSW program
- Online advanced standing track
- Micro and macro practice options
- Practicum in clinical settings
- Advanced research methodology
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Two practice concentration paths
- Professional portfolio development
