Top Iowa MSW Programs
Want to take your social work career to the next level with an Iowa MSW program? You’ve made a smart choice. Social work jobs in Iowa will grow by a lot more than the national average over the next several years.
The state has five excellent MSW programs to choose from. These programs run at Clarke University, Dordt University, St. Ambrose University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa. The University of Iowa’s social work department stands out at #59 nationally, while St. Ambrose University ranks #168. Students can choose between two paths at all five schools. There’s a traditional track that accepts any bachelor’s degree and an advanced standing option that’s perfect for students with BSW degrees from CSWE-accredited programs.
Social work graduates have bright prospects in Iowa. Healthcare social work roles should expand 20%, and mental health and substance abuse positions could jump 22%. Child, family, and school social work jobs are expected to grow 15% by 2026.
Iowa’s median household income sits at $60,523, slightly under the national average of $62,843. The state’s lower living costs help your MSW investment go further. With 11.2% of Iowa’s residents living in poverty (compared to 10.5% nationally), social workers are definitely needed throughout the state.
University of Iowa MSW Program
The University of Iowa serves as the premier location of social work education in the state. The Master of Social Work program readies students to practice in a variety of settings. Students learn from experienced faculty and practitioners. The program gives graduates versatile skills they can use in clinical settings, community organizations, and leadership roles.
Program Overview
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited the University of Iowa MSW program since 1951. The program ranks highest and remains the largest MSW program in Iowa. Students can access exceptional educational opportunities through learning centers across the state. The program underwent a curriculum redesign that incorporated feedback from students, alumni, practicum instructors, and practitioners. This ensures graduates are really prepared for their careers.
The UI MSW program lets students earn their degree in fewer semester hours than before. This creates both time and cost savings. UI MSW alumni throughout Iowa and surrounding states help with practicum placement and job opportunities for current students. Agencies seeking qualified employees highly value the program’s graduates because of its excellent reputation.
Specializations Offered
The Iowa MSW curriculum prepares social workers in two main areas:
- Clinical Practice: Students learn mental health work with individuals and families in organizations such as nonprofits, hospitals, schools, hospice/end-of-life care, and private practice
- Leadership Practice: Students learn to partner with communities, develop programs, lead organizations, create policy, and support social, economic, and racial justice
Students can develop expertise in these specialized fields:
- Trauma and resilience
- Children and families
- School social work
- Organizational leadership
- Aging, longevity, and end-of-life care
- Higher education and research
The University of Iowa Graduate College offers combined degree programs. These include the MA in Urban and Regional Planning and Tippie College of Business MBA.
MSW Field Education Requirements
Field education is a critical component of the MSW program, providing students with hands-on experience in real-world settings. Students are required to complete a minimum of 900 hours of fieldwork, which allows them to apply theoretical knowledge to practice while working under the supervision of experienced professionals. This immersive experience not only enhances their skills but also fosters professional networking opportunities essential for future employment.
You’lll need 300 hours for both the Master’s Generalist Practicum and the Master’s Practicum with Clinical or Leadership Specialization.
Admission Requirements
To apply for the MSW program, prospective students must submit a completed application form, official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, and a personal statement outlining their interest in social work. Additionally, letters of recommendation from academic or professional references are required to assess the applicant’s qualifications and commitment to the field. The admissions committee evaluates candidates based on their academic background, relevant experience, and alignment with the program’s values and goals.
University of Northern Iowa MSW Program
The University of Northern Iowa’s Master of Social Work program takes a unique approach to social work education with its focus on trauma-informed practice. This program stands as Iowa’s only specialized offering that prepares social workers to handle both acute and complex psychological trauma in various settings – from individual care to community-wide initiatives.
MSW Program Overview
The MSW program at Northern Iowa is unique as the state’s only trauma-informed care specialization program. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited this program, which boasts a 93% licensure pass rate. This rate is way beyond the national average of 74%.
The program’s mission gives students a trauma-informed foundation to spot, review, and tackle conditions that cause trauma through proven interventions. Students learn to uphold human dignity, fight for social justice, challenge oppression, and identify ways to reduce trauma while building resilience.
The program meets Iowa’s licensure requirements, though other states may have different requirements.
Specializations Offered
UNI’s Trauma-Informed Care specialization makes it different from other Iowa MSW programs. Students in this specialization master:
- An integrated treatment approach for acute and complex psychological trauma
- Different cognitive and body-centered psychotherapies including mindfulness, eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), sensorimotor psychotherapy, somatic experiencing therapy, yoga, and tai chi
- Skills to provide state-of-the-art trauma-specific therapy to clients from all backgrounds
Graduates can effectively address trauma’s many effects while building on strengths and fighting racial, social, and economic injustice. The specialization prepares students to work directly with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities.
MSW Program Format
UNI offers two program tracks with flexible options:
Foundation Program (60 credit hours):
- Made for students without an undergraduate social work degree
- Online part-time program that takes 10 consecutive semesters (3.5 years)
- Classes happen twice weekly through synchronous Zoom meetings
- New cohort starts spring 2027 with applications due September 1, 2026
Advanced Standing Program (37 credit hours):
- Students need a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Two format choices:
- In-person: Full-time one-year program (three semesters) with weekly on-campus classes
- Online: Full-time one-year or part-time six-semester program with evening Zoom classes
- New cohort begins each summer with applications due December 1
Both programs offer extended-enrollment (part-time) options for extra flexibility. Students must finish all requirements within seven years.
Field Education Requirements
Field education is a great way to get hands-on experience under professional guidance. Requirements vary by program:
Foundation Program:
- Students spend 400 hours at a field site during Spring semester of Foundation year
- This means about 25 hours weekly
Advanced Standing Program:
- Practicum/internship happens over two semesters
- Students need about 15-16 hours weekly
Partner agencies usually want students available on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.. Students working in human services might complete internships at their workplace if they have different duties and supervisors.
Students must maintain a 3.0+ GPA, complete core foundation courses, and secure an approved site with a signed contract before starting field work. MSW Foundation student field instructors need a graduate degree from a CSWE-accredited program and two years of post-degree experience.
The field program doesn’t give social work course credit or field hours for life or previous work experience.
Admission Requirements
UNI’s MSW program uses a two-stage review process with these basic requirements:
For All Applicants:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- 0 minimum undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Statistics course with C grade minimum (can be completed after admission)
For Advanced Standing:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
You’ll need these materials:
- Online graduate application
- Resume showing education and work/volunteer experience
- Personal statement
- Two references about academic strengths and graduate social work potential
- Official transcripts from all colleges
- $60 application fee (UNI graduates don’t pay)
After initial review, selected applicants join group interviews on Zoom. Submit everything by the deadline for full consideration (December 1 for Advanced Standing, check Foundation program deadlines).
Tuition & Financial Aid
UNI offers the same competitive rates to all students. Recent program costs:
Advanced Standing MSW (37 credits):
- Total program cost: $21,510 including all fees
Foundation MSW (60 credits):
- Total program cost: $36,337 including all fees
Students have several ways to fund their education:
Financial Aid:
- The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships helps students
- They guide students through graduate education funding
Graduate Tuition Scholarships:
- Full-time students (9+ graduate credit hours per semester) can apply
- Submit applications by February 1 for next academic year
Graduate Assistantships:
- Available in Social Work Department and across campus
- Most positions need 10 weekly hours (some 20-hour spots exist)
- Benefits include stipend and in-state tuition
- Only full-time students qualify
- Work happens on-campus, even for online students
- Apply by February 1 for next academic year [141]
UNI’s MSW program helps advance your social work career with specialized trauma-informed expertise that employers value throughout Iowa and beyond.
St. Ambrose University MSW Program
St. Ambrose University created the first MSW program with an empowerment specialization in the United States. This achievement made it a leader in social work education in Iowa. The program helps students find strengths and resources that build skills and create lasting change in communities.
Program Overview
The Master of Social Work program at St. Ambrose University holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates meet all national standards for professional practice. The program uses ethical and evidence-based approaches to tackle complex social issues.
The program’s heart lies in preparing social workers who use a lifelong praxis process. Students learn collaborative, client-centered, multi-level practices that consider real-life contexts. They blend classroom learning with hands-on fieldwork to create positive changes in their communities.
The program focuses on four main goals:
- Quality education in empowerment social work practice
- Training practitioners with generalist and specialization skills for multi-level interventions
- Building university-agency partnerships locally, nationally, and internationally
- Adding to social work knowledge through scholarship
Small class sizes let students work closely with experienced faculty. These experts bring global views to topics like female empowerment, global disaster relief, childhood development, domestic violence prevention, implicit racial bias, and social work across different life stages.
Specializations Offered
St. Ambrose takes a unique approach. Instead of multiple tracks, it offers one specialization in Empowerment social work practice. This strategy gives students more career options by teaching methods that work with different groups and settings.
The empowerment method helps achieve goals and change systems by using existing strengths, resilience, and resources. Graduates can work effectively with:
- Marginalized communities
- Military and veteran families
- Individuals with developmental disabilities
- Survivors of natural disasters
Students can earn additional credentials through:
- A microcredential in Trauma-Informed Care with the Psychology Department
- Iowa’s only MSW-MBA dual degree program (three-year curriculum)
- MSW-MPH dual degree with public health competencies
- School Social Work Endorsement for Iowa (needs one school social work elective and related practicum)
Clarke University MSW Program
Clarke University in Dubuque boasts an impressive 95.5% pass rate for the Masters SW exam from 2018-2021. The university ranks among the best MSW programs in Iowa. Social work jobs are growing faster than ever, with a projected 13% increase by 2029.
Program Overview
The MSW program at Clarke features a unique Integrated Health Social Work Practice curriculum with full CSWE accreditation. Students become skilled practitioners who serve underserved communities in clinical settings. Graduates work as mental health therapists, substance abuse prevention specialists, homelessness outreach managers, and professionals in adoption support and domestic violence prevention.
Specializations Offered
Clarke sets itself apart from other Iowa MSW programs by focusing solely on Integrated Health Social Work Practice. Students receive complete training in clinical and macro practice social work. This specialized focus helps you work in healthcare settings while staying versatile enough for other environments.
Format
Students can choose from several flexible paths:
- Traditional Weekday Pathway: Campus-based program takes two years full-time or three years part-time
- Hybrid Weekend Pathway: Three-year part-time program combines online learning with campus classes every other weekend
- Advanced Standing Pathway: BSW graduates can finish in one year full-time or two years part-time
Clarke’s Bridge Course is available online during summer for students who completed their BSW more than seven years ago. This course lets them join the Advanced Standing option.
Field Education
In Clarke’s program, traditional students complete 910 hours of field education. Advanced standing students need 500 hours of specialized field practice. Students gain experience in mental health, substance abuse, and youth or senior services through carefully chosen placements.
Admission Requirements
Students need to submit:
- Online application form
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Professional resume
- 2-3 page personal essay about professional goals
- Three references (academic and professional)
- Prerequisite courses in Sociology, Psychology, Biology, and Statistics
Advanced Standing program applicants must have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the last seven years. A minimum 3.0 GPA in their major field of study is required.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Clarke makes education available to everyone through complete financial aid packages. Every Clarke student receives some form of financial assistance. Payment plans start in early August for fall and January for spring semesters. Working professionals can also use employer reimbursement options.
Healthcare, mental health, and substance abuse fields show strong employment prospects. A Clarke University MSW degree sets graduates up for lasting career growth.
Dordt University MSW Program
Ranked #2 among MSW programs in Iowa, Dordt University provides a fully online Master of Social Work program that working professionals can easily fit into their schedule. Students learn to practice ethically while serving in Christ’s name.
Program Overview
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited Dordt University’s MSW program, and the Higher Learning Commission has approved it. Dordt ranks #6 in the ‘Regional Universities (Midwest)’ category according to the 2025 U.S. News & World Report, making it Iowa’s highest-ranked institution in this category. Students become skilled social workers who show ethical behavior and work with different communities. They champion human rights while developing a Reformed Christian approach to social work.
Specializations Offered
The MSW program features three unique specializations:
- Clinical Practice: You’ll be ready to work in counseling or mental health settings with individuals, families, or groups
- Community Practice & Administration: You’ll gain skills to work in public or non-profit organizations that focus on eco-friendly environments and social justice-oriented policies
- Advanced Generalist: You can mix and match courses from both specializations based on what interests you
Program Format
Students can complete all coursework online without visiting campus. This means you can study from anywhere while getting support from our dedicated faculty. Regular standing needs 60 credits, while advanced standing requires 36 credits. The program runs on 15-week semesters plus two 7.5-week summer terms.
Field Education Requirements
Students in regular standing must complete 900 hours of practicum – 450 hours each of foundational and advanced practice. Advanced standing students need 450 hours of advanced practicum. The MSW: Chicago option lets students complete their field placements in urban settings while living in Chicago.
Admission Requirements
Students with BSW degrees earned in the last five years get preference to advanced standing. Those with older degrees should show continuing education and professional social work experience. The application package needs field evaluations or verification forms.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition costs $695 per credit. Advanced standing students pay about $25,020 total, while regular standing costs around $41,700. We helped over 98% of Dordt students with scholarships and grants.
Choosing the Right Iowa MSW Program for Your Career
Learning about the five CSWE-accredited MSW programs in Iowa gives you detailed information to make an informed decision about your social work education trip. Each program gives you the tools you need while preparing you for a profession that will grow substantially faster than average in Iowa.
The University of Iowa shines with its prestigious ranking and dual specialization options in Clinical and Leadership Practice. University of Northern Iowa stands apart as the only trauma-informed specialization in the state and boasts a 93% licensure pass rate. St. Ambrose University created the first empowerment specialization nationwide, while Clarke University shows remarkable licensure success through its Integrated Health focus. Dordt University rounds out the options with three specialization tracks in a fully online delivery model.
Whatever program you select, your career prospects look exceptionally strong. Healthcare social work positions will expand by 20%, mental health and substance abuse social work roles by 22%, and child, family, and school social work opportunities by 15% through 2026. This is a big deal as it means that these growth rates are higher than national averages, making Iowa an ideal place for social work professionals.
Program flexibility exists in all five universities. Advanced standing options allow BSW graduates to complete their MSW in as little as one year, while traditional programs welcome students from many academic backgrounds. The programs also offer various delivery formats—including on-campus, online, and hybrid options—that help you balance education with your professional and personal commitments.
Tuition rates differ among programs, but all universities offer financial aid through scholarships, assistantships, and federal funding. The return on investment looks promising since social workers fill critical roles throughout Iowa’s communities where 11.2% of residents live in poverty.
Your choice ends up depending on several factors: preferred specialization, program format, location, cost, and specific career goals. The path you select from these accredited Iowa programs will give you the knowledge, skills, and credentials to advance your social work career and make meaningful differences in countless lives across the state.