5 Utah MSW Programs

Want to advance your social work career with an MSW program in Utah? Four excellent institutions, fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), are ready to help you achieve your goals.

Each MSW program in Utah brings something different to the table. The University of Utah’s fully online MSW program gives students maximum flexibility in their studies. Utah State University welcomes both full-time and part-time students, and Brigham Young University specializes in clinical concentration for future clinical practitioners. Students can choose the best program that matches their career goals. These programs help graduates tackle important social issues in Utah, from financial hardship to healthcare advocacy.

Brigham Young University MSW Program

Brigham Young University runs one of Utah’s most respected MSW programs. The program stands out with its focus on clinical practice and research with families and children. Students get complete knowledge of human service values and specialized practice skills to help individuals, families, groups, and communities reach their full potential.

Specializations

BYU’s MSW program offers two distinct emphasis areas: Clinical and Research. Both areas prepare professionals to work with families and children. The Clinical emphasis admits approximately 35 students annually. Students learn strong direct clinical practice skills. Many graduates work in mental health and direct practice settings. They get Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials and often become agency directors or administrators.

The Research emphasis takes a smaller group of about 3-5 students each year. This track prepares students for top social work PhD programs. Students receive the same robust clinical training as the Clinical emphasis students and they:

• Take advanced research courses outside social work as electives
• Submit their research projects for professional publication

Research emphasis graduates become university professors, work in research or policy, or pursue advanced clinical training. Both tracks need 60 total credit hours – 54 major hours and 6 elective hours.

The curriculum builds on core social work values including:

• Service and social justice
• Dignity and worth of the person
• Importance of human relationships
• Integrity and competence

The program employs a competency-based outcomes approach to education. This gives graduates the preparation they need to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Format and duration

BYU runs its MSW program in a well-laid-out 20-month full-time format. The school doesn’t offer part-time, online, or advanced standing MSW options. This makes it ideal for students ready to commit to an intensive on-campus experience.

The program recognizes the MSW degree as the terminal degree for professional social work practice. The main goal helps students develop and show they can apply essential knowledge, values, skills, and cognitive and affective processes across social services.

Students take courses in social welfare policies, human behavior, intervention strategies, and other key areas of social work practice. The curriculum focuses on boosting both human and societal wellbeing.

The program follows the 2015 Education Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS), with nine core competencies for all social work practice:

1. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
2. Involve diversity and difference in practice
3. Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
4. Involve in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
5. Involve in policy practice
6. Involve with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
7. Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
8. Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
9. Assess practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities

Field education requirements

Field education forms the heart of BYU’s MSW program. It connects classroom theory with ground practice. The university offers high-quality, clinically focused field internships that often provide financial compensation to students.

Students must complete 1,050 hours of field internship experience. These hours split between two different field settings with different instructors. This gives students broad exposure to practice and learning activities.

First-year students work at BYU’s Comprehensive Clinic. They conduct individual therapy sessions under close supervision. Clinical faculty review these digitally recorded sessions weekly in group supervision. This helps students develop therapy skills, client engagement, assessment techniques, and therapeutic interventions.

After the first year of classroom instruction and clinic experience, students start their community field internships:

• First Internship (SocW 654R): Spring/Summer semester requires 450 hours (about 30 hours/week) of field agency practice
• Second Internship (SocW 655R): Fall and Winter semesters of the second year need 600 hours (two and a half days per week) while taking advanced clinical specialization courses

Students also attend weekly Integrative Field Seminars (SocW 614R/615R) with clinical field education faculty. These seminars help students combine theoretical classroom knowledge with fieldwork experiences.

The School of Social Work Field Education team coordinates placements. They match students with internship agencies based on mutual interest, experience, circumstances, and availability.

Many students receive financial help through their internships, though availability changes yearly with agency budgets. Students average about $495 for Spring/Summer terms and $660 for Fall and Winter semesters combined.

This approach to field education puts BYU among Utah’s most rigorous accredited MSW programs. Graduates make meaningful contributions to social work through clinical practice, research, or both.

University of Utah MSW Program

The University of Utah College of Social Work stands out among MSW programs in Utah with its detailed approach to advanced generalist practice. Students learn to tackle complex social challenges through multi-method, multi-level, and theoretically grounded viewpoints. The U of U MSW gives graduates the tools to create positive change in social work of all types, with strong focus on mental health, social justice, and community well-being.

Specializations

The University of Utah MSW program specializes in advanced generalist practice. Social workers gain advanced competencies in multilevel, multimethod approaches. These skills help them work independently in complex environments that need specialized expertise. Students develop advanced abilities in:

• Leadership and collaboration
• Administration and advocacy
• Assessment and problem-solving
• Cultural humility and communication
• Community building and program evaluation
• Organizational management and policy analysis
• Scientific inquiry

The U of U MSW program stands apart from other accredited MSW programs in Utah with seven distinct focus areas. Students must choose one focus area before starting either the one-year program for Advanced Standing students or the second year of the two-year program:

1. Aging in Social Work – Covers geriatric health transformations and working with adults 65 and older
2. Child Welfare in Social Work – Studies policies driving child welfare practice and develops critical analysis skills
3. Forensic Social Work – Prepares students for practice in correctional and legal settings
4. Global Social Work – Teaches globalization concepts and social development for practicing in global contexts or with immigrants and refugees
5. Health in Social Work – Focuses on healthcare delivery and social determinants of health
6. Mental Health in Social Work – Emphasizes clinical mental health practice and interventions
7. Substance Use in Social Work – Concentrates on assessment and treatment of substance use disorders

Note that MSW Online Program students can only select the Mental Health Area of Focus. This restriction doesn’t limit their practicum placement options.

Online and campus options

Students can choose from several program formats based on their education, priorities, and career goals:

Advanced Standing Program

• Designed for students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) earned in the last seven years
• Students complete 45 graduate credits over three semesters (15 credits each)
• Summer semester start with one-year completion time
• Available in-person (Salt Lake City) and fully online

Two-Year Full-Time Program

• Students without a BSW complete 60 credits
• Four semesters with 15 credits per semester
• Available in-person (Salt Lake City) and fully online
• Online courses use asynchronous format with some scheduled Zoom sessions

Three-Year Online Program

• Perfect for working professionals
• 60 graduate credits spread across seven semesters (9-10 credits per semester)
• Fall semester start every three years
• Exclusively online format

The U of U also offers specialized Child Welfare (Title IV-E) programs in evening, distance, and online formats for child welfare professionals.

Students enjoy a flexible yet engaging online learning experience. Most coursework happens on their schedule, with some required Zoom sessions. They participate through email collaboration, discussion forums, peer reviews, and direct instructor communication. This approach delivers quality education across all formats.

Fieldwork and flexibility

Field education forms the foundation of the University of Utah MSW program. It bridges classroom learning with real-life social work practice. Strategic collaborations with over 500 social service agencies give students many chances to apply their knowledge.

Each program has specific field practicum requirements:

• Two-Year Full-Time: Two practicums – 400 hours first year, 550 hours second year
• Three-Year Online: 400 hours second year, 550 hours third year
• Advanced Standing: One 550-hour practicum during fall and spring semesters

Online students complete their practicum in person on weekdays near their home. Most placements happen during business hours, with some evening and weekend options. The program promotes supervised evidence-informed practice within a competency-based educational framework.

The U of U program matches students with practicum placements. A University of Utah practicum coordinator helps select suitable agency placements in the student’s area. These agencies must meet strict standards to provide MSW students with proper learning opportunities and supervision for Council on Social Work Education competencies.

Students can complete field placements in:

• Government agencies
• Community-based programs
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Resource centers
• Correctional facilities

The program works well for students from different backgrounds. Online options serve students throughout Utah and beyond, while structured field experience maintains consistent quality everywhere. This mix of structured learning and hands-on application makes the program valuable for students with varied backgrounds and career goals.

Military service members and veterans benefit from the online MSW degree program’s flexibility. Faculty with military experience, relevant coursework, and benefits like the Veterans Resource Center help military-affiliated students succeed academically.

Utah State University MSW Program

Utah State University runs one of the most available MSW programs in Utah with its extensive statewide campus network and flexible delivery options. Students can access the program from Logan, Brigham City, Tooele, Kaysville, Vernal, Price, Ephraim, Moab, and Blanding. USU’s geographical coverage and diverse program formats make it a leading choice among accredited MSW programs in Utah.

Curriculum focus

USU’s MSW program features an advanced generalist curriculum that gives students the ability to tackle complex, multi-system problems. Students learn vital skills in individual, group, community, and policy practice, becoming versatile professionals who work well in settings of all types.

The program’s foundation rests on three key principles:

• The strengths perspective
• The empowerment approach
• A social justice philosophy

These principles blend into every aspect of the curriculum, showing the program’s dedication to social justice and social welfare traditions.

Students can pursue many career paths, including clinical work. Graduates qualify for the Certified Social Worker (CSW) license, which allows clinical social work practice under supervision. Additional hours and supervision lead to the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential.

Traditional MSW students (those without a BSW) take foundation courses like:

• Principles and Philosophy of Social Work
• Human Behavior in Social Environment
• Generalist Practice
• Social Work Research Methods
• Social Policy Analysis

Advanced coursework builds on these basics with:

• Policy and Administration
• Advanced Research Methods
• Advanced Generalist Practice
• Diagnosis and Intervention

Graduates are ready to work in diverse settings, from healthcare to juvenile justice to K-12 education. Many of USU’s MSW graduates become leaders in these fields, using their advanced generalist skills to solve complex social challenges.

Delivery formats

Students can choose from several program formats based on their needs and circumstances. The program offers both full-time and part-time options.

Full-time options (Logan campus only):

• Two-year traditional program: Students without a BSW degree
• One-year advanced standing program: Students with a BSW degree

Part-time options (Statewide campuses):

• Three-year traditional program: Students without a BSW degree
• Five-semester advanced standing program: Students with a BSW degree

Logan campus hosts the full-time programs, while part-time programs run at USU’s statewide campuses and centers, including Blanding, Brigham City, Ephraim, Kaysville, Nephi, Moab, Monument Valley, Price, Tooele, and the Uintah Basin (Vernal/Roosevelt).

USU updated its course delivery methods in Summer 2023. Students might experience different formats based on their location and program:

• In-person: Traditional classroom learning with scheduled meeting times
• Connect: In-person classes where some students connect virtually from other locations
• Hybrid: A mix of in-person and virtual/online sessions with reduced classroom time
• Online: Canvas-based learning materials and activities with regular instructor and peer interaction
• Virtual: Scheduled Zoom classes

Quality social work education is available whatever your location in Utah. Small cohort sizes mean students get dedicated faculty mentorship even in distance learning formats.

Field education hours

Field education plays a vital role in USU’s MSW program by connecting classroom theory with ground experience. Traditional MSW students complete 974 hours of field education.

Traditional MSW students’ field education has two parts:

• Foundation component: 426 hours of fieldwork plus 24 hours of professional seminar
• Advanced component: 500 hours of fieldwork plus 24 hours of professional seminar

Advanced Standing students (BSW holders) complete the advanced portion only: 500 hours of fieldwork and a 24-hour professional seminar.

Students develop their skills through structured field experiences. They apply classroom knowledge in ground settings while experienced social workers provide supervision. Students must follow the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and show practice behaviors that match Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) competencies.

Field education connects theory and practice, helping students develop skills in:

• Engaging individuals, families, groups, and communities
• Conducting assessments
• Implementing interventions
• Evaluating practice effectiveness

USU’s Social Work Department helps find suitable field placements. This support matches your practicum experience with your career goals. Students gain relevant experience at social service settings throughout Utah, no matter which campus they attend.

CSWE accreditation ensures these field experiences meet national social work education standards. This accreditation means your degree meets licensure requirements in all 50 states, giving you career flexibility after graduation.

USU’s MSW program stands out among Utah programs with its mix of geographical availability, flexible formats, and detailed field education. The advanced generalist approach creates versatile graduates who succeed in social work careers of all types.

Utah Valley University MSW Program

Utah Valley University offers a CSWE-accredited Advanced Generalist MSW program that stands out among other MSW programs in Utah. The program shows steadfast dedication to social justice, inclusion, and helps communities of color. Students benefit from a hybrid format and strong focus on mental health and addiction. This program gives social workers the tools to make meaningful changes in various settings across Utah.

Emphasis areas

The MSW program features three specialized tracks that address growing needs in social work:

1. Mental Health – Students learn clinical practice skills for mental health settings. The track builds expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions.
2. Addictions – This track covers substance and non-substance addictions. Students learn about issues related to pornography, gambling, and painkillers – addressing crucial social service needs.
3. Engaging with Diverse Populations – UVU stands alone among Utah’s accredited MSW programs by requiring all students to complete “Social Work with Latino, Pacific Islanders, and other Communities of Color” coursework. Students learn to work with Utah’s growing Latino and Pacific Islander communities effectively.

These specializations match projected growth areas in social work. Demographic changes and rising mental health awareness create a need for specialized practitioners. The program builds on strengths-based, research-informed practice that sees how individuals connect with their environments.

Students develop skills through courses in social welfare policy, human behavior in social environments, and intervention strategies. The program teaches program planning, advocacy, policy analysis, and evidence-based interventions. Graduates can handle both direct practice and broader system-level interventions.

Hybrid structure

UVU created a unique hybrid model that balances flexibility with quality face-to-face learning. The structure includes:

In-person classes once weekly – Students come to campus on Fridays to connect with faculty and peers.

Online components for remaining coursework – Students complete other parts online, helping them balance life commitments while earning their degree.

This hybrid approach serves several purposes. Students who work or have time constraints get more flexibility. The program keeps its practice-focused nature through in-person sessions while using technology for online learning.

Students can choose between a full-time Advanced Standing option for BSW graduates and a full Two-Year program. Both paths use the hybrid structure to balance traditional classroom training with tech-enhanced learning.

The program’s success shows in its job placement rates. 90% of UVU MSW graduates from 2022 to 2025 had job offers in social work when they graduated. This matches the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ prediction of 9% growth in social work jobs from 2021-2031.

Practicum requirements

Field education forms the core of UVU’s MSW program. Students apply classroom theory in real-world settings. The program structures field work this way:

• First-year MSW students complete 400 hours working with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
• Second-year and advanced standing MSW students finish 550 hours of advanced work, often focusing on specific populations or settings.

Traditional MSW students complete 950 hours of field education total – 400 in foundation year and 550 in advanced year. Advanced standing students only need the 550-hour practicum.

Students work in various settings like schools, prisons, hospitals, treatment centers, recovery programs, domestic violence shelters, mental health clinics, psychiatric facilities, and victim advocacy programs. This gives them experience with different social work contexts and populations.

The program has strict field education rules. Students meet weekly with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has held the license for at least two years. Practicums run from mid-August through April, matching UVU’s academic calendar.

Students also attend weekly seminars led by MSW faculty. These sessions improve learning through:

1. Creating learning agreements with specific competency goals
2. Writing journal entries that encourage self-reflection
3. Giving class presentations about field experiences
4. Getting support from peers and faculty guidance

The field director carefully matches students with agencies. They work with agencies to explain program requirements and ensure quality experiences with proper supervision. Agencies must follow both the NASW Code of Ethics and CSWE accreditation standards.

UVU’s program stands out among Utah’s accredited MSW programs. The mix of hybrid learning, specialized tracks, and detailed field education prepares students for licensure and professional work. Graduates can work in various settings and pursue Certified Social Worker (CSW) licensure in Utah, leading to the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential.

Advanced Standing Online MSW at University of Utah

The University of Utah’s Advanced Standing Online MSW program gives BSW graduates a quick path to earn their MSW degree. This online program stands out from other Utah MSW programs because of its shorter timeline and targeted curriculum.

Advanced Standing eligibility at U of U

U of U’s Advanced Standing Online MSW program has specific eligibility requirements. Students need a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited institution within the last seven years. BSW graduates with degrees older than seven years must choose either the two-year full-time or three-year part-time program.

Academic performance requirements include:

• A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0, or
• A social work GPA of 3.5, or
• A graduate GPA of 3.0 (if applicable)

The program accepts applications from August 1 to September 1 each year for programs starting the following summer. Students usually hear about admission decisions by December 1.

Curriculum

Students complete 45 credit hours across three semesters, with 15 credits per semester. The online Advanced Standing program focuses exclusively on Mental Health, unlike other U of U MSW formats. Students start with bridge classes and electives in summer semester, which usually begins the third week of May.

Students must earn a C+ or better in required courses and keep a cumulative 3.0 GPA. Most courses run asynchronously, though some need occasional Zoom sessions. Weekly online modules come with well-laid-out learning materials, assignments, and deadlines that help students connect with classmates and instructors regularly.

Field practicum

Field education plays a vital role in the Advanced Standing Online MSW. Students complete 550 hours of field practicum during fall and spring semesters. These hours let students apply their classroom knowledge in real-life settings.

The College of Social Work’s practicum coordinator helps students find suitable placements in their area. Partner agencies must meet strict standards to ensure quality learning opportunities and supervision.

Most field placements happen during weekday business hours, with some evening and weekend options. Qualified professionals supervise students throughout their practicum as they develop skills based on Council on Social Work Education standards.

Find Your Utah MSW Program Today

Your career goals, priorities, and life circumstances should guide your choice of an MSW program. Five CSWE-accredited programs in Utah offer unique advantages that match different career paths and personal situations.

BYU’s program features strong clinical training and research opportunities. The program runs full-time on campus and needs serious dedication. The University of Utah gives you great flexibility with multiple ways to learn. They offer the state’s only fully online MSW program and seven specialized focus areas.

Utah State University makes education accessible with campuses throughout the state. Students can choose from several program formats that fit their schedule. Utah Valley University combines in-person and online learning. Their program puts special focus on mental health, addiction treatment, and working with diverse communities.

BSW graduates can fast-track their education through the Advanced Standing Online MSW at the University of Utah. This focused program takes just three semesters to complete.

Field education is the backbone of these programs. Students gain hands-on experience in real-life settings with qualified supervisors. The practical experience ranges from 550 to 1,050 hours based on your program and previous education.

Utah has an MSW pathway that matches your needs, whether you value flexibility, specialization, location, or program length. Each program equips you to tackle social challenges while meeting professional licensing requirements. The best choice depends on how well a program fits your career goals and personal situation.