Top MSW Programs in South Dakota

Social challenges in South Dakota have made MSW programs more crucial than ever. The state’s alcohol-related arrests stand at 70% compared to the national average of 25%. Native American suicide rates in the state are double those of Caucasians, creating an urgent need for trained social workers.

Your options for pursuing a master’s level social work degree were quite limited until now. The University of South Dakota stood alone in offering an MSW program. The landscape is changing as Augustana University plans to launch its Master of Social Work program in Fall 2025. This addition will make it the second such program in the state. South Dakota ranks as the 17th largest state by area but remains the fifth least populated. This population distribution has affected the availability of social work programs across the state.

Here, we go over your options to earn an MSW in South Dakota. You’ll find information about in-state programs, online alternatives, advanced standing pathways, and nearby out-of-state options that will help you choose the right path for your social work education.

University of South Dakota MSW Program

The University of South Dakota runs the state’s oldest MSW program. It has held full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1974. The program is one of just two master’s level social work programs in South Dakota. USD’s graduates excel at meeting the region’s unique social service needs.

Key Features

Students in USD’s Master of Social Work program achieve remarkable success. 84% of graduates pass the master-level exam, which sits 17% above the national average. These numbers show how well the program prepares students for their professional license.

USD belongs to an elite group of 11 universities nationwide that offer a Path to Licensure curriculum. Students benefit from a program that blends extensive field education with classroom learning. This approach helps them prepare well for their licensing exams.

The program puts a strong focus on real-world experience. Students spend between 500 to 1,000 hours in field education based on their chosen track. Licensed social workers with at least two years of experience supervise their work. Weekly field seminars let students help plan and carry out learning activities.

The Department of Social Work also offers several professional development options:

• Division of Behavioral Health SBIRT Training
• Mandatory Reporting training
• Interprofessional Education Training Day
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network Certificate
• South Dakota Helpline Trainings

Specializations

While USD doesn’t offer specific concentrations, its advanced generalist curriculum readies students for various roles in clinical and macro practice settings. Graduates can provide many professional services:

• Clinical and therapeutic services
• Administration and staff supervision
• Policy analysis and advocacy
• Community development
• Organizational planning

The program includes the Association of Social Work Boards’ Path to Licensure curriculum, which helps students interested in clinical social work. This matters because South Dakota requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program for advanced or clinical social work practice.

Students learn about ethics, compassion, and evidence-based practice through a person-centered approach. The program recognizes each person’s unique needs while working to equip clients.

Program Format

Students can choose from several flexible program formats and schedules:

Campus-Based Program: Classes meet on Mondays or Tuesdays at USD’s Sioux Falls campus. Students get face-to-face time with professors and classmates while keeping a schedule that works for professionals.

Online Program: Students can take the full program online through Desire 2 Learn software. The online version matches the campus program in curriculum and requirements. This option works great for students across South Dakota who can’t travel to Sioux Falls regularly.

Program Tracks:

• Traditional Track: Students without a BSW need 60 credit hours over 24 months (full-time) or up to four years (part-time).
• Advanced Standing Track: BSW holders from CSWE-accredited programs need 36 credit hours over 12 months (full-time) or two years (part-time).

Students can also earn both degrees faster through USD’s accelerated 3+2 programs. These partnerships with Northern State University and USD’s sociology program let students complete their bachelor’s and master’s in five years.

Pricing

International students pay about $25,537 for their first year of tuition.

USD offers several ways to reduce tuition costs:

SD Advantage Rate: New graduate students with undergraduate degrees from South Dakota Board of Regents schools can get resident tuition rates. This applies if they live in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wisconsin, or Wyoming.

Child of Alumni Rate: Students whose parents graduated from USD might qualify for resident tuition rates for on-campus courses.

Graduate Assistantships: Students can reduce their tuition by helping with teaching, research, and service at the university.

The Office of Financial Aid helps students find ways to make their education affordable. The MSW program also participates in the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), which can save money for qualified students from certain western states.

Students should plan for extra costs beyond tuition. These include housing, meals ($7,200 yearly), transportation ($1,494 yearly), and optional campus parking ($170 yearly).

Admission Requirements

Students apply through the SocialWorkCAS system from September 8th through December 1st for May/August enrollment. Requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university
• Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
• Three recommendation letters (one from academic advisor/faculty, one from supervisor)
• 3-5 page APA-style paper on social justice with 5+ scholarly references
• Statement of purpose answering specific questions about social work interest, attributes, and career goals
• Current resume showing education, work, volunteer, and community involvement
• $35 application fee (plus SocialWorkCAS fee)
• Criminal background check after acceptance
• Current immunizations before starting

Transfer students from other graduate social work programs must show they left their previous program in good standing.

International students might need IELTS or TOEFL scores unless they have a degree from an accredited American institution or approved English-speaking country.

Augustana University MSW Program

Augustana University will launch its Master of Social Work program in Fall 2025. This new program becomes the second MSW offering in South Dakota. Students pursuing advanced social work credentials now have a fresh option to consider.

Key Features

The Sharon Lust School of Education houses Augustana’s MSW program as part of the Harriet Emily Scott Social Work Program. The university built its social work education step by step. They started with a minor in Fall 2023, added a Bachelor of Social Work in 2024, and will complete the pathway with the MSW program in 2025.

Students learn clinical practice skills that help connect people, families, and communities with resources and services they need. The program stands out because it focuses on clinical practice rather than just general social work.

Field practicum placements are the foundations of the curriculum. Students get hands-on experience that prepares them for clinical practice. South Dakota needs qualified social workers, and the program’s partnership with Sanford Health helps meet this need.

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Augustana University graduate programs, including the upcoming MSW. This accreditation shows the program meets quality education standards.

Specializations

Students get a chance to focus on one of three specific areas:

• Integrated Behavioral Health: Students study integrated health policy and services, case management models and practice in healthcare, and psychopathology and psychopharmacology. This field grows faster than any other area in social work nationwide.
• Play Therapy: This focus area covers foundations of play therapy, group and family play therapy, and advanced theories, applications, and techniques of play therapy.
• Addictions: Students learn about case management and assessment of co-occurring disorders, substance abuse and addiction disorders, and treatment planning for substance abuse and addictive behaviors.

Each focus area needs three specialized courses (9 credit hours total). These options let students shape their education around their career goals and local job market needs.

Program Format

The program uses a hybrid format that works well for working professionals. Students who live within 50 miles of campus take classes both online and in person.

The program also offers a fully online option for students living beyond the 50-mile radius. This option works for students in southwest Minnesota, northwest Iowa, northeast Nebraska, all of South Dakota, military personnel stationed abroad, and students from ELCA colleges and universities.

You can choose between two tracks based on your education:

• Advanced Standing Track: Students with a BSW from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program can finish in one year. This track needs 30 credit hours.
• Traditional Track: Students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields take two years to complete 59 credit hours.

The curriculum breaks down like this:

Advanced Standing students (30 credits total):

• Advanced Clinical Practice Core – 21 credits (seven 3-credit courses)
• Advanced Clinical Practice Cognates – 9 credits (three 3-credit courses)

Traditional students (59 credits total):

• Generalist Practice – 29 credits (seven 3-credit courses, two 4-credit courses)
• Advanced Clinical Practice Core – 21 credits (seven 3-credit courses)
• Advanced Clinical Practice Cognates – 9 credits (three 3-credit courses)

Pricing

Tuition and fees vary for each graduate program at Augustana University. While exact MSW costs aren’t listed, the university offers several ways to help with expenses.

Here’s how you can get financial help:

• Graduate Financial Aid: Augustana undergrads in 4+1 graduate programs can keep their undergraduate scholarships. This makes fifth-year graduate costs similar to undergraduate expenses.
• Office of Financial Aid: Staff helps students find ways to make the program affordable.
• Transfer Credits: You can transfer up to nine semester hours from other accredited schools, which could lower your total cost.

Fall semester payments are due August 15, and spring semester payments are due January 15. Plan your finances with these dates in mind.

Admission Requirements

While specific MSW requirements aren’t listed, here’s what you typically need for Augustana’s graduate programs:

You’ll need to submit an official application to the Office of Graduate Education. International students and non-native English speakers must prove their English skills through tests with these minimum scores:

• TOEFL: 550 PBT or 79 iBT
• IELTS: 6.0 overall band
• Duolingo English Test: minimum 105/160

Students who earned degrees from English-speaking schools or U.S. institutions don’t need these test scores.

The MSW program might have extra requirements beyond these basics. Contact the program directly to get the full list of current admission requirements.

BSW graduates from accredited programs can take the Advanced Standing track. This shorter path focuses on advanced clinical courses and takes less time to complete.

Online MSW Programs Available in South Dakota

You’ll find online MSW programs offer a great alternative to traditional classrooms if you live in South Dakota and want flexibility in your social work education. Technology has made getting your master’s degree in social work more available to students across the state.

Key Features

The University of South Dakota stands out as the state’s only CSWE-accredited online option. This makes a big difference because CSWE accreditation lets you qualify for licensure in most states.

USD’s online MSW program matches the quality of its on-campus version. The program comes with several strong features:

• The innovative Path to Licensure program that blends online learning with extensive field education
• An 84% pass rate on the national master-level exam, exceeding the national average by 17%
• A special focus on rural and indigenous populations that meets South Dakota’s unique social service needs

USD runs its online program through the Desire2Learn platform. Students can easily access course materials and turn in assignments. You can study at your own pace since most coursework happens asynchronously, but you’ll need to meet set deadlines.

South Dakota students can also look into CSWE-accredited online programs from other states. Just make sure these programs match your educational goals.

Online MSW Program Flexibility

The biggest advantage of online MSW programs is their flexibility. You can make graduate education work around your schedule if you’re juggling work and family commitments.

Online MSW programs let you control your learning schedule through their asynchronous format. You won’t need to drive to campus at specific times. Instead, you can watch lectures and finish assignments whenever it suits you—early mornings, evenings, or weekends.

Most online programs tell you all the due dates right at the start. This helps you plan your schedule while managing other commitments.

Field education remains a crucial part of any MSW program. Online students usually complete their practical training at approved locations near them. This setup works well in South Dakota, where you might live far from campus.

You can complete the program in different timeframes:

• Traditional full-time: 60 credits completed in approximately two years
• Traditional part-time: 60 credits completed in up to four years
• Advanced standing full-time: 36 credits completed in as little as one year
• Advanced standing part-time: 36 credits completed in approximately two years

Pricing

USD’s online MSW program offers great value. Starting at $340.15 per credit for residents, it ranks among the top three most affordable online MSW programs in the country.

Here’s how the pricing works:

These rates beat the national average cost of MSW programs, which can go over $37,000. This makes graduate education possible for many students who might think it’s too expensive.

You can make it even more affordable through:

• Graduate assistantships that lower tuition to $180.30 per credit for residents and give you professional experience
• Federal aid through FAFSA, including grants, loans, and work-study programs
• Scholarships and financial aid packages just for social work students

Accreditation

Accreditation matters a lot when picking an online MSW program. The University of South Dakota is the only school in the state offering CSWE-accredited bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work.

This accreditation is crucial because:

• You need it to get licensed in most states
• Employers look for degrees from accredited programs
• Credits rarely transfer from non-accredited programs

The Council on Social Work Education lists all accredited online programs. This helps if you’re looking at out-of-state schools. Check your chosen program meets South Dakota’s licensing requirements since these can vary by state.

Online MSW Programs Are Best For:

Online MSW programs in South Dakota work great for several types of students:

Working Professionals: You can keep your job while advancing your education. The asynchronous format lets you study around your work hours.

Rural Residents: Living far from USD’s Sioux Falls campus won’t stop you from getting your degree. This helps a lot in South Dakota where towns are spread out.

Career Changers: You can complete prerequisite courses at your own pace. The 60-credit track works well if you don’t have a background in social work.

Specialized Practice Interests: You can focus on clinical social work, family social work, or healthcare social work through these programs. Each path prepares you for specific careers in social work.

Online MSW programs in South Dakota give you quality education that’s both affordable and flexible. As technology gets better, these programs will likely offer more options and better ways to learn, making education even more available across the state.

Advanced Standing MSW Programs in South Dakota

Bachelor of Social Work graduates in South Dakota can take advantage of Advanced Standing MSW programs to speed up their career growth. These programs build on their existing knowledge instead of making them repeat basic coursework.

Program Eligibility

Students need a Bachelor of Social Work degree from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited undergraduate program to qualify for advanced standing programs in South Dakota. This ensures they have already learned the fundamentals of social work.

The University of South Dakota, the state’s oldest MSW provider, requires these for advanced standing admission:

• A BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
• Completion of foundational social work training
• Previous undergraduate field education experience

Augustana University’s new MSW program (launching Fall 2025) will welcome only students with a BSW from an accredited program.

Program Duration

Students love these programs because they take less time. Qualified students can earn their MSW degree in approximately one year of full-time study. This cuts the usual two-year MSW timeline in half.

The University of South Dakota’s program starts in summer. Full-time students can finish in 12 months. Students who choose part-time study typically complete the program in two years.

Students skip the first year of basic classes and jump right into advanced coursework, which cuts their study time in half.

Program Curriculum

South Dakota’s advanced standing MSW programs strengthen students’ existing skills through advanced practice training. USD’s track needs 36 credit hours, much less than the 60 credits traditional MSW students must complete.

The program teaches:

• Advanced clinical practice skills
• Policy analysis and advocacy capabilities
• Leadership preparation for a variety of social work settings

USD trains students to excel in clinical and therapeutic services, lead in administration or supervision, and shape community and policy planning. The program’s curriculum puts people first by valuing their unique needs while offering customized support.

Program Fieldwork

Field education plays a vital role in South Dakota’s advanced standing MSW programs. USD’s campus-based and online tracks require 500 hours of field education at approved sites.

USD students split these hours between two semesters, with 250 hours minimum per semester. This means 16-24 hours weekly for 16 weeks each semester. Students complete these internships alongside their coursework.

Students apply classroom theories to real-life situations through fieldwork, which gives them hands-on learning opportunities. This practical experience connects academic learning with professional practice.

Advanced Standing MSW Program Benefits

BSW graduates get several key advantages from advanced standing MSW programs:

Time and Cost Efficiency: Students finish in half the time of traditional MSW programs and save money on tuition.

Recognition of Prior Learning: Students don’t have to repeat introductory concepts they already know.

Focused Educational Experience: The curriculum covers only advanced concepts and specialized areas.

Accelerated Career Advancement: Graduates can start advanced positions or pursue licensure sooner.

Flexible Delivery Options: Students can choose between on-campus classes in Sioux Falls or 100% online learning.

USD now partners with Northern State University and USD’s sociology program to offer innovative 3+2 programs. Students can earn both degrees in five years instead of six.

Out-of-State MSW Options for South Dakota Residents

South Dakota students seeking MSW degrees often look beyond state borders because local programs don’t offer all specializations they need. Students can find great alternatives in nearby states.

Top out-of-state MSW programs

The University of Iowa’s online MSW program stands out as a top choice for South Dakota residents. Students from South Dakota can enjoy in-state tuition rates, and the program maintains strong ties to the region.

The University of Wyoming’s MSW program is the most affordable option nationwide. Students pay between $9,000 to $17,000 yearly, which works out to $299 per credit. California State University-San Bernardino comes in as another budget-friendly option at $280 per credit.

Students from South Dakota can also enroll in programs across Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming. These schools understand the unique challenges of rural and midwestern social services that South Dakota residents face.

Out-of-state MSW program delivery formats

You can access many out-of-state programs completely online, whatever your location in South Dakota. Some programs mix evening video classes with self-paced coursework. This setup works great for students who have jobs.

The University of Iowa’s online program mixes evening video meetings with assignments you can complete on your own schedule. This approach means you won’t need to move and you’ll still get quality education.

Out-of-state MSW program pricing

Beyond location benefits, out-of-state programs can save you money:

Many schools let South Dakota residents pay in-state rates. To name just one example, the University of Iowa extends resident tuition to students from South Dakota, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Nebraska.

Field placement options for out-of-state programs

Online out-of-state MSW programs let you complete your required field work right in your South Dakota community. Programs help students find the right supervision at local agencies.

The University of Iowa shows how this works. They have an Online MSW Practicum Administrator who helps South Dakota students find and secure internships in their local areas. You’ll gain hands-on experience where you plan to work after graduation and build valuable professional networks.

Choose a South Dakota MSW Today

South Dakota offers something special for social work education with urgent requirements and expanding possibilities. The University of South Dakota used to be the only program available. Your MSW options will grow when Augustana University launches its program in Fall 2025. These two programs bring different strengths to the table – USD’s proven track record and Path to Licensure curriculum stands apart from Augustana’s focused areas in integrated behavioral health, play therapy, and addictions.

Online MSW programs are a perfect solution for students spread across this vast state. USD’s online program delivers quality education with amazing flexibility. You can complete your coursework on your schedule while meeting the same high standards as on-campus classes.

BSW graduates get a big advantage with Advanced Standing tracks. These paths cut program length by half and lower tuition costs. This faster route builds on your existing social work knowledge so you can focus on advanced practice skills.

Students looking for specialized concentrations not found in South Dakota might want to explore out-of-state options. Programs in Iowa, Wyoming, and Minnesota understand our regional context and offer extra specializations. Many programs give tuition benefits to South Dakota residents and let you complete field work in your community.

Whatever path you pick, accreditation is vital. CSWE-accredited programs ensure your degree meets professional standards and qualifies you for licensure.

South Dakota faces serious social challenges. High alcohol-related arrest rates and elevated Native American suicide statistics show why we need qualified social workers throughout the state. Your choice to pursue an MSW is a meaningful step toward tackling these issues while building your professional skills.

The program you choose should match more than just location. Program format, specialization opportunities, field placement options, and cost are the foundations of finding your ideal educational fit. MSW education’s expanding landscape in South Dakota creates promising paths to meet our state’s growing need for advanced social work practitioners.