Top CWSE MSW Programs in Washington
A master’s degree is required for social workers in Washington state. This makes MSW programs crucial for anyone who wants to build a career in social work in the Evergreen State.
Social workers earn $61,330 per year on average, while those in hospitals can make up to $66,300 annually. Your investment in education can pay off by a lot. The social work field will grow by 7% through 2033, which means qualified professionals are in high demand. Right now, four accredited schools provide MSW programs in Washington state: Eastern Washington University, Seattle University, University of Washington, and Walla Walla University. But if you want to study online, you should know that no schools in the state offer fully online programs yet.
In this piece, we’ll walk you through all four MSW programs and focus on the University of Washington MSW program alongside its peers. You’ll find details about program specializations and admission requirements that will help you make an informed choice about your social work education in Washington’s excellent university system.
University of Washington MSW Program
The University of Washington School of Social Work ranks among the nation’s best social work programs. Students learn to become leaders and practitioners in many professional settings. Since 1934, the program has kept full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Program overview
The UW MSW program gives students three different paths based on their education and life commitments. Here are the options:
- Full-Time Program (formerly Day Program): Students spend two years learning on campus during weekdays. The program blends classroom studies with faculty-guided fieldwork.
- Part-Time Program (formerly Extended Degree Program): Working professionals can take evening classes on campus. Starting 2026, students can choose a new online option.
- Advanced Standing Program: Students can pick either part-time or full-time study. This faster track works best for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in social work/social welfare from a CSWE-accredited program.
The graduate program readies students for advanced practice in their chosen specialization. The school plans to launch a fully online MSW program in September 2026 that meets CSWE accreditation standards.
The curriculum has two main parts: professional foundation (generalist curriculum) and advanced content in specialized areas of policy, services, and methods. Students learn both theory and research methods to make social work practice better.
Program specializations
Second-year MSW students pick one of three specializations:
- Administration and Policy Practice Leaders in human service organizations and policy areas start here. Students learn to spot social problems, study policy, create programs, and shape policy decisions. They also discover how to guide organizations through planning, design, implementation, evaluation, and change. Students can focus on areas like resource development, fiscal management, legislative advocacy, and community-based evaluation.
- Community-Centered Integrative Practice This path creates leaders who partner with communities at every level. Communities become sources of healing while tackling society’s problems. Students master community work, group talks, self-reflection, and body-based practices. They go on to lead dialogs, movements, community projects, programs, policy work, and mental health services.
- Clinical Social Work Direct practice with people of all ages starts here. Students master ways to connect, assess, help, and evaluate clients’ progress. They learn theories and hands-on skills to help diverse clients in many places—mental health centers, schools, hospitals, child welfare, youth programs, aging services, addiction treatment, hospice, shelters, and community centers.
Full-time students (Advanced Standing and traditional two-year) can choose any specialization. Part-time students focus on Clinical Social Work.
Each path includes two practice classes, one policy class, and three to four electives. Clinical Social Work adds an extra seminar where students present cases, get advice, and build clinical skills with peers and teachers.
Field education
Field education forms the heart of UW’s social work practice. Students learn under supervision while mastering social work knowledge, values, and skills. The school partners with community groups to match real experience with classroom learning.
Students create a learning plan with their field instructor and school faculty member. MSW-level professionals with two years of practice guide the learning activities and give regular feedback.
The Office of Field Education helps students find funding and get social work credentials. This support starts from their first field experience through graduation.
Field sites offer rich learning chances. Students bring fresh social work ideas and research to their roles. Learning by doing helps build essential social worker skills.
Admission requirements
UW School of Social Work attracts qualified students from many backgrounds. These students commit to racial justice and anti-oppressive practice, bringing significant experience with diverse communities.
Applications open September 1.
Experience requirements aren’t set in stone, but all applicants should aim for 2,000 hours. Quality matters as much as quantity. Social work and human service experience can include paid work, service corps, internships, or volunteer time.
The school values experience with underserved groups like:
- Women
- Children and adolescents
- Homeless populations
- LGBTQ communities
- Immigrants/refugees/non-citizens
- Low-income communities
- Communities of Color
- People with mental or physical disabilities
- Groups affected by education gaps, health issues, environmental problems, or poverty
Transfer students from other CSWE-accredited MSW programs need pre-application advising first. They must be in good standing and have finished their generalist curriculum and practicum.
Since Spring 2023, students don’t need statistics courses anymore. UW doesn’t give credit for work or life experience.
Many full-time MSW Day and Advanced Standing students work part-time on weekends or evenings. Extended Degree Program students often keep full-time jobs during their first year, taking two evening or weekend classes each quarter.
Seattle University MSW Program
Seattle University’s Master of Social Work program stands on the foundations of social justice principles and clinical practice excellence. Students who graduate become skilled clinical social workers who value diversity and make economic and social justice central to their practice.
Program overview
The MSW program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students learn clinical skills built on professional values, ethics, principles, and practice methods that reflect social work’s mission to advance social and economic justice.
Students can pick from two paths:
- Two-Year MSW Program: This program suits students without a bachelor’s degree in social work. Students need to complete 66 credits and 1,000 hours of field practicum. The hours split into 400 hours in year one and 600 hours in year two.
- Ten-month Advanced Standing Program: This option works best for graduates with a BSW/BASW from CSWE-accredited programs. Students complete 39 credits and 600 hours of field practicum.
The Two-Year program starts in fall quarter, while the Advanced Standing program begins in summer intersession.
Students learn about modern theories and evidence-based practice. They understand how personal challenges connect to structural oppression. Small cohort sizes make learning more personal – around 25 students in the Two-Year Program and 10 in the Advanced Standing Program. This creates a tight-knit learning community with faculty-to-student ratios of 1:12 or less.
The MSW program runs full-time only without any part-time options. Students attend daytime classes along with their field practicum placements.
Program specializations
The MSW program provides specialized clinical training for advanced clinical social work practice. Unlike other programs that offer various concentrations, Seattle University takes a social-first approach to clinical social work practice.
Clinical training covers these aspects of social work practice:
- Psychotherapy and counseling
- Crisis intervention
- Organizational management
Seattle University offers specialized training in behavioral health in two main settings:
- K-12 School Settings: The Workforce for Student Well-being conditional grant helps MSW second-year and Advanced Standing students who want to work in high-need K-12 or tribal schools. Students can receive up to $30,000 in tuition grants. They must work in Washington state high-need schools for two years after graduation.
- Community Behavioral Health Agencies: The Workforce Training Initiative conditional grant supports students interested in community behavioral health settings. Two-Year program students can receive up to $51,500, while Advanced Standing students may get up to $25,750. Students commit to working in Washington state behavioral health agencies for 3 years (Two-Year program) or 18 months (Advanced Standing) after graduation.
These training opportunities give students financial support and help them develop skills for professional clinical social work careers.
Field education
Field education plays a vital role in Seattle University’s MSW program. The Council on Social Work Education, which sets standards for social work education nationwide, sees field education as the “signature pedagogy” of social work education.
Students work at approved social service agencies under trained MSW Practicum Instructors. They also take part in integrative seminars with their cohort members. The program offers placements at more than 65 community sites.
Students can work in various settings like:
- Mental health counseling agencies
- Children, youth, and family programs
- Hospitals and medical settings
- Addiction treatment centers
- School-based counseling
- Child welfare organizations
- Gerontology services
- State and local justice systems
- Community-based programs focusing on immigrant/refugee mental health
- LGBTQ services
- Domestic and gender-based violence programs
- Housing insecurity services
- Trauma-focused organizations
The practicum hours follow this schedule:
- Year 1 (Two-Year Program): 448 total hours; 8 hours per day, 2 days per week
- Year 2 and Advanced Standing: 720 total hours; 8 hours per day, 3 days per week
The Field Director handles all field placements after students finish applications and interviews. Paid field placements don’t come by often. Some might offer stipends, and the MSW program sometimes has student worker and graduate assistant positions available.
Admission requirements
The MSW program looks at several factors when reviewing applications:
- Academic background through coursework and writing quality
- Related work, volunteer, or life experience
- Social justice values, critical thinking, and interest in clinical social work
- Quality of recommendation letters
Other important factors include:
- Ethical conduct
- Communication skills (written and oral)
- Self-awareness and openness to examining personal values
- Understanding and respect for diversity and equity
- Social, emotional, and psychological maturity
- Match with social work values
- Ability to build relationships
- Potential for professional behavior
Applications should reach by January 20 each year. Later applications might still get consideration. Most applicants don’t need GRE scores. Only those with degrees from non-graded institutions need to submit them.
Work and volunteer experience help but aren’t required. Reviewers want to know what applicants learned from their experiences and how these shaped their interest in social work. Life experiences that sparked interest in social justice-focused clinical social work matter too.
Students must pass a national criminal history background check before field placement. A criminal history doesn’t automatically disqualify applicants but might limit field placement options needed for graduation. Some agencies might need their own background checks or drug screening.
The MSW program follows ethical standards and doesn’t give social work course credit for life experiences or previous work.
Eastern Washington University MSW Program
Eastern Washington University (EWU) runs a comprehensive Master of Social Work program that excels among Washington state’s MSW programs. Students can choose from multiple campus locations and flexible formats. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited this program, which prepares students to lead in socially just practice by combining skills, ethics, research, and theory.
Program overview
EWU School of Social Work delivers its MSW program at three locations: the main Cheney campus, Everett (at Everett Community College), and the EWU Spokane campus at the Catalyst Building. Students from different regions of Washington state can easily access these locations.
Students have several program options based on their educational background and personal circumstances:
- Standard MSW Program: Students can choose full-time or part-time options, with 90 credits of required and elective coursework
- Advanced Standing MSW Program: This option suits students who have earned a BASW or BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last seven years
Standard full-time students attend classes in person, which creates an engaging learning environment. The part-time programs combine online and in-person instruction. Working professionals can pursue their MSW without disrupting their careers.
Students learn about individual, group, community, and societal aspects of social work practice throughout their studies. Each quarter builds on the previous one, and students must complete their current quarter before moving forward.
Program specializations
Graduate students at EWU can develop expertise in several practice areas. Rather than formal concentrations, students can pick additional courses to build knowledge in specific fields:
- Aging and palliative care
- Disabilities
- Public health
- Mental health
- Addiction
- School social work
- Child welfare
Students can shape their education to match their career goals while maintaining strong foundations in advanced generalist practice. The program creates leaders who excel at combining theory and practice in various settings.
Advanced standing students who study full-time start with a summer seminar on generalist social work before joining the regular fall cohort. They typically need just three quarters after the summer seminar. Part-time advanced standing students also begin with the summer seminar but spread their coursework over six quarters, making it easier to balance with work commitments.
Field education
Field education forms the core of social work education at EWU. Students apply classroom theories in real settings. Social work educators often call field education the “signature pedagogy” because it blends theoretical concepts with practical experience.
Full-time MSW students must complete at least 970 practicum hours:
- 920 hours in agency/community settings
- 50 hours in seminar over five quarters
Part-time MSW students need at least 972 practicum hours:
- 900 hours in agency/community settings
- 72 hours in seminar over eight quarters
Students work under two learning agreements:
- Generalist/Foundation: Full-time students spend about 16 hours weekly in agencies over two quarters. Part-time students complete 10-11 hours weekly over three quarters.
- Specialized/Advanced Generalist: Full-time students dedicate 20 hours weekly over three quarters. Part-time students spend 11-12 hours weekly over five quarters.
Professional social workers mentor students as field instructors throughout their practicum. Students learn various aspects of professional practice. Washington state’s social welfare agencies and organizations host these field placements, giving students hands-on experience under supervision.
Students need a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and must complete all required coursework, including SOWK 580 – Field Preparation, to qualify for placement.
Program admission requirements
EWU’s MSW program welcomes candidates with diverse backgrounds who want to pursue graduate social work education. The program evaluates applicants through several requirements:
Standard MSW program applicants must provide:
- Unofficial transcripts from all postsecondary schools
- Minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 for master’s degree applicants
- Personal statement explaining their motivation to become social workers, achievements, and strategies for handling program challenges
International students must also meet these requirements:
- TOEFL paper score of 580 or higher
- IELTS paper score of 7 or higher
Domestic students pay a $75 application fee. The program reviews applications continuously. Early applications might have better acceptance chances.
Advanced standing applicants must have a BASW or BSW from a CSWE-accredited program with a 3.0 GPA earned in the last seven years – with no exceptions. These students can complete their MSW with 51 credits instead of 90.
Recent data shows the program accepts about 82% of applicants (109 out of 133). About 65% (71 students) enrolled, showing both high interest and selective admission.
Applicants need two to three references. One reference must have supervised their work for at least 40 hours. Family members, personal friends, clergy (unless they were supervisors), and personal therapists cannot serve as references.
Walla Walla University MSW Program
The Wilma Hepker School of Social Work and Sociology at Walla Walla University runs a unique Master of Social Work program. The program aims to train ethical professionals who value integrity, care for all people, serve their communities, and fight for social justice. Walla Walla stands as one of four CSWE-accredited MSW programs in Washington state. Students looking for flexibility and clinical expertise will find great advantages here.
Program overview
Walla Walla’s MSW program shines through its multi-campus setup. Students can attend classes at two physical locations – College Place, Washington and Billings, Montana. The program also offers a fully online format. This setup makes the program available to students throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Students can pick from two main program tracks:
- Regular Standing: This track suits students without a BSW background. Students need to complete 73 credits, which includes 300 field hours in generalist settings and 600 practicum hours in advanced clinical settings. The minimum completion time is 2 years.
- Advanced Standing: BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs with a 3.0+ GPA (3.25+ for online format) can choose this fast-track option. Students complete 45 credits and 600 supervised practicum hours in advanced clinical settings. The minimum completion time is 1 year.
Classes meet just one day each week. This schedule helps working professionals balance their job and studies.
Program specializations
Walla Walla University focuses on clinical practice. Students learn therapy and counseling skills that prepare them for direct client work. The program builds expertise in working with individuals, groups, couples, and families.
Students can shape their education by choosing electives in areas like:
- Addictions
- Aging
- Child welfare
- Children and families
- Mental health
- Medical social work
- School social work
The clinical focus sets Walla Walla’s program apart from general approaches. Graduates gain specialized skills that employers value.
Field education
Field education is the life-blood of the Walla Walla MSW experience. Students work in community agencies under supervision. This hands-on experience lets them apply classroom learning to real-life situations.
Field education hours vary by track:
- Advanced Standing students complete at least 600 hours starting in fall term
- Regular Standing students complete at least 900 hours starting in winter term of their first year
Each student gets weekly one-hour supervision from an MSW professional with two or more years of post-MSW experience. The Field Education Office helps find placements in students’ local communities. Current workplaces might qualify as field placements. Some students might even get chances to work overseas through Student Missions.
Admission requirements
The program has specific requirements for each track:
For Regular Standing applicants:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- No entrance exam or statistics course needed
For Advanced Standing applicants:
- BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program within the last 5 years
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (3.25+ for online program)[203]
Application deadlines:
- May 1: Preferential deadline (guarantees a slot if eligible)
- August 30: Final application deadline
Applicants must submit an admissions essay with a statement of purpose and personal statement. They also need to write a professional analysis of a social problem.
Tuition costs $748 per credit hour. Financial aid options include scholarships, grants, and “pay-as-you-go” plans to make the program available to more people.
Online MSW Programs in Washington State
Washington state residents can now earn their MSW degree online with greater convenience and flexibility. Let’s get into the options available for online social work education in the state.
Overview
Washington’s universities have developed innovative solutions to meet student needs. The University of Washington plans to launch a fully online MSW program in September 2026. This program will make high-quality graduate education available throughout Washington State and the Pacific Northwest region. Students can choose from Walla Walla University’s fully online MSW format or its traditional campus programs. Eastern Washington University offers a hybrid MSW option. Students take online classes and attend lectures at the Spokane campus just three weekends monthly. This setup helps students who live far from campus complete their education.
Flexibility
Online MSW programs give working professionals the freedom to study on their schedule. Walla Walla’s online program schedules synchronous sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings as needed. Students can easily manage their studies with work and family life. UW’s new online program will blend flexible learning with structured instruction. Students will attend scheduled live sessions and access course materials at their convenience. This approach creates an engaging learning experience that matches campus programs’ quality while fitting students’ lifestyles.
Field placement
Field education stands as the cornerstone of MSW programs, including online formats. Students complete supervised field placements in their communities and gain experience similar to on-campus students. Walla Walla University’s coordinators help online students find placements that match their career goals. Students work in a variety of settings – hospitals, community mental health centers, schools, non-profits, and government agencies. This hands-on experience helps students apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations.
Accreditation
Students should check program accreditation before enrollment. Walla Walla’s online program holds NWCCU regional accreditation and seeks CSWE approval. The University of Washington’s new online program will share the same accredited curriculum as its campus programs. Eastern Washington University’s hybrid program maintains full Council on Social Work Education accreditation. This ensures graduates meet all professional requirements.
Choosing an MSW Program in Washington
Your social work career in Washington state starts with picking the right MSW program. A master’s degree remains mandatory for all social workers in the region. This piece highlights four CSWE-accredited programs across Washington: University of Washington, Seattle University, Eastern Washington University, and Walla Walla University. Each school brings something special to the table – from prestigious faculty and clinical focus to multiple locations and flexible study options.
These programs’ life-blood lies in field education. Students get essential hands-on experience that connects classroom theory to real-life practice. You’ll face the same challenges working social workers deal with daily and build professional networks that could lead to job opportunities.
Washington state’s fully online MSW options are currently limited. Walla Walla University offers an online format now, and the University of Washington will launch its program in 2026. These changes will make education accessible to more people across the Pacific Northwest who need to balance their studies with work and family.
Location and format shouldn’t be your only deciding factors. Your choice should include specialization tracks, field placement options, program length, cost, and admission requirements. Each program’s values and approach should match your personal and professional goals in social work.
Social work careers show steady growth potential. The field projects a 7% increase through 2032, with competitive salaries averaging $55,350 yearly in Washington. Hospital social workers earn even better – up to $66,300 per year. These numbers make an MSW degree a smart investment.
Starting your journey as a licensed social worker needs steadfast dedication and solid education. Any MSW program you pick from these excellent Washington options will give you the knowledge, skills, and credentials. You’ll be ready to make meaningful changes in people’s lives, help families, and strengthen communities throughout your career.