Top 5 MSW Programs in Jacksonville: Online & Campus Options (2026)
Want to take your social work career to the next level with an MSW program in Jacksonville? The timing couldn’t be better. Florida’s social work field is set to grow by 18% by 2033—more than twice the national average.
Florida shines bright with six of its universities ranked in US News’ top 100 social work programs nationwide. MSW programs in Jacksonville FL help you become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). This credential matters even more since Florida has almost 3 million adults with mental health conditions. This creates a huge need for qualified professionals. On top of that, MSW programs in Florida can lead to great financial rewards—licensed clinical social workers earn around $78,525 on average.
You’ll find programs that match your schedule and career goals. The University of North Florida offers a CSWE-accredited program with 900 hours of field education, and several online options are available too. Program costs run between $12,000 and $50,000, but this investment opens doors to rewarding opportunities in this fast-growing field.
1. University of North Florida (UNF) MSW Program
The University of North Florida is among MSW programs in Jacksonville FL. Its MSW program takes a comprehensive approach to social work practice. The program focuses on creating meaningful social change by promoting biopsychosocial-economic and spiritual wellbeing, especially for marginalized populations.
Program Overview
UNF’s MSW program gets you ready for advanced generalist social work practice. The curriculum builds on critical thinking, research, and social justice principles. Students benefit from personalized professional mentorship with small class sizes and dedicated faculty advisors. This CSWE-accredited program gives you the educational foundation you need to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida.
The curriculum arranges with nine core competencies that the Council on Social Work Education’s Educational Policy & Accreditation Standards has set:
- Ethical and professional behavior
- Engaging diversity and difference in practice
- Advancing human rights and social justice
- Practice-informed research
- Policy practice
- Engagement with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
- Assessment skills
- Intervention capabilities
- Practice evaluation
Students complete standardized assessments at the end of each academic year. These assessments come from the Social Work Education Assessment Project (SWEAP) and measure their mastery of these competencies.
Admission Requirements
The Traditional MSW Program at UNF requires:
- Completed online application through the Graduate School with $30 application fee
- Official transcripts showing a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited US institution (or equivalent international institution)
- GPA of 3.0 or higher in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate study
- Evidence of successful completion (grade C or better) of undergraduate courses in:
- Social and behavioral sciences (9 credit hours)
- Statistics (3 credit hours)
- Biology with human content (3 credit hours)
- One to two-page resume detailing educational background, relevant experience, skills, and awards
- Three professional or academic recommendation letters
- Personal essay (3-5 pages, APA formatted) describing your preparation for and commitment to social work
Advanced Standing applicants face similar requirements, though essay prompts might differ slightly.
Program Format and Delivery
The program gives you two distinct paths based on your background:
Traditional Track: This 60-credit program suits students without a BSW degree. It starts in fall semester and takes two years full-time or four years part-time.
Advanced Standing Track: BSW degree holders can take this accelerated 33-credit program. It begins in summer semester and takes one academic year.
Unlike many online MSW programs in Florida, UNF delivers courses face-to-face on campus during late afternoon and evening hours. This schedule works great if you need to balance work and studies. The program uses a cohort model that makes shared learning experiences possible.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The graduate program tuition rates per credit hour for the 2025-2026 academic year are:
| Residency Status | Standard Rate | Exclusive Rate* |
| Florida Residents | $493.53 | $353.78 |
| Non-Florida Residents | $1,044.27 | $911.17 |
*UNF alumni who start a graduate program within five years of getting their UNF bachelor’s degree get exclusive rates.
Florida residents pay $408.10 in tuition plus $85.43 in fees. Non-residents pay the same base tuition plus a $524.51 out-of-state fee and $111.66 in additional fees. You might need to pay extra for lab materials ($5-$70), distance learning ($30/credit hour), and other services.
Fieldwork and Internships
Field education forms the heart of social work education at UNF. Students need significant hands-on experience:
- Traditional MSW students: Complete 900 total hours of field education
- 400 hours at the generalist practice level
- 500 hours at the advanced generalist level
- Advanced Standing students: Complete 500 hours of field education at the advanced generalist level
These structured, supervised experiences help you work effectively in micro, mezzo, and macro practice settings. Field education helps develop practical skills for multi-method clinical and administrative practice with diverse populations and communities.
Unique Features
UNF stands among the best MSW programs in Jacksonville because of its distinctive approach:
- Comprehensive Practice Focus: The program emphasizes biopsychosocial-economic and spiritual wellbeing, particularly for marginalized populations.
- Flexible Schedule: Classes run in afternoon and evening to fit working professionals’ schedules.
- Community Partnerships: Strategic collaborations with various organizations boost learning opportunities.
- Specialized Electives: You can choose from specialized courses like Hospice and Palliative Care, Social Work Practice with Military and Veterans, Health Care Settings, and Psychopathology.
- Cohort-Based Learning: You’ll progress through your studies with the same group of peers in a supportive environment.
- Multi-Method Approach: You’ll develop skills for both clinical and administrative practice, opening diverse career paths.
The program regularly checks student outcomes and quality. Graduates come out ready for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical-level exam needed for LCSW licensure in Florida. This detailed approach to social work education makes UNF a top choice among MSW programs in Jacksonville FL.
2. Florida State University (Jacksonville Campus) MSW Program
Florida State University now brings its top-rated social work education to Jacksonville. Students can earn their MSW through a clinical concentration program that fits their schedule. FSU ranks in the top 15% of social work graduate schools nationwide. The university pioneered online social work education with one of the nation’s first CSWE-accredited online MSW programs.
Program Overview
Jacksonville students can choose between Traditional and Advanced Standing MSW programs with a Clinical Social Work focus. The program teaches you to provide therapy, connect people with community resources, and work with other human service professionals. You’ll also learn to evaluate practice interventions effectively.
FSU’s program stands out from other msw programs in jacksonville fl through its unique systems view. This approach shows how people interact with their environment and how it shapes their lives. The well-laid-out curriculum helps you understand:
- Social work practice
- Social policy
- Human behavior and social environments
- Research methodologies
- Field education applications
You’ll get skills to prevent and treat problems using proven practices. The College of Social Work’s CSWE accreditation ensures your degree meets national quality standards.
Admission Requirements
Here’s what you need to join one of Jacksonville’s best MSW programs:
Traditional MSW Program:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
- 0 GPA minimum in upper-division courses
- Three recommendation letters mixing academic and professional references
- A purpose statement about your social work interest
- Professional resume
- No GRE needed through 2026 admissions
Advanced Standing MSW Program:
- A BSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- 0 GPA minimum
- Three recommendation letters
- Purpose statement
- Professional resume
- BSW earned within seven years (special waiver needed if older)
Key application deadlines for Jacksonville online students:
- Spring: October 1
- Summer: March 1
- Fall: May 1
Program Format and Delivery
FSU leads MSW programs in Florida with 100% online classes for Jacksonville students. Traditional students only need to attend two weekend skill sessions on campus. Two main paths are available:
Traditional Online MSW:
- 61 total credit hours
- Part-time study with 6 credits each semester
- Three-year completion (nine semesters)
- Clinical Social Work focus only
Advanced Standing Online MSW:
- 39 total credit hours
- Two-year completion (six semesters, six credits per semester)
- Open to CSWE-accredited BSW holders
Working professionals love the program’s flexible schedule. You can watch lectures and finish assignments when it suits you, as long as you meet deadlines. This setup lets you balance work, life, and school effectively.
FSU MSW Tuition and Financial Aid
Your FSU MSW investment depends on where you live:
| Program Type | Florida Residents | Out-of-State Students |
| Traditional (61 credits) | $27,084 ($444/credit) | $38,125 ($625/credit) |
| Advanced Standing (39 credits) | $17,316 ($444/credit) | $24,375 ($625/credit) |
These rates cover tuition only – not the $30 application fee or extra course fees up to $400 per class.
FSU provides several ways to fund your education:
- Federal loans through William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
- Federal Perkins Loans for high-need students
- Military benefits including Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill
- College of Social Work scholarships (apply January 1-March 31)
The program also takes part in the Title IV-E Child Welfare Program. This supports social workers who help high-risk children and families in low-income communities.
Fieldwork and Internships
Field education is the substance of FSU’s social work training. Jacksonville students get support from dedicated field liaisons. Requirements include:
Traditional MSW students:
- 944 total field hours
- First internship: 432 hours at generalist practice level
- Final internship: 512 hours at clinical level
Advanced Standing students:
- 512 hours of clinical field education
FSU works with many Jacksonville community agencies. Tracy McDade, LCSW and Donna Kelley, LCSW serve as field liaisons in the area. Students gain valuable experience working with healthcare teams.
Field work involves:
- Running psychosocial assessments and clinical interventions
- Managing patient cases and discharge plans
- Connecting patients with community resources
- Teaching patients and families
- Leading support groups
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker supervises each student’s clinical work and offers professional guidance.
Unique Features
FSU is among Jacksonville’s best MSW programs with these key features:
- Pioneer in Online MSW Education – One of the first U.S. schools to offer a fully online, CSWE-accredited MSW program.
- Clinical Focus – Prepares Jacksonville students exclusively for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) roles.
- Joint Degree Options – Students who can visit the main campus occasionally can combine their MSW with:
- Master of Business Administration (MSW/MBA)
- Juris Doctor (MSW/JD)
- Master of Public Administration (MSW/MPA)
- Master of Science in Criminology (MSW/MS Criminology)
- Licensure Preparation – Students learn what they need for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical exams – required for LCSW status.
- Student Success Advisors – Each online student gets personal guidance throughout their time in the program.
- Flexible Course Schedule – Part-time, study-when-you-can format lets you manage work and life while finishing on schedule.
FSU’s stellar reputation, flexible online format, and clinical focus make it an excellent choice for Jacksonville residents. You can advance your social work career without moving or changing your work schedule.
3. Saint Leo University Online MSW Program
Saint Leo University offers a fully online MSW program that Jacksonville residents can access to get advanced clinical social work training without commuting to campus. The CSWE-accredited program helps graduates promote social justice, economic justice, and human rights at local, national, and global levels.
Program Overview
The Master of Social Work program at Saint Leo will give you the skills needed for advanced clinical social work practice. You’ll serve a variety of populations, with special focus on elderly individuals, military personnel, and groups facing discrimination and oppression. The program aims to shape graduate students into leaders who help empower marginalized communities.
Students can take this innovative online program through a virtual platform and interact face-to-face via webcam from home. The curriculum goes beyond simple professional preparation to help you:
- Apply ethical principles and critical thinking
- Involve diverse points of view in practice
- Advance human rights and socioeconomic justice
- Integrate research-informed practice
- Engage in policy practice
- Respond effectively to practice contexts
- Become skilled at engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation
The program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates can begin the licensure process to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) or get equivalent credentials based on state requirements.
Admission Requirements
Your admission requirements will vary based on whether you choose the standard program or advanced standing option:
Standard MSW Program Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline
- 0 GPA or GRE score of 297 or MAT score of 410
- Completed application form
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation (professional and academic)
- Three to five-page goal statement
- Cohort verification form
- Current resume
Advanced Standing MSW Requirements:
- BSW from a CSWE-accredited program obtained within the last 5 years
- Minimum B- grades in all social work classes
- Application for admission
- Transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Three to five-page goal statement addressing specific questions
- Cohort verification form
- Final field evaluation form or professional skills form
- Current resume
The program requires a criminal background check for field placement purposes. Past convictions might affect your practicum placements and future job opportunities.
Program Format and Delivery
You can choose from multiple cohort tracks that fit your needs:
Two-Year Full-Time Program:
- Fall start, 62 credit hours
- Sequential courses following program outline
- Assigned class nights that vary by semester (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday evenings)
- One weekend on-campus seminar required
Three-Year Part-Time Program:
- Fall start, 62 credit hours
- Two classes per 16-week semester (with one semester offering three courses)
- Class nights vary by semester (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings, or Saturday mornings)
- One weekend on-campus seminar required [192]
Advanced Standing Full-Time Program:
- Summer start, one-year, four-semester program (32 credits)
- BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs eligible
- Sequential course structure
- One weekend on-campus seminar required
Advanced Standing Part-Time Program:
- Spring start, five-semester program (32 credits)
- BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs eligible
- Sequential course structure
- One weekend on-campus seminar required
The program has state eligibility restrictions. Students must live in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, or Virginia.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Here’s what you’ll invest in this program:
| Program Type | Tuition per Credit | Technology Fee | Total Program Cost |
| Standard Program (62 credits) | $600 | $40 per class | $37,200 |
| Advanced Standing (32 credits) | $600 | $40 per class | $19,200 |
These amounts cover the entire program cost.
Saint Leo works with students to make online education affordable. You’ll start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for grants, loans, and scholarships. Military personnel might qualify for special tuition assistance since Saint Leo follows Post 9/11 GI Bill and Veteran Readiness & Employment guidelines.
Fieldwork and Internships
Field education plays a vital role in the MSW program. You’ll get hands-on experience under professional supervision:
Advanced Standing students must complete:
- Field Practicum III: 16 hours weekly for 16 weeks (256 hours) with a 1.5-hour seminar
- Field Practicum IV: 16 hours weekly for 16 weeks (256 hours) with a 1.5-hour seminar
- Total of 512 field education hours
The Field Education Department assigns dedicated field faculty to help coordinate internships and support you throughout your field experience. You might get internship placements at:
- Veterans Administration facilities
- School social work settings
- Hospitals and medical centers
- Hospice and palliative care organizations
These placements help you develop practical skills while experienced professionals supervise your work.
Unique Features
The program is known among Florida’s MSW programs in several ways:
Interactive Online Format: The program uses webcam-enabled virtual courses for live face-to-face interaction with professors and peers.
Population-Specific Focus Options: You’ll choose one population focus:
- Children & Adolescents
- Military & First Responders
- Vulnerable Populations
Clinical Residency: Advanced Standing students attend a two-day Clinical Residency at the University Campus during fall semester.
Specialized Electives: You can take specialized courses like:
- Social Work Practice in the Military
- Substance Abuse Assessment and Intervention
- Short Term Clinical Interventions
- Medical Interdisciplinary Social Work
Flexible Scheduling: Working professionals can join Saturday cohorts with online classes from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. weekly.
Rolling Admissions: Multiple start dates throughout the year let you begin studying when it works best for you.
Jacksonville residents looking for a flexible yet interactive online MSW experience will find Saint Leo University offers a complete program. You’ll prepare for advanced clinical practice while balancing professional and personal commitments.
4. University of South Florida (USF) Online MSW Program
The University of South Florida ranks among Florida’s top MSW programs. It offers a fully online program that blends academic excellence with hands-on field experience. Jacksonville residents can get advanced clinical training through this program. USF’s School of Social Work belongs to an elite group – only 3% of universities in the United States and Canada are invited to join the Association of American Universities.
Program Overview
USF’s online MSW program combines advanced academic study with extensive field experience to prepare graduates for meaningful careers in social work. Students learn specialized skills in clinical work with individuals, families, and small groups. They also study macro-level initiatives that focus on policy, leadership, and systemic change. Students learn from USF’s network of over 350 community partners and 1,000 field instructors. This gives them valuable real-life experience with experienced professionals.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits the program. Graduates consistently score above average on the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) exams. Students get complete skills they can use in practice settings of all sizes.
Admission Requirements
USF Online MSW program requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in all undergraduate work
- Complete application through the USF Graduate School portal
- Students from non-English speaking countries must prove English proficiency through test scores: IELTS (6.5), PTE-A (53), TOEFL (iBT-79; PBT-550), or Duolingo (110)
Application deadlines:
- Advanced Standing (Summer Entry): February 15
- Traditional (Fall Entry): June 1
- Traditional (Spring Entry): October 15
Faculty members might conduct personal interviews online through Microsoft Teams.
Program Format and Delivery
Students can choose between two flexible paths:
Traditional Track: This track suits students without prior social work education. Students complete 60 credits part-time in eight semesters or full-time in five semesters.
Advanced Standing Track: BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs can take this accelerated 35-credit program. Students finish full-time in three semesters or part-time in five semesters.
Both tracks use a cohort model. Students access content at their own pace and join live online sessions twice weekly in the evening. This setup lets students balance their studies with other commitments while staying connected with their peers.
Tuition and Financial Aid
USF keeps tuition competitive for all online students:
| Program Type | Total Credits | Cost Per Credit | Total Program Cost |
| Advanced Standing | 35 | $550.00 | $19,250.00 |
| Traditional | 60 | $550.00 | $33,000.00 |
These rates apply to all online students, whatever their location. This makes the program more affordable than many other options. Students can get financial help through federal loans, corporate tuition programs, and Post 9-11 GI Bill benefits for veterans.
Fieldwork and Internships
Field education is essential to USF’s MSW program. Requirements include:
- Non-advanced standing students: 900 total field placement hours
- Advanced standing students: 600 total field placement hours
Full-time students work 20 hours weekly for three semesters. Part-time students complete 10-15 hours weekly over five semesters. USF uses a single field placement model – students stay with one agency throughout their field experience. Students also take part in professional seminars that complement their learning.
Unique Features
USF’s Online MSW program stands out because it:
- Uses real-life simulations: Students practice with video simulations of home visits and family assessments
- Teaches self-care: Students learn strategies to handle the emotional demands of social work
- Leads to great job prospects: Social work positions will grow by 9% between 2021 and 2031
Jacksonville residents looking for quality online social work education will find USF offers a complete, flexible path to advanced clinical practice. The program combines competitive tuition rates with strong career outcomes.
5. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Online MSW Program
Florida Atlantic University offers a fast-track online MSW program. Jacksonville students can earn their degree in just three semesters. U.S. News & World Report has consistently ranked this program among the top MSW programs since its launch in 2000.
Program Overview
The FAU Online MSW program achieves a remarkable 93% job placement rate within 12 months of graduation. Social work is one of the fastest-growing careers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Students learn advanced clinical practice through evidence-based training that values every person’s compassion and dignity.
Admission Requirements
This program serves Florida residents exclusively and accepts students who qualify for Advanced Standing. Students must meet these requirements:
- BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- 5 GPA in last 60 credits
- Three letters of recommendation (one must be from field professor/director)
- Personal statement
- Application deadline: February 1 for May (Summer) start
Program Format and Delivery
Students progress through the program in cohorts over three semesters (Summer→Fall→Spring). The curriculum combines self-paced coursework with live group activities. This structure helps students balance their busy schedules while building strong peer connections.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Graduate tuition for Florida residents costs $371.82 per credit hour. The 32-credit Advanced Standing program’s total tuition comes to approximately $11,898.24.
Fieldwork and Internships
Students must complete 600 hours of field education at the specialist level, split between two semesters. The required courses include:
- SOW 6535: Advanced Year Field Instruction I (300 hours)
- SOW 6536: Advanced Year Field Instruction II (300 hours)
Unique Features
Students receive specialized training to work with children, adolescents, adults, elders, couples, families, and groups. The program prepares graduates to apply for the prestigious Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential.
Join Your Jacksonville MSW Today
Your social work career in Florida’s growing job market starts with picking the right MSW program. Jacksonville gives you exceptional education choices through campus-based and online programs. Each option has its own strengths to help you become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
The University of North Florida’s campus-based program excels with its integrated practice and extensive field training. Florida State University brings its well-known program to Jacksonville through online classes. Saint Leo University lets you focus on specific groups like military personnel, children, and vulnerable populations. USF blends academic excellence with hands-on experience through innovative simulations. FAU offers a quick path designed for BSW graduates.
These programs share key features – CSWE accreditation, complete field education, and LCSW licensure preparation. All the same, they vary by a lot in how they deliver content, program duration, costs, and specialty options. Most programs need 32-62 credit hours. Tuition costs range from $11,000 to $38,000, based on where you live and the type of program you choose.
Your final choice depends on how you like to learn, your budget, schedule needs, and career goals. Full-time students can finish in 1-2 years. Part-time students usually take 3-4 years to graduate.
Florida’s social work field keeps growing, and the growth rate is nowhere near the national average – it’s much higher. Licensed clinical social workers earn good money, with average salaries of $78,525. This makes the investment worth it. No matter which program you pick, getting your MSW from one of Jacksonville’s quality schools sets you up perfectly. You’ll be ready to meet the growing need for qualified professionals in healthcare, mental health, child welfare, and community service.