7 Best MSW Programs in Atlanta for 2026: Complete Guide & Rankings

Your career path in social work depends on picking the right MSW Programs in Atlanta. Kennesaw State University’s graduates have the highest pass rates for both the LMSW and LCSW exams in Georgia. This is a big deal as it means that they perform better than the national averages of 72.1% and 74.4% respectively.

MSW programs in Georgia offer great returns on investment, whether you choose traditional or online paths. A degree from Georgia State University is worth 6.3% more than other MSW degrees across the country. On top of that, Georgia’s MSW programs stand out with prestigious rankings. The University of Georgia holds the No. 10 spot among public master of social work programs and ranks No. 20 overall by U.S. News & World Report. Healthcare social workers earn a median salary of $68,090 yearly, and the field expects a 12% rise in jobs over the next decade. This guide will take you through Atlanta’s top MSW options for 2026, covering specialized tracks, admission requirements, and career outcomes.

Kennesaw State University MSW Program

Kennesaw State University ranks among the best MSW programs in Atlanta thanks to its fresh approach to social work education. The program aims to create forward-thinking social workers who improve the lives of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

MSW specializations

KSU’s MSW program has a social-first focus on clinical social work practice. This specialization helps you make evidence-based decisions to respond to diverse human needs through:

• Psychotherapy
• Family counseling
• Case management

Students learn cultural competence and advocacy for vulnerable populations along with evidence-based practices. The curriculum gives you the skills to tackle complex social issues in healthcare facilities, schools, and non-profit organizations.

Admissions requirements

The KSU Master of Social Work program requires you to meet several key criteria:

• Online graduate application with a non-refundable $60 fee
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• Bachelor’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA from a regionally accredited institution

The Traditional MSW Program needs a baccalaureate degree with a broad liberal arts base in social, behavioral or psychological sciences, human biology, humanities, or statistics. You may qualify for the Advanced Standing Program if you have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the last six years.

Your application must include one letter of recommendation from a faculty member familiar with your academic work and a writing sample (maximum 6 pages, double-spaced) that addresses five specific dimensions related to a current social issue.

Field practicum

Field education serves as the “signature pedagogy” of KSU’s social work program. Students combine classroom knowledge with real-life practice settings throughout the Atlanta area.

You’ll need to complete 1,200 field education hours over four semesters. First-year students complete 480 field hours while second-year students fulfill 720 hours. The structure works like this:

• First-year students: Two full days per week at field placement sites
• Second-year students: Three full days per week (Wednesday through Friday)

Field placements happen during regular business hours (typically 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday) at approved agency sites. You’ll work with experienced social workers and have weekly supervision meetings.

Tuition and financial aid

KSU’s MSW program tuition rates depend on your residency status and course delivery format:

The traditional MSW needs 60 credit hours (48 in classroom, 12 in supervised field practicum). Your total program cost will vary based on residency status.

Students planning to specialize in school social work can get scholarship funding through a Department of Education 5-year grant. You can also apply for various loans through the FAFSA, with unsubsidized loans offering up to $20,500 for an academic year.

Career outcomes

This CSWE-accredited program makes you eligible to take the Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) exam after graduation. You can then pursue clinical supervision requirements to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

KSU MSW graduates achieved the highest pass rates for both LMSW and LCSW license exams in Georgia in 2022. This is a big deal as it means that they performed better than the national averages of 72.1% and 74.4% respectively.

The degree opens doors to diverse careers including:

• Human Services Case Manager
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker
• School Social Worker
• Healthcare Social Worker

Dual degree options

KSU offers Georgia’s first dual degree MSW/MBA program. This innovative program creates future leaders and change agents who focus on the triple-bottom line – preserving people and planet while making a profit.

The dual degree helps you develop skills valued by:

• Corporate Social Responsibility units
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Large managed care organizations

On top of that, it helps graduates launch their own social entrepreneurial ventures or private practices. Students learn clinical social work alongside business administration training in accounting, finance, management principles, information systems, and marketing.

You must specify this option when applying to the Graduate College and talk with both MSW and MBA Program Directors about admission requirements and course sequencing. The program only reviews applications for Summer semesters with a February 15th deadline.

Georgia State University MSW Program

Georgia State University is known among Atlanta’s MSW programs with its focus on community partnerships. The program shapes social work leaders who tackle complex challenges in communities across the United States and worldwide through teamwork and social justice frameworks.

Specializations

GSU’s MSW program has made Community Practice & Leadership its centerpiece. This program is the only one of its kind in the United States. Students learn to create change in organizations, communities, and public systems through:

• Community organizing and advocacy
• Social policy analysis and reform
• Program development and evaluation
• Coalition building and leadership

GSU launches a new Mental Health and Wellness specialization in fall 2026. This program meets the growing need for licensed mental health professionals. The clinical track highlights:

• Assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based interventions
• Trauma-informed care and cultural humility
• Integrated behavioral health approaches

Students can choose between full-time (in-person) and part-time (online) formats. BSW holders who qualify can finish the program in 39 credit hours instead of the standard 60 through the Advanced Standing track.

Admissions requirements

GSU’s MSW program needs these items from applicants:

• Completed online application
• Non-refundable application fee of $50
• Goal statement about your professional goals (about two typed pages)
• Three letters of recommendation through the online application
• Uploaded transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended

Students from other countries must submit official TOEFL or IELTS academic scores. Late applications or missing documents will slow down processing.

Practicum education

Hands-on training serves as the substance of GSU’s MSW program. The school sees it as the “signature pedagogy” for social work education. Students blend classroom theory with real-life practice in actual settings.

Students must complete 900 hours of practicum placement:

• Generalist practicum: 400 clock hours (200 per semester)
• Specialization practicum: 500 clock hours (250 per semester)

Your success depends on three key people working together:

1. You as the student, ready to learn and reflect
2. A practicum supervisor who guides your growth
3. A faculty liaison who maintains support and communication

Placements start in fall semesters only. Evening and weekend spots remain limited.

Tuition and scholarships

A graduate degree from GSU proves a smart investment. Students pay $10,500 (in-state) or $31,320 (out-of-state). These rates come in below the national average in-state tuition of $12,422.

Money help comes in several forms:

• Graduate assistantships with stipends and tuition waivers
• Fellowships and scholarships (automatic consideration with application)
• Federal aid, student loans, and veterans benefits

Online students pay flat-rate tuition at $450 per credit hour no matter where they live, plus a $660 per semester online learning fee (for 6+ credit hours). This makes the program available to distance learners everywhere.

Career opportunities

A GSU degree brings 6.3% more value than other MSW degrees nationwide. Healthcare social workers earn median salaries of $68,090 yearly. Job openings should grow 12% over the next decade.

Graduates work in various roles:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Behavioral Health Clinician
• Mental Health Therapist or Counselor
• School Social Worker
• Program Manager
• Policy or Advocacy Specialist

Many alumni join prominent organizations like Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, United Way of Greater Atlanta, HOPE Atlanta, Grady Health System, and government agencies.

Graduate certificates

GSU’s specialized certificates add value to your MSW degree without extra time:

The Sport Social Work Graduate Certificate leads the nation as the first program created jointly by social work and sport administration faculty. Starting spring 2026, this program helps you address athletes and sports professionals’ mental health needs at both personal and organizational levels.

The Nonprofit Management and Social Enterprise Certificate gives you specialized skills in management, economic decision-making, marketing, fundraising, and financial management for the nonprofit sector.

These certificates help you stand out in the job market and open doors to specialized practice areas.

University of Georgia MSW Program

Ranked No. 10 among public MSW programs and No. 20 overall by U.S. News and World Report, the University of Georgia stands among Georgia’s most prestigious MSW programs. Students become social work leaders who tackle evolving challenges at local, national, and global levels.

MSW specializations

The Athens Campus program offers three distinct specialization paths:

• Micro Practice: Prepares you to work with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings
• Macro Practice: Focuses on organizational leadership, policy analysis, and community-level interventions
• Integrated Practice: Combines micro and macro approaches to develop comprehensive skills

The Gwinnett Campus and Online MSW programs offer the Micro specialization exclusively. This clinical focus helps graduates secure leadership positions as school social workers, counselors, substance abuse specialists, or private practitioners.

Admissions process

UGA’s MSW program requirements include:

• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Completed Graduate School application
• Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
• Personal narrative essay describing your interest in social work
• Detailed resumé of human service experience
• Three letters of recommendation

Advanced Standing candidates must have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned within five years with a minimum 3.2 GPA in social work courses. The program uses a cohort model, and students cannot switch between campuses after admission.

Field internship experience

Field education is vital to UGA’s social work training. The program calls practicum education “the heart of social work education”. The experience consists of:

• 18 credits of the 60 credits required in the full program
• 12 of the 40 credits in the Advanced Standing program
• 320 clock hours at an agency for generalist practicum (two semesters)
• 580 clock hours at an agency for specialization practicum

Advanced Standing students complete 600 clock hours for specialization practicum. Students blend classroom learning with ground practice to enhance their growth and competency development.

Tuition and funding

Program costs vary based on format and residency status:

Students should budget for textbooks, technology upgrades, and parking fees ($150 per Fall/Spring semester at Athens Campus). Financial support options include:

• Federal financial aid
• Student loans
• School of Social Work scholarships
• Child Welfare Stipend program covering tuition and fees
• Assistantships and part-time employment opportunities

Dual degree options

UGA’s prestigious dual degree programs include:

1. MSW/MPH: Combines social work with public health training in Health Promotion and Behavior, Gerontology, or Health Policy and Management
2. MSW/JD: Integrates legal and social work knowledge to prepare graduates for careers in public interest law, juvenile court, or family law
3. MSW/MBA: Gives students both clinical skills and business acumen

These programs need separate applications to each school and are available only for full-time in-person programs at the Athens Campus.

Online and extended-time formats

Working professionals can choose from flexible study options:

• Online MSW Program: Asynchronous format with Georgia-based field placements
• Extended-Time Program (formerly Part-Time): Three-year program at the Gwinnett Campus with evening and weekend classes

The online program matches the extended-time program’s curriculum but offers more flexibility through asynchronous learning. Both programs focus on the Micro specialization. Online program participants must live in Georgia or complete field internships within Georgia.

UGA MSW programs meet Georgia’s social work licensure educational requirements, giving graduates excellent preparation for professional practice and career growth.

Clark Atlanta University MSW Program

Clark Atlanta University, founded in 1920, houses the Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work. The school is the first accredited social work school at a historically Black college or university (HBCU) and Georgia’s first accredited school of social work. This prestigious institution managed to keep continuous accreditation since 1952, building a century-long tradition of excellence in social work education.

Specializations

The MSW program offers two specialized practice areas that line up with today’s social work needs:

• Child and Family: Prepares practitioners to handle challenges facing families and children
• Health/Mental Health: Focuses on clinical interventions in healthcare settings

Both specializations use ecological and systems theories as foundational frameworks and incorporate developmental and life-stage theories. Students graduate ready to become excellent direct service practitioners with strong clinical skills to tackle complex social problems.

Admissions requirements

Clark Atlanta’s MSW program requires:

• Bachelor’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA (3.2 GPA for Advanced Standing)
• Completion of prerequisite liberal arts courses:
  • Human Biology (3 credits)
  • Humanities (21 credits)
  • Mathematics (3 credits)
• Three signed recommendation letters on official letterhead
• Personal statement (3-5 pages, double-spaced, 12pt font)
• $40 non-refundable application fee

The program doesn’t give academic credit for life or work experience. Advanced Standing candidates must have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program.

Field placement structure

Field education is necessary to Clark Atlanta’s social work training. Students complete:

• Two-Year/Three-Year Programs: 900 total field education hours (400 foundation year, 500 concentration year)
• Advanced Standing Program: 400 field hours during the concentration year

Students start their field placement by submitting an Application for Field Practicum to the Director of Field Practicum and Placement Activities. Each placement needs signed Field Placement Confirmation Forms approved by both the Field Supervisor and Director.

Students must get a grade of “B” or above in all field courses. A “C” grade means repeating the course.

Tuition and fees

The online MSW program’s tuition has new rates for 2025-2026:

On-campus graduate tuition for 2023-2024 was $951 per credit hour plus $1,068 in total fees per semester. Almost 98% of new students get financial aid, with first-year students typically receiving $10,094 in assistance.

Program mission and values

The program aims to prepare clinical social work practitioners as leaders committed to social justice, service to diverse populations, addressing common disparity issues, and practicing competently.

Three integrative themes support the curriculum:

• Afrocentric Perspective: A culturally grounded practice model that acknowledges African cultural resiliency
• Autonomous Social Work Practice: Developing self-reflective practitioners who can assess their own practice
• Humanistic Values: Affirming the worth and dignity of all human beings

This framework helps preserve African American communities’ heritage while preparing practitioners to tackle social and economic injustices at local, regional, national, and international levels.

Online advanced standing option

The online Advanced Standing program needs 38 semester credit hours, with 51%-100% completed online. Students follow this structure:

• Summer: 9 credit hours
• Fall: 15 credit hours
• Spring: 14 credit hours

This accelerated option is only for students with BSW degrees from CSWE-accredited programs. The curriculum offers similar educational quality as the campus-based version, with matching tuition rates whatever your location. This approach helps remove financial barriers that might stop qualified candidates from joining this prestigious program.

The flexibility of this online option works great for working professionals who want to advance their education while keeping their career momentum.

Online MSW Program at Georgia State

Georgia State’s online MSW program gives students a flexible way to get advanced social work education while keeping their jobs. Working professionals across Georgia and beyond find the part-time format appealing since it removes location barriers to quality education.

Program format

The online MSW program lets you study part-time to fit your busy schedule. You’ll mostly work at your own pace with asynchronous courses, except for monthly live practicum seminars. The program has two paths:

• Traditional MSW: 60 semester hours over three years (eight semesters)
• Advanced Standing: 39 semester hours for qualified BSW graduates in one year (three semesters)

Starting Fall 2026, you can choose the new Mental Health & Wellness specialization that gets you ready for clinical practice and mental health careers. This path gives you the skills to assess, diagnose, and use evidence-based interventions in today’s practice settings.

Admissions criteria

You’ll need these items to apply for the online program:

• A completed online application by the deadline
• $50 non-refundable application fee
• A goal statement about your professional aims (about two typed pages)
• Three recommendation letters through the online system
• Transcripts from every college you’ve attended

Your BSW must come from a CSWE-accredited program within the last five years to qualify for Advanced Standing. Students from other countries must also submit official TOEFL or IELTS academic scores.

Practicum requirements

The program puts great emphasis on practicum education, even though it’s online. You must complete 900 total practicum hours:

• Generalist practicum: 400 hours (16 hours weekly)
• Specialization practicum: 500 hours (18-20 hours weekly)

The practicum works as a partnership between:

1. You as a student who’s ready to learn
2. A practicum supervisor who guides you weekly
3. A faculty liaison who helps with communication and support

All placements start in fall semesters after required pre-orientation sessions. You’ll need to pay a $125 Placement Portfolio fee and $13-15 liability insurance fee before starting placements.

Tuition and affordability

The online MSW has one tuition rate for everyone, unlike traditional programs that charge based on where you live:

These rates apply to all online students whatever their location. Program director Joon Choi says, “Our online students benefit from residency-neutral tuition rates, which significantly expand access to a high-quality MSW education — regardless of where they live”.

Over 92% of Georgia State students who show financial need get some form of tuition help. You can get financial aid through graduate assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, federal aid, and veterans benefits.

Licensure preparation

The online program gets you ready for professional licensure in Georgia. After graduating, you can apply for the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) credential. You can pursue the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license once you get enough supervised experience after graduation.

The Mental Health & Wellness specialization focuses on clinical knowledge and skills you need for licensure. This includes learning to assess, diagnose, and use evidence-based interventions in clinical and community settings.

Flexibility for working professionals

The program works great for students with full-time jobs. You can take classes when it’s convenient, and the part-time schedule means only 2-3 courses each semester instead of 4-5 in the full-time program.

You can finish in three years (eight semesters) at this steady pace. The practicum hours match the on-campus program but are spread out to fit working professionals’ schedules with 18-20 hours per week in the second and third years.

The online MSW at Georgia State blends academic excellence with practical flexibility. It’s perfect for advancing your social work career without moving or leaving your job.

UGA Online MSW Program

The University of Georgia has launched Georgia’s first fully online Master of Social Work degree. Students can now pursue clinical social work practice while keeping their work-life balance. The program meets a critical need for social workers in rural and medically underserved areas.

Specialization options

The online MSW program exclusively offers the Micro Advanced Practice specialization. Students learn clinical work with individuals, families, and groups in a variety of settings. You’ll be ready to take leadership roles in schools, healthcare settings, substance abuse counseling, or private practice.

Admissions process

Here’s what you need to apply:

• Online Graduate School application with $75 fee
• Unofficial transcripts (official ones after admission)
• Personal narrative statement about your interest in social work
• Resumé showing your human service experience
• Three letters of recommendation

Students should have at least a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. The program uses a cohort model, so you’ll move through your courses with the same group of students.

Field experience

You’ll need to complete your field placements within Georgia as an online student. The program requires:

• 312 clock hours for generalist practicum
• 600 clock hours for specialization practicum

Field education makes up 18 credits of the 60 total credits. Tools like Zoom and Adobe Meeting help students connect with field supervisors.

Tuition and aid

Each credit hour costs about $645, bringing the total estimated tuition to $38,700. Online students pay $422 in fees each semester. You can explore financial support through federal aid, loans, and possible employer tuition reimbursement programs.

Program flexibility

Working professionals can complete this part-time program in three years through asynchronous online courses. You won’t need to relocate to get your high-quality MSW degree.

Career readiness

The program prepares you for social worker licensure in Georgia and across the country. You’ll get access to licensure exam preparation workshops during your final year. On top of that, UGA’s Career Center provides specialized counseling and networking opportunities through the UGA Mentor Program, plus access to job opportunities via Handshake.

MSW/MBA Dual Degree at Kennesaw State

Kennesaw State University leads the way in Georgia with its groundbreaking MSW/MBA dual degree program. Students become agents of change through this unique blend of social work expertise and business knowledge that emphasizes the triple-bottom line.

Program structure at KSU

The program requires 84 total credit hours divided as:

• MSW portion: 48 + 6 + 6 = 60 credit hours
• MBA portion: 24 + 6 + 6 = 36 credit hours

Admissions requirements

Students need a 3.0 GPA in their last 60 undergraduate hours and a degree with a broad liberal arts foundation. The application process requires two recommendation letters and a six-page writing sample that covers five specific areas.

Tuition and financial aid

Students can access financial support from both colleges, including federal aid and departmental scholarships.

Career pathways

Graduates find success in Corporate Social Responsibility units, Employee Assistance Programs, and managed care organizations. Many start their own social enterprises or private practices in public, nonprofit, and private sectors.

Benefits for social entrepreneurs

This dual degree gives graduates clinical expertise alongside essential business knowledge in accounting, finance, and marketing. Students learn to create social impact while running profitable operations.

Program duration and format

The program runs for three years in a face-to-face format. New students start only in summer semesters, and applications must be submitted by February 15th.

Choose Your Atlanta MSW Program

Your social work career path depends on picking the right MSW program. These top Atlanta options give you detailed information about specializations, admission requirements, field practicum experiences, and costs. Kennesaw State leads with Georgia’s highest LMSW and LCSW pass rates. Georgia State’s degrees are worth 6.3% more than other MSW degrees across the country. UGA’s ranking at No. 10 among public MSW programs shows the region’s quality education.

Field education is imperative to these programs. You’ll get hands-on experience through hundreds of practicum hours. This practical training and specialized academic tracks prepare you for careers in healthcare, schools, community organizations, and private practice.

Money plays a big role in your decision. Tuition rates differ between programs and residency status. Most schools offer substantial financial aid through scholarships, assistantships, and federal funding. Healthcare social workers earn median salaries of $68,090 yearly. The field is expected to grow 12% over the next decade, making it a solid investment.

Atlanta’s MSW programs are flexible too. Georgia State and UGA’s online programs help you balance work and life while studying. KSU’s groundbreaking MSW/MBA creates new career paths for social entrepreneurs and future organizational leaders.

Clark Atlanta University stands out as the first accredited social work school at an HBCU. Its rich tradition and Afrocentric view of social work education adds valuable diversity to Atlanta’s MSW options.

Your specific career goals, preferred specialization, and personal situation will guide your choice. These Atlanta MSW programs are great foundations for successful careers in clinical practice, community organizing, or integrated approaches. Now is the perfect time to advance your education and make a bigger difference in this rewarding field.