5 Top-Rated MSW Programs in Memphis for 2026 (With Admission Rates)
Ready to boost your career with an MSW program in Memphis? Social work graduates in Memphis earn an impressive mean annual wage of $64,360, which comes to about $30.94 per hour. On top of that, community organizers with social work backgrounds can earn around $79,310 each year in Tennessee.
The job outlook for social workers looks bright. The field should grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, with about 67,300 job openings each year. Memphis gives you several great options to start your social work education.
The University of Memphis is distinguishable with 6 social work degree programs and awarded 60 Master’s degrees in 2023. You’ll find quality options like Tennessee State University, which received its CSWE accreditation in February 2022, and Union University with its rolling admissions process. Keep in mind that MSW program tuition can vary substantially, ranging from under $40,000 to as high as $89,000 depending on where you study.
This guide explores the top 5 MSW programs in Memphis for 2026. You’ll find everything you need about admission requirements, tuition costs, program flexibility, and more to pick the right path for your social work future.
Tennessee State University MSW Program
Tennessee State University has one of the most detailed MSW programs in Memphis. The program is notable with its advanced generalist social work practice approach and commitment to social justice. Students graduate ready to serve diverse communities with specialized knowledge and skills they can use in many settings.
Program Overview
The Tennessee State University Master of Social Work (TSU-MSW) Program works to enhance human well-being, diversity, and social justice by developing better public social services. The program creates social workers who can meet the needs of vulnerable populations, especially children and families.
TSU’s MSW curriculum uses a hybrid model that blends online learning with in-person instruction. Six central goals shape the program’s educational approach:
- Preparing diverse students for advanced generalist practice based on professional values and ethics
- Promoting social policies that reduce poverty, oppression, and discrimination
- Developing analytical skills for research and practice advancement
- Building multiple theoretical orientations applicable across system sizes
- Providing understanding of diversity with emphasis on social justice
- Socializing students to the profession through evidence-based practice
The program’s advanced generalist concentration makes it especially valuable. Unlike programs that focus only on clinical or administrative tracks, TSU’s approach prepares you for both direct and indirect services. This versatility gives you more career options after graduation.
Admission Requirements and Rates
TSU’s MSW program has a structured but available admissions process for qualified applicants. The foundation (two-year) program needs a minimum GPA of 2.75. The application needs:
- Completed MSW Application Form with essay
- Three letters of recommendation from professionals
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
Advanced standing admission (one-year program) requires:
- A Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0
TSU offers conditional admission to students whose applications show promise even if they don’t meet all minimum requirements. This helps applicants with lower undergraduate GPAs but strong recommendations or relevant experience.
Applications start in October for the next fall semester, with decisions beginning in April. The final deadline is July 31, but applying by March gives you the best chance for admission.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Graduate student tuition at Tennessee State University changes based on where you live. In-state graduate students pay $458 per credit hour plus program service fees. Out-of-state students pay substantially more. A full-time load of 9 credit hours per semester costs in-state students $4,726 and out-of-state students $9,964.
TSU has several tuition discount programs for eligible out-of-state students:
- The 250-Mile Radius Rate for students from high schools within 250 miles of Nashville
- Scholar Rate and Scholar Rate Plus for high-achieving students
- E-Rate billing for online courses
More than two-thirds of TSU students get some form of financial help. Financial aid options include:
- Federal Pell Grants (for undergraduate students)
- Federal Work-Study opportunities
- Federal Direct Loans
- Texas Public Education Grants (for Texas residents)
- Various scholarships
The Office of Financial Aid helps students find these resources. Students should know that financial aid usually helps with—but doesn’t fully cover—educational expenses.
Program Format and Flexibility
TSU lets you complete your MSW degree in several ways. You can study full-time or part-time, finishing in 1-4 years based on your background and schedule.
The program includes:
- Foundation Curriculum: 30 credit hours preparing students for generalist practice
- Concentration Curriculum: 30 credit hours focusing on advanced generalist practice
- Elective Courses: 6-9 credit hours in special topics
Students with a BSW degree can finish in just one year (full-time) or two years (part-time) through the advanced standing option. Other students follow the foundation program, taking two years (full-time) or up to four years (part-time).
The hybrid model works well for students. Some courses run completely online, while others mix in-class meetings with online work. You might attend class one evening weekly from 5:30-8:30 PM for two courses and complete the rest online.
Field Placement Opportunities
Field education is the foundation of professional social work education at TSU. Field placements let you use classroom knowledge in real-life situations and bring those experiences back to class.
Students complete two internships:
- Foundation Internship: 400 hours of generalist practice experience
- Concentration Internship: 500 hours of advanced generalist practice
Students can finish both internships in a spring semester block or spread them across spring and summer semesters. The foundation internship needs about 27 hours weekly in one semester, or 16 hours weekly over two semesters. The concentration internship needs 33 hours weekly in one semester or 20 hours weekly across two semesters.
TSU supports employment-based internships for working professionals if they offer new learning experiences beyond current job duties. The field education program also provides extra opportunities through:
- Faculty research projects
- Collaborative partnerships
- Online trainings that match agency missions
- The Integration Clinic (treatment planning competition)
- The Hollace Brooks Symposium (policy analysis competition)
Accreditation and Licensure
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited the TSU-MSW Program in February 2022. This accreditation is vital since most states require it for social worker licensure.
Your TSU MSW opens doors to careers in:
- Human services agencies
- Public health and mental health settings
- Corrections
- Hospitals and nursing homes
- Social services agencies
- Public housing
- Protective services
- School social work
- Grant proposal writing
MSW graduates who pass the Licensed Master Social Worker Exam can earn licensure and expand their career options. Those wanting to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers can complete post-graduate supervised hours in clinical settings and pass the Clinical Social Work Licensing Exam.
The advanced generalist concentration keeps your licensure options open. You can pursue clinical, administrative, or other specialized licenses based on your supervised work experience after graduation.
Union University MSW Program
Union University is respected among MSW programs in Memphis with its unique blend of Christian principles and advanced social work education. The university is the only institution that offers an accredited MSW degree in West Tennessee. Students get complete training that emphasizes compassionate service and social justice.
Program Overview
The Master of Social Work program at Union University prepares skilled professionals to lead in advanced generalist practice. The program operates within Christian higher education values to help students serve with compassion while working for social and economic justice. These values are the foundations of the curriculum, where faith and social work principles blend throughout the educational experience.
The MSW program at Union has five core goals:
- Giving you the knowledge, values, and skills to excel in social work practice
- Promoting compassionate service and social justice
- Preparing social workers to lead at state, national, and international levels
- Making more competent master-level social work professionals available
- Preparing students for advanced scholarship after MSW education
This approach helps Union University create social work professionals who can practice effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Admission Requirements and Rates
The MSW program uses rolling admissions with several deadlines throughout the year. December 1st is the deadline for spring semester entry. March 31st is the priority deadline for fall semester, with applications accepted until July 1st for Advanced Standing and July 15th for other MSW options.
Program paths have different admission requirements:
Traditional Standing Program:
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university
- Minimum 2.65 GPA
- No GRE requirements
- Can begin in fall, spring, or summer
Advanced Standing Program:
- BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- No GRE requirements
- Can begin in fall, spring, or summer
You’ll need to submit:
- Completed online application with $25 application fee
- Admissions essay
- Three recommendations (one from a professor if graduated within last 3 years, one from supervisor, and one additional)
- Official transcripts from all universities attended
Tuition and Financial Aid
The academic year at Union University’s MSW program costs $679 per credit hour plus a $33 per hour general student fee. A typical course load of 36 credits per year (15 credits each in fall and spring, 6 credits in summer) brings total direct costs to $25,632 before financial aid.
Here’s the cost breakdown:
- Tuition: $24,444 (36 credits)
- Mandatory fees: $1,188
- Additional field instruction fees: $100 per semester enrolled in Field Seminar
- Licensure Prep Course: $145 per semester in the final year
Union University offers several payment options. You can pay full term costs upfront or split into two equal payments with a 1.5% service charge on the unpaid balance. The university takes cash, check, credit cards (2.5% service charge), federal loans, employer reimbursement, or electronic monthly drafts.
Financial aid comes through federal student loans from the FAFSA process. Union also works with employers who help pay tuition for employees getting their MSW. Military members and their families can use educational benefits from the Department of Veteran Affairs if they qualify.
Program Format and Flexibility
Union University makes its MSW program highly accessible with both face-to-face and online options. Face-to-face classes happen at Jackson and Germantown (Memphis suburb) campuses. Working professionals can take evening classes one to two nights weekly, which leaves time for daytime work and internships.
Students can choose from these completion timeframes:
Traditional Standing Program:
- Complete 60 credit hours (51 hours core coursework + 9 hours electives)
- 900 field practicum hours
- Choose 2-year, 2.5-year, or 3-year completion options
Advanced Standing Program:
- Complete 33 credit hours (21 hours core coursework + 12 hours electives)
- 600 field practicum hours
- Choose 1-year or 2-year completion options
Since Fall 2022, students can earn their MSW fully online. This option delivers the same quality education as on-campus programs with added flexibility for professionals and distant learners.
Field Placement Opportunities
Field education is important to social work education at Union University and the “signature pedagogy” of the profession. Students apply classroom theory and skills through hands-on field placements.
The Council on Social Work Education requires MSW students to complete at least 900 hours in an agency placement under an MSW field instructor’s supervision. Union structures these hours as follows:
Traditional Standing students:
- First placement: 300 clock hours in the agency setting
- Second placement: 600 clock hours in the agency setting
Advanced Standing students:
- Complete 600 clock hours in the agency setting
Students typically spend 16-20 hours weekly at their placement. Days and times are arranged between student and Field Instructor based on availability and agency needs. Students must have liability insurance before starting placement, with a yearly $25 fee for coverage under the university’s insurance.
Learning contracts guide field placements around program competencies and practice behaviors. This ensures students gain experience in all key social work areas.
Accreditation and Licensure
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits Union University’s MSW program. CSWE is the only recognized accrediting body for social work education in the United States. Social work regulatory boards nationwide require degrees from CSWE-accredited programs for professional licensure.
Graduates can pursue several licensing paths:
- Licensure as a Master Social Worker right after graduation
- Advanced Generalist licensure with two years post-master’s supervised experience
- Clinical licensure with two years post-master’s direct clinical social work experience
The program gives you the academic foundation for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential in Tennessee. Graduates must complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience and pass the Association of Social Work Boards clinical examination.
Union University holds a special place as West Tennessee’s only institution offering an accredited MSW degree. This gives students in the western region local access to nationally recognized social work education.
University of Memphis MSW Program
The University of Memphis earned a spot in Forbes’ top 10 online MSW programs nationally for 2023. This exceptional ranking demonstrates the program’s rising status among MSW programs in Memphis, with affordable tuition and flexible formats.
Program Overview
The University of Memphis MSW program focuses on one specialization: Advanced Practice Across Systems. You’ll learn evidence-based, ethically informed social work practices that help you work with populations of all types. The program lets you customize your education through electives and certificates. Students master advanced assessment, relationship building, evidence-based interventions, practice evaluation, and professional development.
The program wants to prepare advanced professional social workers to help at-risk populations. This goal shows through:
- Teaching social workers evidence-based practice knowledge, values, and skills
- Building the social work profession’s knowledge foundation
- Leading regional development of policies, programs, and services for at-risk populations
The curriculum has generalist courses that build your foundation in social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Specialization courses follow to expand this knowledge into advanced evidence-based practice.
Admission Requirements and Rates
The School of Social Work welcomes applications throughout the year, offering multiple entry points based on your chosen track. You’ll need:
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
- A preferred undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (particularly in final 60 semester hours)
- Either a writing sample OR GRE/Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators writing test scores
- Social work-related experience through paid work, volunteering, or research
BSW holders applying for Advanced Standing must have:
- A BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned within five years
- A 3.0 minimum overall undergraduate GPA
- A 3.3 minimum GPA in social work courses
Key application deadlines:
- Priority Regular Fall and Summer Advanced Standing: March 1st
- Regular Fall Start: April 15th
- Regular Extended-Study: May 15th
- Graduate Assistantships: March 1st
Tuition and Financial Aid
Current University of Memphis graduate program tuition stands at $678 per credit hour for Tennessee residents. Online MSW courses cost the same for all students. Full-time graduate students should budget for these yearly expenses:
- Housing and food: $14,163
- Books and supplies: $920
- Transportation: $3,770
- Personal expenses: $4,514
Students can access several financial aid options. Graduate students might qualify for federal aid through FAFSA. The UofM also offers these scholarships:
- Non-resident Graduate Merit Scholarship for 3.25+ GPA holders
- Part-Time Master’s Graduate Scholarship ($4,000 yearly)
- Border County Tuition Waivers for Arkansas and Mississippi residents
- Graduate assistantships with tuition, fees, health insurance (starting fall 2024), and stipends
Program Format and Flexibility
Students can choose from several paths to complete their degree:
Full-Time Program (4 semesters/60 credit hours): A two-year structure with intensive coursework and field placements.
Spring-Start Program (5-6 semesters/60 credit hours): Starts in spring with an extended timeline.
Extended-Study Program (6-8 semesters/60 credit hours): Offers part-time study without compromising quality.
Advanced Standing Program (3 semesters/37 credit hours): A faster track for recent BSW graduates.
Full-time and extended-study students complete 60 semester hours (27 in generalist curriculum, 24 in specialization, 9 as electives). Advanced Standing students need 37 semester hours (7 in generalist curriculum, 24 in specialization, 6 as electives).
Classes come in various formats—traditional classroom, online, and hybrid options—offering exceptional flexibility.
Field Placement Opportunities
Field education is crucial to MSW education at Memphis. Each track has specific hour requirements:
First-year MSW students must complete 400 field placement hours:
- Fall semester (SWRK 7051): 160 hours (14-16 hrs/week)
- Spring semester (SWRK 7052): 240 hours (16-18 hrs/week)
Second-year/Advanced Standing students need 500 field placement hours:
- Fall semester (SWRK 7053/7055): 250 hours (18-20 hrs/week)
- Spring semester (SWRK 7054/7056): 250 hours (18-20 hrs/week)
Students must be available for weekday, daytime field placement internships. They also need:
- NASW membership ($60/year)
- Student liability insurance ($15-25/year) with $1,000,000/$5,000,000 coverage
- Experiential Learning Cloud account (formerly Tevera) to track field placement hours
Accreditation and Licensure
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) first accredited the University of Memphis MSW program in February 2014. This accreditation is vital since social work licensing boards nationwide require CSWE-accredited degrees.
Graduates can pursue various career paths and licensing options. The graduation exam has three parts:
- Assessment of student’s MSW program competencies in field placement
- Student self-assessment of MSW program competencies
- Social work licensure practice examination with a minimum score of 75
After graduation, you can apply for Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) status immediately, with paths to clinical licensure after completing supervised hours.
Le Moyne-Owen College Social Work Program
Le Moyne-Owen College is the only Historically Black College/University in Memphis and the fifth oldest HBCU in the country. The college’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work program creates a strong foundation for students who want to pursue MSW studies. Students planning to get an MSW degree should understand this undergraduate pathway.
Program Overview
The B.S. degree in Social Work at Le Moyne-Owen College prepares students for rewarding careers. Graduates help families, groups, communities, and organizations through guidance, counseling, referrals, and practical human services. The Social & Behavioral Sciences division houses the program. This division encourages Black brilliance and provides liberal arts professional training. Program Director Dr. Michael D. Robinson and Field Placement Director Ms. Zauditu McCants lead the detailed education in social work fundamentals.
Admission Requirements and Rates
Students find it easy to get into Le Moyne-Owen College with its high acceptance rate of 97%. First-time applicants need:
- Minimum weighted GPA of 2.0
- Completed transcripts (ordered through Parchment or Clearinghouse)
- Completed FAFSA application
New students must attend mandatory orientation and meet with an academic advisor to register for classes. Students can start their social work education in fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Le Moyne-Owen College costs $12,076 per year – much less than the national average tuition of $46,950. Other costs include:
- Room and board: $6,100
- Books and supplies: $1,250
Students typically pay between $8,362-$9,937 per year after financial aid. Families earning $0-$30,000 pay around $9,439 annually after aid. Most students receive substantial financial help:
- 85% receive Federal Grants (average $6,988)
- 44% receive State/Local Grants (average $4,627)
- 44% receive Institutional Grants (average $6,677)
Program Format and Flexibility
Students need 120 credit hours to complete the Social Work program, which usually takes 48 months. The Memphis campus program follows a traditional academic structure with specialized social work courses. The college awarded 8 bachelor’s degrees in social work during 2021-2022.
Field Placement Opportunities
Field Placement Director Ms. Zauditu McCants oversees the field education component. Students get practical experience helping vulnerable populations while developing professional skills. This hands-on training helps graduates enter the workforce or continue to MSW programs with valuable experience.
Accreditation and Licensure
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges has granted regional accreditation to Le Moyne-Owen College. This accreditation started on July 1, 1939, and remains active. The college also has accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education for its education programs.
Regional accreditation helps students transfer credits or pursue graduate education, including MSW programs. Students can use this undergraduate social work program as a stepping stone to MSW degrees at Tennessee State University, Union University, or the University of Memphis.
The program shows strong diversity – 88% of recent social work graduates were women and 100% were Black or African American. These numbers reflect the college’s dedication to serving diverse populations.
Christian Brothers University MSW Program
Christian Brothers University provides a great alternative to traditional MSW programs in Memphis through its Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Students interested in helping professions will find this program a valuable path forward.
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Christian Brothers University costs $645 per credit hour. This makes it one of Memphis’s most affordable graduate mental health programs. While the program trains counseling professionals instead of social workers, students learn many similar skills. They become skilled at counseling techniques, mental health assessment, and therapeutic interventions that enhance social work knowledge.
Admission Requirements and Rates
Students must complete the FAFSA (CBU code: 003482) when applying to CBU’s graduate programs. The university helps make education accessible – 99% of traditional undergraduate students get financial assistance. The university hasn’t made public its specific admission rates for graduate mental health programs.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Undergraduate programs at Christian Brothers University cost $39,750 (2025-26), while graduate program costs vary by field. The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling runs $645 per credit hour. Students can access several financial aid options:
- Federal loans through FAFSA
- Merit-based scholarships that don’t depend on FAFSA results
- Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation support until April 15, 2025
First-year students at CBU receive an average need-based scholarship of $32,747. About 61% of these students get need-based aid.
Program Format and Flexibility
Working professionals can attend evening classes in CBU’s graduate programs, which follow traditional semester formats. U.S. News & World Report ranks CBU as the #13 Best Value University in the South.
Field Placement Opportunities
CBU’s Career Services department helps students find internships. The mental health counseling program’s field placement requirements differ from traditional MSW placements.
Accreditation and Licensure
CBU’s regional accreditation ensures students can transfer credits easily to other schools. Graduates from the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program typically pursue Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credentials rather than social work licensure.
Students looking specifically for social work licensure in Memphis should consider the previously discussed programs at Tennessee State University, Union University, and University of Memphis. These remain the main paths to MSW credentials and social work licensure.
Choose an Memphis MSW Today
Your choice of MSW program will shape your future social work career. Memphis has several excellent options that match different professional goals. Tennessee State University gives you an advanced generalist approach with hybrid learning options. Union University is well-known for its Christian-based curriculum and flexible formats. The University of Memphis ranks among the top-10 online MSW programs nationwide and offers affordable tuition rates.
Le Moyne-Owen College, Memphis’s only HBCU, provides an excellent undergraduate pathway that prepares students for graduate studies. Students interested in related helping professions can look at Christian Brothers University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
Your MSW program selection should depend on several key factors. The Council on Social Work Education’s accreditation is essential because you’ll need it for licensure after graduation. Program flexibility becomes crucial if you need to balance your education with work or family. Tuition costs differ among programs, so financial aid opportunities should factor into your decision.
Field placements are vital to your professional growth. These hands-on experiences help you build practical skills that employers want. Each Memphis program structures field education differently, with required hours ranging from 400 to 900 based on your chosen track.
Social work graduates in Memphis have bright career prospects. The average annual wages reach $64,360, and the field should grow 7% through 2033. Your MSW investment can pay off well. Community organizers with social work backgrounds earn even more—about $79,310 yearly.
Picking the right program might feel daunting at first. Each school helps guide you through the application process. Memphis has a program that fits your professional goals, whether you value Christian education, flexible scheduling, affordable tuition, or specialized concentrations. Today’s choice builds your foundation for tomorrow’s rewarding career of helping others.