8 Top MSW Programs in Baltimore: Complete Cost & Career Guide

Looking to build a career in social work? Baltimore’s MSW programs open doors to rewarding opportunities. Social Workers in the area earn mean annual wages of around $68,800, while Youth Workers make about $83,400. The job market looks bright too. Baltimore’s social work positions should grow 10% faster than the national average over the next decade.

A Master of Social Work at Maryland schools typically needs 60 credits. Students can complete their degree in two, three, or four years based on their schedule. The programs also let graduates practice social work in any state after licensing. Maryland residents who need study flexibility have great options. The Universities at Shady Grove, a 23-year old campus, brings select programs from nine public Maryland universities together under one roof.

Social work graduates start with entry-level salaries near $45,000. Their median earnings grow between $55,000 and $65,000 depending on specialization. The field offers both financial stability and personal satisfaction. Students passionate about academia can pursue doctoral programs. These advanced degrees create pathways to conduct groundbreaking research and shape future social workers as scholars and educators.

University of Maryland School of Social Work (Baltimore Campus)

The University of Maryland School of Social Work serves as the foundation of social work education. Ranked 24th nationally according to the 2024 US News & World Report, this prestigious Baltimore campus institution educates most social workers throughout Maryland.

Program Overview

The University of Maryland School of Social Work serves Baltimore and surrounding areas with three flexible MSW program formats. Students can choose between the Hybrid MSW Program that blends in-person classes with online learning, or the fully Online MSW Program completed within three years remotely (with in-person field practicum). The school’s specialized research centers work with state and local agencies to develop policies that address systemic challenges and disparities.

Curriculum and Specializations

Students must earn the 60-credit MSW degree within four years of their original registration. A self-paced online prerequisite course, “A Brief History of Oppression and Resistance,” prepares students before they begin their formal studies.

The curriculum splits into two main parts:

• Foundation Curriculum (27 credits): Core coursework in human behavior, social work practice, social policy, structural oppression, and research
• Advanced Curriculum: Students select from two concentrations:
  • Clinical Social Work: Prepares you to provide therapeutic services in multiple settings
  • Leadership, Policy and Social Change: Builds skills to improve services, programs, and policies

Program completion times range from two years (full-time) to four years (part-time). The school charges tuition per credit whatever your enrollment status.

Field Placement Opportunities

Field education forms the foundation of graduate social work training. Students complete placements at two different social service agencies throughout Maryland, District of Columbia, and surrounding areas. The Office of Practicum Education helps students find suitable placements before the academic year starts.

Foundation placements give students a broad understanding of social work through generalist experience. Advanced placements line up with your concentration and interest areas. Field practicum follows traditional workday hours throughout the academic year.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Current per-credit rates are:

UMSSW leads as Maryland’s first accredited social work program offering eligible Washington, D.C. residents in-state tuition for the MSW Program. Students can access federal loans, with typical federal loan debt after graduation around $15,000.

Admission Requirements

The 60-credit MSW program requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. A minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred. Applicants must submit personal statement essays (300-word limit per question) about their motivation, social problems, and ethical experiences.

Advanced Standing applicants (those with a BSW) need to submit a case plan. Program terms have different application deadlines, and decisions usually come 1-2 months after submission.

Career Outcomes

UMSSW graduates pursue careers as psychotherapists, clinical service directors, case managers, substance use social workers, community organizers, policy analysts, and nonprofit administrators. Strong partnerships with Maryland agencies create valuable employment connections for graduates.

University of Maryland School of Social Work (Shady Grove Campus)

The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) campus is Maryland’s largest regional center in Rockville. Nine University System of Maryland universities have formed an innovative partnership at this convenient location. Students living in Montgomery County, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia will find this campus a strategic alternative to Baltimore.

Program Overview

Students interested in pursuing the Clinical Concentration can complete their MSW degree program at the Shady Grove campus. This program matches the Baltimore campus’s high academic standards while offering unique advantages as part of the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Students can finish their 60-credit degree in two, three, or four years based on their schedule. New students join either in Fall semester (full-time or part-time) or Spring semester (part-time only).

Curriculum and Specializations

The Shady Grove program specializes in clinical social work training, unlike the Baltimore campus which offers both Clinical and Leadership concentrations. Students develop assessment and intervention skills to work with families, youth, and adults in settings of all types. These include mental health, healthcare, substance abuse, child welfare, and education. Students start with foundation courses and progress to advanced clinical coursework in a well-laid-out sequence.

Field Placement Opportunities

Field education serves is crucial to the MSW program and gives students hands-on experience alongside their classroom learning. Students can find placement opportunities throughout Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Frederick Counties, and the District of Columbia. Foundation students work 2 days per week (typically Tuesday/Thursday), while advanced students dedicate 3 days (usually Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday). Each day requires 8 hours between 8am-6pm. These placements let students apply their theoretical knowledge in ground settings with professional supervision.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The tuition rates at the Shady Grove campus are:

Residents can expect to pay $52,848 while non-residents face costs of $70,342. Washington, D.C. residents now qualify for in-state tuition rates, which cuts the standard non-resident cost by 48%. Students should also plan for extra fees: a $210 Shady Grove Auxiliary Fee, $22.50 facilities fee, and technology fees.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements match those at the Baltimore campus. The 60-credit program needs applicants with a bachelor’s degree and minimum 3.0 GPA. Advanced Standing program applicants must have earned their BSW from a CSWE-accredited program in the last five years. Applicants need to submit transcripts, a resume, and two recommendations.

Career Outcomes

Graduates qualify for MSW licensure in any state. The Shady Grove program’s clinical concentration graduates often become psychotherapists, mental health professionals, clinical service directors, case managers, substance use counselors, and school social workers. Strong field education creates practice-ready graduates with valuable professional connections in the Maryland/DC region.

Morgan State University MSW Program

Morgan State University’s MSW program is a social-first approach to tackle unique social challenges in urban communities. The program puts special emphasis on African American populations who face disproportionate socioeconomic disadvantages. Students learn to address poverty, community violence, substance abuse, and social injustice.

Program Overview

The MSW program helps you become an effective social worker at both beginner and advanced levels. You’ll learn to work with urban families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students need to complete 60 credit hours, which takes 2-3 years based on enrollment status. Morgan State also runs an Online MSW (OMSW) Program that matches the campus-based program’s curriculum and standards. Both options show Morgan State’s steadfast dedication to improving urban residents’ lives through social intervention.

Curriculum and Specializations

The program consists of 48 academic credit hours and 12 credits of supervised internship. Here’s how the curriculum breaks down:

• Generalist Courses (21 credits): Basic knowledge for non-Advanced Standing students
• Advanced Generalist Courses (12 credits): Required for everyone
• Area of Specialized Practice (9 credits): Students choose from five areas:
  1. Gerontology
  2. Urban Children, Youth, and Families
  3. School Social Work
  4. Public Health
  5. Addiction in Social Work Practice

The online program currently offers specialized practice areas in Urban Children, Youth, and Families and Addictions. Students with BSW degrees earned within five years can qualify for Advanced Standing and complete the program with just 30 credits.

Field Placement Opportunities

Field education is fundamental to Morgan State’s MSW training. First-year students must work 16 hours weekly, totaling 440 hours throughout the academic year. Second-year students need 24 hours weekly, adding up to 670 hours. Baltimore City hosts most field placements, but students can also find opportunities in nearby counties and Washington, D.C.. These hands-on experiences help students develop urban setting competencies under professional guidance.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Graduate tuition rates per credit hour are:

The online MSW program costs $40,000 ($667 per credit). Students can access financial aid through the MHEC Work Place Shortage Grant, MHEC Graduate and Professional Scholarship Program, and various federal loan programs. Morgan State graduates typically have a median federal loan debt of $27,250.

Admission Requirements

You’ll need these items to apply:

• Transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
• A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for regular admission (2.5-2.9 GPA might qualify for conditional admission)
• Three recommendation letters from employers, professors, or supervisors
• A personal background statement with professional goals
• A resume showing relevant experience

Advanced Standing needs a CSWE-accredited BSW degree earned within five years with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Career Outcomes

Morgan State’s MSW graduates find opportunities in a variety of settings, with special preparation for urban environments. The program awarded 97 master’s degrees in 2019-2020, with women earning 87.6% and racial-ethnic minorities earning 97.9%. Graduates can become licensed social workers in any state, with expert training to address systemic challenges in urban communities.

Coppin State University BSW to MSW Pathway

Coppin State University offers a BSW to MSW pathway that shapes students into skilled, ethical, and compassionate practitioners who work with historically marginalized communities. The program’s strength lies in its foundation of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Coppin State University has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This certification ensures national standard compliance and prepares students for state licensing. Students learn entry-level social work practices and get a clear path to MSW programs. Those who complete their social work major with a 3.0 GPA or higher qualify for advanced standing in master’s degree social work programs.

Curriculum and Specializations

Students need 120 credit hours split between general education requirements, core courses, and electives to earn their BSW. The curriculum builds on a liberal arts foundation. Students must complete 50 credits in specialized social work courses such as:

• Social welfare policy
• Human behavior and the social environment
• Social work practice methods
• Social work research
• Professional issues seminars

Black liberatory frameworks, cultural humility, and anti-oppressive practices are the foundations of this competency-based curriculum. Students learn to understand and break down systemic inequities while promoting community equity.

Field Placement Opportunities

Field education is important to Coppin’s social work training. Students spend two semesters in community-based agencies under supervision. The program requires 14-16 weekly hours over two academic semesters, totaling at least 400 hours. This hands-on experience helps students apply classroom theories in real-life settings with professional guidance.

Students must meet these requirements for field placement:

• Pass prerequisite courses (SOWK 210, 260, 379, 388) with a “C” or better
• Keep a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Turn in all application materials by March 15th for fall placement

Tuition and Financial Aid

The university’s pricing beats many larger and private institutions. Here are the per-credit costs:

Full-time students pay $4,724.50 (in-state) or $8,255.00 (out-of-state) per semester. Students can access federal aid, grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. The FAFSA priority deadline falls on March 1st.

Admission Requirements

The social work major requires students to:

• Keep a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
• Apply during SOWK 210 (Introduction to Social Work)
• Submit their complete application package by March 31st for fall admission

A complete application package includes:

• Social work application
• One letter of recommendation
• Personal statement
• NASW policy summary statement
• Transcripts
• Signed program documents (MOU, Ethical Standards Form, Code of Conduct)

Career Outcomes

Coppin State’s BSW graduates earn a median salary of $37,612 yearly. This is a big deal as it means that the national average of $37,334 for social work bachelor’s degree holders. Students can take the Licensed Bachelor’s Social Work (LBSW) examination in their final semester.

The MSW pathway opens doors beyond entry-level roles. Graduates can pursue leadership positions and specialized areas like child welfare, addictions, and services for vulnerable populations. Social work jobs show strong growth potential, with a 6% increase expected from 2024 to 2034 – faster than most occupations.

Loyola University Maryland Social Work Program

Loyola University Maryland’s Master of Social Work program helps students become leaders in clinical, human services, outreach, and development settings through hands-on training and real-world experience.

Program Overview

Students need 49 credit hours to complete the MSW program at Loyola, which includes two internships adding up to 1,000 hours. The program offers flexibility with either a two-year full-time track or a four-year part-time option where students take two classes each semester. Loyola’s MSW program stands out because it doesn’t require prerequisites, making it available to students from a variety of academic backgrounds. Students build their skills through a mix of generalist foundation courses and specialized practice courses.

Curriculum and Specializations

The program offers two key specializations for students:

• Micro Practice Specialization: Students can choose from four tracks: Advanced Clinical Practice, Certified Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselor (CADC), Migration Studies, and Schools/Professional Educator License (PEL)
• Leadership, Mezzo, & Macro Practice Specialization (LMMP): This includes the Leadership, Community, Advocacy, and Policy (LCAP) track[282]

Each specialization equips graduates with skills needed for different social work roles and meets requirements for both LSW and LCSW licenses.

Field Placement Opportunities

Field education is vital to Loyola’s program with two required internships. The first internship has 400 hours at 16 hours weekly (Tuesdays/Thursdays), while the second involves 600 hours at 24 hours weekly (Monday/Wednesday/Friday). Students can complete their internships during fall-spring, spring-summer, or summer block (35-40 hours weekly). Students interested in specialized practice can choose dedicated internship tracks in areas like LGBTQ+ Services and Student-Athlete Mental Health.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The MSW program costs $55,370 total ($1,130 per credit hour). Students, including international, DACA, and undocumented students, can apply for performance-based scholarships based on their needs.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must write a 1,500-word personal statement about their interest in social work and why they want to pursue their MSW at Loyola. This statement shows the applicant’s writing skills, critical thinking ability, and self-awareness needed for graduate studies.

Career Outcomes

MSW graduates work in many roles such as case management, school social work, healthcare social work, mental health counseling, family services, and addiction counseling. The program prepares students to take LCSW examinations after they complete their post-graduate clinical supervision hours.

Walden University (Online MSW Program for Maryland Residents)

Walden University offers a flexible MSW program that meets Maryland licensure requirements completely online. Social work professionals can earn their CSWE-accredited degree without visiting campus through digital learning.

Program Overview

The Master of Social Work program at Walden gives students four convenient start dates each year. Students can choose from three completion tracks: Traditional (60 credits), Traditional Fast Track (accelerated format), or Advanced Standing (designed for BSW holders). Working professionals can easily manage their studies with existing commitments through self-paced coursework and scheduled virtual sessions.

Curriculum and Specializations

The program uses customized case studies that mirror real-life social work challenges. Students have five focus areas to choose from:

• Addictions
• Child and Family
• Healthcare
• Military
• Trauma

Students can earn an optional certificate with their degree by taking two courses from one focus area or adding a third course. The program includes two Skills Labs (virtual or in-person) to help students develop practical skills.

Field Placement Opportunities

Field education plays a vital role in Walden’s online program. Standard program students must complete two internships totaling 900 hours, while Advanced Standing students need one 500-hour internship. Students work with actual clients under professional supervision during these experiences. Each student must carry professional liability insurance (USD 1,000,000 per occurrence) for all placements.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students pay $555-570 per quarter credit hour, with the total program cost around $44,344. All the same, students can access various financial benefits. Military personnel receive 10-15% tuition reduction, alumni referrals get 5-15% off, and returning Walden graduates enjoy a 25% discount.

Admission Requirements

Students need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to apply. The program team looks at each applicant’s educational background, professional experience, and career goals to determine their readiness.

Career Outcomes

Graduates find rewarding roles in a variety of social work positions with strong growth potential: Child/Family/School Social Workers (3% growth, $40,580-78,500), Healthcare Social Workers (8% growth, $45,030-83,410), and Mental Health/Substance Abuse Social Workers (10% growth, $39,620-78,980). The program prepares students to become licensed social workers in most states.

Simmons University (Online MSW Program in Maryland)

Simmons University, 119 years old, is the nation’s first clinical school of social work. The university now offers a fully online MSW program that Maryland residents can access to gain advanced clinical training without relocating.

Program Overview

The CSWE-accredited online MSW program at Simmons emphasizes clinical practice with a multicultural viewpoint and social justice values. Students can choose a path that fits their schedule: full-time (23 months), accelerated (16 months), extended (32 months), or advanced standing for BSW graduates (as few as 9 months).

Curriculum and Specializations

The clinically focused curriculum prepares students to practice in settings of all types. Students complete foundation courses and then can pursue specialized areas such as:

• Child and family services
• Trauma and interpersonal violence
• Mental health and addiction
• Aging services

Students can earn advanced practice certificates in trauma practice, mental health, and clinical practice with military personnel and their families.

Field Placement Opportunities

Traditional MSW students must complete about 1,100 hours of fieldwork. Their journey begins with the innovative Simulated Practicum Experience (SPX) in the first term. Students then spend three terms at a community-based site and dedicate 24 hours weekly. Advanced Standing students complete 672 hours of practicum education across two terms.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The tuition costs $1,185 per credit:

Students pay additional fees of $75 for practicum placement and $75 per term as student fees.

Admission Requirements

A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA opens the door to admission. The application package should include a résumé, transcripts, two recommendations, and a 3-5 page statement that covers professional experience, educational needs, and program management. Advanced Standing applicants need a BSW earned within seven years with a 3.3 GPA in social work courses.

Career Outcomes

Social worker positions will grow by 70,000 through 2026. Graduates qualify as clinical social workers and find abundant opportunities in mental health, healthcare, substance recovery, and family services.

Virginia Commonwealth University (Online MSW Option for Maryland Students)

U.S. News & World Report ranks VCU’s social work program #1 in Virginia. The university now makes its MSW program available to Maryland residents who want quality education without moving.

Program Overview

VCU’s online MSW program lets students complete most coursework at their own pace, with just three live virtual sessions per course. Students can choose a schedule that fits their needs: part-time (four years), accelerated part-time (three years), full-time (two years), accelerated full-time (16 months), or advanced standing (12 months).

Curriculum and Specializations

The program requires 60 credits, with advanced standing students needing 42 credits. These credits split between generalist and concentration coursework. Students can specialize in:

• Clinical Social Work Practice: This path prepares students for mental health roles with trauma-informed approaches
• Macro Practice: Students learn community organizing and systemic change skills

Field Placement Opportunities

Students complete their field education in their local communities during business hours alongside their online classes. The experience includes conducting one-on-one visits, developing care plans, and leading therapeutic groups under professional guidance.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Students should budget for an additional program fee of $100 per credit hour. Several financial support options exist through federal loans, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance.

Admission Requirements

Students need a bachelor’s degree with a preferred 3.0 GPA. They must complete behavioral/social science prerequisites and provide three recommendation letters.

Career Outcomes

Graduates build rewarding careers in healthcare, mental health, and community services. The social work field shows promising growth with a projected 7% increase in employment through 2033.

Choose Your Baltimore MSW Today

Baltimore offers excellent opportunities to earn your Master of Social Work degree. Many accredited programs provide different specializations and flexible learning formats. These nine top-rated MSW programs help you achieve your social work career goals. You can focus on clinical practice, policy development, community organizing, or specialized fields like addiction counseling or gerontology.

The right program ended up depending on your specific situation. Money definitely plays a major role. In-state tuition rates are substantially lower than non-resident costs at most schools. Many programs offer financial aid packages, scholarships, and payment plans to help with educational expenses.

Your program format should shape your decision. The University of Maryland School of Social Work and Morgan State University provide traditional on-campus experiences. Walden, Simmons, and VCU offer online and hybrid programs that work well for busy professionals.

Field placements are essential to social work education in these programs. This hands-on experience lets you apply theoretical knowledge in real-life settings under professional supervision. You build competence and confidence before graduation.

Social work graduates have strong career prospects. Job growth projections exceed the national average in many specializations. Entry-level positions start around $45,000, while median wages reach $68,800 for 5-year old practitioners. Specialized roles can earn even more.

Social work education goes beyond career preparation. It gives you tools to make meaningful differences in communities and individual lives. Baltimore’s diverse MSW programs prepare you to tackle pressing social challenges. You learn evidence-based interventions while promoting equity and social justice principles.

Selecting a program that lines up with your career goals, personal circumstances, and priorities is your first step toward this rewarding profession. The application process might seem overwhelming, but admissions teams at these schools help prospective students from initial questions to enrollment.

This significant educational foundation starts your path to becoming a licensed social worker. MSW programs in Baltimore provide academic excellence, practical experience, and professional connections. These elements help launch a successful career focused on positive social change.