8 Best MSW Programs in Alabama
Want to take your social work career to the next level with an Alabama MSW program? The timing couldn’t be better. Alabama faces serious challenges with more than 18 percent of its population living in poverty. The state also struggles with healthcare access and mental health services, which means social workers are needed throughout the state.
You’ll find eight universities that offer Master of Social Work programs in Alabama, each providing a path into this vital profession. Eight schools run campus-based programs, three have online MSW options, and one school combines both with a hybrid approach. These nine schools understand different educational backgrounds and provide traditional and advanced standing tracks.
Alabama’s social work programs let you specialize in areas like advanced clinical practice, health disparities prevention, and leadership and organizational management. Your specialized education will help tackle Alabama’s unique challenges. The state’s mental illness rate is at 19.34%, higher than the national average of 18.19%. The need for healthcare social workers keeps growing too, with a 4.4% annual increase.
University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)
The University of Alabama School of Social Work is a 54-year old MSW program in Alabama. The Alabama Legislature founded it in 1965, and it received its first accreditation in 1969. The beautiful Tuscaloosa campus provides a complete educational experience to future social work professionals.
Program overview
The MSW program uses an Advanced Generalist Practice approach. Students learn to tackle complex social issues at multiple levels. The program aims to develop advanced scholar practitioners who improve lives of individuals and families. These practitioners boost community well-being and support systemic policy change.
The curriculum builds on five core themes:
- Life Course Viewpoint
- Valuing Diversity
- Critical and Reflective Thinking
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Services to Poor and Underserved populations
Students become skilled at delivering evidence-based practice to clients of all types. They support vulnerable populations, practice cultural competence, analyze policies, and apply social work values and ethics.
Specializations offered
Students select between two main concentrations:
- Children, Adolescence and their Families (CAF)
- Adults and their Families (AF)
Students can customize their education through elective clusters in:
- Child Welfare
- Clinical Behavioral Health
- Policy & Advocacy
The university offers dual degree options to students seeking interdisciplinary education:
- MSW/JD (with UA School of Law) – Covers forensic social work, justice system, domestic violence, child protection, and human rights
- MSW/MPH (with UAB School of Public Health) – Prepares social workers to practice in public health programs
Program format
The program offers flexible formats that fit different student needs:
- Advanced-Standing Program: Students with a CSWE-accredited BSW complete 42 credit hours in one year full-time
- Traditional 60-Credit Hour Program: Students without a BSW complete the program in two years full-time
- Part-time Program: Working professionals get an extended timeline
Students choose between on-campus classes in Tuscaloosa or the online format option. The online MSW program is ranked among the Top 25 Best Online Master’s Programs. Online students join a cohort model with asynchronous learning that offers flexibility.
Field practicum requirements
Field practicum is the life-blood of the MSW program and needs significant time:
- Advanced-Standing students: One supervised field placement during spring semester needs 500 clock hours (32-40 hours weekly for 15 weeks)
- Traditional 60-credit students: Two supervised field placements need 1,000 hours total (500 hours each in fall and spring, 20 hours weekly for 25 weeks)
The Office of Experiential Programs works with over 300 agencies in Alabama, Washington D.C., out-of-state, and international locations. These placements happen in healthcare, mental health, substance abuse, child welfare, aging services, and other settings.
Students must use the Social Work Information System (SWIS) to apply for practicum placement. They need a background check and interviews with potential agencies.
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits the MSW Program. This accreditation confirms the program meets national standards and qualifies graduates for state licensure.
Tuition and affordability
Graduate students pay $480 per credit hour in the 2025-2026 academic year. A typical 3-credit course costs $1,440. Program costs vary by format:
- 42-credit Advanced Standing: About $20,160 (tuition only)
- 60-credit Traditional: About $28,800 (tuition only)
Additional costs include:
- Application fee ($65 for U.S. citizens, $80 for international applicants)
- College or course-specific fees (vary by college)
- Books (about $700 yearly)
- Housing and living expenses
On-campus students’ total yearly costs range from $34,608 (in-state) to $58,530 (out-of-state). Off-campus students pay slightly more: $36,232 (in-state) to $60,154 (out-of-state).
Students can get federal aid, scholarships, and stipends for certain field placements. Special programs like Washington D.C. Internship or international practicum experiences offer additional funding.
Auburn University
Auburn University runs a fully accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program that specializes in clinical social work practice for health and mental health settings. Students learn to tackle health disparities, work on prevention strategies, and develop policies.
Program overview
Auburn’s MSW program, 7 years old and fully accredited since 2017, gets students ready for advanced clinical social work practice. The program aims to help solve healthcare needs and social problems unique to Alabama by training students to work with different population groups.
The program builds on the strong foundation of Auburn’s undergraduate Social Work Program. This hands-on graduate program connects with Auburn University’s land grant mission and puts extra focus on healthcare fields.
The program’s main pillars are:
- Clinical social work skills development
- Health and mental health specialization
- Health disparities and prevention work
- Policy analysis and development
Auburn University specializations offered
Auburn’s MSW program takes a focused clinical approach instead of offering multiple tracks. Students can still personalize their learning through elective courses that line up with their career goals. The program teaches advanced clinical practice for working with various groups, especially in health and mental health settings.
Popular elective courses include:
- Social Work Practice in the Healthcare Field
- Trauma Informed Practice
- Social Work Practice with Children and Adolescents
- Diversity and Difference in Practice
Students can also earn certificates in Health Equity Science, Veterinary Social Work, or Non-profit Organizations and Community Governance to boost their degrees.
Program format
Auburn makes learning convenient with several program options:
Traditional Program (61 credit hours)
- Full-time option takes 2 years/5 semesters
- Part-time path takes 3 years/9 semesters
- Online option available (part-time, self-paced)
Advanced Standing Program (39 credit hours)
- Students need a CSWE-accredited BSW degree
- Full-time path takes 1 year/3 semesters
- Part-time option takes 2 years
- Online option available (part-time, self-paced)
Working professionals can choose the online MSW program. It delivers the same quality education as on-campus classes but lets students learn at their own pace.
Field practicum requirements
Field education is the cornerstone of social work training at Auburn. Traditional Program students must complete:
- First Year Generalist Placement: 432 hours of basic practice skills
- Second Year Advanced Clinical Placement: 512 hours of advanced clinical work
Advanced Standing students only need the 512-hour Advanced Clinical Placement, which they can spread over two semesters. MSW-level field instructors supervise all placements at partner agencies.
Students need a 3.0 GPA and must pass a field readiness check before starting their placement. Most internships run weekdays from 8:00am-5:00pm, but some agencies offer evening hours.
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited Auburn University’s MSW program. This stamp of approval came in February 2020 but applies back to 2017. It shows the program meets or exceeds CSWE’s quality standards.
After graduation and passing the required exam, students can apply for social work licensing in Alabama at the LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) level.
Tuition and affordability
The online MSW program costs $597 per credit hour for all U.S. students. On-campus students from Alabama pay $612 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $1,836 per credit hour.
Total costs vary by program:
- Traditional Program (61 credits): About $36,417 for online students
- Advanced Standing (39 credits): About $23,283 for online students
Online students usually take 6-9 credits each semester. Graduate assistants might get tuition waivers, but they still need to pay professional and program fees.
Samford University
Samford University stands out among Alabama MSW programs by offering a faith-informed approach to social work education. The program, based in Birmingham, combines academic excellence with hands-on experience to prepare graduates as advanced practitioners.
Program overview
Samford’s MSW program aims to be a “distinctively Christian learning community” that gives students the tools they need to become advanced social work practitioners. The program focuses on several key areas:
- Evidence-based academic excellence
- Human rights and social/economic justice promotion
- Working together across professions
- Cultural awareness in practice
- Bringing faith into social work practice
This 9-year-old program, fully accredited since 2017, helps students develop advanced skills they can use in rural, urban, and international settings, whether working in faith-based or secular organizations.
Specializations offered
Students can choose between two main concentrations:
- Advanced Clinical Social Work: Students learn direct practice methods with individuals, families, and small groups. They use evidence-based interventions while respecting practitioner adaptability and client choices
- Community and Global Engagement: Students learn about community development and international practice applications
The program opens doors to many career paths including clinical social work, medical social work, community organizing, adoption services, hospice care, nonprofit leadership, disaster relief, substance abuse counseling, and family therapy.
Program format
Students benefit from flexible program options:
- Full-time and part-time tracks: Evening classes let you keep your current job
- In-person or online format: You’ll get the same quality education from the same faculty, no matter which option you choose
- Fast-track option: Complete both bachelor’s and MSW degrees in five years
The fast-track program lets students finish their undergraduate requirements in three years and start MSW coursework during their senior year. Psychology, public health, sociology, and several other majors can take advantage of this accelerated path.
Field practicum requirements
Field experience is the cornerstone of Samford’s social work education. Here’s what you need to know:
- Foundation level: Two courses (Field Placement I and II) need 200 hours each (400 total)
- Concentration level: Two courses (Field Placement III and IV) need 250 hours each (500 total)
Samford matches placements with your career goals and interests. Students can choose from more than 200 field opportunities locally, nationally, and internationally.
Students can work in clinical mental health, substance abuse counseling, education, military/veterans services, healthcare, elder care, child welfare, nonprofit management, and international settings.
Accreditation status
The MSW program earned full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in June 2017 after three and a half years of evaluation. This achievement:
- Required three site visits and an 855-page self-study
- Lets graduates apply for social work licensure in all 50 states
- Got renewed in 2021, showing the program still meets national standards
Tuition and affordability
The School of Public Health, which runs the MSW program, charges $938 per credit hour for 2023-2024. Students need:
- 60 credits in the traditional track
- Fewer credits if they qualify for advanced standing
Total tuition runs from about $23,000 for online students to a bit more for on-campus programs. Your final cost depends on which track and format you choose.
Graduate students can’t live on campus, so you’ll need to plan for additional living expenses. The university helps determine your total cost based on your specific program.
University of North Alabama
The University of North Alabama’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program lets working professionals advance their careers through a completely online format. This 2-year old program, housed in UNA’s Department of Social Work, stands out among Alabama’s social work programs with its detailed curriculum and online availability.
Program overview
UNA’s MSW program trains students in advanced generalist social work practice at micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Students learn to work effectively in all social work settings through solid foundations in human behavior, research methods, and direct practice.
The program covers these significant areas:
- Advanced social welfare policy analysis
- Clinical assessment and diagnostic psychopathology
- Advanced generalist practice with various populations
- Social service program evaluation
- Non-profit management and agency administration
- Social work licensure preparation
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits UNA’s program, which delivers high educational standards through a convenient online format.
Specializations offered
Advanced Generalist Social Work Practice serves as UNA’s primary specialization. This integrated approach builds expertise in:
- Micro-level practice (individuals and families)
- Mezzo-level practice (groups)
- Macro-level practice (communities and organizations)
Students develop competencies in human behavior understanding, program evaluation, client assessment, social justice advocacy, and advanced practice with diverse populations. While there aren’t multiple concentration tracks, students can customize their education through electives in family violence, healthcare settings, global social work, and trauma-informed practices.
Program format
Students can choose between two paths:
- Advanced Standing Option (30 credit hours): This path suits students with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution. The curriculum includes specialized courses and 500 hours of advanced field practicum.
- Traditional Option (60 credit hours): Students without a BSW take this route. They complete foundation and advanced coursework, plus 1,000 total hours of field practicum.
The program runs entirely online, making it available to students whatever their location. Students can advance professionally without putting their careers on hold while meeting rigorous academic standards.
Field practicum requirements
Field education is the cornerstone of UNA’s MSW program. Here’s what students need:
- Advanced Standing students: 500 hours of advanced field practicum
- Traditional students: 1,000 total hours—500 hours of foundation practicum in year one, plus 500 hours of advanced practicum in year two
Students complete about 128 hours per 8-week session, which averages 16 hours weekly. They take advanced generalist practice courses alongside their field internship. Every student must get student liability insurance through NASW (Assurance Insurance) with coverage limits of $1,000,000/$3,000,000.
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits UNA’s Master of Social Work program. This accreditation:
- Shows the program meets national social work education standards
- Lets graduates apply for social work licensure in their states
- Proves the program’s educational quality
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredits the University of North Alabama to award baccalaureate, masters, education specialist, and doctorate level degrees.
Tuition and affordability
The 2023-2024 academic year graduate tuition rates are:
- In-state: $495 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $990 per credit hour
- Online programs: $495 per credit hour whatever your residency
Total program costs come to:
- Advanced Standing (30 credits): About $14,850
- Traditional (60 credits): About $29,700
Additional expenses include:
- College instructional fees ($60-$100 per credit hour depending on college)
- Books ($1,000 per semester)
- Personal expenses ($1,000 per semester)
- Loan fees ($100 per semester)
UNA offers competitive pricing among Alabama MSW programs. Online students benefit from in-state equivalent tuition rates, no matter where they live.
Troy University
Troy University stands out among Alabama MSW programs because of its special focus on military families. This reflects its strong partnership with the United States military. The program will give graduates the tools to meet critical needs in a variety of communities while offering flexible learning options.
Program overview
Troy’s MSW program helps students become advanced social work practitioners who can work directly with individuals, families, and groups. Students learn how to enhance quality of life through complex levels of social organization. The program teaches advanced knowledge and skills needed to work in a variety of multicultural, global, and tech-oriented settings. It places special emphasis on helping military personnel, veterans, and their families—groups that often don’t get enough support.
Specializations offered
Students can pick between two specialization tracks:
- Direct Practice Specialization: Students learn to work directly with individuals, families, and groups through courses like:
- Advanced practice with individuals and families
- Assessment and psychopathology
- Advanced practice with groups
- Organizational Leadership and Management Specialization: The focus is on program development and organizational administration with courses in:
- Program design and development
- Advanced policy analysis
- Organizational leadership
Program format
The program offers several paths to match different student needs:
- One-year Direct Practice (30 semester hours): This works if you have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program
- Two-year Direct Practice (60 semester hours): This path is for students without a BSW background
Students can take both formats online. The one-year option is also available in-person at Troy and Montgomery campuses. The online program uses a cohort model with a relaxed structure that works well for working professionals.
Field practicum requirements
Field education plays a key role in the program. Students must complete:
- Specialization Practicum I, II, and III (170 contact hours each)
- A total of 510 clock hours in supervised field placement
Faculty and agency supervisors jointly oversee these practicum experiences. Before placement, students need to get a current national background check, auto insurance, government-issued ID, and other required documents.
Accreditation status
Troy University’s MSW program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This means the program meets national social work education standards and graduates can get licensed in Alabama and nationwide.
Tuition and affordability
For the 2024-2025 academic year, graduate tuition costs:
- In-state: $475 per credit hour
- Out-of-state: $950 per credit hour (drops to $475 after waivers)
The total program cost ranges from about $14,250 for the advanced standing track to $28,500 for the traditional program. You’ll also need to pay for application fees ($50), books (around $1,000 yearly), and living expenses.
Alabama A&M University
Alabama A&M University’s Master of Social Work program ranks among the state’s top social work programs. The curriculum gives students the tools to help vulnerable populations.
Program overview
The MSW program helps students develop advanced generalist and specialized skills to enhance human and community well-being. The program uses an EPSE framework (ecological viewpoint, problem-solving model, and empowerment viewpoint) that aligns with core professional values. Students learn to serve underserved populations in rural and urban communities at local, national, and global levels.
Specializations offered
Students can choose between two main concentrations:
- Family and Child Welfare: Students learn specialized skills to help children, adolescents, and families in foster care, adoptions, protective services, and juvenile detention settings.
- Community Mental Health: Students become ready to work in psychiatric settings of all types with veterans, children, persons with chronic mental illness, and substance use disorders.
Program format
The program provides three flexible tracks:
- Advanced Standing Program (for BSW holders)
- Traditional 2-year Program (60 credit hours)
- Part-time Program (3+ years)
Students can attend classes at the main campus or Lawson State Community College campus in Birmingham. Working professionals at the Lawson campus can take advantage of hybrid classes that meet face-to-face every other week, with online sessions in between.
Field practicum requirements
Field education has specific requirements:
- Regular two-year students complete 300 clock hours per semester across three placements (900 total)
- Advanced standing students complete 225 clock hours per semester across two placements (450 total)
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits both BSW and MSW programs. The MSW program’s original accreditation dates back to 1998 (retroactive to 1996), making it Alabama’s second oldest MSW program.
Tuition and affordability
Summer 2025 graduate tuition costs $422 per credit hour for residents and $840 for non-residents. Traditional students can expect to pay approximately $25,320 for in-state tuition and $50,400 for out-of-state tuition.
Alabama State University
Alabama State University makes its mark on Alabama’s social work scene through its Master of Social Work program in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. The university’s status as a historically black institution gives it a unique way to help vulnerable communities.
Program overview
ASU’s MSW program aims to prepare students for advanced professional work with individuals, families, groups, and organizations. The curriculum helps students develop skills to work with people of all backgrounds, especially when you have vulnerable, poor, and underserved populations in Alabama and beyond. The program builds on seven core goals that include using research in practice, speaking up for social issues, applying ethical principles, and using critical thinking to ease social problems.
Specializations offered
Students can pick from three different focus areas:
- Mental Health: Students learn to help individuals and families who face mental health challenges in various settings
- Forensic Social Work: Students get ready to work in legal settings, including law enforcement, courts, and correctional facilities
- Gerontology: Students gain expertise in helping older adults and their families
Program format
Students can choose from three flexible paths:
- Advanced Standing: A 36-credit program that takes 1 year for BSW graduates
- Traditional: A 60-credit program lasting 2 years
- Part-time: A program spanning 3-4 years
Classes combine traditional classroom learning with online teaching.
Field practicum requirements
Students must disclose any felony convictions when they apply for field placement. Field education hours vary based on your program track and previous experience.
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits the MSW program.
Tuition and affordability
Graduate students (2024-25) pay $12,628 for in-state tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay $22,516. Total costs, including room, board, books, and other expenses, come to about $26,442 for in-state and $36,330 for out-of-state students.
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
UAB’s MSW program stands out as one of the few nationwide that focuses solely on clinical/medical social work. Graduates learn specialized practice skills for health and behavioral health settings.
Program overview
UAB’s Clinical/Medical MSW program started in Fall 2017 and earned full accreditation by 2019. Students learn evidence-informed practices to address complex needs in our connected world. The program builds advanced practice skills through health setting internships paired with classroom learning. This professional degree lets graduates pursue licensure for independent clinical practice.
Specializations offered
UAB takes a focused approach with a single specialization in clinical/medical social work. Students learn interventions that work best for specific groups, especially in health and behavioral health settings. The faculty brings expertise in HIV/AIDS, HCV epidemiology, mental health, social determinants of health, and health equity.
Program format
Students can choose from four flexible paths:
- Regular Program: 60 credit hours (12 foundation, 48 concentration) over four semesters
- Advanced Standing: 42 credit hours for BSW holders over three semesters
- Part-time Regular: 61 credit hours across four years (11 semesters including summers)
- Part-time Advanced Standing: 42 credit hours across 2.5 years (7 semesters)
Classes run Mondays and Tuesdays. Field placements take place Wednesday through Friday.
Field practicum requirements
Field education is central to learning and follows this structure:
- Regular Program: 900 total contact hours across four semesters
- Advanced Standing: 600 total contact hours across three semesters
Students partner with field supervisors who have at least two years of post-graduate experience. Their work progresses from practice simulations to supervised direct practice and connects with coursework.
Accreditation status
The Council on Social Work Education granted full accreditation to the MSW Program in Spring 2019.
Tuition and affordability
Program costs for 2025-2026:
- Advanced Standing: $21,000 (in-state) or $49,440 (out-of-state)
- Regular Curriculum: $27,450 (in-state) or $62,830 (out-of-state)
Students can access financial help through scholarships, fellowships, and special traineeships. These include the VA Training Stipend, Title IV-E Child Welfare Stipend, and various healthcare traineeships.
Choosing the Right MSW Program in Alabama
Alabama’s MSW programs offer many educational paths that prepare social workers to meet the state’s critical needs. Each program maintains essential professional standards while bringing its own strengths to the table.
You’ll find that there’s something for everyone. The University of Alabama excels in advanced generalist training, Auburn focuses on clinical work, and Samford provides a faith-based curriculum. Troy University’s military emphasis and UAB’s clinical/medical focus show how specialized training can help you work with specific groups.
These schools understand their students’ needs. Most of them let you choose between traditional and advanced standing tracks. Many programs are available online, in-person, or in hybrid formats that work well for professionals. Part-time options make getting your degree possible whatever your current work situation might be.
Field education is the basis of MSW training. Programs need you to complete between 450-1,000 supervised practice hours based on your background. These hands-on experiences turn classroom concepts into real-world skills with professional guidance.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has given full accreditation to all eight programs. This means graduates can get licensed anywhere in the United States. CSWE accreditation shows these programs meet the high standards needed for professional practice.
Tuition costs vary substantially. Advanced standing students might pay around $14,250 at some schools, while traditional out-of-state students could pay over $60,000 at others. But many programs are budget-friendly with scholarships, stipends, and specialized traineeships.
Now is a great time to get your MSW degree as Alabama needs more qualified social workers. Look at each program’s specializations, format options, location, and costs. This will help you pick the path that matches your career goals and prepares you to tackle social challenges in Alabama’s communities.