Best MSW Programs in Colorado
Want to pursue an MSW in Colorado? You’re stepping into a field that’s growing fast. Social work jobs in Colorado will expand by a lot between 2022 and 2032. Mental health and substance abuse social work positions will grow by 18.9%. Healthcare social work shows similar promise at 18.2%, while child, family, and school social work jobs will increase by 14.7%.
These numbers make sense given Colorado’s current social issues. The state’s unhoused population jumped 39% from 2022 to 2023. Family homelessness surged even more dramatically – 134% in 2024. MSW programs in Colorado have become more crucial than ever. Students can choose from several accredited programs, including online options. Advanced-standing students can complete these programs in just 12 months, while traditional students need 27 months. The state features some top-ranked schools too. The University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work ranks 12th nationwide, and quality programs exist in Colorado Springs and other locations. The career investment makes financial sense – social workers with an MSW earn about $72,609 yearly in Colorado, which is by a lot more than those with bachelor’s degrees.
University of Denver MSW Program
DU ranks among the top MSW programs in Colorado. The university prepares you to champion social and racial justice while working with people who face oppression. Ranked among the top 15 social work graduate programs nationally and #12 according to U.S. News & World Report, DU lets you tailor your education to your goals.
Program Overview
DU’s Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) takes a fresh approach to social work education. You’ll learn to work in both traditional and new settings. The program puts social justice first, and community needs shape its teaching and research. Small classes help you build strong connections with faculty mentors. You’ll also get personal career planning and support.
DU’s MSW program shines with over 750 field education partners, 11 specialized pathways, and 6 research centers and labs that connect with communities. This versatile degree opens doors to many careers. You could run a nonprofit, shape policy, work in schools, or become a clinician. Each path lets you support people affected by oppression.
Specializations Offered
DU’s Advanced Social Work Practice concentration adapts to your interests through various pathways and certificates. Here are some paths you can take:
- Mental Health and Trauma – Learn full assessment and advanced cognitive approaches with trauma-informed care
- Health, Equity and Wellness – Study health history, disparities, and culturally aware social work
- Child Welfare – Learn to help children, youth, and families across care levels
- Ecological Justice – Master environmental social work through assessment and community work
- Family Systems Practice – Get ready to help families in various settings
- Organizational Leadership & Policy Practice – Build skills to run organizations, unite communities, and create social policy
DU also offers unique certificates to boost your expertise:
- Human-Animal-Environment Interactions Certificate – First program nationwide to teach animal therapy in social work
- Latinx Social Work Certificate – Meets the growing need for bilingual and culturally aware social workers
- School Social Work Certificate – Prepares you for Colorado schools from preschool through high school
- Global Social Work Certificate – Shows you global connections through power, privilege, and oppression frameworks
- Mental Health for Ecological Resilience and Adaptation Certificate – Places you at the cutting edge of environmental social work
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Colorado State University MSW Program
Colorado State University’s nationally recognized MSW program centers on advanced generalist practice. The program prepares you for versatile career paths in settings of all types. Their steadfast dedication to anti-oppressive and anti-racist principles makes CSU’s program stand out with its focus on social, economic, and environmental justice.
Program Overview
The Master of Social Work program at Colorado State University accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) gives you the skills to work in diverse settings. These range from clinical practice to nonprofit leadership and policy advocacy. Your role as an advanced generalist practitioner will help you serve in multiple practice settings. This makes you more comprehensive in client service.
CSU’s MSW program prepares graduates through five main goals:
- Practice ethical, autonomous, and multi-disciplinary work across system levels
- Advance social, economic, and environmental justice while promoting human rights
- Value human relationships and diversity while advocating for inclusive practices
- Practice life-long learning and critical thinking to inform practice
- Apply relevant theories and social work values at all system levels
The program builds on anti-oppressive skills as its foundation. This enhances human health and well-being in local and global systems. Such training positions you as a leader, ally, communicator, and strategist in your future practice.
Program Specializations
CSU’s program uses built-in electives instead of traditional concentrations. This lets you customize your educational experience. Full program students complete three elective courses. Advanced Standing students take one elective course. These electives allow you to pursue interdisciplinary coursework or complete one of five graduate certificates from the School of Social Work:
- Advanced Clinical Behavioral Health
- Conflict Resolution and Mediation
- Nonprofit Administration
- PreK-12 School Social Worker
- Social Aspects of Human-Animal Interactions
CSU also offers dual and joint degree options to expand your professional skills:
- MSW/MPH Dual Degree – Through collaboration with the Colorado School of Public Health, this program provides an integrated approach to preventing, addressing, and solving global health and behavioral health problems
- MACP/MSW Joint Degree – Working with CSU’s Department of Psychology, this option combines addiction counseling with social work practice
The program’s advanced generalist model focuses on knowledge and skills needed for interventions at multiple levels. These cover individuals, families, groups, and communities.
Program Format and Duration
CSU meets diverse student needs through several program options:
Full Program – Students with undergraduate degrees in fields other than social work can join this two-year full-time program each fall. The in-person program requires 64 credits, including three elective courses.
Advanced Standing – BSW graduates from accredited programs within the past seven years can take this accelerated path. Starting each summer, it requires 39 credits over three semesters.
Part-time Online/Hybrid Learning – Students complete this option in three years (or two years for Advanced Standing). The format mixes online asynchronous learning with synchronous online sessions and in-person components. Each semester features one in-person class weekend and one synchronous class weekend. Cohorts are available in Fort Collins, Boulder/Longmont, and Denver.
Timeframes for Completion:
- Full-time on-campus: Two years (Fall, Spring, Fall, Spring)
- Advanced Standing on-campus: One year (Summer, Fall, Spring)
- Part-time Hybrid: Three years (Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall)
- Advanced Standing Hybrid: Two years (Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall)
Students complete over 600 hours of direct social work practice through field experiences. This lets you apply classroom knowledge in agency settings.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Program costs vary based on format and residency status:
On-Campus Programs (Approximate Costs):
- Regular full-time (in-state): +/- $34,000
- Advanced Standing full-time (in-state): +/- $22,800
- Out-of-state tuition doubles these figures
Distance Hybrid Programs (Approximate Costs):
- Distance Hybrid regular: +/- $46,400
- Distance Hybrid Advanced Standing: +/- $33,750
Hybrid program tuition rates for specific cohorts:
- Denver Cohort (admitted before Spring 2026): $725 per credit (locked for duration)
- Students admitted Spring 2026 and after: $747 per credit
- Boulder and Fort Collins cohorts follow similar rates with different timing
CSU provides many financial aid options. Students work directly with Student Financial Services after getting their CSU ID number. Aid options include:
- Scholarships (both CSU and external opportunities)
- Graduate assistantships
- Grants
- Fellowships
- Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) – Residents of participating WICHE states/territories might qualify for in-state tuition rates in on-campus programs
Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to keep financial aid eligibility.
Accreditation and Licensure Preparation
CSU’s MSW program, 30 years old, maintains full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This accreditation is vital as it ensures the program meets national social work education standards.
Program graduates can pursue licensure through the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) in Colorado and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). State and U.S. territory requirements vary, but CSU’s curriculum provides the foundation needed for professional licensure.
The program excels at preparing versatile practitioners. Graduates can work in many practice settings with skills in client service, policy development, and beyond. An advanced generalist degree’s flexibility allows career path changes and new skill development after graduation.
Students interested in school social work can get Colorado Department of Education licensure. This requires completing SOWK 560 or pursuing the PreK-12 School Social Work graduate certificate.
Metropolitan State University of Denver MSW Program
MSU Denver brings a unique point of view to social work education among MSW programs in Colorado. The program emphasizes multicultural competence and social justice. This 20-year-old program stands out because it’s affordable and flexible. Students learn to address complex needs of individuals and communities throughout Colorado.
Program Overview
MSU Denver’s Master of Social Work program uses an integrated approach. Students gain versatile skills to work as clinicians, therapists, leaders, organizers, and activists. The program creates social work leaders who enhance individual and community well-being while advancing social justice.
MSU Denver offers several unique benefits:
- Small classes with more faculty and advisor interaction
- A dedicated Office of Social Work Student Services supports students from admission to graduation
- A diverse student body with over 30% students of color and over 45% students over age 30
- Connections with over 700 field placement agencies throughout Colorado
The program shows impressive results. 69% of graduates find jobs within two months after graduation, and 87% land positions within six months. MSU Denver graduates achieve an 81% pass rate on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Exam. This is a big deal as it means that the North American average of 66%.
Specializations Offered
Students can choose from three distinct concentrations that lead to different career paths:
- Individuals and Families – Students learn direct practice with individuals. Specialized tracks include Children, Youth, and Families; Adults; Older Adults; or Child Welfare.
- Mental Health – Students develop skills in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Leadership and Management – Students gain skills in program development, agency leadership, and systems change. Graduates work as Agency Directors, Grant Writers, or Program Designers.
The well-laid-out curriculum follows a sequence. Students complete foundation courses before moving to concentration coursework. This approach, combined with integrated practice, helps students tackle complex social issues from multiple angles.
Program Format and Duration
The program offers two paths based on your educational background:
Regular Program:
- Perfect if you have a degree in a field other than social work
- 60 credit hours total
- Fall start only
- Full-time (2 years) or part-time (4 years) options
- 1,080 hours of field placement required
Advanced Standing Program:
- Available if you earned a bachelor’s in social work from a CSWE-accredited program in the last six years
- 36 credit hours total
- Summer start only
- Full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) options
- 600 hours of field placement required
Students can choose between two flexible learning options:
Fully Online Option:
- Complete all coursework online
- Guaranteed spots in online required courses
- Complete field placements in your local community
Mixed Traditional Option:
- Mix of online, on-campus, and hybrid courses
- More course selection flexibility
- Field placements at Colorado agencies
The program follows a careful sequence. Students take all courses, including electives, in a specific order. This helps build knowledge systematically throughout the program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
MSU Denver manages to keep education available. It ranks among the most affordable accredited MSW programs in Colorado. Tuition typically increases 2-5% yearly, but the university works hard to minimize these changes.
The Office of the Bursar’s website shows current tuition rates, which may change each academic year. This helps students plan their education costs effectively.
Financial support includes:
- Federal grants and loans through FAFSA
- Work-study opportunities
- University scholarships through General Scholarship Application
- Program-specific scholarships and workforce development stipends
More than 30% of MSU Denver students pay nothing for tuition or fees through various aid programs. Special financial programs include:
- Roadrunner Promise – Free tuition and mandatory fees for eligible Colorado residents under income thresholds
- Indigenous and Native People’s Grant – Covers all costs for Indigenous students
Accreditation and Licensure Preparation
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) fully accredits MSU Denver’s MSW program. CSWE serves as the only accrediting body for U.S. social work programs. This accreditation ensures high professional standards in teaching and curriculum.
Graduates can pursue professional licensure in Colorado. The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) approves MSU Denver’s program. The School Social Work Pathway prepares students to work in private and public schools.
MSU Denver graduates excel in licensing exams. They achieved an 81% pass rate on the ASWB Clinical Exam over six years. This is a big deal as it means that the North American pass rate of 66%.
The program supports licensing success with:
- NASW Colorado Chapter’s licensure flow charts
- Recorded licensing process presentations
- Staff help with licensure forms
The field expects 7% growth from 2022-2032. Mental health and healthcare social work may grow faster.
University of Colorado Colorado Springs MSW Program
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) stands out among MSW programs in Colorado Springs with its curriculum that zeros in on trauma-informed social work practice. Students who complete this program can make real differences in their clients’ and communities’ lives affected by trauma.
Program Overview
The UCCS Master of Social Work program will give you the skills to become a clinician, supporter, and leader who can handle trauma in many contexts. The program aims to prepare advanced professional social workers who practice ethically and competently with trauma-informed methods in a variety of populations at micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
The curriculum weaves trauma-informed principles into your learning experience. You’ll gain specialized knowledge and skills to work with clients who have faced trauma and violence. This all-encompassing approach shows you how trauma-informed care fits into every part of social work practice.
Specializations Offered
While other masters in social work programs have multiple concentrations, UCCS dedicates itself to trauma-informed social work as its specialized practice area. This laser focus helps you build deep expertise in working with trauma-affected populations.
You can still shape your educational experience through elective coursework. These electives let you concentrate on specific areas that match your career interests:
- Child welfare
- Healthcare social work
- School social work
- Military social work
- Community development
This targeted yet adaptable approach means you’ll graduate with both specialized trauma knowledge and specific skills that align with your career goals.
Program Format and Duration
UCCS has two main program paths based on your academic background:
Traditional Program:
- Perfect for students with undergraduate degrees in fields other than social work
- Requires 60 total credit hours
- Has 30 credit hours of generalist practice
- Plus 30 credit hours of specialized practice
Advanced Standing Program:
- Open to students with an undergraduate social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- Requires 36 total credit hours
Students can complete both programs full-time or in extended study formats. Full-time students usually take five classes (15 credit hours) each fall and spring semester. Extended study students take two to three classes (6-9 credit hours) each semester, including summers.
Whatever path you choose, you’ll need 900 total hours of practicum practice across four semesters. This combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.
Tuition and Financial Aid
UCCS tuition changes based on where you live and how you take classes. Here are the approximate costs per 3-credit course for 2023-2024:
- Colorado resident (campus/online): $2,763
- Non-resident (campus/online): $4,593
- Non-resident (fully online): $2,734
Full-time students taking five courses (15 credits) per semester can expect to pay:
- Colorado resident: $11,797 per semester
- Non-resident: $20,947 per semester
Several financial aid options can help with these costs. UCCS provides federal, state, and private financial help through Colorado Graduate Grants, Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans, Federal Graduate PLUS Loans, work-study opportunities, and scholarships.
Students from Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) states might qualify for in-state tuition rates. This makes UCCS one of the more affordable accredited MSW programs in Colorado for out-of-state students.
Accreditation and Licensure Preparation
The Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation (CSWE) fully accredits the UCCS Master of Social Work program. This accreditation covers all ways the program is delivered and guarantees quality education and graduate competence.
Graduates can apply for social work licensure in Colorado. Since licensing requirements differ by state, UCCS helps you understand what you need in your chosen practice location. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) also helps students with licensing questions.
The program’s trauma-informed focus readies you for careers in behavioral health, healthcare, military settings, child welfare, and schools. These are all areas where understanding trauma’s effect has become crucial for good practice.
Colorado Mesa University MSW Program
Colorado Mesa University (CMU) in western Colorado has a unique MSW program that champions anti-racist, culturally responsive social work practice. Students learn to serve communities throughout the region and work in a variety of settings.
Program Overview
CMU’s Master of Social Work program runs on a cohort model with small classes. This setup lets students get individual attention from experienced faculty members. The program follows a person-in-environment framework with a global point of view. Human diversity sits at its core. We focused on social, racial, economic, and environmental justice. The curriculum helps students understand theories and voices of marginalized populations.
The faculty brings expertise in mental health, addictions, forensic social work, clinical practice, macro social work, and research. Their knowledge helps connect classroom concepts to ground applications.
Specializations Offered
Rather than formal concentrations, CMU’s program prepares students to work in many settings. Graduates often work in these areas:
- Mental health and psychiatric social work
- Child welfare and family services
- Substance abuse treatment
- Medical and healthcare settings
- School social work
- Forensic settings and criminal justice
- Military and veteran services
This flexible approach helps you develop skills that work in many environments instead of limiting you to one concentration.
Program Format and Duration
CMU offers two program tracks:
MSW Foundation Program takes two years and needs 74 total credits with 1050 hours of supervised practicum/internship training. Students with bachelor’s degrees in any field from accredited universities can apply.
MSW Advanced Standing takes one year and needs 44 credits with 600 hours of internship training. This fast-track option is only for students who got their BSW from a CSWE-accredited program in the last five years.
Classes take place on CMU’s main campus in Grand Junction. Students attend Tuesday and Thursday sessions during fall/spring terms. Summer classes run Monday through Thursday mornings.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Resident students pay about $552 per credit. Non-resident students pay around $840 per credit. The application comes with a non-refundable $50 fee.
CMU wants to make education affordable. The university’s financial aid office offers various support options. New students should fill out the FAFSA to see if they qualify for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Accreditation and Licensure Preparation
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has approved CMU’s MSW program. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) granted it Candidacy status in March 2024. This puts the program on its way to full CSWE accreditation.
The program meets licensing requirements in all 50 states. CMU shows how the program fulfills specific licensing requirements for each state. After graduation, you can pursue different licenses based on your state. These include Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) after completing supervised practice hours.
Choose Your Colorado MSW Program
You’ll need to think over your career goals, priorities, and financial situation when picking the right MSW program. Each of these five accredited programs has its own strengths that match different career paths. The University of Denver’s prestigious national ranking, Colorado State’s advanced generalist approach, MSU Denver’s affordability and diversity, UCCS’s trauma-informed focus, and Colorado Mesa’s culturally responsive practice make Colorado a great place to get your social work education.
The timing is perfect to enter this field in Colorado right now. Social work positions show impressive growth, especially in mental health (18.9%), healthcare (18.2%), and child/family services (14.7%). These opportunities come from tough situations – the state’s 39% rise in homelessness and 134% jump in family homelessness. Yet they give you a chance to make real positive changes.
Money matters when you’re investing in graduate education. Notwithstanding that, MSW-qualified social workers in Colorado earn an average of $72,609 yearly, which shows this degree’s value. Each program helps manage costs through scholarships, assistantships, grants, and loan programs.
These schools shine when it comes to flexible program formats. You can choose full-time, part-time, on-campus, hybrid, or fully online options that fit your life while getting quality education. This means you can advance your career without turning your work and family life upside down.
Social work in Colorado is more than just a growing career field – it’s a chance to tackle crucial societal issues while making a real difference in people’s lives and communities. Your MSW experience will help you support vulnerable populations and drive positive social change across Colorado, no matter which program you choose.