Accredited MSW Programs in Miami: Campus & Online Options

Looking to change your career with an MSW Program in Miami? You’ll find more options than you expect. The Miami metropolitan area has several accredited Master of Social Work programs that prepare you for effective roles in a variety of settings – from healthcare and mental health to child welfare, schools, and criminal justice systems.

These programs typically need 60-70 credits of coursework whether you’re starting fresh or advancing your career. You’ll also complete a minimum of 900 hours of clinical practice training that helps you gain hands-on experience and build professional connections. Florida’s social work programs have shown impressive results, with some universities even reporting a 100% post-graduation success rate. Miami University’s hybrid MSW option makes the program even more attractive because it prepares you for licensure eligibility in all 50 states. This means you can work whatever state you choose to live in.

1. Barry University MSW Program

Barry University is known among MSW Programs in Miami because of its trauma-informed, resiliency-based approach to social work education. Students learn advanced clinical practice through a curriculum that values scientific research, cultural diversity, ethical practice, and community involvement.

Overview

The Council on Social Work Education has fully accredited Barry University’s Master of Social Work Program. Students get a strong foundation in generalist practice and advanced training in clinical social work practice. The curriculum helps students become skilled at trauma-informed care approaches and build resilience in client systems. South Florida’s cultural, economic, social, global, and technological characteristics shape the program’s strategic plans. Barry treats their program like a family and supports students throughout their learning experience.

Format & Duration

Students can choose from several flexible program options:

• Traditional 63-credit program: Students new to social work complete this in 16 months (four semesters) full-time
• 32-credit Advanced Standing program: Students with BSW degrees earned in the last five years can enroll
• Part-time options: Students take eight semesters for the 63-credit option and four semesters for the 32-credit option

Classes are available at the Miami Shores campus during weekdays and evenings. Students can also choose fully online formats for both traditional and advanced standing programs. Online students complete the traditional program in about 28 months, while the advanced standing online option takes 16 months.

Fieldwork & Practicum

Field education is the core teaching method at Barry that connects theory with hands-on experience. Each program track requires specific supervised clinical hours:

Full-time, 63-Credit Program: 900 total hours (150 hours in semester 1, 250 hours in semesters 2-4)Full-time, 32-Credit Program: 500 total hours (250 hours per semester)Part-time, 63-Credit Program: 900 total hours spread across seven semestersPart-time, 32-Credit Program: 500 total hours (125 hours per semester)

Students can work in various settings like community mental health centers, substance abuse facilities, hospitals, senior care services, and government agencies.

Admission Requirements

Applicants need these qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized college or university
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for the last 60 college credits earned
• Broad liberal arts background (minimum 30 credits)
• Two professional references
• Personal statement (typed, double-spaced, APA format, minimum 500 words)
• Clear commitment to social work values

Advanced Standing applicants must have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last five years, with a 3.0 GPA in all social work courses.

Tuition & Financial Aid

The academic year tuition costs $675.00 per credit. Each Field Education course has a $25.00 co-pay. Students can access federal and state financial aid programs, scholarships, and graduate assistantships to help with costs.

Specializations

The program focuses on clinical social work practice with a trauma-informed resiliency framework. Students prepare for advanced licensure while learning about policy practice, administrative leadership, and applied social research. The trauma-informed care curriculum teaches students to create safety and hope for clients at individual, family, group, organizational, and systemic levels by considering trauma histories.

2. Florida International University MSW Program

Florida International University provides a complete 60-credit MSW program[link_1] that prepares students for clinical social work careers in South Florida’s diverse communities. The program ranks among Florida’s top social work programs and combines evidence-based coursework with customized field placements.

Overview

The Master of Social Work program at FIU focuses on advanced clinical social work with individuals, families, and groups. Students learn through a bio-psychosocial model within a social systems framework to understand client systems, solve problems, and create interventions. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited the program, which meets Florida’s educational requirements for clinical licensure. The program’s foundation merges person-in-environment frameworks to help students promote human rights in local and global communities.

Format & Duration

Students can choose between two paths:

• Traditional MSW: 60-credit program for students without a BSW background
• Advanced Standing: Accelerated 33-credit track for qualified BSW graduates

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for fall, spring, and summer terms, with specific deadlines for each semester. Students can start their studies at multiple points throughout the year, making the program more available to working professionals.

Fieldwork & Practicum

Field education is crucial to the MSW program and gives students hands-on experience in professional settings. Students complete two field practicum experiences that support their clinical practice specialization:

• MSW I Practicum: 288 hours per semester (18 hours weekly over 16 weeks) during fall/spring
• MSW II/III Advanced Clinical Practicum: 288 hours per semester (24 hours weekly over 12 weeks) during summer

Field placements happen throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, and Palm Beach Counties. Each site has careful selection criteria and supervision by trained professionals. Students receive personal attention through one-on-one interviews with field coordinators, dedicated field liaisons, and regular field seminars.

Admission Requirements

Applicants need:

• Minimum 3.0 GPA in upper-division coursework
• Grade of C or better in prerequisite courses:
  • Biology with human content (3 credits)
  • Statistics (3 credits)
  • 12 credits in Social Sciences

Students whose native language isn’t English must submit TOEFL iBT (80), PBT (550), IELTS (6.5), or Duolingo English Test (110) scores. Application deadlines change by semester and residency status, with domestic deadlines for fall (June 1), spring (October 1), and summer (March 1).

Tuition & Financial Aid

FIU gives out more than $180 million in financial aid yearly. About 89% of full-time undergraduate students get some form of aid. Financial help includes:

• Fellowships and assistantships for research and professional development
• Competitive graduate scholarships for full-time students
• Federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans
• Work-study opportunities both on and off campus

The university uses a standard student budget for financial aid that includes direct costs (tuition, fees) and indirect costs (transportation, personal expenses).

Specializations

The program features advanced clinical practice specialization with unique options:

• MSW/JD Joint Degree: An interdisciplinary program that combines advanced training in social work and law
• MSW/MPH Combined Degree: Requires separate applications and admission to both programs

Clinical specialization gives graduates the skills to work in complex human service organizations within governmental and voluntary settings at community, regional, state, and national levels. Students learn to identify as professional social workers who help refine and advance social work practice through research-based methods and shared engagement.

3. Florida Memorial University MSW Program

Florida Memorial University added a Master of Social Work program that encourages social change and boosts well-being through innovative education and practice. The program stands out in Miami’s educational landscape because it focuses on culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches to social work.

Overview

Florida Memorial University’s MSW program shapes students into competent, compassionate social work professionals who know how to work with people from all backgrounds. Students learn both theory and hands-on experience to address systemic inequalities and advocate for social justice. The program takes a unique approach with culturally responsive methods that reflect South Florida’s community needs. Students become skilled at assessment, intervention, and advocacy to help individuals, families, and communities facing complex challenges.

Format & Duration

Students must complete 60 semester hours and maintain a minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA. The curriculum has sections on:

• Foundation courses covering practice, human behavior, policy, and research
• Specialized concentration courses
• Field practicum experiences
• Comprehensive examination (graded Pass/Fail)

Students starting between Fall 2025 and Fall 2026 will follow an academic plan that builds their skills step by step.

Fieldwork & Practicum

Field education plays a key role in the MSW program. Students apply classroom concepts in real-life settings. While some details are still in development, the practicum includes:

• Generalist Field Practice I and II (3 credits each)
• Integration Seminar I (6 credits)
• Integration Seminar II (6 credits)

Students gain practical skills with support from field instructors and faculty liaisons through this hands-on learning approach.

Admission Requirements

The MSW admission criteria are being finalized. FMU reviews graduate applicants based on their academic background and professional potential. The university’s undergraduate social work program needs a 2.5 or higher GPA, so the graduate program will likely have similar or stricter requirements.

Tuition & Financial Aid

MSW tuition rates are not yet published. FMU makes education affordable through federal and state financial aid programs, scholarships, and assistantships. Students should complete their FAFSA by March 1st to meet priority processing deadlines.

Specializations

Students can choose from three concentration tracks that match their career goals:

1. Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Practice (12 credits)
   • Foundations of Mental Health: Theory and Practice
   • Trauma-Informed Care: Principles and Applications
   • Advanced Clinical Interventions for Mental Health
   • Cultural Competence in Mental Health and Trauma Practice
2. Sports Practice (12 credits)
   • Foundations of Sports Social Work
   • Mental Health and Well-Being
   • Community Engagement and Empowerment in Sports
   • Youth Development through Sports
3. Alcohol and Other Drug Counseling (12 credits)
   • Foundations of Addiction Counseling
   • Trauma and Substance Use
   • Counseling Techniques for Substance Use Disorders
   • Ethical and Legal Issues in Substance Use Counseling

Each track needs 12 credits on top of the 48-credit core curriculum, making it 60 credits total. These specialized tracks prepare graduates for specific careers in high-demand areas of social work.

4. Florida Atlantic University MSW Program

The Phyllis and Harvey Sandler School of Social Work at Florida Atlantic University helps 93% of its MSW graduates find jobs within 12 months of completing the program. FAU’s Master of Social Work degree ranks among Florida’s top social work programs and has gained national recognition since 2000.

Overview

FAU’s MSW program creates compassionate and skilled social workers ready for advanced clinical practice. Students learn evidence-based methods that help them think critically while respecting human dignity. The program builds competencies needed to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Graduates can qualify as licensed clinical social workers in Florida and other states.

Format & Duration

Students can choose from several flexible pathways:

• Regular Program (60 credits): Full-time (2 years) or part-time (3-4 years)
• Advanced Standing Program (30 credits): BSW graduates can complete full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years)
• Online Advanced Standing: Three semesters (Summer→Fall→Spring)

The on-campus hybrid programs run year-round with rolling admissions and start dates in January, May, and August. Students must finish their degree within five consecutive years after their original registration.

Fieldwork & Practicum

Field education is FAU’s core teaching method for social work, offering real-life experience in South Florida agencies. The program meets Council on Social Work Education field hour requirements:

• MSW Generalist Students: 400 hours split between Fall/Spring semesters (200 hours each)
• MSW Specialist/Advanced Standing: 600 hours split between Fall/Spring semesters (300 hours each)
• Total hours: 1000 for regular program, 600 for Advanced Standing

More than 500 FAU social work students complete clinical practicums with 400+ agencies each year. These students contribute about 173,000 service hours valued at $8.65 million.

Admission Requirements

The program looks for candidates who meet these criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (any major accepted)
• Traditional Standing requires a 3.0 GPA in last 60 credits
• Advanced Standing needs a BSW degree and 3.5 GPA in last 60 credits
• Three academic or professional references
• Personal statement answering specific questions
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended

Domestic students should apply by May 1 (Fall), October 1 (Spring), or February 1 (Summer).

Tuition & Financial Aid

Graduate tuition rates are:

• Florida Residents: $371.82 per credit hour
• Non-Florida Residents: $1,005.06 per credit hour

Students pay extra for the Distance Learning Fee ($30 per credit for online courses) and Transportation Access Fee ($76.90 for Fall/Spring). FAU provides budget-friendly options through assistantships and fellowships, with competitive tuition rates compared to other Florida schools.

Specializations

The program excels in advanced clinical practice with focused courses in:

1. Advanced Theory and Social Work Practice with Adults and Families
2. Advanced Theory and Social Work Practice with Elders and Families
3. Advanced Theory and Social Work Practice with Children, Adolescents, and Families

Second-year students take practice courses that match their field placement population. The program also features innovative interprofessional education through IPED and SAGE initiatives. Social work students cooperate with nursing and medical students to boost client-centered care.

5. Ana G. Mendez University MSW Program

Ana G. Mendez University has a unique bilingual Master of Social Work program. The program is available at multiple Florida locations—Orlando, South Florida, and Tampa Bay—and online nationwide. The Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation is reviewing the program for CSWE accreditation, which is currently in Pre-Candidacy status.

Overview

Students learn clinical social work practice with a focus on helping vulnerable populations in the United States and worldwide. The program helps students develop nine key competencies. These include ethical behavior, involvement with diversity, human rights advancement, research-informed practice, policy involvement, and various intervention skills. Students work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The program’s location in Florida provides a chance to help diverse communities in a multicultural environment.

Format & Duration

The program requires 54 total credits—27 core credits and 27 specialization credits. Students can choose from several schedule options:

• Full-time: Two years plus one summer
• Part-time: Three to four years (usually 9 credits per semester)
• Advanced Standing: Two semesters plus one summer

Advanced standing students need 42 credits instead of 54. They can transfer up to 27 credits from previous BSW coursework.

Fieldwork & Practicum

Field education is the substance of the program. Students complete 900 total hours across three semesters, with 300 hours in each semester. The supervised practice consists of:

• First practice: Students learn generalist model skills
• Second and third practices: Students focus on advanced clinical specialization skills

Students combine on-site agency work with classroom seminars. This creates a learning environment where theory joins with practical intervention skills.

Admission Requirements

The simple admission requirements are:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75
• Interview
• Essay written during the interview

Advanced Standing candidates need:

• BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Social work major courses with grades A or B
• Field practice courses with grade A
• Degree completed within five years of application

Tuition & Financial Aid

Graduate tuition costs $10,455 per year, at $495 per credit. Off-campus students can expect total annual costs of $30,196. Most students (71%) receive grants or scholarships that average $6,318 yearly.

Specializations

Clinical Social Work is the program’s sole specialization. Graduates can help improve the social, emotional, and mental functioning of individuals, couples, families, and groups. Career paths include roles as therapists, case managers, family services workers, mental health case managers, school social workers, discharge planners, and substance abuse counselors. Students can expand their expertise through electives in psychopathology, psychoactive drugs, violence and society, and mental health services.

6. Miami University Hybrid MSW Program

Miami University offers a unique Master of Social Work program. The program combines online learning with hands-on experiences to help students address complex needs of people from different backgrounds. Students can earn their CSWE-accredited degree while maintaining their work schedule, with a strong focus on family-centered approaches and social justice.

Overview

The program prepares students to become advanced generalist social work professionals. Students learn to think critically and apply social work knowledge, theories, and ethical practices. They gain expertise in connecting with clients, evaluating situations, planning interventions, and measuring outcomes at various levels—from working with individuals to entire communities. The curriculum strengthens their abilities in research, social services, nonprofit management, policy advocacy, case management, and crisis response.

Format & Duration

Students can choose from these options:

• Traditional Program: 57 credit hours over two years (full-time) or three years (part-time)
• Advanced Standing: 34 credits in three semesters (summer, fall, spring) for recent BSW graduates
• Combined Program: Miami undergraduates studying social work, psychology, or sociology can earn both degrees with one extra year

Classes meet face-to-face every other week in the evening (4-6:40PM and 7-9:40PM Monday to Thursday).

Fieldwork & Practicum

Field education plays a central role in the program:

• Traditional Program: Students complete 900 field hours over three semesters
• Advanced Standing: Students complete 500 hours over two semesters

The university works with nearly 100 agencies in Butler County, Cincinnati, and Dayton. Students can work with children, veterans, immigrants, addiction recovery programs, and other services.

Admission Requirements

You’ll need:

• Bachelor’s degree with recommended 3.0 GPA
• Transcripts from all previous universities
• Resume/CV
• $50 application fee
• Personal statement (600-750 words) about your MSW interest, background, and career goals

Tuition & Financial Aid

Students pay per credit instead of a flat rate. The university charges the same tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students. Financial help includes:

• Great Minds Fellowship for Ohio residents interning at approved behavioral health centers
• Military and veteran benefits
• Tuition waivers for full-time Miami employees

Specializations

The program builds skills at micro, mezzo, and macro practice levels through an advanced generalist approach. Graduates can pursue social work licensure in all 50 states. Recent students achieved a 57.7% first-time pass rate on the Ohio licensure exam.

7. University of South Florida Online MSW Program

The University of South Florida runs one of the most budget-friendly online MSW programs in the nation. Students pay just $550 per credit, regardless of their residency status. This CSWE-accredited program blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on field experience to prepare students for advanced clinical social work.

Overview

USF’s MSW program creates skilled clinical social workers through a mix of academic study and field experience. The program gives students complete training in clinical work with individuals, families, and groups. Students can also work on bigger projects that shape policies and create systemic change. Students connect with over 350 community partners and 1,000+ field instructors. USF graduates show impressive results with higher-than-average pass rates on Licensed Clinical Social Worker exams.

Format & Duration

Students can choose between two tracks:

• Traditional Track: 60 credits over 8 semesters part-time or 5 semesters full-time
• Advanced Standing: 35 credits over 3 semesters full-time or 5 semesters part-time for BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs

Live online sessions happen twice weekly in the evening. This setup lets professionals advance their careers while keeping their current jobs.

Fieldwork & Practicum

Field education is fundamental to the program with specific hour requirements:

• Traditional students: 900 total hours
• Advanced Standing students: 600 total hours

Full-time students put in 20 hours weekly for three semesters. Part-time students spend 10-15 hours weekly over five semesters. Students must complete field hours during regular business hours (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday).

Admission Requirements

Different programs have different deadlines:

• Advanced Standing (Summer Entry): February 15
• Traditional (Fall Entry): June 1
• Traditional (Spring Entry): October 15

Students with GPAs under 3.0 can submit GRE scores to boost their applications. Most applicants don’t need GRE scores. Some candidates might need to do a personal interview.

Tuition & Financial Aid

USF stands out nationally for its low tuition rates. Students can get financial help through:

• Federal and state aid programs
• USF Foundation scholarships
• Graduate assistantships
• Military benefits via the Yellow Ribbon Program

Specializations

This program focuses on clinical social work preparation. Graduates become therapists, veterans’ affairs specialists, and take on various roles in this growing field. Students learn specialized skills to make positive changes in their chosen communities.

8. University of Central Florida MSW Program

UCF’s MSW program ranks among the best and helps students become licensed clinical social workers. The program combines hands-on training with evidence-based coursework. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has given its accreditation to this community-focused clinical program.

Overview

The School of Social Work at UCF trains practitioners to deliver mental health services to individuals, families, and groups. Students learn through an advanced generalist clinical model that builds skills for direct practice. This qualifies graduates for Florida licensure, and they show better success rates on licensing exams than most. US News & World Report places the program in the top 30% of social work programs nationwide.

Format & Duration

Students can choose from these tracks:

• Traditional Program: 62 credit hours that take 3 years part-time
• Advanced Standing: 32 credits that take 16 months for recent BSW graduates
• Online and campus-based options available

Students must complete half their courses at the 6000 level and follow well-laid-out study plans.

Fieldwork & Practicum

The field education needs include:

• Traditional students: 1,000 total hours (400 generalist + 600 clinical)
• Advanced Standing: 600 clinical hours only

Students start with generalist placement at 14 hours weekly. This leads to clinical placement at 19 hours weekly for full-time students. Students also attend bi-weekly integrative seminars during their field work.

Admission Requirements

You’ll need to:

• Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Meet GPA requirements (3.3 for Advanced Standing, 3.0 for Traditional)
• Complete prerequisites in humanities, physical/biological sciences, mathematics, and social sciences
• Submit your application materials by set deadlines

Tuition & Financial Aid

Each credit hour costs $487.45, with an extra $18.00 fee for online courses. Students can get financial help through scholarships, assistantships, and the UCF Foundation.

Specializations

The program focuses on clinical social work with options in Behavioral Health and Child Welfare Services. Students also learn intervention skills they can use in hospitals, schools, psychiatric facilities, and community mental health centers.

9. Nova Southeastern University MSW Program

Nova Southeastern University’s Master of Social Work program combines challenging academic coursework with real-world field experience. This makes it one of the most valuable MSW Programs in Miami that helps you earn advanced professional practice credentials.

Overview

The NSW MSW program gives you the skills you need to tackle complex social issues and promote social justice. You’ll learn social work theories, methods, and practices that are the foundations of human behavior, social policy, research, and ethics. The program uses an Advanced Generalist model that prepares graduates to help individuals, families, and small groups in organizations of all types.

Format & Duration

The program offers four flexible options based on your background:

• Advanced Standing full-time (1-year) for CSWE-accredited BSW holders
• Part-time Advanced Standing (2-year) extended option
• Traditional Pathway full-time (2-year/58 credit hours)
• Traditional Pathway part-time (3-year/58 credit hours)

Students need to complete 60 credit hours and maintain a 3.0 GPA in all academic courses.

Fieldwork & Practicum

The field practicum has specific requirements:

• Full-time/Extended students: 910 clock hours over two consecutive academic years (averaging 14 hours weekly)
• Advanced Generalist students: 546 clock hours (averaging 21 hours weekly)

You must earn at least a B grade in both parts of each practicum.

Admission Requirements

You’ll need these qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.7 GPA on 4.0 scale)
• 21 credit hours in social/behavioral sciences
• 15 credit hours in Liberal Arts
• Prerequisite courses in Human Biology and Social Science Statistics

Tuition & Financial Aid

The graduate program costs $1,597 per credit hour, plus possible institutional fees of $1,800. Of course, financial aid is available through federal and state programs. About 71% of students receive some form of financial support.

Specializations

Students learn clinical social work with options to focus on child and family services, health, mental health, school social work, and military social work. After graduation, you can qualify for licensure as a clinical social worker.

Choose Your MSW Now

Your professional goals in social work start with picking the right MSW program. Miami’s academic landscape features nine accredited programs. Each offers unique benefits for students who prefer traditional campus learning or online formats. These programs follow strict CSWE accreditation standards. Students complete over 900 hours of supervised practice that connects classroom theories with ground applications.

These programs might differ, but they share the same goal – to prepare culturally responsive practitioners who serve diverse populations effectively. BSW graduates can benefit from advanced standing options. This usually cuts down the program length from two years to about one year. On top of that, specialized tracks help you focus on clinical practice, trauma-informed care, substance abuse counseling, or advanced generalist approaches.

Money matters when choosing a program. Tuition costs vary between institutions. USF offers economical solutions at $550 per credit hour, while private options cost more. Most schools provide substantial financial aid through scholarships, assistantships, and federal programs.

Field placements stand out as a key feature in these programs. Students connect with hundreds of agencies throughout South Florida. These partnerships are a great way to get hands-on experience. Many students build professional networks that lead straight to jobs after graduation.

MSW graduates from Miami have bright career prospects. Some programs even report 100% job placement rates. Your education qualifies you for licensure in all 50 states. This gives you freedom to move and grow in your career. These accredited programs teach you everything in tackling complex social challenges while supporting vulnerable populations.

Your final choice depends on your preferred specialization, program format, location, and budget. Here’s the good news – each program from this complete list will equip you with knowledge, skills, and credentials. You’ll make meaningful contributions as a professional social worker.