Best MSW Programs in Minneapolis for 2026 (CSWE-Accredited)

Planning to pursue an MSW Program in Minneapolis? Your career choice makes perfect sense. Social work employment will grow by 7% nationwide from 2024-2034. Minnesota expects a 5-6% job growth from 2022-2032.

Minnesota’s social work masters programs stand out with their impressive credentials. Five MSW programs from Minnesota schools have secured spots among the top 175 nationally in the 2024 US News & World Report. Students experience exceptional education quality here. Augsburg’s small class sizes of 10-20 students ensure tailored attention. Students gain hands-on experience through fieldwork opportunities. Some schools connect students with more than 200 different settings at leading regional employers. St. Thomas takes pride in its faculty – 90% are clinically licensed and actively practice.

The University of Minnesota’s program, 106 years old, offers a rich heritage. Your attention is drawn to programs with specialized concentrations. MSW programs mentioned in this guide are a great way to get the foundation needed for a rewarding social work career. These CSWE-accredited programs prepare you thoroughly for licensure and professional excellence in a field committed to creating meaningful change.

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities ranks among the oldest social work education providers in the region. The university’s School of Social Work began its journey in 1917. Today, it offers a complete MSW program that equips students with skills for advanced practice and leadership roles across specializations.

Program overview

Students at Minnesota’s MSW program learn to understand how power and privilege shape society’s roles. The curriculum focuses on social justice principles while helping students become case managers, policy analysts, clinicians, and community organizers. The program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and meets all requirements for master’s level social work licensure in Minnesota.

The program’s mission reflects the University’s research focus and CSWE educational standards that match National Association of Social Workers (NASW) professional values. Students develop sensitivity and skills they need to work effectively in communities of all types.

Program format and delivery

Classes take place Thursday through Saturday with extra evening slots on Mondays and Wednesdays. Students need to mix daytime and evening/weekend courses to earn their degree. This flexible schedule works well for working professionals and people with other commitments.

The program runs on campus and groups classes on specific days. This setup lets students manage their practicum placements and work schedules effectively.

Credit requirements and duration

Students can choose between two program paths:

• Full Program Option: 53 required credits for students without a BSW degree
• Advanced Standing: 34 credits for students with a CSWE-accredited BSW earned within the last seven years with a grade of B or higher in foundation courses

Both paths let students study full-time or part-time. The full MSW curriculum starts with foundational social work concepts and builds knowledge through advanced courses and practicum experience in the student’s chosen specialization area.

Tuition and financial aid

Tuition Rates:

Source:

Students can access training grants, fellowships, scholarships, and graduate assistantships. Key opportunities include:

• Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Grant: Provides $11,500 per semester or $23,000 per academic year for students committed to public or tribal child welfare careers after graduation
• Graduate Assistantships: Offer tuition benefits plus an hourly wage (minimum $27.95/hour as of August 2025)
• Specialized Fellowships: Including the Eloise and Elliot Kaplan Fellowship for Traumatic Brain Injury, John A. Wallace Fellowship, and Weisdorf Oncology Social Work Fellowship

Fieldwork and practicum

Students must complete 1,020 total hours of practicum instruction. This hands-on experience helps apply classroom learning in ground settings. Most practicum placements happen during regular business hours. Students build professional connections while meeting degree requirements.

The university designs practicum experiences as educational opportunities with controlled, limited, and monitored assignments. Many community agencies partner with the university to provide these supervised learning experiences.

Special features and concentrations

Students can specialize in four distinct areas:

• Clinical Mental Health
• Community Practice
• Families and Children
• Health, Disability and Aging

The program also offers dual degree options that expand career paths:

• MSW/MPP (Public Policy)
• MSW/MURP (Urban Planning)
• MSW/MPH (Public Health)

These combinations help students develop expertise across disciplines. Graduates can work as clinical social workers, community organizers, policy analysts, and case managers. With more experience and supervision, they can pursue Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) credentials.

January 15 marks the priority application deadline, while March 1 is the final deadline. Applications after the priority deadline get consideration only if spaces remain.

St. Catherine University (St. Kate’s)

St. Catherine University offers a unique MSW program that combines social justice principles with academic excellence and practical skills. This women-founded institution brings a fresh point of view to social work education through its dedication to ethical practice and community involvement.

Program overview

St. Kate’s Master of Social Work program focuses on clinical practice with strong roots in social justice principles. Students learn advanced clinical practice skills and become experts in trauma-responsive approaches. The curriculum helps them master evidence-based practices, ethical decision-making, and culturally responsive interventions.

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited the program, which means graduates meet all Minnesota licensure requirements. Small class sizes at St. Kate’s help create meaningful connections between students and faculty. Students learn both theory and practical skills they can use in a variety of social work settings.

Program format and delivery

St. Catherine University gives students several ways to complete their degree:

• Weekend Format: Classes meet on alternating weekends (Friday evenings and Saturdays) to accommodate working professionals
• Hybrid Learning: Combines face-to-face instruction with online components
• Fully Online Option: Available for students seeking maximum flexibility

Students can keep their jobs while earning their degree. This works especially well when you have family responsibilities or need flexible scheduling options.

Credit requirements and duration

The program offers two distinct paths:

Students can qualify for Advanced Standing if they have earned a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program within the past seven years with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The curriculum starts with foundation courses and moves to specialized clinical practice. Field placements help students apply classroom learning to real-world situations.

Students finish their degree with a capstone project that shows their mastery of advanced clinical social work practice. This approach gives graduates both the knowledge and skills they need to succeed professionally.

Tuition and financial aid

Here’s what tuition looks like:

• Per-credit cost: $985
• Estimated total program cost: $55,160 (Regular MSW) / $31,520 (Advanced Standing)

St. Kate’s helps students fund their education through:

• Merit scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 per year
• Graduate assistantships providing tuition remission and stipends
• Federal loan programs including Direct Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS loans
• Work-study opportunities on campus

The program also offers special scholarships for students interested in specific areas like school social work or gerontology. Financial aid advisors work with each student to create a funding package that makes their education possible.

Fieldwork and practicum

Field education plays a crucial role in St. Kate’s MSW program. Students complete more than the CSWE minimum requirements:

• Foundation Practicum: 500 hours (approximately 16-20 hours per week)
• Advanced Practicum: 600 hours (approximately 20-24 hours per week)

Students complete 1,100 field hours and gain extensive hands-on experience. The Field Education team works with over 150 agencies in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Students can work in:

• Mental health clinics
• Healthcare facilities
• Child welfare agencies
• School systems
• Community organizations

Students attend field seminars alongside their practicum work, which lets them discuss their experiences with faculty and peers.

Special features and dual degrees

St. Kate’s MSW program has several unique features:

1. Clinical Focus: Specialized training in trauma-responsive care and evidence-based interventions
2. Interprofessional Education: Opportunities to cooperate with students from other healthcare disciplines
3. Social Justice Emphasis: Curriculum centered on addressing systemic inequities
4. Global Learning: International field placement options and study abroad experiences

The program offers dual degree options that open up more career paths:

• MSW/MAHS (Master of Arts in Holistic Studies)
• MSW/MAOL (Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership)

These combined programs help students develop multiple skill sets while saving time and money compared to separate degrees. Students learn to bridge clinical practice with organizational management or holistic approaches to wellbeing.

University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas offers an MSW program that focuses on clinical social work practice. Their graduates become part of the nation’s largest group of mental health service providers. The program helps you master knowledge and practice skills while building a foundation in social responsibility and human rights.

Program overview

St. Thomas’s Master of Social Work prepares social workers to take on clinical practice and leadership roles in different settings. The program specializes in clinical social work practice with individuals, small groups, and families. It tackles challenges like poverty, discrimination, mental illness, developmental disabilities, and oppression. Students develop:

• A strong clinical social work identity based on social work values and ethics
• Skills to work with diverse client populations and adapt their practice
• Critical thinking and reflective practice skills needed for competent clinical work
• Leadership and supervision abilities across multiple settings

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited the program since 1975. Initially, this was shared with St. Catherine’s, but the program earned independent accreditation in 2019 and received reaffirmation in 2024. The program’s clinical focus is a great way to get mental health practice experience, with 90% of faculty clinically licensed and active practitioners.

Program format and delivery

The program offers several options to complete your degree:

Students attend late afternoon and evening classes Monday through Thursday in the weekday/evening format. The hybrid format delivers most content online with three on-campus Saturday sessions each term. This flexibility lets students balance their work with studies.

Credit requirements and duration

The program has two paths based on your previous education:

Regular Standing (RS): If you don’t have a CSWE-accredited BSW degree

• 56 total credits required
• 1,000 field practicum hours
• Foundation and advanced courses in human behavior, social policy, research, and practice

Advanced Standing (AS): If you have a CSWE-accredited BSW degree

• 38 total credits required
• 600 field practicum hours

Both paths start with foundation courses in human behavior, social environment, policy, research, and generalist practice. Advanced clinical coursework follows these basics.

Tuition and financial aid

The tuition costs $875 per credit. Your total program cost would be:

• Regular Standing: $49,000 (56 credits)
• Advanced Standing: $33,250 (38 credits)

Extra fees include:

• Technology fee: $135 per term (six or more credits)
• Health fee: $82 per term (six or more credits)
• Field placement fee: $159 for field seminar courses
• Student support services fee: $15 per semester

You can get financial help through scholarships, grants, and federal loans. Available scholarships include:

• MSW Diversity Scholarship (20% tuition discount)
• MSW Mission Scholarship (20% tuition discount)
• MSW Pathways Scholarship (10% tuition discount)
• Tommie Alumni Scholarship (15% tuition discount)
• MSW Service Grant (10% tuition discount)

Fieldwork and practicum

Field education is a vital part of the program with:

• Foundation (Core) Practicum: 400 hours for regular standing students
• Clinical (Advanced) Practicum: 600 hours for all students

Placements usually run part-time through the academic year. They start in late August/early September and continue until April, May, or early June. Students spend 12-16 hours weekly in foundation placements and 16-22 hours in clinical placements. Some students can do full-time summer block placements.

Students also attend field seminars every other week on campus. These sessions let them share knowledge, discuss issues, and complete assignments that connect theory with practice.

Licensure and dual degree options

The curriculum meets all Minnesota licensure requirements. Each course includes content required by the Minnesota Board of Social Work. After graduation, you can pursue different license levels, including Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with additional supervised practice.

The JD/MSW dual degree program combines humanitarian work with legal expertise. You can earn both degrees faster than pursuing them separately. This program gives you tools to create systemic change for vulnerable populations.

The program also offers an MSW/LADC path. You can get dual licensure as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor without extending your program time.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers a distinctive MSW program that combines academic excellence with real-life application. The Twin Cities campus program stands out because it tailors education to each student and prepares culturally competent practitioners.

Program overview

Saint Mary’s MSW program prepares ethical, culturally responsive social workers through a curriculum based on strengths-based views. Students learn both clinical practice skills and community-based interventions as part of an all-encompassing approach to social work. The program has full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates meet Minnesota’s educational requirements for social work licensure.

The program creates practitioners who support social justice while serving diverse populations effectively. Faculty members bring their extensive field experience to the classroom. They blend theoretical concepts with real-life applications. This practitioner-scholar model helps students develop critical thinking and practical skills needed in modern social work.

Program format and delivery

Saint Mary’s gives students exceptional flexibility through multiple program formats:

• Online Format: Mostly self-paced coursework with some scheduled virtual meetings
• Hybrid Option: Blends online learning with monthly in-person weekend sessions
• Evening Classes: Available at the Twin Cities campus for students who prefer face-to-face instruction

These delivery methods are available to working professionals, parents, and students from rural communities. Students can mix different formats based on their priorities and schedule needs. This creates a truly customized educational experience.

Credit requirements and duration

Students can choose between two paths:

Students qualify for Advanced Standing with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last eight years and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The curriculum builds from foundational knowledge to advanced practice skills. It ends with specialized coursework that matches the student’s chosen concentration.

Tuition and financial aid

The tuition breaks down as follows:

• Per-credit cost: $795
• Estimated total program cost: $45,315 (Traditional) / $23,850 (Advanced Standing)

Saint Mary’s provides several financial support options:

• Merit-based scholarships from $2,000-$7,500 annually
• Graduate assistantships with tuition remission and stipends
• Federal loan eligibility including Direct Unsubsidized Loans
• Payment plans for installment-based tuition payments

The financial aid team works with each student to create funding packages that maximize affordability and minimize debt.

Fieldwork and practicum

Field education is the substance of Saint Mary’s MSW program with:

• 400 hours of foundation practicum (first year)
• 500 hours of concentration practicum (second year)

Students gain experience in healthcare facilities, mental health clinics, schools, and community organizations throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul region. The program partners with over 100 agencies. This lets students arrange practicum experiences that match their career goals.

Students receive regular supervision from experienced MSW-level practitioners during field placements. Faculty liaisons provide additional support and evaluation.

Special features and certificates

Students can earn specialized certificates alongside their MSW degree:

• Trauma-Informed Practice Certificate: Skills for working with trauma survivors
• Integrated Behavioral Health Certificate: Preparation for integrated healthcare settings
• School Social Work Certificate: Requirements for school social work licensure

These certificates help students develop specialized expertise without extending their graduation timeline. The program’s focus on rural social work prepares graduates to handle unique challenges in non-urban communities. This fills a crucial service gap across Minnesota.

Winona State University

Winona State University offers an MSW program that specializes in trauma-informed clinical social work. This program prepares graduates to achieve the highest level of social work licensure. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited the program through 2030, which means graduates can pursue licensure in most states.

Program overview

The MSW curriculum at Winona State equips students with skills needed for careers in mental health, healthcare, and child welfare. The program’s focus on trauma-informed clinical social work aligns with current professional standards. CSWE recognizes that practitioners need trauma-informed training to practice ethically. Mental health has become a global priority, and Winona State graduates help people deal with trauma. This need became even more apparent when emotional disorders affected nearly 970 million people worldwide in 2019.

Program format and delivery

Students can complete their coursework online through asynchronous classes, which lets them work at their own pace. The program includes one virtual Professional Development Lab each semester on weekends. These labs give students chances to network with peers, learn from expert speakers, and prepare for licensure exams. The 7-week class blocks let students focus on fewer subjects at once and potentially graduate sooner.

Credit requirements and duration

Students can choose between two admission paths:

Regular Standing works best if you have a non-social work bachelor’s degree. Advanced Standing suits students with a CSWE-accredited BSW. Both paths offer full-time and part-time options, so students can choose their preferred pace.

Tuition and financial aid

The MSW program costs $739.50 per credit plus $27.72 in fees. Here’s what you can expect to pay:

• Regular Standing: about $46,000
• Advanced Standing: about $32,000

Students from Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota pay less at $529.74 per credit. The Resident Tuition Scholarship helps non-resident students qualify for rates similar to Minnesota residents.

Fieldwork and practicum

Field education is the foundation of the program:

• Foundation Practicum: 400 hours over two 14-week semesters (15 hours weekly)
• Clinical Practicum: 600 hours over two 14-week semesters (22 hours weekly)

Students get real-life experience at agencies nationwide with guidance from faculty and agency practitioners. The program’s partnerships with more than 140 field organizations often lead to job offers before graduation.

Licensure preparation

Students graduate ready to pursue Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) licensure. The program meets licensure requirements in 49 U.S. states and territories. Minnesota licensure involves several steps: Board of Social Work application ($60), criminal background check ($33.25), Licensed Graduate Social Worker exam ($230), and licensure fee ($167.75). These steps create a solid foundation for advanced professional practice.

Augsburg University

Augsburg University leverages its 150-year legacy of community service through an MSW program that connects students’ passions with urgent social needs. The university started a mission to prepare social workers who champion anti-racist and anti-oppressive advanced practice that promotes intersectional racial and social justice.

Program overview

The Council on Social Work Education has fully accredited this program. Students learn through a curriculum focused on ethical, competent professional practice within a strengths point of view framework. Students become skilled at evaluating practice effectiveness and learn about diverse populations. The program’s foundations are problem-solving within systems frameworks and dedication to social justice service.

Program format and delivery

Students can join a hybrid program that follows a semester calendar from September through August. The options include:

• Hybrid weeknight schedule
• Hybrid weekend schedule (required for Macro specialization)

Each class meets on campus eight times per semester and four times during summer terms. Students complete online learning activities between campus sessions. Working professionals can easily balance their schedules while getting valuable face-to-face collaborative opportunities.

Credit requirements and duration

Students qualify for Advanced Standing with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned in the last 15 years. Students must complete their degree within four years of starting.

Tuition and financial aid

The tuition rate is $788 per credit. Here’s what you can expect to pay:

• Generalist path: around $45,704-$46,492
• Advanced Standing: around $29,156-$29,944

Students can access several financial aid options:

• Partnership Grants ($80/credit for qualifying employer partnerships)
• Alumni Grants ($80/credit for Augsburg graduates)
• Aspiring Graduate Scholarships for first-generation students

Degree-seeking students enrolled in 3+ credits can apply for federal loans.

Fieldwork and practicum

Field education is the cornerstone of social work education at Augsburg. Students must complete:

• Generalist students: 920 total hours (420 generalist + 500 specialization)
• Advanced Standing students: 500 hours
• MSW/LADC students: 880 total hours

Field placements run from August/September through April, with some extending into summer. Most placements happen during weekday hours.

Specializations and LADC option

Students can choose between two specialization paths:

• Multicultural Clinical Practice
• Multicultural Macro Practice

Clinical specialization students can pursue the Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) pathway to gain addiction treatment expertise. This path requires:

• Three additional courses (6 credits)
• 380 additional field hours
• Preparation for dual licensure

Students interested in creating better managed service organizations can opt for a dual MSW/MBA degree.

Capella University

Capella University’s CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program offers a fully online learning experience to students in Minneapolis. Students learn advanced generalist social work practice through a strengths-based model that builds on assets rather than focusing on deficits when they assess issues and develop interventions.

Program overview

The MSW program prepares students to become skilled administrators, practitioners, supervisors, and community leaders. Students develop clinical skills through online coursework and hands-on practicum experiences, unlike traditional programs. The curriculum enables students to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities while promoting human rights and social justice.

Program format and delivery

Students can choose between two learning formats:

Students in GuidedPath complete weekly assignments, receive faculty feedback, and participate in discussion posts with classmates. FlexPath students can set their own deadlines and advance to the next course after completion.

Credit requirements and duration

MSW program requirements:

• Standard MSW: 88 quarter credits (45 months typical completion)
• Advanced Standing: 48 quarter credits (24 months typical completion)

Students complete online coursework along with required practicums/internships.

Tuition and financial aid

Each credit costs $540 plus a $150 resource kit fee. Total program costs without transfer credits are:

• Standard MSW: $47,520
• Advanced Standing: $25,920

Students can apply for the $2,500 Capella Progress Reward scholarship available in select master’s programs.

Fieldwork and practicum

Students must complete a minimum of 1,000 supervised practicum hours (900 for Advanced Standing). Site supervisors with MSW degrees and at least two years of post-master’s experience provide direct supervision throughout the practicum.

Military discounts and flexibility

Active-duty service members, veterans, and their spouses receive a 10% tuition discount. Military benefits cover tuition assistance, Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits, and special scholarships for military affiliates. The university supports students deployed for military operations with military leave options.

Choose Your Minneapolis MSW

Your choice of MSW program will shape your future social work career. Seven CSWE-accredited programs in Minneapolis give you specialized options, flexible formats, and features that match different career paths. Each institution offers quality education leading to professional licensure – from the University of Minnesota’s hundred-year legacy to Capella’s complete online flexibility.

These programs stand out with their weekend, evening, hybrid, and online formats. You can pursue advanced education while keeping up with work and family commitments. BSW graduates can take advantage of advanced standing options at all these institutions to save time and money.

Field education is crucial to these MSW programs. Students complete 900-1,100 supervised hours in a variety of settings. These experiences connect theoretical knowledge with practical skills and prepare you for ground challenges in clinical practice, community organization, policy development, or specialized areas.

Money matters when choosing your program. Tuition costs range from $739 to $1,665 per credit. Most institutions help with financial aid through scholarships, assistantships, and specialized grants. Some programs offer tuition discounts to alumni, employer partners, military service members, and residents of specific states.

The job market shows why investing in your MSW education makes sense. Social work careers look promising with 7% projected growth nationwide through 2034 and 5-6% growth in Minnesota through 2032. After graduating, you’ll qualify for your initial license, with paths to advanced credentials like LICSW after completing supervised practice hours.

The right program for you depends on your situation, career goals, and learning style. Think about program format, specialization options, location, cost, and schedule when making this choice. These CSWE-accredited Minneapolis MSW programs are great foundations to build careers dedicated to improving lives and advancing social justice.