MSW Programs in New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers exceptional MSW programs through two institutions. The University of New Hampshire (UNH) was the state’s only MSW education provider until recently.

UNH’s MSW program gives students a complete 62-credit curriculum that takes less than 30 months to finish. The program includes four internships totaling 1,240 hours of field education. Students now have another choice with Colby-Sawyer College’s program. This newcomer has already earned the state’s #1 ranking, though it awaits full CSWE accreditation, expected in early 2026.

These programs open doors to a variety of career paths with attractive salaries. New Hampshire’s healthcare social workers earn a median salary of $63,870 yearly. Mental health and substance abuse social workers make $61,480, while child, family, and school social workers earn $48,690. Bachelor of Social Work degree holders can take advantage of accelerated tracks in both programs to advance their careers quickly.

Colby-Sawyer MSW Program Overview

Colby-Sawyer College’s Master of Social Work program gives aspiring social workers complete training. Students learn through both classroom theory and ground experience. The program shines with its flexible format and specialized curriculum. New Hampshire needs qualified social workers, and this program meets that need perfectly.

Program structure and duration

The MSW curriculum at Colby-Sawyer needs 61 total credits and 900+ hours of field experience. Regular students can finish it in 24 months. Students start with basics and move to specialized areas. This well-laid-out progression helps them build a strong foundation.

The Generalist Year covers these core courses:

• Human Rights and Social Justice (3 credits)
• Practice with Individuals and Families (3 credits)
• Practice with Communities and Organizations (3 credits)
• Skills Lab I and II (6 credits total)
• Social Welfare Policy (3 credits)
• Social Work Research & Evaluation (3 credits)
• Generalist Social Work Field + Seminar I and II (8 credits total with approximately 400 field hours)

The Specialist Year takes students deeper with advanced courses:

• Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis (3 credits)
• Comparative Social Welfare Policy (3 credits)
• Addiction, Trauma & Mental Health (3 credits)
• Leadership, Management & Supervision (3 credits)
• Multicultural Mental Health Practice or Special Topics in Macro Practice (3 credits)
• Advanced Research: Program Evaluation (3 credits)
• Practice with Children, Youth & Families (3 credits)
• Specialist Social Work Field + Seminar I and II (10 credits total with approximately 500 field hours)

The program runs online in eight-week sessions. This makes it available to working professionals and students everywhere. Monday evening classes can be attended live online or watched later. Students can balance their work and personal life while studying.

Field experience plays a crucial role in the program. Students must complete 900 clinical hours. These placements line up with their career goals and help them grow professionally. The college partners with prestigious organizations like Dartmouth Health system. Students can work in specialized areas such as palliative care, family addiction treatment, or care management.

PhD-level faculty who work in professional and clinical settings teach the courses. They bring their expertise to the classroom, helping students prepare for real social work practice.

Advanced standing MSW option at Colby-Sawyer

If you have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program, you can choose the 12-month advanced standing option. This fast track lets qualified students earn their MSW in half the time.

To get into the advanced standing program, you need:

• A completed online application
• A BSW from a CSWE-accredited school
• At least a 3.0 GPA
• A BSW earned in the last eight years (with possible exceptions)
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended
• Statement of purpose
• One or more recommendation letters
• Resume or CV

The college doesn’t ask for GRE scores for either program track. They might want an interview to see if you’re a good fit.

Advanced standing students focus mainly on specialist year courses. This respects their BSW knowledge while keeping high MSW standards. Students still do 500 hours of supervised field work in advanced settings.

The college also offers a budget-friendly BSW-to-MSW program (MSW 3+2). Undergraduate students in Sociology & Human Services and Crime & Legal Studies can earn both degrees in five years.

Accreditation status

The MSW program has reached candidacy for accreditation with the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation. This shows the program’s quality and progress toward meeting professional standards.

Candidacy means the college shows strong dedication to meeting CSWE’s Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). Full accreditation should come in early 2026.

Students who start during the candidacy year will graduate from a CSWE-accredited program once it gets full accreditation. Current and future students will earn an accredited MSW degree if the program stays on track.

The candidacy covers all program options and delivery methods. This means high-quality education no matter how students take classes. The process checks program quality and graduate competence.

Beyond the MSW program, Colby-Sawyer College has full accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). This proves the college’s overall quality through peer review.

NECHE accreditation shows Colby-Sawyer has everything needed to achieve its goals. The college proves this through its programs and will likely continue doing so.

Most states require graduation from a CSWE-accredited program (or candidate program) for social work licensure. The program prepares students for clinical licensure requirements in New Hampshire and beyond.

The program’s candidacy status shows its quality. Students shouldn’t worry about future success or licensure eligibility, so long as the program gets full accreditation as planned.

University of New Hampshire MSW Overview

The University of New Hampshire is the state’s oldest MSW education provider. Their complete advanced generalist program prepares social work professionals to work in a variety of practice settings. UNH has built its reputation on making quality education accessible without compromising academic standards.

Structure and duration

UNH’s Department of Social Work has a full-time advanced generalist MSW program that needs 62 academic credits for traditional students. Students first build their knowledge foundation and then develop specialized skills. Traditional standing students usually finish the program in 28 months. This timeline works well for people who want to become social workers.

Students with BSW degrees from accredited programs can take the advanced standing option. This path substantially cuts down the time needed to graduate. Advanced standing students only need 35 credits and can get their degree in about 16 months. This creates a faster route to career growth.

The program has two main phases:

First Year (Foundation)

• Foundation courses that teach core social work knowledge and skills
• First field education placement (about 620 hours)
• Classes run Monday-Wednesday so students can do field work Thursday-Friday

Second Year (Advanced)

• Advanced practice courses and electives
• Second field education placement (about 620 hours)
• Classes run Wednesday-Thursday for field work on Monday-Tuesday-Friday

Field education is the key to UNH’s MSW experience. Traditional standing students complete two internships that add up to 1,240 hours of supervised practice. These placements happen over two academic years and let students apply their classroom knowledge in real life. Advanced standing students do fewer field hours but still get great hands-on experience through their single placement.

Students can focus on four main practice areas:

1. Addictions
2. Children, Youth, and Families
3. Disability
4. Health and Mental Health

Students can also create their own field of practice that matches their career goals. This lets them shape their education around what they want to do professionally.

UNH also has a unique dual degree option with the Outdoor Education Program. Students can earn both an M.S.W. and an M.S. in Kinesiology (Outdoor Education Focus) in just two and a half years. This dual degree is perfect for graduates who want careers in adventure therapy.

Delivery format

UNH gives students several ways to complete their MSW based on their needs and priorities:

Durham Campus Program

• Traditional face-to-face classes on UNH campus
• Choose between two-year full-time or three-to-four-year part-time
• Regular 14-week academic semester schedule
• New students start each fall

Online MSW Program

• Everything happens online – no campus visits needed
• Full-time students finish in 28 months
• Part-time options work well for students who need more time
• Start in fall, spring, or summer

The online program uses an innovative approach. Most courses let students work at their own pace through readings, modules, discussion boards, and assignments. Working professionals can easily fit their studies around their jobs.

Some courses need live participation. These sessions usually happen Monday or Wednesday evenings and make shared learning easier. While these live sessions take time, they give students direct feedback and group discussions.

Online courses run in “E-terms” – eight-week sessions with five terms each year. This quick pace is different from campus classes. Full-time online students usually take two courses at once. Students who want a slower pace can take one class per term.

Both formats have the same academic standards and results. They differ only in scheduling and delivery. Every UNH MSW graduate has the same core skills, whatever format they choose.

Advanced standing works with both campus and online programs. Campus students start in summer, while online students begin in fall. Online advanced standing usually takes 16 months.

MSW program structure and duration

UNH’s MSW program has several special features:

Field Education IntegrationStudents do their field work at agencies in their local communities. The internship office helps students find the right places that line up with their career goals. Online MSW students spend three days (24 hours) weekly in field placements for four E-terms.

Academic Requirements and Standards The program sets high standards. Grades below B- in graded courses or failing grades in credit/fail courses don’t meet requirements. Students who fail 9 or more credits will leave the program. This shows UNH’s commitment to professional excellence.

Curriculum FlexibilityMuch of the curriculum has required courses, but students can take three electives. They must take at least one elective from Social Work Department courses. This gives students room to explore their interests.

Admission RequirementsStudents need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Advanced standing needs a BSW from an accredited program earned in the last five years. Applications focus on academic background and potential success in graduate social work.

Program AccreditationUNH’s MSW program has full CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) accreditation. This means graduates can take licensing exams in any state.

Bridge Course for Advanced StandingAdvanced standing students take a Bridge course (SW 900) to move from undergraduate to graduate work. Durham students do this in summer, while online students start in August and begin the Bridge course in January. This course ensures students have the right foundation before advanced work.

UNH stands out among New Hampshire’s MSW programs with its mix of flexibility, complete curriculum, and solid reputation. Whether you choose the traditional track or use your BSW for advanced standing, UNH has the right path to advanced social work practice.

Field Practicum and Clinical Preparation

_{Image Source: College of Health and Human Services – University of New Hampshire}

Field education is a foundational part of MSW training in New Hampshire. It connects classroom theory with hands-on practice. Both MSW programs in the state put great emphasis on practical experiences. They know professional competency grows through guided real-life application.

Practicum placement support

Finding the right field placements that arrange with your career goals is a significant part of MSW education. MSW programs in NH have built strong systems that help students through this process.

The Department of Social Work at the University of New Hampshire has dedicated field education coordinators. These coordinators help students find suitable internship sites in their communities. This personal touch makes sure placements fit your career goals and program needs. The department’s relationships with many community agencies open doors to different practice settings.

UNH students work with placement schedules that complement their classroom learning. Durham program students complete their first-year placements on Thursdays and Fridays (16 hours weekly). Their second-year placements happen on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays (24 hours weekly). Manchester and Online students need similar hours but can set their schedules with field supervisors.

UNH doesn’t let students “bank” hours to finish placements early. This rule shows how much they value consistent participation throughout the term. Students must work during daytime hours when agencies run at full capacity. Evening or weekend-only placements would limit their exposure to key activities like staff meetings and team conferences.

Colby-Sawyer College has a practicum director who helps students find the right field experiences. The college’s mutually beneficial alliances, including one with Dartmouth Health, create specialized placement chances in palliative care, family addiction treatment, and care management.

Both schools follow a step-by-step model for field education:

• First Placements build basic practice skills and provide foundation experience
• Second Placements focus on advanced generalist skills, often in specialized settings

This approach helps students build skills that match their classroom progress.

Optional clinical track for licensure preparation

Many MSW graduates want to get licensed, especially those interested in clinical practice. So, both MSW programs in New Hampshire offer paths that support license preparation.

Colby-Sawyer College lets students choose a clinical track that prepares them for social work licensure. This special path has courses and field experiences that meet New Hampshire’s license requirements. It creates an efficient route toward professional credentials.

The clinical track offers focused courses in:

• Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis
• Addiction, Trauma & Mental Health
• Multicultural Mental Health Practice

These courses match the knowledge areas tested in licensing exams, particularly the clinical-level exam from the Association of Social Work Boards.

New Hampshire requires MSW degree holders to complete specific supervised hours that change based on license level. Programs know this requirement and plan field placements to help students get qualifying hours.

Mental health practice matters a lot in New Hampshire. UNH students can study health and mental health as one of four main practice areas. This path includes relevant courses and field placements where students learn clinical assessment and intervention skills.

The time needed to get licensed changes based on how fast you complete your application and how quickly the board processes it. Most people take several months to finish supervised experience and pass their exams.

Real-life application of MSW coursework in NH

Field practicum lets students use what they learn in class in real situations. These experiences help build practical skills needed for professional social work.

UNH runs field education alongside classroom teaching. This setup helps students use concepts right away. Foundation year students spend two days each week in field placements (16 hours). Advanced year students work three days weekly (24 hours). This model helps students connect theory and practice through constant learning and application.

The university places students across New Hampshire in:

• Schools and educational institutions
• Hospitals and healthcare organizations
• Mental health centers
• Child welfare agencies
• Addiction treatment programs
• Community-based organizations

Students work at places like Elliot Hospital, Greater Manchester Mental Health Center, Casey Family Services, DCYF, Dana Farber, and Wentworth Douglass Hospital. This variety helps them learn about different groups and ways of working.

Students develop specific skills through these placements. First-year students learn professional ethics, manage personal values, set boundaries, and show respect for diversity. Advanced year students build on these basics. They learn to work with different clients, do full assessments, and use the right theories and intervention models.

Students working in New Hampshire’s behavioral health services learn relationship building, motivational interviewing, acute interventions, and crisis planning. They get a full picture of client issues, psychosocial history, treatment plans, diagnoses, and crisis management. These skills help them find jobs after graduation.

Both schools focus on building professional identity while teaching skills. Students learn how agencies work and how to be good team members. This professional growth matters just as much as technical skills for future jobs.

UNH wants students to be reliable and punctual at their placements. This professional behavior, combined with academic work, prepares students well for social work in New Hampshire.

Licensed professionals like LCSW, LCMHC, or MLADC supervise students during field work. This supervision helps students grow while ensuring proper client care in a supportive learning space.

Field education connects classroom learning with practical work. Students learn to communicate well, use research in their practice, and grow professionally. These skills stay valuable whatever path they choose after graduation.

Career Outcomes and Specialization Paths

_{Image Source: College of Health and Human Services – University of New Hampshire}

MSW program graduates in New Hampshire step into a strong job market that offers great opportunities and competitive salaries. The state’s social work profession lets you specialize based on your interests and what employers want.

Career opportunities for MSW graduates in NH

New Hampshire offers excellent employment prospects for social work professionals, particularly those with advanced degrees. Healthcare social workers make an average of $79,400 annually, putting the state at ninth place nationally. Social workers without specific designations earn even better, with average salaries of $102,090, making New Hampshire the fourth-highest paying state in this category.

Healthcare social workers lead the pack with average yearly earnings of $68,240. Mental health and substance abuse social workers follow with annual earnings averaging $60,950. Child, family, and school social workers make up the largest group in the state and earn about $55,650 yearly.

The future looks bright for social workers. Healthcare social work positions should increase by 28% between 2010 and 2020. Substance abuse and mental health social work jobs should grow by 27% during this time. This is a big deal as it means that social work is growing much faster than other jobs.

New MSW graduates usually find jobs quickly. More than 80% of them either land positions or receive offers by September after spring graduation. About 82% of these professionals work directly with individuals, families, or groups.

Specialization areas aligned with NH workforce needs

New Hampshire’s unique demographic and social challenges create specific needs for specialized social work services. The state’s opioid crisis creates a huge demand for addiction treatment specialists. Mental health and substance abuse social workers earn about $10,400 more than the national average for this specialty.

The growing older population in New Hampshire creates excellent opportunities in gerontological social work. These specialists help coordinate healthcare, prevent elder abuse, and support dementia care.

Child, family, and school social work remains the most popular specialty, with about 850 professionals working statewide. They help address increasing child welfare cases and growing school mental health needs.

Other high-demand specializations include:

• Healthcare social work in hospitals and long-term care facilities
• Community organization and policy advocacy
• Trauma-informed practice specialists

These specialties match perfectly with what NH’s MSW programs offer, so students can shape their education to fit what employers want.

How MSW programs prepare students for leadership roles

MSW programs in New Hampshire build leadership skills alongside clinical expertise. UNH students can choose leadership-focused electives while getting hands-on management experience through field placements.

UNH’s Department of Social Work places students with organizations like United Way, mental health centers, and hospitals where they learn about administration. Students watch and practice program development, staff supervision, and resource management.

Students interested in administration can work toward becoming Program Directors or Clinical Supervisors. These roles require leadership, strategic planning, and financial management skills – all part of the MSW coursework.

About 80% of new MSW graduates plan to get clinical licensure within five years. This credential often helps them move into leadership positions. Licensed clinical social workers often become supervisors who guide newer practitioners.

Professional networking plays a vital role in leadership development. UNH’s Students of Social Work (S.O.S.W.) helps students connect with professionals and find mentors. NASW-NH membership gives access to specialty groups in aging, mental health, and private practice.

MSW graduates can also shape policy, using New Hampshire’s tight-knit civic community to influence social welfare broadly. This path helps social workers tackle systemic issues while leading beyond direct service.

These educational elements create MSW graduates who become leaders ready to advance social work and solve complex social challenges throughout New Hampshire.

Earn Your MSW in New Hampshire

Getting an MSW degree in New Hampshire provides excellent career preparation, even with just a few programs available. Both the University of New Hampshire and Colby-Sawyer College give you the essential skills needed to succeed in social work settings of all types. The extensive field practicum requirement, ranging from 900 to 1,240 hours, gives you valuable hands-on experience before graduation.

These MSW programs shine when it comes to flexibility. You can choose between UNH’s traditional campus experience or Colby-Sawyer’s hybrid format based on your schedule and learning priorities. Students with a BSW degree can take advantage of accelerated advanced standing tracks at both schools, which substantially reduce graduation time.

New Hampshire offers promising career prospects for MSW graduates. Healthcare social workers earn median salaries of $63,870 annually, while mental health and substance abuse social workers make $61,480 per year. These numbers show the strong need for qualified social work professionals across the state, especially when you have specialized skills in addiction treatment, healthcare, and mental health services.

Your chosen program’s accreditation status plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. UNH holds full CSWE accreditation, while Colby-Sawyer’s program maintains candidacy status with full accreditation expected by 2026. Students entering during the candidacy period will receive recognition as graduates from a CSWE-accredited program once full accreditation happens.

Both programs let you align your education with specific career goals and regional workforce needs through specialization opportunities. You can develop expertise in high-demand areas like addiction treatment, child welfare, healthcare, or gerontological social work.

Pursuing an MSW in New Hampshire is a powerful step toward a rewarding career helping others. While you can choose between just two schools, these programs’ quality and depth ensure you’ll graduate ready to make meaningful contributions to the social work profession and your community.