5 Top-Rated MSW Programs in Oklahoma City: Campus & Online Options
Are you searching for MSW Programs in Oklahoma City that will prepare you to tackle the challenges of social work practice? You’re in the right place.
Oklahoma offers unique opportunities for social workers, especially when you have an interest in working with Native American populations. Native Americans make up about nine percent of the state’s population – far above the national average of 1.2 percent. Programs like Northeastern State University provide specialized training to work with these communities. Healthcare access remains the biggest problem since 94 percent of Oklahoma’s counties lack enough primary health professionals.
Your MSW Oklahoma degree will help you develop skills to address the state’s most important mental health challenges. Mental illness affects about 22 percent of Oklahoma’s population, which exceeds the national average of 18.19 percent. These programs blend knowledge from the Council on Social Work Education competencies among other guidelines from the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. Students who want to become social workers in Oklahoma need a minimum 3.0 GPA from their previous degree. Scholarships range from $300 to $3,000 per academic year.
Let’s look at the five top-rated MSW programs in Oklahoma City that can jumpstart your career as an agent of change in this challenging yet rewarding field.
1. Northeastern State University (NSU)
Northeastern State University’s MSW program shines with its unique approach to preparing social workers who work with Native American populations. The program blends traditional social work principles with specialized knowledge about indigenous communities. Students looking for culturally responsive training will find this program particularly valuable.
Program Overview
NSU’s Master of Social Work degree creates competent and effective professionals through advanced standing and traditional pathways. The Council on Social Work Education fully accredits this program, which means graduates receive education meeting national standards. The curriculum combines knowledge, skills, and values from CSWE competencies with the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.
NSU’s program stands out from other MSW options in Oklahoma because it focuses on social work practice with Native American populations. Graduates learn to work with indigenous communities and understand their cultural contexts and needs. Students develop advanced clinical skills, research expertise, and hands-on experience that helps them support individuals, families, and communities in mental health and social services.
The program also prepares graduates to take the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) exam in Oklahoma. This becomes crucial for anyone who wants to become a social worker with advanced credentials in the state.
Program Format
Students can choose from several program formats based on their education and schedule:
- Advanced Standing Pathway (32 credit hours) – This option suits students who have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE accredited program. It speeds up the process by recognizing prior social work education.
- Traditional Pathway (58 credit hours) – Students with undergraduate degrees in other fields take this route. They get detailed training typically covered in a BSW program.
Students can pick from these schedule options:
- Full-time Advanced Standing (1-year) program
- Part-time Advanced Standing (2-year) program
- Traditional Pathway full-time (2-year) program
- Traditional Pathway part-time (3-year) program
Each option maintains high academic standards and prepares students well for professional social work. The courses build knowledge step by step, with advanced topics following basic concepts.
Specializations Offered
NSU’s curriculum lets students focus on Indigenous & Rural Communities. This specialty area teaches skills needed to work in indigenous communities and rural areas where resources might be scarce and cultural understanding matters most.
The specialization matches NSU’s mission to serve Native American communities. Students learn culturally responsive methods and community-based approaches through specialized courses and field work.
The program features courses like “Ecological Approach to Practice with Native American Children, Youth and Families,” which teaches specific skills for working with indigenous populations. This focus helps graduates tackle unique challenges in these settings.
Admission Requirements
NSU’s MSW program has specific entry requirements for each pathway:
For the Advanced Standing Pathway, you need:
- A BSW degree from a CSWE accredited program
- A minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale
For the Traditional Pathway, you need:
- An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited or internationally listed college or university
- A minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale
Students with GPAs between 2.80-2.99 might get conditional admission. The same applies to those with GPAs below 2.80 who earned 3.0 or higher in their last 60 undergraduate hours. These students must earn a 3.25 GPA in their first 9 program hours to gain regular admission.
Applications open from November 1st to April 30th yearly. Advanced Standing students start in summer, while Traditional Pathway students begin in fall.
Tuition and Financial Aid
NSU offers more affordable tuition than most schools. For 2025-26, in-state students pay $8,868, while the national average sits at $12,422. Out-of-state tuition costs $18,618, much less than the $29,767 national average.
Total costs with food and housing ($12,448) reach $23,328 for in-state and $32,782 for out-of-state students. Financial aid brings the average net price down to between $7,799 and $15,936, depending on family income.
NSU offers these financial aid options:
- Need-based scholarships (first-year students average $10,570)
- Merit-based aid (non-need-based awards average $4,082)
- Federal loans (graduates typically owe $17,367)
- Work-study opportunities
The university meets about 83% of students’ financial needs. Military-connected students can use G.I. Bill benefits and the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Career Opportunities
NSU’s MSW program opens doors to many social work careers. Graduates can become licensed social workers in Oklahoma, with several licensure options matching their career goals.
Oklahoma offers five social work license levels, and four need a master’s degree. Everyone must pass an Association of Social Work Boards exam, and some licenses require supervised experience.
MSW graduates from NSU work as:
- Community mental health therapists
- Medical social workers
- School social workers
- Program developers
- Clinical practitioners
- Social service administrators
Students aiming for clinical practice can prepare for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials. The university helps with resumes, interview practice, and connects students to internships and jobs.
NSU builds successful social work careers through strong academics, practical experience, and special focus on Native American populations. Graduates can work in many settings across Oklahoma and beyond.
2. University of Oklahoma (OU)
The University of Oklahoma’s Master of Social Work program builds on more than a century of social work education. Students get research-informed methods and practical experience through this nationally recognized curriculum. OU runs one of Oklahoma’s oldest accredited MSW programs.
Program Overview
The Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work at the University of Oklahoma prepares students to practice advanced, ethical, and client-centered work in a variety of service settings. Students learn integrative practice and get complete knowledge and skills to help individuals, families, groups, and communities in various environments.
OU’s curriculum stands out among MSW Oklahoma programs. Students learn about sociocultural factors, human development, and professional responsibilities. They also develop effective methods to work with individuals, families, organizations, and communities. The program offers:
- Small class sizes for tailored instruction
- Access to advanced simulation facilities
- Opportunities for graduate research assistantships
- An environment that supports interdisciplinary collaboration
OU’s MSW program graduates become primary providers of mental health services. They address complex social challenges at both individual and systemic levels. Students progress from foundational principles to advanced skills, ending with field experiences that show their professional expertise.
Program Format
Students can choose between two main paths based on their educational background:
60-Hour Program (Full Program) – This option suits students with bachelor’s degrees in other fields. It has:
- Foundation Curriculum (30 credit hours) – Students learn simple social work practice skills at individual, group, and community levels
- Concentration Curriculum (30 credit hours) – Students develop advanced practice skills through specialized courses
33-Hour Advanced Standing Program – Students need a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the last seven years.
Both paths are flexible. The 60-hour program starts in fall, spring, and summer terms. The Advanced Standing program begins in summer. Students can complete the online MSW program in about 30 months for the 60-hour track or 15 months for Advanced Standing.
Specializations Offered
Students choose from two specialization tracks after foundation courses:
Direct Practice Track – Students learn clinical social work to provide direct client services in mental health clinics, hospitals, and schools.
Administration and Community Practice Track – Students gain leadership skills, program development expertise, and abilities for community-level work.
OU also offers a unique Certificate in Social Work with American Indians program. This 15-credit certificate comes from collaboration between Social Work and Native American Studies departments. Core courses include:
- Social Work with American Indians
- American Indian Behavioral Health
- Tribal US Child and Family Policy
Graduates learn to work effectively with tribal nations to help American Indian communities thrive.
Admission Requirements
OU’s MSW program needs applicants to meet these requirements:
General Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Liberal arts content in natural sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities
- Minimum 3.0 GPA on the last conferred degree
Students with GPAs between 2.75-2.99 might get conditional admission. They must maintain a “B” average (3.0 GPA) for their first 12 hours.
Application Materials:
- Completed online application with $50 application fee
- Resume or CV
- Three letters of recommendation from professional contacts
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- Responses to essay questions
Applications work on rolling admission with priority dates for scholarships (February 1) and general admission (April 1 for fall, October 1 for spring). Accepted students must pay a $350 nonrefundable deposit to secure their spot.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The University of Oklahoma bases its tuition rates on residency status and program format:
Campus-based program costs for graduate students:
- Resident tuition: $3,938 plus $920 in fees
- Non-resident tuition: $11,128 plus $920 in fees
Online MSW program costs:
- $645 per credit hour
- Total program cost: $38,700 for the 60-hour program
- Advanced Standing program: $21,285
Students can get financial support through:
- Scholarships from $300 to $3,000 per academic year based on academic performance, financial need, Oklahoma residency, service orientation, and commitment
- Graduate assistantships with tuition waivers, stipends, and student insurance
- Federal loans and work-study opportunities
- Special stipend programs like Child Welfare Professional Enhancement Program and Zarrow Mental Health Stipends
Students can apply for scholarships through the OU CASH system from October 1 to February 1 for the next school year.
Career Opportunities
OU’s MSW program leads to a field growing by a lot. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 6% growth for social work positions—much higher than other industries.
Graduates work in various roles:
- Clinical Social Worker (Behavioral Health Therapist)
- Client Advocate
- Community Engagement Specialist
- Program Administrator or Director
- School-Based Support Professional
- Social Worker in Legal or Forensic Settings
- Prevention and Wellness Coordinator
- Social Worker Serving Tribal or Indigenous Communities
The MSW degree helps graduates get licensed, a key step to become a social worker in oklahoma with advanced credentials. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits the MSW program, so graduates can start the licensure process in all 50 states.
OU offers a strong path for students seeking MSW programs in Oklahoma City. Students can choose campus or online options and get specialized training like the American Indians certificate.
3. Oklahoma State University – Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC)
OSU-OKC’s School of Human Services helps aspiring social service professionals advance their careers. The school offers specialized programs that create a path toward advanced social work education. Students looking at msw oklahoma pathways will find OSU-OKC’s foundational opportunities helpful to start their graduate-level social work studies.
Program Overview
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City’s School of Human Services offers degree and certificate programs in various human service careers. While it doesn’t offer a direct MSW degree, the school provides education in related fields. We focused on addictions counseling, crime victim/survivor services, early care education, fire protection, interpreter training, and police science.
The programs combine general education with career-preparatory courses and continuing education workshops. These offerings help students build strong foundations in specialized human service areas before they head over to MSW programs in Oklahoma City.
The Social Services Department offers degree programs in Addictions Counseling and Crime Victim/Survivor Services. These programs equip future social workers with skills in substance abuse treatment or trauma-informed practice.
Students aiming for graduate education can think over OSU’s Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science with an Applied Human Services option at the OSU Stillwater campus.
Program Format
While OSU-OKC doesn’t have a dedicated MSW program, it offers several degree formats that complement future social work education:
The associate degree programs in human services take about two years to complete. Many students start with these degrees before moving to four-year institutions to pursue MSW programs in Oklahoma City.
Students can explore OSU’s graduate options in related fields at the Stillwater campus. The Master of Science in Human Development and Family Science with Applied Human Services option needs 33 credit hours. Students complete a master’s capstone project and can specialize in developmental disabilities, infant mental health, or aging studies.
Distance learners can choose OSU’s online Family and Community Services master’s degree. This 36-hour program lets working professionals study at their own pace. Most students finish in three years by taking one or two courses each semester.
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4. University of Oklahoma Online MSW
University of Oklahoma’s Online MSW program offers the same high-quality curriculum as its campus program. Students get added convenience while maintaining academic standards. This accredited distance learning option brings OU’s educational excellence to students everywhere.
Program Overview
The Online MSW degree helps students make meaningful changes in a variety of settings. Students also get ready for the licensure process. The program started in 2019 to help students in rural areas, other states, and working adults who need fully online education. The curriculum blends synchronous and asynchronous learning methods. This approach maintains academic quality while giving students flexibility.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has fully accredited the program, just like its campus version. Graduates can begin the licensure application process in all 50 states. Students learn about practice, theory, research, and policy through a mix of self-paced coursework and live online sessions that build connections with faculty and peers.
Program Format
Students can choose between two paths based on their academic background:
- 60-Hour Program – Students with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than social work can take this option
- 33-Hour Advanced Standing Program – Students with a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program qualify for this track
Students can pick 9 credit hours of electives from approved lists in both tracks. Each course includes live sessions—four for core classes and two for electives. Attendance helps but isn’t mandatory. Most students dedicate 10 to 20 hours weekly to two courses.
Students progress through the program in cohorts. The 60-hour option starts in fall and spring, while the Advanced Standing option begins in summer. Students can finish the 60-hour program in 30 months or the Advanced Standing program in 15 months.
Specializations Offered
Students can earn the Certificate in Social Work with American Indians alongside their core studies. This 15-hour credential comes from collaboration between Social Work and Native American Studies departments.
The certificate needs three core courses:
- Social Work with American Indians
- American Indian Behavioral Health
- Tribal US Child and Family Policy
Students choose the remaining 6 hours from Social Work and Native American Studies courses with prior approval.
Admission Requirements
The online program shares admission requirements with the campus program but uses rolling admissions. Students can apply until two weeks before classes start, though some programs have earlier deadlines.
Students must send final undergraduate transcripts to the Graduate College before starting classes. Final GPAs need to meet admission standards. Students must pay a nonrefundable $350 deposit after admission to reserve their spot.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The program has straightforward pricing:
- $645 per credit hour
- 60-hour program total cost: $38,700
- Advanced Standing program cost: $21,285
Students can access federal and state loans, scholarships, and military assistance. A tuition calculator helps estimate costs and plan finances.
Online Career Opportunities
Graduates join a network of over 250,000 OU alumni worldwide. The program readies students for licensure in all 50 states. Career paths include healthcare, child and family services, corrections, community organizing, public health, disability advocacy, and public policy.
Field Education forms the foundation of career preparation. Students complete two tailored field placements under licensed social workers. This hands-on experience gives MSW Oklahoma graduates real-life preparation for their careers.
5. University of Oklahoma Certificate in Social Work with American Indians
This graduate credential gives you valuable knowledge about Indigenous populations to boost your social work education. The University of Oklahoma Certificate in Social Work with American Indians is a chance to serve tribal communities through specialized education.
Program Overview
The Social Work with American Indians Certificate comes from strategic collaborations between OU’s Department of Native American Studies and the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work. Students in this 15-credit hour program learn specialized skills to work with Indigenous populations in tribal and urban settings throughout the United States, especially in Oklahoma. Each course uses a strengths-based, systemic approach to tackle disparities that Indigenous communities face.
Program Format
Students must complete three required core courses (9 credit hours):
- SWK5343: Social Work with American Indians (Summer Course)
- SWK5303: American Indian Behavioral Health (Fall Course)
- SWK5283: Tribal US Child and Family Policy (Spring Course)
Students also choose six hours from approved Social Work and Native American Studies courses.
Specializations Offered
The coursework teaches policies in child welfare systems, behavioral health interventions from cultural viewpoints, and how historical trauma disrupts American Indian individuals and communities. Students gain hands-on experience through tribal-focused fieldwork that combines theory with practice.
Admission Requirements
MSW students can exclusively apply for this program. Students who want to pursue the certificate need to meet with Aubrey Fick to discuss coursework and processes. The Social Work with American Indians Certificate Program Report form must reach the Graduate College by the final semester.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Students can access the same financial help as the MSW program. The Child Welfare Professional Enhancement Program (CWPEP) offers stipends to students interested in child welfare. Students in masters-level practica can get Zarrow Mental Health Stipends. Graduate research assistantships provide tuition waivers, stipends, and student insurance.
Career Opportunities
Students become skilled at serving tribal nations through cultural competence and specialized training. This is a big deal as it means that 100% of students meet or exceed standards for tribal policy competency. Certificate holders can boost the well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native children, families, and communities. The credential proves especially valuable for careers in tribal child welfare systems, behavioral health services, and community development within Indigenous settings.
Choose Your Oklahoma City MSW Today
Your social work career can take a big leap forward when you pick the right MSW program. Oklahoma offers unique opportunities you won’t find anywhere else, thanks to its large Native American population. You’ll find five different programs that let you choose between traditional campus classes, online learning, or specialized certificates.
Northeastern State University excels with its Indigenous & Rural Communities focus. The University of Oklahoma gives you both campus-based and online options with similar accreditation standards. Students can start their advanced social work studies at OSU-OKC with foundational education. The University of Oklahoma’s Certificate in Social Work with American Indians helps students who want to work with tribal communities.
Several key factors will shape your final choice. Students with BSW degrees can take advantage of advanced standing options to finish faster. Working professionals can choose from full-time, part-time, or online formats that fit their schedule. Your career goals should guide your choice of specialization.
Money shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your dreams. These programs are available to everyone through scholarships ranging from $300 to $3,000 per academic year. You can also get assistantships, stipends, and federal aid. Students interested in child welfare and mental health can access dedicated funding.
Oklahoma’s MSW graduates have excellent career prospects. Mental health challenges affect about 22 percent of the state’s population – higher than the national average. Healthcare centers, child welfare agencies, school systems, and tribal organizations just need qualified social workers.
Most programs want a 3.0 GPA from your previous degree, though application requirements vary. Early planning helps you meet priority deadlines and secure financial aid.
These MSW programs will prepare you for licensure whatever path you choose. You’ll learn to address Oklahoma’s unique social challenges. The skills you gain, especially in working with Native American populations, will help you throughout your career.
A lasting difference in Oklahoma’s communities starts with the right educational foundation. These five programs will give you the training, credentials, and connections you need to make an impact in the state and beyond.