3 Top MSW Programs in West Virginia

West Virginia offers strong opportunities for advancing your social work career. Three distinct universities in the Mountain State offer excellent MSW programs, each bringing unique strengths to social work education and providing clear pathways for professional growth.

You’ll find quality options that match your goals. Concord University features a social-first online program that specializes in rural practice. Marshall University provides a complete range of courses. The WVU MSW program and other MSW programs in WV give you choices between traditional two-year tracks with 900 hours of fieldwork and advanced standing options tailored for BSW degree holders.

These three institutions – Concord, Marshall, and West Virginia University – shape the future of social welfare throughout the state. Their programs prepare you as either a generalist social worker or an advanced integrated practitioner who can serve people from all backgrounds in different settings.

Concord University MSW Program

Concord University leads MSW programs in West Virginia with its fully online Master of Social Work program. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited the program in June 2015. Students seeking quality social work education with a specialized rural focus consider this program a top choice.

Program Overview

Students graduating from Concord University’s MSW program are ready for advanced generalist social work practice with expertise in rural settings. The program builds on a systems approach and strengths perspective. This design meets the needs of students who live and work in rural areas.

Social work education at Concord started as a concentration within the sociology major in 1971 and has grown substantially since then. The Bachelor of Social Work program earned accreditation in 1974. The MSW program achieved CSWE candidacy in July 2013 and full accreditation in 2015.

The program’s 100% online delivery makes it available to students whatever their location.

The program’s main goals that line up with its mission are:

1. Students learn advanced social work practice focused on rural areas
2. Critical thinking skills develop within rural contexts
3. Students develop a reflective approach to practice
4. Students learn to analyze rural culture and systems
5. Skills grow in analyzing rural social policies and creating change
6. Students address human rights, oppression, and justice in rural settings

These goals show the program’s commitment to preparing social workers who can serve rural communities effectively.

Specializations at Concord University

Rural practice is Concord University’s MSW program’s main focus. The program wants to prepare social workers for the unique challenges and opportunities in rural communities.

This rural focus spreads through the entire curriculum. Advanced year students apply generalist knowledge to rural settings. The systems approach and strengths perspective help students work effectively in rural social service settings.

Students learn to handle human rights issues, oppression, discrimination, and social justice as they show up in rural environments. Graduates can improve their clients’ social and economic well-being in rural settings at all practice levels—micro, mezzo, and macro.

The Appalachian Culture, Structures, and Environment course gives students deep insights into the region where many will practice. This course shows how rural specialization weaves through the advanced curriculum.

Tuition

Based on the information from Concord University’s website, here are the Graduate Program tuition rates that would apply to the MSW (Master of Social Work) program:

Graduate Program Tuition & Fees (Fall 2025 – Summer 2026)

• Tuition: $565 per credit hour
• Additional Class Fees: $80 per credit hour or $720 for full-time students

The website doesn’t list any MSW-specific tuition rates, though it does mention that some programs like Nursing and Physician Assistant have program-specific costs. The information provided shows the standard graduate program rates, which would typically apply to the MSW program unless otherwise specified.

If you need program-specific details for the MSW program, you might want to contact Concord University’s Financial Aid office or the Department of Social Work & Sociology directly for the most accurate information.

Admission Requirements

Based on the information from Concord University’s website, here are the admission requirements for their MSW program:

Application Deadlines

• Fall Deadline: April 15
• Spring Deadline: November 15

Note: All required documents must be received by the deadline for the application to be reviewed.

For Students Without a BSW:

• Required to complete the Standard Generalist Curriculum followed by the Advanced Generalist Curriculum
• 60 semester credit hours required for graduation
• Can be completed in 2 calendar years of full-time study
• Part-time schedule available (3-4 years)

For Students With a CSWE Accredited BSW:

• Must have received BSW within the past seven years
• Minimum 3.0 GPA in Social Work classes
• Minimum 2.75 overall GPA
• May apply directly to the Advanced Year (Advanced Standing)
• 36 semester credit hours required for graduation
• Can be completed in 1 calendar year of full-time study
• Part-time schedule available (1.5-3 years)

Important Notes

• The program cannot grant social work course credit for any life experience or work experience
• Students transferring from another CSWE accredited MSW Program may request to have a maximum of 6 credits from the generalist year transferred
• Transfer courses must match Concord’s MSW courses and must have been completed within the last two years
• Only courses with grades of “A” or “B” are considered for transfer
• Credits are generally not accepted for the advanced generalist year due to the program’s specialization in rural practice

The MSW program is fully online and prepares graduates for advanced generalist social work practice with a specialization in rural practice. The program was accredited in June 2015.

Marshall University MSW Program

Marshall University offers a resilient Master of Social Work program that prepares students for careers in integrated behavioral health practice. The program, located in Huntington, West Virginia, serves as the life-blood of social work education in the state’s tri-state area.

Program Overview of Marshall University MSW

Marshall University’s MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes CSWE as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States. The program shows a strong commitment to human rights and social justice. This commitment represents Marshall’s dedication to pluralism and building a strong civil society.

The program offers two distinct pathways:

• The 36-hour Specialist/Advanced Standing Program (for BSW holders) – students complete this in 1 calendar year
• The 66-hour Generalist/Foundation Program (for non-BSW holders) – students complete this in 2 academic years

Students can choose either full-time or part-time study. Evening courses help working professionals balance their education with work.

Students can attend classes at three locations:

• Marshall University Main Campus (Huntington)
• Marshall University Mid-Ohio Valley Campus (Point Pleasant)
• Marshall University Graduate College (Charleston)

Marshall’s MSW program stands out because of its customized attention from faculty. Students progress through the program in cohorts, which makes shared networks and relationships among peers possible.

Specializations at Marshall University

Marshall University’s MSW program offers specialized training in two areas:

1. Integrated Behavioral Health This specialization helps you work where mental health meets primary care. You’ll learn to help underserved populations with multiple chronic conditions. Students can get internships at the Marshall University School of Medicine’s Rural Health Initiative Programs.
2. Integrated Behavioral Health AdministrationThis online specialization serves residents in the Tri-State area and BSW holders admitted to Advanced Standing.

Both specializations focus on specific groups:

• Rural and Underserved Populations
• Military Veterans and Military Families

The program creates research opportunities that merge different disciplines at Marshall University. Students learn to combine behavioral health and primary care. This approach helps graduates work in healthcare settings where mental health and physical health intersect.

Students interested in behavioral health can choose from two elective platforms:

• Behavioral Health Services for Military Families
• Behavioral Health Services for Underserved Populations

These electives help you place in context your learning and build expertise with specific vulnerable populations based on your career goals.

Admission Requirements for Marshall University MSW

Marshall University looks for mature students who know how to work with people. Emotional stability, good interpersonal skills, and academic capability matter too. The admission requirements help identify candidates with these qualities.

Application Timeline:

• Fall Enrollment: Application window opens January 15th and closes March 30th
• Students don’t need GRE or other standardized test scores

Minimum GPA Requirements:

• 0 Social Work GPA
• 75 Overall GPA
• The school reviews other GPAs case by case

Advanced Standing Requirements: BSW holders seeking admission to the 36-hour program must meet these criteria:

• BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the last 7 years
• 00 cumulative GPA and 3.25 social work GPA
• The 36-hour program rarely accepts applicants below these GPA thresholds
• Students with a “C” or lower in social work foundation courses might need to retake them

Required Application Materials:

1. Completed Graduate Admission application
2. Official academic transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
3. Admissions statement covering four topics:
   • Description of a social problem or problem strategy that interests you most
   • Your commitment to social work roles affecting major problems
   • Your plan to keep work relevant to disadvantaged groups
   • Your intellectual and personal qualities for successful social work practice
4. Resume showing current/past employment, volunteer roles, and service positions
5. Two recommendation letters (Advanced Standing applicants need three)

Advanced Standing applicants should submit field evaluations or get a recommendation from their Director of Field Education, on-site Practicum Supervisor, or Practicum/Practice Instructor.

Fieldwork and Curriculum at Marshall University

Marshall University’s MSW curriculum builds from generalist foundations to specialized practice in behavioral health.

Generalist/Foundation Program (66 hours total):

Fall Semester – First Year

• SWK 501: Generalist/Foundations of Generalist Practice I (3 credits)
• SWK 511: Generalist/Foundations of Human Behavior in the Social Environment (3 credits)
• SWK 521: Generalist/Foundations of Policy (3 credits)

Spring Semester – First Year

• SWK 531: Generalist/Foundations of Generalist Practice II (3 credits)
• SWK 541: Generalist/Foundations of Research (3 credits)
• SWK 551: Generalist/Foundation Field Practicum (3 credits)

Summer Semester – First Year

• SWK 551: Generalist/Foundation Field Practicum (6 credits)
• SWK 615: Psychopathology (3 credits) – students can take this in summer or fall of Generalist year 2
• SWK Elective (available during summer of Generalist year 1 or year 2)

Students move to the Advanced Curriculum in their second year.

Field Practicum Requirements:

• Generalist Program Students: 900 hours of supervised field experience
  • First placement: 450 hours over Spring and Summer of first year (18-24 hours weekly)
  • Second placement: 450 hours over Fall, Spring, and Summer of second year (12-16 hours weekly)
• Advanced Standing Students: One 450-hour placement over three semesters

During practicum experiences, students learn to:

• Understand agency context and orientation
• Provide service to client systems of all sizes
• Recognize and respect diverse client systems’ dignity and worth
• Understand how agencies employ the social service network
• Review agency effectiveness

The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking in both generalist and advanced practice levels. Faculty field liaisons conduct four 90-minute seminars each semester to help merge theory with practice.

The curriculum aims to develop social workers who can assess, treat, and review mental health, substance abuse, and physical health in various settings.

Program Cost

Understanding tuition structures and fees helps you plan your MSW education at Marshall University.

Graduate Tuition Rates (2025-2026):

• WV Residents: $4,812 per semester
• Metro Residents: $7,965 per semester
• Non-Residents: $11,060 per semester

Graduate Tuition Rates (2024-2025):

• WV Residents: $4,695 per semester
• Metro Residents: $7,941 per semester
• Non-Residents: $11,036 per semester

Graduate Tuition Rates (2023-2024):

• WV Residents: $4,580 per semester
• Metro Residents: $7,917 per semester
• Non-Residents: $11,012 per semester

Online MSW students pay:

• $509 per credit hour ($4,580 per semester) without additional fees

Total program costs vary by program:

• 36-hour Specialist/Advanced Standing Program: About $18,324 for WV residents (at $509 per credit)
• 66-hour Generalist/Foundation Program: About $33,594 for WV residents (at $509 per credit)

Research shows Marshall University’s MSW program costs between $29,946 and $30,760. 99% of students get financial aid. This high financial aid rate makes the program available to many prospective students.

Marshall University’s MSW program offers excellent value. Graduates often find jobs in the social work field. Alumni work in hospitals, mental health centers, shelters for battered women, and many other human service agencies. The program proves valuable with growing social worker demand in the Tri-State area and nationwide.

Advanced Standing students can finish in one calendar year, while Generalist Program students need two academic years. This timeline affects your total education cost and should guide your financial planning.

West Virginia University (WVU) MSW Program

West Virginia University’s School of Social Work offers a complete MSW program through the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. This nationally accredited program helps students become skilled at advanced integrated practice. Students learn to address social and human issues in a variety of professional settings.

Program Overview of WVU MSW

The WVU MSW program stands out among MSW programs in West Virginia through its commitment to educate students in advanced integrated practice social work. The program operates from WVU’s Morgantown campus, located 70 miles south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Students can choose between on-campus and fully online delivery options.

The WVU School of Social Work received accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in 1942. Over the last several years, the school has managed to keep its strong reputation. Students become leaders ready to solve challenging social issues through rigorous research, state-of-the-art academic methods, and public service. US News & World Report recognized the program’s excellence by ranking it #83 in their 2024 rankings of graduate schools of social work.

Students benefit from the program’s flexibility through:

• Two degree plan options: Regular Standing and Advanced Standing
• Two course delivery modalities: on-campus and online
• Full-time and part-time study options

The program has evolved to include digital literacy in both its on-campus and online formats. This ensures graduates are ready for 21st-century social work practice. Students interested in combining disciplines can pursue a dual degree option. This collaboration with the School of Law results in both a Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) and Master of Social Work (MSW).

Specializations at WVU

The WVU MSW program’s exclusive focus on Advanced Integrated Practice sets it apart from other MSW programs in WV. This specialized approach builds on generalist practice. Students learn to merge micro, mezzo, and macro practice skills across service sectors and within interdisciplinary teams.

Students learn effective models of rural service delivery. The program recognizes unique challenges of practicing in areas like the Appalachian region. This all-encompassing approach ensures graduates can tackle social and human problems relevant to many professional practice areas.

Program graduates will be able to:

• Create and implement integrated service delivery models for diverse client populations
• Design and conduct assessment and intervention methods consistent with practice contexts
• Build evidence-informed theoretical frameworks appropriate to various practice situations
• Organize collaboration with other professions to coordinate intervention efforts
• Design and conduct practice-based evaluation methods and apply findings to improve effectiveness

This specialized curriculum prepares graduates to work throughout the United States and internationally. They take roles as treatment specialists, community planners, social work educators, and social service administrators.

Admission Requirements

Regular Standing

• Domestic applicants: Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college/university OR Graduate degree from a regionally accredited university
• International applicants: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (Note: international applicants outside the US are not eligible for the online MSW program)

Advanced Standing

• Domestic applicants: BSW from a CSWE-accredited program within the last 8 years
• International applicants: BSW from a CSWE-accredited program (or recognized through International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Services) within the last 8 years
• Advanced standing allows you to waive foundation-level courses and the Generalist-Foundation field experience

GPA Requirements

• Minimum 2.75 overall GPA (3.0 preferred)
• 25+ GPA preferred for advanced standing applicants in undergraduate social work courses
• Provisional admission possible for GPAs below 2.75 based on application strength

Application Requirements

• Complete the combined WVU Graduate/School of Social Work application
• $60 application fee per application
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate coursework
• Current resume including employment and volunteer experience with dates
• Three professional letters of recommendation addressing:
  • Academic background
  • Social Work/Human Service Experience (volunteer or paid)
  • Employment
• Detailed admission essay following specific format requirements
• English language proficiency test scores for international non-native English speakers

Application Deadlines

• On-Campus Programs:
  • Early Decision: November 1
  • Priority Deadline: January 15
  • Final Deadline: March 1
• Online Programs:
  • Early Decision: November 1
  • Priority Deadline: February 1
  • Final Deadline: April 15

The School of Social Work does not give academic credit for work or life experience.

Based on the information scraped from the WVU Graduate Admissions website, here’s what I can tell you about tuition for graduate programs, including the MSW program:

General Graduate Tuition Rates (2025-2026)

• In-state tuition and fees: $12,123 per year
• Out-of-state tuition and fees: $31,428 per year

These rates are based on two semesters with a minimum of 9 credits each.

Important Notes About MSW Tuition:

1. In addition to these base rates, your MSW program will charge college-specific tuition.
2. For on-campus programs, a $125 Mountaineer Athletics Advantage Fee is billed separately each fall and spring term.
3. These rates are subject to change.

Other potential expenses to consider include books, supplies, and living expenses. WVU recommends checking their “Estimate Costs and Aid” webpage for planning these additional expenses.

Choose Your WV MSW

These three MSW programs in West Virginia will help advance your social work career through quality education and hands-on experience. Each program has its own strengths while maintaining CSWE accreditation. They all share a commitment to preparing competent social work professionals.

Concord University shines with its fully online program designed for rural practice. You can access it from anywhere. The affordable tuition makes it an attractive choice for students who need quality education that fits their budget.

Marshall University excels at integrated behavioral health. It prepares you for work at the intersection of mental health and primary healthcare. Working professionals can balance their careers with evening classes at multiple campus locations.

West Virginia University completes these options with advanced integrated practice and flexible learning formats. Their focus on rural service delivery benefits students who want to serve Appalachian communities.

Your choice among these programs should match your career goals, learning style, and budget. Each school offers specialized paths – rural practice at Concord, integrated behavioral health at Marshall, and advanced integrated practice at WVU. These create different career opportunities you should think over carefully.

Field education is the cornerstone of all three programs. You’ll get practical experience while you learn in the classroom. Supervised placements of 600-900 hours will help you develop skills that work in a variety of practice settings.

Choosing any of these MSW programs is a big step toward expanding your social work influence. Their presence throughout West Virginia helps ensure qualified social workers meet critical needs across the Mountain State. Whether you pick Concord, Marshall, or WVU, your educational experience will prepare you to make meaningful contributions in many communities. You’ll also advance your professional prospects in this rewarding field.