Best MSW Programs in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s MSW programs give you high-quality education with great affordability. The state has six to seven fully accredited Master of Social Work programs that provide different paths to advance your social work career.
You’ll find both campus-based and hybrid formats in Wisconsin’s MSW landscape to match your schedule. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee stands out as the state’s only institution with online MSW programs, which they’ve designed specifically for advance standing MSW students. The state’s residents benefit from some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, which range from $275 to $401 per credit. These rates make the programs attractive when you’re watching your budget.
The timing couldn’t be better for these affordable programs. Wisconsin’s population has a slightly higher percentage of residents aged 65 and over (14.8% compared to the national 14.1%). This demographic trend points to a growing need for qualified social workers across the state. Wisconsin has hired 9,430 social workers, and this number will likely grow in the coming years.
Concordia University Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin is a faith-centered institution that offers a detailed Master of Social Work program with a distinct Christian view. The 45-year-old MSW program received full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in February 2020, with accreditation retroactively covering graduates since August 2018.
Program overview
Concordia’s MSW program provides graduate education through a Christian lens. The program believes all people are born equal and in God’s image. Social work professionals learn the knowledge, values, and skills they need to curb oppressive systems in an increasingly diverse global society. The program wants to educate advanced generalist social workers who can engage in culturally responsive, ethical practice while advocating for justice and human rights.
The MSW program transitioned to a fully online, asynchronous format after receiving CSWE approval in September 2022. Students now have better access to the program while maintaining rigorous educational standards and accreditation status valid through June 2026.
Specializations offered
The Advanced Generalist specialization emphasizes research and evidence-based practice in social work. This versatile specialization prepares students to work with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations.
Students can take clinical licensure courses as part of their Advanced Generalist specialization. These courses prepare graduates to take the Wisconsin Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) exam after meeting licensure requirements. Licensed clinical social workers can work in clinical settings, courts, schools, and outpatient environments. They can practice as private therapists, run their own mental health businesses, and bill independently. Notwithstanding that, students must complete a clinical field placement during their advanced generalist field experience.
Admission requirements
Concordia’s MSW program requires several key qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university
- BSW from a CSWE-accredited program if applying for advanced standing (obtained in the last 7 years)
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 for full acceptance
- Advanced standing applicants need either a 3.5 GPA in all social work courses or a 3.0 GPA with one year of field experience
- One professional letter of recommendation addressing your potential for success
- Current resume detailing education, employment, volunteer work, and community involvement
- Personal essay using APA format explaining your interest in social work and career goals
- All official transcripts leading to your bachelor’s degree
The Department of Social Work requires students to complete a background check through the university’s designated provider before starting field education courses.
Program format
The MSW is a two-year graduate program with flexible options that fit various educational backgrounds and scheduling needs. Students can choose between Regular and Advanced Standing pathways. Regular standing students need 63 credits, while advanced standing students complete 36 credits.
Students enjoy a 100% online, asynchronous, and collaborative format. The program offers flexibility throughout the week to balance personal obligations, schoolwork, and required field placements. Both full-time and part-time options exist for Regular and Advanced Standing students. Students with a BSW from any CSWE-accredited program can qualify for advanced standing and complete their MSW faster.
Field education
Field education plays a vital role in Concordia’s MSW program by offering hands-on experience under qualified professionals. The program has contracts with more than 250 agencies that provide supervised experiences for MSW interns. A dedicated field placement coordinator helps each student find experiences that line up with their career interests.
Regular standing students must complete 900 hours of field education. Full-time students split these hours equally between two years, with 450 hours each year. Advanced standing students complete 500 hours of field education. Students typically spend 16 hours weekly in their field placement.
The program uses a concurrent model for field education. Students complete their placement over four semesters while taking classes. This traditional academic approach lets students merge social work theory and skills into practice as they learn. MSW professionals with two years of graduate-level practice experience and one year in the placement agency supervise field placements.
Tuition and costs
Concordia’s MSW program charges tuition per credit. Different sources list costs between $740 and $770 per credit, with yearly expenses around $23,310. Students must pay tuition fees online or at the Business Office before classes start.
Concordia helps make education affordable through scholarships, financial aid, and payment plans. Their “Uncommon Scholarships” range from $150 to $500 per three-credit course. These scholarships benefit Concordia alumni, employees of corporate and academic partners, employees of qualifying Christian churches and schools, veterans, and dependents.
Employer tuition reimbursement might be available, and Concordia’s payment plan breaks tuition into automatic monthly payments. Qualifying students can also apply for Federal Aid through FAFSA.
International students must pay a non-refundable $650 tuition deposit to secure their program spot. Additional fees may include technology charges based on total semester credits and parking fees for commuter and residential students.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison runs one of the state’s most respected MSW programs. Students can choose between traditional and specialized social work education paths. The Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work blends demanding academics with hands-on field experiences to prepare graduates for advanced practice.
Program overview
UW-Madison’s MSW program began its mission to build an equitable, healthy, and productive society. The program promotes human well-being and champions social and economic justice. Students learn to become skilled, culturally competent practitioners who will lead effectively in Wisconsin and beyond.
The MSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The curriculum follows a generalist social work practice approach. It includes content about social work values, ethics, and respect for diverse backgrounds. Students also learn strategies for at-risk populations and topics on social, economic, and environmental justice.
UW-Madison’s unique approach combines theory and practical applications throughout the program. Faculty members teach students to understand, affirm, and respect people from diverse backgrounds in every course.
Specializations offered
Students start with generalist foundation courses before moving to an advanced generalist specialization. The program features four focus areas:
- Aging (full-time program only)
- Child, Youth, and Family Welfare
- Health (full-time program only)
- Mental Health
Each focus area teaches specific skills for different populations and settings. To cite an instance, the Child, Youth, and Family Welfare focus teaches new prevention and intervention strategies. These methods help reduce risk and build resilience in children, youth, and families from varied backgrounds.
Students can choose a sub-focus within their concentration. Those interested should read the Specialization Handbook and talk to an advisor.
UW-Madison also offers dual degree options. MSW students can earn degrees in Public Health, Medicine, Law, Veterinary Medicine, or Pharmacy at the same time. Students must gain admission to both programs and meet each school’s degree requirements.
Admission requirements
UW-Madison has a competitive admissions process. Key requirements include:
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00 on the last 60 semester hours or a master’s degree with a minimum 3.00 GPA
- 30 semester credits of social science coursework before applying
- An approved statistics course before enrolling
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or comparable international degree
- Personal statement and analytic essay
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Three letters of recommendation
Advanced Standing applicants need a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. The degree must be earned within five years from graduation to enrollment. International applicants must meet extra requirements, including English proficiency tests.
Early application submission helps because staff needs up to four weeks to review materials and find issues. Late applications with problems will not be reviewed.
Program format
Students can choose between full-time and part-time formats. Full-time students finish in two academic years, while part-time students take four years.
BSW holders who qualify for advanced standing can graduate in two full-time semesters. These students skip the generalist foundation year and start with advanced curriculum.
The Part-Time MSW Program uses a hybrid format. Students attend in-person sessions every other Saturday on campus and complete online work [85, 86]. Online learning includes recorded lessons and live Zoom meetings.
Both formats follow the same curriculum. Part-time students take fewer courses each term over a longer period. Small class sizes help students bond with their cohort and build lasting relationships with instructors.
Field education
Field education is the life-blood of UW-Madison’s MSW program. Students get hands-on experience under professional supervision. The program partners with more than 100 agencies that provide learning opportunities.
Generalist Practice Year students must complete 512 hours in an academic year. This includes field placement and integrative seminar participation. Students spend about 16 hours weekly at their placement and 2.5 hours in the integrative seminar.
Advanced Practice Year students need 640 minimum hours for the academic year. They spend roughly 20 hours weekly at their placement and 2.5 hours in the integrative seminar.
Students stay at the same field placement for two semesters through May. Many students can find placements in their home communities, which helps part-time students. Most placements require a car, but field faculty try to find options for students without vehicles.
Tuition and costs
UW-Madison’s tuition varies by residency status and program format. Full-Time MSW Program costs are:
- Wisconsin residents: About $10,766 yearly for tuition and fees
- Non-residents: About $38,654 yearly for tuition and fees
- Minnesota residents: About $14,812 yearly for tuition and fees
Part-Time Program charges $800 per credit for all students, plus fees. The four-year part-time program costs about $39,200. The two-year advanced standing part-time program costs around $18,400.
Other expenses include:
- Required course materials and supplies: $1,150
- Housing and meals: $12,548
- Personal expenses: $2,250
- Transportation: $750-$1,220 based on residency
The university provides various financial aid options. The Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work’s friends and alumni fund many scholarships for MSW students. Awards range from several hundred dollars to full tuition coverage. Students with specific career interests can also apply for training grants.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Helen Bader School of Social Welfare (HBSSW) sits in Wisconsin’s biggest city. Their Master of Social Work program provides a detailed balance between urban research and community involvement. UW-Milwaukee leads the way as the state’s only institution with a completely online MSW option.
Program overview
UW-Milwaukee’s Department of Social Work pursues a clear mission. They promote positive change through social work research, scholarship, education, and community partnerships. The department champions core social work values with its commitment to social justice and diversity. They focus on public service and emphasize individual and community well-being.
Students in the MSW program gain specialized knowledge and skills. The program prepares them to lead advanced practice with various populations and communities. The curriculum builds strong foundations in human behavior, practice methods, research, and policy. Students emerge as skilled practitioners ready to tackle complex social challenges.
The program holds full accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education. This ensures students receive education meeting national standards. Graduates can meet state certification requirements and pursue licensure after completing their degree.
Specializations offered
The MSW curriculum at UW-Milwaukee gives students plenty of choices. Students start with core courses and then shape their education by choosing electives from several areas:
- Behavioral and mental health
- Child and family well-being
- Clinical social work
- Gerontology
- Physical health
- School social work
- Substance abuse counseling
- Trauma-informed care
UW-Milwaukee stands out as one of Wisconsin’s few graduate schools with a Department of Public Instruction (DPI) approved school social work program. Students focusing on Behavioral and Mental Health can qualify as substance abuse counselors. They need to complete specialized electives to meet Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) requirements.
The faculty brings years of expertise in trauma-informed care practice and research. Students interested in this growing field benefit greatly from their knowledge.
Admission requirements
The MSW program maintains competitive admission standards with acceptance rates around 75.4% (288 accepted out of 382 applicants). They look at academic preparation, personal qualifications, and experience. Professional potential plays a key role too.
Students need:
- A 2.75 or better undergraduate cumulative GPA (all college coursework counts)
- 21 semester credits in social and behavioral science subjects
- $75 application fee for domestic students or $96 for international applicants
The program doesn’t require GRE or MAT scores. Applications start October 1 each year. The deadline falls on April 15 for fall admission.
Advanced standing needs a BSW from an accredited program within seven years of starting the MSW program. These students skip the Professional Foundation curriculum and jump straight into advanced courses.
Program format
Students can choose between traditional campus-based and online MSW programs. The online option welcomes students from Wisconsin and nearby areas. This includes northern Illinois, eastern Minnesota, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Both programs offer two paths:
- Advanced Standing Track: A 34-credit program for recent BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs
- Foundation Track: A 58-credit program for bachelor’s degrees in other fields
Online courses run asynchronously except for field placement. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The Advanced Curriculum needs 34 graduate credits minimum. Some students might need up to 24 extra credits for Professional Foundation requirements.
Field education
Field education plays a vital role in the MSW program. Students put classroom knowledge into real-life practice. The university works with hundreds of agencies throughout Wisconsin and nearby states.
Foundation MSW students complete four field education semesters. They usually split this into two separate two-semester placements. The requirements include:
- SW 721: 215 hours (up to 15 hours for field seminar activities)
- SW 722: 200 hours
- SW 821: 250-300 hours
- SW 822: 250-300 hours
Advanced Standing students finish one three-semester placement. They complete SW 722, SW 821, and SW 822 for 700-800 total hours.
Working professionals can use their employment for field placements. Field Liaisons help create individual Field Practicum plans for all students.
Field placement applications must reach by specific dates: May 15 for fall, September 15 for spring, and February 15 for summer.
Tuition and costs
The online MSW program charges $675 per credit regardless of where students live. This simple pricing helps with financial planning.
Campus-based programs offer several ways to reduce tuition:
- Milwaukee Advantage Program: Students from 11 specific states receive $1,000 yearly
- Midwest Tuition: Residents from these same states get special rates for all degree programs
- Minnesota-Wisconsin Tuition Reciprocity: Minnesota residents pay whichever costs more – UWM’s in-state tuition or University of Minnesota-Duluth’s rate
Students can access various financial aid options. These include scholarships, grants, loans, and work opportunities. The first step toward financial assistance starts with completing the FAFSA.
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay offers a flexible Master of Social Work program that builds on social work values and prepares students to become skilled at advanced generalist practice. Students can choose between online and in-person formats. The program teams up with communities of all types to encourage decolonization, stand against oppression, and push forward justice and human dignity.
Program overview
UW-Green Bay’s MSW program helps students excel in advanced practice through flexible online and in-person formats. Students specialize in Advanced Generalist practice and can customize their focus. Students work with communities of all types to encourage decolonization, fight oppression, and advance justice, dignity, health, and well-being through advocacy and leadership.
MSW graduates enjoy excellent job prospects. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 109,700 more social work jobs through 2026. This growth is nowhere near the employment growth expected for other occupations during this time.
Specializations offered
Every student in the UW-Green Bay MSW Program specializes in Advanced Generalist practice. Students can pick from various electives and field placements to shape their education path.
Students looking to focus on specific practice areas can choose from several individualized areas of emphasis (IAE):
- Child Welfare
- Clinical Mental Health
- School Social Work
- Student-defined Individual Area of Emphasis
Students build a strong generalist foundation while developing expertise that matches their career goals.
Admission requirements
Applicants need to meet these criteria:
- A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
- A 3.0 GPA (based on the last 60 credits of bachelor’s degree or graduate coursework)
- Liberal arts background with at least 12 credits in social sciences
- Four prerequisite courses: Biological Life Sciences, Lifespan Development, Statistics, and Research Methods
International students must show English proficiency. Those with social work degrees from international universities must prove their credentials through the Council on Social Work Education International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service.
The application package needs a completed Universities of Wisconsin Graduate School Application with fee and resume, UW-Green Bay MSW Program Admission Questionnaire, professional references, and official transcripts.
Program format
Students can pick from multiple delivery options. Courses come in hybrid format (online and in-person), with face-to-face classes in Green Bay and Wausau. A fully online option gives extra flexibility to distance learners.
UW-Green Bay’s program structure includes:
- Standard Program: 54 credits finished in two to four years
- Advanced Standing Program: 30 credits finished in one year (for BSW holders)
Students move through the program in cohorts, which helps build collaborative learning and professional networks.
Field education
Field education stands as a vital learning method in the MSW curriculum. Students get hands-on experience under professional supervision. The field practicum runs through two consecutive semesters or one summer block placement. Students spend at least two days each week in supervised social work settings.
The program requires eight credits of fieldwork during the Generalist year and ten credits in the Specialized year. Applications start in January, referrals begin in March/April, interviews happen in April/May, and placements get locked in by May/June.
Field coordinators help students find placements that fit their professional interests and educational goals.
Tuition and costs
UW-Green Bay charges $569 per credit hour, making it one of Wisconsin’s most affordable MSW programs. Online classes cost an extra $25 per credit for distance education.
Students can access loans and tuition stipends, especially if they plan careers in public and tribal child welfare or schools. The university also provides financial assistance programs, scholarships, and graduate assistantships to help with costs.
Indeed reports that a graduate degree typically boosts salary by 20%. This makes an MSW from UW-Green Bay a smart investment for professional growth.
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Master of Social Work program creates skilled practitioners through an advanced generalist approach that highlights professional versatility. UW-Whitewater’s respected MSW program gives graduates the skills to work in a variety of practice settings.
Program overview
UW-Whitewater’s traditional MSW program is a professional degree that builds advanced generalist skills. Students learn to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in diverse systems and settings. The program creates professionals who become clinicians, group facilitators, supervisors, and researchers. Students can specialize in areas like physical disabilities, military social work, and addictions.
Specializations offered
Students complete an Advanced Generalist Specialization with focus areas in:
- Addictions
- Mental Health
- Military Social Work
- Physical Disabilities
- School Social Work
Students can tailor their focus through electives that range from sociology of aging to chemical dependency diagnosis, trauma-informed care, racial and ethnic justice, and suicide prevention.
Admission requirements
Students need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Advanced standing requires a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program with B grades or better in all social work courses. The application needs three reference letters, and at least one must come from an academic instructor.
Program format
The traditional MSW program has 58 credits that students complete in two years of full-time study. Advanced standing students take a 32-credit curriculum they can finish in one year. Students with advanced standing can start in summer and earn their degree within one academic year.
Field education
First-year students complete 480 hours of foundational field placement. They then add 500 hours of advanced placement in their second year, which totals 980 field education hours. Advanced standing students need 500 hours of field education. Field placements help students develop professional skills and blend their knowledge with hands-on experience.
Tuition and costs
Current graduate tuition for Wisconsin residents costs $585.75 per credit, which adds up to $5,271.73 for full-time enrollment. Non-resident students pay $1,200.20 per credit or $10,801.78 full-time. Minnesota residents get reduced rates through reciprocity agreements.
Get Started with a Wisconsin MSW
Wisconsin’s MSW programs give you exceptional ways to advance your social work education. These accredited universities each bring their own strengths to the table while meeting high educational standards you need to succeed. Of course, some programs stand out – UW-Milwaukee has the state’s only fully online MSW program, and Concordia University Wisconsin adds a unique Christian point of view.
You should let your career goals guide which program you pick. UW-Madison’s focus areas work great if you want specialized training. UW-Green Bay’s hybrid format might be your best bet if you need flexible scheduling. On top of that, BSW holders can finish faster and save money through advanced standing options available in any program.
Money-wise, Wisconsin makes a lot of sense for your MSW degree. These programs are much more budget-friendly than out-of-state options, with credits costing between $275 and $800. You’ll find many more ways to cut costs through financial aid, scholarships, and agreements with nearby states.
Field education is the life-blood of Wisconsin’s MSW programs. You’ll get essential hands-on experience with professional supervision. Each university has different requirements, but these practical experiences help you work with various populations after graduation.
Social work jobs look promising throughout Wisconsin, especially with an aging population and more need for qualified professionals. Your MSW degree will make you competitive and give you specialized skills to help vulnerable populations effectively.
Wisconsin’s variety of MSW options means you’ll find a program that lines up with both your career goals and personal needs. You might want a faith-based program, online learning, or weekend classes – it’s all here. Quality education, budget-friendly tuition, and solid field experience make Wisconsin a smart choice for your social work graduate degree.