7+ Universities offering MSW Programs in Georgia

Thinking about pursuing your MSW degree in the state of Georgia? If so, you will find several top-rated programs from which to choose. According to the 2024 US News & World Report social work school rankings, the School of Social Work at the University of Georgia (Athens) is ranked 20th in the nation. Georgia State University’s School of Social Work is ranked 51st, and Clark Atlanta University holds the 60th spot (1). Notably, three of the universities offering MSW programs in Georgia are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Clark Atlanta University, Savannah State University, and Albany State University.

Featured Programs:

Arizona State University - Online offers the respected CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work online. ASU Online knows today’s MSW students need remote learning options with no compromises. That’s why you’ll find the same professors, field work requirements, and internship placement assistance that ASU provides on campus. Visit School's Website
Grand Canyon University offers Online Social Work Degrees. Choose between Bachelors of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Master of Social Work (Advanced Standing). Visit School's Website
-Earn a graduate degree in Social Work from a CSWE-Accredited program online. Visit School's Website
Walden University offers Master of Social Work (MSW) - Advanced Standing (requires BSW). Visit School's Website
University of Kentucky offers its Online Master of Social Work: Advanced Standing Program available. MSW program includes options for an advanced-standing program (30 credits) and a 60-credit regular standing program. Visit School's Website
George Mason University - Throughout Mason’s online MSW program, you’ll build knowledge for evidence-based practice in classes led by practicing social workers. Visit School's Website

Georgia MSW Programs

CSWE-Accredited Programs in GA

All MSW programs in Georgia are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Clark Atlanta University has been accredited the longest, with an initial accreditation date of 1928. Attending an accredited university is important if you intend to pursue a social work license after graduation.

Advanced Standing Programs

Each of the seven MSW programs in Georgia offers advanced standing programs. These programs are designed for students who already hold their Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. Students enrolled full-time in an advanced standing program can expect to graduate within one year and usually pay half the tuition of a traditional program.

When reviewing the MSW programs below, please note that tuition prices are based on full-time, on-campus traditional programs. Traditional programs are designed for students who do not already have their BSW and typically take 2 years to complete. Tuition for online programs may differ from the on-campus format. It is always recommended that you contact the university directly for the most up-to-date tuition prices.

Clark Atlanta University (CAU)

Atlanta, GA
1-2 years
Online + Campus

Location: Atlanta, GA

Modality: Online (Advanced Standing Program), On-campus

Credits required:

Traditional Program: 59
Advanced Standing: 38

Program Length:

Traditional Program: 2 years
Advanced Standing: 1 year

Cost: $1,068/credit hour + fees

Program Overview:
The MSW program at Clark Atlanta University offers a 2-year, 3-year, and advanced standing plan of study. The program seeks to prepare students for advanced clinical social work practice with specializations in health/mental health and child and family. Three main themes are integrated into the curriculum: Afrocentric Perspective, Humanistic Values, and Autonomous Social Work Practice Roles.

Why You Should Consider This MSW:

HBCU Legacy: First historically Black school in the world to be accredited and first social work school to be accredited in Georgia.
Unique Perspective: Incorporates autonomous social work practice model, humanist values, and an Afrocentric perspective into its curriculum.

Additional Program Considerations:

Limited Credit for Prior Experience: Does not provide academic credit for previous life or work experience.
Cost Consideration: Most expensive tuition in the state for both state residents and non-residents.

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University of Georgia (UGA)

Athens, GA
1-2 years
Online + Campus

Location: Athens, GA

Modality: Online, On-campus

Credits required:

Traditional Program: 60
Advanced Standing: 40

Program Length:

Traditional Program: 2 years
Advanced Standing: 1 year

Cost:

$9,348/year + fees (Resident)
$27,704/year + fees (Non-resident)

Program Overview:
The MSW program at the University of Georgia is ranked 20th in the nation, according to the US News and World Report. Students can attend the program full-time, part-time, or online. The full-time program offers three specializations, including micro practice, macro practice, and integrated practice. UGA also offers a dual master’s degree in public health and law and several certificates in areas such as counseling and nonprofit management, and leadership. UGA’s MSW program prides itself on its graduates’ high pass rates on national licensing exams.

Why You Should Consider This MSW:

Top-Rated Program: Ranked #10 among public master of social work programs and ranked #20 overall by U.S. News and World Report.
Flexible Delivery: Offers full- or part-time study options, both online and on-campus.
Dual-Degree MSW/MPH: The only MSW/Master of Public Health (MPH) dual-degree program available in Georgia.

Additional Program Considerations:

Limited Online and Part-time Specializations: Online and extended-time programs only offer the micro practice specialization.
Transportation Requirements for Field Placement: Many field placements require personal vehicle access; not having a car can limit placement choices.
Tuition for Non-residents: Tuition for non-residents is considerably higher than for state residents.

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Georgia State University (GSU)

Atlanta, GA
1-2 years
Online + Campus

Location: Atlanta, GA

Modality: Online, On-campus

Credits required:

Traditional Program: 60
Advanced Standing: 39

Program Length:

Traditional Program: 2 years
Advanced Standing: 1 year

Cost: $4,895/semester + fees

Program Overview:
Georgia State’s Master of Social Work program specializes in community partnerships. Their goal is to train students in social work leadership roles to promote social and economic justice, both locally and globally. The program can be completed full or part-time and either on-campus or online.

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Kennesaw State University (KSU)

Kennesaw, GA
1-2 years
Campus

Location: Kennesaw, GA

Modality: On-campus

Credits required:

Traditional Program: 60
Advanced Standing: 36

Program Length:

Traditional Program: 2 years
Advanced Standing: 1 year

Cost:

$3,634/semester + fees (Resident)
$13,428/semester + fees (Non-resident)

Program Overview:
Kennesaw State University’s MSW program is focused on clinical social work practice. Students may receive a graduate certificate in social entrepreneurship. The program also offers a dual degree program where you can earn your MSW degree alongside your Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Why You Should Consider This MSW:

High Licensure Exam Pass Rate: In 2002, KSU MSW graduates had the highest pass rates in Georgia for the LMSW and LCSW.
Dual-degree Options: Several options to obtain an MSW degree alongside an MBA or various Bachelor of Science degrees.

Additional Program Considerations:

Online Delivery Limits: Currently no online or hybrid options, making the program less accessible for nonlocals.
Limited Focus: Provides a clinical-specific program, which might not appeal to students interested in macro practice.

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Valdosta State University (VSU)

Valdosta, GA
2-3 years
Hybrid

Location: Valdosta, GA

Modality: Hybrid

Credits required:

Traditional Program: 60
Advanced Standing: 33

Program Length:

Traditional Program: 2-3 years
Advanced Standing: 1-2 years

Cost:

$3,118/semester + fees (Resident)
$11,527/semester + fees (Non-resident)

Program Overview:
The MSW program at Valdosta State University is conducted in a hybrid format with five intensive weekends and the remainder of coursework completed online. The program’s flexible design works particularly well for students who work full-time or live a considerable distance from the campus. Students are trained in advanced generalist social work practice to improve well-being and social welfare.

Why You Should Consider This MSW:

Hybrid Format: Provides flexibility for students with diverse needs, offering a mixture of in-person and online coursework.
Flexible Plans: Choose between 2- or 3-year traditional tracks or an advanced standing program for eligible students.

Additional Program Considerations:

No Specializations or Certificates: Program is designed for advanced generalist social work practice with no formal specializations or certificates offered.
Higher Out-of-State Students: Non-residents face a significant tuition difference compared to in-state students.

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Savannah State University (SSU)

Savannah, GA
1-2 years
Campus

Location: Savannah, GA

Modality: On-campus

Credits required:

Traditional Program: 60
Advanced Standing: 33

Program Length:

Traditional Program: 2 years
Advanced Standing: 1 year

Cost:

$2,412/semester + fees (Resident)
$9,144/semester + fees (Non-resident)

Program Overview:
Savannah State University’s MSW program provides specializations in Social Administration and Advanced Clinical Practice. The program’s curriculum “promotes student-focused learning, affirms the African American legacy and fosters a unique multicultural environment through its curriculum.” The MSW program is provided on campus and offers both a full-time traditional program and an advanced standing program.

Why You Should Consider This MSW:

Specialization Options: Students have the opportunity to specialize in either Social Administration or Advanced Clinical Practice.
HBCU Legacy & Perspective: One of three HBCUs in Georgia offering an MSW program.

Additional Program Considerations:

No Online Options: Only provides on-campus delivery, limiting flexibility for some students.
Field Placement Availability: There are no weekend or evening field placements available.

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Albany State University

Albany, GA
1-2 years
Online

Location: Albany, GA

Modality: Online

Credits required:

Traditional Program: 64
Advanced Standing: 32

Program Length:

Traditional Program: 2 years
Advanced Standing: 1 year

Cost:

$2,352 /semester + fees (Resident)
$9,600/semester + fees (Non-resident)

Program Overview:
The MSW program at Albany State University prepares students for clinical social work practice with vulnerable children, adults, and families. The program is fully online and designed for non-traditional graduate students. Students can enroll full or part-time in either the traditional or advanced standing program.

Why You Should Consider This MSW:

Equitable delivery: Specifically designed for non-traditional graduate students.
Low Cost Tuition: Offers the most cost-effective MSW program in the state, particularly for state residents.

Additional Program Considerations:

No Specializations: Offers no specializations as its focus is on preparing students for advanced generalist social work practice.
Limited In-person Interaction:.As a fully online program, students may have fewer opportunities for face-to-face networking and mentorship.

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Social Worker Employment in Georgia

An estimated 5,600 child, family, and school social workers are employed in the state of Georgia, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average salary for these social workers is $50,810 (2).

Healthcare social workers, with an average salary of $60,080, are employed in higher numbers, with around 6,100 currently working in the state. In contrast, mental health and substance abuse social workers are employed in significantly smaller numbers, with around 1,320 professionals in Georgia. These social workers can expect to earn a mean income of $54,440 (3).

Opportunities in the field of social work are projected to grow at an above-average rate in Georgia compared to the national job growth rate for social workers. Child, family, and school social work positions are expected to increase by 12.4%, with an estimated 690 openings projected between 2022 and 2032. Mental health and substance abuse social work jobs are anticipated to expand at the highest rate in the state, growing by 16.9%. Healthcare social work positions are projected to increase by 15% (4).

Issues Facing Social Workers in GA

Georgia has a higher-than-average percentage of the population living in poverty (13.6% compared to the national average of 11.1%). The median household income is $74,664, which is lower than the national median household income of $78,538 (5). However, significant disparities exist in median household income between counties. For example, the poorest county in Georgia, Randolph, has a median household income of $24,638, while the richest county, Forsyth, has a median household income of $131,660. These income differences contribute to additional economic disparities between counties, including gaps in food insecurity, health outcomes, and economic opportunities (6).

Georgia is also home to a significant number of immigrants and refugees. Clarkston, Georgia, for example, has welcomed more than 60,000 refugees over the past 40 years and now contains the most ethnically diverse square mile in America. It is often called the “Ellis Island of the South”. While many services exist for immigrants and refugees, new residents of Clarkston still face systemic obstacles, language barriers, financial issues, and a healthcare system that is often lacking in cultural competence (7). Social workers play an important role in helping connect residents to services, particularly those designed to reflect the community’s diversity.

Homelessness is also a prominent issue in Georgia. Every day, there are approximately 26,414 unhoused individuals in the state, with an average age of 9 years (8). Many advocacy organizations are focused on this issue, creating various opportunities for social workers to work directly with the unhoused or on policies aimed at reducing homelessness and increasing access to affordable housing.

FAQs for Aspiring Georgia Social Workers

What Can I Do With an MSW Degree in GA?

Social workers in Georgia are often able to find work addressing the symptoms of poverty, both in urban and rural settings. This may look like working in a food bank, advocating for affordable housing, or providing mental health services in a county with fewer resources. Hospitals are also major employers of social workers in the state, including Wellstar Health System and Piedmont Healthcare.

Which Georgia School of Social Work has the best MSW program?

According to the US News and World Report’s ranking of the best social work schools, the University of Georgia is ranked 20th in the nation, making it the best in the state. Georgia State University and Clark Atlanta University are also ranked among the top 100 schools, holding the 51st and 60th spots, respectively.

How much does an MSW in GA cost?

In-state tuition for a traditional MSW program in Georgia ranges from $9,408 to $63,012, while tuition for non-residents ranges from $19,580 to $63,012. Establishing residency usually requires living in the state for a full year. Clark Atlanta University has the most expensive MSW program at $63,012, with tuition remaining the same regardless of residency status. There are expenses other than tuition to consider, including program-specific fees, housing, transportation, and health insurance.

How much does a social worker in GA make?

The average annual salary for a social worker in Georgia is $60,795. Most social workers earn between $48,908 and $74,450 (9). As in most states, clinical social workers in Georgia can often earn above-average salaries, sometimes exceeding $100,000 annually.

What is the ROI of getting an MSW in GA?

When you compare the average salary of social workers in Georgia ($60,795) to the cost of living in the state ($43,482) (10), along with the opportunity to pay a relatively low tuition of $19,580 at a top-rated school like Georgia State University, the Return on Investment (ROI) in Georgia seems highly favorable. The ROI could be even better if you work in a high-paying area of social work and live in a county with a below-average cost of living.

How long does it take to become a social worker in GA?

If you enroll full-time in a traditional program at any of the universities in Georgia, you can earn your MSW degree in as little as two years. Part-time traditional programs can take 3-4 years to complete. If you already have your BSW and enroll full-time in an advanced standing program, you can graduate after only one year of study.

Licensure and Professional Development Resources

With a Master of Social Work degree in Georgia, you qualify for two social work licenses: the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The LMSW enables you to practice generalist social work, while the LCSW permits independent practice in clinical settings. Both licenses require that you pass an Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s-level exam.

Loan and Repayment Options for MSW Programs in Georgia

When you graduate and begin looking for a job, you will want to check out loan repayment options. You may qualify for one of three National Health Service Corps loan forgiveness programs: the NHSC Loan Repayment Program, the NHSC Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Workforce Loan Repayment Program, or the NHSC Rural Community Loan Repayment Program (NHSC). All repayment programs require employment with an eligible population, and award amounts vary depending on whether you work full- or part-time. Awards range from $50,000 to $100,000, with additional loan relief available for practitioners with Spanish-language proficiency.

Additionally, the state of Georgia offers a Behavioral Health Provider Loan Repayment Program, which provides $10,000 to $80,000 for full-time mental health or substance use professionals.

References

MSW Programs in Other States