MSW
Master of Social Work

Skilled social workers play an essential role in our society: helping vulnerable people overcome challenges. The online CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program from Capella University can develop your expertise toward an advanced generalist practice, and help people get access to the vital services they need for a happier life.

In addition to being accredited by the CSWE, this program is aligned to national standards and designed around advanced generalist practice licensing standards.

If you already have a CSWE-accredited BSW, our MSW–Advanced Standing program may be a better fit for you.

Scholar-practitioner faculty

Learn the latest in academic theory and applied practice from experienced faculty members who are actively engaged in their professions.

Practicum/internship

Apply your skills and knowledge in the field with direct client contact and supervision. Solve real-world challenges as you progress through the coursework.

Blended, flexible learning

Prepare to serve as an advanced generalist practitioner. Build relevant leadership skills with a combination of online and in-person learning experiences.

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Classes start January 10

At a Glance

Online & in-person
15 Core courses
2 Elective courses
5 Practicum/internship
CSWE accredited
Mission-focused curriculum

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Admission requirements

Applicants to the MS in Social Work program must provide the following information for admission:

A conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
Your official bachelor’s transcripts, with a grade point average of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
2 letters of recommendation completed by professionals who can assess your aptitude for graduate education in social work
A three-page essay
Your résumé or curriculum vitae (CV)
A signed Acknowledgement Agreement
A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
A $50 nonrefundable application fee, required at the time of application, to cover transcript requests, transcript evaluation, and other administrative costs

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

All admissions decisions are final.

International student requirements

If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.

In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:

Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
Transcript evaluation

Learn more about international student admissions.

GUIDEDPATH

A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.

Learn more about GuidedPath »

Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term

$23,100–$45,675^* MAX TRANSFER CREDITS–AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS

$525 per credit, 88 total quarter credits, 36 max transfer credits

Learning outcomes »

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8 max non-CSWE accredited transfer credits, 36 CSWE accredited MSW credits.

*This is only an estimate, using general program pricing, and it does not include fees (including application and resource kit fees). Your price may be higher or lower depending on your specialization, transfer credits, and tuition discounts. If transfer credits are allowed in this offering, the prices above show what you would pay if you brought in the average number of transfer credits and the price if you brought in the maximum allowed transfer credits.

Questions about cost?

Contact an enrollment counselor.

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$3K toward your master’s

Apply for a $3K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree.

Military discount

Capella offers a tuition discount to active-duty service members and their spouses, Guard and Reserve members, and veterans.

Transfer credits

Get the credits you deserve. You may be able to save time and money on your Capella degree by transferring credits from an accredited university.

The mission of Capella University’s Master of Social Work program fits with the purpose of social work, which is to promote human and community well-being. Through strengths-based and ecological perspectives, learners are trained to identify strengths and challenges by assessing the person-in-the-environment construct to build individual, family, and community resiliency.

Guided by the profession’s ethics and values, advanced generalist practitioners commit to respecting difference, promoting human and social well-being, and advocating for the social, economic, an environmental justice of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Finally, 21st-century advanced generalist practitioners fulfill their work using traditional and emerging interventions, including the incorporation of new technologies to enhance the quality of life for all persons.

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SWK5003 *	Human Behavior and the Social Environment 1 The focus of this course is on the systems approach used to analyze the impact of various social forces on individual and family dynamics. Throughout the course, learners employ theory, social work best practices, and research findings to understand and assess the functioning of individuals and families in their social environments. For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Prerequisite(s): SWK5001, completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5002. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program.	4 quarter credits
SWK5013 *	Mental Health Practice and Advanced Interventions: Theory and Practice This course prepares learners for advanced mental health best practice. Learners use multiple theoretical frameworks and technology to engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities within the mental health field. For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Prerequisite(s): SWK5007; completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5008. Learners in the MSW—Advanced Standing degree program are exempt from these prerequisites. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program.	4 quarter credits
SWK5016 *	Integrative Technology in Advanced Social Work Practice This course is an introduction to transformative and innovative methods of client interviewing, follow up, documentation, evaluation, professional development, and communication through the use of technology, with particular emphasis on 21st-century social work practice skills used to serve diverse clients. Learners engage in interactive role-play activities and create a technology-based initiative that promotes social justice and best practices. *For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5015. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.*	4 quarter credits
SWK5017 *	Clinical Supervision and Leadership in Social Work Practice This course is an introduction to leadership theories and skills, ethical decision-making, self-care efficacy, strategic planning, and administrative roles in social work organizations. Throughout the course, learners investigate technology integration; administrative, educational, and supportive supervision; supervision procedures; conduct of supervision; and legal and regulatory guidelines. For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5016. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer except by coursework from a CSWE-accredited program.	4 quarter credits
SWK5018 *	Systems Analysis of Social Work Practice: Theories, Skills, Values, and Professional Practice This course provides a synthesis of all social work practice systems. Learners apply critical-thinking skills as they delve into the identification of social work values and ethics; the assessment of professional behaviors and skills; the engagement of cultural competence; the integration of research, knowledge, human behavior, and theory; and the application and analysis of social work best practice, social justice, policy, technology, and leadership. *For MSW and MSW—Advanced Standing learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in SWK5528. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.*	4 quarter credits

*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.

View all courses

The Master of Social Work (MSW) builds a theoretical and practical foundation for professional advancement in the field of social work. The curriculum is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the field, based on Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). After you finish the MSW foundational courses, you’ll focus your expertise by choosing electives in the areas of clinical practice, leadership and supervision, or human services.

On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:

Identify and conduct yourself as a professional social worker
Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice
Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments
Engage diversity and difference in practice
Advance human rights, social justice, and economic justice
Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment
Engage in policy practice to deliver effective social work services and advance the socioeconomic well-being of clients
Respond to contexts that shape current practice
Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
Engage in both research-informed practice and practice-informed research

Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.

Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion, or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a master’s in social work (MSW) specialization.

Job titles to explore

Social worker
Clinical manager
Case manager
Director of social services
Clinical director
Program director
Social services coordinator
School social worker
Adjunct or part-time social work faculty
Full-time social work faculty

Employment settings to explore

Ambulatory care services
Hospital
Individual and family services
Health insurance carrier
Government – local, state, federal
K—12 schools
Community college
Land-based or online college or university

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Capella University’s Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation. For information about social work accreditation, visit: https://www.cswe.org/.

Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.

See all our accreditations and recognitions.

It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state. Here are some resources to help you start your research:

Licensure details

Meet your MSW faculty

All social work faculty members have a doctoral degree. As leaders in their field, they help enrich your education and career by bringing real-world relevance to the courseroom.