Search Social Work Schools

Deciding to earn a Master’s in Social Work means deciding to serve communities that need it the most. Programs differ significantly between states, so you may want to delve into programs available in each state before selecting a school.

Choosing a School

There are prominent, well-respected MSW programs all over the country. A degree from a well-known school can bolster your CV and possibly help you in your job search after graduation. If you are close to one of the states that these schools are located in, you can consider relocating for the duration of your education. U.S. News reports that some of the highest-ranked schools in the country are University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Chicago, and the University of Washington.

Financial Aid

As you evaluate different MSW schools, you may note that financial aid opportunities vary from state to state. States that are home to large cities with disadvantaged populations, like Illinois, California, Michigan, and Maryland, tend to have more financial support for MSW students.

There are state-specific and nationwide scholarships. For example, the Maryland Higher Education Commission offers scholarships of $1,000 to $5,000 to social work students every year.

The National Association of Social Workers Foundation award the Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial MSW Scholarship to scholarships in American Indian or Latino communities. The Council on Social Work Education funds the CSWE Scholars program, which allows you to work on research projects.

Starting a Career

Before choosing a state to live and study in, it’s important to look into the state’s clinical practice requirements if you want to work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Some states, like Alabama, New Mexico, West Virginia, and Tennessee, allow you to work independently of physician supervision as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. If private practice is your ultimate goal, choose a state that will allow you to practice independently.