Minnesota is mostly a sparsely populated state with clusters of large cities, as evidenced by the population density of 66.6 people per square mile. In comparison, the national average is 87.4 people per square mile. As a social work student, you may enjoy studying in Minnesota because of the high value of education in the state. The state’s high school and college graduation rates of 91.9% and 32.2% are significantly higher than the national averages of 85.7% and 28.5% (O*Net, 2012).
While deciding where to live in Minnesota, you may be impressed by the variety of rural and urban areas of the state. Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester are by far the largest cities in Minnesota. Together, less than 1 million people live in these large cities, which means that most of Minnesota’s 5.4 million residents live in rural or suburban areas.
Program Information for MSW Degrees in Minnesota
With its above-average college graduation rates, it is no surprise that Minnesota has a good selection of MSW schools. There are 11 programs located throughout the state, although many of them are located in or near the Twin Cities. The average cost of tuition in Minnesota is $19,344, although schools located outside of the Twin Cities are more likely to have lower educational costs. There are also many grant and scholarship opportunities in Minnesota, resulting in an average scholarship award of $7775.
As a graduate student, you may be working part-time or full-time in the field already. Many schools, like St. Cloud State University, work around traditional work schedules by offering courses in the evening.
MSW Program Length
Most MSW programs last two years, although many schools have standards in place for students with Bachelor’s degrees in social work. If you completed your Bachelor’s degree in social work with a high enough GPA, you may be able to participate in an Advanced Standing program. This allows you to finish in one year instead of two.
MSW Curriculum
Each MSW program has two components: classroom courses and field courses. In your traditional courses, you will learn all about the practical aspects of social work in addition to the theoretical applications of social work. This includes learning about substance abuse, poverty, racism, and other societal factors that affect how people live.
You get the chance to build on what you learn in your traditional courses during your field hours. You will complete a variety of practicum hours at hospitals, mental health clinics, and government agencies.
MSW Salary and Job Outlook in Minnesota
With all of its rural areas, Minnesota has a great need for skilled social workers that can provide independent care to rural communities. Because of this, one of the greatest employment opportunities for MSW graduates is the chance to go into private practice. You need to complete a set number of supervised work hours after graduation, after which you can set up private practice wherever you want in Minnesota.
There also many public and private employers throughout Minnesota. Some of the most common employers include Guardian Angels of Elk River, Humana, Interim Healthcare, and Recover Health. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most social workers work for healthcare organizations or government agencies.
Social Worker Salary in Minnesota
As a new social worker, your salary may depend on what type of social work you do, whether you work for a public or private agency, and what your concentration was in school. In general, O*Net reports that family social workers are the highest paid in Minnesota, earning an average salary of $58,100 per year. Healthcare social workers, who work in the greatest variety of fields, earn an average salary of $49,800 per year (O*Net, 2012). Close behind are mental health social workers, earning an average salary of $45,700 per year (O*Net, 2012).
Social Worker Job Outlook in Minnesota
The job outlook for social workers in Minnesota is very bright, as it is in the rest of the country. Mental health social workers are in high demand, with anticipated job growth of 29% between 2010 and 2020 (O*Net, 2012). Healthcare social workers are also expected to see job growth, at a rate of 23% through 2020 (O*Net, 2012). Job openings for family social workers are expected to increase by 7% in the same time frame (O*Net, 2012).
Social Work Licensure in Minnesota
The governing board for social workers of all levels in Minnesota is the State of Minnesota Board of Social Work. With a Master’s degree, you can become licensed as a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW). You must fill out an application, submit transcripts, and pass the required exam to receive your license.
Once you can legally work as an LGSW, you can begin working towards Licensed Independent Social Worker status. This process involves completing 4000 hours of supervised work experience in a clinical setting.
Masters in Social Work Degree Programs in Minnesota
Augsburg College
(Minneapolis, MN)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $31,292 Tuition Cost
- $14,058 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Capella University
(Minneapolis, MN)
- Masters in Family and Community Services
- Masters in Social Work and Public Administration Policy
- $11,952 Tuition Cost
- $621 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Concordia University-Saint Paul
(Saint Paul, MN)
- Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
- $29,700 Tuition Cost
- $14,498 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Minnesota State University-Mankato
(Mankato, MN)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $6,667 Tuition Cost
- $1,820 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Saint Cloud State University
(Saint Cloud, MN)
- Masters in Community and Social Psychology
- Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $6,584 Tuition Cost
- $2,964 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
(Winona, MN)
- Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
- Masters in Social Work and Public Administration Policy
- $27,820 Tuition Cost
- $13,914 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Suburban Campus Setting
St Catherine University
(Saint Paul, MN)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $24,544 Tuition Cost
- $13,392 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
University of Minnesota-Duluth
(Duluth, MN)
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $11,720 Tuition Cost
- $3,033 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
(Minneapolis, MN)
- Masters in Housing and Human Development
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- Masters in Social Development
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $12,060 Tuition Cost
- $5,146 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
University of St. Thomas
(Saint Paul, MN)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- Masters in Social Work (MSW)
- $33,040 Tuition Cost
- $13,499 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting
Walden University
(Minneapolis, MN)
- Masters in Public Policy Analysis
- $10,725 Tuition Cost
- $2,576 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
- Urban Campus Setting