Minnesota – Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
Social work is one of the fastest-growing healthcare sectors in Minnesota. Online master’s in social work (MSW) programs provide a convenient and accessible pathway to careers in this growing field.
Learn about the state’s best accredited online MSW programs, the benefits of earning an online degree, and career and salary prospects in this guide.
Popular Online MSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Master’s in Social Work Programs in Minnesota
- Capella University
- Areas of Practice: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
- Areas of Practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
- University of Minnesota-Duluth
- Areas of Practice: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
- University of Saint Thomas
- Areas of Practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Aging and Gerontological Practice, Immigrants and Refugees
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
- Walden University
- Areas of Practice: Advanced Generalist
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
- Winona State University
- Areas of Practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Trauma
- Enrollment Options: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Accreditation for Online Social Work Programs in Minnesota
The best social work programs in Minnesota meet high academic standards and follow best practices for social work education. When researching MSW degrees, look for programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The CSWE is the national accreditation agency for social work programs in the United States.
CSWE-accredited programs cover core social work competencies so graduates can qualify for state licensure and to enter professional practice. The Minnesota Board of Social Work requires you to earn a CSWE-accredited degree to become a licensed social worker in the state.
Benefits of Studying Social Work Online in Minnesota
Online social work programs in Minnesota have become increasingly popular compared to on-campus programs. An online MSW offers flexibility and convenience, making it ideal for students juggling work or family responsibilities. Since online learning is not limited by geographical location, you can choose any program that aligns with your interests and career goals.
Affordability is another appealing aspect of online programs. Tuition, transportation, and living expenses may be lower compared to on-campus programs. When selecting the online program that works best for you, pay attention to in-person residency requirements and delivery formats.
Course Formats in Online Social Work Degrees
The best social work programs in Minnesota deliver course content in different ways. Understanding the different online course delivery formats can help you choose a program that fits your schedule and learning style.
- 100% Online: In a 100% online program, you can access all classes, course materials, and assignments virtually, enabling you to view lectures and complete assignments when convenient. Although you might never attend classes on campus, most social work degrees require in-person field experiences.
- Hybrid: A hybrid format combines online course coursework with on-campus, face-to-face meetings that often occur on weekends or in the evenings. This format offers the convenience of distance learning with structured opportunities for faculty guidance.
- Asynchronous: Asynchronous course delivery allows you to complete coursework on your own schedule with no required login times. The flexibility of asynchronous delivery works best for students who are self-motivated and independent learners.
- Synchronous: In synchronous formats, distance learners interact directly with faculty in regularly scheduled meetings. Synchronous courses offer a more structured learning environment, providing online learners with immediate feedback from faculty and opportunities for interaction with classmates.
In many online MSW programs in Minnesota, you can complete most requirements remotely. However, you must complete supervised fieldwork requirements and internships in person. You can arrange supervised learning experiences in your community.
Minnesota Social Worker Career and Salary Information
According to Department of Labor projections, Minnesota could add close to 1,300 new social work positions between 2022 and 2023. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that average social work salaries in the most common specializations range from $68,000 to $71,000. These salaries are considerably higher than the national average for social workers, which ranges from $59,000 to $69,000.
Earning potential depends on several factors, including education and social work licensure type. Although you can work in non-clinical roles with a bachelor of social work (BSW) in Minnesota, the state requires clinical social workers to hold an MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program. According to the National Association of Social Workers, MSW degree holders make at least $13,000 more a year than those with only a BSW.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Projected Job Growth (2022-32) |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $68,510 | 5.7% |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $69,250 | 5.8% |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $69,990 | 6.5% |
| Social Workers, All Other | $71,080 | 8.5% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota Social Work
Does Minnesota require social workers to be licensed?
Minnesota requires social workers to hold one of four licenses in order to practice: licensed social worker, licensed graduate social worker, licensed independent social worker, or licensed clinical social worker. Each license has unique education and experience requirements.
How much do social workers make in Minnesota?
According to the latest data from the BLS, social workers in Minnesota earn an average annual salary between $68,510-$71,080 depending on their specialization. The top earners are in the “all other social workers” category, which can include fields like forensic social work, gerontological social work, and occupational social work.
Are Minnesota’s online MSW programs respected?
Online social work degrees in Minnesota offer the same academic and experiential opportunities as on-campus programs. Prospective students should prioritize choosing an online social work degree with CSWE accreditation to receive an education aligned with industry best practices.
Are social workers in demand in Minnesota?
Social worker jobs in Minnesota are projected to grow at a faster rate than the national average for all occupations. From 2022 to 2033, the BLS projects growth rates between 5.7% and 8.5% for social worker positions in the state.
