Best Online & Affordable MSW Programs in Minnesota

Bethel University's online Master of Social Work (MSW) offers a transformative educational experience centered on social justice and liberation principles. Tailored for aspiring social work professionals, the program provides remarkable flexibility with completion times spanning 12-21 months. Students engage in comprehensive coursework preparing them for clinical and community practice, with opportunities to earn scholarships up to $25,000. The CSWE-accredited program emphasizes advanced clinical skills, trauma-informed approaches, and professional licensure preparation. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enabling students to create meaningful social change while maintaining personal and professional commitments.

• Fully online MSW program
• 12-21 month completion time
• Advanced Standing option available
• CSWE accredited program
• Tuition $27,300-$43,680
• Scholarships up to $25,000
• Strong clinical practice emphasis
• Justice and liberation focused
• Prepares for clinical licensure

Bethel University's Advanced Standing MSW program is a specialized pathway exclusively for BSW graduates seeking rapid professional advancement. Completed entirely online in just 12 months, this intensive program focuses on justice-informed practices and systemic challenge resolution. Students complete 36 credit hours and 500 field practicum hours, gaining comprehensive training in evidence-based, trauma-informed methodologies. The curriculum prepares graduates for professional licensure while equipping them to address complex societal issues ranging from mental health interventions to structural inequities. Ideal for motivated social work professionals seeking accelerated career development and impactful practice strategies.

• Fully online program
• 36 total credit hours
• Complete in 12 months
• Advanced Standing track
• CSWE accredited program
• 500 field practicum hours
• Summer 2025, 2026 start dates
• Prepares for professional licensure
• Focuses on social justice
• Addresses systemic challenges

Bethel University's comprehensive online MSW program provides an extensive 21-month educational journey for students from diverse academic backgrounds. Spanning 56 credit hours and featuring 900 hours of immersive field practicum, the program delivers rigorous training in social work practice. Students develop advanced skills in addressing systemic challenges, focusing on evidence-based interventions across various domains including mental health, poverty, and social justice. The CSWE-accredited curriculum emphasizes professional licensure preparation, diverse population understanding, and transformative practice methodologies. Graduates emerge as highly skilled practitioners ready to implement meaningful social change.

• Fully online program
• 56 total credit hours
• Complete in 21 months
• 900 hours field practicum
• CSWE accredited program
• Prepares for licensure exam
• Justice-informed curriculum
• Diverse population focus
• Evidence-based practice training
• Fall 2025 start date

The College of Saint Scholastica's Master of Social Work program offers a comprehensive clinical training pathway designed to prepare students for advanced mental health practice. With a robust 63-credit regular standing track and a streamlined 38-credit advanced standing option, the hybrid program emphasizes evidence-based interventions and social justice principles. Students develop sophisticated skills in mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment across diverse populations. The curriculum meets clinical licensure requirements and includes extensive field practicums, enabling graduates to deliver high-quality therapeutic services in various healthcare and community settings.

• 63 credits regular standing program
• 38 credits advanced standing program
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Clinical practice focused
• Meets clinical licensure requirements
• Two program tracks available
• Field practicum included
• Mental health intervention emphasis
• Evidence-based treatment approach
• Diverse advanced practice electives

Specializing in Advanced Practice with Groups, this MSW concentration at The College of Saint Scholastica provides targeted training for social work professionals seeking expertise in group-based interventions. The hybrid program combines theoretical foundations with intensive practical experience, focusing on sophisticated group therapy techniques and systemic approaches. Students engage in comprehensive coursework that prepares them to design, implement, and evaluate group interventions across different populations and contexts. With a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and clinical licensure alignment, graduates emerge equipped to lead transformative group work in mental health, social services, and community organizations.

• 63 credits for Regular Standing
• 38 credits for Advanced Standing
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Clinical practice focus
• Meets clinical licensure requirements
• Two program entry paths
• Field practicum included
• Advanced practice electives
• Mental health intervention training
• Evidence-based treatment curriculum

Focused on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, this MSW concentration at The College of Saint Scholastica offers an advanced clinical training pathway for social work professionals. The hybrid program provides in-depth training in evidence-based cognitive behavioral interventions, emphasizing precise diagnostic skills and targeted treatment strategies. Students explore sophisticated therapeutic techniques designed to address complex mental health challenges across diverse populations. With flexible program tracks—63 credits for regular standing and 38 credits for advanced standing—the curriculum integrates rigorous academic study with extensive field practicums, preparing graduates for impactful roles in clinical mental health settings.

• Clinical practice focused MSW
• 63 credits regular standing
• 38 credits advanced standing
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Meets clinical licensure requirements
• Field practicum included
• Two program entry pathways
• Mental health intervention training
• Evidence-based practice emphasis
• Advanced policy understanding

Minnesota State University Moorhead's Master of Social Work program offers a transformative educational experience specializing in Multicultural Clinical practice. Through a hybrid learning model, students develop advanced clinical skills with a cultural sensitivity focus. The CSWE-accredited program provides comprehensive training emphasizing multicultural competencies, with flexible online coursework and experienced faculty mentorship. Advanced standing opportunities for BSW graduates accelerate degree completion. With a projected 12% job growth and average salary of $67,000, graduates are well-positioned for impactful social work careers addressing complex community needs through culturally informed interventions.

• 100% Online plus option
• Unique specialization tracks
• Advanced standing available
• 50+ years social work education
• 12% projected job growth
• Average salary $67K
• Evening and late classes
• CSWE accredited program

Minnesota State University Moorhead's MSW program featuring the Social Change & Leadership concentration prepares students to become strategic social work professionals driving systemic transformation. This hybrid program equips students with advanced skills in organizational development, policy advocacy, and community leadership. Leveraging a 100% online plus format, students can balance academic pursuits with professional commitments. The curriculum emphasizes innovative approaches to social justice, organizational change, and community empowerment. With CSWE accreditation, advanced standing options, and a focus on emerging social change methodologies, graduates are prepared to lead meaningful societal interventions.

• 100% Online plus format
• Unique MSW specializations
• Advanced standing available
• 50+ years social work education
• 12% projected job growth
• $67K average salary
• Multicultural Clinical focus
• Social Change & Leadership track
• Council on Social Work Education accredited

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's online Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a comprehensive clinical social work specialization designed for ambitious professionals. CSWE-accredited and featuring flexible learning pathways, students can choose between Advanced Standing (30 credits) and Traditional (60 credits) tracks. The curriculum emphasizes advanced clinical skills, social justice advocacy, and direct intervention strategies for working with individuals, families, and communities. With multiple annual start dates, affordable tuition at $925 per credit, and options for full-time or part-time enrollment, the program accommodates diverse professional schedules. Graduates gain expertise in diagnosing mental health conditions and implementing evidence-based treatment approaches.

• 100% Online Coursework
• CSWE Accredited Program
• 30-60 Credit Options
• $925 Per Credit
• 1-4 Year Completion
• September, January, May Starts
• Full-Time or Part-Time
• No Prerequisites Required
• Advanced Standing Option
• Optional Addiction Studies Certificate

The Advanced Standing MSW program at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota provides a streamlined pathway for experienced social work professionals seeking specialized clinical training. This 30-credit online program accelerates academic progression with a focused curriculum emphasizing mental health diagnosis, complex issue treatment, and ethical leadership. CSWE-accredited and competitively priced at $925 per credit, the program offers unprecedented flexibility with September, January, and May start dates. Students benefit from comprehensive fieldwork experiences, dedicated placement coordination, and an optional Addiction Studies Certificate, preparing graduates for sophisticated clinical practice and social justice advocacy.

• 100% Online Coursework
• CSWE-Accredited Program
• $925 Per Credit
• Two Program Tracks
• 1-4 Years Completion
• September, January, May Starts
• No Prerequisites Required
• Full-Time/Part-Time Options
• Optional Addiction Certificate
• Field Placement Coordinator

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota's Addiction Studies Certificate within the MSW program represents a specialized track for social work professionals targeting substance abuse intervention. This CSWE-accredited online program integrates comprehensive addiction treatment strategies with advanced clinical social work principles. Students explore evidence-based approaches to diagnosing, treating, and supporting individuals struggling with substance dependencies. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical fieldwork, enabling graduates to develop nuanced interventional skills. With flexible enrollment options, affordable tuition, and multiple annual start dates, the program accommodates working professionals seeking targeted expertise in addiction counseling and rehabilitation.

• CSWE-accredited online MSW
• 30-60 total credits
• $925 per credit
• 1-4 year completion
• Multiple start dates
• Advanced Standing track available
• No prior social work experience required
• Optional Addiction Studies Certificate
• Dedicated Field Placement Coordinator
• 100% online coursework

University of Minnesota-Duluth's Child Welfare MSW concentration offers a pioneering approach to social work education, blending advanced generalist training with specialized child welfare expertise. The hybrid program uniquely emphasizes American Indian social services, providing students comprehensive skills in intervention, policy, and community practice. With over 200 agency internships and CSWE accreditation, students gain robust clinical preparation. The program supports flexible learning for working professionals and recent graduates, offering summer and fall start options with specific child welfare scholarship opportunities.

• Advanced Generalist program
• Hybrid course delivery model
• Specialized American Indian focus
• Two program options available
• Over 200 agency internships
• Clinical licensure preparation
• Part-time student friendly
• CSWE accredited 25+ years
• Summer/Fall start options
• Child welfare scholarships

UMD's Mental Health/Clinical Social Work concentration delivers an innovative Advanced Generalist MSW that prepares professionals for complex clinical environments. Featuring a distinctive American Indian services focus, the hybrid program offers two entry paths: Foundation and Advanced Standing. Students benefit from comprehensive field experiences across 200+ practicum agencies, clinical licensure preparation, and scholarship opportunities. The curriculum supports broad practice skills in rural and urban settings, enabling graduates to address diverse mental health challenges with cultural competence and advanced intervention strategies.

• Hybrid course delivery model
• Advanced Generalist program
• Special focus on American Indian services
• Two program entry options
• Over 200 practicum agencies
• Foundation Program: 51 credits
• Advanced Standing: 34 credits
• Part-time and full-time options
• Clinical licensure pathway
• Scholarship opportunities available

The Macro/Community-Based Social Work Practice concentration at University of Minnesota-Duluth empowers students to become transformative community leaders. This Advanced Generalist MSW program provides comprehensive training in community organizing, social policy, and systemic change strategies. With a unique focus on American Indian social services, students engage in hybrid learning across 200+ agencies in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The flexible program offers Advanced Standing and Foundation tracks, supporting part-time and full-time students in developing advanced skills for addressing complex social challenges and driving meaningful community interventions.

• Advanced Generalist MSW
• Hybrid learning model
• Unique American Indian focus
• Two program options
• Advanced Standing Program: 34 credits
• Foundation Program: 51 credits
• Over 200 practicum agencies
• Clinical licensure pathway
• Scholarships available
• Part-time and full-time options