Best Online & Affordable Counseling Programs in Arkansas

Arkansas boasts a diverse landscape of Master of Social Work (MSW) programs, each offering unique opportunities for aspiring social work professionals. From bustling urban centers to tranquil rural communities, the state’s MSW programs cater to a spectrum of interests and career paths within the field of social work. As Arkansas grapples with evolving social challenges, these programs stand as pillars of education, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and empathy necessary to address the complex needs of individuals and communities across the state. Below, we explore the landscape of MSW programs in Arkansas, highlighting their distinguishing features, academic rigor, and what you can expect in the application process.

2026 Best MSW Programs in Arkansas

Choosing the right Master of Social Work (MSW) program in Arkansas can be a transformative step for aspiring social workers. Counseling Psychology Organization has carefully evaluated and ranked the top MSW programs across the state, considering factors like academic reputation, faculty expertise, clinical training opportunities, and student outcomes. Our comprehensive analysis helps prospective students identify the most competitive and supportive graduate social work programs in Arkansas. Whether you're seeking advanced clinical practice or hoping to specialize in community intervention, these ranked programs offer comprehensive education and preparation for meaningful social work careers. These rankings represent our commitment to guiding students toward educational excellence and professional success in the dynamic field of social work. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

#1

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR - Public 4-Year - uark.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Arkansas's on-campus Master of Social Work program delivers a robust academic experience emphasizing social justice and comprehensive professional development. Offering multiple program tracks including full-time and part-time options, students engage with a multi-system life course perspective targeting complex social challenges. The CSWE-accredited curriculum spans 63 credit hours, integrating evidence-based practices with innovative technologies. Students benefit from extensive field internships focusing on poverty reduction and supporting vulnerable populations. The program prepares graduates for advanced leadership roles through strategic coursework and a required capstone research project, ensuring practitioners are equipped to make meaningful societal impacts.

• Multiple MSW program options
• 2-year, 3-year, and advanced standing tracks
• Online advanced standing available
• CSWE accredited program
• Multi-System Life Course perspective
• 63 credit hours for full program
• 39 credit hours for advanced standing
• Capstone research project required
• Focuses on social justice
• Poverty reduction emphasis

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Arkansas's Online Advanced Standing Master of Social Work provides an accelerated pathway for bachelor's-level social workers seeking professional advancement. This 39-credit hour program enables completion within one year, featuring fully virtual classroom experiences and local internship opportunities. Designed for working professionals, the program waives GRE requirements and targets those with a BSW and minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Students receive comprehensive training through flexible coursework, preparing them for enhanced leadership positions. The CSWE-accredited program emphasizes practical skill development, enabling students to balance professional responsibilities while obtaining an advanced degree that significantly improves career trajectories.

• 100% Online Program
• 39 Credit Hours
• 1 Year Completion Time
• GRE Exempt
• BSW Required
• Year-long 22-hour Internship
• CSWE Accredited
• 3.0 Undergraduate GPA
• Application Deadline Jan 15
• Per Credit Hour $446.29

Show 1 More Programs ˅

*Source: IPEDS 2023 data files, National Center for Education Statistics.

MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in Arkansas

Arkansas Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements

To complete an MSW in Arkansas, you must commit two years and complete an average of 60 credits to graduate. Most students entering a traditional MSW program don’t already have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). To be eligible to apply for this type of program, you’ll need:

• Bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a related area, from a regionally accredited institution
• Minimum GPA requirement (typically around 3.0)
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement or essay
• Resume or CV outlining relevant experience
• Completion of prerequisite courses (such as psychology, sociology, or human services)
• GRE scores (some programs may waive this requirement)
• Interview (some programs may require an interview as part of the application process)
• Background check and/or fingerprinting

Arkansas Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements

Advanced-standing MSW programs are geared towards students who already have a BSW, thus allowing them to complete their MSW in a shorter amount of time (typically one year). Apart from this requirement and the ones listed above, you’ll also need to maintain a GPA of at least 3.5.

The Advanced-Standing MSW degree typically requires around 38 credits and takes approximately one year to complete. Examples of Advanced-Standing MSW programs in Arkansas include:

• The University of Arkansas – visit site
• Arkansas State University – visit site

RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries

Arkansas MSW Program Tuition and Costs

As you can see below, the tuition costs for MSW programs in Arkansas greatly depend on whether you are a resident of Arkansas, another state, or an online student. On average, you’ll pay a total tuition cost of $32,820. Currently, these are the only two MSW programs available in the state:

Are Online MSW Programs in Arkansas as Good as Campus-Based?

An online MSW program won’t always be the right choice for everyone, but it does offer a lot of flexibility. Find out if an online MSW suits you by looking at the table below.

Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in Arkansas

When researching MSW programs, ensure the programs you apply to are accredited by Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This ensures that you meet all of the necessary licensure requirements upon graduation.

Learn more about Social Work Degree Options:

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Graduate Certificate in Social Work
• Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)

Getting Your Arkansas Social Work License

Each state has different licensure requirements, but regardless of the requirements, you’ll need to apply for licensure once you graduate. Learn more about how to get your social worker license in Arkansas.