Best Online & Affordable MSW Programs in Colorado

University of Denver's Mental Health and Trauma MSW concentration offers a dynamic, justice-oriented curriculum preparing students for advanced social work practice. The program uniquely blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, emphasizing trauma-informed care and mental health interventions. Students benefit from diverse field internship opportunities across 750+ sites, with small class sizes averaging 22 students. GRE is typically required for admission. The program provides multiple pathways, including full-time and part-time options, with advanced standing available for BSW graduates. Scholarships totaling $9M annually support students' educational journeys in addressing complex mental health challenges.

• Multiple campus locations in Colorado
• Full and part-time options available
• Eight specialization pathways
• Advanced-standing program for BSW graduates
• $9M in annual student scholarships
• Average class size of 22 students
• 750+ field internship sites
• Online and on-campus programs
• Justice-oriented curriculum

University of Denver's Health, Equity and Wellness MSW concentration provides a transformative educational experience focused on addressing systemic healthcare disparities. The program equips students with comprehensive skills to navigate complex social determinants of health, emphasizing equity-centered interventions. With flexible online and on-campus formats, students can specialize in addressing community wellness challenges. Advanced standing tracks accommodate BSW graduates, while extensive field internship networks offer practical learning experiences. GRE is standard for admission, though some pathways might have alternative requirements. The program's justice-oriented approach prepares graduates for impactful roles in healthcare, policy, and community development.

• Multiple campus locations
• Full and part-time options
• Eight specialization pathways
• $9M annual student scholarships
• Advanced-standing program available
• 750+ field internship sites
• Online MSW option
• Average class size 22 students
• Programs in Denver, Durango, Glenwood Springs

University of Denver's generalist MSW program offers comprehensive social work training across multiple Colorado campuses. Students explore diverse practice areas including mental health, child welfare, and ecological justice through flexible full-time and part-time formats. The curriculum emphasizes advanced practice skills and social justice principles, preparing graduates for multifaceted professional roles in public policy, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. With eight specialization pathways, advanced standing options, and 750+ field internship sites, students receive robust preparation for complex social work challenges. GRE is typically required, though the program maintains an inclusive admission approach supporting diverse student backgrounds.

• Multiple campus locations: Denver, Durango, Glenwood Springs
• Full and part-time options
• Advanced Standing MSW available
• Eight specialization pathways
• $9M annual student scholarships
• Average class size of 22
• 750+ field internship sites
• Online MSW@Denver option
• Dual-degree program opportunities

University of Colorado Colorado Springs' MSW program in Trauma-Informed Social Work provides a robust 60-credit curriculum designed to cultivate advanced professional skills. Students engage in comprehensive training focusing on trauma's complex psychological impacts across diverse practice settings. The hybrid program uniquely prepares graduates for meaningful interventions in behavioral health, child welfare, and military social work contexts. With 900 hours of practical experience, students develop sophisticated clinical competencies. The program offers flexible learning modalities including on-campus, online, and hybrid options. Notably, no GRE is required for admission, and the program maintains CSWE accreditation, ensuring high academic standards and professional recognition.

• 60-credit traditional MSW program
• Trauma-informed social work focus
• On-campus, online, hybrid options
• 900 hours practicum practice
• No GRE required for admission
• CSWE accredited program
• Advanced Standing option available
• Full-time and extended study plans
• Fall admission for traditional track
• Summer admission for Advanced Standing

UCCS's MSW program in Behavioral Health delivers a transformative educational experience emphasizing trauma-informed practice. This 60-credit curriculum strategically prepares students for multifaceted social work roles across healthcare, military, and community settings. Graduates develop advanced clinical skills through comprehensive academic training and 900 hours of immersive practicum experience. The program's flexible delivery options—on-campus, online, and hybrid—accommodate diverse student needs. Without GRE requirements and offering both traditional and advanced standing pathways, the program maintains accessibility while upholding rigorous professional standards. CSWE accreditation ensures graduates are well-positioned for impactful social work careers.

• 60 credit total program
• On-campus, online, hybrid options
• CSWE accredited program
• No GRE required
• Trauma-informed focus
• Advanced Standing option available
• Application deadline April 15
• 3.0 GPA recommended
• 900 hours practicum experience
• Full-time and extended study paths

University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers a specialized MSW in Military Social Work, crafting exceptional professionals for complex military-related social challenges. This 60-credit program integrates trauma-informed approaches with comprehensive clinical training, preparing students to address unique psychological and social needs within military communities. With 900 hours of practical experience, students develop sophisticated intervention strategies and leadership capabilities. The program's hybrid learning model provides unprecedented flexibility, supporting both traditional and advanced standing students. No GRE requirement, competitive admission standards, and scholarship opportunities make this program particularly attractive for aspiring military social work professionals seeking meaningful career trajectories.

• 60 total credit hours
• Trauma-informed social work focus
• On-campus, online, hybrid options
• 900 hours practicum experience
• CSWE accredited program
• No GRE required for admission
• Traditional and Advanced Standing paths
• Fall admission for traditional program
• Summer admission for Advanced Standing
• 3.0 GPA recommended

Metropolitan State University of Denver's Advanced Standing MSW program offers a dynamic pathway for experienced social workers seeking accelerated graduate education. Uniquely designed for professionals with a Bachelor of Social Work, this hybrid program emphasizes justice-oriented practice and system-level transformation. Students benefit from comprehensive training through 1080 hours of field practicum, small class sizes, and expert faculty mentorship. With flexible course delivery options including online and in-person formats, the program prepares culturally responsive leaders equipped to address complex social challenges. No standardized entrance exam is required, making it accessible for qualified candidates committed to creating meaningful community impact.

• Fully CSWE accredited program
• Flexible course delivery options
• 1080 hours field practicum
• Small class sizes
• Affordable graduate education
• Diverse student body
• Multiple enrollment options
• Day, night, weekend classes
• Online and hybrid formats
• Scholarship programs available

Metropolitan State University of Denver's Traditional MSW program provides comprehensive social work education for aspiring professionals seeking holistic, flexible graduate training. The curriculum integrates rigorous academic research with extensive clinical and community practice skills, preparing students for diverse social work roles. Students complete 1080 hours of hands-on practicum, gaining practical expertise across individual, group, and systemic intervention levels. The program's affordable tuition, multiple enrollment options, and experienced faculty create an inclusive learning environment. While no specific standardized entrance exam is mandated, applicants undergo a holistic review process ensuring they possess the necessary academic and professional potential for advanced social work practice.

• Fully accredited by CSWE
• Flexible course delivery options
• 1080 hours field practicum
• Affordable graduate education
• Multiple enrollment options
• Small class sizes
• Diverse student body
• Scholarship programs available
• Clinical and community focus

Colorado State University Pueblo's Master of Social Work program stands out for its innovative approach to professional social work education. Designed to cultivate advanced practitioners committed to social justice, the program offers flexible entry pathways for diverse academic backgrounds. CSWE-accredited since 2019, students benefit from comprehensive coursework blending theoretical knowledge with practical experience. The hybrid program uniquely allows students to complete 948 total placement hours, preparing them to address complex systemic challenges. With no GRE/GMAT requirement and weekend courses in Colorado Springs and Pueblo, the program accommodates working professionals seeking to make meaningful community impact.

• CSWE Accredited since 2019
• Two entry pathway options
• 948 total placement hours
• Face-to-face weekend courses
• No GRE/GMAT required
• Colorado Springs/Pueblo locations
• 30 credits per program year

Colorado Mesa University's Master of Social Work program provides a comprehensive pathway for aspiring social work professionals seeking transformative education. With two dynamic tracks—a two-year Foundation program and a one-year Advanced Standing option—students gain extensive practical training through 600-1050 internship hours. The curriculum emphasizes social justice, ethical practice, and culturally responsive interventions. Located in Grand Junction, students benefit from small classroom sizes, experienced faculty, and robust community connections. The program prepares graduates for diverse career settings including mental health clinics, schools, and community organizations, with potential for full tuition grants and loan repayment support.

• Two MSW program tracks
• 74 credits for Foundation track
• 44 credits for Advanced Standing
• 1050 hours supervised training
• In-person classes at Grand Junction
• CSWE Candidacy status
• Tuesday/Thursday class schedule
• Full tuition grant available
• Up to $30,000 loan repayment
• Small classroom sizes

The Foundation Concentration at Colorado Mesa University's MSW program offers rigorous training for students committed to community transformation. Spanning two years and 74 credits, this track provides comprehensive education in mental health, clinical practice, and social advocacy. Students engage in extensive supervised practicum experiences, developing skills across healthcare, educational, and social service settings. With CSWE Candidacy Status and HLC Accreditation, the program ensures high-quality professional preparation. Small cohort sizes and Tuesday/Thursday class schedules enable intensive learning, while experienced faculty guide students toward becoming effective change agents in complex social environments.

• Two program tracks: Foundation and Advanced Standing
• 74 credits for Foundation Program
• 44 credits for Advanced Standing
• 1050 hours supervised training
• Located in Grand Junction, Colorado
• Classes Tuesday/Thursday during Fall/Spring
• CSWE Candidacy Status
• HLC Accreditation in 2022
• Full tuition grant available
• Up to $30,000 loan repayment possible

Colorado Mesa University's Advanced Standing MSW track offers an accelerated, intensive pathway for experienced social work professionals. Designed as a one-year, 44-credit program, this concentration provides sophisticated training in clinical practice and social justice interventions. Students benefit from a cohort model, expert faculty mentorship, and hands-on practicum experiences. The curriculum emphasizes advanced skills in mental health, community organizing, and complex social challenge resolution. With flexible scheduling, experienced practicing faculty, and potential full tuition grants, graduates are strategically positioned to drive meaningful change across diverse professional environments and tackle intricate social welfare challenges.

• Two MSW program tracks
• 74 credits for Foundation track
• 44 credits for Advanced Standing
• 1050 hours supervised training
• In-person classes Grand Junction
• Tuesday/Thursday class schedule
• CSWE Candidacy status
• Full tuition grant available
• Up to $30,000 loan repayment
• Experienced practicing faculty