Best Online & Affordable MSW Programs in Maryland
From renowned institutions in bustling urban centers to intimate campuses nestled in suburban communities, Maryland offers various MSW programs tailored to suit a spectrum of career aspirations and academic preferences. Whether one seeks specialization in clinical practice, policy advocacy, or community development, Maryland’s MSW offerings promise a rich tapestry of educational experiences to foster compassionate, competent, and socially conscious professionals. In this article, we delve into the landscape of MSW programs across Maryland, exploring their unique features, program structures, and the opportunities they afford to those eager to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
2026 Best MSW Programs in Maryland
Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD - Public 4-Year - salisbury.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Salisbury University's MSW program delivers a rigorous, comprehensive social work education designed for aspiring advanced practitioners. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, this hybrid program offers remarkable flexibility through online and on-campus learning modalities. Students can pursue a traditional three-year curriculum or leverage advanced standing for a condensed 17-month trajectory. The program emphasizes direct intervention and community practice, providing robust field education experiences and competitive $775 per credit tuition rates. Ideal for working professionals, the program supports a cohort model with small class sizes and multiple state eligibility options.
- Accredited MSW Program
- Online and On-Campus Options
- 62-Credit Regular Curriculum
- Advanced Standing Available
- $775 per Credit Tuition
- Cohort Model (20 Students)
- Courses in 7-Week Blocks
- Field Education Included
- Multiple State Eligibility
- 3.0 GPA Recommended
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Salisbury University's online Master of Social Work program empowers students to become transformative social work professionals through innovative, student-centered curriculum. Featuring two specialized tracks—Clinical Social Work and Advocacy, and Social Change and Leadership—the program supports working professionals with evening and summer course scheduling. CSWE-accredited and available across five Maryland campus locations, this flexible program enables students to develop advanced skills in clinical practice, social justice, and community leadership. The comprehensive curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical field education placements, creating a dynamic learning environment.
- Online and regional campus options
- Two specialization tracks available
- CSWE accredited program
- Affordable online MSW
- Evening and summer courses
- Five Maryland campus locations
- Advanced direct practice focus
- Field education placements
- Multiple state program availability
- Hybrid learning format
Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD - Public 4-Year - morgan.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Campus Based - Visit Website
Morgan State University's campus-based Master of Social Work program cultivates advanced urban social work practitioners through a comprehensive 48-credit curriculum. Emphasizing social justice and ethical practice, students engage in 12 credits of supervised internship, developing critical skills for addressing complex community challenges. As a historically Black university, the program uniquely prepares professionals to serve diverse urban populations, focusing on transformative practice across 11 core competency areas. Graduates emerge equipped with nuanced understanding of systemic interventions and community empowerment strategies.
- 48 total academic credit hours
- 12 credits supervised internship
- Urban social work focus
- 11 core competency areas
- Comprehensive portfolio requirement
- Aligned with CSWE standards
- Advanced practice preparation
- Emphasis on social justice
- Diverse population engagement
- Ethical decision-making training
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Urban Children, Youth, and Families - Online Learning - Visit Website
Morgan State University's Online Master of Social Work program with Urban Children, Youth, and Families concentration offers a flexible 60-credit pathway for aspiring social work professionals. Designed to accommodate working practitioners, the program provides comprehensive training in addressing urban social challenges. Students benefit from CSWE-accredited curriculum, specialized tracks focusing on family dynamics, and advanced standing options for BSW graduates. The online format enables learners to develop critical interventional skills while maintaining professional commitments, emphasizing culturally responsive approaches to supporting urban families.
- 60-credit standard program
- 30-credit Advanced Standing option
- Urban practice focus
- Two specialized practice areas
- CSWE-accredited curriculum
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Online learning platform
- Advanced Standing for BSW graduates
- Within five years BSW graduation
- No grade lower than B
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Addictions - Online Learning - Visit Website
Morgan State University's Online Master of Social Work program with Addictions concentration provides a specialized 60-credit curriculum targeting complex substance abuse and mental health challenges. Tailored for urban practice, the program equips students with advanced intervention strategies, particularly serving African American communities. With flexible learning options including Advanced Standing, students develop comprehensive skills in addiction treatment, systemic analysis, and community development. The program's rigorous approach prepares graduates to implement evidence-based practices and create meaningful social change in addiction service contexts.
- Online and campus-based MSW
- 60-credit and 30-credit options
- Advanced Standing available
- 3.0 GPA required
- CSWE accredited program
- Urban practice focus
- Two practice specializations
- BSW graduates preferred
- Technology requirements exist
- Interview for Advanced Standing
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Baltimore, MD - Public 4-Year - umaryland.edu
Master's - MSW
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Maryland, Baltimore's School of Social Work offers a robust MSW program that champions innovative social service education. Uniquely positioning students through hybrid and online formats, the program enables three-year degree completion with comprehensive field experience. Students can specialize in clinical or macro social work tracks, developing advanced skills in therapeutic interventions, community leadership, and policy development. With a national ranking of #24 in social work programs, graduates consistently earn $12,275 above average, demonstrating the program's commitment to producing highly competitive social work professionals prepared to address complex societal challenges.
- Multiple MSW program formats
- Hybrid and online options
- 3-year completion timeline
- In-person field practicum
- Multiple campus locations
- Baltimore and Shady Grove campuses
- Clinical and macro concentrations
- Graduates earn $12,275 above average
- Leadership and policy focus
Master's - MSW
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Offering a dynamic Master of Social Work degree, the University of Maryland, Baltimore provides flexible learning pathways across Baltimore and Shady Grove campuses. This comprehensive program distinguishes itself through multiple program formats, including hybrid and online options with strategic in-person field practicums. Students can pursue advanced standing or traditional tracks, specializing in clinical or macro social work concentrations. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills in therapeutic services, community engagement, and policy analysis. With a strong reputation for producing well-prepared graduates who significantly outperform national earning averages, this MSW program represents a transformative educational experience for aspiring social work professionals.
- Three flexible MSW program formats
- Baltimore and Shady Grove campuses
- Hybrid and online options available
- Graduates earn $12,275 above average
- Clinical and macro social work tracks
- Comprehensive field practicum experience
- Three-year degree completion possible
- Remote learning with in-person practicum
- Advanced Standing MSW option
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi, MD - Public 4-Year - umgc.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a dynamic Master of Social Work program tailored for professionals seeking transformative skills in social service delivery. With a comprehensive 62-credit curriculum delivered entirely online, students can leverage flexible learning options and an advanced standing track for BSW graduates. The program emphasizes practical clinical practice with a rigorous 12-credit field practicum, preparing graduates to address complex social challenges. Accredited by CSWE, the program maintains high academic standards with a 3.0 GPA requirement and competitive $350 per credit tuition rate. Military-friendly and designed for working professionals, students can complete the program full-time in just 12 sessions while developing specialized interventional strategies.
- 62 total credit hours
- Online and hybrid courses
- $350 per credit hour
- Advanced standing option
- Accredited by CSWE
- 12 credits field practicum
- Two program tracks
- Full-time completion in 12 sessions
- 3.0 minimum GPA required
- Specialized clinical practice focus
MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in Maryland
Maryland Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements
Traditional MSW programs (as opposed to advanced standing MSW programs) are typically reserved for students who don’t have a bachelor’s degree in social work but want to get licensed as a social worker. They typically require 60 credits of studies and a two-year commitment. Here are some admissions requirements you’ll come across in your search:
- 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
Maryland Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements
The main difference between advanced-standing MSW programs and traditional ones is the time it takes to complete. Advanced-standing MSW programs only require a year to complete and a courseload of 35 credits. To qualify, you’ll need a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, a 3.5 (or higher) GPA, and the admissions requirements above. Here are a few advanced standing MSW programs in Maryland:
- University of Maryland – visit site
- Morgan State University – visit site
Maryland MSW Program Tuition and Costs
As you can see in the table below, how much you’ll actually pay for MSW tuition in Maryland will depend on whether you’re a Maryland resident and the quality of education you’ll receive. Many students looking to save money on MSW programs in Maryland will establish residency beforehand or enroll in an online program. You can generally expect to pay between $15,600 and $68,620 for your total MSW tuition in Maryland.
| School | Tuition (per credit hour) | Total Credits | Total Tuition |
| University of Maryland | $525 (Resident) $1,143 (Non-resident) | 60 | $31,500 (Resident) $68,620 (Non-resident) |
| Morgan State University | $260 (Resident) $930 (Non-resident) | 60 | $15,600 (Resident) $55,800 (Non-resident) |
| Salisbury University | $775 (Online) | 62 | $48,050 (Online) |
2026 Affordable MSW Program Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Salisbury University |
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| University of Maryland Global Campus |
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| Morgan State University |
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Are Online MSW Programs in Maryland as Good as Campus-Based?
While the face-to-face interaction of in-person programs is still a big draw for many, the flexibility and convenience of online MSW programs is a significant advantage.
Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in Maryland
| Traditional MSW Programs | Online MSW Programs | |
| Format | In-person classes | Online classes with some in-person requirements |
| Flexibility | Limited scheduling options | More flexibility in scheduling, often part-time options |
| Location | Geographically limited | Accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity |
| Learning Environment | Classroom-based | Virtual classroom, discussion boards, and online resources |
| Networking | Local networking opportunities | Networking with students and professionals from diverse locations |
| Cost | Tuition, commuting, and relocation expenses | Generally lower tuition and flexibility to continue working |
| Hands-on Experience | Field placements and internships | Virtual or field placements and internships arranged in the student's local area |
MSW students looking to get licensed will need to make sure that their program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). If the program is not accredited, they will not be eligible for licensure.
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 Maryland Social Work License
To become licensed in Maryland, you’ll need to make sure you follow the required trajectory. Check out Maryland’s specific social work licensure requirements in our Guide to Social Work Licensing.
Popular Social Work Careers
Discover the specializations available to you within social work. These social work careers can help you work with diverse populations in a variety of environments.
School Social Worker
School social workers provide counseling, support, and advocacy for students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop student success strategies, provide crisis intervention, and facilitate support groups.
Healthcare Social Worker
Healthcare social workers assess patients' social, emotional, and practical needs. They provide counseling and support, coordinate care with healthcare providers, advocate for patients' rights, and connect patients and their families with community resources to ensure holistic and comprehensive care.
Court Social Worker
Court social workers assess the needs of individuals involved in court cases. They develop intervention plans, provide counseling and support, monitor progress in court-ordered programs, collaborate with legal professionals, and advocate for clients' best interests in legal proceedings.
List of MSW Degree Programs in Maryland
Adelphi, MD
University of Maryland Global Campus
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Website
- 62 total credit hours
- Online and hybrid courses
- $350 per credit hour
- Advanced standing option
- Accredited by CSWE
- 12 credits field practicum
- Two program tracks
- Full-time completion in 12 sessions
Baltimore, MD
Morgan State University
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Campus Based - Website
- 48 total academic credit hours
- 12 credits supervised internship
- Urban social work focus
- 11 core competency areas
- Comprehensive portfolio requirement
- Aligned with CSWE standards
- Advanced practice preparation
- Emphasis on social justice
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Addictions - Online Learning - Website
- Online and campus-based MSW
- 60-credit and 30-credit options
- Advanced Standing available
- 3.0 GPA required
- CSWE accredited program
- Urban practice focus
- Two practice specializations
- BSW graduates preferred
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Urban Children, Youth, and Families - Online Learning - Website
- 60-credit standard program
- 30-credit Advanced Standing option
- Urban practice focus
- Two specialized practice areas
- CSWE-accredited curriculum
- 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
- Online learning platform
- Advanced Standing for BSW graduates
University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Master's - MSW
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Three flexible MSW program formats
- Baltimore and Shady Grove campuses
- Hybrid and online options available
- Ranked #24 Best Social Work School
- Graduates earn $12,275 above average
- Clinical and macro social work tracks
- Comprehensive field practicum experience
- Three-year degree completion possible
- Master's - MSW
Online Learning - Website
- Multiple MSW program formats
- Hybrid and online options
- 3-year completion timeline
- In-person field practicum
- Ranked #24 Social Work Program
- Multiple campus locations
- Baltimore and Shady Grove campuses
- Clinical and macro concentrations
Salisbury, MD
Salisbury University
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Online & Campus Based - Website
- Accredited MSW Program
- Online and On-Campus Options
- 62-Credit Regular Curriculum
- Advanced Standing Available
- $775 per Credit Tuition
- Cohort Model (20 Students)
- Courses in 7-Week Blocks
- Field Education Included
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Website
- Online and regional campus options
- Two specialization tracks available
- CSWE accredited program
- Affordable online MSW
- Evening and summer courses
- Five Maryland campus locations
- Advanced direct practice focus
- Field education placements
