Best Online & Affordable MSW Programs in Montana
Renowned for its rugged landscapes and close-knit communities, Montana boasts a growing reputation for its Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. As the need for skilled social workers continues to escalate across the state, Montana’s MSW programs have emerged as crucial hubs for fostering compassionate and effective practitioners. Against the backdrop of its diverse populations and unique challenges, these programs offer rigorous academic training and immersive field experiences tailored to the distinct needs of Montana’s communities. In this article, we delve into the landscape of MSW programs in Montana, exploring their offerings, impact, and vital role in shaping the future of social work in the Treasure State.
2026 Best MSW Programs in Montana
Carroll College
Helena, MT - Private 4-year - carroll.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Visit Website
Carroll College's Master of Social Work program provides comprehensive online training for aspiring clinical social workers, addressing critical mental health workforce shortages. Emphasizing trauma-informed, evidence-based practices, the curriculum prepares students for professional licensure through flexible full- and part-time learning pathways. Students engage in interdisciplinary healthcare training, developing critical thinking skills and practical competencies through virtual and in-person intensives. The CSWE-accredited program offers nationwide internship opportunities and potential employer tuition assistance, positioning graduates for impactful careers in diverse social service and healthcare settings.
- Online Master of Social Work
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Full and part-time options
- Potential 9-month completion
- Trauma-informed curriculum
- Virtual and in-person intensives
- Nationwide internship opportunities
- Employer tuition assistance possible
- Clinical licensure preparation
- Experienced practitioner faculty
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Traditional Track - Online Learning - Visit Website
The Traditional Track Master of Social Work at Carroll College delivers a robust online program designed for students seeking comprehensive clinical preparation. Focusing on trauma-informed methodologies and evidence-based interventions, this CSWE-accredited degree offers accelerated options for BSW holders. Students benefit from flexible learning formats, including virtual and in-person intensives, enabling seamless integration of advanced social work skills. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience through community organization practicums, preparing graduates to address complex social challenges and advance their professional trajectories in mental health and social service domains.
- Online flexible learning format
- CSWE accredited program
- Full and part-time pathways
- Accelerated option for BSW holders
- Nine-month potential completion
- Trauma-informed curriculum focus
- Career-oriented skill development
- Virtual and in-person intensives
- Practicum in community organizations
- Potential employer tuition assistance
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Advanced-Standing Track - Online Learning - Visit Website
Carroll College's Advanced-Standing Track MSW program provides an accelerated online pathway for Bachelor of Social Work graduates seeking specialized clinical training. Designed with maximum flexibility, the program features comprehensive trauma-informed curriculum delivered through synchronous and asynchronous learning models. Students develop advanced clinical skills via innovative coursework and extensive internship experiences, positioning themselves for independent licensure. The CSWE-accredited program includes five weekend intensive sessions, offering nationwide internship opportunities and preparing graduates for meaningful careers in social services, healthcare, and behavioral health sectors.
- Fully online program
- CSWE accredited degree
- Clinical licensure preparation
- Full and part-time options
- Accelerated pathway for BSW holders
- Five weekend intensive sessions
- Trauma-informed curriculum focus
- Flexible synchronous/asynchronous learning
- Nationwide internship opportunities
- Experienced practitioner faculty
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT - Public 4-Year - umt.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Online Learning - Visit Website
The University of Montana's Master of Social Work provides an innovative pathway for professionals seeking transformative social work education. With two distinctive tracks—micro-practice and macro-practice—students gain comprehensive skills addressing complex societal challenges. The 51-credit online program emphasizes flexible learning, offering traditional and advanced standing options. Coursework integrates advanced research methodologies, social policy analysis, and specialized practicum experiences. Graduates emerge prepared for diverse roles in mental health, child welfare, community organizing, and social advocacy. The program's robust curriculum ensures students develop clinical expertise, community intervention strategies, and evidence-based practice approaches.
- Full-time and advanced standing options
- Micro and macro practice emphases
- 51 total credit hours
- Online synchronous advanced standing track
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Practicum in clinical/community settings
- Optional electives in specialized areas
Master's - Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Concentration: Micro Practice - Online Learning - Visit Website
Tailored for aspiring clinical professionals, the University of Montana's Micro Practice MSW concentration delivers intensive training in individual and family interventions. This specialized 51-credit online program equips students with advanced clinical skills, research methodologies, and therapeutic techniques. Emphasizing hands-on learning, the curriculum integrates practical practicum experiences with theoretical foundations. Students develop sophisticated assessment, counseling, and intervention strategies applicable across diverse populations and settings. The program's flexible advanced standing track accommodates BSW graduates, enabling accelerated professional development. Graduates are positioned to excel in mental health settings, clinical social work, and therapeutic intervention contexts.
- 51-credit comprehensive MSW program
- Online advanced standing track
- Micro and macro practice options
- Practicum in clinical settings
- Advanced research methodology
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Two practice concentration paths
- Professional portfolio development
- Optional specialized electives
- Community-focused curriculum
MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in Montana
Montana Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements
If you want to get your MSW but don’t have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, you’ll need to enroll in a traditional MSW versus an advanced-standing MSW. These types of programs take about two years and 60 credits to complete. While every school will have different admissions requirements, here are a few common ones:
- 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
Montana Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements
Students with a BSW can opt into a fast-tracked MSW option: the advanced-standing MSW program. In addition to a BSW, you’ll also need to have a GPA of 3.5 and all of the admissions requirements listed above. Montana currently has two advanced-standing MSW programs: the University of Montana and Caroll College.
RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries
Montana MSW Program Tuition and Costs
Students looking in Montana for an MSW program will find that there are limited options, but the options available aren’t particularly expensive. If you’re looking to relocate to this beautiful state for your MSW, you’ll find that the programs are worth the investment. Here’s a ballpark of what to expect:
| School | Tuition (per credit hour) | Total Credits | Total Tuition |
| University of Montana | $583 (Resident) $1,1440 (Non-resident) | 60 | $35,000 (Resident) $86,400 (Non-residents) |
| Carroll College | $920 | 60 | $55,200 |
2026 Affordable MSW Program Options
| School Name | Highlights | Annual Estimated Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Carroll College |
|
|
| The University of Montana |
|
|
Are Online MSW Programs in Montana as Good as Campus-Based?
Some students prefer the convenience and affordability of an MSW program,, while others prefer the resources that on-campus MSW programs offer. Below is a full range of pros and cons.
Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in Montana
| 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 |
Whether you choose a campus-based or online MSW program in Montana, you'll want to ensure that your degree program is properly accredited by a trusted agency such as the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
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 Montana Social Work License
Getting licensed as a social worker in Montana is the next step once you earn your MSW degree. Each state has different requirements for licensure. Learn more about how to get your social worker license in Montana in our Guide to Social Work Licensure.
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 Montana
Helena, MT
Carroll College
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Website
- Online Master of Social Work
- CSWE Accredited Program
- Full and part-time options
- Potential 9-month completion
- Trauma-informed curriculum
- Virtual and in-person intensives
- Nationwide internship opportunities
- Employer tuition assistance possible
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Advanced-Standing Track - Online Learning - Website
- Fully online program
- CSWE accredited degree
- Clinical licensure preparation
- Full and part-time options
- Accelerated pathway for BSW holders
- Five weekend intensive sessions
- Trauma-informed curriculum focus
- Flexible synchronous/asynchronous learning
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Traditional Track - Online Learning - Website
- Online flexible learning format
- CSWE accredited program
- Full and part-time pathways
- Accelerated option for BSW holders
- Nine-month potential completion
- Trauma-informed curriculum focus
- Career-oriented skill development
- Virtual and in-person intensives
Missoula, MT
The University of Montana
- Master's - Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Online Learning - Website
- Full-time and advanced standing options
- Micro and macro practice emphases
- 51 total credit hours
- Online synchronous advanced standing track
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Practicum in clinical/community settings
- Optional electives in specialized areas
- Master's - Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)
Concentration: Micro Practice - Online Learning - Website
- 51-credit comprehensive MSW program
- Online advanced standing track
- Micro and macro practice options
- Practicum in clinical settings
- Advanced research methodology
- Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
- Two practice concentration paths
- Professional portfolio development
