Nestled in the heart of New England, New Hampshire offers a unique blend of urban and rural communities, presenting diverse challenges and opportunities for social work intervention. With a commitment to excellence in education and a focus on practical experience, MSW programs in the Granite State are equipping students with the tools and expertise needed to address the complex social issues facing individuals, families, and communities across the region.

2025 Best MSW Programs in New Hampshire

Looking for the best MSW programs in New Hampshire? counselingpsychology.org has ranked the top options to help you find the right fit. Our list highlights programs that stand out for their quality, affordability, and student support. Whether you're starting your career or advancing it, these schools offer the tools you need to succeed. We've done the research so you can make an informed choice. Check out our full rankings and see how we picked them https://counselingpsychology.org/rankings-methodology/.

#1

Colby-Sawyer College

New London, NH - Private 4-year - colby-sawyer.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Colby-Sawyer College offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program designed for those eager to turn their passion for helping others into a rewarding career. This hybrid online program blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience, requiring students to complete 900 clinical practicum hours. It caters to both traditional students with a 24-month track and BSW graduates through a 12-month advanced standing option. The curriculum emphasizes the NASW Code of Ethics and provides diverse fieldwork placement opportunities, including a partnership with Dartmouth Health. With a focus on preparing students for clinical licensure, the program maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and is currently in CSWE Candidacy.

  • Hybrid online curriculum
  • 900 clinical practicum hours
  • 24-month standard track
  • 12-month advanced standing option
  • NASW Code of Ethics focused
  • Diverse fieldwork placement settings
  • Dartmouth Health partnership
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
  • Currently in CSWE Candidacy
#2

University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online

Manchester, NH - Public 4-Year - cps.unh.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of New Hampshire's MSW program offers a comprehensive and flexible pathway for aspiring social work professionals. With CSWE accreditation, students can pursue full-time or part-time studies through online and on-campus formats. The curriculum covers diverse practice areas including health, mental health, child welfare, and disabilities. Students complete two substantial field internships, gaining practical experience across multiple social service domains. The program emphasizes social justice principles and empowerment, preparing graduates for advanced clinical roles and community advocacy positions. With 62 total credit hours, the program accommodates working professionals and recent graduates seeking professional development.

  • CSWE-accredited MSW program
  • Online and campus options
  • 62 total credit hours
  • Multiple practice specializations
  • Two field internships
  • Advanced generalist practice focus
  • Full-time and part-time tracks
  • No campus visits required online

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Health and Mental Health - Online Learning - Visit Website

Tailored for professionals targeting health and mental health sectors, UNH's specialized MSW concentration provides advanced training in healthcare, education, substance abuse, and community welfare. Students engage in intensive internships with local agencies, developing practical expertise in clinical social work. The CSWE-accredited online program offers flexible learning tracks, enabling students to balance professional commitments while advancing their clinical skills. Graduates are well-positioned for roles in medical settings, public health administration, and mental health counseling, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and holistic client care.

  • CSWE-accredited MSW program
  • Online and campus options
  • Health and mental health concentration
  • Two internship placements
  • Multiple specialization tracks

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Addictions and Substance Abuse - Online Learning - Visit Website

UNH's MSW program with Addictions and Substance Abuse concentration equips students with specialized skills to address complex social challenges. Through a 62-credit curriculum, students develop advanced generalist practice competencies focusing on substance abuse intervention strategies. The CSWE-accredited program combines rigorous classroom learning with hands-on field internships, providing comprehensive training in addiction counseling. Graduates gain expertise in ethical practice, social justice principles, and community engagement, preparing them for impactful roles in addiction treatment, rehabilitation services, and public health initiatives.

  • CSWE-accredited MSW program
  • Online and campus options
  • 62 total credit hours
  • Specialization in Addictions
  • Two field internships
  • Full and part-time paths
  • Advanced generalist practice focus
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#3

University of New Hampshire at Manchester

Manchester, NH - Public 4-Year - manchester.unh.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of New Hampshire at Manchester offers a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program designed to equip students with the skills needed for impactful careers in various human service fields. This CSWE-accredited hybrid program combines online and in-person learning, catering to both full-time and part-time students. It allows for specialization in critical areas such as health, mental health, and child welfare, among others. With a strong emphasis on social justice and anti-oppressive practices, the program includes extensive field internships, providing real-world experience. Advanced standing is available for BSW graduates, and the curriculum prepares students for licensure as clinical social workers.

  • CSWE-accredited graduate program
  • Hybrid and online learning options
  • Specialized practice areas available
  • Two-year traditional or 28-month online format
  • Advanced standing for BSW graduates
  • Comprehensive field internship experience
  • Focus on social justice and equity
  • Prepares for licensed clinical social worker
  • Multiple specialization tracks
*Federal data source: IPEDS 2023, administered by NCES.

MSW Degree Program Requirements/Eligibility in New Hampshire

New Hampshire Traditional MSW Admissions Requirements

To get your MSW, you’ll likely need to enroll in a traditional MSW program versus an advanced standing MSW program. These types of programs are geared toward students who don’t already have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. You’ll need to commit two years and complete 60 credits, as well as fulfill the admissions requirements below:

  • 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

New Hampshire Advanced-Standing MSW Admissions Requirements

If you have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and a BSW degree, consider applying to an advanced-standing MSW program, which allows students to complete their MSW in only a year. Currently, New Hampshire only has one advanced-standing MSW program at the University of New Hampshire. To apply, you’ll need to fulfill the same admissions requirements as the standard MSW (with the addition of a BSW and minimum GPA, as stated above).

RELATED: Learn more about Social Work Salaries

New Hampshire MSW Program Tuition and Costs

While there’s only one MSW program in the tiny state of New Hampshire (at the University of New Hampshire), the cost is considerably low. For $785 per credit (62 credits in total), you can get your MSW at the University of New Hampshire (or $865 per credit if you’re relocating from another state).

Are Online MSW Programs in New Hampshire as Good as Campus-Based?

Online MSW programs are a popular choice nowadays, but they aren’t for everyone. While some prefer the flexibility of online programs, others prefer face-to-face interaction. Below is the full list of pros and cons.

Traditional MSW vs. Online MSW Programs in New Hampshire

Traditional MSW ProgramsOnline MSW Programs
FormatIn-person classesOnline classes with some in-person requirements
FlexibilityLimited scheduling optionsMore flexibility in scheduling, often part-time options
LocationGeographically limitedAccessible from anywhere with internet connectivity
Learning EnvironmentClassroom-basedVirtual classroom, discussion boards, and online resources
NetworkingLocal networking opportunitiesNetworking with students and professionals from diverse locations
CostTuition, commuting, and relocation expensesGenerally lower tuition and flexibility to continue working
Hands-on ExperienceField placements and internshipsVirtual or field placements and internships arranged in the student's local area

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) oversees all accreditation for MSW programs in New Hampshire and the rest of the country. Look for their approval in any program you apply to, otherwise you will not be eligible for licensure.

Learn more about Social Work Degree options:

Getting Your New Hampshire Social Work License

Getting licensed as a social worker in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire in our Social Work Licensing Guide.

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.

Female social worker talking with elderly female woman

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 New Hampshire

Jump to City:

Manchester, NH

University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online Learning - Website

    • CSWE-accredited MSW program
    • Online and campus options
    • 62 total credit hours
    • Multiple practice specializations
    • Two field internships
    • Advanced generalist practice focus
    • Full-time and part-time tracks
    • No campus visits required online
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Addictions and Substance Abuse - Online Learning - Website

    • CSWE-accredited MSW program
    • Online and campus options
    • 62 total credit hours
    • Specialization in Addictions
    • Two field internships
    • Full and part-time paths
    • Advanced generalist practice focus
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Health and Mental Health - Online Learning - Website

    • CSWE-accredited MSW program
    • Online and campus options
    • Health and mental health concentration
    • Two internship placements
    • Multiple specialization tracks

University of New Hampshire at Manchester

  • Master's - Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CSWE-accredited graduate program
    • Hybrid and online learning options
    • Specialized practice areas available
    • Two-year traditional or 28-month online format
    • Advanced standing for BSW graduates
    • Comprehensive field internship experience
    • Focus on social justice and equity
    • Prepares for licensed clinical social worker

New London, NH

Colby-Sawyer College

  • Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)

    Online Learning - Website

    • Hybrid online curriculum
    • 900 clinical practicum hours
    • 24-month standard track
    • 12-month advanced standing option
    • NASW Code of Ethics focused
    • Diverse fieldwork placement settings
    • Dartmouth Health partnership
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA requirement
*Source: U.S. DOE National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 collection.

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