Fully Online Accredited
Master of Social Work (MSW)
As a social worker, passion for others is in your nature. When you see a hurt, you want to make it better. When you see an issue, you want to fix it. Here at Concordia, we understand that and want to help you expand your skills and grow in your passion of helping others.
The MSW is the most widely recognized and preferred degree in the rapidly growing field of social services. At Concordia, we have pathways to provide you with a first-class education and a warm, supportive learning environment based on your current education and future career goals.
- Regular standing: For those with a bachelor's in any subject area.
- Advanced standing: For those with a BSW from any CSWE-accredited program.
program highlights
Online
100%Accredited
Our social work program is accredited by the CSWE
Concordia University is accredited by the HLC
Accredited
CSWE Accreditation
We are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). What does this mean and why is it important, you ask? Good Question! The CSWE mission is to ensure those attending social work programs will receive high-quality education pertinent to the profession. CUW had to meet rigorous standards and criteria in our programming in order to be in good standing.
HLC Accreditation
Concordia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Customizable
Tailor your MSW courses and field placement to meet your personal and professional goals.
Customizable
MSW program pathways:
Regular standing: For those with a bachelor's in any subject area.
Advanced standing: For those with a BSW from any CSWE-accredited program.
Customize your MSW course load:
Choose to earn Concordia's Advanced Generalist specialization or choose to take Clinical Licensure Courses in order to become an LCSW.
Additional certification options:
- Interprofessional Training Certificate
- Opioid and Substance Use Disorder Certificate
Program timeline:
- Full-time students:
- Advanced standing: Graduate in 1 year
- Regular standing: Graduate in 2 years
- Part-time students:
- Advanced standing: Graduate in 2 Years
- Regular standing: Graduate in 3-4 Years
Faith-based
Personal
Small class sizes allow for personalized attention from expert faculty.
Flexible
Full- or part-time course load options to meet your scheduling needs.
Customize your education
Advanced Generalist MSW
All graduates of our online MSW program will graduate with an Advanced Generalist specialization, providing you with multi-faceted knowledge of client systems. You'll understand the importance of evidence-based practice, evaluate effectiveness, and conduct professional research. An Advanced Generalist specialization is particularly useful for direct service professionals or those considering a position in leadership due to the depth and breadth of the curriculum. Your education and training from Concordia will equip you at all levels of practice, increasing your employability.
Clinical Licensure Courses
As part of the Advanced Generalist specialization, you have the option to take clinical licensure courses, which would prepare you to take the Wisconsin LCSW licensing exam upon meeting subsequent licensure requirements. Once licensed as a clinical social worker, you'll have the option to work in a clinical setting as well as the courts, schools, and other outpatient settings. You'll also be able to practice as a private therapist, operate your own mental health business, and bill independently. A clinical field placement will be required for your advanced generalist field placement.
*Please note, students joining us from states outside of Wisconsin should review your state's clinical licensure requirements.
Field Placement
We have a field placement coordinator dedicated to working with you in order to help you find the right experience. Internships are available in all areas of practice, giving you the ability to find a placement geared towards your goals and interests.
Expect to complete 16 hours per week in your field placement totaling:
- 500 hours for those in Advanced standing
- 900 hours for those in Regular standing
Hear from Dr. Casali:
Additional certification opportunities
Interprofessional Education certificate
Increase your employability at multiple systemic levels upon graduation by participating in Interprofessional Education (IPE) opportunities through programs offered across the School of Health Professions.
Opioid and substance use disorder certificate
This add-on certificate will increase the number of peer support specialists and other behavioral health-related paraprofessionals who work on interprofessional teams to provide services to children whose parents are impacted by opioid use disorders (OUD), and other substance use disorders (SUD), and their family members in guardianship roles.
Get the information you need
Why Concordia's online MSW?
At Concordia, we equip you for more than just the career of your dreams; we'll empower you to provide compassion and empathy to others. Customize your MSW through your choice of electives, hands-on internships geared towards your interests, our multiple certification options, and choosing a course load that works for you.
Build an irreplaceable professional network through your courses, classmates, and our exceptional faculty. Additionally, you'll be able to participate in regular webinars as well as annual conferences offered through the School of Health Professions, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and the North American Association of Christians in Social Work (NACSW).
cost conversation
Advanced Standing Credits
36Advanced Standing Credits
Advanced Standing Entrance Requirements
- Bachelor's of Social Work degree from a CSWE school
- Cumulative 3.5 GPA in all Social Work Courses, or a 3.0 GPA with one year of experience
Application Requirements
-
Online Application
- Priority Application is January 15th - Waive the $250 application fee
- All applications are due by June 1st (requires $250 tuition deposit)
-
A 1½-2 page personal essay describing your reasoning for pursuing your MSW
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Current resume
- All official undergraduate transcripts
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Three professional letters of recommendation.
Regular Standing credits
63Regular Standing credits
Regular Standing Application Requirements
- Online Application
- Priority Application is January 15th - Waive the $250 application fee
- All applications are due by June 1st (requires $250 tuition deposit)
- A 1 and 1/2 to 2 page essay describing your reasoning for pursuing your MSW
-
Current Resume
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Three Professional Letters of Recommendation
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All official undergraduate and post-secondary transcripts (We accept up to 6 graduate credits)
Cost Per Credit
$770Funding your education
Scholarships, financial aid, and payment plans are available for qualifying students.
Funding your education
Uncommon Scholarships
Concordia offers Uncommon Scholarships to help bring this investment in your future within reach. These scholarships, which range from $150-$500 per three-credit course, are available for:
- Concordia alumni
- Employees of our corporate and academic partners (AAH, Edcor, Bright Horizons, & more)
- Employees of qualifying Christian churches and schools
- Veterans and dependents
Tuition Reimbursement
Your employer/school district may offer tuition reimbursement, minimizing the cost to you. Ask your HR department if you are eligible.
Payment Plans
Concordia's payment plan allows you to break tuition into automatic monthly payments, making budgeting for your new career a reality.
Financial Aid
Qualifying students may be eligible for Federal Aid. When you fill out the FAFSA make sure to select Concordia University Wisconsin.
- CUW FAFSA code: 003842