Earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) in 9 Steps

Updated on: October 1, 2026 | 8 minutes read

By: David Stewart

Psychology

You’ve done the professional research. You’ve explored the social work field and career path options. You’ve identified your strengths, empathy, and sense of purpose as ways to help people overcome adversity and access the resources they need to thrive. Now is the time to explore what you can do with an MSW degree, or move forward with clarity toward the application process.

Most states require you to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) before you can apply for a social work license.¹ So, we’ve outlined the steps you need to take to make that happen.

#1 Complete Your Undergraduate Education

You’ll need to complete your undergraduate education before you can enroll in an MSW program, most of which will accept a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university.

If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree yet, you may consider earning a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program. While a BSW isn’t required for most types of MSW degree programs, it may give you a stronger foundation for your future career. With a BSW, you may also qualify for Advanced Standing MSW programs, which you can often complete faster than traditional MSW programs.

Keep in mind that you’ll need to submit your undergraduate transcript and GPA during the MSW program admissions process, so it’s helpful to earn good grades, regardless of your degree.

#2 Take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

Depending on your MSW program, you may need to take the GRE.² Some MSW programs may only ask for your GRE score if the rest of your application is on the cusp of their eligibility criteria. Others may require all applicants to submit GRE scores.

If your chosen MSW program requires GRE scores, you’ll need to study for and take the GRE before submitting your application. This standardized test contains three parts:

Critical thinking
Verbal and quantitative reasoning
Analytical skills

The GRE is very similar to the SAT and ACT in terms of how it’s constructed. It contains writing and math sections, multiple-choice questions, and verbal questions.

#3 Research Potential MSW Programs

Selecting an MSW program is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Here are a few things to consider that can help you make the best choice for you:

Part-time vs. full-time: Some social work students can attend their MSW programs full-time. Other students may need to work or fulfill family commitments, making a part-time course schedule more desirable. Make sure your chosen program offers a schedule that meets your needs.
Online vs. in-person: While in-person programs may feel more immersive and interactive, online master’s programs can be more convenient. Each modality has pros and cons, so ask yourself whether you would thrive in a remote, flexible environment or prefer to learn on campus with your cohort. If you choose an online program, research how they handle practicums and internships.
Fieldwork: You’ll want to research how your potential MSW program handles fieldwork placements for your practicums and internships. This includes the types of placements, level of mentoring and supervision, and any partnerships the school has to support this process.
CSWE accreditation: Crucially, you’ll want an MSW program that’s accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE accreditation indicates that an MSW program meets higher standards of responsibility for educating students as it prepares them for a career in social work. Additionally, most state social work licensing boards require licensure applicants to earn their MSW degrees from CSWE-accredited universities.
Clinical offerings: Some MSW programs allow students to specialize in clinical social work. By attending one of these programs, you can become eligible for your licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) license. LCSWs are the only type of social worker who can independently provide mental health therapy, diagnoses, and other clinical services.³
Faculty: Research the program faculty’s professional experience, education, industry ties, and any published work they may have contributed to the field. You should also explore whether they provide professional mentoring and guidance during the practicum and internship experience.
Cost: Of course, you’ll want to factor in the cost of tuition, which can vary depending on program length, location, and quality. If you need help paying for your program, you can look into financial aid, scholarships, and grants. You may be able to apply for this financial support from your university, the federal government, or your local National Association of Social Work chapter.

#4 Apply to Your Top MSW Programs

Once you’ve found a few MSW programs that suit your needs and preferences, you can submit your applications. You may be asked to provide the following information:

Undergraduate transcripts
GRE test scores
Essay or personal statement
Résumé
Letters of recommendation
Background check

#5 Attend Your MSW Program

Once you are accepted into an MSW program, most take two years to complete if you attend full-time. Advanced Standing MSW programs can take as little as one year. During your MSW program, you’ll likely learn about social work theory, best practices, and ethics. Your first year will often cover the generalist framework of social work, while your second year may allow you to explore social work specializations in greater detail.

Generally speaking, your coursework will likely cover the following topics:

Human development
Human behavior
Clinical practice
Social policy
Assessment and diagnosis
Couple and family therapy
Substance abuse
Strategic planning for nonprofit organizations
Research

#6 Consider Your MSW Concentration

Because social work practice is a broad field, some social workers specialize in working with specific populations.

As you go through your studies, think about the areas of specialization that interest you most. Maybe you’re drawn to the idea of school social work or child and family social work. Maybe you’d prefer to focus on substance abuse counseling or people with disabilities.

Here are a few of the potential types of social work concentrations available within many MSW programs:

Advanced generalist practice
Children and family
Leadership and social justice
Health care
Mental health and substance abuse
School social work
Community social work
Community planning and administration
Policy practice and advocacy

#7 Complete Your Required Fieldwork

Most MSW programs require you to fulfill a certain number of practicum hours each semester. Practicum is supervised fieldwork that lets you test your social work skills and gain real-world, hands-on experience. By the end of your Master of Social Work program, you’ll most likely have 900 to 1,200 hours of fieldwork experience under your belt.⁴

During your fieldwork, you can get an idea of what it’s like to work in various settings with different populations. You can also build your confidence and strengthen your skills as you prepare for your future career.

Keep in mind that your state board may have specific fieldwork requirements for licensure, so make sure your MSW program enables you to fulfill these required fieldwork hours before graduation.

As you master your social work courses, your fieldwork can provide opportunities to sharpen the following soft skills that set exceptional social workers apart:

Empathy
Patience
Critical thinking
Creative problem-solving
Resilience
Persistence

#9 Think About Your Post-Graduation Career Goals

What can you do with a Master of Social Work? As you move through your MSW degree program, ask yourself which area of social work interests you most. MSW graduates have many employment options, so narrowing your focus during your studies may help you kickstart your career after graduation. Are you thinking about continuing education to obtain Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) accreditation? If so, you may have even more career opportunities. For more on MSW vs. LCSW, check out our blog.

It’s also worth noting that an MSW education may help you explore career paths outside of social work. Some people with a social service degree who study social work in graduate school go on to pursue careers in:

Human resources
Community outreach
Mediation
Advocacy

As you clarify the direction you want to take your career, you can take advantage of fieldwork, internships, and networking opportunities that align with your professional goals.

As you can see, earning your master’s in social work can prepare you for rewarding career possibilities. Our online CSWE-accredited Advanced Standing MSW program can be completed in as little as a year if you already have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program. Once you earn your MSW, you can apply for licensure in your state and start making a meaningful difference in your community through this rewarding profession.

Learn more about our MSW program today.

References

Social Work License Map. “Become a Licensed Social Worker in Your State.” Social Work License Map. Accessed September 18, 2026. ↩︎
Social Work Degree Guide. “Do MSW Programs Require the GRE?” Social Work Degree Guide. Accessed September 18, 2026. ↩︎
Social Work License Map. “LMSW vs. LCSW – What’s the difference?” Social Work License Map. Accessed September 18, 2026. ↩︎
Master of Social Work. “Field Education: Translating Pedagogy Into Practice.” Master of Social Work. Accessed September 18, 2026. ↩︎