Interested in joining an expanding field of healthcare professionals, working in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors? There are several pathways into the social work profession, but for many, the Master of Social Work (MSW) is the first step.

That said, there is plenty more to discover about an MSW course. From the prerequisites to earning an MSW to the career opportunities the degree in social work can provide, this article will answer the question “What is an MSW degree?”

Key Takeaways

• An MSW is a graduate-level credential that prepares students for clinical licensure and diverse careers in healthcare, education, and nonprofits.
• You do not need a BSW to apply, as traditional tracks allow students from various academic backgrounds to build essential skills.
• This degree offers pathways to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), opening doors to private practice and leadership positions.

What Is an MSW Degree?

An MSW is a graduate-level degree that prepares students for clinical and non-clinical roles in social work, including positions in mental health, healthcare, education, and community-based settings. It is often required to obtain your social work credentials, such as licensure as a clinical social worker, and it typically takes 1 to 2 years to complete an MSW after earning a Bachelor’s degree.

At Alliant University, the MSW is offered through a CSWE-accredited program.

What Are The Prerequisites for Earning An MSW?

Different schools can offer a range of MSW curriculum options and complementary coursework in their master of social work program. That said, ensure that any institution you apply to is transparent about its accreditation, tuition costs, and student resources.

Requirements for applying to an MSW degree program can include:

• A Bachelor’s degree – Typically, all graduate social work programs require a Bachelor’s degree for admission. You may need to provide the transcripts from the institution that you graduated from, and you may need to contact the administrative offices to ensure your transcripts are sent.
• Entrance exams – MSW programs may request that you take a standardized test before admission. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a common requirement for many universities, and there are various options for taking it.
• Admissions essay – In addition to your admission materials, programs may require an essay about your interest in the study of social work. Depending on the prompt, you may be able to draw from personal and professional experiences related to the field.
• Grade-point average – Your GPA may also be a factor in earning your MSW degree. If you are still completing your undergraduate degree, prioritize your grades and engage in extracurricular activities related to your field of study. A strong application can be the best way to ensure you make it into your ideal program.

Do I Need a BSW to Pursue an MSW?

The short answer is “no.” MSW programs allow students with undergraduate degrees in fields other than social work to apply. They typically do not exclude applicants with undergraduate degrees in fields other than social work. While a bachelor of social work (BSW) degree may increase your application’s likelihood of acceptance, it is in no way a prerequisite for an MSW.^[1] It is important to know, though, that earning a Bachelor’s degree is the essential first step when it comes to becoming a social worker.

Additionally, several fields of study, such as psychology, anthropology, and public policy, complement a higher social work degree.

How Long Is an MSW Degree and What Will You Study?

How long does it take to get an MSW degree? This advanced degree typically requires one to two years of graduate-level education, depending on whether you enroll in a traditional MSW or an Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program and whether you study full-time or part-time.

No matter how your program is set up, you may expect to study coursework related to:

• Law and ethics – Those in the field of social work may need a strong foundation of legal and ethical theory. These classes explore various cases and scenarios that you may experience in your career.
• Clinical practice – You will likely engage in practical work designed to familiarize you with the tools and treatment techniques associated with social work.
• Social policy – You can expect coursework related to addiction, trauma, community outreach, and social services.^[2] While you may not deal with all of these topics in your career, it can be helpful to have a firm background in a variety of social policies and programs.

What Career Opportunities Does an MSW Offer?

The different types of MSW degrees are designed to provide a strong educational foundation and prepare you for the workforce.

Once your training is complete, you can choose from several types of social work career pathways, including:

• Individual and family social work – Standard social worker positions can often be the most common pathways to career placement. You can work with individuals or families to address their various needs, including mental health, emotional, and behavioral issues.
• School social work – If you are interested in working with children, you might consider a position as a school social worker or counselor.^[3]
• Hospital social work – Hospitals and healthcare facilities are often staffed by professional social workers who address the therapeutic needs of their patients.
• Outpatient and rehab work – For social workers focused on the impact and implications of addiction, outpatient and rehabilitation centers may offer a variety of career opportunities.
• HR and administration – You can bring your social work experience into the corporate sector through human resources (HR) and administrative careers. Your background in health policy and clinical treatment can prepare you for inter-office issues and workplace policy management. They use AI and social work tools to improve case management efficiency and data-driven decision-making.

There are plenty of other professional options for MSW graduates, from criminal justice to teaching. While completing your MSW, you may even have the opportunity to join a professional network of social workers, providing you with career insights and opportunities.

MSW vs. LCSW and Other Advanced Social Work Credentials

An MSW is the graduate degree that prepares you to enter professional social work practice. Licensure and credentials, such as LCSW or LMSW, build on that foundation, requiring additional supervised experience and examinations that expand the scope of practice and level of responsibility beyond the graduate degree of social work itself.

Depending on your interests and availability, you may find opportunities for further continuing education through:

• LCSW – Through a series of exams, you can become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). Clinical social work licensure can broaden your employment opportunities.
• Doctoral degrees – For those interested in furthering their social work education beyond the MSW, several doctoral programs in social work are available. Earning your Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) could prepare you for a social work research career or even teaching in higher education.
• Specialized certifications – MSW graduates interested in working in a specialized field are encouraged to investigate additional certification programs. From hospice care to substance abuse, consider exploring the opportunities in your state to further your accreditation and elevate your career.

Additionally, your first-hand experience in various professional environments during and after your MSW degree can make you a stronger candidate for the position of your dreams.

Is an MSW Degree Right for You?

An MSW may be a strong fit if you are working toward one or more of the following goals:

• Preparing for licensure as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
• Advancing beyond a Bachelor of Social Work or a related undergraduate degree
• Transitioning from fields such as psychology, public policy, education, or anthropology into social work

Graduates with an MSW commonly work in hospitals, schools, community agencies, nonprofit organizations, and (after licensure) private practice.

Earn Your MSW at Alliant University

The MSW is a great way to make headway in your social work career. Whether you are just beginning your education or already working in social work, expanding your field education can help you secure your ideal career.

At Alliant, we are committed to providing an education that prepares students for a lifetime in the field. Our online MSW program is rooted in a 50+ year multicultural tradition, teaching students to apply principles of cultural humility and inclusive awareness to reduce disparities. With flexible enrollment and 8-week terms, Alliant is an ideal choice for students eager to complete their MSW in record time. You can look forward to online coursework from a highly trained and diverse faculty and a rigorous degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), with an emphasis on clinical social work practice and training.

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Sources:

^[1] ASWB. “Examination Guidebook.” Association of Social Work Boards. February 11, 2025. https://www.aswb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-ASWB-Examination-Guidebook-Pearson-VUE.pdf. Accessed  January 30, 2026.

^[2] Kim, Jeongsuk, Brittney Chesworth, Hannabeth Franchino-Olsen, and Rebecca J. Macy. “A scoping review of vicarious trauma interventions for service providers working with people who have experienced traumatic events.” Trauma Violence & Abuse. March 9, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838021991310. Accessed  January 30, 2026.

^[3] Nouman, Hani, Ram A. Cnaan, and Daniel Y. Choi. “Human Service Organizations as an Arena for Social Intrapreneurship: A Cross‐Country Analysis.” Human Services Organizations Management Leadership & Governance. April 11, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1080/23303131.2024.2339321. Accessed January 21, 2026.