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Skilled social workers play an essential role in our society: helping vulnerable people overcome challenges. The online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program from Capella University, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), can help you develop your expertise toward an advanced generalist practice and help people get access to the vital services they need for a happier life.
This program is accredited by CSWE and is aligned with the 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). The program engages in specific and continuous efforts within the curriculum related to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion, and helps students understand and use their knowledge, awareness and skills to engage in practice. The program is designed around advanced generalist practice licensing standards.
If you already have a CSWE-accredited BSW, our MSW – Advanced Standing program may be a better fit for you.
Apply today with no application fee.
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $2,500 Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your master’s degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
*Course has prerequisite(s). See catalog for details.
The Master of Social Work degree program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to pursue specialized, advanced generalist social work practice as an administrator, social work practitioner, supervisor or leader in your community.
The curriculum includes online course work and face-to-face learning experiences. Learners will encounter social work practice skills that promote personal growth and competence in ethics, values, diversity, ecological perspectives, cultural competence, technology and leadership in 21st-century specialized advanced generalist social work practice.
As you complete this program, you’ll learn to:
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
The mission of Capella University’s online Master of Social Work program is to educate and prepare diverse adult learners to serve as innovative, ethical and culturally responsive advanced generalist social work practitioners. Learners will demonstrate skills and knowledge based on scientific inquiry and apply strengths-based, person-in-environment and ecological perspectives.
In the quest for social, racial, economic and environmental justice, learners will make a commitment to ethical practice by demonstrating cultural humility, anti-racism, anti-oppression, diversity, equity, inclusion and technology best practices. Guided by a local and global perspective, learners will emerge as leaders who ethically and effectively promote human and community well-being with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities in advanced generalist social work practice by applying the core values of social work to enhance life for all people.
Furthermore, learners will also develop advanced generalist practice skills to aid business, community and government leaders in leveraging diversity, instilling equity and leading with an inclusive lens by engaging in social work practice while expanding access to work and improving communities at all systems levels.
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
$540 per credit, $150 resource kit fee, 88 total quarter credits, 20 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your tuition amount will vary depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses. Tuition estimates shown for the GuidedPath learning format depend on the number of credits accepted for transfer. New or recently revised program tuition estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in tuition and pricing. You will be responsible for costs in addition to tuition, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. You will be charged $50-$200 each quarter or billing session for your resource kit, which includes required books, software and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid also is available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
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Accreditations and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Capella University’s Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation. For information about social work accreditation, visit: https://www.cswe.org/. In compliance with the CSWE public disclosure policy, Capella University reports this program's student learning outcomes.
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Admission requirements
Applicants to the MSW program must provide the following information for admission:
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
All admissions decisions are final.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
Learn more about international student admissions.
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Explore paths and programs that leverage your unique interests to help build a better world.
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with a master of social work (MSW) degree.
Job titles to explore
Employment settings to explore
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.