MSW Programs in North Dakota Online

North Dakota presents a distinctive landscape for Master of Social Work education, with the state offering limited but quality options for aspiring social workers. The University of North Dakota stands as the sole institution within the state providing an MSW program, delivering both traditional and online pathways that emphasize advanced generalist practice. The online MSW program features live, synchronous web classes that students must attend, creating an interactive learning environment that bridges the gap between virtual education and hands-on preparation. For students seeking broader options, numerous nationally accredited online programs welcome North Dakota residents, expanding access to specialized concentrations and flexible scheduling arrangements.

The social work profession in North Dakota operates within a well-structured regulatory framework, with the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners issuing three distinct social work licenses: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). To obtain an LCSW license, graduates must hold an MSW from a CSWE- or CASWE-accredited program, positioning MSW education as the gateway to advanced clinical practice and independent licensure. All online MSW programs require field education at a local health services agency, ensuring that students develop practical skills within North Dakota’s unique rural and urban service delivery contexts. The state’s emphasis on generalist practice aligns well with the diverse needs of its communities, from bustling cities like Fargo and Bismarck to remote rural areas where social workers often serve as the primary mental health and social service providers.

North Dakota’s growing awareness of mental health needs and social service gaps creates promising career prospects for MSW graduates, particularly those prepared for clinical practice in underserved areas. The state’s commitment to supporting social work education through quality programming and clear licensure pathways reflects its recognition of the profession’s vital role in addressing everything from substance abuse and family services to healthcare social work and community development across the northern Great Plains.

2026 Best North Dakota MSW Programs Online

Looking for the best online MSW programs in North Dakota? Our team at mastersinsocialworkonline.org has carefully ranked top options to help you find a quality education that fits your life. Online programs offer flexibility for busy students, making it easier to balance studies with work or family through distance learning and virtual classes. This accessibility is key for advancing your career in social work from anywhere. Learn more about how we create our rankings at https://mastersinsocialworkonline.org/rankings-methodology/.

#1

University of Mary

Bismarck, ND - Private 4-year - umary.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Clinical - Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Mary's online Master of Social Work program with a Clinical concentration offers a values-based education rooted in Christian and Benedictine principles. Designed for professionals, it features flexible 30-60 credit options at $620 per credit, with synchronous and asynchronous formats. The program requires a minimum 2.75 GPA and is in pre-candidacy for CSWE accreditation; no entrance exam is specified. It prepares graduates for effective service in diverse clinical settings.

• Online MSW program
• 30-60 credit options
• $620 per credit
• Clinical/macro tracks
• Next start date 9/1/2025
• Pre-candidacy CSWE accreditation
• Minimum 2.75 GPA required
• Summer institute options
• Synchronous/asynchronous formats

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Macro Practice and Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website

Focusing on Macro Practice and Leadership, the University of Mary's online MSW program equips students for advanced roles in social work leadership. With a curriculum emphasizing community and organizational impact, it offers 30-60 credits at $620 per credit, flexible online delivery, and no mentioned entrance exam requirement. A minimum 2.75 GPA is needed, and the program is in pre-candidacy for CSWE accreditation, supporting careers in healthcare and community organizations.

• Online MSW program
• 30-60 credit options
• $620 per credit
• Two specialization tracks
• Next start date: 9/1/2025
• Minimum 2.75 GPA required
• Synchronous and asynchronous formats
• Summer institute options
• Pre-candidacy CSWE accreditation

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*U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023.

List of North Dakota Online MSW Programs

List of North Dakota Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs

Advanced standing MSW programs in North Dakota are designed for students holding a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution, offering them a fast-track approach to earning their master’s degree. These programs focus on energy sector community impacts, agricultural family support, and cross-border collaboration to address the evolving social needs of North Dakota’s oil boom regions, traditional farming communities, and populations along the Canadian border.