Wisconsin is home to 9 MSW programs. Of the available options, 6 of them are traditional, campus-based programs, while 3 of them offer online MSW programs (either online only or hybrid options).
If you are looking for an MSW program in Wisconsin, check out the full school listings below, which provide the latest program highlights, tuition information, and other relevant details designed to help you compare and contrast degree options.
In this guide- Online MSW listings
- MSW programs listings
- MSW overview
- Online MSW overview
- How to become a social worker
- License requirements
- Social work salaries
- Career outlook
- Expert advice
Online MSW programs in Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin
Mequon, WI
Credits: 63
Cost per credit: $740
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Program Highlights:- Offers more flexibility during the week for required field placement and other life priorities
- Graduates will leave ready for licensing in every state at multiple practice levels
- Promotes knowledge in public health that will enhance abilities to serve in the field of social work
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WICredits: 36
Cost per credit: $675
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual degree option(s): Criminal Justice, Other, Public Health, Urban Planning
Certification: Gerontology, Trauma
Program Highlights:- Offers Advanced Standing program
- All classes are online and asynchronous
- Four semesters of field placement in years two and three of the program
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater, WICredits: 59
Cost per credit: $492 in-state | $588 out-of-state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- Program does require virtual, synchronous class time
- Some courses are offered via Virtual Classroom mode
- Cultivates advanced social work professionals skilled in developing collaborative relationships
MSW programs in Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin
Mequon, WICredits: 63
Cost per credit: $740
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Program Highlights:- Approachable faculty and a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, and students will benefit from valuable field experience
- Offers professional acumen and employability
- Students can participate in Interprofessional Education (IPE) with programs across the School of Health Professions
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Green Bay, WICredits: 54
Cost per credit: $552 in-state | $1106 out-of-state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: School Social Work
Program Highlights:- One of the most affordable MSW programs in Wisconsin
- Prepares students for advanced-practice social work
- Offers Advanced Generalist specialization with an Individualized Area of Emphasis option
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison & Eau Claire, WICredits: 49
Cost per credit: $500 in-state | $1044 out-of-state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual degree option(s): Law, Public Health, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine
Program Highlights:- Offers a unique approach to Field Education
- More than 100 agencies and organizations provide opportunities in which to learn practice
- State-of-the-art interview practice and videoconference rooms
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WICredits: 22
Cost per credit: $558 in-state | $1168 out-of-state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual degree option(s): Criminal Justice, Other, Public Health, Urban Planning
Certification: Gerontology, Trauma
Program Highlights:- Advanced curriculum maximizes student choice and flexibility
- The only graduate schools in Wisconsin to offer an approved Department of Public Instruction (DPI) school social work program
- Offers Advanced Standing program
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WICredits: 30
Cost per credit: $561
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Health, Mental Health
Program Highlights:- Offers Advanced Standing program
- Graduates are competent in the 9 CSWE competencies and have practice expertise specifically in mental health (clinical) or advanced direct practice
- The curriculum offerings align with the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) of the Council on Social Work Education
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Whitewater, WICredits: 58
Cost per credit: $492 in-state | $588 out-of-state
Plan of study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Program Highlights:- Offers faculty supported internship
- Students are allowed to take elective courses in a variety of areas
- Partners students within a framework of community engagement to accomplish mutual goals
MSW programs in Wisconsin
If you’re looking to become a licensed social worker in Wisconsin, you’ll need to start by getting your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. Let’s look at the schools in Wisconsin that offer MSW programs.
- University of Wisconsin – The University of Wisconsin offers CSWE- accredited MSW programs on both full and part-time program schedules at many of its campuses. The full-time schedule usually takes about two years for students to complete. If you opt to go part-time, you can expect the program to take you about four years. There’s also an advanced standing program for students who qualify. The program at the Madison campus is ranked number eleven in the nation, but you can also pursue your MSW at the Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Green Bay, or Eau Claire campuses (among others).
- Concordia University – With a Christian focus, the MSW program at Concordia University is fully CSWE-accredited. They also offer a bachelor’s of social work (BSW) degree if you are just getting started. This program provides increased flexibility for students with both full and part-time program schedules. There is also an advanced standing program for students who meet the requirements.
Online MSW programs in Wisconsin
Online and hybrid degree programs offer increased scheduling flexibility, which can be extremely valuable if you find yourself struggling to free up time to devote to additional schooling. Many nation-wide MSW programs offer 100% online or hybrid programs. In Wisconsin, there is only one school that offers non-traditional hybrid classes for increased flexibility.
- Concordia University – Concordia University recognizes the value that hybrid and online courses offer to busy students. If a full-time course load doesn’t work for you, they offer part-time options, including some online courses. To graduate, you’ll need a total of 66 credit hours. Most classes have a 12:1 student ratio, so you don’t need to worry about getting lost in the masses.
How to become a social worker in Wisconsin
Becoming a social worker in Wisconsin isn’t just about obtaining your MSW degree. There are several different social work career paths that you can take. You can focus on obtaining your license as a Certified Social Worker (CSW), Certified Advanced Practice Social Worker (CAPSW), Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW), or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The requirements for each of these licenses are slightly different, so we’ll explore each one individually.
CSW
- Obtain your BSW or MSW from a CSWE accredited school.
- Submit the CSW application form.
- Pass the Wisconsin law exam. This is an open-book test that focuses on the specific legal regulations in social work practice.
- Pass the ASWB Bachelor’s exam.
CAPSW
- Obtain your MSW from a CSWE accredited school.
- Apply for your CAPSW license.
- Pass the Wisconsin law exam. This is an open-book test that focuses on the specific legal regulations in social work practice.
- Pass the ASWB Master’s exam.
CISW
- Obtain your MSW or DSW from a CSWE accredited school.
- Complete two years (3,000 hours) of supervised social work.
- Apply for your CISW license.
- Pass the Wisconsin law exam. This is an open-book test that focuses on the specific legal regulations in social work practice.
- Pass the ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam.
LCSW
- Obtain your MSW or DSW from a CSWE accredited school.
- Complete two years (3,000 hours) of supervised experience. At least 1,000 hours need to be completed in the form of face-to-face clinical interaction with clients.
- Apply for your LCSW license.
- Pass the Wisconsin law exam. This is an open-book test that focuses on the specific legal regulations in social work practice.
- Pass the ASWB clinical exam.
While it’s not specifically required for obtaining a social work license, having a doctoral degree in social work will not only help you prepare for the state’s licensing requirements, it can also boost your post-graduation salary and job prospects. The University of Wisconsin is the only school in Wisconsin that offers a PhD program in social work.
Wisconsin also offers a social worker training certificate (SWTC) instead of official licensure. To qualify for this certificate, you will need a human services bachelor’s degree that demonstrates you’ve completed courses on ethics, statistics, and a high-level social services overview course. You can find out more about the specific requirements at the state licensing board’s SWTC page.
Social work license requirements in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services regulates the types of licensure within the state. Candidates can apply for four different licensure standings and one certificate option.
The CAPSW, CISW, and LCSW licensure levels require an MSW at a minimum. However, applicants pursuing the SWTC or CSW licensure only need a Bachelor’s degree. The CISW and LCSW are the only licenses that require supervised work hours. The CISW and LCSW require at least 3,000 hours of post-graduate work hours before applicants are eligible to apply for their licensures.
Wisconsin does offer out-of-state licensing reciprocity if applicants meet specific requirements. Each application is reviewed on an individual basis. While this reciprocity doesn’t automatically equal licensure within Wisconsin, it might offer attractive licensure options for those who have already been licensed and have practiced licensed social work in other states. Out-of-state licensed social workers can apply for licensure within Wisconsin but might have to take the open-book Wisconsin law exam to qualify for reciprocity.
Social worker jobs and social worker salary in Wisconsin
The demand for social workers in Wisconsin will continue to grow as the socioeconomic demographics of the state shift. There are currently 12,420 social workers within Wisconsin. Of those 12,420, here is how they break down into specializations according to the BLS:
Social worker salary data in Wisconsin
Range: $47,470 – $55,390
Average: $50,717
Child, family, and school social worker — There are 5,310 child, family, and school social workers in Wisconsin. The average salary for this group is $48,910 a year.
Healthcare social worker – About 4,290 social workers work in healthcare in Wisconsin. They make an average annual salary of $59,000.
Mental health and substance abuse social worker – There are 2,450 mental health and substance abuse social workers in Wisconsin. The average reported salary is $51,070.
Social worker (all other) – A general group of “all other social workers” that consists of social workers in private practice and administration number 1,450. The average salary is $59,850.
As with other states, one factor in increasing your annual salary as a social worker is obtaining your doctoral degree in social work. While it’s not required, it can be a boon to your career as a social worker.
Social work outlook in Wisconsin
Compared to the national average, Wisconsin has a slightly lower concentration of social workers. However, the demand for social work professionals continues to expand. As its population battles with the COVID, opioid, and economic challenges, there will be a continued demand for social workers, particularly professionals who focus on welfare and addiction. This is especially true as the coronavirus pandemic continues to change the socioeconomic landscape and puts increasing pressure on the healthcare and welfare systems.
Career Advice
Find the latest social work career advice from people working directly in the field in Wisconsin. Learn more about all the different pathways and opportunities available in social work today.
- What are the most important factors for students deciding on an MSW program in Wisconsin?
- What are the challenges or opportunities for becoming a social worker in Wisconsin?
- What does the future of social work look like in Wisconsin?
- What types of jobs are MSW graduates finding in Wisconsin?
- Do you have advice or guidance for MSW graduates pursuing a license in Wisconsin?