MSW Programs in Washington DC

Washington D.C. is home to six MSW programs. Of the available options, three of them are traditional, campus-based programs, while the other three are offered as online MSW programs (either online only or hybrid options).

If you are looking for an MSW program in Washington D.C., 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.

• 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 Washington DC

1. Catholic University of America

   Washington, DC

   
   Credits: 60
   Cost per credit: $1,200
   Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
   Area of Specialized Practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Management or Administration, Social Policy, Integrated Practice
   Dual Degree Option(s): Law
   Certification: Child Welfare
   Program Highlights:
   

   • The University has a long history of preparing highly qualified practitioners
   • The MSW program prepares students for licensed independent practice

   Learn More: Program Details

2. Gallaudet University

   Washington, DC

   
   Credits: 61
   Cost per credit: Not available on the website
   Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
   Area of Specialized Practice: Disabilities
   Certification: Disabilities
   Program Highlights:
   

   • Prepares students for Advanced Practice with deaf and hard-of-hearing populations
   • Graduates of the MSW Program possess knowledge and skills in Direct Generalist Practice

   Learn More: Program Details

3. Howard University

   Washington, DC

   
   Credits: 60
   Cost per credit: $2,027
   Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
   Area of Specialized Practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Criminal Justice, Health, Management or Administration, Mental Health, Social Policy, Aging and Gerontological Practice, Macro Social Work
   Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration, Public Health, Theology or Divinity
   Program Highlights:
   

   • Howard University is ranked #16 among the best schools to study Social Work
   • Equips the student for careers in Direct Services and Macro Practice

   Learn More: Program Details

MSW programs in Washington DC

1. Catholic University of America

   Washington, DC

   
   Credits: 60
   Cost per credit: $1,200
   Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
   Areas of Specialized Practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Management or Administration, Social Policy, Integrated Practice
   Dual Degree Option(s): Law
   Certification: Child Welfare
   Program Highlights:
   

   • The University has a long history of preparing highly qualified practitioners
   • The MSW program prepares students for licensed independent practice

   Learn More: Program Details

2. Gallaudet University

   Washington, DC

   
   Credits: 61
   Cost per credit: Not available on the website
   Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
   Areas of Specialized Practice: Disabilities
   Certification: Disabilities
   Program Highlights:
   

   • Prepares students for Advanced Practice with deaf and hard-of-hearing populations
   • Graduates of the MSW Program possess knowledge and skills in Direct Generalist Practice

   Learn More: Program Details

3. Howard University

   Washington, DC

   
   Credits: 60
   Cost per credit: $2,027
   Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
   Areas of Specialized Practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Criminal Justice, Health, Management or Administration, Mental Health, Social Policy, Aging and Gerontological Practice, Macro Social Work
   Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration, Public Health, Theology or Divinity
   Program Highlights:
   

   • Howard University is ranked #16 among the best schools to study Social Work
   • Equips the student for careers in Direct Services and Macro Practice

   Learn More: Program Details

MSW programs overview

• Catholic University of America – The Catholic University of America offers an MSW program under the direction of its National Catholic School of Social Service. This program offers some flexibility, which can be helpful for returning students or working adults. To graduate with an MSW, you’ll need at least 60 credit hours – 30 hours of foundational knowledge and 30 hours of advanced learning. This degree can be completed in as little as two years or up to five years, depending on your needs.
• Gallaudet University – The MSW program at Gallaudet University specializes in training and education for social work with the deaf and hard of hearing populations. This program requires 61 credit hours, and they offer an advanced program as well. The advanced program features a full 512-hour internship in the Spring semester.
• Howard University – Howard University offers two different degree options from its School of Social Work. Students can choose an MSW or PhD Unlike other traditional schools, Howard is increasingly integrating hybrid courses into its curriculum, incorporating elements of in-person learning and asynchronous online learning.
• George Mason University – George Mason University offers both in-person and online MSW programs for students. There are three plan options: two, three, or a four-year track. If you already obtained your BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, you may be eligible for the advanced standing program. In addition to the general curriculum, students must practice 600 hours of clinical practicum before they can graduate.

Online MSW program overview

Although most schools are starting to integrate more digital courses, not every CSWE-accredited school offers an online program. Here’s a list of CSWE-accredited schools that offer hybrid and online MSW programs.

• George Mason University – George Mason University offers in-person and online MSW programs for increased flexibility. 
• Howard University – Howard University offers both in-person and hybrid classes for its MSW program. It was ranked 33^rd in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. You can specialize in criminal justice, gerontology, mental health, healthcare, family and child welfare, or displaced populations.
• Catholic University of America – This MSW program is renowned for its flexibility. Not only does The Catholic University of America offer a 100 percent online MSW program, but they also offer flexible on-campus learning if you prefer to attend classes in-person.

How to become a social worker in Washington DC

Pursuing a career in Washington DC is very similar to the path you would take in other states. Here are the general steps to become a social worker in Washington DC:

• Obtain your degree from a CSWE-accredited program. This can be a BSW, MSW, or PhD depending on the career path you choose
• Sit for your exam
• Supervised practice under a licensed professional
• Apply for a license after you pass the exam and complete your supervised work hours

Many social workers choose to enrich their education further by pursuing a PhD in social work. There are two school options within Washington DC that offer a PhD program:

• Howard University
• Catholic University of America

Social work license requirements in Washington DC

There are four different paths you can take if you’re pursuing social work in Washington DC: 

• Licensed Social Work Associate (LSWA)
• Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)
• Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)
• Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) 

Each certification has different educational and professional application requirements. To work independently or in your own practice, you should obtain your LISW or LICSW certifications.

According to the Washington DC licensing board, here are the steps you will need to take to obtain your MSW and become an independent social worker in Washington DC.

1. Obtain your BSW from a CSWE accredited program.
2. For an LGSW, LISW, or LICSW certification, you’ll need to obtain your MSW from a CSWE accredited program.
3. Sit for the licensing exam. Please note that this exam is required for any of the four levels that you choose.
4. Work under a licensed supervisor to gain practical experience. For an LGSW, you’ll need at least 100 hours of in-person supervision. For the independent social work licenses (LISW & LICSW), you’ll need at least 3,000 hours of supervised practice. This typically takes two to four years. It cannot exceed a five-year period.
5. Apply for your license.

Social worker jobs and social worker salary in Washington DC

There are 3,320 total social workers in Washington DC. While the number of social workers in Washington DC might seem small, it is quite astonishing when you consider the overall percentage of the small population. Below we dig into the details and see the statistics for each of the social work specializations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Job outlook

Overall, the number of social workers per capita has room to grow. As the COVID pandemic continues to increase economic and mental burdens on Washington DC citizens, there will be an increased need for social workers as a support system. Additionally, its geographic location as the nation’s governmental and military headquarters makes it an excellent choice for social workers who are looking to influence, improve, and change public welfare policy for the better.

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