MSW Programs in Georgia

The University of Georgia is home to the most popular MSW program in the state, according to total number of annual graduates.

Meanwhile, Albany State University has the most affordable MSW program in the state. The cost per credit is $191, while the total MSW program tuition is $12,224.

Four schools in Georgia offer completely online MSW programs.

CONTENTS OF THIS GUIDE

• Online MSW programs
• MSW programs
• License requirements
• Social work jobs
• Social worker salary
• Job outlook
• Social work in Georgia

Online MSW programs in Georgia

There are a number of  CSWE accredited MSW programs that offer online course work including University of Georgia, Valdosta State University, and Kennesaw State University, to name a few. Online programs can be a great option for students needing specific accommodations or flexibility when completing coursework. 

Some of these programs can be completed entirely remotely while others may require students to attend in person classes or events.

Schools with online MSW programs

1. Albany State University

   Albany, GA

   
   Credits: 64
   Cost per credit: $300
   Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
   Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
   Program Highlights:
   

   • Prepares students for competent, empowering clinical practice with vulnerable children, adults and families of diverse backgrounds
   • Coursework covers areas in social work theory, research, practice, and policy

   Learn More: Program Details

2. Georgia State University

   Atlanta, GA

   
   Credits: 60
   Cost per credit: $318
   Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
   Area of specialized practice: Community Development and Social Systems
   Program Highlights:
   

   • Community partnerships are emphasized through the lens of a generalist practice model
   • Supervised field placement

   Learn More: Program Details

3. University of Georgia

   Athens & Lawrenceville, GA

   
   Tuition: https://online.uga.edu/degrees-certificates/master-social-work
   Credits: 60
   Cost per credit: $629
   Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
   Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Integrated Practice
   Dual Degree Option(s: Law, Public Health, Theology or Divinity
   Certification: Addictions, Gerontology, Marriage and Family, Non-Profit Management
   Program Highlights:
   

   • Personalized Field Placement
   • No GRE Required
   • The advanced practice focuses on individuals, families, and groups in diverse settings

4. Valdosta State University

   Valdosta, GA

   
   Credits: 60
   Cost per credit: $293
   Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
   Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
   Program Highlights:
   

   • Web-hybrid, competency-based, “signature pedagogy” program is offered
   • Option for students to do a work-site placement is possible

   Learn More: Program Details

MSW programs in Georgia

Most traditional social work jobs in Georgia require a master’s of social work (MSW) degree. The MSW program trains future social workers in important assessment case management and service provision skills in the context of a “person-in-environment model” which takes into account cultural factors that may impact needs. 

The licensing process requires social workers to obtain degrees from schools that are accredited by the Council of Social Work Boards (CSWE). The CSWE sets basic academic standards that schools must meet to be accredited. These requirements include the number of internship hours, and specific content that must be covered in coursework. The basic curriculum includes the following:

• Exploration of basic service provision with individuals, families, groups and organizations.
• Use of research methods and understanding of the impact of  policy, regulations, and laws on the practice of social work.
• Further course work specific specialization such as clinical work, school social work, organizational or administrative social work, or community organizing.
• Practicing cultural humility and providing culturally responsive practice.
• Electives are often offered in MSW programs to allow students to explore more specific types of social work such as working with families and couples, social work in sports, or grant writing. 
• Engaging in hands on social work experience, also called field placement, under the supervision of a professional social worker. The CSWE requires that master’s level social workers complete 900 hours of field work throughout their social work education career. 

Schools with campus MSW programs

1. Clark Atlanta University

   Atlanta, GA

   
   Credits: 59
   Cost per credit: $951
   Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
   Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Mental Health
   Program Highlights:
   

   • The program utilizes ecological and systems theories as a base
   • Three major integrative themes undergird the curriculum:
     • Afrocentric Perspective
     • Humanistic Values
     • Autonomous Social Work Practice Roles

   Learn More: Program Details

2. Georgia State University

   Atlanta, GA

   
   Credits: 60
   Cost per credit: $318 in state | $1,007 out of state
   Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
   Area of specialized practice: Community Development and Social Systems
   Program Highlights:
   

   • Sole focus is community partnerships, based on a generalist practice model
   • A strong liberal arts foundation, which includes courses in humanities, social sciences, human biology, statistics, and research.

   Learn More: Program Details

3. Kennesaw State University

   Kennesaw, GA

   
   Credits: 60
   Cost per credit: $296 in state | $1,066 out of state
   Plan of Study: Full-Time
   Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice
   Dual Degree Option(s: Business Administration
   Program Highlights:
   

   • Program is offering Advanced Standing as of spring 2023.
   • Supervised field practicum at an agency site approved by the Department

   Learn More: Program Details

4. Savannah State University

   Savannah, GA

   
   Credits: 60
   Cost per credit: $196 in state | $726 out of state
   Plan of Study: Full-Time, Advanced Standing
   Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice, Social Justice, Management or Administration, Other
   Certification: Developmental Disabilities
   Program Highlights:
   

   • Offers International learning opportunities in Trinidad Tobago, Ghana and Costa Rica on a selective basis
   • Three principle parts of the curriculum:
     • Foundation, Advanced and Field Education Pedagogy

   Learn More: Program Details

5. University of Georgia

   Athens & Lawrenceville, GA

   
   Credits: 60
   Cost per credit: $402 in state | $1,091 out of state
   Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
   Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Integrated Practice
   Dual Degree Option(s: Law, Public Health, Theology or Divinity
   Certification: Addictions, Gerontology, Marriage and Family, Non-Profit Management
   Program Highlights:
   

   • Students gain hands-on experience in their areas of interest through impactful field internships and research opportunities
   • Learn through a curriculum grounded in evidence-based practices
   • GRE is optional

   Learn More: Program Details

6. Valdosta State University

   Valdosta, GA

   
   Credits: 60
   Cost per credit: $254 in state | $915 out of state
   Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
   Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
   Program Highlights:
   

   • Competency-based "signature pedagogy" approach
   • Opportunity to complete placements in mental health, school social work, hospice, inpatient psychiatry, VA hospitals, and Department of Children and Family Services

   Learn More: Program Details

Social work license requirements in Georgia

There are two licensure options for Georgia social workers: Licensed Masters Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Both options are managed by the Georgia Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists. Upon application, social workers will need to decide which license is appropriate based on the roles and responsibilities of their job or intended career path. The following describe the licensure requirements: 

A Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW) is permitted to provide generalist services that are guided by knowledge of “social resources, social systems, and human behavior.” Generalist services includes “evaluation, prevention and intervention” services such as community organizing, administration, consultation, and supervision of bachelor’s level social workers.

Licensing process for Licensed Master’s Social Workers (LMSW)

1. Complete a master’s of social work (MSW) from a CSWE accredited program.
2. Within one year of graduating from an MSW program, social workers must apply to take the ABSW Master Social Work licensing examination. If the social worker fails the exam, they must take it again during the next scheduled exam date. Postponement is possible under some circumstances. Social workers can attempt the exam up to three times. If the social worker is unable to pass after three attempts, they are no longer eligible for licensure in the state of Georgia. The Social workers may practice for up to one year following the granting of the MSW degree before taking the LMSW exam. 

Licensing process for Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW’s) may practice in all of the ways the LMSW are authorized to plus the ability to engage in counseling and psychotherapy. This includes the ability to engage in the evaluation to ascertain mental, cognitive, emotional, behavioral and interpersonal issues or conditions. LCSW’s can also engage in the treatment of such issues or conditions. To obtain a LCSW licenses, social workers must complete the following process:

1. Complete a master’s of social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
2. Social workers must complete a minimum three years (a minimum of 3,000 hours) of post-degree supervised social work practice. Supervised hours must be completed in no less than three years time but not more than nine years. The social worker must engage in at least 120 hours of supervising meetings with a supervisor. Up to 60 hours of group supervision is permissible. If the social worker has a doctoral degree in social work or  a related program, such as psychology, counseling or medicine, they have to complete 2,000 hours of supervise social work practice with supervision provided by a licensed clinical social worker.  
3.  After completing the previous tasks, the social worker must submit appropriate documentation to the Board. Upon acceptance of that documentation by the Board, they will be eligible to take the ASWB Clinical exam. Upon passing the exam, the social worker is eligible to apply for a license. If the social worker fails the exam, they must take it again during the next scheduled exam date. Postponement is possible under some circumstances. Social workers can attempt the exam up to three times. If the social worker is unable to pass after three attempts, they are no longer eligible for a social work license in the state of Georgia. 

Social work jobs in Georgia

Georgia continues to experience consistent population growth and with this growth, demand of social workers in all sectors will continue to expand. Social workers provide services in healthcare facilities, community organizations, advocacy groups, nonprofits and government. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, social work roles in many of these settings will expand. 

Social workers will continue to be in high demand in community organizations and are a part of the fabric of our social services system, such as housing rights, affordable housing, food benefits, or public health care may see an uptick in participation and need as job loss continues throughout the pandemic. Other organizations like child protective services and domestic violence centers are needing to come up with new and innovative ways to access patients. Healthcare social workers are essential workers alongside nurses, physicians, and other healthcare staff. While COVID has impacted non-emergency care, emergency services and psychiatric services, where licensed social workers often engage in practice, are still operational and in some ways, continuing to grow. 

Social work salary in Georgia

The average salary for all social workers in Georgia is $49,347 according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. 

Social workers in the state of Georgia have salaries that vary widely. The range of average salaries for social work job categories ranges from $42,760 to $73,830. 

Key factors that affect social work salaries include:

• Education level As mentioned above, most social workers practicing direct case management have a master’s of social work degree (MSW).
• Licensure level While some organizations that hire social workers may not require a license, most master’s level social work jobs require either a LMSW or an LCSW if it’s a clinical role. 
• Years of experience Like many other professional fields, social workers with more experience generally make more. According to the Indeed data, the average salary for a social worker with one year of experience in Georgia is $58,196 while the social workers with 10 years of experience make an average of $74,595 according to the employment website Indeed.
• Location Social workers near major urban areas such as Atlanta, higher average salaries than social workers in more rural areas of Georgia.
• Area of practice Social workers are paid differently depending on the specialty. Here is a breakdown of average wage estimates in Georgia by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
  • $48,200: Child, family, and school social workers
  • $54,710: Healthcare social workers
  • $46,720: Mental health and substance abuse social workers
  • $75,270: All other social workers

Social work outlook in Georgia

Georgia’s Department of Labor (GDOL) anticipates that the employment of social workers will increase by 16 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is much faster than other professions. 

Specifically, child, family and school social workers have a 14 percent growth expectation by 2026 as services related to parenting, school supports, and child protective services are expected to respond to the growth in the state. 

Mental health and substance abuse is another service area that is projected to require more licensed social workers. Even prior to COVID, a 19 percent growth rate was predicted for  mental health and substance use disorder treatment services by 2026. In the age of COVID, it’s quite possible that this growth will increase. 

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