MSW Programs in South Dakota Online

South Dakota’s Master of Social Work education reflects the Mount Rushmore State’s pragmatic approach to meeting professional social work needs through focused, quality programming rather than extensive program proliferation. At this time, the University of South Dakota is the state’s primary school that has a CSWE-accredited MSW program that it offers in both a campus-based format and an online format, with a curriculum that prepares students for advanced generalist social work practice specifically targeting diverse populations. Students seeking additional online options beyond the state’s boundaries have access to numerous CSWE-accredited programs from institutions across the region and nation that welcome South Dakota residents, ensuring flexibility for working professionals and those in remote areas of the state.

South Dakota’s social work licensing framework establishes clear pathways through Certified Social Worker (CSW) and Certified Social Worker in Private, Independent Practice (CSW-PIP) credentials, both requiring MSW preparation from CSWE-accredited programs. An MSW from a CSWE-accredited program is required for licensure in South Dakota as a Certified Social Worker (CSW) or Certified Social Worker in Private, Independent Practice (CSW-PIP). For advanced practice licensure, in South Dakota, you are required to work two-years of pre-approved supervised social work, and candidates must also submit evaluations from their supervisors every six (6) months to the Board. The state maintains rigorous continuing education standards, requiring all licensees submitting applications for renewal of licensure to complete thirty contact hours of continuing education within the previous two-year license period, with six of those hours required to be in social work ethics.

The career landscape for social workers in South Dakota encompasses both the unique challenges and opportunities of serving rural and tribal communities alongside growing urban centers in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. The state’s significant Native American population creates specialized practice opportunities, while its agricultural economy and tourism industry generate diverse social service needs ranging from community development to healthcare social work. South Dakota’s emphasis on family preservation, substance abuse treatment, and rural healthcare delivery aligns with MSW curricula that emphasize generalist practice skills and cultural competency. Whether pursuing education through the state’s established program or accessing online options from neighboring institutions, students preparing for South Dakota’s social work landscape benefit from training that emphasizes adaptability, cultural responsiveness, and the integrated service delivery models essential for serving the state’s geographically dispersed and culturally diverse communities.

2026 Best South Dakota MSW Programs Online

Looking for the best South Dakota MSW programs online? At mastersinsocialworkonline.org, we provide rankings to help you choose quality options that fit your needs. Online programs offer flexibility for students balancing work or family, making distance learning accessible from anywhere. Our thorough evaluation ensures you get reliable information to advance your career in social work. Learn more about how we rank programs at https://mastersinsocialworkonline.org/rankings-methodology/.

#1

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, SD - Public 4-Year - usd.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of South Dakota offers a fully online Master of Social Work (MSW) program, CSWE-accredited since 1974, with a generalist focus. It provides flexible full-time or part-time tracks requiring 36-60 credits and includes 1000 hours of field education. No entrance exam is required for admission. This program prepares graduates for clinical licensure and leadership roles, featuring an 84% national exam pass rate and options like an accelerated 3+2 pathway.

• CSWE fully accredited since 1974
• Full-time and part-time tracks
• Online and Sioux Falls campus
• 60 or 36 credit hour options
• 1000 hours field education
• 84% national exam pass rate
• Clinical and therapeutic focus
• Path to Licensure program
• Accelerated 3+2 program options

*Information from: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 dataset.

List of South Dakota Online MSW Programs

List of South Dakota Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs

Advanced standing MSW programs in South Dakota provide an accelerated pathway for BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited institutions, allowing them to complete their master’s degree through a streamlined curriculum. Currently, the University of South Dakota (USD) is the only school in the state of South Dakota that offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program, and for those already holding a BSW degree from a CSWE-accredited program, they may skip the foundational year of classes and move on to the advanced-standing curriculum. These programs emphasize rural practice methods, Native American community services, and agricultural community support to address the unique challenges facing South Dakota’s vast prairie regions, tribal nations, and sparsely populated rural areas.