Best MSW Programs in Maryland (2026)
Every CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program in Maryland for 2026, with in-state tuition, LCSW-C licensure requirements, salary data, and field placement details.
Key Takeaways
- Maryland has 3 CSWE-accredited MSW programs — University of Maryland Baltimore, Morgan State University, and Salisbury University — with in-state tuition ranging from $445/credit at Salisbury to $676/credit at UMB.
- Maryland social workers earn 8–23% above national medians across specialties, with child, family, and school social workers averaging $64,270 (vs. $58,570 nationally) and healthcare social workers earning $73,580 (vs. $68,090 nationally).
- The Maryland LCSW-C requires 3,000 supervised post-master's clinical hours (minimum 1,500 face-to-face client contact) completed over at least 2 years, plus the ASWB Clinical exam.
- Maryland enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact in 2025 (HB345), effective October 1, 2025. Once fully operational in 2026, Maryland-licensed social workers can practice across all 31+ member states without separate licensure.
- All 3 Maryland MSW programs offer fully online options, and the Baltimore–Washington D.C. metro area creates unique employment opportunities with federal agencies, the VA health system, NIH, Johns Hopkins, and a dense network of nonprofits.
Maryland offers a strong combination of affordable public MSW programs, competitive salaries boosted by proximity to Washington D.C., and high demand for licensed social workers across the state. With 3 CSWE-accredited MSW programs, you can choose from the nationally ranked University of Maryland Baltimore (the state's flagship social work school), Morgan State University (an HBCU with urban-focused concentrations), or Salisbury University (serving the Eastern Shore and rural communities).
Every MSW program in Maryland prepares you for licensure as a Licensed Certified Social Worker — Clinical (LCSW-C), the credential needed for independent clinical practice and the highest-paying social work roles. The path after graduation: obtain your Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) credential by passing the ASWB Master's exam, complete 3,000 supervised clinical hours over at least 2 years under the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners, pass the ASWB Clinical exam, and apply for your LCSW-C.
Maryland's location between Washington D.C. and Baltimore creates unique employment opportunities. Federal agencies, the VA health care system, the National Institutes of Health, Johns Hopkins Health System, the University of Maryland Medical Center, and a dense network of nonprofits all hire MSW graduates. Maryland also became a member of the Social Work Licensure Compact in 2025, which will allow Maryland-licensed social workers to practice across all compact member states — a major advantage for those near the D.C., Virginia, and Pennsylvania borders.
CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in Maryland
All 3 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Maryland, Baltimore | $676/credit | On-campus | |
| 2 | Morgan State University | $473/credit | On-campus and fully online | |
| 3 | Salisbury University | $445/credit | On-campus |
University of Maryland, Baltimore
In-State
$676/credit
Out-of-State
$1,307/credit
Length
2 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
900+ (2-day/week first year, 3-day/week second year)
Concentrations
- Ranked among the top 20 MSW programs nationally by U.S. News & World Report — the highest-ranked MSW in Maryland
- Largest school of social work in Maryland, educating the majority of the state's social workers
- Three campus modalities: in-person at Baltimore, hybrid at Universities at Shady Grove (Rockville), and fully online
- Clinical sub-concentrations in Aging, Behavioral Health, Families and Children, and Health; Leadership sub-concentrations add Community Action & Social Policy and Organizational Leadership
- MSW/MPH, MSW/JD, and MSW/MBA dual degree options available
Morgan State University
In-State
$473/credit
Out-of-State
$930/credit
Length
2 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
960
Concentrations
- Most affordable MSW in Maryland for in-state students at $473/credit, with a total program cost under $29,000
- Maryland's only HBCU offering an MSW, with a strong focus on social justice, cultural competence, and urban communities
- Five specialized concentrations — the most of any Maryland MSW program — including the unique Addictions and Public Health Social Work tracks
- Fully online MSW option with the same CSWE accreditation as the campus program
- Located in Baltimore with access to field placement sites across Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and the D.C. metro area
Salisbury University
In-State
$445/credit
Out-of-State
$760/credit
Length
2 years (62 credits)
Field Hours
900+
Concentrations
- Lowest tuition of any Maryland MSW program at $445/credit in-state, with a total 2-year cost under $28,000
- Hybrid delivery at 4 satellite locations across Maryland — classes meet just 1–2 evenings per week — ideal for working professionals
- Good Neighbor Graduate Scholarship covers part of non-resident tuition for students from Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina
- Serves Maryland's Eastern Shore and rural communities, with field placements at community mental health agencies, child welfare agencies, county health departments, and area schools
- Fully online MSW option available with the same CSWE accreditation and concentrations
Social Work Licensure Requirements in Maryland
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners (BSWE)
410-764-4788
Maryland issues four social work licenses through the Board of Social Work Examiners: the LSWA (associate level), LGSW (graduate level), LCSW (certified level), and LCSW-C (clinical level). MSW graduates can obtain the LGSW immediately after passing the ASWB Master's exam — no post-graduate supervised experience required. The LCSW-C, which allows independent clinical practice and private practice, requires additional supervised clinical hours and the ASWB Clinical exam.
Maryland enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact in 2025 through HB345, effective October 1, 2025. Once the compact is fully operational in 2026, Maryland-licensed social workers will be able to practice in all compact member states without obtaining separate licenses — a significant benefit for those in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia region or providing telehealth across state lines.
Licensed Graduate Social Worker
Generalist social work practice including assessment, case management, counseling, and referral services; may provide clinical services under supervision of an LCSW-C
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: ASWB Master's
Licensed Certified Social Worker
Non-clinical social work practice including administration, supervision, program development, and community organization; may supervise LGSWs in non-clinical work
Hours
3,000
Duration
2 years minimum
Exam: ASWB Advanced Generalist
Licensed Certified Social Worker — Clinical
Independent clinical practice including diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, psychotherapy, private practice, insurance billing, and supervision of LGSWs and LCSWs
Hours
3,000
Duration
2 years minimum
Exam: ASWB Clinical
Licensed Social Work Associate
Entry-level social work services including basic casework, intake, and referral under supervision of an LGSW, LCSW, or LCSW-C
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: ASWB Bachelors
Maryland is a member of the Social Work Licensure Compact, enacted through HB345 in 2025 with an effective date of October 1, 2025. Once the compact is fully operational (anticipated 2026), social workers licensed in any compact member state can practice in Maryland and vice versa without additional licensure. This is especially valuable in the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia corridor, where many social workers serve clients across state lines. For non-compact states, Maryland offers licensure by endorsement for applicants who hold an active, unrestricted license in another state with substantially equivalent requirements. Contact the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners at 410-764-4788 for specific endorsement questions.
Social Worker Salary in Maryland
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Maryland social workers earn above national medians across all specialties, driven by the state's proximity to Washington D.C., a robust healthcare sector anchored by Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland Medical System, and strong demand from federal agencies. The Baltimore–Columbia–Towson and Washington–Arlington–Alexandria metro areas both push salaries well above state averages. All salary data below is from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
National median: $58,570
Top metro: $67,840 (Baltimore-Columbia-Towson)
Healthcare Social Workers
National median: $68,090
Top metro: $79,450 (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (MD portion))
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
National median: $60,060
Top metro: $68,120 (Baltimore-Columbia-Towson)
Maryland Social Work Job Market and Workforce
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Maryland faces significant behavioral health workforce shortages, particularly in rural areas on the Eastern Shore, Western Maryland, and Southern Maryland. According to HRSA data, multiple Maryland counties and populations are designated as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas, meaning there are not enough licensed mental health providers — including clinical social workers — to meet demand.
Despite these shortages, the Baltimore–Washington D.C. corridor is one of the strongest job markets for social workers in the country. Major employers include Johns Hopkins Health System, the University of Maryland Medical Center, MedStar Health, the Maryland Department of Human Services, 24 local Departments of Social Services, Baltimore City Department of Social Services, the VA Maryland Health Care System (Baltimore and Perry Point), National Institutes of Health, Sheppard Pratt (one of the nation's top psychiatric hospitals), and numerous federal agencies in the D.C. metro area. The state also has a strong network of community behavioral health organizations, including over 40 Core Service Agencies that provide public mental health services across all jurisdictions.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects social worker employment in Maryland to grow 9–14% through 2032, with the strongest growth in mental health and substance abuse social work. Maryland's Behavioral Health Administration continues to expand community-based services, creating additional demand for MSW-level clinicians.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
Maryland State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) — Up to $50,000 per year for behavioral health professionals who commit to serving at eligible sites in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas in Maryland. Administered by the Maryland Department of Health.
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment — Up to $75,000 for a 3-year commitment (initial 2-year award plus 1-year renewal) for licensed behavioral health providers, including LCSW-Cs, serving at NHSC-approved sites in mental health HPSAs.
NHSC Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment — Up to $75,000 for social workers providing SUD treatment at approved sites in underserved areas, with a 3-year service commitment.
Janet L. Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program (LARP) — Maryland state program providing up to $10,000/year for graduates employed in public service positions in Maryland, including social workers at state and local agencies.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — Social workers at Maryland state agencies, local Departments of Social Services, VA medical centers, Johns Hopkins, MedStar, and other nonprofit employers all qualify for federal PSLF after 120 qualifying payments (10 years).
How to Choose an MSW Program in Maryland
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Maryland has 3 CSWE-accredited MSW programs, each with distinct strengths. Your decision will depend on where you live, whether you need online flexibility, your budget, and your career goals.
If you want the strongest academic reputation: The University of Maryland, Baltimore is ranked among the top 20 nationally, educates the majority of social workers in the state, and offers the most comprehensive program with clinical and macro concentrations plus dual degree options. It also has a fully online MSW and a hybrid program at Shady Grove in Rockville.
If affordability is your top priority: Salisbury University at $445/credit is the cheapest MSW in Maryland for in-state students, with a total program cost under $28,000. Morgan State at $473/credit is a close second. Both are significantly less expensive than UMB at $676/credit.
If you want an HBCU education: Morgan State University is Maryland's only HBCU offering an MSW, with a strong focus on social justice, cultural competence, and serving urban communities. Its 5 concentrations — including unique Addictions and Public Health Social Work tracks — are well-suited for careers in Baltimore and other urban areas.
If you need a fully online program: All 3 Maryland MSW programs offer CSWE-accredited online MSW options. UMB offers the strongest brand name, Morgan State the most affordable online tuition, and Salisbury provides evening/hybrid scheduling that works well for working professionals.
If you live in the D.C. suburbs: UMB's hybrid MSW at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville puts you in the heart of Montgomery County with access to D.C.-area employers. UMB also now offers D.C. residents in-state tuition rates.
If you live on the Eastern Shore or in rural Maryland: Salisbury University serves the Eastern Shore and has 4 satellite locations across the state, with field placements at community agencies, health departments, and schools in rural communities.
If you have a BSW and want to finish fast: All 3 programs offer advanced standing tracks that can be completed in approximately 1 year. UMB and Morgan State require 33 credits; Salisbury requires 32 credits.
Related Pages
Best Online MSW Programs
National ranking of the top online MSW programs
Best Online BSW Programs
Undergraduate social work programs
Best Online DSW Programs
Doctoral programs for experienced social workers
Clinical Social Worker Career Guide
What LCSWs actually do day-to-day
Clinical Social Worker Salary
Salary data by state and experience level
MSW Programs by State
Compare MSW programs across all 50 states
Sources
- CSWE Accredited Programs Directory — Maryland
- Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Social Workers in Maryland (May 2024)
- ASWB — Licensing Exams
- HRSA — Mental Health HPSA Data
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program
- Social Work Licensure Compact
- Maryland HB345 — Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact