Best MSW Programs in Minnesota (2026)
Every CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program in Minnesota for 2026, with tuition costs, LICSW licensure requirements, salary data, and field placement details.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota has 8 CSWE-accredited MSW programs across the state, including public universities, private institutions, and several with fully online or hybrid options.
- In-state tuition ranges from $599/credit at MSUM (most affordable public option) to $925/credit at Saint Mary's University. Minnesota State University Mankato offers strong value at $617/credit for residents.
- Minnesota social workers earn 8-12% above national medians depending on specialty, with healthcare social workers in Rochester (Mayo Clinic region) earning among the highest in the state at over $80,000.
- The LICSW requires 4,000 supervised clinical hours (minimum 2 years) with 200 hours of supervision and 1,800 direct client contact hours, plus the ASWB Clinical exam.
- 85 of 87 Minnesota counties are designated mental health HPSAs. The state offers both rural and urban mental health loan forgiveness programs providing up to $44,000 for LICSWs who serve in shortage areas.
Minnesota has a strong tradition of progressive social welfare policy and a well-established network of CSWE-accredited MSW programs. With 8 programs spread across the state, from the Twin Cities metro to Moorhead and Duluth, students have options ranging from flagship research universities to small private schools with clinical specializations. Several programs offer fully online or hybrid formats, making it possible to earn your MSW while working.
Every MSW program in Minnesota prepares you for licensure as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), which is the credential you need for independent clinical practice, private practice, and the highest-paying social work roles. The path after graduation: pass the ASWB Clinical exam, complete 4,000 supervised clinical hours with at least 200 hours of supervision and 1,800 direct client contact hours, and apply through the Minnesota Board of Social Work.
Minnesota's mental health workforce shortage is severe: 85 of 87 counties are federally designated mental health shortage areas, and the state has responded with generous loan forgiveness programs for social workers who commit to underserved communities. Major employers include Hennepin County, Mayo Clinic, Allina Health, M Health Fairview, and the State of Minnesota, all of which offer competitive salaries and qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in Minnesota
| School | Tuition (In-State) | Format | Length | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota — Twin Cities | $1,665/credit (resident) | On-campus (Thursday–Saturday, some Monday–Wednesday evenings) | 2 years (53 credits) | Full CSWE |
| University of Minnesota — Duluth | $1,076/credit (same rate for in-state and out-of-state) | On-campus | 2 years (51–54 credits) | Full CSWE (accredited 30+ years) |
| Minnesota State University, Mankato | $617/credit | Hybrid (blend of in-person and online) | 2 years (59 credits) | Full CSWE |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | $599/credit | Online Plus (online with late afternoon/evening sessions via distance technology) | 2 years | Full CSWE |
| St. Catherine University | $760/credit (private, flat rate) | On-campus and online options | 2 years (51 credits) | Full CSWE |
| Augsburg University | $765/credit (private, flat rate) | Hybrid (weeknight or weekend options, 8 on-campus sessions per semester) | 2 years | Full CSWE |
| Bethel University | $570/credit (private, flat rate) | Over 80% online with field placement in-person | 21 months (56 credits) | Full CSWE (since 2024) |
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | $925/credit (private, flat rate) | Fully online (asynchronous with 2 synchronous Zoom sessions per course) | 2 years (60 credits) | Full CSWE (since 2022) |
University of Minnesota — Twin Cities
St. Paul
In-State Tuition
$1,665/credit (resident)
Out-of-State
$2,601/credit (non-resident)
Format
On-campus (Thursday–Saturday, some Monday–Wednesday evenings)
Full-Time
2 years (53 credits)
Advanced Standing
1 year (34 credits)
Field Hours
1,020 (full program) / 600 (advanced standing)
Concentrations
Clinical Mental Health, Community Practice, Families and Children, Health, Disability and Aging
- Flagship research university with four distinct concentrations
- Over 1,020 practicum hours with access to Twin Cities placement network
- Advanced standing accepts BSW degrees up to 7 years old
- Housed in the College of Education and Human Development with interdisciplinary research opportunities
- Strong alumni network across Minnesota health systems and state agencies
University of Minnesota — Duluth
Duluth
In-State Tuition
$1,076/credit (same rate for in-state and out-of-state)
Out-of-State
$1,076/credit (same rate for in-state and out-of-state)
Format
On-campus
Full-Time
2 years (51–54 credits)
Advanced Standing
1 year (34 credits)
Field Hours
900 (full program) / 480 (advanced standing)
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist (with optional emphases in Child Welfare, Clinical Social Work, and Macro/Community Practice)
- Same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students since 2021
- Special focus on American Indian social services and rural practice
- Clinical Scholars program for students pursuing clinical licensure
- 57% of MSW students receive scholarship or stipend funding
- Accredited for over 30 years with small cohort sizes
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato
In-State Tuition
$617/credit
Out-of-State
$912/credit
Format
Hybrid (blend of in-person and online)
Full-Time
2 years (59 credits)
Advanced Standing
1 year (34 credits)
Field Hours
900 (400 generalist + 500 specialization)
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist (advanced direct and indirect practice)
- Among the most affordable MSW programs in Minnesota for residents at $617/credit
- Advanced Generalist curriculum prepares for both clinical and macro practice
- Small cohorts with individualized faculty mentoring
- Total estimated cost of ~$39,243 for residents (59-credit traditional program)
- Strong placement network across southern Minnesota communities
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead
In-State Tuition
$599/credit
Out-of-State
$599/credit (same rate)
Format
Online Plus (online with late afternoon/evening sessions via distance technology)
Full-Time
2 years
Advanced Standing
12 months
Field Hours
900
Concentrations
Multicultural Clinical, Social Change and Leadership
- Most affordable MSW in Minnesota at $599/credit with same rate for all students
- Two distinct specializations: Multicultural Clinical and Social Change & Leadership
- Online Plus format with late afternoon/evening classes for working professionals
- Ranked among top public university MSW programs in the state
- Multicultural Clinical track aligns with Minnesota LICSW clinical licensure requirements
St. Catherine University
St. Paul
In-State Tuition
$760/credit (private, flat rate)
Out-of-State
$760/credit (private, flat rate)
Format
On-campus and online options
Full-Time
2 years (51 credits)
Advanced Standing
1 year (33 credits)
Field Hours
900 (regular standing) / 500 (advanced standing)
Concentrations
Clinical Social Work (with optional Addiction and Recovery Counseling specialization)
- Clinical focus from day one with optional LADC certification pathway
- Dual-degree option with Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies
- One-year, two-year, and three-year tracks for advanced standing students
- Total cost of ~$38,760 (regular standing) or ~$25,080 (advanced standing)
- Catholic social justice tradition with strong Twin Cities practicum network
Augsburg University
Minneapolis
In-State Tuition
$765/credit (private, flat rate)
Out-of-State
$765/credit (private, flat rate)
Format
Hybrid (weeknight or weekend options, 8 on-campus sessions per semester)
Full-Time
2 years
Advanced Standing
13 months (full-time) / 25 months (part-time)
Field Hours
920 (generalist: 420 + specialization: 500) / 500 (advanced standing)
Concentrations
Clinical Practice, Macro Practice
- Hybrid format with weeknight or weekend scheduling options
- MSW/LADC pathway integrates Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor coursework
- MSW/MBA dual degree available for students interested in nonprofit leadership
- Located in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis with urban practicum sites
- Both Clinical Practice and Macro Practice specializations available
Bethel University
St. Paul
In-State Tuition
$570/credit (private, flat rate)
Out-of-State
$570/credit (private, flat rate)
Format
Over 80% online with field placement in-person
Full-Time
21 months (56 credits)
Advanced Standing
12 months (36 credits)
Field Hours
900 (full program) / 500 (advanced standing)
Concentrations
Clinical Social Work
- Newest CSWE-accredited program in Minnesota (accredited 2024)
- Over 80% online format with flexible scheduling
- Most affordable private MSW in Minnesota at $570/credit
- Total estimated cost of ~$31,920 (56-credit full program)
- Justice and liberation-centered curriculum with Christian faith integration
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Minneapolis
In-State Tuition
$925/credit (private, flat rate)
Out-of-State
$925/credit (private, flat rate)
Format
Fully online (asynchronous with 2 synchronous Zoom sessions per course)
Full-Time
2 years (60 credits)
Advanced Standing
1 year (30 credits)
Field Hours
900 (full program) / 500 (advanced standing)
Concentrations
Clinical Social Work
- Fully online CSWE-accredited MSW available to students nationwide
- No set class times — complete coursework on your own schedule
- Campuses in Minneapolis, Winona, and Rochester for local support
- Full-time and part-time options for both traditional and advanced standing tracks
- Two synchronous Zoom sessions per course with recordings available
Social Work Licensure Requirements in Minnesota
Minnesota issues four social work licenses under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 148E. The LGSW is the entry-level credential for MSW graduates and lets you practice under supervision while working toward independent licensure. The LISW allows independent non-clinical practice, while the LICSW is the credential for independent clinical practice, private practice, and billing insurance directly.
Minnesota's licensure pathway is among the more structured in the country: the LICSW requires 4,000 supervised clinical practice hours with 200 hours of supervision and 1,800 direct client contact hours, plus 360 clock hours of clinical education across six content areas. At the maximum supervision rate, it takes about 2 years full-time; at the minimum rate, about 4 years.
| License | Full Name | Supervised Hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| LICSW | Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker | 4,000 hrs (2 years min) | ASWB Clinical |
| LISW | Licensed Independent Social Worker | 4,000 hrs (2 years min) | ASWB Advanced Generalist |
| LGSW | Licensed Graduate Social Worker | N/A (associate level) | ASWB Masters |
| LSW | Licensed Social Worker | N/A (associate level) | ASWB Bachelors |
Minnesota does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states. However, social workers licensed in another state may apply for licensure by endorsement if their credentials are substantially equivalent to Minnesota requirements. Applicants must hold an active license in good standing in another jurisdiction, meet the education and examination requirements for the equivalent Minnesota license, and pass a criminal background check. A temporary license is available to allow out-of-state social workers to begin practicing while their endorsement application is processed. The standard endorsement review typically takes 30–60 days, and the full process can take three months or longer.
Licensing Board
Minnesota Board of Social Work
Phone: 612-617-2100
Social Worker Salary in Minnesota
Minnesota social workers earn above the national average across all major specialties, and the Twin Cities and Rochester metros are particularly strong markets. Minnesota does have a state income tax (5.35–9.85%), but the cost of living outside the metro area is moderate. All salary data below is from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
| Occupation | State Median | National Median | Premium | Top Metro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $63,590 | $58,570 | +8.6% | $70,800 (Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington) |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $72,330 | $68,090 | +6.2% | $80,820 (Rochester) |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $67,390 | $60,060 | +12.2% | $78,590 (Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington) |
Minnesota Social Work Job Market and Workforce
Minnesota has one of the most severe mental health workforce shortages in the country. 85 of 87 counties (98%) are designated as mental health Health Professional Shortage Areas, with an average HPSA score of 17.8 out of 25, well above the national average of 15.5. Rural Minnesota is particularly underserved, with some counties having fewer than 1 mental health provider per 5,000 residents.
The Minnesota Legislature has responded with both rural and urban mental health loan forgiveness programs, and the state actively recruits LICSWs for community mental health centers, county human services departments, and integrated care clinics. Major employers include Hennepin County (largest county human services department in the state), Ramsey County, the State of Minnesota, Mayo Clinic (Rochester), Allina Health, M Health Fairview, PrairieCare (psychiatric), and the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Minnesota also has a growing integrated behavioral health sector, creating new roles for social workers in primary care settings.
Loan Repayment and Scholarship Programs
- Rural Mental Health Professional Loan Forgiveness — Up to $11,000/year (maximum $44,000 over 4 years) for LICSWs who commit to working in a designated rural Minnesota community for a minimum of 3 years.
- Urban Mental Health Professional Loan Forgiveness — Up to $11,000/year (maximum $44,000 over 4 years) for LICSWs serving in underserved urban communities in Minnesota.
- Minnesota State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) — Up to $20,000/year for LICSWs who commit to a 2-year, full-time service obligation at an eligible site in a federally designated shortage area.
- National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment — Up to $55,000 for full-time behavioral health providers (including LICSWs) serving at NHSC-approved sites in mental health HPSAs.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — Social workers at county agencies (Hennepin, Ramsey), state government, VA hospitals, Mayo Clinic, and nonprofit health systems all qualify for federal PSLF after 10 years of qualifying payments.
How to Choose an MSW Program in Minnesota
Minnesota has 8 CSWE-accredited MSW programs, so you have meaningful choices across format, cost, and specialization. The biggest factors are where you live, whether you need online flexibility, what you can afford, and whether you want a clinical or macro focus.
- If you want the strongest research university: University of Minnesota — Twin Cities has four concentrations, 1,020 practicum hours, and the deepest research infrastructure. It's the most expensive public option, but the alumni network is unmatched in the state.
- If you're a Minnesota resident on a budget: Minnesota State University Moorhead at $599/credit and Mankato at $617/credit are the best values. MSUM charges the same rate regardless of residency.
- If you need a fully online program: Saint Mary's University offers a fully online MSW with asynchronous coursework. Bethel University is over 80% online. MSUM's Online Plus format also works well for remote learners.
- If you want a clinical specialization: St. Catherine University is clinically focused from day one with an optional LADC certification pathway. Augsburg offers both Clinical Practice and Macro Practice tracks with an MSW/LADC pathway.
- If you want to serve rural or underserved communities: UMN Duluth has a special focus on American Indian social services and rural practice, and charges the same tuition regardless of residency. The state's loan forgiveness programs reward rural service.
- If you have a BSW and want to finish fast: MSUM and Bethel offer 12-month advanced standing. Augsburg offers 13 months full-time. Most programs accept BSW degrees within 5–7 years.
- If you want dual-degree or add-on options: Augsburg offers MSW/MBA and MSW/LADC pathways. St. Catherine has a dual MSW/MAHS (Holistic Health Studies). UMN Twin Cities supports interdisciplinary study across the university.
Related Pages
Best Online MSW Programs
National ranking of 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
Browse MSW programs in all 50 states
Sources
- CSWE Accredited Programs Directory — Minnesota
- Minnesota Board of Social Work — Licensure Requirements
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Social Workers in Minnesota (May 2024)
- ASWB — Licensing Exams
- HRSA — Mental Health HPSA Data
- Minnesota Department of Health — Rural Mental Health Loan Forgiveness
- Minnesota Department of Health — State Loan Repayment Program