Last updated: February 25, 2026

Best MSW Programs in Missouri (2026)

Every CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program in Missouri for 2026, with tuition costs, LCSW licensure requirements, salary data, and field placement details.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington — Seattle

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri has 7 CSWE-accredited MSW programs across the state, including programs at Washington University in St. Louis (ranked top 10 nationally), three University of Missouri system schools, and three additional accredited options.
  • In-state tuition ranges from ~$379/credit at Missouri State University (most affordable, fully online) to ~$1,640/credit at Washington University. Public university rates for Missouri residents run $379-$645/credit.
  • Missouri social workers earn below national medians across all specialties, but the cost of living is 15-20% below the national average, making real purchasing power competitive.
  • The LCSW requires 3,000 supervised hours (minimum 2 years) after your MSW, with at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact, plus the ASWB Clinical exam.
  • Missouri has adopted the Social Work Licensure Compact, allowing licensed social workers to practice across member states. The state also has over 130 mental health shortage areas, with the HPLRP offering loan repayment for professionals serving in underserved communities.

Missouri offers a strong range of MSW programs that span from one of the top-ranked social work schools in the country to affordable public university options. Washington University's Brown School is consistently ranked in the top 10 nationally, while the three University of Missouri system campuses (Columbia, Kansas City, and St. Louis) provide accessible, CSWE-accredited pathways at public university tuition rates. Missouri State University and Missouri Baptist University round out the options with fully online programs that work well for students who need flexibility.

Every MSW program in Missouri prepares you for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), which is the credential you need for independent clinical practice and the highest-paying social work roles. The path after graduation: pass the ASWB Masters exam to get your LMSW, then complete 3,000 supervised hours over at least 2 years, and pass the ASWB Clinical exam to earn your LCSW through the Missouri Committee for Social Workers.

Missouri's social work job market is driven by two major metro areas: St. Louis and Kansas City. These cities house the state's largest health systems, behavioral health organizations, and child welfare agencies. The state has also joined the Social Work Licensure Compact, which streamlines multistate practice for licensed social workers and is especially valuable in the Kansas City metro area, which straddles the Missouri-Kansas border.

CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in Missouri

School Tuition (In-State) Format Length Accreditation
Washington University in St. Louis (Brown School) $24,605/semester (~$1,640/credit) On-campus 2 years (60 credits) Full CSWE (since 1925)
University of Missouri — Columbia $551/credit (in-state) On-campus and fully online 2 years (60 credits) Full CSWE (since 1919)
University of Missouri — Kansas City $551/credit (in-state) On-campus 2 years (60 credits) Full CSWE
University of Missouri — St. Louis $645/credit (in-state) On-campus 2 years (60 credits) Full CSWE
Saint Louis University $1,400/credit (private, flat rate) On-campus and online (15-week or 10-week terms) 2 years (60 credits) Full CSWE
Missouri State University $379/credit (online, flat rate) Fully online (except in-person practicum) 2 years (62 credits) Full CSWE (since 1970s)
Missouri Baptist University $668/credit (private, flat rate) Fully online (except in-person practicum) 2 years (60 credits) Full CSWE

Washington University in St. Louis (Brown School)

St. Louis

In-State Tuition

$24,605/semester (~$1,640/credit)

Out-of-State

$24,605/semester (~$1,640/credit)

Format

On-campus

Full-Time

2 years (60 credits)

Advanced Standing

~1 year (39 credits)

Field Hours

960 (360 foundation + 600 concentration)

Concentrations

Children, Youth, and Families, Health, Mental Health, Older Adults and Aging Societies, Social and Economic Development, Individualized Concentration

  • Ranked top 10 nationally among all MSW programs by U.S. News
  • Eight concentrations plus eight specializations, including an individualized option
  • 400+ affiliated practicum sites across the St. Louis region and nationally
  • Dual degree options with JD, MBA, MPH, and MDiv
  • 100% of admitted students receive some form of financial support
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

University of Missouri — Columbia

Columbia

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$551/credit (in-state)

Out-of-State

$1,378/credit (out-of-state)

Format

On-campus and fully online

Full-Time

2 years (60 credits)

Advanced Standing

1 year (39 credits)

Field Hours

900 (400 foundation + 500 concentration)

Concentrations

Clinical Social Work Practice, Policy, Planning, and Administration

  • CSWE accredited continuously since 1919, one of the oldest programs in the nation
  • Fully online MSW option available at a flat online tuition rate
  • Two clear concentration tracks: clinical and macro
  • Part of a flagship AAU research university with extensive research opportunities
  • Field placements coordinated statewide for online students
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

University of Missouri — Kansas City

Kansas City

In-State Tuition

$551/credit (in-state)

Out-of-State

$1,378/credit (out-of-state)

Format

On-campus

Full-Time

2 years (60 credits)

Advanced Standing

1 year (36 credits)

Field Hours

900 (400 foundation + 500 concentration)

Concentrations

Advanced Generalist Practice (clinical and macro integrated)

  • Advanced generalist curriculum integrates both clinical and macro practice
  • Located in Kansas City with access to a bi-state metro area job market
  • Advanced standing can be completed in one calendar year
  • Part of the Midwest Student Exchange Program for reduced regional tuition
  • Strong partnerships with Kansas City-area hospitals, VA, and behavioral health agencies
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

University of Missouri — St. Louis

St. Louis

In-State Tuition

$645/credit (in-state)

Out-of-State

$1,533/credit (out-of-state)

Format

On-campus

Full-Time

2 years (60 credits)

Advanced Standing

1 year (33 credits)

Field Hours

900 (400 foundation + 500 concentration)

Concentrations

Family Practice (clinical), Leadership and Social Change (macro)

  • Optional sub-concentrations in Aging, Health and Behavioral Health, and School Social Work
  • Located in the St. Louis metro with access to major health systems and nonprofits
  • Part-time option allows up to 6 years for completion
  • School Social Work certification track available
  • Advanced standing requires only 33 credits, among the fewest in Missouri
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Saint Louis University

St. Louis

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$1,400/credit (private, flat rate)

Out-of-State

$1,400/credit (private, flat rate)

Format

On-campus and online (15-week or 10-week terms)

Full-Time

2 years (60 credits)

Advanced Standing

~1 year (33 credits)

Field Hours

900 (400 foundation + 500 concentration)

Concentrations

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Clinical Practice, Community and Organization (macro)

  • Only MSW program in Missouri with an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concentration
  • 100% of new graduate social work students receive scholarship support
  • Jesuit mission focused on social justice and service to vulnerable populations
  • Online option available with 15-week or accelerated 10-week course formats
  • Full graduate assistantships available with tuition remission and stipend
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Missouri State University

Springfield

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$379/credit (online, flat rate)

Out-of-State

$379/credit (online, flat rate)

Format

Fully online (except in-person practicum)

Full-Time

2 years (62 credits)

Advanced Standing

3 semesters full-time (34 credits)

Field Hours

900 (400 foundation + 500 concentration)

Concentrations

Advanced Generalist Practice

  • Most affordable CSWE-accredited MSW in Missouri at $379/credit for all students
  • 100% online coursework with in-person practicum only
  • Same flat tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students
  • CSWE accredited since the 1970s with decades of program refinement
  • Full-time and part-time tracks available for working professionals
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Missouri Baptist University

St. Louis

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$668/credit (private, flat rate)

Out-of-State

$668/credit (private, flat rate)

Format

Fully online (except in-person practicum)

Full-Time

2 years (60 credits)

Advanced Standing

~1 year (36 credits)

Field Hours

900 (400 foundation + 500 concentration)

Concentrations

Clinical Social Work Practice

  • Fully online CSWE-accredited MSW with a Christian worldview integration
  • Competitive tuition at $668/credit, below most private school rates
  • Flexible pacing: complete in 24-36 months depending on course load
  • One-year accelerated advanced standing option for BSW holders
  • Lower minimum GPA requirement (2.75) than most Missouri programs
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 2.75

Social Work Licensure Requirements in Missouri

Missouri issues four social work license types through the Committee for Social Workers under the Division of Professional Registration. The two most relevant for MSW graduates are the LMSW (available immediately after graduation) and the LCSW (requires supervised clinical experience). Missouri also offers the LBSW for bachelor's-level social workers and the LAMSW for macro-focused practitioners.

The LCSW is the credential most MSW graduates work toward. It allows you to diagnose and treat mental health conditions independently, open a private practice, and bill insurance directly. Missouri is also a member of the Social Work Licensure Compact, which allows licensed social workers to practice across all compact member states with a single multistate license.

License Full Name Supervised Hours Exam
LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker N/A (associate level) ASWB Masters
LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker 3,000 hrs (2 years min) ASWB Clinical
LAMSW Licensed Advanced Macro Social Worker 3,000 hrs (2 years min) ASWB Advanced Generalist
LBSW Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker N/A (associate level) ASWB Bachelors

Missouri offers licensure by reciprocity for social workers who hold a valid license in another state. The requirements of the original state must be at the same level or higher than Missouri's, and applicants must have had no disciplinary action in the preceding 5 years. The reciprocity application fee is $75, and you'll need to provide verification of licensure from every state where you've ever been licensed.

Missouri has also adopted the Social Work Licensure Compact, which provides an alternative pathway for multistate practice. Eligible licensed social workers can obtain a multistate license that authorizes practice in all compact member states without needing to apply separately in each state.

Licensing Board

Missouri Committee for Social Workers

Phone: 573-751-0885

Board Website → Verify a License →

Social Worker Salary in Missouri

Missouri social workers earn below the national median across all specialties, but the state's cost of living is significantly lower than the national average. Housing costs in Missouri are roughly 30% below the national average, and the overall cost of living is 15-20% lower, which offsets much of the salary gap. 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 $43,450 $58,570 -25.8% $48,210 (St. Louis, MO-IL)
Healthcare Social Workers $57,580 $68,090 -15.4% $62,740 (Kansas City, MO-KS)
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $47,430 $60,060 -21.0% $52,150 (St. Louis, MO-IL)

Missouri Social Work Job Market and Workforce

Missouri has over 130 mental health Health Professional Shortage Areas, with significant gaps in rural counties throughout the Ozarks, Bootheel region, and northern Missouri. Many rural counties have fewer than 1 provider per 5,000 residents, creating substantial unmet demand for licensed clinical social workers.

The state's two major metro areas drive the majority of social work employment. St. Louis is anchored by BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, Mercy, and Washington University Medical Center, while Kansas City is home to Truman Medical Centers, Children's Mercy, the Kansas City VA Medical Center, and Saint Luke's Health System. Major state employers include the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS), which oversees child welfare and family support programs, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH), which operates community mental health centers statewide.

Missouri has also invested in behavioral health integration through its Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), which are expanding access to mental health services across the state and creating new roles for LCSWs in integrated care settings.

Loan Repayment and Scholarship Programs

How to Choose an MSW Program in Missouri

Missouri has 7 CSWE-accredited MSW programs, so the decision comes down to your budget, location, whether you need online flexibility, and what kind of social work you want to practice.

  • If you want the strongest name on your diploma: Washington University's Brown School is ranked top 10 nationally with 400+ practicum sites, eight concentrations, and 100% of students receiving financial support. The tuition is high, but the brand carries weight nationwide.
  • If you're a Missouri resident on a budget: Missouri State University at $379/credit (online) is the most affordable CSWE-accredited option in the state, and the flat rate applies regardless of residency. Mizzou Columbia is the next-best public value at $551/credit in-state.
  • If you need a fully online program: Three programs offer online MSW options: Mizzou Columbia, Missouri State University, and Missouri Baptist University. Missouri State is the most affordable; SLU also offers online coursework with flexible term formats.
  • If you're in the Kansas City area: UMKC is the only CSWE-accredited MSW program in Kansas City, with strong connections to the bi-state metro's health systems, VA, and behavioral health agencies.
  • If you're interested in clinical specialization: WashU's Brown School offers the most concentration options (6+), SLU has a unique ABA concentration, and Mizzou Columbia's clinical track is well-established. All prepare you for LCSW licensure.
  • If you have a BSW and want to finish fast: Most Missouri programs offer advanced standing in about 1 year. UMSL requires only 33 credits, making it one of the fastest advanced standing options.
  • If you want to integrate faith and social work: Missouri Baptist University integrates a Christian worldview into its curriculum, and Saint Louis University offers a Jesuit social justice framework.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Missouri has 7 CSWE-accredited MSW programs: Washington University in St. Louis (Brown School), University of Missouri — Columbia, University of Missouri — Kansas City, University of Missouri — St. Louis, Saint Louis University, Missouri State University, and Missouri Baptist University. All 7 hold full CSWE accreditation and prepare graduates for Missouri social work licensure. Three of these programs (Mizzou Columbia, Missouri State, and Missouri Baptist) offer fully online options.
To become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Missouri, you need: (1) an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, (2) 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised clinical experience with at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact, completed over a minimum of 2 years, (3) a minimum of four hours of direct individual supervision every four weeks throughout your supervision period, and (4) a passing score on the ASWB Clinical exam. You can sit for the Clinical exam after completing 2,250 hours and 18 months of supervision. You can practice under an LMSW license while accumulating hours.
Missouri State University is the most affordable CSWE-accredited MSW program in Missouri at $379 per credit hour, with a flat rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. The total 2-year cost for the 62-credit regular standing program is approximately $23,500. The program is 100% online except for in-person practicum. For comparison, the University of Missouri system schools charge $551-$645/credit for in-state residents, and private options range from $668/credit (Missouri Baptist) to $1,640/credit (Washington University).
Yes, three CSWE-accredited MSW programs in Missouri offer fully online options: the University of Missouri — Columbia, Missouri State University, and Missouri Baptist University. Saint Louis University also offers online coursework with flexible 15-week or 10-week term formats. All online programs still require in-person field placement hours (typically 900 hours) at an approved site in your area. Missouri State is the most affordable online option at $379/credit.
Missouri social workers earn below national medians but benefit from a lower cost of living. BLS May 2024 data shows: child, family, and school social workers earn a median of $43,450 (national: $58,570), healthcare social workers earn $57,580 (national: $68,090), and mental health social workers earn $47,430 (national: $60,060). Salaries are highest in the St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas, and LCSWs in private practice can earn significantly more.
Yes. The Missouri Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP) provides forgivable loans for mental health professionals who commit to serving in underserved areas for 2 years. The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) offers up to $50,000 for LCSWs at approved shortage area sites. Social workers at state agencies, VA hospitals, and nonprofit organizations also qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments.
Yes, Missouri offers licensure by reciprocity for social workers licensed in another state, provided the original state's requirements are at the same level or higher than Missouri's, and the applicant has had no disciplinary action in the preceding 5 years. The reciprocity application fee is $75. Additionally, Missouri has adopted the Social Work Licensure Compact, which allows eligible licensed social workers to obtain a multistate license that authorizes practice across all compact member states.
Yes, all 7 Missouri MSW programs offer advanced standing for BSW holders from CSWE-accredited programs. Advanced standing typically reduces the program to 33-39 credits and can be completed in about 1 year of full-time study. UMSL requires only 33 credits for advanced standing (fewest in the state), while Mizzou Columbia requires 39 credits and Washington University requires 39 credits. Most programs require your BSW to be from a CSWE-accredited school within the last 5 years and a minimum GPA of 3.0.