Best MSW Programs in North Dakota (2026)
Every CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program in North Dakota for 2026, with tuition, LCSW licensure requirements, salary data, and field placement details.
Key Takeaways
- North Dakota has 2 CSWE-accredited MSW programs: the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks (on-campus and online, accredited since 1991) and the University of Mary in Bismarck (fully online, CSWE candidacy achieved 2024).
- UND's in-state tuition is approximately $390/credit (~$23,444 total for 60 credits), while the University of Mary charges a flat $620/credit (~$37,200 total for 60 credits) regardless of residency.
- North Dakota social workers earn above the national median for child, family, and school social work ($61,160 vs. $58,570 nationally), driven by strong demand in rural communities and the oil-producing western region of the state.
- The LICSW requires 3,000 supervised clinical hours within 4 years after your MSW, at least 150 hours of face-to-face supervision, and a passing score on the ASWB Clinical exam.
- North Dakota faces critical behavioral health workforce shortages across most rural counties. Oil region communities frequently offer signing bonuses, and the North Dakota State Loan Repayment Program provides up to $40,000 for clinicians serving in shortage areas.
North Dakota offers two CSWE-accredited MSW programs, providing prospective social workers with choices between the University of North Dakota's long-established program in Grand Forks and the University of Mary's newer online program based in Bismarck. Both programs prepare graduates for licensure at every level in North Dakota's four-tier system: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, and LICSW.
The University of North Dakota has offered its MSW since 1991 and provides on-campus, online, and advanced standing options with an advanced generalist concentration. UND's program is the only in-state MSW offering both on-campus and online delivery, and it is the state's most established pathway to clinical licensure. The University of Mary launched its MSW in fall 2024, achieving CSWE candidacy status, with tracks in clinical and macro practice and leadership.
North Dakota operates a four-tier social work licensing system overseen by the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners (NDBSWE). The state's vast rural landscape, persistent behavioral health workforce shortages, and the economic influence of the oil industry in western counties create strong demand and competitive compensation for MSW-prepared social workers, particularly in community mental health, child welfare, healthcare, and substance abuse treatment settings.
CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in North Dakota
All 2 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of North Dakota | $390.73/credit (~$23,444 total for 60 credits) | On-campus | |
| 2 | University of Mary | $620/credit (~$37,200 total for 60 credits) | Fully online |
University of North Dakota
In-State
$390.73/credit (~$23,444 total for 60 credits)
Out-of-State
$586.10/credit (~$35,166 total for 60 credits)
Length
2 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
950 (four practica totaling 950 hours across generalist and specialization)
Concentrations
- North Dakota's longest-established MSW program, CSWE-accredited since 1991
- Online MSW offered at the same tuition rate regardless of residency with live synchronous web classes
- Advanced standing option for BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs (36 credits, 3 semesters)
- Field placements coordinated across North Dakota and surrounding states, with 950 hours of site-based practice
- Advanced generalist curriculum tailored to the unique social service needs of the Northern Plains region
University of Mary
In-State
$620/credit (~$37,200 total for 60 credits)
Out-of-State
$620/credit (~$37,200 total for 60 credits)
Length
3 years / 9 semesters (60 credits)
Field Hours
900 (generalist and specialization combined)
Concentrations
- Newest MSW program in North Dakota, launched fall 2024 with CSWE candidacy status
- Fully online format accessible from anywhere, with synchronous and asynchronous course delivery
- Two specialized tracks: clinical social work or macro practice and leadership
- Flat tuition rate of $620/credit regardless of residency
- Integrates Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine values into social work education, with a focus on addressing behavioral health workforce shortages
Social Work Licensure Requirements in North Dakota
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners (NDBSWE)
701-328-0900
North Dakota operates a four-tier social work licensing system under the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners (NDBSWE), established in 1983. The four license types are LBSW (bachelor's level), LMSW (master's level), LCSW (clinical level), and LICSW (independent clinical). All licenses require passing the appropriate ASWB exam and a criminal background check.
The LICSW is the highest credential and authorizes independent clinical practice, psychotherapy, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, and the ability to open a private practice. The LCSW allows clinical practice under supervision. Only LICSW holders may practice privately in North Dakota. All licenses must be renewed biennially by December 31 of odd-numbered years, requiring 30 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Independent clinical practice, psychotherapy, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, private practice
Hours
3,000
Duration
4 years maximum to complete hours
Exam: ASWB Clinical
Licensed Certified Social Worker
Clinical social work practice under supervision, clinical assessments, treatment planning
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: ASWB Masters
Licensed Master Social Worker
Generalist social work practice at the master's level, non-clinical settings
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: ASWB Masters
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker
Entry-level social work practice under supervision
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: ASWB Bachelors
North Dakota does not have blanket reciprocity agreements with other states but will consider applicants licensed in other jurisdictions. Out-of-state social workers must submit proof of current licensure in good standing, official transcripts from a CSWE-accredited program, documentation of supervised experience (if applicable to the license level sought), and passing scores on the appropriate ASWB exam. LICSW applicants must document 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience meeting North Dakota's standards, including at least 150 hours of face-to-face supervision. A criminal background check is required for all applicants. The NDBSWE reviews each application individually to determine equivalency.
Social Worker Salary in North Dakota
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
North Dakota social workers earn competitive salaries relative to the national median, driven by persistent workforce shortages and the oil economy's impact on wages in western counties. While not the highest-paying state overall, North Dakota's relatively low cost of living and lack of a state income tax on the first $44,725 of income (with a flat rate above that) make effective compensation attractive. 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: $69,260 (Grand Forks)
Healthcare Social Workers
National median: $68,090
Top metro: $65,660 (Bismarck)
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
National median: $60,060
Top metro: $66,870 (Bismarck)
North Dakota Social Work Job Market and Workforce
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
North Dakota faces significant behavioral health workforce shortages across most of its 53 counties. As a large, sparsely populated state with roughly 780,000 residents spread across 70,700 square miles, many communities have limited or no access to mental health services. The HRSA designation data shows that the majority of North Dakota's rural counties qualify as Mental Health Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), particularly in the western oil-producing region.
Major employers of social workers in North Dakota include the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Sanford Health (Fargo and Bismarck), Altru Health System (Grand Forks), CHI St. Alexius Health (Bismarck), the Fargo VA Health Care System, The Village Family Service Center, Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, tribal health programs on the state's 5 reservations, community mental health centers, and school districts statewide. North Dakota's oil-producing western communities (Williston, Dickinson, Watford City) frequently offer signing bonuses and salary premiums to attract behavioral health professionals to these high-demand areas.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
North Dakota State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) — Up to $40,000 in loan repayment for behavioral health providers (including LICSWs) who serve at approved sites in Health Professional Shortage Areas for a 2-year full-time commitment. Awards may be renewed for additional service periods.
National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment — Up to $55,000 for licensed behavioral health providers (including LICSWs) serving full-time at approved sites in mental health HPSAs for 2 years, with options to extend. North Dakota has numerous eligible sites, particularly in rural western counties.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — Social workers employed at state agencies (DHHS), tribal health programs, VA facilities, community health centers, and other qualifying nonprofit or government employers are eligible for federal PSLF after 120 qualifying payments (10 years) under an income-driven repayment plan.
Indian Health Service (IHS) Loan Repayment — Social workers serving in tribal health programs or IHS facilities in North Dakota may qualify for up to $40,000 in loan repayment for a 2-year service commitment, particularly relevant given North Dakota's 5 tribal reservations (Standing Rock, Spirit Lake, Turtle Mountain, Fort Berthold/MHA Nation, and Sisseton-Wahpeton).
How to Choose an MSW Program in North Dakota
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
With 2 CSWE-accredited MSW programs in North Dakota, your decision comes down to several key factors: whether you prefer on-campus or fully online learning, your concentration preference, tuition and budget considerations, and program maturity.
If you want on-campus classes and a traditional experience: The University of North Dakota in Grand Forks is your only option for in-person MSW education in North Dakota. UND's campus program features live instruction and access to faculty in the Department of Social Work.
If you need a fully online program: Both UND and the University of Mary offer online MSW options. UND's online program uses live synchronous web classes (typically evenings and weekends) and requires two campus residencies. The University of Mary is fully online with both synchronous and asynchronous course delivery.
If you want to choose between clinical and macro concentrations: The University of Mary offers two distinct tracks (clinical and macro practice/leadership). UND's program follows an advanced generalist model that integrates both clinical and macro competencies.
If you're a North Dakota resident on a budget: UND's in-state tuition at roughly $390/credit ($23,444 total) is the most affordable option, significantly less than the University of Mary's flat $620/credit rate. However, UND's out-of-state rate ($586/credit) narrows the gap for non-residents.
If you have a BSW and want to finish fast: UND's advanced standing track takes 1 year (36 credits), while the University of Mary's advanced standing runs approximately 4 semesters (30 credits). Both require a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program.
If program accreditation history matters to you: UND has held full CSWE accreditation since 1991 and has a decades-long track record. The University of Mary launched its MSW in fall 2024 and holds CSWE candidacy status; students admitted in fall 2024 or later will be retroactively recognized as graduates of a CSWE-accredited program once initial accreditation is granted.
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 — North Dakota
- North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners — Licensure Requirements
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Social Workers in North Dakota (May 2024)
- ASWB — Licensing Exams
- HRSA — Mental Health HPSA Data
- University of North Dakota — MSW Program
- University of Mary — MSW Program
- North Dakota State Loan Repayment Program