Best MSW Programs in Virginia (2026)
Every CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program in Virginia for 2026, with in-state tuition, LCSW licensure requirements, salary data, and field placement details.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia has 5 CSWE-accredited MSW programs across the state, including 4 public universities and 1 private institution, with in-state tuition ranging from $406/credit at Radford to $589/credit at George Mason.
- Virginia social workers earn 5-6% above national medians in child/family and mental health specialties, though healthcare social workers earn slightly below. Northern Virginia metro salaries push 15-20% higher due to proximity to Washington, D.C.
- The Virginia LCSW requires 3,000 supervised post-master's hours (minimum 1,380 face-to-face client contact) completed over 2-4 years, plus the ASWB Clinical exam.
- Virginia joined the Social Work Licensure Compact in 2024, allowing licensed social workers to practice across all member states without separate licensure in each state.
- Virginia has 133+ mental health shortage areas covering nearly all localities, with the Virginia State Loan Repayment Program offering up to $140,000 for behavioral health professionals who serve in HPSAs for 4 years.
Virginia offers a strong combination of affordable public MSW programs, competitive salaries (especially in Northern Virginia), and high demand for licensed social workers across the state. With 5 CSWE-accredited MSW programs, you can choose from the nationally ranked VCU program in Richmond, affordable options at Radford and Norfolk State, George Mason's proximity to D.C.-area employers, or Liberty University's fully online format.
Every MSW program in Virginia prepares you for licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), the credential needed for independent clinical practice and the highest-paying social work roles. The path after graduation: pass the ASWB Clinical exam, complete 3,000 supervised hours over 2-4 years under the Virginia Board of Social Work, and apply for your LCSW.
Virginia's location between Washington, D.C. and major military installations creates unique employment opportunities. Federal agencies, the VA health care system, military family support programs, and a dense network of nonprofits all hire MSW graduates. The state also became a member of the Social Work Licensure Compact in 2024, which will allow Virginia-licensed social workers to practice across all compact member states — a major advantage for those near the D.C., Maryland, and North Carolina borders.
CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in Virginia
All 5 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia Commonwealth University | $17,252/year (~$575/credit) | On-campus and fully online | |
| 2 | George Mason University | $589/credit | On-campus and fully online | |
| 3 | Radford University | $406/credit | On-campus | |
| 4 | Norfolk State University | $789/credit | On-campus | |
| 5 | Liberty University | $580/credit (online full-time) | 100% online |
Virginia Commonwealth University
In-State
$17,252/year (~$575/credit)
Out-of-State
$32,470/year (~$1,082/credit)
Length
2 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
900 (300 generalist + 600 concentration)
Concentrations
- Ranked #28 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, the highest-ranked MSW in Virginia
- Founded in 1917, the oldest school of social work in the South
- Five learning pathways: full-time, accelerated full-time (16 months), part-time, accelerated part-time, and advanced standing
- Fully online MSW option with the same CSWE accreditation as on-campus
- MSW/MPH, MSW/JD, and MSW/MDiv dual degree options available
George Mason University
In-State
$589/credit
Out-of-State
$1,520/credit
Length
2 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
1,050 (450 generalist + 600 specialization)
Concentrations
- Located in Fairfax with direct access to D.C.-area federal agencies, nonprofits, and government employers
- Fully online MSW option at $795/credit for students who cannot attend in person
- 1,050 practicum hours, the highest field requirement of any Virginia MSW program
- Two- three- or four-year on-campus completion plans for scheduling flexibility
- Practicum placement database includes agencies in Virginia, D.C., and Maryland
Radford University
In-State
$406/credit
Out-of-State
$793/credit
Length
2 years (61 credits)
Field Hours
900+
Concentrations
- Most affordable MSW in Virginia for in-state students at $406/credit
- CSWE-accredited for 27+ consecutive years
- Clinical focus with community-based practice orientation ideal for rural and underserved areas
- Over 300 field placement sites across southwestern Virginia and beyond
- Small cohort sizes with close faculty mentoring and advising
Norfolk State University
In-State
$789/credit
Out-of-State
$1,519/credit
Length
2 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
1,170 (540 first year + 630 second year)
Concentrations
- Highest field placement hours in Virginia at 1,170 total supervised hours
- One of Virginia's two HBCUs offering an MSW, with a focus on cultural competence and social justice
- Military Social Work concentration leveraging proximity to Naval Station Norfolk and other military installations
- Over 100 placement agencies in the Hampton Roads area including armed forces bases
- Extended-time option allows full-time enrollment spread over 3 years for students who need a slower pace
Liberty University
In-State
$580/credit (online full-time)
Out-of-State
$580/credit (online full-time)
Length
2 years (60 credits)
Field Hours
1,000 (two placements, 600+ under MSW supervisor)
Concentrations
- Fully online format with 8-week courses allows maximum scheduling flexibility
- Earned the longest possible CSWE accreditation term of 8 years
- Most affordable private MSW in Virginia at $580/credit for full-time online students
- Military tuition rate of $290/credit, the lowest MSW rate in the state for eligible service members
- Field placements arranged near the student's location anywhere in the U.S.
Social Work Licensure Requirements in Virginia
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Virginia Board of Social Work (Department of Health Professions)
804-367-4441
Virginia issues three social work licenses under 18 VAC 140-20: the LBSW (bachelor's level), LMSW (master's level), and LCSW (clinical level). MSW graduates can obtain the LMSW immediately after passing the ASWB Master's exam — no post-graduate supervised experience required. The LCSW requires additional supervised clinical hours and the ASWB Clinical exam.
Virginia is also a member of the Social Work Licensure Compact, enacted via HB326/SB239 in 2024. Once the compact becomes fully operational, Virginia-licensed social workers will be able to practice in all compact member states without obtaining separate licenses — a significant benefit for those near state borders or working via telehealth.
Licensed Master Social Worker
Generalist social work practice including assessment, case management, counseling, and referral services; must practice under supervision of LCSW for clinical work
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: ASWB Master's
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Independent clinical practice including diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders, psychotherapy, private practice, insurance billing
Hours
3,000
Duration
2-4 years
Exam: ASWB Clinical
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker
Basic generalist services including casework management, client assessment, data gathering, referral services; must practice under LMSW or LCSW supervision
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: ASWB Bachelors
Virginia participates in the Social Work Licensure Compact, which Virginia enacted in April 2024 (HB326/SB239). Once the compact is fully operational, social workers licensed in any compact member state can practice in Virginia and vice versa without additional licensure. For non-compact states, Virginia offers licensure by endorsement for applicants who hold an active, unrestricted license in another state with substantially equivalent requirements. Applicants must submit verification of licensure from the original state and meet Virginia's education and exam requirements. Contact the Virginia Board of Social Work at 804-367-4441 for specific endorsement questions.
Social Worker Salary in Virginia
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Virginia social workers earn above the national average across all specialties, with the strongest premiums in the Northern Virginia/Washington D.C. metro area. Virginia's proximity to federal agencies, military installations, and a dense nonprofit sector creates consistent demand and competitive pay. 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: $72,450 (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (VA portion))
Healthcare Social Workers
National median: $68,090
Top metro: $73,880 (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (VA portion))
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
National median: $60,060
Top metro: $76,210 (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (VA portion))
Virginia Social Work Job Market and Workforce
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Virginia faces a severe behavioral health workforce shortage. According to HRSA data, virtually all of Virginia's 133 localities are designated as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas, meaning there are not enough licensed mental health providers — including clinical social workers — to meet demand. The shortage is most acute in rural southwestern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley, but even urban areas like Richmond and Hampton Roads face significant gaps.
The Virginia Health Care Foundation has documented that the number of newly licensed behavioral health professionals each year is insufficient to maintain even the current inadequate supply. This means strong job security and growing demand for MSW graduates across the state.
Major employers of social workers in Virginia include the Virginia Department of Social Services (120 local offices statewide), 120 local Departments of Social Services, 40 Community Services Boards (Virginia's public behavioral health system), Inova Health System (Northern Virginia), Sentara Healthcare (Hampton Roads), UVA Health (Charlottesville), VCU Health (Richmond), the VA health care system (5 medical centers in Virginia), and numerous federal agencies in the D.C. metro area. Virginia is also home to the largest concentration of military installations on the East Coast, creating demand for military family social workers.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
Virginia State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) — Up to $140,000 for a 4-year commitment for qualified behavioral health professionals who practice at eligible sites in federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas. Administered by the Virginia Department of Health Office of Health Equity.
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 LCSWs, 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.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — Social workers at Virginia state agencies, Community Services Boards, VA medical centers, nonprofit health systems, and local DSS offices all qualify for federal PSLF after 120 qualifying payments (10 years).
How to Choose an MSW Program in Virginia
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Virginia has 5 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: VCU is ranked #28 nationally, founded in 1917, and offers the most comprehensive program with clinical, macro, and dual degree options. It also has a fully online MSW with the same accreditation.
If you want D.C.-area connections: George Mason in Fairfax gives you direct access to federal agencies, D.C.-area nonprofits, and Northern Virginia employers. Their practicum database spans Virginia, D.C., and Maryland.
If affordability is your top priority: Radford at $406/credit is the cheapest MSW in Virginia for in-state students. Total program cost for 61 credits is roughly $24,800 before fees — less than half the cost of most private programs.
If you need a fully online program: Both VCU and Liberty University offer CSWE-accredited online MSW programs. VCU offers the stronger brand name; Liberty offers the lower price ($580/credit) and maximum scheduling flexibility with 8-week courses.
If you're active military or a veteran: Liberty offers $290/credit military tuition, and Norfolk State has a Military Social Work concentration near the largest naval base in the world.
If you want the most field experience: Norfolk State requires 1,170 total field hours, followed by George Mason at 1,050 hours — both well above the CSWE minimum of 900.
If you have a BSW and want to finish fast: VCU advanced standing takes 12 months, George Mason 1 year, and Liberty approximately 1 year at 31 credits. Radford and Norfolk State also offer advanced standing tracks.
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 — Virginia
- Virginia Board of Social Work — Licensing Requirements
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Social Workers in Virginia (May 2024)
- ASWB — Licensing Exams
- HRSA — Mental Health HPSA Data
- Virginia Department of Health — Loan Repayment Programs
- Social Work Licensure Compact
- Virginia Administrative Code — LCSW Experience Requirements (18VAC140-20-50)