HBCU MSW Programs – Online and On-Campus Guide

Interested in attending a historically Black college or university (HBCU) for a master’s in social work program? We discuss the importance of HBCUs, their rich history and how an HBCU can meet your educational needs. Read on to learn more about HBCU graduate programs.

History of HBCUs

A lack of higher education opportunities for Black students led to the establishment of HBCU colleges in the 1830s / mid-19th century. These colleges and universities were created to provide undergraduate and graduate-level education for the Black community at a time when other educational institutions were not available to them. What began in Pennsylvania in 1837 with Cheyney University has grown to more than 100 HBCU post-secondary institutions.

For nearly two centuries, HBCUs have helped prepare students for leadership and professional success across fields. Notable HBCU alumni include civil rights leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Martin Luther King Jr. (Morehouse College), U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall (Lincoln University; Howard University School of Law), former U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Louis W. Sullivan (Morehouse College), former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (Howard University), and media host and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey (Tennessee State University).

According to UNCF’s 2025 Fact Sheet, HBCUs represent about 3% of all four-year nonprofit colleges and universities in the U.S., yet they enroll 10% of all African American students. The same fact sheet notes that HBCUs account for 15% of all African Americans with bachelor’s degrees and 19% of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) bachelor’s degrees awarded to African American graduates.

How to Apply for an MSW Program at HBCUs

Applying to an HBCU master’s in social work program is similar to that of other colleges or institutions. You will likely need to provide the required materials prior to a set deadline. Some schools may have individual requirements like entrance exam scores while others have a “no GRE required” policy. HBCU graduate admission requirements for Master of Social Work (MSW) programs may include:

Completed bachelor’s degree in liberal arts or a field related to social work such as psychology or sociology.
Completed bachelor’s of social work (BSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program for advanced standing applicants.
Completed graduate application, which is typically online.
Letters of recommendation from professionals such as former instructors or employers.
Official transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions you have attended.
A personal statement that discusses who you are, your strengths, education and/or experience, and why you would like to enroll in an MSW program.
Current resume that includes previous and current academic, work, or volunteer experiences.
An interview, which is an opportunity to show your personality and speak directly with the MSW admissions panel or board.

HBCU MSW Curriculum

Your master’s in social work concentration or chosen field of practice may determine your ultimate curriculum. However, there are several primary courses such as Foundations of Social Welfare and Social Work and Research Methods in Social Work that students must take regardless of their specialization.

The MSW curriculum may include various classes on different social work theories and practice models. As part of the educational base for an MSW degree, some HBCU MSW courses like Multicultural Practice with Diverse Populations focus on issues facing oppressed populations like racial inequality and social and economic injustice. Preparing graduates with the skills to be leaders and voices on such issues is an essential component of HBCUs’ mission.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities’ Online vs. On-Campus Classes

Of the roughly 3.2 million postbaccalaureate students enrolled in the U.S. in fall 2021, about 40% took distance education courses exclusively. If you’re deciding between HBCU online degree programs and on-campus learning, it may help to compare the similarities and differences between each format.

Most HBCU online graduate classes follow the same coursework as on-campus and confer the same degree. HBCU graduate programs online may offer a level of flexibility that on-campus classes lack, whereas face-to-face interactions on campus may present you with a unique sociocultural experience compared to virtual learning. If you have self-discipline and motivation to work on your own, an online class format may prove ideal. On the other hand, if you thrive better in a structured environment with deadlines and strict attendance policies, an on-campus program may be a better option for you.

While both bring advantages and disadvantages, it is up to you to decide which format feels right and would best fit your needs.

Compare HBCU Online MSW Programs

Although very few HBCUs offer an MSW degree online, the following institutions offer the option to complete your degree remotely. Some programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), indicating they meet a set of standards necessary for the social work profession. In addition, most states require CSWE accreditation for licensing.

University	Location	Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Delaware State University	Dover, Delaware	Advanced Generalist Practice	Full-Time and Part-Time
Howard University infoAD	Washington, D.C	Community, Administration and Policy (CAP) Practice Direct Practice	Full-Time and Part-Time
Jackson State University	Jackson, Mississippi	Children, Youth, and Families	Full-Time and Part-Time
Morgan State University	Baltimore, Maryland	Addictions Urban Children, Youth & Families	Full-Time

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Compare HBCU On-Campus MSW Programs

If you live near an HBCU you may want to consider obtaining your MSW degree on campus. Be sure to also take into account a program’s location, concentration and format options.

University	Location	Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Alabama A&M University	Huntsville, Alabama	Community Mental Health Family and Child Welfare	Full-Time and Part-Time
Alabama State University	Montgomery, Alabama	N/A	Full-Time Part-Time
Albany State University	Albany, Georgia	N/A	Full-Time and Part-Time
Clark Atlanta University	Atlanta, Georgia	Child and Family Practice Health and Mental Health	Full-Time and Part-Time
Fayetteville State University	Fayetteville, North Carolina	N/A	Full-Time and Part-Time
Florida A&M University	Tallahassee, Florida	N/A	Full-Time and Part-Time
Howard University	Washington, Washington, D.C.	Criminal Justice Displaced Populations Family and Child Welfare Mental Health Social Gerontology Social Work in Healthcare	Full-Time and Part-Time
Mississippi Valley State University	Itta Benam, Mississippi	N/A	Full-Time and Part-Time
North Carolina Central University	Durham, North Carolina	N/A	Full-Time

HBCU MSW Program FAQs

Choosing the right MSW program out of the many HBCU graduate programs is a difficult task. However, asking questions can help make the decision easier.

What are the benefits of attending an HBCU?

Getting a college education is more than a diploma. It’s also about experiences and personal growth no matter your age, race, ethnicity or background. Due to their inclusive approach, HBCUs celebrate a high degree of cultural and racial diversity among their student bodies. Other HBCU benefits include a welcoming community, faculty support, strong and active alumni associations, affordability, scholarships, and grants.

What’s the best HBCU MSW program?

It’s important to think about your personal and career goals when searching for the right HBCU MSW program. Maybe you prioritize the flexibility of an online MSW program. Perhaps the culture of an HBCU may be the deciding factor. An available concentration or specialization may be the most important part of your decision. Which program is best is a personal choice that depends on your individual plans and goals.

Do HBCUs offer financial aid or scholarships for grad students?

Concerns about funding education can keep students from pursuing advanced degrees. Because HBCUs recognize the financial challenges many students face, they offer a wide range of financial aid and scholarships for graduate students. The types of financial aid and HBCU scholarships can vary by school. However, there are other common options, such as grants and fellowships, that may help offset the costs.

Do HBCUs offer other graduate programs?

While there are numerous HBCUs offering social work master’s degrees, if you are uncertain about whether the MSW programs offered by historically Black colleges and universities are the right path to take, you may want to explore the wide array of other HBCU online graduate programs. Program options can vary from school to school, including business administration, special education, environmental studies, nursing and sports administration.

Information last updated: January 2026