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.

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.