Social work programs in Colorado span from as far west as Grand Junction to as far south as Pueblo, with several options in and around Denver. All of these Master of Social Work programs offer advanced standing options for Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree holders and differing enrollment opportunities. All programs listed below are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Learn more about entering an MSW program to pursue a career in social work as a licensed social worker (LSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Colorado.

There are options for on-campus Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in Colorado, as well as a few for pursuing an online MSW program in Colorado. 

A few universities in Colorado that offer MSW programs also have online MSW programs. 

Sponsored Online Social Work Programs

University of Southern California

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The MSW@USC is the online Master of Social Work from top-ranked USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. USC offers virtual and in-person field education, and students focus on adults, youth or social change.

•  Minimum completion time: 16 months
• Online classes taught by USC faculty 
• Virtual field training to build skills and confidence

Request more info from USC.

University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

• Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
• No GRE Required
• Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

Request more info from the University of Denver.

Fordham University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Fordham’s skills-based, online MSW program integrates advanced relevant social work competencies, preparing students to serve individuals and communities while moving the profession forward. This program includes advanced standing and traditional MSW options.

•  Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available.
• There are four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.
• Pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time track.

Request more info from Fordham University.

Simmons University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

• Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
• Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks 
• Minimum completion time: 9 months

Request more info from Simmons University.

Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

• Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
• No GRE required
• Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

Request more info from Syracuse University.

Baylor University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Complete the Master of Social Work online program at Baylor University in as few as 12 months. Serve populations in Texas and around the world while ethically integrating faith and social work practice. No GRE required.

• Address injustice from a strengths-based perspective
• Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
• Serve as a trusted resource for clients, no matter their personal background
• Complete the MSW online program in as few as 12 months

Request more info from Baylor University.

Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

• Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
• Complete at least 777-1,000 hours of agency-based field education
• Earn your degree in as few as 12 months

Request more info from Howard University.

Case Western Reserve University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

In as few as a year and a half, you can prepare for social work leadership by earning your Master of Social Work online from Case Western Reserve University’s school of social work.

• CSWE-accredited
• No GRE requirement
• Complete in as few as one and a half years

Request more info from Case Western Reserve University.

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Learn more about MSW programs:

If you choose to pursue an advanced standing MSW program at any of the above universities, you will need a bachelor’s degree in social work accredited by the CSWE. Some other requirements for traditional programs may include specific coursework in areas such as social and behavioral sciences, biology, statistics and multicultural issues. MSW applicants may also need to complete human service hours before enrolling.

Similar to other graduate degree programs, some of these MSW programs in Colorado may require a minimum GPA, transcripts, resume, some number of recommendations, a personal statement and application fee. Be sure to check with your preferred CO university above for more information on their MSW program.

Some MSW programs in Colorado offer specializations or concentrations which focus on one or more facets of social work. Whether you choose a specialization or not, there will likely be a foundational year, or foundational curriculum for traditional students. Foundational coursework may include:

If you choose to specialize your MSW degree, you may expect coursework in your second year to be centered on that topic with field internships. Curriculum will vary amongst the Colorado MSW programs, so be sure to check with your preferred university for more information.

What Can I Do With an MSW Degree in CO?

As of May 2019, there are a total of 13,170 social workers in Colorado. This includes child, family and school social workers; healthcare social workers; mental health and substance abuse social workers; and all others, as defined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, there are also 250 post-secondary social work teachers, or professors of social work.

By earning an MSW degree in Colorado, you may prepare for licensure as an LSW or to become an LCSW. There are also multiple Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) in Colorado throughout counties such as El Paso, Yuma, Summit, Alamosa, Weld, Denver and others. MSW degree recipients in Colorado may also pursue social work careers as a school social worker in the Colorado Department of Education or a military social worker at one of the military bases in Colorado or the Department of Veterans Affairs. Learn more on how to become a social worker and various opportunities for you. Learn more about how to become a social worker in Colorado or check out more on social work licensure.

Information on this page was updated in October 2020.