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Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in Colorado (CO) – online and on-campus
Choosing the right program for your Master of Social Work (MSW) begins with understanding all the options available. Perhaps you have your Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and want to enroll in an advanced standing program. Or, you might be interested in programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). No matter your goals and preferences, you can find an MSW program that will prepare you for work as a licensed social worker (LSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Colorado.
The program cards/tables featured on this page were last updated in November 2022. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
The University of Denver’s top-ranked school of social work offers two online MSW tracks: Online MSW and Online Advanced-Standing MSW. Students with a BSW can earn an MSW in as few as 12 months; students without a BSW can earn an MSW in as few as 21 months. GRE scores are not required.
- Complete the online MSW program in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the program may be completed in as few as 21 months.
- GRE scores are not required to apply.
- Customize your own Pathway to your interests.
Social work degree programs in Colorado
Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in Colorado
Browse on-campus and online MSW programs for students in Colorado.
| Institution & Program | Location | Concentrations | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
Colorado State UniversityMaster of Social Work | Fort Collins, CO | — | Full-Time |
Metropolitan State University of DenverMaster of Social Work | Denver, CO | — | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of DenverMaster of Social Work | Denver, CO | Aging Services & Policy, Mental Health, Health & Wellness, Child Welfare, Family Systems Practice, Ecological Justice, Children & Youth | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Online MSW programs in Colorado
| Institution & Program | Location | Concentrations | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|
Colorado State UniversityMaster of Social Work | Fort Collins, CO | — | Part-Time |
Metropolitan State University of DenverMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Denver, CO | Children and Families, Mental Health, Leadership and Management School Social Work, Gerontology, Social Work in Healthcare, Children and Youth | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Metropolitan State University of DenverMaster of Social Work | Denver, CO | — | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Denver, CO | Mental Health and Trauma, Health, Equity and Wellness | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of Denver • Denver, CO
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
54-81 graduate-level credits
Concentrations
Mental Health and Trauma, Health, Equity and Wellness
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution to be considered for admission
- Minimum undergraduate GPA is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Career goals statement
Syracuse University • Syracuse, NY
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 24 months
Credits
36-60
Concentrations
Advanced Integrated Practice, Advanced Clinical Practice
Admission Requirements
- Minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred
- Transcripts
- Resume
- Essays
- Prerequisite coursework
- Letters of recommendation
Simmons University • Boston, MA
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Accelerated and Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 9 months
Credits
37-65
Concentrations
Mental Health Practice Optional Certificate, Trauma Practice Optional Certificate, Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families
Admission Requirements
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Recommendation forms
- Statement of professional and educational intent
Howard University • Washington, DC
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
As few as 12 months
Credits
45+
Concentrations
Direct Practice, Community, Administration and Policy (CAP) Practice
Admission Requirements
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- College transcripts
- A personal statement
- An application essay
- A resume
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution, award within four years of first term start date
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all social work foundation and undergraduate coursework
Hawaii Pacific University • Honolulu, HI
Master of Social Work
Enrollment Type
Full-Time and Part-Time
Length of Program
12-36 months
Credits
30-57
Concentrations
Military and Veterans Affairs, Child or Adult Protective Services, Health Care, Mental Health, Individual and Families, Social Agency Administration
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 30 credits in Liberal Arts from an accredited four-year institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA, but applicants below that will be considered for provisional admission
- Completed courses in Statistics and Research Methods
- Applicants must have completed each course with a grade of a "C" or higher
- Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited program within the past five years
- Minimum 3.25 GPA on a 4.0 scale in social work courses
- Online application
Learn more about different types of MSW programs:
Educational requirements
As you browse through MSW programs in Colorado, you may see different application requirements. Similar to other graduate degree programs, MSW programs may require a minimum GPA, transcripts, résumé, recommendations, and a personal statement.
Advanced standing MSW programs may ask that applicants hold a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited program. Other requirements may include specific prerequisite coursework and human services hours. Be sure to check the websites for the programs you’re interested in to get a full understanding of the application process.
Curriculum
Some MSW programs in Colorado offer specialized tracks that focus on a specific area within social work. However, before students start on coursework pertaining to their concentration, their program may first cover foundational topics, such as:
- Human behavior and the social environment
- Social policy
- Research methods in social work
- Legal issues in social work
- Clinical social work theory
- Social work for social justice
- Internships
You may also be required to complete clinical hours or a social work practicum before obtaining your MSW degree.
What can I do with an MSW degree in CO?
There are a wide range of social work careers open to MSW holders in Colorado. If you’re curious about the types of roles you can pursue following your degree program, consider the following:
- Child, family, and school social workers
- Healthcare social workers
- Mental health and substance abuse social workers
- Government and military social workers
Beyond working with clients, you may choose to work in social work administration or education. Earning your MSW degree in Colorado can also help you prepare for LSW licensure or become an LCSW.
Learn more on how to become a social worker, such as various state requirements, educational pathways, and degree options available. Or, if you’re set on staying in the Centennial State, you can get familiar with the steps you’ll need to take to become a social worker in Colorado. You can also check out our guide to social work licensure to help you find the right learning options for your goals.
FAQs
The best MSW program for you will depend on your career goals, previous experience, and the time and financial resources you have available. Programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) provide students with assurance that they adhere to rigorous standards set by the independent association.
Information last updated: January 2026