MSW Programs in Alabama

Jessica White

Written by Jessica White

Community Mental Health Worker & Case Manager

Updated & Fact Checked: 09.09.2024

There are ten MSW programs in the state of Alabama. Nine of these have been accredited by the Council of Social Work Education, and one of them (Oakwood University) is in the pre-candidacy stage of accreditation. This article will review each of the AL masters of social work programs and what they offer. These programs might be right for you if you already work in social work as a way to expand your career and income opportunities. You may also be interested in an MSW program as a way to transition into a social work career, even if you work in another field. 

Social workers play an important part in a community. They help individuals, groups, and families overcome difficulties such as homelessness, poverty, mental illness, and much more. Part of the help social workers provide depends on where they are employed. There are many organizations that need to employ social workers, including hospitals, rehab centers, psychiatric units, veteran associations, and even corporations. Daily life for a social worker might involve helping a client find resources such as food and housing. The job also tends to include providing emotional support to the client, advocating on their behalf, interviewing them to find their needs, providing transportation, and spending time documenting these duties to track the client’s case. One type of social worker, called a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) has the credentials to provide mental health therapy to clients. Earning a master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited MSW program, such as the ones discussed in this article, can prepare you to take the licensing exam to become an LCSW. 

Social workers in Alabama play a role in improving social issues within the state. According to an Alabama news source, some of the biggest social issues include mass incarceration, economic injustice, and racial injustice. Social workers can help these issues in a number of ways. They might help fight economic injustice through working with impoverished families to help them get food, employment, housing, or state benefits. A social worker involved with people who are experiencing imprisonment might provide rehabilitation and connect them with necessities upon release. A big part that an Alabama social worker might play is advocating for change at the policy level, so that statewide improvements to issues can be made. 

Earning a master’s degree allows a social worker to potentially have a higher level of responsibility. This can also mean a higher wage. According to O*Net Online, below are the career growth projections and median state income for Alabama social workers. However, it’s important to remember that these numbers are the average for everyone who falls into the categories below, not just those with their master’s degree. So, the pay and job outlook might be higher if those with a master’s degree were highlighted by itself. 

If earning an Alabama master’s degree in social work sounds like it might be for you, the rest of this article can help you decide which MSW program might be best for you to enroll in to start your advanced social work education.

Alabama Online Masters in Social Work

There are six MSW programs in Alabama that offer an online version of the MSW program. Two of these programs are offered solely 100% online, while the other four also offer an on-campus format for students who want to attend that way. 

Online courses make it easier for a student with many obligations to get their education. They often benefit those who work full-time during the day, as the flexibility of an online education can let a student attend a virtual class and complete homework in their free time. Some of the universities offer asynchronous courses, which allow a student to complete class on their own time. Others offer synchronous courses, which means there are scheduled times that a video lecture takes place. Online courses means that the coursework is usually completed online as well. However, each program has a practicum requirement, which must be completed in person at an agency local to the student. Some schools may also require the student to visit in person once or twice a semester. 

Online courses are typically equal in quality to on-campus programs, especially if the program is CSWE-accredited. If an online MSW program seems like it might be helpful for you, take a look at the programs reviewed below to see which might fit your needs. 

Below are the MSW programs in Alabama that offer an online option.

Auburn University – Auburn, AL

  • Auburn, AL
  • 2 to 3 years
  • Online + In-person

Program: Master of Social Work

Accreditation: CSWE

Number of Credits:

  • Standard Program: 61
  • Advanced Standing Program: 39

Length:

  • Standard Program: Two to three years
  • Advanced Standing Program: One to two years

Format: Online or in person

Practicum Requirement: 944 hours (traditional program), 512 hours (advanced standing)

Tuition: $597 per credit hour

GRE: Not Required

Program Overview:
The Auburn College of Liberal Arts at Aunburn University offers several program options: online or on-campus, both of which can be completed part-time or full-time. Each option also offers a traditional or advanced standing format. Students are admitted and go through the program as a cohort. The program focuses on health and mental health. In addition to classwork, students will learn through hands-on internships and service that teaches them about prevention work, policy, identifying health disparities, and more.

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Samford University – Birmingham, AL

  • Birmingham, AL
  • 2 to 4 years
  • Online + In-person

Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)

Accreditation: CSWE

Number of Credits:

  • Standard Program: 60
  • Advanced Standing Program: 33

Length:

  • Standard Program: Two to four years
  • Advanced Standing Program: One to two years

Format: Online or in person

Practicum Requirement: 900 hours (traditional program) 512 hours (advanced standing)

Tuition: See tuition cost calculator on university website.

GRE: Required, if the applicant’s undergraduate GPA is 2.8-2.9.

Program Overview:
Samford University offers a Christian-based learning community featuring a social work master’s program that prepares students to work for urban and rural communities, as well as internationally. There are both online and face-to-face options available. Students can also choose to earn a dual degree in social work and divinity, public health, or theological studies. The program provides an education to students that prepares them for a variety of social work careers, from the clinical field to non-profits to hospitals and more.

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Troy University – Troy, Dothan, Montgomery, Phenix City, AL

  • Multiple locations
  • 2 years
  • Online + In-person

Program: Master of Social Work

Accreditation: CSWE

Number of Credits:

  • Standard Program: 60
  • Advanced Standing Program: 30

Length:

  • Standard Program: Two years
  • Advanced Standing Program: One year

Format: Online or in person

Practicum Requirement: 1010 hours (traditional program), 510 hours (advanced standing).

Tuition: $25,192

GRE: Not Required

Program Overview:
The MSW program at Troy University offers two specializations for students to choose from. One includes Direct Practice with a focus on military families. The other includes Organizational Leadership and Management with a focus on international social work. Both online and on-campus formats are available at Troy University. The first one fulfills a need in the field of serving families of individuals in the military. Students will take courses in things like Social Welfare Policy, Human Behavior, Cultural Diversity, and Direct Practice Methods.

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University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, AL

  • Tuscaloosa, AL
  • 2 to 4 years
  • Online + In-person

Program: Master of Social Work

Accreditation: CSWE

Number of Credits:

  • Standard Program: 60
  • Advanced Standing Program: 42

Length:

  • Standard Program: Two to four years
  • Advanced Standing Program: One year

Format: Online or in person

Practicum Requirement: 1000 hours (traditional program), 500 hours (advanced standing)

Tuition: $440 per credit

GRE: Not Required

Program Overview:
The MSW program at University of Alabama offers on-campus or online courses for flexible learning. There are also part-time and full-time options available, as well as a one year advanced standing format. The program offers opportunities for students to complete their practicum locally or internationally in places such as Ghana, Indian, Spain, and more. Students can combine the masters in social work degree by also earning a masters in public health  (MPH), or a Juris Doctorate.

More Details

Program: Masters of Social Work

Accreditation: CSWE

Number of Credits:

  • Standard Program: 60
  • Advanced Standing Program: 30

Length:

  • Standard Program: Two years
  • Advanced Standing Program: 12 months

Format: Online only

Practicum Requirement: Hours not specified

Tuition: $340 per credit hour

GRE: Not Required

Program Overview:
University of North Alabama’s MSW generalist program prepares students to work as an advanced social worker in diverse settings including micro and macro practice. The program fits into any student’s busy life as it is offered 100% online and has a one-year advanced-standing option for those who already have their master’s in social work. The curriculum at UNA’s MSW program involves teaching students how to understand human behavior as well as methods of research. Students will apply what they have learned to a practicum.

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Program: Master of Social Work

Accreditation: Pre-candidate for CSWE

Number of Credits:

  • Standard Program: 60
  • Advanced Standing Program: 30

Length:

  • Standard Program: 24 months
  • Advanced Standing Program: 12 months

Format: Online only

Practicum Requirement: 950 hours (traditional program), 450 hours (advanced standing)

Tuition: $650 per semester

GRE: Not Required

Program Overview:
The MSW program at Oakwood University is offered 100% online. It teaches students a generalist practice that promotes the wellbeing of their community. The program is Christian-based, and biblical principles are incorporated into the curriculum. There is a traditional and advanced standing program offered. Students will take courses in subjects such as human development, ethics, social work practice, and more. They will apply what they have learned to a field practicum.

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CSWE Accredited MSW Programs in Alabama

Nine out of the ten MSW programs in Alabama have been accredited by the CSWE, or Council on Social Work Education. Five of the programs were reviewed in previous sections, and the other four will be reviewed in this section. 

The Council on Social Work Education is the sole agency in the United States responsible for awarding accreditation status to social work programs at the bachelor’s and master’s level. The CSWE is composed of professionals in the field of social work who work together to determine what makes a program high-quality, and develops standards for innovative education that social work programs should offer. Accreditation means that a program has met these standards based on the current requirements of the CSWE. 

Accreditation is an important feature to look for when you are deciding which AL MSW program to attend. It ensures that you are receiving the best possible education and will gain the knowledge you need to take your licensing exam in the future and go into your social work career. Employers tend to prefer social workers who have attended a CSWE-accredited university. Also, attending an accredited program means that you may be more prepared to transfer careers as a social worker all across the country due to the nationwide standards of consistency, excellence, and innovation.

Below are the CSWE-accredited MSW programs in Alabama.

Alabama A&M University – Normal, Birmingham, AL

  • Normal, Birmingham, AL
  • 2 to 3 years
  • In-person

Program: Master of Social Work

Accreditation: CSWE

Number of Credits:

  • Standard Program: 60
  • Advanced Standing Program: 30

Length:

  • Standard Program: Two to three years
  • Advanced Standing Program: One year

Format: In person only

Practicum Requirement: 300 hours per semester

Tuition: $422 per credit hour

GRE: Not Required

Program Overview:
The MSW program at AAMU offers three program tracks and two concentrations. The program tracks include a traditional part-time or full-time program, or an advanced standing program. The concentrations include Family & Child Welfare and Community Mental Health. These options provide a well-rounded education that prepares students to work in a number of social work careers. The program is fully accredited by CSWE, and as a result, provides students with the education needed to take the licensing exam.

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Alabama State University – Montgomery, AL

  • Montgomery, AL
  • 2 to 4 years
  • In-person

Program: Masters in Social Work

Accreditation: CSWE

Number of Credits:

  • Standard Program: 60
  • Advanced Standing Program: 36

Length:

  • Standard Program: Two to four years
  • Advanced Standing Program: Twelve months

Format: In person only

Practicum Requirement: 900 hours (traditional program), 500 hours (advanced standing)

Tuition: $26,442 per year

GRE: Not Required

Program Overview:
The MSW program at Alabama State University teaches students to serve diverse communities, promote their wellbeing, and increase justice. This is done through a varied curriculum that encourages critical thinking and applying knowledge to real-world situations through a practicum. The program offers three tracks, including a two-year traditional track, advanced standing (12 months), and a four year, part-time version.

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Jacksonville State University – Jacksonville, AL

  • Jacksonville, AL
  • 2 years
  • In-person

Program: Master of Social Work (MSW)

Accreditation: CSWE

Number of Credits:

  • Standard Program: 66
  • Advanced Standing Program: 39

Length:

  • Standard Program: Two years
  • Advanced Standing Program: One year

Format: In person only

Practicum Requirement: 950 hours (traditional program), 500 hours (advanced standing)

Tuition: $15,600 (advanced standing), $24,000 (traditional program)

GRE: Not Required

Program Overview:
The Jacksonville State University MSW program offers an advanced generalist curriculum that includes an emphasis on serving rural communities. Both a traditional and advanced standing program are available to apply. Although the program takes place on campus, the classes take place in the afternoons and evenings, allowing students to work while in the program. There are also some online courses offered in a hybrid format through the advanced standing program. Multiple elective options allow the student to customize the experience to their interests.

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University of Alabama at Birmingham – Birmingham, AL

  • Birmingham, AL
  • Three semesters to 2.5 years
  • In-person

Program: Master of Social Work

Accreditation: CSWE

Number of Credits:

  • Standard Program: 60
  • Advanced Standing Program: 42

Length:

  • Advanced Standing Program: Three semesters to 2.5 years

Format: In person only

Practicum Requirement: 600 hours (advanced standing), 1050 hours (traditional program)

Tuition: $468 per credit hour

GRE: Not Required

Program Overview:
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No GRE Required MSW Programs in Alabama

Nine of the MSW programs in Alabama do NOT require the GRE when applying for the social work program. One of the programs, Samford University, requires the GRE if the applicant’s undergraduate GPA is lower than 3.0. 

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is becoming increasingly scarce among social work master’s programs applications. The exam is a standardized test to determine a student’s readiness for master’s level education. It assesses a student’s readiness in things like math, vocabulary, critical thinking, and more. Some STEM or other programs may still require this, depending on the university. However, social work programs are choosing to admit students based on multiple factors including their work or volunteer experiences, references, GPA, and responses to any essay questions that might be asked. Other requirements may be added depending on the program.

Alabama MSW Programs with Accelerated Advanced Standing Options

All ten of the MSW programs in Alabama offer advanced standing. This version of the MSW program can allow a student to graduate in half the time of a traditional program. Often, these programs are offered full-time or part-time, just like the traditional program. So, if a traditional program takes two years of full-time work or three years of part-time work to graduate, an advanced standing program will only take one to two years. 

However, in order to qualify for advanced standing, you must have earned your bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited university. Depending on the program, your GPA should also be around 3.2 or above. The social work bachelor’s program is considered to have covered the information covered in the first year of the traditional master’s program, which is why it takes about half the time. Someone in the advanced standing program will still also have to complete a practicum, but it also only requires about half the hours of the traditional program. Depending on the university, you may be able to enroll in a part-time, full-time, online, or on-campus advanced standing program.

Affordable MSW Programs in Alabama

Affordability may be a big factor in making your decision about where to complete your MSW program. Luckily, there are several factors that make it a little easier to decide the best route for your needs. For one, the FAFSA is a great way to start the journey of funding your education. The FAFSA is a free yearly application that can help connect you with federal grants and loans based on your financial need, which is based on things like your yearly income and family size. 

Beyond the FAFSA, there are other strategies you can implement to make school more affordable. Looking for scholarships is one way that many students have paid for their education. The CSWE, for example, offers scholarships and fellowships to social work students. Also, many universities offer scholarships within their programs to help students through school. To find out more about those, you can contact your school of interest or look through their website. 

Finally, finding a school with a more affordable tuition is yet another strategy. While many universities may have similar costs, there are some on the lower end worth considering. State universities, for example, tend to be more affordable to resident’s of that state, and are of equal quality to other, more expensive programs. 

Below are a couple examples of affordable MSW programs in Alabama.

  • Alabama A&M University
    • Tuition: $422 per credit hour
  • University of Alabama
    • Tuition: $440 per credit hour
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham
    • Tuition: $468 per credit hour

Taking all of this into account, you will have a better chance of affording your master’s of social work program!

Alabama CSWE Accredited MSW Programs

University NameCityStateProgram TitleProgram URL
Samford UniversityBirminghamALMaster of Social Workhttps://www.samford.edu/publichealth/master-of-social-work
Troy UniversityTroyALMaster of Social Workhttps://www.troy.edu/academics/academic-programs/graduate/msw-social-work-direct-practice.html
University of AlabamaTuscaloosaALMaster of Social Workhttp://www.ua.edu/academic/colleges/socwork
University of North AlabamaFlorenceALMaster of Social Workhttps://www.una.edu/socialwork/

Conclusion

Alabama offers a wide variety of MSW programs for potential social workers to choose from. While the state is not without its social problems, you might be able to be a part of the solution as a social worker while helping your community. Earning a master’s degree in social work from an Alabama university can open the doors to many opportunities in a variety of workplaces as you serve a diverse client base. With nine of the ten social work master’s programs being accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, there is likely to be one that will meet your needs and help usher you into a life-changing education.