The state of Maryland offers three master of social work (MSW) programs. Each of these have been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This means that they have been vetted for quality by an organization that works to provide innovative social work education. Each of the three MSW programs in MD also offers an online version of the program.
Earning a master’s degree in social work can be a valuable venture for many people. The career is rewarding and challenging at the same time. The career involves helping through hardships in their life, such as homelessness, mental illness, addiction, poverty, and more. Depending on your degree and level of experience, you might have different responsibilities as a social worker.
With a BSW (bachelor’s in social work), you might provide case management services to clients. With an MSW (master’s in social work), you might do many of the same duties, just at a higher pay rate or with more responsibilities. However, those with a master’s degree can also go on to earn a license and provide mental health therapy and even open their own practice. There is also often a pay difference between social workers with a master’s degree and those with a bachelor’s degree. If you already work in the field as a bachelor’s level, earning your master’s degree might be a good choice for potential career and income growth.
Below are the job growth outlook and wage expectations for jobs within the social work field in Maryland, per ONet Online.
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Projected Growth: 22% (much faster growth than average)
- Average Annual Wages: $67,070
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Projected Growth: 17% (much faster growth than average)
- Average Annual Wages: $55,060
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Projected Growth: 19% (much faster growth than average)
- Average Annual Wages: $63,700
- Social Workers, All Other
- Projected Growth: 12% (faster growth than average)
- Average Annual Wages: $66,600
- Social and Community Service Managers
- Projected Growth: 22% (much faster growth than average)
- Average Annual Wages: $83,390
The expected income for a Maryland social worker may depend on factors such as years of experience, the city or state, any extra training the employee has, the type of organization, and much more. However, the above data is a good place to start. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that the income from ONet Online takes into account all social work careers, including positions that require just a bachelor’s degree. The good news is that the average income for social work jobs that require a master’s degree would possibly be higher. It’s worth exploring to see if earning an MSW is right for you.
To compare, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that US social workers have a median annual wage of $58,380 as of mid-2023, with the lowest 10% of social workers making less than $38,400 annually, while the highest 10% earned more than $94,910. The BLS reports that the overall US career growth outlook is 3%. When looking at Maryland, you might notice that the social work careers have a much higher career growth than the average. This means that you may have an easier time finding a social work job after graduation.
This article will review the three MSW programs in Maryland so you will know what to expect from an advanced social work education to make the right decision for you.
Maryland Online Masters in Social Work
There are three MSW programs with an online option in Maryland. Online courses offer the unique chance for a flexible education. An online program is beneficial for employees, as it allows them to complete coursework when they have time after they get off work. It can also benefit anyone with a busy life. These online programs are equal in quality to their in-person counterparts, as they have also been assessed by the CSWE.
Depending on the university, your classes might take place entirely online and completed at your pace. Others may have scheduled class times, where you are required to watch live videos. Most programs require you to complete your practicum at an in-person agency. You may also have to visit the college campus a couple of times per semester.
Below is an overview of MSW programs in Maryland with online options. They each have an on-campus option as well.
Morgan State University – Baltimore, MD
- Baltimore, MD
- 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:
- Standard Program: 1,110 hours
- Advanced Standing Program: 670 hours
Tuition: $554.50 per credit hour
GRE Required: Not Required
Program Overview:
The MSW program at Morgan State University prepares students to work as social work professionals for urban communities and orgnaizaations. The program specifically focuses on addressing issues related to poverty, violence, mental health, discrimination, socioeconomic inequality, and much more. This curriculum is presented due to the understanding of the program that people of color experience these issues at a much higher rate, and are of a higher population in urban areas. Students can choose to take the program through the in-person program on campus, or online.
Salisbury University – Salisbury, Wye Mills, Hagerstown, California, & North East, MD
- Multi-Location
- 2 years
- Online + In person
Program: Master of Social Work
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Credits:
- Standard Program: 62
- Advanced Standing Program: 32
Length:
- Standard Program: Two years
- Advanced Standing Program: One year
Format: Online or in person
Practicum Requirement: 16-24 hours a week
Tuition: $436 per credit hour
GRE: Not Required
Program Overview:
Salisbury University’s MSW progrm emphasizes social work ethics and values to prepare students for a competent practice in a variety of settings. Students will be prepared to work for educational systems, government organizations, non-profits, and many more. The University prides itself on being student centered and supportive. The classes are offered online, and the in-person classes utilize a hybrid model, where some classes and coursework are completed through interactive videos and digital instructions. There are two specializations to choose from: Clinical Social Work & Advocacy Specialization, and Social Change & Leadership Specialization.
University of Maryland – Baltimore and Rockville, MD
- Baltimore and Rockville, MD
- 2 to 4 years
- Online + In person
Program: Master of Social Work
Accreditation: CSWE
Number of Credits:
- Standard Program: 61
- Advanced Standing Program: 36
Length:
- Standard Program: Two to four years
- Advanced Standing Program: One to two years
Format: Online or in person
Practicum Requirement:
- Standard Program: 900 hours
- Advanced Standing Program: 480 hours
Tuition: $15,132 per year
GRE: Not Required
Program Overview:
The MSW program at University of Maryland focuses on inclusion, equity, justice, and diversity as the prioritized focuses of their program. The program is offered in a hybrid, online, or in person format. Depending on the program, it takes place full-time or part-time. There are six dual degree options where students can earn another master’s along with their MSW. These degrees include:
- Juris Doctor
- Leadership in Jewish Education and Communal Service
- Business Administration
- Public Health
- Public Policy
- Medican Cannabis Science, Therapeutics, and Policy Certificate
Students can also explore the program’s various scholarships offered to help afford their tuition. The university offers a variety of programs and initiatives for students to take part in, including The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and The Leading for Equity, Anti-Racism, and Diversity (LEAD) Institute.
CSWE Accredited MSW Programs in Maryland
There are three MSW programs in Maryland that have been accredited by the CSWE. Each of these were reviewed in the previous section, including:
- Morgan State University
- Salisbury University
- University of Maryland
Accreditation means that an education program has proven that they have met certain standards for quality that are set by the agency that provides the accreditation. The Council for Social Work Education (CSWE) is the one which does so for social work programs in the United States. The criteria they set for social work programs is determined by the board, which is made up of educators and social work professionals. Per the CSWE website, their goal is to advance quality social work education and provide social workers opportunities for professional development.
It is very important to ensure that your social work progrma of choice is CSWE accredited. Accredited programs will ensure that you are prepared for your future career and any licensing exams you may take (such as the clinical social work exam). Employers may look for social workers who attended an accredited program because they understand that it prepares them for real-world experiences.
No GRE Required MSW Programs in Maryland
None of the three MSW programs in Maryland require the GRE. This means that students only have to apply by following the admission requirements set by the individual university without having to also take an exam. The GRE, or Graduate Record Exam, is a generalized exam that was designed to assess a student’s skills in topics such as problem-solving, math, critical thinking, vocabulary, and more. The intention was to help schools determine who was ready for graduate-level studies.
However, more and more schools are choosing to not require students to take the GRE. Sometimes, it depends on the program, but social work is one that often does not have the requirement. Programs that do not require the GRE are instead choosing to look at the big picture of a student’s qualifications, such as their interest indicated in a personal essay, their undergraduate GPA, work/life experience, and more. Other requirements may vary by program.
Maryland MSW Programs with Accelerated Advanced Standing Options
All three of the MSW programs in Maryland offer an advanced standing program. These programs were reviewed in an earlier section, including:
- Morgan State University
- Salisbury University
- University of Maryland
Advanced standing allows those who qualify to complete their MSW program in about half the time of a standard-length program. Instead of taking two to four years, it usually takes about one to two, depending on if the student is attending full time or part time.
However, to qualify for advanced standing, a student must have earned their bachelor’s degree from a CSWE-accredited social work program. The advanced-standing MSW program takes half the time of the standard program because the bachelor’s program covers much of the basic information that one learns in the first year of the MSW program. There are often other requirements as well, such as having a minimum GPA that is higher than the one for applying to the regular program.
Affordable MSW Programs in Maryland
Affordability is an important consideration for many when they want to attend a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. Luckily, there are strategies one can employ to reduce the cost. One way is by applying for the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is the number one provider of student aid in the US. Submitting this application each year allows you to see what federal grants or loans you may qualify for.
Another way to afford an MSW program is to choose a university that offers a more affordable tuition. State universities are often more affordable because part of the cost is supplemented by tax dollars. So, if you go to an in-state school, it is often more affordable because you may have paid into it with your taxes. If you want to save money on tuition, look at state colleges in your state first.
Below are the three MSW programs in Maryland for you to compare the cost.
- Morgan State University
- Cost: $554.50 per credit hour
- Salisbury University
- Cost: $436 per credit hour
- University of Maryland
- Cost: $15,132 per year
Maryland CSWE Accredited MSW Programs
| University Name | City | State | Program Title | Program URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan State University | Baltimore | MD | Master of Social Work | https://www.morgan.edu/ssw |
| Salisbury University | Salisbury | MD | MSW Degree | https://www.salisbury.edu/academic-offices/health-and-human-services/social-work/msw.aspx |
Conclusion
Social workers are a vital part of any community. For those struggling with a variety of problems, social workers can help improve their lives. Even if you already work in social services, earning a master’s degree may be a way to become more involved with helping your community. Attending a CSWE-accredited MSW program is a great place to start. The accredited programs in Maryland are designed to prepare you to become an ethical and competent social worker through their courses and practicum.
