Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Virginia

There are a total of six universities in Virginia that offer a master’s degree in social work. This includes programs that have been accredited by the CSWE, online MSW programs, and programs that offer an advanced standing version of the program. Each of these options may hold benefits depending on a student’s short-term and long-term goals for their career, whether it is to open up more job prospects, earn a higher wage, or enter the social work field.

Social work is an important career that involves helping your community on a daily basis. It is challenging, but rewarding too. The job might involve providing resources to housing, food, and more for families in need. If you earn an MSW and take the appropriate licensing exam to become a licensed clinical social worker, you may also be able to provide therapy to those experiencing mental health struggles. Social workers are equipped to handle many challenging things, including crises. You can apply to earn a master’s in social work degree whether you are a bachelor’s level social worker already, or want to pursue the degree to transition into the field. Accredited MSW programs in Virginia train on the ethics of the job, as well as how to assist individuals, families, and one’s community. These programs also have a practicum requirement, that allow you to apply what you have learned to real-world situations before graduating. MSW degrees can allow for a higher level of job prospects, including those that involve management, which can also lead to a higher potential income.

According to O*Net Online, the annual wage and career growth for North Carolina social workers is as follows:

• Child, Family, and School Social Workers 
  • Projected Growth: 12% (much higher than average growth) 
  • Median Annual Wages: $52,040 
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 
  • Projected Growth: 13% (much higher than average growth) 
  • Median Annual Wages: $48,570 
• Healthcare Social Workers 
  • Projected Growth: 14% (much higher than average growth) 
  • Median Annual Wages: $58,950 
• Social Workers, All Other 
  • Projected Growth: 5% (much higher than average growth) 
  • Median Annual Wages: $72,800 
• Social and Community Service Managers 
  • Projected Growth: 9% (much higher than average growth) 
  • Median Annual Wages: $87,210

Virginia Online Masters in Social Work

There are five MSW programs in Virginia with an online option. Online MSW programs can hold many benefits for students with a variety of academic needs and lifestyles. The online format allows more flexibility than an in-person program. This means that individuals who already have a full-time job can complete schoolwork after work. People who can’t leave home for long periods of time for other reasons, such as illness or family, can also benefit from online programs, as they are able to work in a comfortable environment. Online programs hold the same quality as their in-person counterparts as well. They may offer an accelerated advanced-standing option or a part-time curriculum.

George Mason University – Fairfax, Virginia

George Mason University, founded in 1957, offers a MSW program that prepares students for their social work licensing exam. The goal of this program is to provide “transformative and impactful learning” through their courses that are accessible to those with busy schedules.

Radford University – Radford, Virginia

Radford University, founded in 1910, offers a MSW program that is offered full-time and part-time to meet the needs of many different students. Students will receive an education that “promotes social justice, inclusion, and cultural humility”. The program prepares students to work all over the world, whether locally, throughout the US, or globally.

Virginia Commonwealth University – Richmond, Virginia

The MSW program at Virginia Commonwealth University prepares students to become leaders and advanced practitioners who are trained to make a difference in the lives of those they come across in the field of social work. The university also offers the option for MSW students to earn a dual degree or certificate.

Liberty University – Lynchburg, Virginia

Liberty University, founded in 1971, is a Christian college that is a candidate for CSWE accreditation. The highly-qualified staff is dedicated to preparing students for any role they may take on in their future, including managerial or clinical roles.

Virginia State University – Petersburg, Virginia

Virginia State University, founded in 1882, prepares students to become empathetic and ethical social work practitioners who can support individuals and families. The program trains students on trauma specifically, and how to address how it presents in the community, as well as how to promote their well-being. Graduates of this program work for organizations such as behavioral health and social service agencies.

CSWE Accredited MSW Programs in Virginia

Four out of the six Virginia MSW programs have been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Two of the universities are candidates for accreditation. Five of these universities have been reviewed in previous sections. The sixth is reviewed below. 

Attending a CSWE-accredited university is important to your academic and career success. The CSWE is the sole organization in the US responsible for accrediting bachelor’s and master’s level MSW programs. It determines the criteria for innovative and high quality social work education, and works to implement these standards across the US. Attending a CSWE-accredited school ensures that you will be prepared to take any future licensing exams. Many employers also prefer that you obtain your training and education from a CSWE-accredited school. CSWE standards are universal across the US, so if you should choose to move out of state, you will potentially have an easier time transferring your license.

CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs:

• George Mason University 
• Radford University 
• Virginia Commonwealth University 
• Norfolk State University

CSWE Candidates:

• Liberty University 
• Virginia State University

Norfolk State University – Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk State University, founded in 1935, educates MSW students by teaching them how to advocate for diverse clientele while understanding their inherent dignity and human rights. Students of this program learn the foundations of advanced social work practice and the ethics necessarily when assisting families, individuals, and the community. This program ccan be completed in one to three years.

No GRE Required MSW Programs in Virginia

None of the six universities (reviewed in previous sections) in Virginia that offer an MSW program require the submission of GRE scores for admission.

These include:

• George Mason University 
• Radford University 
• Virginia Commonwealth University 
• Liberty University 
• Virginia State University 
• Norfolk State University

The GRE, or Graduate Record Exam, is a test that is taken by students after they earn their bachelor’s degree, if they want to apply for a graduate degree program, such as the MSW. The purpose of a GRE, according to the Educational Testing Services website, is to test a student’s strengths in various skills, such as writing and reasoning. With that being said, many universities, including the six in Virginia with an MSW, are choosing to opt out of requiring the GRE for admissions in favor of analyzing students in other ways. They may require the submission of an undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, a resume, and more. Universities have found that these various requirements are a good way to assess a student’s ability to excel in advanced courses and their commitment to the program, and is a more well-rounded strategy.

Virginia CSWE Accredited MSW Programs

University Name	City	State	Program Title	Program URL
George Mason University	Fairfax	VA	Master of Social Work	https://socialwork.gmu.edu/
Liberty University	Lynchburg	VA	Master of Social Work	https://www.liberty.edu/
Radford University	Radford	VA	Master of Social Work	https://www.radford.edu/content/wchs/home/social-work.html
Virginia Commonwealth University	Richmond	VA	Online MSW Program	https://socialwork.vcu.edu/programs/msw/

Virginia MSW programs with Accelerated Advanced Standing Options

All six MSW programs in Virginia offer an advanced standing program. Each were reviewed in previous sections.

These include:

• George Mason University 
• Radford University 
• Virginia Commonwealth University 
• Liberty University 
• Virginia State University 
• Norfolk State University

Advanced Standing can be a great option for students wanting to apply for an MSW program because it can allow them to graduate from the program in approximately half the time of the standard program. To qualify for an accelerated advanced standing program, you should earn your bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution. In addition to this requirement, universities may have different GPA requirements for the advanced standing applicants than those applying for the standard program, such as having a 3.0 or above. 

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in a topic other than social work, you can still apply for the standard MSW program, and may have the option between full-time, part-time, and/or online depending on the university. That being said, if you have a bachelor’s in social work, exploring the advanced standing option can allow you to earn your degree and start your career faster.

Affordable MSW Programs in Virginia

Affordability may be a concern for many college students. It makes sense to explore your options in terms of what colleges offer a more accessible tuition. State universities are often more affordable than other types. This is because they are partially funded through state taxes. When a resident attends a state university, their tuition is lower because they have paid part of it through their taxes. Public universities in general are more affordable than private universities, as well.

Below are several universities in Virginia that have a more affordable tuition:

• Virginia State University 
  • Tuition: $4,750 per semester 
• Virginia Commonwealth University 
  • Tuition: $13,864-$16,130 per year 
• Radford University 
  • Tuition: $28,908 total

Conclusion

Becoming a social worker is a valuable and rewarding career. It is a job that is in demand in Virginia to help residents of the state with various challenges they may be facing. With a master’s degree, you may open yourself up for many options within the social services field. You may be able to work at places such as hospitals, mental health clinics, social service agencies, retirement facilities, rehab clinics, corporate offices, and more. Attending a CSWE-accredited institution is key to ensuring that you will receive a high-quality education to prepare for your career and licensing exam. Virginia MSW programs provide options that can fit many different preferences and lifestyles. By becoming involved in this career, you can make the difference in the lives in your community.