Most Popular Online MSW Programs in Minnesota
Online MSW programs in Minnesota offer flexible, quality education for aspiring social workers. This graduate program covers social welfare policies, clinical practices, and community work to prepare students for career goals in the field.
Key Takeaway:
- With 26,447 students, Capella University ranks #1 for most popular online graduate school, placing it in the top 1% nationally.
- Of the 3 schools hosting MSWs online to choose from all are CSWE accredited.
Our methodology for the best online degrees by state finds the most popular online schools with MSWs by analyzing the online enrollment data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
List Of Accredited Online MSW Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition | Median Earnings | CSWE Accredited | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capella University | $23,760 | N/A | Yes | ||
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 1,648 | $26,850 | N/A | Yes | |
| Bethel University - MN | 517 | $24,960 | N/A | Yes |
Most Popular Online MSW Programs in Minnesota
Capella University Capella University Capella University
- Online Enrollment: 26,447
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $23,760
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: Capella ranks among the top 1% of institutions nationwide for online graduate enrollment, with 26,447 students engaged in online programs. The CSWE-accredited online MSW program emphasizes anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. It requires 88 quarter credits, including 15 core courses, two electives, and five practicums/internships, providing students with valuable hands-on experience. The program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for effective social work practice, preparing them for various career opportunities.
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
- Online Enrollment: 1,648
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $26,850
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: SMUMN ranks 2nd among online MSW programs in Minnesota, with a total online enrollment of 1,648 graduate students, it places in the top 18% for online degree enrollment. The online MSW program has two potential paths: an Advanced Standing track requiring 30 credits for those with a Bachelor of Social Work and a Traditional track with 60 credits for other entrants. Offered entirely online, it supports flexible study options. The program includes fieldwork placement assistance and emphasizes strong Lasallian values, focusing on practical, community-oriented skill development. Please note that the Advanced Standing track is a much lower tuition just under $27,000.
Bethel University - MN Bethel University - MN Bethel University - MN
- Online Enrollment: 517
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $24,960
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online degree:
Why we like them: BU excels with solid online enrollment at the graduate level, ranking third most popular online graduate school. BU's MSW program is designed for those seeking licensure, focusing on evidence-based clinical intervention models. Students can complete this online degree in as few as 12 months for those with advanced standing or in 20 months for others. The curriculum incorporates ecological systems theory and prioritizes core values of scholarship, justice, and leadership, preparing graduates to address various social issues effectively.
Overview of Online MSW Programs in Minnesota
All Minnesota social work licenses are regulated by the Minnesota Board of Social Work. Those who wish to obtain their social work license will have four categories to choose from:
Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)
After obtaining one of these licenses, students will be legally certified to practice social work in the state of Minnesota, whether they鈥檙e assisting at a substance abuse facility or facilitating child welfare cases in the court system.
Becoming a Social Worker in Minnesota
The path to becoming a social worker in Minnesota varies depending on the level of licensure the applicant is seeking. All Minnesota social work licenses require some form of college education at a school that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work. For the LSW, a bachelor鈥檚 degree in social work is required. The LGSW (the equivalent of an LMSW), the LICSW and the LISW require either a master鈥檚 in social work or a doctoral degree. Regardless of the degree the student chooses, they can expect coursework in a number of subjects relevant to social work, including human behavior, social policy, and substance abuse intervention.
Each social work license grants slightly different privileges to the holder. For example, an LSW, LGSW, or LISW is only qualified to engage in non-clinical social work. The only exception to this is if the clinical work is supervised; in that case, both an LGSW and an LISW can practice. An LICSW has full clinical and non-clinical abilities and can practice without supervision.
Licensed Social Worker
Applying for a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) license in Minnesota includes a few crucial steps. Students with an appropriate bachelor鈥檚 degree can apply online or fill out the application forms manually. The initial application asks for numerous pieces of data, including personal, contact, educational, and employment information. This application form is the same across all levels of licensure, and the fee is $78.25.
After submitting the Minnesota social work application, the applicant will have 90 days to complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check. The fee for this service is included in the initial application fee; if the applicant does not submit fingerprints within 90 days of the application, they鈥檒l have to pay the fee again. Applicants also need to submit an official transcript that specifies their degree, major, and the date the degree was conferred. The Board will notify the applicant when they have been approved to take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Bachelors exam. Applicants will need to receive a passing score on this exam and submit the results to the board.
Licensed Graduate Social Worker
In order to obtain a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) license, candidates must earn a graduate degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program. They will then need to submit the Minnesota social work application for licensure. This form requires personal, contact, educational and employment information. The application fee is $78.25, which includes the cost of the required fingerprint-based criminal background check. After filing their application with the board, the applicant must then submit a separate form for their background check. Failing to do so within 90 days will render their application incomplete and will force them to pay an additional fee. Students vying for an LGSW social work license will need to take the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Masters exam; results will be automatically forwarded to the board. Other documents required include an official transcript from the student鈥檚 highest-level university, as well as the results from their ASWB exam.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Minnesota social work professionals who wish to take the next step in their career may want to earn an LICSW license. Unlike the LSW or LGSW license, the LICSW license gives the holder the ability to practice in clinical settings on an independent basis. Because of this, it requires a number of stringent protocols to be met. In particular, LICSW candidates will need 360 hours in a number of clinical knowledge areas, including 108 each in differential diagnosis and clinical intervention methods, 72 in social work values and ethics, 36 in assessment-based clinical treatment planning, and 18 each in evaluation methodologies and culturally-specific clinical assessment and intervention. They can achieve these requirements through graduate degree coursework or up to 90 continuing education hours.
In addition to this, professionals will need at least 200 hours of direct supervision per 4,000 hours of clinical practice. This includes 1,800 hours of direct clinical client contact. They will also need to submit an application and complete a criminal background check. Once these qualifications have been met, the final step is to pass the ASWB Clinical level national social work licensure exam.
Licensed Independent Social Worker
The Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) certification allows Minnesota social work professionals to practice independently. The steps for earning LISW licensure are similar to the LSW, LMSW, and LICSW license requirements. In addition to the standard application and background check, professionals have several supervised practice requirements they will need to complete. In particular, they鈥檒l need to have 100 hours of direct supervision per 4,000 hours of non-clinical practice to get their license. These hours must be planned in advance, and a separate verification of nonclinical supervision form must be attached to the initial application. LISW candidates are also required to achieve a passing score on the advanced generalist-level national social work licensure examination from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Results from their test will be sent directly to the board about two weeks after the exam date.
Navigating Social Work License Reciprocity and Renewal in Minnesota
Social Work License Reciprocity in Minnesota
Minnesota social work law makes it easy for those certified in another jurisdiction to begin practicing in this state. The first step for those with an existing license in another jurisdiction is to fill out the social work license application and choose the Endorsement option. Like those seeking new certification in Minnesota, all out-of-state applicants must have the appropriate degree for their license. For example, someone seeking LGSW licensure will need a graduate degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work. Professionals do not have to retake the ASWB exam, but those who have not taken an ASWB exam will be required to do so.
There are some supervisory requirements: LSW and LGSW applicants must have 100 hours of supervision in their first 4,000 hours of practice. LISW and LICSW applicants don鈥檛 need supervision as long as they鈥檝e had at least 4,000 hours of work in another state (otherwise they need 100 and 200 hours, respectively).
Licensing Renewal and Continuing Education Information
Those with a social work license in Minnesota will need to renew it every two years. Renewal is based on the professional鈥檚 birth month, and they have until the last day of that month to renew their license. When renewing their Minnesota social work license, professionals will need to document any supervision and continuing education. LSWs/LGSWs need 4,000 hours of supervised practice after their initial license has been issued, especially if they want to achieve advanced licenses. All levels also need 40 hours of continuing education each renewal period. License renewal fees are $81 for LSWs, $144 for LGSWs, $216 for LISWs, and $238 for LICSWs.
Bottom Line
Online MSW programs in Minnesota provide flexible, CSWE-accredited education, catering to aspiring social workers with varied professional backgrounds. Institutions like Capella University, Saint Mary鈥檚 University of Minnesota, and Bethel University offer strong online programs that balance rigorous academics with practical fieldwork. These programs emphasize clinical and community-based practices, preparing students for licensure and diverse career paths in social work.
Minnesota's four-tier social work licensing system allows professionals to align their education and experience with their career goals. Programs focus on equipping students with the skills to address social issues, navigate licensure requirements, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. We believe that choosing the right MSW program is key to achieving success in this impactful field.
If affordability is key, explore our guide to the most cost-effective online MSW programs, accessible from anywhere.