Overview

Program Outline

Our Social Work program of the University of Minnesota places particular importance on preparing social work professionals—case managers, policy analysts, clinicians, and community organizers—to have a practical understanding of how power and privilege, and their opposites, shape the roles that all of us play in society.

We strive to create a learning environment that is diverse in all aspects, and we use this environment to help all students develop the sensitivity and skills necessary to work effectively in diverse communities.

Our MSW program offers a full-program option for students who have not completed a bachelor's in social work (BSW) or an advanced standing consideration for students who have completed a CSWE-accredited BSW degree in the last seven years and earned a grade of B or higher in their foundation courses. (Any foundation course that was graded a B- or below will have to be retaken in our program.) Students in both program options can choose from full- or part-time study.

Program highlights

Field instruction

Partnering with social work agencies around the Twin Cities and throughout neighboring states, the field instruction brings your classroom learning into practice. Field placement hour totals range from 600 to 960 hours, depending on your program option

Dual degrees

The school offers dual degree programs with two nationally recognized departments at the University of Minnesota–the School of Public Health and the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. The dual degrees offered are Master of Social Work/Master of Public Policy (MSW/MPP), Master of Social Work/Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MSW/MURP), Master of Social Work/Master of Public Health (MSW/MPH).

Curriculum grounded in social justice

Our program rests on the principle that a just society is one that provides for the basic human needs of all citizens and that all persons should have equal opportunities to share in society’s social, political, and economic goods.

Diverse student body

Our graduate students come from Minnesota, across the nation, and from around the world, giving the learning and research experience depth and breadth in lived experiences and perspectives. Our student body and environment helps all students develop the sensitivity and skills necessary to work in diverse communities.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Human Behavior and the Social Environment

Historical Origins and Contemporary Policies in Social Welfare

Social Work Methods: Practice With Individuals and Systems

Social Work Practice Methods: Families and Groups

Social Work Practice Methods: Macro Practice and Organizations

Assessment and Engagement in Clinical Social Work Practice

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-31 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

34 SCH

34-53 credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Minneapolis, United States

Disciplines

Social Work View 583 other Masters in Social Work in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

An undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited college or university completed by the time the student enrolls in the MSW Program. The degree does not need to be in social work

Potential for academic success demonstrated by an undergraduate record with at least a 3.0 GPA. Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 may wish to include a statement of extenuating circumstances with their application

A liberal arts background that includes course work in history and social sciences, the humanities and the arts, physical and biological sciences, and mathematics

One year of work experience in human services that has provided the applicant with opportunities to gain skills used in direct work with clients. Work experience may include paid, volunteer, and intern position

Personal statement

Formal academic writing sample

Extenuating circumstances statement (optional)

Résumé or CV

Three letters of recommendation

TOEFL, IELTS or MELAB exams

Unofficial transcripts

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

15062 USD / year

≈ 15062 USD / year
Out-of-State

15062 USD / year

≈ 15062 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

15062 USD / year

≈ 15062 USD / year

Living costs

Minneapolis

United States

1130 - 2045 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Social Work.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Program Outline

Program highlights

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Minneapolis

Financing

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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