Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Indiana
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- There are six accredited master of social work programs in Indiana.
- Licensed master social workers practice generalist social work.
- Licensed clinical social workers diagnose mental health conditions, with some restrictions.
Social workers help some of the most vulnerable members of society. If this sounds like a way you want to make a difference, this guide to how to become a master of social work (MSW) in Indiana — and the different MSW programs schools in Indiana — can help you choose. Learn everything you need to know about your education and career options as an MSW in Indiana.
CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in Indiana
These are the schools that offer an MSW in Indiana that hold accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CWSE). You must attend a CSWE-accredited school to earn a social work license.
| University | Location | Available Concentrations | Enrollment Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ball State University | Muncie, IN | N/A | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option |
| Indiana State University | Terra Haute, IN | Rural Practice | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option |
| Indiana University | Indianapolis, IN | N/A | Full-Time, Part-Time, Online |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | Marion, IN | N/A | Full-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option |
| University of Indianapolis | Indianapolis, IN | N/A | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option |
| University of Southern Indiana | Evansville, IN | N/A | Full-Time, Advanced Standing Option |
Popular Online Social Work Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What to Expect from an MSW Program in Indiana
The six schools that offer an MSW in Indiana offer a variety of formats. All six offer a full-time program, while some offer a part-time or online degree option. Except for Indiana State University, which offers a specialization in rural practice, the programs offer a generalist curriculum.
Each program requires fieldwork hours. Your fieldwork will expose you to different possible social work careers and settings, as well as showing you how what you learn in the classroom applies to real-world clients.
Most MSWs in Indiana require one year and approximately 30 credits for students who have a bachelor of social work (BSW) degree and are eligible for advanced standing, and two years and approximately 60 credits for students with a bachelor's in another field. Indiana University does not offer advanced standing status.
How to Apply to an MSW Program in Indiana
Most MSWs in Indiana require a 3.0 GPA. Depending on the school, you may need to submit GRE scores.
Most MSW programs accept students with a bachelor's degree in any field. Having a major, significant classwork, or volunteer or work experience related to social work can strengthen your application by showing a potential aptitude for social work. If you have a BSW in social work, you may be eligible for advanced standing and can complete your MSW in Indiana in approximately one year.
What You Can Do With an MSW in Indiana
In Indiana, you can become a licensed social worker with an MSW and a passing score on the Association of School Work Boards (ASWB) master exam. Other requirements include passing a criminal background check, submitting official transcripts and a completed application, and paying a $50 fee.
To become a licensed clinical social worker, you must also have at least two years of supervised experience, including at least four hours per month of face-to-face supervision over at least 24 months. You must also document that your coursework covered specific courses relevant to clinical social work, including psychopathology, clinical work with diverse patients, and clinical theory and practice.
Both license applications also include questions about any professional disciplinary action, potential impairment to professional practice, including a history of substance misuse, or criminal record other than for minor traffic violations.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for child, family, and school social workers in Indiana is $47,940. Healthcare social workers earn an average of $57,150.
Mental health and substance use social workers earn an annual average of $47,770. The highest-paid social worker jobs, such as professors of social work or leaders of nonprofit organizations, may require an advanced degree or experience.
Everything Else You Need to Know About MSW Programs in Indiana
What can you do with an MSW in Indiana?
With an MSW in Indiana, you can become a licensed social worker. With an MSW and two years of supervised experience, you can apply for a licensed clinical social worker license.
What are the requirements to be a social worker in Indiana?
The requirements to become a social worker in Indiana include an MSW degree, a passing score on the ASWB masters examination, an application, and a criminal background check.
How long does it take to become a social worker in Indiana?
It takes a total of five years of college education to become a social worker in Indiana if you have a BSW degree, and six years if you have a bachelor's degree in another field. This includes four years for your undergraduate degree and one or two years of graduate school.
How much does an MSW get paid in Indiana?
How much you make with an MSW in Indiana depends on your social work specialty. An MSW-holder who becomes a child, family, and school social worker earns a median $43,350. The median salary for healthcare social workers is $55,580 and $46,080 for mental health and substance use social workers.
