Best HBCUs for Master’s in Social Work Programs of 2025

Many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have quality master’s in social work (MSW) programs that cater to Black students.

Schools like Howard University, Tuskegee University, and Fayetteville State University train skilled social workers who can make positive changes in the communities they serve.

Enrolling in an accredited HBCU MSW program can give you a solid foundation for leadership or clinical practice. Earning this degree can also allow you to pursue a doctorate in social work (DSW).

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top HBCU MSW programs to help you find the perfect fit for you.

Program cost, length, accreditation status (for licensure eligibility), and career options are among the most significant factors to consider before you enroll in an HBCU MSW program.

Online social work programs, including HBCU MSW programs, cost an average of $13,681 in tuition and fees per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). By contrast, on-campus MSW programs cost an average of $21,079 in tuition and fees per year, per the NCES.

Fortunately, financial aid can reduce the average cost of online MSW programs to $12,466 per year, while students who study on campus pay an average of $18,424 per year, according to the NCES.

To receive financial aid, which includes grants and scholarships, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you’re in school.

You can also save on tuition by the following methods:

You can expect to spend about two years in your HBCU MSW program, where you’ll typically be required to earn around 60 credits. For example, both Howard University and Norfolk State University require MSW students to earn 60 credits over at least two years.

If you have a bachelor’s in social work degree (BSW), however, you can often enroll in an advanced standing program and earn your degree in as little as 12 months.

Here are some common application requirements for MSW programs:

As you explore HCBU MSW programs, search for those accredited by the Council for Social Work Education (CSWE). The CSWE is the only organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) that accredits MSW programs in the United States.

Each HBCU MSW program with programmatic accreditation has undergone a rigorous review process that ensures it is legitimate and has the resources and qualifications to provide quality social work education and training. If you want to pursue licensure as a clinical social worker, you’ll need to earn your MSW degree from an accredited program.

Once you earn your MSW degree from your desired HBCU, you can pursue a variety of roles, including social worker, behavior analyst, policy analyst, and public health administrator.

Other related roles, according to the BLS, include social and community service managers, health education specialists, mental health counselors, and rehabilitation counselors.

Social workers have a positive job outlook, with the BLS projecting their employment to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2033, which is higher than the projected national average job growth rate of 4% across all occupations.

Keep in mind that after you earn your MSW degree from your desired HBCU, you may need to meet your state’s licensure requirements before you can practice as a clinical social worker.

An MSW, including one earned at an HBCU, can be a valuable degree for those who want to pursue social work careers. In your HBCU MSW program, you’ll develop key social work skills — including advocacy, assessment, and intervention — enabling you to positively change lives.

Online HBCU MSW programs, such as those offered by Tuskegee University and Norfolk State University, allow you to learn from anywhere with an internet connection.

Plus, an MSW degree, whether earned online or on campus, can lead to career advancement opportunities, allowing you to obtain licensure and higher-paying clinical and leadership roles.

On the downside, an MSW program is a significant time and financial commitment, which can become a burden if you struggle to manage your time or money.

Moreover, graduate school isn’t easy. Your coursework and required fieldwork can be challenging, and social workers tend to earn less than other professionals with master’s degrees.

After you complete your HBCU MSW program, you can apply to doctoral programs and pursue a Ph.D. or DSW.

Ph.D. social work programs center on social work theory, scholarship, and research so you can contribute to improving the social work field. By contrast, DSW programs focus on advanced clinical practice, helping prepare you for social service leadership.

A Ph.D. allows you to teach and conduct social work research in a university setting. With a DSW, conversely, you can also pursue high-level leadership roles in administration or policy.