Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Alabama
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Alabama is home to several accredited master of social work (MSW) programs. Discover the different options for earning an MSW in Alabama, what to expect, and possible social work careers.
At a Glance: Social Work Programs in Alabama
- Alabama has eight accredited MSW programs.
- The oldest school offering an MSW in Alabama was accredited in 1969 and the newest in 2020.
- The 2018-2021 pass rate on the masters ASWB exam for Alabama graduates was 57%.
Sources: Council on Social Work Education, Association of Social Work Boards
CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in Alabama
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) has accredited eight master of social work programs in Alabama. You must graduate from a CSWE-accredited program to become a licensed social worker.
| University | Location | Available Concentrations | Enrollment Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama A&M University | Huntsville, AL | Family & Child Welfare, Community Mental Health | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option |
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | Mental Health, Forensics | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | N/A | Full-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option |
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | N/A | Full-Time, Advanced Standing Option |
| Samford University | Birmingham, AL | Advanced Clinical Practice | Full-Time, Part-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option |
| University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | Adults and their families, Children, Adolescence and their Families | Full-Time, Online, Advanced Standing Option |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | Birmingham, AL | N/A | Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing Option |
| University of North Alabama | Florence, AL | N/A | Full-Time, Online |
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 Alabama
Depending on your Alabama MSW program, you can study part-time or full-time, online or on campus, and either specialize or follow a generalist curriculum. You must complete fieldwork to earn an MSW in Alabama.
Except for the University of North Alabama, all the MSWs in Alabama offer an advanced standing option to eligible students. If you have a bachelor of social work (BSW), you may be able to complete your MSW in about one year instead of the typical two years.
At Alabama A&M University, you can pursue a concentration in family and child welfare or community mental health. Alabama State University offers concentrations in forensics and mental health, and Samford University offers a concentration in advanced clinical practice.
At the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, available concentrations include adults and their families or children, adolescents, and their families.
How to Apply to an MSW Program in Alabama
Generally, you can apply for an MSW in Alabama with any undergraduate degree. However, many schools require or prefer a major or extensive coursework in the social sciences. If you have a BSW, you may be eligible for advanced standing.
Most schools prefer a 3.0 or higher GPA. But, depending on the school, the admission requirements may be flexible, especially if you have a background that indicates strong potential for success as a social worker. Some MSWs in Alabama either do not require GRE scores or waive them for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
What You Can Do With an MSW in Alabama
Most graduates with an MSW in Alabama become licensed social workers. Once you earn your degree, you must apply for a license from the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners. If the board accepts your application, you can take the ASWB master's examination and become a licensed master social worker (LMSW).
If you want to become a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW), you must complete 24 months of experience and four hours per month of supervised experience (in 36 months) and pass the ASWB clinical examination.
Once licensed, you must renew your license every two years by completing at least 30 hours of continuing education. These 30 hours must include at least 3 hours of ethics education.
The average salary for child, family, and school social workers in Alabama is $44,670 annually, $51,540 for healthcare social workers, and $36,810 for mental health and substance misuse social workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). When adjusted for the cost of living, these social worker salaries are the equivalent of $49,968, $57,653, and $41,176, respectively.
Everything Else You Need to Know About MSW Programs in Alabama
How long does it take to complete an MSW in Alabama?
Completing an MSW in Alabama generally takes one year of full-time study if you have a BSW and two years if you have a degree in another field. You must have a bachelor's degree to apply to a master's program, so in total, you must complete 5-6 years of college education.
What careers are available with an MSW in Alabama?
Most graduates with an MSW in Alabama become licensed master social workers and work in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, or government organizations. Some become clinical social workers once they've completed the required experience.
What skills will you learn with an MSW in Alabama?
The skills you learn include assessment, case management, understanding and following legal and ethical guidelines, effective communication with clients, and how to deliver advice and counseling effectively.
What are the benefits of earning an MSW in Alabama?
The benefits of earning an MSW in Alabama include a career in which you make a difference in the lives of others and a faster-than-average job growth rate. With an MSW, you can also become a clinical social worker and run a private practice.
