Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree
What Is an MSW Degree?
A Master of Social Work (MSW) is a graduate-level degree that provides advanced education and training in social work practice. GCU's CSWE-accredited MSW program emphasizes advanced generalist practice and is available online and on campus. Students develop knowledge and skills for working with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities while addressing complex social and behavioral needs.
The MSW Program Mission
Our MSW program seeks to promote innovative leadership in social work by educating students to become agents of social change and advance social and economic justice at the local, national and international levels. Students are taught to address the needs of diverse populations through service, advocacy and empowerment while developing skills in theory analysis, program and practice evaluation and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Original institution needs to be accredited Evaluated on a course-by-course basis 12 credit maximum Internship/Field Placement Hours/Course are not transferable Courses must have been taken within 5 years No credits accepted at less than a B
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
What To Expect in a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Program
Our master’s in social work program combines a Christian worldview with fundamental principles of social work ethics and servant leadership. This program teaches students to lead with compassion, advocate for justice and serve vulnerable populations, particularly in the fields of child and family social work.
Through coursework, field education experiences and opportunities for professional growth, you can develop the knowledge and skills needed to support individuals, families and communities while addressing complex social challenges.
The Online MSW Degree Experience
Earn Your MSW Degree Online or in the Evening
GCU’s Master of Social Work program offers online and evening learning options that can help you balance your education with personal and professional commitments. Whether you choose social work classes online(See disclaimer 1) or in the evening, you can engage with coursework in areas such as social work practice, policy, human behavior and advocacy.
Get Your MSW Degree From an Accredited University
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education Commission on Accreditation (CSWE), the Master of Social Work program is designed to help students develop the knowledge, skills and professional competencies expected of social work practitioners. Coursework aligns with CSWE standards and supports preparation for professional practice, while also meeting the academic requirements for Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) licensure.
Support Throughout Your MSW Degree
As an MSW student, you'll have access to student resources that can support your academic and professional development. These resources include academic support, career guidance and other services available to help you throughout your studies.
Internships During Your MSW Degree
Field education is crucial in social work education, providing practical experience through supervised internships in the MSW program. Students are responsible for finding placements, but the Office of Field Experience offers support. Through field education, students can apply classroom learning, develop professional skills, work with diverse populations and gain experience in social work settings.
What Will I Study in an MSW Program?
Students in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare ethical, competent and compassionate social work professionals. Through coursework and field education experiences, you can develop the knowledge, skills and values needed to support individuals, families, groups and communities while advancing social justice through policy, advocacy and evidence-based practice.
The curriculum combines foundational and advanced social work concepts with hands-on learning opportunities that help students apply classroom knowledge. Coursework is structured to support professional growth and prepare graduates for careers across diverse practice environments.
Students enrolled in the MSW and MSW Advanced Standing programs must follow the prescribed course sequence outlined in their program-specific course guide. Field education courses must be completed consecutively and concurrently with designated coursework, as outlined in program requirements. In accordance with Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation standards, students may not enroll in overload or overlapping courses outside of their designated program sequence.
Core Competencies in a Master’s in Social Work Program
The MSW curriculum combines coursework and field education to develop competencies for advanced social work practice with diverse populations. Students explore areas such as advanced social work practice, human behavior, policy, research and leadership while developing skills to work with individuals, families, groups and communities.
Students can develop competencies in areas such as:
Ethical practice
Apply ethical principles and professional standards in social work practice.
Cultural responsiveness
Engage effectively with individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds.
Social justice
Advocate for equitable access to resources and opportunities.
Research application
Use research findings to inform and improve professional practice.
Policy advocacy
Analyze policies and advocate for change that supports individuals, families and communities.
Practice intervention
Assess needs and apply appropriate interventions across multiple levels of social work practice.
What Skills Are Taught in an MSW Degree Program?
An MSW program can help students develop skills for working with individuals, families, groups and communities across diverse social work settings. Through coursework and field education, you can strengthen skills in assessment and intervention, communication, ethical decision-making, advocacy, research application, policy analysis and multidisciplinary collaboration.
You will also be taught to consider how social, cultural and economic factors affect individuals and communities and apply social work principles when addressing complex needs. These skills can support professional practice across multiple levels of social work.
What Can You Do With an MSW Degree?
A Master of Social Work can prepare graduates for roles serving individuals, families and communities as well as opportunities in program development, advocacy and leadership. Depending on their qualifications and state requirements, graduates may pursue work as healthcare social workers, child, family and school social workers, mental health and substance abuse social workers, or social and community service managers. Some positions, including clinical social work roles, require state licensure and additional supervised experience.
Career opportunities span healthcare, schools, mental health services, government, nonprofits and other community-based settings. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of social workers to grow 6% from 2025 to 2035, while employment of social and community service managers is projected to grow 7%.(See disclaimer 2,3) Median annual wages in May 2025 were $61,780 for social workers and $80,390 for social and community service managers.(See disclaimer 4,5)
MSW graduates may pursue career paths such as:
Healthcare social worker
Help patients and families navigate healthcare challenges, treatment plans and community resources.
Child and family and school social worker
Support children and families by addressing challenges related to well-being, education and access to services and resources.
Mental health and substance abuse social worker
Support individuals experiencing mental health or substance use concerns and connect them with appropriate treatment and resources.
Social and community service manager
Oversee programs, staff and resources that support community and social service initiatives.
Median annual wage for social workers as of May 2025(See disclaimer 4)
Median annual wage for social and community service managers as of May 2025(See disclaimer 5)
Master’s in Social Work Tuition and Financial Options
Planning for your education is an important step, and GCU offers resources to help you understand tuition costs and available savings opportunities. As you explore social work degrees, you may have access to options such as scholarships, grants and other forms of financial assistance. By reviewing these opportunities, you can make more informed decisions about how to invest in your future while working toward your academic goals.
Working professionals can earn while you learn with flexible online courses
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
Explore Your Financial Options
Connect with a university counselor to learn more about tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.
Master of Social Work FAQs
Explore answers to common questions about the MSW degree, including program requirements, career opportunities and professional pathways.
Is a master’s in social work worth it?
What is the difference between a traditional MSW and an advanced standing MSW?
Do MSW programs require field experience?
Can I work while earning an MSW degree?
Where can you work with an MSW?
Can you get an MSW without a BSW?
What Are the Admission Requirements For an MSW Degree?
Admission requirements vary between the MSW and Advanced Standing MSW programs. Applicants to the traditional MSW must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited undergraduate institution, while applicants to the Advanced Standing MSW must hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Applicants must also meet applicable GPA and program-specific admission requirements. Review the current admission requirements and University Policy Handbook for complete eligibility criteria.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Read More About Social Work
Explore articles about social work careers, education and licensure pathways and how social work compares with related professions.
Build advanced social work knowledge through coursework and field education focused on serving individuals, families and communities. Explore GCU’s Master of Social Work program, available through online and evening learning options.
Visit the "State Disclosures" section on the page of the program you’re interested in at gcu.edu for details on state restrictions.
Excluding residencies, practicums, internships and field experience.
- Data shown is effective August 2026, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social Workers, retrieved September 2026.
- Data shown is effective August 2026, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social and Community Service Managers, retrieved September 2026.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Social Workers, as of May 2025, retrieved September 2026. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as social workers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Social and Community Service Managers, as of May 2025, retrieved September 2026. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as social and community service managers, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Social Workers Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved September 2026.
Approved and verified accurate by the Assistant Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences on Oct. 12, 2026.