Online MSW Programs in Minnesota

While two online universities are headquartered in Minnesota (Walden University and Capella University), Minnesota is not home to any MSW programs with both physical campuses and an online program option. Despite the lack of physical campuses with online offerings for MSW students, Minnesota residents have many options when it comes to earning their MSW online.

Please note: All online MSW programs require students to complete field education at local health services agencies.

There are many universities with online MSW programs that accept students from Minnesota and the majority of these programs are fully online, meaning they do not require students to visit campus while earning their degrees. A few of these programs do necessitate a limited number of visits, and one of these programs may be the ideal option for students who want the flexibility of an online program yet would still like to meet their professors and classmates in person.

Several online MSW programs also offer students from Minnesota the same tuition rate as in-state students, so aspiring social workers should research as many of their options as possible. To learn more about a particular program below, click on the name of the school.

All online MSW programs require field education at a local health services agency. Programs that are 100% online do not require students to visit the campus during the program.

How to Become a Social Worker in Minnesota

The Minnesota Board of Social Work issues four types of social work license: Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW), Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW). Below are some common steps to become a social worker in Minnesota, which you should confirm with Minnesota’s board of social workers. Information regarding licensure in Minnesota was last retrieved in August 2020.

Pathway to Become an LSW in Minnesota

Pathway to Become an LGSW in Minnesota

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree.
  • Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
  • Pass the Masters Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
  • Apply to the Minnesota Board of Social Work.

Pathway to Become an LICSW in Minnesota

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree.
  • Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
  • Following graduation, complete 4,000 hours of supervised practice in a clinical setting.
  • Pass the Clinical Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
  • Apply to the Minnesota Board of Social Work.

Pathway to Become an LISW in Minnesota

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree.
  • Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
  • Following graduation, complete 4,000 hours of supervised practice in a nonclinical setting.
  • Pass the Advanced Generalist Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
  • Apply to the Minnesota Board of Social Work.

For more detailed information on becoming a social worker in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Board of Social Work. You can also refer to our guides on general requirements for becoming a social worker and becoming an LCSW. You can also refer to our guides on general requirements for becoming a social worker and becoming an LCSW.

Last updated: September 2020