MSW Programs in St. Paul MN

Looking for the best MSW programs in St. Paul, MN?

This guide will introduce you to top Master of Social Work programs in St. Paul, detailing their unique features and strengths.

From flexible schedules to specialized tracks, discover which MSW program suits your career goals and needs.

University of Minnesota – Master of Social Work (MSW) Program

The University of Minnesota offers a highly ranked MSW program in St. Paul, MN, with a mission centered on preparing students for advanced social work practice and leadership. Their curriculum focuses on clinical mental health, community practice, families, children, and health, disability, and aging. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the program emphasizes social justice, providing for the basic needs and equal opportunities for all citizens.

Program Options:

• Full Program: Designed for students without a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW)
• Advanced Standing Program: Tailored for students with a CSWE-accredited BSW

Both options offer full- or part-time study, with classes scheduled all day Thursday through Saturday. Specializations include Community Practice, Families and Children, and Health, Disability, and Aging. Practicum placements, ranging from 600 to 960 hours, partner with social work agencies in the Twin Cities and neighboring states to offer real-world experience.

Highlights:

• Dual degree options: Available with the School of Public Health and Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs
• Diverse student body: Emphasis on inclusivity
• Public-sector services: Focus on social services and policy
• Critical practice areas: Specializations in key social work topics
• Social justice commitment: Dedicated to serving marginalized groups

Pros:

• Highly ranked program
• Emphasis on social justice and public good
• Variety of program and specialization options
• Dual degree programs available
• Diverse student body

Cons:

• Limited course scheduling (all day Thursday-Saturday)

The University of Minnesota’s MSW program provides rigorous training to prepare you for advanced practice and leadership in social work. If you’re seeking a blend of strong academic foundations and social justice values, this program could be your ideal choice.

St. Catherine University – Master of Social Work (MSW)

The St. Catherine University MSW program offers a detailed and justice-oriented curriculum designed to groom students for successful careers in social work. The program features two tracks: Advanced Standing (AS) for students with a BSW and Regular Standing (RS) for those without. Field placements at over 200 regional social work employers help students accumulate essential clinical fieldwork hours—600 for AS and 1000 for RS tracks.

Key Elements:

• Clinical skills development: Prepared to work with diverse age groups
• Advocacy for social issues: Poverty, discrimination, and mental illness
• Service to specific populations: Immigrants, refugees, and trauma survivors
• Comprehensive coursework: Research methods, policy, advocacy, and assessment
• Clinical Social Work Expansion Project (CSWEP): Enhanced opportunities

Dual Degree Option:

• MA in Holistic Health Studies: Integrates holistic healing practices with social work

Financial Information:

• Tuition and fees transparency for applicants
• Various MSW scholarships and financial aid options available

Accredited by the CSWE, the program emphasizes clinical skills, social justice, and reflective practice, making it an excellent option if you seek to engage in diverse and inclusive practice with robust field experience.

University of St. Thomas – Master of Social Work

The University of St. Thomas MSW program in St. Paul, MN, emphasizes preparation for advanced clinical social work practice with a focus on social justice and teaching excellence. The program fosters critical thinking, reflective practice, and the knowledge required for competent clinical social work, preparing graduates for licensure in Minnesota.

Program Options:

• Advanced Standing: For students with a CSWE-accredited BSW
• Regular Standing: For those with a non-social work undergraduate degree

Completion options include one, two, three, and four-year tracks along with a hybrid format. Specializations address emerging areas like co-occurring disorders, integrated behavioral healthcare, and trauma-informed practices. The program features strong clinical field partnerships and a network of over 2,500 alumni.

Faculty:

• Experienced faculty: Clinically engaged practitioners providing mentorship

The University of St. Thomas MSW program offers comprehensive, flexible training suitable for a career in clinical social work, with a commitment to social justice and ethical practice. Secure your place in a program that champions high-quality education and professional readiness.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Master of Social Work (MSW)

The MSW program at Saint Mary’s University in Minnesota offers an online learning format that is both flexible and accessible. This CSWE-accredited program does not require prior work experience or a BSW for admission. If you lack specific prerequisites, Saint Mary’s provides courses to help you meet these requirements. The program accommodates students aiming for Advanced Standing (30 credits) or those needing the Traditional route (60 credits).

Key Features:

• Advanced Standing: For BSW holders, completion in one year
• Traditional Program: For non-BSW holders, completion in less than two years full-time or within 2-4 years part-time
• Holistic Approach: Admission considers career plans, life events, and a commitment to social justice
• Digital Badges: Awarded for course completion
• Student Support: Includes professional goal achievement resources

Admissions Requirements:
Advanced Standing candidates need a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution obtained within the last 10 years or must meet other specific criteria. The program requires English proficiency tests for some international students and offers a limited number of transfer credits, though it does not grant credit for work or life experience.

This continuously accredited program aims to prepare graduates for effective practice, promoting diversity, human rights, and policy development. Explore Saint Mary’s University’s MSW program to find out more.

Bethel University – Master of Social Work (MSW)

The MSW program at Bethel University in St. Paul emphasizes the integration of faith, justice, and liberation. It prepares graduates to become influential agents of change in the social work field.

Program Highlights:

• Advanced Standing: CSWE-accredited BSW holders can complete it in 12 months
• Traditional Program: For other bachelor’s degree holders, completion in 20 months
• Focus: Ecological systems theory and social, economic, and environmental justice
• Contemporary Practice: Engages core values and leadership skills
• Accreditation: Ensures high educational standards

Clinical Practice:
The program provides training in evidence-based interventions to manage crises, trauma, and marginalization. It aligns with the Minnesota Board of Social Work clinical licensure requirements.

Career Outcomes:
Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and medical social workers. Bethel University seamlessly incorporates theology, race, and equity to address social injustices and create sustainable change.

Bethel University’s MSW program integrates academic rigor with faith-based principles, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a commitment to social justice within their education.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an MSW Program in St. Paul, MN

Selecting an MSW program can significantly impact your career trajectory, so it’s essential to consider various factors to make an informed choice. Here’s what you need to evaluate:

1. Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This guarantees that the program meets high educational standards.
2. Program Flexibility: Look for options that fit your schedule and lifestyle, including full-time, part-time, and online formats.
3. Specializations: Identify programs that offer specializations relevant to your career interests, such as clinical practice, community work, or health and aging.
4. Field Placements: Assess the quality and diversity of field practicum opportunities. Strong partnerships with local agencies provide invaluable hands-on experience.
5. Financial Aid: Investigate available scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages to support your education financially.
6. Campus Resources: Consider the support services provided, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health resources.
7. Alumni Network: A robust alumni network can offer mentorship, job opportunities, and industry connections.
8. Social Justice Commitment: Choose a program emphasizing social justice, diversity, and inclusion, essential for ethical social work practice.

Making Your Choice: Final Thoughts on MSW Programs in St. Paul, MN

Selecting the right MSW program in St. Paul, MN, is a pivotal decision. Use the information provided to evaluate your options and program highlights. Once you have identified your priorities, you can choose a program that best aligns with your professional aspirations and personal values. Explore each program’s links for more in-depth details and to make an informed, confident choice in your academic journey.