MSW Programs in Georgia | Master of Social Work Degree Guide
Georgia currently has seven CSWE-accredited MSW programs at universities including UGA, Georgia State, and Kennesaw State. Programs offer clinical and community practice concentrations, traditional and advanced standing tracks, and online options. Graduates qualify for the LMSW license and, with post-graduate experience, the LCSW. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for social workers (overall category) in Georgia is $47,770.
Georgia has more options for MSW students than most people realize. Seven universities currently offer CSWE-accredited master’s programs. Some are flagship research universities. Others are HBCUs with focused clinical missions. All are CSWE-accredited. Some are fully online. Some offer advanced standing for students who already hold a BSW. All of them meet the educational requirements for Georgia’s two primary licensure paths: the LMSW and, eventually, the LCSW.
What separates the programs isn’t accreditation. They all have it. It’s concentration, format, and fit. This guide breaks down what’s available so you can figure out which program matches where you want to end up.
CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in Georgia
Every MSW program in Georgia that leads to licensure must be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). All seven Georgia universities offering MSW degrees carry full CSWE accreditation. Here’s an overview of what each offers.
| University | Location | Concentrations | Formats | Advanced Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia | Athens (+ online) | Micro, Macro, Integrated Practice | Full-time, Part-time, Online | Yes |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta (+ hybrid online) | Community Practice and Leadership; Clinical Social Work and Behavioral Health | Hybrid (primarily online with in-person requirements) | Yes |
| Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw | Clinical and Community Practice | Full-time, Part-time | Yes |
| Albany State University | Albany (fully online) | Clinical Practice (children, families, adults) | Online | Yes |
| Clark Atlanta University | Atlanta | Clinical Practice, Community Practice | Full-time, Part-time | Yes |
| Savannah State University | Savannah | Advanced Generalist Practice | Full-time, Part-time | Yes |
| Valdosta State University | Valdosta | Advanced Generalist Practice | Full-time, Part-time | Yes |
Three of these programs are Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). UGA’s MSW program was ranked #20 overall and #10 among public programs in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings, which carries real weight if you’re considering research or doctoral work down the road.
Traditional vs. Advanced Standing Programs
This distinction matters before you apply. If you have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, advanced standing lets you complete your MSW in about 1 year instead of 2. You’ll still complete the required field hours, but you’ll skip the foundation-year coursework.
If your bachelor’s degree is in psychology, sociology, human services, or any other field, you’ll enter a traditional program. That’s typically two years of full-time study and around 900 hours of supervised field placement. Both tracks lead to the same degree and the same licensure pathway. Advanced standing compresses the timeline for people who’ve already covered the foundation material.
All listed Georgia programs offer advanced standing options. Many programs require that your BSW was earned within the past five years, though requirements vary by school, so timing matters if you’re considering this route.
Online MSW Programs in Georgia
As of now, Albany State University and the University of Georgia offer fully online MSW options. Georgia State offers a hybrid option that blends online instruction with limited campus requirements.
For students who need flexibility, including working adults, parents, and people in rural parts of the state, online programs have become a serious option, not a fallback. Albany State’s program schedules courses in the evenings specifically to accommodate students who work during the day. UGA’s online program meets all educational requirements for Georgia licensure.
If you want a program rooted in Georgia but prefer a fully online format from a school outside the state, the University of Kentucky’s 100% online Master of Social Work is CSWE-accredited and meets Georgia’s licensure requirements.
What to Look for in an MSW Concentration
Most Georgia MSW programs ask you to choose a concentration, either at admission or after your first year. The two primary tracks are clinical practice and community/macro practice. They prepare you for fundamentally different careers.
Clinical practice trains you to work directly with individuals, families, and groups, conducting assessments, providing therapy, and eventually practicing independently as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). If you’re drawn to mental health, substance use treatment, school social work, or healthcare settings, clinical is your path.
Community and macro practice focuses on systems: policy, program development, nonprofit leadership, and advocacy. You’ll work at the organizational or community level rather than one-on-one with clients. Georgia State’s Community Practice and Leadership concentration is built specifically for this track.
A few programs offer integrated or generalist tracks that cover both. UGA’s full-time program is one of them. That’s worth considering if you’re not yet certain which direction you’ll go.
Licensure After Your MSW: LMSW to LCSW
Graduating with an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program qualifies you to sit for the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) exam in Georgia. The LMSW lets you practice under supervision in most settings, including hospitals, schools, nonprofits, and government agencies.
The Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) typically requires about two years of post-master’s supervised clinical experience, per Georgia board requirements, and passing the ASWB Clinical exam. The LCSW is what allows independent practice, including diagnosis and psychotherapy. It’s the credential you need to open a private practice or work without direct oversight in clinical settings.
For the full breakdown of Georgia’s licensure requirements, hours, and exam details, see our Georgia social work licensure guide. You can also review the state regulations directly on the Georgia Composite Board Rules and Regulations webpage.
Social Work Salaries in Georgia
What you earn depends on your specialty, setting, and whether you hold a clinical license. Here’s what the BLS data shows across the major occupational categories in Georgia. For a broader view, see our Georgia social work salary guide.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary (GA) | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Workers (all) | $47,770 | $38,050 | $61,580 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $55,320 | $46,150 | $71,980 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $71,550 | $56,250 | $99,460 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $37,200 | $31,020 | $43,320 |
The jump from direct service roles to management is significant. Social and community service managers in Georgia earn a median of $71,550, nearly $24,000 more than the median for social workers overall. An MSW is typically the credential that opens that door.
Job Growth for Social Workers in Georgia
Georgia’s social services sector is expanding. According to BLS projections for 2022-2032, here’s what employment growth looks like across key occupations:
- Social and Human Service Assistants: 18.2% projected growth, with an average of 1,200 job openings per year
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: 16.9% projected growth, with an average of 130 job openings per year
- Healthcare Social Workers: 15% projected growth, with an average of 580 job openings per year
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers: 12.4% projected growth, with an average of 520 job openings per year
- Social and Community Service Managers: 9.7% projected growth, with an average of 350 job openings per year
Mental health and substance abuse social work shows the steepest growth rate in the state. If that’s the direction you’re considering, Georgia’s hiring pipeline is strong.
Georgia Colleges with MSW Prerequisite Programs
If you’re still working toward a bachelor’s degree and planning to pursue an MSW afterward, the following Georgia colleges offer undergraduate programs in social work, human services, psychology, and related fields that can prepare you for graduate admission.
| College | City | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Agnes Scott College | Decatur | (404) 471-6000 |
| Albany State University | Albany | (229) 430-4600 |
| Augusta University | Augusta | (706) 737-1400 |
| Berry College | Mount Berry | (706) 232-5374 |
| Brenau University | Gainesville | brenau.edu |
| Columbus State University | Columbus | (706) 507-8800 |
| Fort Valley State University | Fort Valley | fvsu.edu |
| Georgia College and State University | Milledgeville | (478) 445-2770 |
| Georgia Southern University | Statesboro | (912) 478-5391 |
| Georgia State University | Atlanta | (404) 413-2000 |
| Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw | (770) 423-6000 |
| Mercer University | Macon | (478) 301-2700 |
| Paine College | Augusta | (706) 821-8200 |
| University of Georgia | Athens | (706) 542-3000 |
| University of West Georgia | Carrollton | (678) 839-5000 |
| Valdosta State University | Valdosta | (229) 333-5800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Georgia?
Georgia has seven CSWE-accredited MSW programs: University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Albany State University, Clark Atlanta University, Savannah State University, and Valdosta State University. All listed programs offer advanced standing options for students with a BSW degree.
What’s the difference between the LMSW and LCSW in Georgia?
The LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) is the entry-level license you can obtain after graduating from an accredited MSW program and passing the ASWB Masters exam. The LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) typically requires about two years of post-master’s supervised clinical experience, per Georgia board requirements, and passing the ASWB Clinical exam. The LCSW allows independent practice,e including diagnosis and psychotherapy.
Can I complete an MSW in Georgia fully online?
Yes. Albany State University and the University of Georgia both offer fully online MSW programs. Georgia State has a hybrid option. All online programs include required field placement hours, which you’ll complete locally in your own community.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree in social work to apply for an MSW?
No. Traditional MSW programs accept applicants with bachelor’s degrees in any field. If you hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, you may qualify for an advanced standing track, which shortens the program by roughly one year. Many Georgia programs require that the BSW have been completed within the past five years, though this varies by school.
How much do social workers earn in Georgia?
According to BLS data, social workers in Georgia earn a median annual salary of $47,770. Salaries vary significantly by specialty: substance abuse and mental health counselors earn a median of $55,320, while social and community service managers earn $71,550. Clinical licensure and years of experience both affect where you land in that range.
Key Takeaways
- Seven CSWE-accredited programs: Georgia offers MSW programs at UGA, Georgia State, Kennesaw State, Albany State, Clark Atlanta, Savannah State, and Valdosta State, all fully accredited.
- Advanced standing saves time: BSW holders can complete an MSW in roughly 1 year through advanced-standing tracks available at all 7 programs.
- Online options exist: Albany State and UGA offer fully online MSW programs that meet Georgia’s licensure requirements.
- Two-stage licensure path: An MSW leads to the LMSW. With two years of supervised clinical experience, you can advance to the LCSW and independent practice.
- Strong job growth ahead: Mental health and substance abuse social work in Georgia is projected to grow 16.9% through 2032, with healthcare social work close behind at 15%.
Ready to explore your options? Compare Georgia’s licensure requirements and find programs that match your goals.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Social Workers, Social and Human Services Assistants, Social and Community Service Managers, and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2026.
