MSW Programs in Virginia: 2026 Guide to CSWE-Accredited Degrees
Virginia has seven CSWE-accredited MSW programs at schools including VCU, George Mason, Norfolk State, and Liberty University. Most programs take two years to complete, with advanced standing options available for BSW holders. An MSW is required for both of Virginia’s master’s-level social work credentials: the LMSW and the clinical-level LCSW.
If you’re planning a social work career in Virginia, the MSW is the credential that unlocks the most options. Both of the state’s master’s-level social work licenses require it, and the LCSW, the license that authorizes independent clinical practice, isn’t reachable without one. The question isn’t really whether to earn an MSW. It’s the question of which program to choose.
Virginia has more options than most people expect. Seven programs currently hold full CSWE accreditation, spanning on-campus locations from Fairfax to Norfolk to the New River Valley, as well as fully online formats for students who can’t relocate or need more flexibility. That range makes it worth taking the time to compare what each program offers before committing.
Why CSWE Accreditation Is the Starting Point
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national accrediting body for social work programs. In Virginia, CSWE accreditation isn’t just a quality signal. It’s a practical requirement. The Virginia Board of Social Work requires that your MSW come from a CSWE-accredited program for you to qualify for licensure in the state. A program without that credential won’t meet eligibility requirements, regardless of how reputable the school is otherwise.
CSWE accreditation also matters if you move. Because most other states have the same requirement, a degree from a CSWE-accredited Virginia program keeps your licensing options open nationally. You can find full details on Virginia’s licensure requirements, including supervised experience, exam requirements, and application steps, on our Virginia social work licensure page.
CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in Virginia
As of 2026, Virginia has seven fully accredited MSW programs. All seven accept students without a prior social work background, though BSW holders may qualify for advanced standing. The table below shows each program’s location and the year its CSWE accreditation began.
| School | Location(s) | Online Option | Accredited Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | Yes (since 2018) | 2002 |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | Yes (since 2021) | 2021 |
| Norfolk State University | Norfolk, VA | Yes (since 2024) | 1975 |
| Radford University | Radford, VA; Roanoke, VA | Yes (since 2023) | 1996 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA | Yes (since 2018) | 1919 |
| Virginia State University | Petersburg, VA | Yes (since 2022) | 2022 |
| Virginia Union University | Online only | Yes | 2022 |
Traditional and Advanced Standing Programs
All seven programs admit students with any accredited bachelor’s degree. You don’t need a BSW to apply. Traditional track students typically complete the MSW in two years of full-time study, or three to four years part-time. The first year covers foundational coursework and a field practicum. The second focuses on your chosen concentration and a more intensive supervised placement.
If you already hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, you may qualify for advanced standing. Advanced standing programs let you waive the foundational year and complete your MSW in roughly twelve to eighteen months of full-time study. GMU, VCU, NSU, Radford, and VSU all offer confirmed advanced standing tracks. Virginia Union may also offer advanced standing, so confirm directly with their admissions team. It’s one of the more significant time and cost factors to consider if you’re coming in with a bachelor’s degree in social work already completed.
On format, every program on the list now offers at least some online coursework, a shift that’s happened largely within the last few years. VCU and GMU have the longest-running online formats. Norfolk State added online delivery in 2024, and Radford in 2023. Virginia Union operates entirely online with no campus requirement. Field placements remain in-person regardless of program format. Most programs coordinate local agency placements for distance students.
Virginia’s Social Work Licenses: LMSW and LCSW
Virginia licenses social workers at three levels through the Board of Social Work: the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), the Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW), and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Since this page focuses on MSW programs, the two licenses most relevant to you are the LMSW and the LCSW. Both require an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program. The difference comes down to post-degree experience, the exam you take, and what you’re authorized to do in practice.
| License | Education Required | Post-Degree Experience | Exam | Scope of Practice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LMSW (Licensed Master’s Social Worker) | MSW from a CSWE-accredited program | None required before licensure | ASWB Master’s exam | Independent generalist social work practice. Can supervise LBSWs and unlicensed staff. Cannot provide independent clinical services or diagnose mental health conditions. |
| LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) | MSW with a clinical course of study from a CSWE-accredited program | 3,000 hours of supervised post-master’s clinical social work services | ASWB Clinical exam | Autonomous clinical practice. Can diagnose mental health conditions, provide therapy, and open a private practice. |
A few things worth noting here. The LMSW does not require post-degree supervised hours before you can apply. Once you pass the Master’s exam, you can apply for licensure. The LCSW is a separate pathway that requires a clinical course of study in your MSW program, including a clinical practicum, followed by 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work post-graduation. The LMSW is also not a prerequisite for pursuing LCSW licensure. You can pursue clinical supervision toward the LCSW directly after earning your MSW.
If your goal is clinical practice, verify that the program you choose offers a clinical concentration. Not every Virginia MSW program is designed to meet the LCSW educational requirement. VCU’s macro practice concentration, for example, explicitly does not satisfy Virginia’s clinical licensure pathway.
Social Work Salaries in Virginia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers in Virginia earn a median annual salary of $60,280. That figure reflects the broad social worker category and varies considerably by specialty and setting. Healthcare and mental health social workers tend to earn more than the median, while child welfare roles often fall closer to it.
On the job growth side, the BLS projects strong demand nationally across social work specialties through 2032. Mental health and substance abuse social workers are projected to grow by 10.6%, with an average of 9,500 job openings per year nationwide. Healthcare social workers are projected to grow 9.6%, averaging 18,700 annual openings. Child, family, and school social workers, the largest specialty, are projected to grow 5.3%, with about 29,500 openings per year. Virginia’s proximity to federal agencies, military installations, and major healthcare systems in the D.C. metro area creates additional demand for MSW-trained professionals beyond what state-level figures alone capture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a BSW to apply for an MSW program in Virginia?
No. All seven CSWE-accredited MSW programs in Virginia accept applicants with any accredited bachelor’s degree. A BSW is not required for admission. However, if you hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, typically earned within the last five to seven years, you may qualify for advanced standing, which can shorten your completion time by roughly a year.
How long does an MSW program in Virginia take to complete?
Traditional MSW programs typically take two years full-time or three to four years part-time. Advanced standing programs, available to CSWE-accredited BSW holders, can often be completed in twelve to eighteen months of full-time study. Program length varies by school and enrollment format, so check directly with each program for specifics.
What’s the difference between the LMSW and LCSW in Virginia?
The LMSW allows independent generalist social work practice and doesn’t require post-degree supervised hours before licensure. You apply after passing the ASWB Master’s exam. The LCSW requires a clinical MSW concentration, 3,000 hours of supervised post-master’s clinical work, and passing the ASWB Clinical exam. Only LCSWs can independently diagnose mental health conditions and provide clinical therapy. The LMSW is not a prerequisite for the LCSW pathway.
Are online MSW programs in Virginia still CSWE-accredited?
Yes, when offered by one of the seven CSWE-accredited schools listed above. CSWE accreditation covers both on-campus and online formats of a program. The delivery method doesn’t change the accreditation status. Virginia Union University, for instance, operates entirely online and holds full CSWE accreditation. Always verify that the school’s accreditation covers the specific program and delivery format you’re enrolling in.
Can I complete field placements for an online MSW program while living in Virginia?
Generally, yes. Most online programs coordinate local field placements for students regardless of where they live. Field education is a required component of every CSWE-accredited MSW program, typically 900 or more hours over the course of the degree, and programs work with students to find approved agency placements in their area. Confirm field placement logistics with your program before enrolling, as requirements vary by school.
Key Takeaways
- Seven programs, all fully accredited. Virginia has seven CSWE-accredited MSW programs, spanning campus locations from Fairfax to Norfolk, with all seven now offering at least some online coursework.
- CSWE accreditation is required for licensure. Virginia’s Board of Social Work requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program for both the LMSW and LCSW. Don’t skip this filter when comparing programs.
- Advanced standing cuts your timeline. If you hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, advanced standing options at several Virginia schools can reduce your completion time to roughly one year.
- Clinical concentration matters for the LCSW. Not every Virginia MSW program is structured to satisfy LCSW educational requirements. If clinical licensure is your goal, verify the program offers a clinical concentration before applying.
- The median social work salary in Virginia is $60,280. According to the BLS May 2024 data, social workers in Virginia earn a median of $60,280 annually, and there is strong projected growth in mental health and healthcare specialties nationwide through 2032.
Ready to map out your path to licensure? Our Virginia social work licensure guide covers the full requirements for both the LMSW and LCSW.
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.
