MSW in NH | Master of Social Work in New Hampshire
New Hampshire has limited in-state MSW options, but the University of New Hampshire offers a CSWE-accredited program in traditional, online, and advanced standing formats. Graduates pursue clinical social work licensure through the NH Board of Mental Health Practice after completing supervised clinical hours and passing the ASWB exam.
New Hampshire is a small state with a small pool of in-state MSW programs, but that doesn’t mean your options are limited. The University of New Hampshire has built a CSWE-accredited graduate social work program that reaches students through campus, online, and hybrid formats. If you want to advance in social work, especially toward clinical practice, an MSW is the degree required for clinical advancement. In New Hampshire, it is the primary pathway to clinical licensure.
Program selection is an important factor beyond the degree itself. The curriculum concentration you select, the track you enroll in, and whether you attend in person or online will influence graduate preparation. This guide walks through the programs available to NH residents, what licensure looks like after your MSW, and how to evaluate your options.
What You Can Do with an MSW in New Hampshire
An MSW qualifies you for roles across child welfare, healthcare, mental health, school systems, and community services. Clinical licensure after your degree expands available career options, including independent and therapeutic practice settings.
| Role | Typical Setting | Core Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Child Welfare Case Manager | NH DHHS or nonprofits | Assess family safety, coordinate services, support reunification or placement |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Private practice, hospitals, clinics | Diagnose and treat mental health conditions, provide individual and group therapy |
| Medical Social Worker | Hospitals and health systems | Connect patients to Medicare, Medicaid, and community support resources |
| School Social Worker | NH public school districts | Support students with mental, behavioral, and family-related barriers to learning |
| Aging and Disability Services Case Manager | State agencies and nonprofits | Coordinate care and services for older adults and people with disabilities |
| Social Services Manager | Nonprofits, government agencies | Oversee programs, manage staff, and develop service delivery strategies |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | Mental health clinics, private practice | Provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families (requires separate MFT licensure pathway) |
MSW Programs in New Hampshire
University of New Hampshire
The University of New Hampshire (UNH), based in Durham, offers the state’s primary CSWE-accredited MSW program. It has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1973, which supports eligibility for licensing exams in most states. The program follows an advanced generalist model with elective concentrations in health and mental health, addictions and substance abuse, children and families, and disabilities.
UNH offers two main tracks. The traditional track requires approximately 62 credits with required field education hours. Full-time students typically finish in about 28 months. The advanced standing track is available to students who hold a social work bachelor’s degree from a CSWE-accredited program. That path requires approximately 35 credits with required field education hours and takes 16 months to complete full-time. Admission to the advanced standing track is subject to program-specific GPA requirements.
Both tracks are offered on campus in Durham and fully online. The online program runs primarily asynchronously with some synchronous sessions. A hybrid option is also available through the UNH Manchester campus. UNH enrolls new cohorts in fall, spring, and summer, giving students some flexibility in start timing.
| Track | Approx. Credits | Field Education | Completion (Full-Time) | Formats Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional | ~62 | Required (confirm with program) | ~28 months | Campus, online, hybrid |
| Advanced Standing (BSW required) | ~35 | Required (confirm with program) | 16 months | Campus, online |
Colby-Sawyer College
Colby-Sawyer College offers an online MSW program with a clinical focus. The curriculum includes approximately 61 credits and 900 hours of field education. A standard 24-month track and a 12-month advanced standing option for BSW graduates are both available. The program is delivered in eight-week online sessions and includes a partnership with Dartmouth Health for field placements. Colby-Sawyer’s MSW program has achieved candidacy for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Board of Accreditation. Confirm the current accreditation status directly with the college before applying.
Finding the Right Program
Whether you’re deciding between UNH’s campus and online tracks or researching out-of-state programs that accept NH residents, a few factors consistently help identify appropriate program fit.
| Factor | What to Evaluate |
|---|---|
| CSWE Accreditation | Required for licensure in New Hampshire and most states. Confirm before applying. |
| Curriculum Concentration | Look for a specialization that aligns with your target career path, such as clinical, school, or healthcare social work. |
| Program Format | Campus, online, and hybrid formats each suit different schedules and learning styles. Online programs still require local field placements. |
| Admissions Requirements | GPA minimums, letters of recommendation, and personal statement requirements vary by program and track. |
| Cost and Financial Aid | Tuition varies significantly. Some out-of-state online programs charge the same rate regardless of residency. Request current figures directly from each school. |
One note on out-of-state programs: several universities with online MSW programs accept NH residents and charge the same rate regardless of where you live. For a state-by-state breakdown of cost, see our guide to the most affordable CSWE-accredited MSW programs.
Social Work Licensure in New Hampshire
Licensure in New Hampshire is overseen by the Board of Mental Health Practice. New Hampshire issues one type of social work credential: the Clinical Social Worker (CSW). An MSW from a CSWE-accredited program is required to pursue it.
After earning your MSW, you’ll need to complete a supervised clinical practice period before you can apply for licensure. The Board requires supervised clinical experience as defined by current board standards, followed by passage of the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical exam. Confirm the current requirements directly with the Board of Mental Health Practice before beginning your post-graduate supervised hours.
For a full breakdown of the licensure process, see our guide to social work licensure in New Hampshire.
Financial Aid and Loan Repayment
MSW programs involve high costs, and NH students have options to consider before they commit. The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program provides loan repayment to graduates who work in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). New Hampshire also administers a State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) for health and behavioral health workers in underserved communities. Contact the NH Department of Health and Human Services directly for current eligibility criteria and award information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Hampshire require an MSW for social work licensure?
Yes. New Hampshire’s clinical social work credential requires a Master of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program. There’s no licensed social work credential at the bachelor’s level in NH. After graduating, you’ll also need to complete supervised clinical hours and pass the ASWB clinical exam.
Is UNH’s MSW program available fully online?
Yes. UNH offers a fully online MSW program through its Department of Social Work. Most coursework is asynchronous, though some courses include synchronous sessions. You’ll still need to complete field education hours locally, arranged at an approved agency in your community.
What’s the difference between the traditional and advanced standing tracks?
The traditional track is designed for students without a social work bachelor’s degree and takes about 28 months to complete. The advanced standing track is for BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs and can be completed in 16 months. Admission to the advanced standing track is subject to program-specific GPA and eligibility requirements.
Can NH residents attend out-of-state online MSW programs?
Yes. Several universities across the country offer fully online MSW programs open to New Hampshire residents. Many charge the same tuition regardless of where you live, which can make them cost-competitive with in-state options. Confirm that any program you consider holds CSWE accreditation before applying.
What jobs are available with an MSW in New Hampshire?
MSW graduates in New Hampshire work in hospitals, schools, child welfare agencies, mental health clinics, and nonprofits. Common roles include licensed clinical social worker, medical social worker, school social worker, child welfare case manager, and social services manager. Clinical licensure expands available career options, particularly for private and independent practice settings.
Key Takeaways
- UNH is the primary in-state MSW provider. Its CSWE-accredited program offers traditional, online, and advanced standing tracks with multiple cohort start dates each year.
- Advanced standing reduces program length. BSW graduates may complete the MSW in 16 months rather than 28, subject to program-specific GPA and eligibility requirements.
- CSWE accreditation is required for licensure. NH licensure requires a degree from a CSWE-accredited program. Confirm this before applying to any program, including newer ones.
- The degree alone is not sufficient for independent practice. After graduating, supervised clinical hours and the ASWB exam are required to practice clinically on your own.
- Out-of-state online programs may be considered. NH residents can attend fully online MSW programs from other states, sometimes at comparable or lower tuition rates.
To explore accredited MSW programs that match your goals and review licensing requirements for New Hampshire, visit our state-by-state social work education guide.
