MSW Programs in North Dakota | 2026 Guide
North Dakota has one fully CSWE-accredited MSW program at the University of North Dakota (Grand Forks), plus a newer program at the University of Mary (Bismarck, launched 2024) currently in CSWE pre-candidacy status. Both offer online options. An MSW meets the educational requirement for all three ND social work license levels, along with required exams and supervised experience.
North Dakota doesn’t have many MSW programs to choose from, but the options it does have are worth understanding closely. The University of North Dakota has offered graduate social work education since 1989. The University of Mary added its own MSW program in fall 2024, giving the state a second pathway for the first time. If you’re planning a career as a licensed social worker in Fargo, Bismarck, or anywhere in between, the degree you earn here is the same one that qualifies you for the highest levels of licensure in the state.
MSW Programs in North Dakota
Both in-state programs are housed at public and private institutions with different cultures, program structures, and concentrations. Here’s what each one offers.
University of North Dakota (Grand Forks)
UND’s Department of Social Work has been training graduate-level social workers for more than three decades. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and offers two distinct tracks based on your academic background.
The Generalist track is for students who don’t hold a bachelor’s degree in social work or who earned a BSW from a program not accredited by CSWE. This is the longer pathway, designed to be completed in about three years of part-time study. It includes a 400-hour foundation field placement and a 500-hour advanced field placement, totaling 950 hours of direct practice experience.
The Advanced Generalist track is for students who already hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. It’s a shorter, more focused curriculum that builds directly on your undergraduate foundation. Both tracks offer online classes with live, synchronous instruction, and the on-campus option remains available to students in the Grand Forks area. UND is also planning a full-time online option for the Advanced Generalist concentration, starting Summer 2026 (subject to change), for students who want a faster completion timeline.
Both concentrations emphasize rural and underserved community practice, which reflects the realities of social work in a largely rural state. UND also houses the Children and Family Services Training Center, which certifies all new child welfare workers in North Dakota.
University of Mary (Bismarck)
The University of Mary launched its MSW program in fall 2024 in response to documented gaps in behavioral health services across the state. A 2018 study commissioned by the North Dakota Legislature identified critical shortfalls in outpatient care, crisis intervention, and substance use treatment. The University of Mary built its program around those needs.
The program offers two specialization tracks: Clinical and Macro Practice and Leadership. It’s delivered entirely online. Students who hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program can complete the degree in four semesters. Students with a bachelor’s in a related field follow a nine-semester path. The University of Mary’s MSW currently holds pre-candidacy accreditation with CSWE, the standard first step for new programs working toward full accreditation. Students should verify the program’s accreditation status before enrolling.
Traditional vs. Advanced Standing: Which Track Is Right for You?
If you already have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited school, you’ll qualify for an advanced standing track at either UND or the University of Mary. Advanced standing programs are designed for students who’ve already completed foundational coursework and field education at the undergraduate level, so you skip that foundation year and focus on advanced practice.
If you’re coming from a different field (psychology, education, human services, or something else entirely), you’ll start in a traditional track. It takes longer, but it also gives you a complete foundation in social work theory, ethics, and practice before you specialize. Either way, your degree is the same MSW credential at the end.
Admission to advanced standing isn’t automatic. Most programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0, a BSW earned within the past five to seven years, and sometimes a higher GPA specifically in social work coursework. Check requirements directly with the program before applying.
What to Look for When Comparing Programs
CSWE accreditation is the first thing to confirm. An MSW from a program that isn’t CSWE-accredited won’t qualify you for licensure in North Dakota. After that, the comparison comes down to format, specialization, field placement logistics, and cost.
| Program | Tracks | Format | CSWE Status | Field Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Dakota | Generalist, Advanced Generalist | Online + on-campus | Fully accredited | 950 (Generalist track) |
| University of Mary | Clinical, Macro Practice and Leadership | Online only | Pre-candidacy (new program) | Verify with program |
Field placements happen in person regardless of whether you’re in an online program. That means you’ll need to arrange a placement site in your local community. UND’s network in North Dakota, Minnesota, and surrounding states is well-established. If you’re in a rural area, both programs have experience working with students who need placement support in smaller communities.
Careers and Licensure with an MSW in North Dakota
North Dakota uses three levels of social work licensure: the Licensed Social Worker (LSW), the Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW), and the Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). An MSW satisfies the educational requirement for all three, but licensure at each level also requires passing an exam and completing a specified period of supervised experience. The level you pursue after graduation depends on how much supervised experience you accumulate and whether you want to practice clinical social work independently.
The LICSW is the credential that lets you diagnose and treat mental health conditions without supervision. If that’s your goal, you’ll want to plan your field placements and post-degree supervision accordingly. Our full breakdown of North Dakota social work licensing requirements covers each level in detail.
North Dakota has also taken steps toward participation in the Social Work Licensure Compact, which would allow licensed social workers to seek practice privileges in other compact member states. Implementation status can change, so check the current compact participation status before relying on interstate practice privileges.
With an MSW, you’re qualified for a wide range of positions. Some common roles for MSW graduates in North Dakota include:
- Child Welfare Case Manager
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- School Social Worker
- Healthcare Social Worker
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselor
- Social Work Supervisor
- Community and Social Service Manager
- Marriage and Family Therapist (with additional licensure)
Salary and Job Outlook for Social Workers in North Dakota
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, child, family, and school social workers in North Dakota earn a median annual wage of $66,900, with a mean of $67,350 (BLS, May 2024, child, family, and school social workers category). The top quarter of earners in the state bring in $77,480 or more per year.
Job growth projections through 2032 show steady demand across social work categories in North Dakota. Child, family, and school social work positions are projected to grow 8.1 percent, generating about 60 average annual openings. Healthcare social work roles are projected to grow by 8.6 percent, with approximately 30 openings annually. Mental health and substance abuse social work roles are projected to grow 6.3 percent, with about 10 annual openings each year. These estimates are based on BLS projections and may vary by region and role.
For a state with a relatively small population, those are solid numbers. Rural areas in particular continue to face shortages of behavioral health professionals, which means MSW graduates willing to work outside the Fargo-Bismarck corridor often have strong hiring prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does North Dakota require an MSW to become a licensed social worker?
Not for every level. The LSW (Licensed Social Worker) can be obtained with a bachelor’s degree in social work. However, both the LCSW and the LICSW require an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, along with post-degree supervised experience. If you want to practice clinical social work independently in North Dakota, the MSW is the required starting point.
Can I earn an MSW online while living in North Dakota?
Yes. Both UND and the University of Mary offer online MSW options. UND’s online program uses live synchronous classes, so there’s a set schedule to work around. All online programs still require in-person field placements at an approved agency in your area, so you won’t be able to complete the degree entirely from home.
What is the difference between the UND Generalist and Advanced Generalist tracks?
The Generalist track is designed for students who don’t have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. It includes both foundational and advanced coursework and typically takes about three years to complete part-time. The Advanced Generalist track is for BSW holders from CSWE-accredited programs and focuses on advanced practice from the start, with a shorter completion timeline.
Is the University of Mary MSW program accredited?
As of its fall 2024 launch, the University of Mary’s MSW program holds pre-candidacy accreditation status with CSWE. This is the standard designation for new programs in the process of pursuing full accreditation. You should verify the program’s current accreditation status directly with the school before enrolling, since it affects licensure eligibility after graduation.
How many field hours are required in North Dakota MSW programs?
UND’s Generalist track requires 950 total field hours across two placements (400 hours at the foundation level and 500 at the advanced level). Advanced standing programs typically require fewer hours since some foundation training is already credited. The University of Mary’s field requirements should be confirmed directly with the program, as requirements for new programs can evolve during the accreditation process.
Key Takeaways
- Two in-state MSW programs: The University of North Dakota is fully CSWE-accredited and has offered graduate social work education since 1989. The University of Mary launched its program in fall 2024 and currently holds CSWE pre-candidacy status.
- Track selection depends on your background: If you hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited school, you’re eligible for an advanced standing track with a shorter timeline. A bachelor’s in any other field puts you on a traditional track.
- MSW unlocks all three ND license levels: North Dakota’s LSW, LCSW, and LICSW all accept the MSW to satisfy the academic requirement. The LICSW, which allows independent clinical practice, requires the MSW plus supervised post-degree hours.
- CSWE accreditation is non-negotiable: Your MSW must come from a CSWE-accredited program to qualify for licensure in North Dakota. Verify accreditation status before enrolling, especially for newer programs.
- North Dakota social workers earn a median of $66,900. BLS May 2024 data show stable wages and a projected 8.1 percent job growth through 2032 for child, family, and school social workers in the state.
Ready to explore your options? Compare MSW programs and licensing requirements to find the path that fits 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.
