Online MSW Programs in Minnesota

Are there online MSW programs based in Minnesota?

Yes. Several Minnesota-based universities offer MSW programs in online or hybrid formats. Based on current CSWE accreditation data, online options from in-state institutions include:

• Bethel University
• Capella University
• College of Saint Scholastica (also on campus in Duluth)
• Minnesota State University, Moorhead
• Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
• University of Minnesota-Duluth (also on campus)
• University of Saint Thomas (also on campus in St. Paul)
• Winona State University

Can Minnesota residents enroll in out-of-state online MSW programs?

Often, yes. Many online MSW programs enroll students who live outside the school’s home state, but Minnesota residents should confirm three things before applying: the school is authorized to enroll students in Minnesota, field education can be completed in Minnesota or another approved location, and the curriculum is designed to support Minnesota social work licensure requirements.

Is CSWE accreditation important?

Yes. CSWE accreditation is important because Minnesota’s standard exam-based licensure pathway references social work degrees from programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students should verify a program’s current accreditation status in the CSWE directory before enrolling.

Does an online MSW automatically qualify you for LICSW licensure in Minnesota?

No. An online MSW may help meet Minnesota’s graduate education requirement if the program meets Minnesota Board of Social Work standards, but the degree alone does not qualify someone for LICSW licensure. Minnesota also requires supervised post-graduate clinical practice, 360 clinical clock hours, the ASWB Clinical exam, a criminal background check, and other board requirements.

State licensing board

Professional licensure for social workers in Minnesota is administered by the Minnesota Board of Social Work. The board oversees standard licensure by examination for applicants who do not already hold a social work license in another jurisdiction and licensure by endorsement for applicants who are already licensed elsewhere.

Relevant state law and rules

Minnesota social work licensure is governed by the Minnesota Social Work Practice Act, found in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 148E. Section 148E.055 outlines standard license requirements, and sections 148E.100 to 148E.125 address supervised practice requirements.

Common MSW-level license path

Minnesota’s MSW-level license options commonly include Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW), Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW).

Students pursuing clinical social work typically start with an MSW-level license, such as the LGSW, and work toward LICSW eligibility by completing Minnesota’s supervised practice, clinical clock hours, and ASWB Clinical exam requirements.

Graduate education

Minnesota’s standard licensure pathway requires a social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program or another degree the Minnesota Board of Social Work recognizes as equivalent. For MSW-level licensure, the board identifies a CSWE-accredited MSW as part of the standard pathways for LGSW, LISW, and LICSW licensure.

Exam

Minnesota uses ASWB exams for standard licensure by examination. The board requires the ASWB Master's exam for LGSW licensure, the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam for LISW licensure, and the ASWB Clinical exam for LICSW licensure.

Supervised experience

Minnesota requires supervised practice for some social work license pathways. For the clinical path, LGSWs and LISWs practicing clinically must maintain licensing supervision until an LICSW is issued. LICSW applicants by examination must document 4,000 hours of clinical supervised practice.

State-specific requirements

LICSW applicants by examination must meet Minnesota’s LICSW requirements, including documentation of 360 clinical clock hours in six clinical knowledge areas, 4,000 hours of clinical supervised practice, a passing ASWB Clinical exam score, a fingerprint-based criminal background check if applicable, and compliance with Minnesota ethical standards.

Contact Information

Minnesota Board of Social Work 335 Randolph Ave., Suite 245, Saint Paul, MN 55102-5502. Phone: 612-617-2100. Toll-free: 888-234-1320. Email: social.work@state.mn.us.

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Schools, child welfare agencies, family service organizations, and community programs

$67,450

Healthcare Social Workers

Hospitals, clinics, hospice, care coordination, and public health organizations

$73,970

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

Behavioral health agencies, mental health clinics, substance use treatment centers

$75,020

Social Workers, All Other

Policy, administration, research, community development, public agencies, and specialized social service roles

$79,790

All Occupations

Summary of all reported wages within the state across all job types

$56,920

Minnesota Board of Social Work

License names, application pathways, supervised practice, exams, criminal background check requirements, fees, renewal, and contact information.

Minnesota Statutes section 148E.055 and related board rules

Legal requirements for licensure pathways, supervised practice, and standards of practice.

CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

Whether an MSW program is accredited, in candidacy, or otherwise listed by CSWE.

ASWB Exam Information

Current ASWB exam levels, registration process, and exam policies.

NC-SARA Directory

Whether a school participates in SARA for distance education authorization. SARA participation does not confirm alignment with professional licensure.

School Professional Licensure Disclosures

Whether the school states that its MSW curriculum meets, does not meet, or has not determined the Minnesota educational requirements for licensure.

Official School Program Pages

Format, enrollment options, advanced standing, field education support, admissions requirements, and any campus-based requirements.