Online MSW Programs in North Dakota

Are there online MSW programs based in North Dakota?

Yes. As of May 2026, the University of North Dakota offers a CSWE-accredited MSW with online options. The University of Mary also offers an online MSW program, as its program page describes, in CSWE candidacy status. Students should verify current CSWE status in the CSWE directory and confirm format and field placement requirements directly with each school.

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

Often, yes. Students should confirm state authorization, admissions eligibility, and the availability of local field placement.

Is CSWE accreditation important?

Yes. CSWE accreditation is commonly required for social work licensure pathways. Verify program status in the CSWE directory.

Does an online MSW automatically qualify you for LCSW licensure in North Dakota?

No. An online MSW may help meet North Dakota’s education requirement, but students must also meet state licensing requirements, including supervised experience, application, and exam requirements. Students should confirm current requirements with the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.

State licensing board

Professional licensure for social workers in North Dakota is administered by the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners (NDBSWE).

Relevant state law and rules

North Dakota’s social work licensing law is found in Chapter 43-41 of the North Dakota Century Code. The state’s social work administrative rules are published in North Dakota Administrative Code Title 75.5, including rules related to board administration and licensure.

Common MSW-level license path

Common MSW-to-clinical pathway: LMSW to LCSW. North Dakota recognizes LBSW, LMSW, and LCSW license levels; the LCSW level is tied to graduate social work education and supervised clinical experience.

Graduate education

North Dakota requires LCSW applicants to hold a master’s or doctoral degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. Board rules also indicate that North Dakota may recognize a social work program accredited by another accrediting body approved by the board. Students should verify CSWE status and confirm board acceptance before enrolling in an online MSW program.

Exam

North Dakota applicants should follow board instructions before registering for an ASWB exam. ASWB identifies Bachelor's, Master's, Advanced Generalist, and Clinical exam levels. Students pursuing the LCSW level should confirm the required ASWB Clinical exam timing with the board before registering.

Supervised experience

For LCSW eligibility, North Dakota requires 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work practice completed within a four-year post-master’s period. The board’s supervision guidance also references at least 150 total hours of face-to-face supervision and a supervision plan requirement.

State-specific requirements

Applicants should review current board instructions for application materials, supervision-plan documentation, references, fingerprint or background-check requirements, fees, renewal, and continuing education. Application requirements and forms can change, so students should verify details directly with the board before applying.

Contact Information

North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners Website: ndbswe.com

Mailing address: P.O. Box 914, Bismarck, ND 58502-0914

Phone: 701-391-7005

Email: info@ndboardofsocialwork.com

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

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

$66,900

Healthcare Social Workers

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

$63,660

Mental Health and

Substance Abuse Social Workers

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

$61,660

Social Workers, All Other

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

$77,380

All Occupations

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

$50,320

North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners

Official requirements for North Dakota social work licenses, including Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Students can verify applications, education requirements, supervised experience, ASWB exam requirements, fees, renewal rules, and continuing education requirements. This should be the final source of truth for licensing questions.

CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs

Whether an MSW program is currently CSWE-accredited or in candidacy status. Students can search by school, state, degree level, and accreditation status.

ASWB Exam Information

Which social work licensing exams are available, how exam registration works, and what to expect from the exam process. Students should still confirm which exam their state requires.

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)

Whether an institution participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), which helps confirm whether it may offer distance education to students in other SARA states. Students can use this as a starting point for checking online enrollment authorization, but SARA participation does not confirm that an MSW program meets state social work licensure requirements. Students should also confirm state authorization directly with the school before applying.

School Professional Licensure Disclosures

Whether the school has determined that its MSW program meets, does not meet, or has not yet been determined to meet educational requirements for social work licensure in a student’s state. Students should review these disclosures before applying and follow up with the program or state licensing board if the information is unclear.

School Program Pages

Current admissions requirements, tuition, start dates, online format, advanced-standing options, field-placement policies, and whether the program currently accepts students from your state.