MSW Programs in Colorado

A guide to Schools of Social Work and selecting a Master of Social Work program in Colorado

Colorado is known as the “Centennial State” because its 1876 admission to the Union coincided with the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Colorado, the 38th state, got its name after the Colorado River, which was named the Rio Colorado by Spanish explorers and means “Colored Red River” (1).

Colorado is located in the Southwestern part of the United States and encompasses the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado Plateau, and the Great Plains. Colorado is one of the Four Corner states because Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona all meet at the same point. This state is the eighth largest state in the nation as well as the 20th most populous (2). Denver is the state capital and the most populous city in Colorado with approximately 705,756 residents (3).

Issues Facing Colorado’s Social Workers

According to the United States Census Bureau, Colorado has experienced above average population growth for the last three years. The population has increased by 4.8 percent since 2010, which is double the national rate. In addition, Colorado residents earn a high median household income and have a relatively low poverty rate of 12.9 percent. However, the cost of living in some parts of Colorado is very high (4).

Approximately 21 percent of the population in Colorado is Latino, and 1.6 percent is Native American. Both of these numbers are higher than the national average (5).

Colorado is often considered as having one of the highest standards of living in the United States. Colorado’s population is well educated; 36.8 percent of adults over 25 possess a college degree, which is much higher than the national average of 28.5 percent (6). When it comes to physical health, Colorado has one of the lowest rates of obesity (meaning it has one of the highest percentages of the population that are not obese) (7).

Not all health indicators in the state are positive. Colorado has a relatively high rate of illicit drug usage; according to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration the state ranks in the top four heaviest users of illicit drugs (8). Admissions to substance abuse treatment centers has increased from 42,874 in 2001 to 88,040 in 2009 and 77,090 in 2011. This increase includes the number of people being admitted for addiction to marijuana (9).

Studying Social Work in Colorado

If you’re thinking about studying in state, you’ve got three great options. According to the 2019 US News & World Report school rankings, the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work is ranked number 17 in the nation, and Colorado State University’s School of Social Work is ranked number 51 (10). The University of Denver offers the opportunity to get a certificate (in addition to your MSW with one of eight classic concentrations) in animal-assisted social work, couples and family therapy or social work with Latinos (11). Students should also consider the Metropolitan State University of Denver MSW program, which is the most affordable program in the state. Don’t let the price fool you, though – it offers a rigorous curriculum that will prepare students to thrive in the field upon graduation. You may also want to take a look at the accredited online MSW programs option.

After you have graduated, you may want to look for a job that will qualify for you a loan forgiveness program. If you have taken out student loans and take a job in an area deemed to be a “Health Professional Shortage Area” (HPSA), you may be eligible for the National Health Service Corps loan forgiveness program (NHSC). You might also want to look into State Loan Repayment Programs (SLRP) to see if you qualify for a state-specific program.

Increasing MSW Career Opportunities in Colorado

If you’re hoping to work in Colorado after getting your MSW, you will find many opportunities in state. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics Social work reports that social work positions in Colorado are projected to increase between 2016 and 2026. Healthcare social workers will see an annual growth rate of 35 percent (12), while child, family and school social workers will see annual growth around 23 percent (13). Mental health and substance abuse social work positions are expected to see an annual growth rate of 33 percent (14). Healthcare social workers make the most in the state, earning a median income of $54,600 a year. Child, family, and school social workers make a little less, bringing in a median income of $49,010 per year. Mental health and substance abuse social workers can expect to earn a median salary of $46,750. If you can find a job in the Denver-Aurora-Broomfield area, you will find the highest paying jobs seem to be in this part of the state (closely followed by Boulder) (15).

Licensure and Professional Development Resources

• Colorado Social Work License Requirements
• National Association of Social Workers, Colorado Chapter Colorado State Board of Social Work Examiners
• Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
• Colorado School Social Work Association
• Colorado Society of Clinical Social Work

Schools of Social Work offering MSW Programs in Colorado

• Colorado State University Fort Collins (MSW Program)
• Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSW Program)
• University of Colorado Denver (MSW Program)
• University of Denver (MSW Program)

Sources Cited

1. Colorado Facts and Trivia, 2021. 50 States.com. https://www.50states.com/facts/colorado.htm#.U8ASaY1dXgI
2. United States, 2021. World Atlas Travel. https://worldpopulationreview.com/states
3. USA: Colorado, 2019. City Population. https://www.census.gov/data/developers/data-sets/acs-5year.html
4. State and County QuickFacts, 2014. United States Census Bureau. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/08000.html
5. State and County QuickFacts, 2014. United States Census Bureau. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/08000.html
6. State and County QuickFacts, 2014. United States Census Bureau. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/08000.html
7. Overweight and Obesity, 2012. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html
8. 15 Maps That Show How Americans Use Drugs, 2013. Business Insider. http://www.businessinsider.com/15-maps-that-show-how-americans-use-drugs-2013-9
9. State Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment Services, 2001 – 2011. Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration. http://www.samhsa.gov/data/DASIS/TEDS2011St_Web.pdf
10. Graduate School Search & Social Work Programs, 2019. US News and World Report. https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/social-work-rankings?location=Colorado
11. Certificate Programs, 2021. University of Denver School of Social Work. https://socialwork.du.edu/
12. America’s Career InfoNet & Career Profile, 2019. Career One Stop. https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/careers/occupations/Occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=social%20work&location=Colorado
13. America’s Career InfoNet & Career Profile, 2019. Career One Stop. https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/careers/occupations/Occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=social%20work&location=Colorado
14. America’s Career InfoNet & Career Profile, 2019. Career One Stop. https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/careers/occupations/Occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=social%20work&location=Colorado
15. Statewide Statistics for Colorado, 2019. Bureau of Labor Statistics.