The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in social work to grow 7% by 2033, 4% higher than the average growth rate of occupations. In the state of Florida, the field is projected to grow at the rate of 18% by 2033, more than double the national average. Several factors impacting the population contribute to the increasing need for social workers in Florida. The Census Bureau reports that 21.7% of the population is over the age of 65, and 19.4% of the population is children under the age of 18, highlighting the need for elder care and child welfare services. Florida also has a large Hispanic and Latino population as well as growing diversity for other races and cultures, requiring culturally competent and multilingual social workers to ensure accessible and equitable services. 12.3% of the population lives under the poverty line, and 13.7% of the population reports having a disability. Both are populations that social workers can aid in accessing resources such as mental health support, housing, and healthcare services.
- University of West Florida - Online - We’ve designed our advanced standing MSW program (30 credit hours) for students who have a bachelor’s degree in social work and are ready to complete a clinically focused curriculum. We also offer a traditional track (60 credit hours) for students without previous social work education. Visit School's Website
- Arizona State University - Online offers the respected CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work online. ASU Online knows today’s MSW students need remote learning options with no compromises. That’s why you’ll find the same professors, field work requirements, and internship placement assistance that ASU provides on campus. Visit School's Website
- Grand Canyon University offers Online Social Work Degrees. Choose between Bachelors of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Master of Social Work (Advanced Standing). Visit School's Website
The population of Florida is experiencing an increasing need for mental health services. According to NAMI, almost 3 million adults in Florida have a mental health condition. In 2020, 3,567 lives in Florida were lost to suicide. The SAMHSA Behavioral Health Barometer reports that the percentage of children ages 12-17 in Florida experiencing depression has increased to 13.2% between 2016 and 2019. In 2019, almost 800,000 people did not receive needed mental health services, half of them reporting it was due to cost. For social workers to effectively support the Florida population in 2019, a master’s degree in social work could significantly enhance their expertise and skill set.
Issues Facing Social Workers
The challenges facing Florida social workers include providing mental health services, as well as providing support to the state’s homeless population and those struggling with substance use. NAMI reports over 27,000 homeless people in Florida and that 1 in 6 people living without shelter have a serious mental illness. In 2019, the SAMHSA Behavioral Health Barometer reported that 57,335 people in Florida sought substance use treatment, and 18,079 received Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) for illnesses such as methadone treatment. Vulnerable populations such as these require dedicated and knowledgeable social workers to assist them in navigating challenging life circumstances and the appropriate resources to support them.
Data from NAMI suggests a link between mental health concerns and people navigating the legal system. In Florida, 1 in 4 people with serious mental illness have been arrested. 2 in 5 incarcerated adults have a history of mental illness, and 7 in 10 youth in the juvenile justice system have a mental health condition. Social workers can fill roles in the legal system, such as probation officers and correctional counselors. These roles can be vital in supporting the population of Florida to decrease not only the severity of their mental health concerns but also their involvement in the legal system as counselors.
Meeting the needs of these populations can put a strain on social workers practicing in Florida. With a growing need for mental health and substance use services, high caseloads and burnout can be a challenge for social workers as they strive to create positive change for the communities they serve. Social workers also face challenges such as limited resources complex policies and systemic barriers that impede the ability to provide care to clients.
Florida Social Work Schools and MSW Programs
Florida boasts a diverse and expansive higher learning system. Among private and public universities, students have access to educational systems such as the State University System of Florida and the Florida College System. For prospective MSW students, there are 13 social work graduate programs in Florida. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is the only MSW program in Florida that requires all applicants to submit either GRE or MAT scores. The remainder of schools do not require GRE scores for application, but please note that some schools may require scores if the applicant’s GPA is below 3.0.
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 2-4 years
- Campus
Location: public state university in Tallahassee, Florida
Modality: on-campus
Length:
- Full-time: 2 years
- Part-time: 4 years
- Advanced Standing: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Cost: $405.67 per credit hour for Florida residents, $1,022.04 for non-residents
Program Overview:
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University is the #1 accredited historically Black college and university (HBCU), and is tied with several schools for US News’s #95 social work program. Their MSW program consists of 67 and 900 field practice hours and offers a program focused on macro social work. Please note that all applicants are required to submit GRE or MAT scores.
Florida Gulf Coast University
- Fort Myers, FL
- 2-4 years
- Campus
Location: public state university in Fort Myers, Florida
Modality: on campus
Length:
- Full-time: 2 years
- Part-time: 4 years
- Advanced Standing: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Cost: $373.38 per course credit hour for Florida residents, $1300.66 for non-residents
Program Overview:
Florida Gulf Coast University’s MSW program focuses on clinical social work, and aims to combine clinical skills with knowledge of policy analysis, advocacy, and social action. The program is completed over 60 course credit hours (30 credits for the advanced standing program) and 1000 field practice hours. Classes are held one day a week, leaving the rest of the week for students to focus on fieldwork placements. They also offer a Medical Social Work certification.
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 3-4 years
- Campus
Location: public state university in Miami, Florida
Modality: on campus
Length:
- Full-time: 2 years
- Part-time: 3 to 4 years
- Advanced Standing: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Cost: $455.65 per course credit for Florida residents, $618.87 for non-residents
Program Overview:
Florida International University is tied with several other schools to be US News’s #95 ranked best social work program in the country. Their MSW program is focused on advanced clinical social work practice and consists of 60 course credits (33 for the advanced standing program) and 1000 field practice hours. FIU also offers opportunities to complete an MSW degree while simultaneously earning a Master’s in Public Health or a Juris Doctor.
Florida State University
- Tallahassee, FL
- 3-4 years
- Online + Campus
Location: public state university with multiple locations, MSW programs are offered at the Tallahassee campus and Panama City campus
Modality: on-campus and online
Length:
- Full-time: 2 years
- Part-time: 3 to 4 years
- Advanced Standing: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Cost: campus and modality dependent, online costs are $444 per course credit for Florida residents and $625 for non-residents, Tallahassee campus costs are $479.32 per course credit for Florida residents and $1110.72 for non-residents, Panama City campus costs are $444.26 per course credit for Florida residents and $1075.66 for non-residents
Program Overview:
Florida State University is tied with Bryn Mawr and Michigan State University as US News’s #36 ranked social work programs in the country. FSU’s MSW program offers both a clinical and social leadership track, over 61 course credits (39 credits for the advanced standing program) and 944 field practice hours. They offer dual degree options to complete an MSW while also completing an MBA, an MS in criminology, or a Master’s in Public Administration.
CSWE Accredited Florida Masters in Social Work Programs
Many social work schools are accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). Nearly all states require accreditation to gain licensure, an important step for social workers looking to step into a clinical role. Some employers may require an MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited school to meet professional roles and responsibilities. Accreditation ensures an education aligned with the National Association of Social Work’s Code of Ethics, establishes professional standards, and upholds the integrity of the profession.
Twelve of the thirteen graduate social work programs in Florida are CSWE accredited. On the CSWE website, Ana G Mendez University is listed as a candidate for accreditation and is moving toward full accreditation in the next two years.
Advanced Standing MSW Programs in Florida
For social workers who have earned their BSW and are interested in faster career advancement, some social work schools may offer an advanced standing program to complete their MSW at an accelerated pace. Advanced standing programs can be cost-effective as they can decrease the amount of time taken to complete an MSW degree by 1-2 years. Below are some advanced-standing MSW programs in Florida that can be completed in under 2 years.
Ana G Mendez University
- Multiple Locations
- 3-4 years
- Online + Campus
Location: private university with multiple locations, offering MSW program at Metro Orlando Campus, South Florida Campus, and Tampa Bay Campus
Modality: on-campus and online
Length:
- Full-time: 2 years (including 1 summer)
- Part-time: 3 to 4 years
- Advanced Standing: 1 year (including 1 summer)
Cost: $411 per course credit
Program Overview:
Ana G Mendez University prides itself on offering programs in both English and Spanish. Their MSW program offers perspective on the role of social work not only in the local community but on a national and international level as well. The MSW program is a clinical specialization track that consists of 54 course credits (27 credits for the advanced standing program) and 900 field practice hours. Please note Ana G Medez’s MSW program is not currently accredited and is aiming for accreditation as early as 2025.
Barry University
- Miami Shores, FL
- 7-28 months
- Online + Campus
Location: private non-profit university in Miami Shores, Florida
Modality: on-campus and online
Length:
- On-campus full-time: 16 months
- On-campus part-time: 28 months
- Advanced Standing: 7 months
- Online part-time: 16 to 28 months
Cost: $675 per course credit
Program Overview:
Barry University’s MSW program focuses on clinical social work with a trauma-informed resiliency framework. The program consists of 63 course credits (32 credits for the advanced standing program) and 1000 field practice hours. Barry University offers extensive continuing education resources, including numerous webinars, workshops, and post-master’s certificates.
Southeastern University
- Lakeland, FL
- 9-21 months
- Campus
Location: private Christian university in Lakeland, Florida
Modality: on-campus, structured to be completed 2 courses at a time in 8-week increments
Length:
- Full-time: 21 months, can be extended into a part-time program
- Advanced Standing: 9 to 21 months
Cost: $575 per course credit
Program Overview:
Southeastern University’s MSW program is completed over 65 course credits and 1000 field practice hours. Classes are offered two evenings a week in 8-week sessions and focus on clinical specialization. Southeastern University also offers courses in administration to prepare its students for positions of leadership.
University of North Florida
- Jacksonville, FL
- 2-4 years
- Campus
Location: public state university in Jacksonville, Florida
Modality: on-campus
Length:
- Full-time: 2 years
- Part-time: 4 years
- Advanced Standing: 1 year
Cost: $493.53 per course credit for Florida residents, $1044.27 for non-residents
Program Overview:
University of North Florida encourages a holistic approach to social work, to provide biopsychosocial, economic, and spiritual well-being. Their MSW program is an advanced generalist track with 60 course credits (33 credits for the advanced standing program) and 900 field practice hours. The UNF MSW program emphasized the importance of competence when working with multicultural, marginalized, and oppressed populations.
University of West Florida
- Pensacola, FL
- 2-3 years
- Online + Campus
Location: public state university in Pensacola, Florida
Modality: on-campus or online
Length:
- Full-time: 2 years
- Part-time: 3 years
- Advanced Standing: 1 year
Cost: $377.60 per course credit for Florida residents, $1037.20 for non-residents
Program Overview:
The University of West Florida’s MSW program offers clinical social work classes that are grounded in medical and behavioral healthcare, with faculty who are experts in clinical practice and research. The program consists of 60 credits (30 for the advanced standing program) and 1000 field practice hours, in courses that are 16 weeks long.
Online MSW Programs in Florida
Several MSW programs in Florida offer an online option to allow further flexibility for social workers working towards their Masters degree. Below are some social work schools offering MSW programs with the flexibility of an online modality. Please note that while classes may be offered online, field practice hours must be completed at an in-person placement.
Florida Atlantic University
- Multiple Locations
- 2-4 years
- Online + Campus
Location: public state university with multiple locations, MSW program offered at the Boca Raton campus and Davie campus
Modality: on-campus blended and online, offers year-round rolling admissions process
Length:
- Full-time: 2 years
- Part-time: 4 years
- Advanced Standing: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Cost: $371.82 per course credit for Florida residents, $1026.81 for non-residents
Program Overview:
Florida Atlantic University’s MSW program consists of 60 course credits (30 credits for the advanced standing program) and 1000 field practice hours. Their MSW program is tied with several other schools as US News’s #83 ranked social work program in the country. Their program reports a 93% job placement rate within a year of completing the program. They also offer graduate certificate programs in areas such as Child Welfare, Healthy Aging, Social Justice, Addictions, and Sexuality and Gender Education.
Saint Leo University
- St. Leo, FL
- 2-3 years
- Online
Location: private university in St. Leo, Florida
Modality: online program available to students with residence in the following states: Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia
Length:
- Full time: 2 years
- Part-time: 3 years
- Advanced Standing: 1 year full-time, 1.5 years part-time
Cost: $620 per course credit
Program Overview:
Saint Leo University offers a remote MSW program to students from select states via webcam. Their MSW program is a clinical social work track with a focus on the trauma-informed care needed to work with vulnerable populations such as children, first responders, and the military. The program consists of 62 course credits (32 credits for the advanced standing program) and 1000 field practice hours.
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, OR
- 2-3 years
- Online + Campus
Location: public state university in Orlando, Florida
Modality: on-campus and online
Length:
- Full-time: 2 years
- Part-time: 3 years
- Advanced Standing: 16 months full-time, 2 years part-time
Cost: $369.65 per course credit for Florida residents, $1104.05 for non-residents
Program Overview:
University of Central Florida is US News’s #67 ranked social work program in the country. Their MSW program is an advanced clinical track consisting of 62 course credits (32 credits for the advanced standing program) and 1000 field practice hours. UCF offers a Military Social Work certificate, and their Master of Social Work Student Association offers community and support to those in the program.
University of South Florida
- Multiple Locations
- 2-4 years
- Online + Campus
Location: public state university with multiple locations, MSW program offered at the Tampus campus and Sarasota-Manatee campus
Modality: on-campus and online
Length:
- Full-time: 2 years
- Part-time: 4 years
- Advanced Standing: 3 semesters full-time, 5 semesters part-time
Cost: online costs are $550 per course credit, on-campus costs are $431.43 for Florida residents, $877.17 for non-residents
Program Overview:
The University of South Florida’s MSW program consists of 60 credits (35 credits for the advanced standing program) and 900 field hours, with the option to complete dual degrees in both an MSW and a Master’s in Public Health. USF is tied with several schools as US News’s #83 ranked social work program. They also offer electives that involve opportunities abroad in India, Spain, and Peru.
FAQs for Aspiring Florida Social Workers
What can I do with an MSW degree in Florida?
Social workers have diverse opportunities across various settings and with various populations. Examples of settings social workers can work in include outpatient and community mental health settings, healthcare and substance use settings, legal settings, schools, and child welfare. Social workers may specialize in clinical practice, as well as macro settings to focus on policy and social work on the organizational level. The population of Florida requires social workers to support them in areas such as clinical mental health, substance use treatment, addressing homelessness, and navigating the legal system. Social workers with an MSW degree in Florida can not only work to improve the lives of those in need on a direct care level but on a systemic level as well.
Which Florida School of Social Work has the best MSW program?
Florida boasts 6 of US News’ top 100 social work programs in the country. Florida State University is the highest ranked at #36. The University of Central Florida is the next highest ranked at #67. Florida Atlantic University and the University of South Florida are tied with several other schools for the #83 ranked program. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Florida International University are tied with several other schools for the #95 ranked program.
How much does an MSW in Florida cost?
Schools also offer a range of financial support options such as financial aid and grants. The length of time spent completing an MSW program, as well as the modality of completion (online or on-campus) can also impact the cost of completing a Masters in Social Work. Cost per credit hours at MSW programs in Florida range from $369.65 to $1300.66. Schools also offer a range of financial support options such as financial aid and grants. Costs at social work graduate programs in Florida are also contingent on whether applicants are accessing online, Florida resident, or non-resident tuition rates.
How much does a social worker in Florida make?
Salaries for social workers with an MSW degree in Florida will vary based on licensure, levels of experience, setting, and whether social workers are practicing in an urban or more rural area. The average social work salary in Florida is $56,993. Licensed clinical social workers can earn an average salary of $78,525. The median salary for child welfare and school social workers in Florida is $47,490. The median salary for healthcare social workers is $61,940. Mental health and substance abuse social workers make a median salary of $50,900. While these average salaries are below the national average for social work salaries, opportunities for growth within the field combined with the affordable cost of living in Florida can result in a fulfilling and well-earning salary for social workers.
What is the ROI of getting an MSW in Florida?
The return on investment for getting an MSW in Florida is contingent on several factors. A Master’s in Social Work offers career flexibility to work across various settings with diverse populations. Advancement opportunities in a social work career include obtaining a clinical license, positions in leadership or supervision, private practice, or teaching as a professor. Social work also offers fulfillment for those who want to work in direct care with oppressed and marginalized communities, have a passion for social justice, and make a difference in the community.
A full-time MSW degree in Florida can range from approximately $12,000 to $50,000, with factors like online programs, advanced standing programs, and resident or non-resident tuition fees impacting price. Using Investopedia’s return on investment formula, a lower-cost MSW program and MSW programs at Florida resident prices provide an excellent return on investment. A more expensive program and non-resident tuition costs can still be a good return on investment based on the growing job market and career flexibility. Some jobs may offer student loan forgiveness as well.
How long does it take to become a social worker in Florida?
Social work Masters programs in Florida offer options to complete an MSW degree in several different timeframes. A traditional full-time track at most social work graduate programs in Florida can be completed in 2 years. Graduate programs also offer part-time programs that can be completed between 3 to 4 years on average. All MSW programs in Florida also offer advanced standing programs, where social workers with a BSW degree can accelerate their graduate studies and complete their degree faster, typically between 7 months to 1 year.
Florida Licensure and Professional Development Resources
- https://www.aswb.org/licenses/social-work-registry/
- https://www.aswb.org/licenses/how-to-get-a-license/licensing-requirements-by-state-or-province/
- https://www.naswfl.org/
- https://floridasmentalhealthprofessions.gov/
Links used for references (not included in final word count)
- https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/071415/what-formula-calculating-return-investment-roi-excel.asp
- https://www.cswe.org/accreditation/about/directory/?pg=&program_level=Master%27s
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm#:~:text=in%20May%202023.-,Job%20Outlook,on%20average%2C%20over%20the%20decade.
- https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/FloridaStateFactSheet.pdf
- https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt32826/Florida-BH-Barometer_Volume6.pdf
- https://data.census.gov/profile/Florida?g=040XX00US12
- https://www.sofi.com/cost-of-living-in-florida/
- https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Social-Worker-Salary–in-Florida#:~:text=How%20much%20does%20a%20Social,%2Fweek%20or%20%244%2C749%2Fmonth.
- https://www.indeed.com/career/licensed-clinical-social-worker/salaries/FL
- https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Wages/find-salary.aspx?keyword=Child,%20Family,%20and%20School%20Social%20Workers&soccode=211021&onet=&location=Florida&dataview=chart&hourly=False&national=False
- https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Wages/find-salary.aspx?keyword=Healthcare%20Social%20Workers&soccode=211022&location=Florida&keywordSearched=Healthcare%20Social%20Workers
- https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Wages/find-salary.aspx?keyword=Mental%20Health%20and%20Substance%20Abuse%20Social%20Workers&soccode=211023&location=Florida&keywordSearched=Mental%20Health%20and%20Substance%20Abuse%20Social%20Workers
- https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/21-1022.00?st=FL
