Maryland Master's in Social Work Programs

Projection Central predicts that social worker positions in Maryland will increase by 9-14% between 2022 and 2032. The highest percentage change will be for mental health and substance abuse social workers, followed by healthcare social workers. Child, family, and school social worker jobs are also predicted to increase, though at the lower rate of 9% (1).

Featured Programs:

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
Syracuse University offers an Online Masters of Social Work Program. The Program has Advance Standing Available, Two Concentrations, and Social Justice Curriculum. Visit School's Website
Walden University offers Master of Social Work (MSW) - Advanced Standing (requires BSW). Visit School's Website
University of Kentucky offers its Online Master of Social Work: Advanced Standing Program available. MSW program includes options for an advanced-standing program (30 credits) and a 60-credit regular standing program. Visit School's Website
George Mason University - Throughout Mason’s online MSW program, you’ll build knowledge for evidence-based practice in classes led by practicing social workers. Visit School's Website

As of 2023, mental health and substance abuse social workers made an average wage of $65,030, which is about the same as the national average salary of $65,470 (2). Some of the highest-paid social workers in Maryland work within the federal, state, or local government and office administration. Postsecondary social work teachers also make a higher than average wage. In 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, their mean salary was $96,170 (3).

However, while you no doubt want a position that pays well, chances are you are equally interested in finding a career that matches your skills and interests—the reasons that drew you to the social work profession in the first place. Let’s look closer at the unique issues facing social workers in Maryland.

Issue Facing Social Workers in Maryland

Maryland is one of the wealthiest states in the country, with a median household income in 2022 of $98,678 (4). Maryland’s Black population, however, which makes up 29% of the total population, had a median household income during the same year of $77,368 (5). This drops to $47,464 when looking specifically at Black residents within Baltimore, an indication of considerable racial economic disparity within the state (6). Maryland is certainly in need of social workers dedicated to addressing the root causes of these disparities through policy change and program development.

Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city, has a rich culture, beautiful waterfront, and thriving art scene. It also has many social programs working to address the symptoms of economic disinvestment and a history of racist housing, education, and justice system policies. This includes issues with unemployment, community violence, food insecurity, substance abuse and overpolicing. In 2022, 56% of Baltimore residents lived below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold, which means they were unable to afford the basic cost of living (7). According to a John Hopkins survey of Black and White city residents, 43% of Black residents reported experiencing transportation insecurity, 54% experienced food insecurity and 74% indicated a fear of the police. This compares to only around 20-25% of White residents reporting similar experiences, again highlighting the racial disparities existing in the state (8).

Additionally, if you are interested in working as a forensic social worker, you will find opportunities within Baltimore. This is due to both the high crime rate and systemic issues within the justice system (9). Social workers in Baltimore have opportunities for direct service, working individually with justice-impacted people, or working on a more macro-level, addressing the root issues of crime or engaging in justice system reform.

Maryland Social Work Schools and Masters in Social Work (MSW) Programs

Maryland is a fantastic place to get a master’s degree in social work. According to the 2024 US News & World Report graduate school rankings, the University of Maryland-Baltimore ranks number 24 in the nation, and Morgan State University ranks 60 (10). All three schools offer online options, providing greater flexibility for students that need to work while completing their degree.

You might want to check out the loan forgiveness programs available to social workers working in “Health Professional Shortage Areas” (HPSA). If you are willing to work in a position that supports an underserved population, you may be eligible for loan forgiveness of up to $20,000 a year for two years, for a total of $40,000. Also check out the Janet Hoffman Loan Assistance Repayment Program (LARP), which is offered to individuals, including social workers, employed by a Maryland state agency, nonprofit, or the local government serving a specific population.

Maryland MSW Programs

CSWE-Accredited Programs in MD

All three of the MSW programs in Maryland are accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). This means you will not encounter any issues moving on to the next step of seeking social work licensure after graduation.

Advanced Standing Programs

There are advanced standing programs available in all three schools listed below. These include options that are online, hybrid or on-campus. If you already have your Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from an accredited university and meet the other admission requirements for the school, you will be able to apply for their advanced standing program, reducing the amount of time and money needed to receive your Master’s of Social Work degree.

Below are the 3 MSW programs described in detail. “Traditional Program” refers to their track for students that do not already have their BSW degree. None of the below programs require a GRE for admission.

University of Maryland-Baltimore

Baltimore & Shady Grove, MD
3-4 years
Online + Hybrid

Location: Baltimore & Shady Grove, Maryland

Modality: Hybrid, Online

Credits required:

Traditional Program: 60
Advanced Standing (Hybrid): 36

Program Length:

Traditional Program (Hybrid): 2-4 years
Traditional Program (Online): 3 years
Advanced Standing: 12 months-2 years

Cost: $676/credit + fees (Residents), $1307/credit + fees (Non-residents)

Program Overview:
The University of Maryland-Baltimore’s MSW program prides itself on educating the majority of social workers in the state of Maryland. The program offers two modalities, online and hybrid, with in-person locations in either Baltimore or Shady Grove. There are two possible concentrations offered, depending on whether you want to pursue micro or macro social work: Clinical Social Work and Leadership, Policy and Social Change. They additionally have several research centers and programs, such as The Center for Restorative Change and the Prevention of Adolesent Risks (PARI), working to address systemic challenges and disparities.

The University of Maryland-Baltimore offers several dual degree programs as well. It is possible to receive your MSW degree alongside your Juris Doctor, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Public Policy (MPP).

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Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD
2-3 years
Online + Campus

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Modality: On-campus, Online

Credits required:

Traditional Program: 60
Advanced Standing: 30

Program Length:

Traditional Program: 2 years
Traditional Program (Online): 3 years
Advanced Standing: 1-2 years

Cost: $485/credit + fees (Residents, On-campus), $950/credit + fees (Non-residents, on-campus), $667/credit + fees (Online, only available to Maryland residents and some surrounding areas)

Program Overview:
Morgan State University’s MSW program is another excellent choice, ranked 60 in the country. This MSW program, also located within Baltimore, focuses on serving urban communities, aiming to prepare its students to address issues prevalent within urban spaces, including poverty, socioeconomic disadvantage, interpersonal and community violence, substance abuse, mental health issues, social injustice, and discrimination. The online MSW program currently offers two specializations, Urban Children, Youth and Famlies and Addictions.

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Salisbury University

Salisbury, MD
2-4 years
Online + Campus

Location: Salisbury, Maryland

Modality: Hybrid, Online

Credits required:

Traditional Program: 62
Advanced Standing: 32

Program Length:

Traditional Program: 2-4 years
Advanced Standing: 1-2 years

Cost: $428/credit + fees (Residents, On-campus), $775/credit + fees (Non-residents, On-campus), $790/credit (Online, includes all fees)

Program Overview:
Salisbury University’s MSW program offers both online and hybrid options. The in-person portion of the hybrid track is available at the main campus in Salisbury as well as their four satellite locations, including North East, Wye Mills, California, and Hagerstown. Their flexible program is designed for working students and therefore offers classes both in the evening and summertime. There are two specializations from which to choose: Clinical Social Work and Advocacy or Social Change and Leadership.

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FAQs for Aspiring Maryland Social Workers

1) What Can I Do With an MSW Degree in Maryland?

Mental health and healthcare social work jobs will have the largest increase in the coming years. John Hopkins Hospital, a nationally renowned medical institution located in Baltimore, is a major employer of social workers. Maryland also consistently ranks high in the country for the treatment and prevention of mental health and substance abuse problems. This includes a high ranking for the number of treatment beds available per 10,000 people (11). Additionally, Newsweek gave top ratings to several of its substance use and addiction treatment centers, including Tranquility Woods Addiction Treatment Center and Ashley Addiction Treatment (12).

There are also numerous nonprofits working on a variety of social issues, including Maryland Food Bank, Healthcare for the Homeless and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Maryland. If interested in macro-level social work, check out CASA, Public Justice Center or FreeState Justice. All of the above-mentioned agencies are only a few of the excellent places for social workers to work in Maryland.

2) Which Maryland School of Social Work has the best MSW program?

The University of Maryland-Baltimore, with its 24th ranking in the country, according to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Graduate Schools, has the best MSW program in Maryland. Morgan State University is ranked 60, and Salisbury University is ranked 201 (13). There may be only 3 MSW programs in the state, but they are all solid options.

3) How much does a MSW in Maryland cost?

If you attend an on-campus traditional program in Maryland and are a resident of the state (sometimes including surrounding areas), tuition can range from $26,536-$40,560. The tuition range for non-residents in the on-campus traditional programs is $48,050-$78,420. Advanced standing tuition costs can fall between $13,696 and $47,052, with the biggest factor in price being whether or not you are a resident. Lastly, tuition expenses for online campus MSW traditional programs generally span from $40,020-$78,420.

4) How much does a social worker in Maryland make?

According to Salary.com, social workers in Maryland make, on average, $76,658 with most making between $62,906-$91,859 (14). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics breaks down social worker average salaries by the area in which they work as follows: Child, Family and School Social Workers, $71,870, Healthcare Social Workers, $65,030, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, $60,200, and All Other, $74,120. The highest average salary is for federal, state and local government positions in the “All Other” category which have a mean wage of $94,260 (15).

5) What is the ROI of getting an MSW in Maryland?

Maryland has a cost of living 1.1 times higher than the national average (16). This is important to consider when looking at completing a MSW program in Maryland and then residing there. However, it is possible to receive your degree by spending around $40,000 or less (if a MD resident), and the salary for Maryland social workers is roughly $60,000 or above. If you are not already a Maryland resident but plan to live there long-term, you might consider living in Maryland for a year prior to your MSW program in order to receive in-state tuition and increase the MSW program’s return on investment (ROI).

6) How long does it take to become a social worker in Maryland?

If attending a traditional MSW program full-time, it will generally take 2 years, with some schools requesting that you complete within 4 years. Advanced standing programs usually take 1 year, or 2 years if you are enrolled part-time. The online traditional programs for the University of Maryland-Baltimore and Morgan State University require 3 years to complete.

Licensure and Professional Development Resources

There are three types of licenses within Maryland that those with an MSW degree are eligible to pursue through examination. This includes the licensed master social worker (LMSW), the licensed certified social worker (LCSW) and the licensed certified social worker-clinical (LMSW-C). Please see the below links for more detailed information.

References

MSW Programs in Other States