Looking to start or advance your career as a social worker in The Peach State? Then these rankings of the best MSW programs in Georgia is the perfect place to start!
Now, there aren’t a ton of options to choose from in this state. In fact, we counted only about 7 available Master in Social Work degree programs. However, researching schools and choosing the right one can still feel like an overwhelming task.
So, to help you narrow down your options, we collected data on every MSW program in Georgia and ranked them using official ASWB Exam data.
Additionally, we provide all the key information you need to know about each school, including degree pathways, admission requirements, tuition, and more.
So, to figure out if one of these programs may be right for you, keep reading.
Table of Contents
- What Is The Best MSW Program In Georgia?
- 5 Best MSW Programs In Georgia Ranked
- Is An MSW Program In Georgia Right For You?
- Georgia MSW Programs FAQs
Explore Social Work Degrees
What Is The Best MSW Program In Georgia?
Kennesaw State University is the best MSW program in Georgia based on our ranking criteria. Graduates from this school attained a 73.3% pass rate on the ASWB Master’s Exam in 2022, with 33 out of 45 passing.
Meanwhile, graduates achieved a 73.5% pass rate on the Clinical Exam, with 25 out of 34 passing the test.
However, just because Kennesaw State University topped the rankings doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right choice for you.
For example, while Kennesaw State graduates performed best on ASWB exams, they only offer full-time, on-campus degree pathways. Meanwhile, schools like University of Georgia and Valdosta State University both provide online, hybrid, and part-time degree tracks.
Meanwhile, schools like Georgia State University place a particular emphasis on community partnerships, and Savannah State University offers unique international study opportunities.
Ultimately, picking the right MSW program depends on your own unique goals and circumstances. So, to learn more about your options and discover what makes each one stand out, keep reading.
5 Best MSW Programs In Georgia Ranked
To rank the best MSW programs in Georgia, we used official exam pass rate data from the Association of Social Work Boards. This way we were able to rank each school using an objective metric.
Since you’ll need to pass the Master’s Exam in order to become a Licensed Master of Social Work, these pass rates are a good measure of how well each school prepares you for social work practice.
The table below ranks every MSW program from the highest ASWB Master’s Exam pass rate to the lowest. To learn more about the top MSW programs in Georgia, keep reading after the table.
| School | Masters Exam Pass Rate | Clinical Exam Pass Rate |
| 1. Kennesaw State University | 73.3% | 73.5% |
| 2. University of Georgia | 72.3% | 73.9% |
| 3. Valdosta State University | 48.8% | 52.0% |
| 4. Georgia State University | 46.8% | 55.6% |
| 5. Savannah State University | 42.6% | 32.1% |
| 6. Albany State University | 32.0% | 13.6% |
| 7. Clark Atlanta University | 27.4% | 21.7% |
1. Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University offers two tracks to earn your Master In Social Work degree:
- Traditional Standing: This full-time, on-campus pathway consists of two years, or four semesters, of study. You’ll complete a total of 60 credit hours, with 48 in the classroom and 12 in supervised field practicum throughout the Atlanta area.
- Advanced Standing: This full-time, on-campus pathway consists of just one year, or three consecutive semesters, of study. You’ll complete a total of 36 credit hours, beginning with a 6-credit summer semester followed by two 15-credit semesters.
While you may be able to take some courses in an online or hybrid format, there is no 100% online option at this school. Likewise, there are no part-time enrollment options, so you must enroll full-time.
However, the school does provide two ways to add additional degrees and certifications to your MSW, including:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Graduate Certificate In Social Entrepreneurship
If you haven’t yet entered an undergraduate program, you may also take advantage of “Double Owl Pathways”. These tracks allow you to complete one of the following Bachelor’s degrees and your MSW faster and at a lower cost than pursuing each degree independently:
- Criminal Justice BS
- Human Services BS
- Integrated Health Science BS
- Psychology BS
Finally, to gain entry into the MSW program at Kennesaw State University, you must meet the following admission requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a broad liberal arts background; Advanced Standing students must have earned their BSW in the last six years
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate study
- Two letters of recommendation, with one from an academic reference and one from a professional reference
- Submission of writing sample
| In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | ASWB Masters Exam Pass Rate | ASWB Clinical Exam Pass Rate |
| $4,213 per semester | $13,460 per semester | 73.3% | 73.5% |
Explore Social Work Degrees
2. University of Georgia
Second in our rankings of the best MSW programs in Georgia is University of Georgia, with an ASWB Master’s Exam pass rate of 72.3%. Of the 159 graduates who took the test in 2022, 115 of them passed.
Meanwhile, graduates from this school attained a 73.9% pass rate on the Clinical Exam, with 105 out of 142 passing the test.
University of Georgia offers several pathways through which you can earn your MSW degree, including:
- Two-Year, Full-Time Traditional Standing
- Three-Year, Extended-Time Traditional Standing
- Online Three-Year, Extended-Time Traditional Standing (Micro specialization only)
- Four-Year, Extended-Time Traditional Standing
- One-Year, Full-Time Advanced Standing
- Two-Year, Part-Time Advanced Standing (Micro specialization only)
Additionally, this school offers three areas of specialization, including:
- Micro Practice: Focuses on individuals, families, and groups in diverse settings
- Macro Practice: Focuses on program and policy development, administration, supervision, political advocacy, and community practice
- Integrated Practice: Combines the core curriculum of both Micro and Macro Practice
There are also several other offerings you can pair with your Master In Social Work degree, such as:
- Master in Public Health (MSW/MPH Dual Degree)
- Law (MSW/JD Dual Degree
- Substance Abuse Counseling Certificate
- Marriage and Family Therapy Certificate
- Nonprofit Management and Leadership Certificate
- Gerontology Certificate
Finally, to gain admission into University of Georgia’s MSW program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree; Advanced Standing students must have earned their BSW in the last five years
- Minimum 3.0 GPA for all undergraduate coursework; Advanced Standing students must attain a 3.2 GPA for all undergraduate coursework
- Submission of narrative statement
- Work or volunteer experience in human services is preferred, as are diverse cultural experiences
| In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | ASWB Masters Exam Pass Rate | ASWB Clinical Exam Pass Rate |
| $402 per credit hour (part-time students taking 11 or less credits per semester); $4,824 per semester (full-time students taking 12 or more credits per semester); $629 per credit hour (online students) | $1,091 per credit hour (part-time students taking 11 or less credits per semester); $13,090 per semester (full-time students taking 12 or more credits per semester); $629 per credit hour (online students; same cost as online in-state tuition) | 72.3% | 73.9% |
3. Valdosta State University
Next in our rankings of the top MSW programs in Georgia is Valdosta State University. Of the 80 graduates who took the ASWB Master’s Exam in 2022, 39 of them passed, giving them a 48.8% pass rate.
Meanwhile, graduates attained a 52.0% pass rate on the Clinical Exam, with 26 out of 50 passing the test.
All of Valdosta State University’s MSW degree offerings are delivered in a competency-based, hybrid format. Students attend five intensive weekends during Fall and Spring semesters, beginning at 5:00pm Fridays and all day Saturdays. All other coursework is completed online.
The school offers three different pathways for earning your Master’s of Social Work degree, including:
- Two-Year, Full-Time Traditional Standing
- Three-Year, Part-Time Traditional Standing
- One-Year, Full-Time Advanced Standing
To gain entry into the MSW program at Valdosta State University, you must meet the following admission requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a strong liberal arts foundation; Advanced Standing students must have earned their BSW in the last five years
- Earn a grade of C or better in undergraduate courses in the following areas: Humanities (6 hours); Mathematics (3 hours); Social Sciences (6 hours); and ideally some coursework in Human Development, Behavioral Science, or Human Biology
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in last two years of undergraduate coursework
- Minimum overall undergraduate GPA of 2.5
- Three letters of recommendation; Advanced Standing students must submit one recommendation from a BSW practicum instructor, supervisor or faculty field liaison
- Submission of current resume
| In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | ASWB Masters Exam Pass Rate | ASWB Clinical Exam Pass Rate |
| $263 per credit hour (part-time students taking 11 or less credits per semester); $3,145 per semester (full-time students taking 12 or more credits per semester) | $945 per credit hour (part-time students taking 11 or less credits per semester); $11,339 per semester (full-time students taking 12 or more credits per semester) | 48.8% | 52.0% |
4. Georgia State University
Georgia State University is the fourth school in our rankings of the best MSW programs in Georgia. Of the 62 graduates who took the ASWB Master’s Exam in 2022, 29 of them passed, equating to a 46.8% pass rate.
Meanwhile, graduates from this school attained a 55.6% pass rate on the Clinical Exam, with 20 out of 36 passing the test.
Georgia State University’s MSW program places a particular emphasis on community partnerships. This means you’ll be “educated to advance the needs and capacities of the total community by promoting social and economic justice and maximizing human potential.”
For example, you’ll learn to address certain life circumstances, including:
- Poverty
- Violence
- Discrimination
- Disparities in social and economic justice
The school offers several different pathways to earn your degree, such as:
- One-Year, Full-Time Advanced Standing (on-campus or hybrid format)
- Two-Year, Full-Time Traditional Standing (on-campus format)
- Three-Year, Part-Time Traditional Standing (hybrid format)
Finally, to gain entry into the MSW program at Georgia State University, you must meet the following admission requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree; Advanced Standing students must have earned their BSW in the last five years
- Advanced Standing students must attain a minimum 3.25 GPA in all undergraduate coursework
- Submission of statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
| In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | ASWB Masters Exam Pass Rate | ASWB Clinical Exam Pass Rate |
| $398 per credit hour (part-time students taking less than 12 credits per semester); $4,776 per semester (full-time students taking 12 or more credits per semester) | $1,259 per credit hour (part-time students taking less than 12 credits per semester); $15,108 per semester (full-time students taking 12 or more credits per semester) | 46.8% | 55.6% |
5. Savannah State University
The fifth and final school in our rankings of the top MSW programs in Georgia is Savannah State University. Of the 68 graduates who took the ASWB Master’s Exam in 2022, 29 of them passed, equating to a 42.6% pass rate.
Meanwhile, graduates attained a pass rate of 32.1% on the Clinical Exam, with 17 out of 53 passing the test.
Savannah State University offers multiple track through which you can earn your MSW degree, including:
- One-Year, Full-Time Advanced Standing
- Two-Year, Full-Time Regular Standing
- Three-Year, Part-Time Regular Standing
Additionally, you can choose from one of two specializations: Clinical Social Work or Social Administration. You may also opt to pursue a dual concentration, combining both areas of specialization.
Uniquely, Savannah State University also offers several international learning experiences in countries like:
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Ghana
- Costa Rica
Finally, to gain entry into the Master In Social Work program at this school, you must meet the following admission requirements:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a strong liberal arts foundation; Advanced Standing students must have earned their BSW in the last five years
- Minimum 2.8 GPA in all undergraduate coursework; Advanced Standing students must attain a minimum 3.0 GPA for all undergraduate coursework
- Applicants with a GPA below 2.8 may submit GRE scores to improve their chances of admission
- Submission of application essay
- Two letters of reference
| In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | ASWB Masters Exam Pass Rate | ASWB Clinical Exam Pass Rate |
| $196 per credit hour (part-time students enrolled in less than 12 credits per semester); $2,343 per semester (full-time students enrolled in 12 or more credits per semester) | $726 per credit hour (part-time students enrolled in less than 12 credits per semester); $8,709 per semester (full-time students enrolled in 12 or more credits per semester) | 42.6% | 32.1% |
Is An MSW Program In Georgia Right For You?
Explore Social Work Degrees
While there aren’t a ton of MSW programs in Georgia to choose from, picking the right one for you can still be a challenge. After reading this article, you should have a better idea of the upsides and drawbacks of all the top programs in the state.
While Kennesaw State University boasts the highest ASWB Exam pass rates, University of Georgia offers more flexible degree formats and three areas of specialization.
Meanwhile, Valdosta State University only offers hybrid pathways, which may be best for working professionals looking to advance their education.
Furthermore, Georgia State provides several learning formats and places an emphasis on community partnerships, while Savannah State University offers international study options.
Overall, choosing the best MSW program in Georgia will depend on your personal priorities, goals, and interests.
Of course, if you didn’t see a program in these rankings that quite piqued your interest, you’re not limited to earning your Master’s of Social Work in this state. In fact, you may want to explore online degree options, which typically offer more flexibility and affordability than traditional programs.
To find an MSW program suited to your needs, fill out this form and we’ll help you get started!
Georgia MSW Programs FAQs
How Much Does An MSW Make In Georgia?
The average annual MSW salary in Georgia is $69,900. Salaries typically range anywhere from $57,298 to $83,587 per year.
What GPA Do You Need For The MSW Program At University of Georgia (UGA)?
The minimum GPA requirement for UGA (University of Georgia) is 3.0 in all undergraduate coursework for Regular Standing students.
However, Advanced Standing students require a minimum 3.2 GPA in all undergraduate coursework.
How Much Is The MSW Program At UGA?
For in-state, part-time students taking less than 12 credits per semester, the MSW program at UGA costs $402 per credit hour. Meanwhile, out-of-state, part-time students will pay $1,091 per credit hour.
For in-state, full-time students taking 12 or more credits per semester, the MSW program at UGA costs $4,824 per semester. On the other hand, out-of-state, full-time students will pay $13,090 per semester.
Finally, both in-state and out-of-state students enrolled in UGA’s online MSW program pay $629 per credit hour.
What Is The Ranking of The MSW Program At UGA?
Based on ASWB Master’s Exam pass rates, UGA ranks as the second-best MSW program in Georgia. Graduates from this school attained a 72.3% pass rate on the Master’s Exam, and a 73.9% pass rate on the Clinical Exam.
UGA was just edged out for the top spot in the rankings by Kennesaw State University, whose graduates attained a 73.3% Master’s Exam pass rate and 73.9% Clinical Exam pass rate.
By far, UGA and Kennesaw State performed the best on these exams in Georgia. In fact, the next closest school, Valdosta State University, achieved a 48.8% pass rate on the Master’s Exam.
