Last updated: February 25, 2026

Best MSW Programs in Georgia (2026)

Every CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work program in Georgia for 2026, with tuition, LMSW/LCSW licensure requirements, salary data, and field placement details.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington — Seattle

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia has 7 CSWE-accredited MSW programs across the state, including 5 public universities and 2 private institutions, with in-state tuition as low as $196/credit at Savannah State University.
  • The LCSW requires 3,000 supervised clinical hours (minimum 3 years) after your MSW, plus the ASWB Clinical exam. The LMSW requires only the MSW degree and the ASWB Masters exam — no post-degree experience.
  • Georgia social workers earn below the national median across most specialties, but the state's low cost of living offsets much of the gap. Healthcare social workers in the Atlanta metro earn a mean of $59,110+.
  • Georgia has 114 of 159 counties (72%) designated as mental health HPSAs, creating strong demand for licensed social workers in rural and underserved communities.
  • The Georgia Behavioral Health Provider Loan Repayment Program offers up to $80,000 for LCSWs who commit to 4 years in a shortage area, and the BHP Service Cancelable Loan provides up to $20,000/year for MSW students.

Georgia offers 7 CSWE-accredited MSW programs spanning the state from Atlanta to Valdosta, with public university tuition starting at just $196/credit for in-state residents. Whether you want a traditional on-campus experience in downtown Atlanta, a fully online program from Albany State University or the University of Georgia, or a hybrid evening format in south Georgia, there is an option that fits your schedule and budget.

After graduation, Georgia offers two social work license levels: the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The LMSW is available immediately upon passing the ASWB Masters exam — no post-degree supervised experience required. The LCSW requires 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice over a minimum of 3 years, plus the ASWB Clinical exam. Both licenses are issued by the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists.

Georgia's social work job market is driven by acute shortage: 72% of the state's 159 counties are designated mental health HPSAs. Major employers include the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) with its five state hospitals, Grady Health System, Emory Healthcare, WellStar Health System, and Piedmont Healthcare. The state also funds two significant financial incentives — a loan repayment program offering up to $80,000 and a service-cancelable loan of up to $20,000 per year for MSW students.

CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in Georgia

School Tuition (In-State) Format Length Accreditation
University of Georgia $645/credit (online); ~$380/credit (on-campus) On-campus (Athens), fully online, or UGA Gwinnett campus 2 years (60 credits) Full CSWE
Georgia State University $408/credit (on-campus); $450/credit (online) On-campus (Atlanta) or fully online 2 years (50 credits) Full CSWE
Kennesaw State University $303/credit Hybrid (on-campus + online components) 2 years (60 credits) Full CSWE
Clark Atlanta University $1,068/credit (private, flat rate) On-campus or online 2 years (60 credits) Full CSWE
Savannah State University $196/credit On-campus 2 years (60 credits) Full CSWE
Albany State University $197/credit Fully online 2 years (64 credits) Full CSWE
Valdosta State University $260/credit On-campus (evening), part-time campus (evening), or hybrid (online + monthly campus intensives) 2 years Full CSWE

University of Georgia

Athens

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$645/credit (online); ~$380/credit (on-campus)

Out-of-State

$645/credit (online, flat rate); ~$1,050/credit (on-campus)

Format

On-campus (Athens), fully online, or UGA Gwinnett campus

Full-Time

2 years (60 credits)

Advanced Standing

1 year

Field Hours

912 (312 generalist + 600 specialization)

Concentrations

Micro Practice (Clinical), Macro Practice (Community), Integrated Practice (Micro + Macro)

  • Ranked among the top public MSW programs in the Southeast
  • Fully online MSW charges a flat $645/credit regardless of residency
  • Three specializations including an integrated micro/macro track
  • Available on the Athens campus, online, and at UGA Gwinnett
  • MSW/MPH and MSW/JD dual degree options available
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Georgia State University

Atlanta

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$408/credit (on-campus); $450/credit (online)

Out-of-State

$1,098/credit (on-campus); $450/credit (online)

Format

On-campus (Atlanta) or fully online

Full-Time

2 years (50 credits)

Advanced Standing

1 year (39 credits)

Field Hours

900

Concentrations

Community Partnerships, Mental Health and Wellness

  • Located in downtown Atlanta with access to major urban agencies and hospitals
  • Only MSW program in the U.S. with a Community Partnerships specialization
  • New Mental Health and Wellness specialization prepares graduates for LCSW
  • Part of the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
  • Advanced standing track completable in 3 semesters
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 2.5

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw

In-State Tuition

$303/credit

Out-of-State

$1,066/credit

Format

Hybrid (on-campus + online components)

Full-Time

2 years (60 credits)

Advanced Standing

1 year (hybrid)

Field Hours

1,000 (2 days/week generalist + 3 days/week clinical)

Concentrations

Clinical Practice

  • Highest LMSW and LCSW exam pass rates in Georgia (2022)
  • Clinical practice concentration with electives in crisis intervention and child/adolescent practice
  • Charged for only 12 credit hours per semester despite 15-credit-hour courseload
  • Field placements across the Greater Atlanta metropolitan area
  • Hybrid format with both on-campus and online components
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Clark Atlanta University

Atlanta

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$1,068/credit (private, flat rate)

Out-of-State

$1,068/credit (private, flat rate)

Format

On-campus or online

Full-Time

2 years (60 credits)

Advanced Standing

1 year (33 credits)

Field Hours

900 (400 foundation + 500 concentration)

Concentrations

Children and Families, Health/Mental Health

  • HBCU with the historic Whitney M. Young Jr. School of Social Work
  • Named for civil rights leader and National Urban League president Whitney M. Young Jr.
  • Two distinct clinical concentrations in children/families and health/mental health
  • Part of the Atlanta University Center, the largest consortium of HBCUs in the nation
  • Advanced standing requires only 33 credits with a 3.2 GPA from a CSWE-accredited BSW
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 2.5 (regular); 3.2 (advanced standing)

Savannah State University

Savannah

In-State Tuition

$196/credit

Out-of-State

$726/credit

Format

On-campus

Full-Time

2 years (60 credits)

Advanced Standing

1 year

Field Hours

900 (21 credit hours of practicum)

Concentrations

Advanced Clinical Practice, Social Administration

  • Most affordable MSW program in Georgia at $196/credit for in-state students
  • HBCU offering two distinct specializations: clinical practice and social administration
  • Located in historic Savannah with field placements across coastal Georgia
  • Day-only field placements structured around traditional agency schedules
  • Small cohort sizes allowing close faculty mentorship
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 2.5

Albany State University

Albany

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$197/credit

Out-of-State

$799/credit

Format

Fully online

Full-Time

2 years (64 credits)

Advanced Standing

1 year

Field Hours

900

Concentrations

Clinical Practice with Children and Families

  • Fully online CSWE-accredited MSW at one of the lowest tuition rates in the state
  • HBCU specializing in clinical social work with children and families across the lifespan
  • Focuses on child welfare, foster care, adoption, and mental health services
  • Located in southwest Georgia, serving one of the state's most underserved regions
  • Field placements can be arranged near the student's home community
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 2.5

Valdosta State University

Valdosta

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$260/credit

Out-of-State

$961/credit

Format

On-campus (evening), part-time campus (evening), or hybrid (online + monthly campus intensives)

Full-Time

2 years

Advanced Standing

1 year

Field Hours

900 (17 credit hours of practicum)

Concentrations

Advanced Generalist Practice

  • Three flexible MSW formats: full-time campus, part-time campus, and hybrid online
  • Evening classes on all campus-based formats for working professionals
  • Most affordable advanced standing MSW option in Georgia
  • Hybrid cohort format blends online coursework with monthly campus intensives
  • Serves south Georgia, one of the state's most acute mental health shortage regions
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0

Social Work Licensure Requirements in Georgia

Georgia issues two levels of social work licensure through the Georgia Secretary of State's Office. The LMSW is the entry-level master's license, and the LCSW is the advanced clinical license required for independent practice, private practice, and diagnosing mental health conditions.

A key advantage of Georgia's LMSW is that it requires no post-degree supervised experience. You can apply immediately after completing your MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and passing the ASWB Masters exam. Georgia allows recent MSW graduates to practice for up to one year under supervision while preparing for the licensing exam. Both licenses require renewal every two years with 35 hours of continuing education, including 5 hours in ethics.

License Full Name Supervised Hours Exam
LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker N/A (associate level) ASWB Masters
LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker 3,000 hrs (3 years min) ASWB Clinical

Georgia does not offer reciprocity or endorsement-based licensure for out-of-state social workers. All applicants must apply as if for initial licensure and meet Georgia's education, examination, and experience requirements. However, if you have already passed the appropriate ASWB exam and your supervised hours meet Georgia's standards, you will not need to re-take the exam or accumulate new hours. You must submit verification of your out-of-state license, two professional references, and a background check through the Georgia Secretary of State.

Licensing Board

Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage & Family Therapists

Phone: 478-207-2440

Board Website → Verify a License →

Social Worker Salary in Georgia

Georgia social workers generally earn below the national median, but the state's significantly lower cost of living — particularly outside the Atlanta metro — offsets much of the gap. A social worker earning $52,000 in rural Georgia often has comparable purchasing power to someone earning $65,000+ in a high-cost state. Within the Atlanta metro area, salaries are notably higher and approach or exceed national averages. All salary data below is from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Occupation State Median National Median Premium Top Metro
Child, Family, and School Social Workers $49,530 $58,570 -15.4% $60,460 (Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell)
Healthcare Social Workers $57,940 $68,090 -14.9% $59,110 (Athens-Clarke County)
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $47,820 $60,060 -20.4% $59,630 (Augusta-Richmond County)

Georgia Social Work Job Market and Workforce

Georgia has 114 of its 159 counties (72%) designated as mental health Health Professional Shortage Areas, and only about 41% of adults with mental illness in the state receive treatment. The shortage is most severe in rural south and southwest Georgia, where some counties have virtually no mental health providers. The state population of over 10.6 million is growing rapidly, further straining an already thin behavioral health workforce.

Major employers for social workers include the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) and its Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) which operates five state hospitals, Grady Health System (Atlanta's safety-net hospital), Emory Healthcare, WellStar Health System, Piedmont Healthcare, the Atlanta VA Health Care System, and numerous community mental health centers funded by DBHDD across the state. Georgia's expanding Medicaid landscape and behavioral health integration efforts are creating new positions in community health centers and integrated care teams statewide.

Loan Repayment and Scholarship Programs

  • Georgia Behavioral Health Provider Loan Repayment Program (GBHPLRP) — Up to $80,000 for LCSWs (or $40,000 for LMSWs without doctoral degrees) who commit to 4 years of full-time practice in a Mental Health HPSA in Georgia. Requires 40 hours/week with 32 hours of direct patient contact.
  • Behavioral Health Professions Service Cancelable Loan (BHP SCL) — Up to $20,000/year for MSW students enrolled in eligible Georgia programs. The loan is forgiven year-for-year when graduates work full-time in an eligible behavioral health position in Georgia.
  • National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program — Up to $75,000 in federal loan repayment for LCSWs serving at NHSC-approved sites in Health Professional Shortage Areas for an initial 2-year commitment, with extensions available.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — Social workers at Georgia DHS, DBHDD, VA hospitals, Grady Health System, and nonprofit health systems all qualify for federal PSLF after 10 years of qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan.

How to Choose an MSW Program in Georgia

Georgia's 7 MSW programs span a wide range of formats, price points, and specializations. Most of the decision comes down to where you live, how much you can pay, and whether you need to study online.

  • If you want the best value as a Georgia resident: Savannah State ($196/credit) and Albany State ($197/credit) are the most affordable MSW programs in the state. Albany State's fully online format adds extra flexibility.
  • If you want the strongest overall program: The University of Georgia offers three specializations, dual degree options (MSW/MPH, MSW/JD), and a nationally recognized research faculty. The online MSW charges a flat $645/credit regardless of residency.
  • If you want to study in Atlanta: Georgia State University and Clark Atlanta University are both located in the heart of Atlanta, with access to Grady Health System, Emory, and hundreds of placement sites. GSU's Community Partnerships specialization is unique nationally.
  • If you need a fully online program: Albany State (fully online, $197/credit in-state), UGA (fully online, $645/credit flat), and Clark Atlanta (online, $1,068/credit) all offer CSWE-accredited online MSW programs.
  • If you want to work full-time while studying: Valdosta State offers evening-only classes in all campus formats, Kennesaw State uses a hybrid model, and multiple programs offer part-time tracks stretching over 3 years.
  • If you have a BSW and want to finish fast: All 7 programs offer advanced standing for BSW holders. Clark Atlanta's advanced standing is just 33 credits, and most programs can be completed in 1 year.
  • If you want to serve underserved communities: Albany State and Savannah State are HBCUs located in underserved regions of Georgia. The BHP SCL loan and GBHPLRP loan repayment programs specifically incentivize work in shortage areas.

Related Pages

Best Online MSW Programs

National ranking of top online MSW programs

Best Online BSW Programs

Undergraduate social work programs

Best Online DSW Programs

Doctoral programs for experienced social workers

Clinical Social Worker Career Guide

What LCSWs actually do day-to-day

Clinical Social Worker Salary

Salary data by state and experience level

MSW Programs by State

Browse MSW programs in all 50 states

Frequently Asked Questions

Georgia has 7 CSWE-accredited MSW programs: University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Clark Atlanta University, Savannah State University, Albany State University, and Valdosta State University. Five are public universities with in-state tuition ranging from $196-$645/credit, and two are private institutions (Clark Atlanta at $1,068/credit). All 7 prepare graduates for LMSW and LCSW licensure in Georgia.
To become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Georgia, you need an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and a passing score on the ASWB Masters exam. No post-degree supervised experience is required. For the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), you need the MSW plus 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice over a minimum of 3 years (with the first 2,000 hours under supervision and direction), 120 hours of documented face-to-face supervision (at least 50% from an LCSW), and a passing score on the ASWB Clinical exam. Georgia allows 3 attempts to pass each exam.
Savannah State University is the most affordable MSW in Georgia at $196 per credit hour for in-state students, with a total 2-year cost of roughly $11,760 for the 60-credit program before fees. Albany State University is a close second at $197/credit with the added benefit of being fully online. For comparison, other public options range from $260/credit (Valdosta State) to $408/credit (Georgia State on-campus), while Clark Atlanta University, a private HBCU, charges $1,068/credit regardless of residency.
Yes. Three Georgia universities offer fully online CSWE-accredited MSW programs: Albany State University ($197/credit in-state, $799/credit out-of-state), the University of Georgia ($645/credit flat rate for all students), and Clark Atlanta University ($1,068/credit flat rate). Georgia State University also offers a part-time online track. All online programs still require in-person field placement hours (typically 900 hours) at an approved site near you.
Georgia social workers earn below the national median but benefit from a lower cost of living. BLS May 2024 data shows: child, family, and school social workers earn a median of $49,530 (national: $58,570), healthcare social workers earn $57,940 (national: $68,090), and mental health social workers earn $47,820 (national: $60,060). In the Atlanta metro area, salaries are significantly higher — child and family social workers earn a mean of $60,460. LCSWs in private practice or specialized healthcare settings can earn considerably more.
Yes. The Georgia Behavioral Health Provider Loan Repayment Program offers up to $80,000 for doctoral-level LCSWs (or $40,000 for master's-level LCSWs) who commit to 4 years of full-time practice in a mental health HPSA. The BHP Service Cancelable Loan provides up to $20,000/year for MSW students, forgiven year-for-year with Georgia employment. Federal programs like NHSC Loan Repayment (up to $75,000) and PSLF also apply to Georgia social workers at qualifying employers.
Georgia does not offer reciprocity or endorsement for out-of-state social work licenses. All applicants must apply for initial licensure through the Georgia Composite Board. However, if you have already passed the appropriate ASWB exam (Masters for LMSW, Clinical for LCSW) and your supervised experience meets Georgia's requirements, you will not need to re-take the exam or accumulate new hours. You will need to submit license verification, two professional references, and a background check.
Yes, all 7 Georgia MSW programs offer advanced standing for BSW holders from CSWE-accredited programs. Advanced standing typically reduces the program to about 1 year (30-39 credits depending on the school). Clark Atlanta requires only 33 credits with a minimum 3.2 GPA, while most other programs require a 3.0. Field placement hours are also reduced for advanced standing students, typically to around 500 hours. Most programs require your BSW to be earned within the past 5-7 years.