Last updated: February 25, 2026

Best MSW Programs in North Dakota (2026)

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

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

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

Key Takeaways

  • North Dakota has 2 CSWE-accredited MSW programs: the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks (on-campus and online, accredited since 1991) and the University of Mary in Bismarck (fully online, CSWE candidacy achieved 2024).
  • UND's in-state tuition is approximately $390/credit (~$23,444 total for 60 credits), while the University of Mary charges a flat $620/credit (~$37,200 total for 60 credits) regardless of residency.
  • North Dakota social workers earn above the national median for child, family, and school social work ($61,160 vs. $58,570 nationally), driven by strong demand in rural communities and the oil-producing western region of the state.
  • The LICSW requires 3,000 supervised clinical hours within 4 years after your MSW, at least 150 hours of face-to-face supervision, and a passing score on the ASWB Clinical exam.
  • North Dakota faces critical behavioral health workforce shortages across most rural counties. Oil region communities frequently offer signing bonuses, and the North Dakota State Loan Repayment Program provides up to $40,000 for clinicians serving in shortage areas.

North Dakota offers two CSWE-accredited MSW programs, providing prospective social workers with choices between the University of North Dakota's long-established program in Grand Forks and the University of Mary's newer online program based in Bismarck. Both programs prepare graduates for licensure at every level in North Dakota's four-tier system: LBSW, LMSW, LCSW, and LICSW.

The University of North Dakota has offered its MSW since 1991 and provides on-campus, online, and advanced standing options with an advanced generalist concentration. UND's program is the only in-state MSW offering both on-campus and online delivery, and it is the state's most established pathway to clinical licensure. The University of Mary launched its MSW in fall 2024, achieving CSWE candidacy status, with tracks in clinical and macro practice and leadership.

North Dakota operates a four-tier social work licensing system overseen by the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners (NDBSWE). The state's vast rural landscape, persistent behavioral health workforce shortages, and the economic influence of the oil industry in western counties create strong demand and competitive compensation for MSW-prepared social workers, particularly in community mental health, child welfare, healthcare, and substance abuse treatment settings.

CSWE-Accredited MSW Programs in North Dakota

School Tuition (In-State) Format Length Accreditation
University of North Dakota $390.73/credit (~$23,444 total for 60 credits) On-campus (Grand Forks) or online (synchronous, live sessions) 2 years (60 credits) CSWE-accredited
University of Mary $620/credit (~$37,200 total for 60 credits) Fully online (synchronous and asynchronous) 3 years / 9 semesters (60 credits) CSWE-accredited

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$390.73/credit (~$23,444 total for 60 credits)

Out-of-State

$586.10/credit (~$35,166 total for 60 credits)

Format

On-campus (Grand Forks) or online (synchronous, live sessions)

Full-Time

2 years (60 credits)

Advanced Standing

1 year (36 credits)

Field Hours

950 (four practica totaling 950 hours across generalist and specialization)

Concentrations

Advanced Generalist Practice

  • North Dakota's longest-established MSW program, CSWE-accredited since 1991
  • Online MSW offered at the same tuition rate regardless of residency with live synchronous web classes
  • Advanced standing option for BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs (36 credits, 3 semesters)
  • Field placements coordinated across North Dakota and surrounding states, with 950 hours of site-based practice
  • Advanced generalist curriculum tailored to the unique social service needs of the Northern Plains region
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 3.0 (overall or in last two years of undergraduate work)

University of Mary

Bismarck

Online Available

In-State Tuition

$620/credit (~$37,200 total for 60 credits)

Out-of-State

$620/credit (~$37,200 total for 60 credits)

Format

Fully online (synchronous and asynchronous)

Full-Time

3 years / 9 semesters (60 credits)

Advanced Standing

1.3 years / 4 semesters (30 credits)

Field Hours

900 (generalist and specialization combined)

Concentrations

Clinical Social Work, Macro Practice and Leadership

  • Newest MSW program in North Dakota, launched fall 2024 with CSWE candidacy status
  • Fully online format accessible from anywhere, with synchronous and asynchronous course delivery
  • Two specialized tracks: clinical social work or macro practice and leadership
  • Flat tuition rate of $620/credit regardless of residency
  • Integrates Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine values into social work education, with a focus on addressing behavioral health workforce shortages
Visit Program Website → GRE: Not required · Min GPA: 2.75 (cumulative undergraduate GPA)

Social Work Licensure Requirements in North Dakota

North Dakota operates a four-tier social work licensing system under the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners (NDBSWE), established in 1983. The four license types are LBSW (bachelor's level), LMSW (master's level), LCSW (clinical level), and LICSW (independent clinical). All licenses require passing the appropriate ASWB exam and a criminal background check.

The LICSW is the highest credential and authorizes independent clinical practice, psychotherapy, diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions, and the ability to open a private practice. The LCSW allows clinical practice under supervision. Only LICSW holders may practice privately in North Dakota. All licenses must be renewed biennially by December 31 of odd-numbered years, requiring 30 hours of continuing education per renewal cycle.

License Full Name Supervised Hours Exam
LICSW Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker 3,000 hrs (4 years maximum to complete hours min) ASWB Clinical
LCSW Licensed Certified Social Worker N/A (associate level) ASWB Masters
LMSW Licensed Master Social Worker N/A (associate level) ASWB Masters
LBSW Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker N/A (associate level) ASWB Bachelors

North Dakota does not have blanket reciprocity agreements with other states but will consider applicants licensed in other jurisdictions. Out-of-state social workers must submit proof of current licensure in good standing, official transcripts from a CSWE-accredited program, documentation of supervised experience (if applicable to the license level sought), and passing scores on the appropriate ASWB exam. LICSW applicants must document 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience meeting North Dakota's standards, including at least 150 hours of face-to-face supervision. A criminal background check is required for all applicants. The NDBSWE reviews each application individually to determine equivalency.

Licensing Board

North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners (NDBSWE)

Phone: 701-328-0900

Board Website → Verify a License →

Social Worker Salary in North Dakota

North Dakota social workers earn competitive salaries relative to the national median, driven by persistent workforce shortages and the oil economy's impact on wages in western counties. While not the highest-paying state overall, North Dakota's relatively low cost of living and lack of a state income tax on the first $44,725 of income (with a flat rate above that) make effective compensation attractive. 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 $61,160 $58,570 +4.4% $69,260 (Grand Forks)
Healthcare Social Workers $63,960 $68,090 -6.1% $65,660 (Bismarck)
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $57,880 $60,060 -3.6% $66,870 (Bismarck)

North Dakota Social Work Job Market and Workforce

North Dakota faces significant behavioral health workforce shortages across most of its 53 counties. As a large, sparsely populated state with roughly 780,000 residents spread across 70,700 square miles, many communities have limited or no access to mental health services. The HRSA designation data shows that the majority of North Dakota's rural counties qualify as Mental Health Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), particularly in the western oil-producing region.

Major employers of social workers in North Dakota include the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Sanford Health (Fargo and Bismarck), Altru Health System (Grand Forks), CHI St. Alexius Health (Bismarck), the Fargo VA Health Care System, The Village Family Service Center, Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, tribal health programs on the state's 5 reservations, community mental health centers, and school districts statewide. North Dakota's oil-producing western communities (Williston, Dickinson, Watford City) frequently offer signing bonuses and salary premiums to attract behavioral health professionals to these high-demand areas.

Loan Repayment and Scholarship Programs

  • North Dakota State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) — Up to $40,000 in loan repayment for behavioral health providers (including LICSWs) who serve at approved sites in Health Professional Shortage Areas for a 2-year full-time commitment. Awards may be renewed for additional service periods.
  • National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment — Up to $55,000 for licensed behavioral health providers (including LICSWs) serving full-time at approved sites in mental health HPSAs for 2 years, with options to extend. North Dakota has numerous eligible sites, particularly in rural western counties.
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) — Social workers employed at state agencies (DHHS), tribal health programs, VA facilities, community health centers, and other qualifying nonprofit or government employers are eligible for federal PSLF after 120 qualifying payments (10 years) under an income-driven repayment plan.
  • Indian Health Service (IHS) Loan Repayment — Social workers serving in tribal health programs or IHS facilities in North Dakota may qualify for up to $40,000 in loan repayment for a 2-year service commitment, particularly relevant given North Dakota's 5 tribal reservations (Standing Rock, Spirit Lake, Turtle Mountain, Fort Berthold/MHA Nation, and Sisseton-Wahpeton).

How to Choose an MSW Program in North Dakota

With 2 CSWE-accredited MSW programs in North Dakota, your decision comes down to several key factors: whether you prefer on-campus or fully online learning, your concentration preference, tuition and budget considerations, and program maturity.

  • If you want on-campus classes and a traditional experience: The University of North Dakota in Grand Forks is your only option for in-person MSW education in North Dakota. UND's campus program features live instruction and access to faculty in the Department of Social Work.
  • If you need a fully online program: Both UND and the University of Mary offer online MSW options. UND's online program uses live synchronous web classes (typically evenings and weekends) and requires two campus residencies. The University of Mary is fully online with both synchronous and asynchronous course delivery.
  • If you want to choose between clinical and macro concentrations: The University of Mary offers two distinct tracks (clinical and macro practice/leadership). UND's program follows an advanced generalist model that integrates both clinical and macro competencies.
  • If you're a North Dakota resident on a budget: UND's in-state tuition at roughly $390/credit ($23,444 total) is the most affordable option, significantly less than the University of Mary's flat $620/credit rate. However, UND's out-of-state rate ($586/credit) narrows the gap for non-residents.
  • If you have a BSW and want to finish fast: UND's advanced standing track takes 1 year (36 credits), while the University of Mary's advanced standing runs approximately 4 semesters (30 credits). Both require a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program.
  • If program accreditation history matters to you: UND has held full CSWE accreditation since 1991 and has a decades-long track record. The University of Mary launched its MSW in fall 2024 and holds CSWE candidacy status; students admitted in fall 2024 or later will be retroactively recognized as graduates of a CSWE-accredited program once initial accreditation is granted.

Related Pages

Best Online MSW Programs

National ranking of the 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

Compare MSW programs across all 50 states

Frequently Asked Questions

North Dakota has 2 CSWE-accredited MSW programs: the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks (offering on-campus and online options, accredited since 1991) and the University of Mary in Bismarck (fully online, CSWE candidacy achieved in 2024). UND is the state's most established MSW program and offers both full-time and advanced standing tracks. The University of Mary launched its MSW in fall 2024 with clinical and macro practice tracks, and students admitted during or after fall 2024 will be retroactively recognized as CSWE-accredited graduates once the program achieves initial accreditation.
To become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in North Dakota, you need: (1) an MSW or higher from a CSWE-accredited program, (2) 3,000 hours of post-master's supervised clinical social work experience completed within a 4-year period, including at least 1,500 hours of direct client contact, (3) at least 150 hours of face-to-face clinical supervision (no more than 50 in a group setting) with a board-approved supervisor, (4) a passing score on the ASWB Clinical exam, and (5) a criminal background check. Only LICSW holders may practice independently and open a private practice in North Dakota.
Yes, both North Dakota MSW programs offer online options. The University of North Dakota provides an online MSW with live synchronous web classes (typically evenings and weekends), two required campus residencies, and 950 hours of field placement at approved sites near you. The University of Mary offers a fully online MSW with both synchronous and asynchronous course delivery and 900 hours of field education. UND's online program charges the same tuition rate regardless of residency, and the University of Mary also charges a flat per-credit rate for all students.
For North Dakota residents, the University of North Dakota is the most affordable option at approximately $390.73 per credit ($23,444 total for the 60-credit program). For out-of-state students, UND charges $586.10 per credit ($35,166 total), while the University of Mary charges a flat rate of $620 per credit ($37,200 total) regardless of residency. UND's advanced standing track (36 credits) is the fastest and most cost-effective path for BSW graduates, totaling approximately $14,066 in-state or $21,100 out-of-state.
North Dakota social workers earn competitive salaries relative to national medians. According to BLS May 2024 data: child, family, and school social workers earn a median of $61,160 (national: $58,570), healthcare social workers earn $63,960 (national: $68,090), and mental health and substance abuse social workers earn $57,880 (national: $60,060). Licensed independent clinical social workers (LICSWs) in North Dakota typically earn higher salaries, with averages in the $70,000-$90,000 range depending on setting, experience, and location. Oil-producing western communities often offer salary premiums and signing bonuses.
Yes. The North Dakota State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) provides up to $40,000 for behavioral health providers (including LICSWs) who serve at approved sites in Health Professional Shortage Areas for a 2-year commitment. The federal NHSC Loan Repayment Program offers up to $55,000 for similar service. Social workers at state agencies, tribal health programs, VA facilities, and community health centers also qualify for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness after 10 years of qualifying payments. IHS loan repayment is available for those serving at tribal health facilities on North Dakota's 5 reservations.
North Dakota distinguishes between the LCSW (Licensed Certified Social Worker) and the LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker). The LCSW is an entry-level clinical credential that requires an MSW and passing the ASWB Masters exam; it allows clinical practice under supervision but does not authorize independent practice or private practice. The LICSW is the advanced clinical credential requiring 3,000 hours of supervised post-master's experience (with 1,500 direct client contact hours and 150 supervision hours) plus the ASWB Clinical exam. Only LICSW holders may practice independently, diagnose mental health conditions, and open a private practice in North Dakota.
Yes, both North Dakota MSW programs offer advanced standing for BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs. The University of North Dakota's advanced standing track requires 36 credits and can be completed in as few as 3 semesters (approximately 1 year) of full-time enrollment, either on-campus or online. The University of Mary's advanced standing track is 30 credits completed over 4 semesters. Both programs require a minimum GPA (3.0 at UND; 2.75 at the University of Mary) and waive generalist-year coursework for students with a CSWE-accredited BSW.