Best MSW Programs near Birmingham, AL (2026)

Best MSW programs in Birmingham, AL

Accredited programs with a campus in Birmingham, AL, ranked by our five-factor model. National and online rank badges appear only for programs in the top 25 (nationally, or among online programs).

1. #1 In Birmingham, AL

   Alabama A&M University

   Normal, AL, AL · CSWE-accredited since 1996  ·  On-Campus

   6.2

   3 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campus

   Why it ranks here

   Alabama A&M University has held CSWE accreditation since 1996, 30 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 2 approved campuses (Normal, AL; Birmingham, AL). It records 3 concentrations (Advanced Generalist; Children, Youth, and Families; Mental Health). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.

   Concentrations

   Advanced Generalist, Children, Youth, and Families, Mental Health

   Program website CSWE directory

   Five-factor score breakdown

   • Accreditation longevity (30%) 5.6
   • Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.1
   • Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
   • Delivery format (18%) 5.0
   • Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
2. #2 In Birmingham, AL

   Samford University

   Birmingham, AL, AL · CSWE-accredited since 2014  ·  Online or On-Campus

   5.9

   1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online option

   Why it ranks here

   Samford University has held CSWE accreditation since 2014, 12 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Birmingham, AL). It records 1 concentration (Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 2 dual-degree options.

   Concentrations

   Clinical or Direct Practice

   Program website CSWE directory

   Five-factor score breakdown

   • Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.4
   • Pathways & laddering (22%) 6.7
   • Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
   • Delivery format (18%) 7.0
   • Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
3. #3 In Birmingham, AL

   University of Alabama at Birmingham

   Birmingham, AL, AL · CSWE-accredited since 2016  ·  On-Campus

   5.1

   2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campus

   Why it ranks here

   University of Alabama at Birmingham has held CSWE accreditation since 2016, 10 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Birmingham, AL). It records 2 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Other). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.

   Concentrations

   Clinical or Direct Practice, Other

   Program website CSWE directory

   Five-factor score breakdown

   • Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.2
   • Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.9
   • Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
   • Delivery format (18%) 4.0
   • Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0

Best MSW programs near Birmingham, AL

Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Birmingham, AL, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.

1. #1 Tuscaloosa · ~47 mi

   University of Alabama

   Tuscaloosa, AL, AL · CSWE-accredited since 1969  ·  Online or On-Campus

   8.7

   2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online option Carnegie R1

   Why it ranks here

   University of Alabama has held CSWE accreditation since 1969, 57 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Tuscaloosa, AL). It records 2 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 2 dual-degree options. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.

   Concentrations

   Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice

   Program website CSWE directory

   Five-factor score breakdown

   • Accreditation longevity (30%) 8.8
   • Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.9
   • Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 10.0
   • Delivery format (18%) 7.0
   • Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0

Online MSW programs available in Birmingham, AL

Alabama-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Birmingham, AL residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.

How much do social workers make in Birmingham, AL in 2026?

Birmingham, Alabama sits within the Birmingham, AL metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 2,180 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $60,980 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).

Nationally, BLS projects social worker employment to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand in healthcare and mental-health settings. Macro roles such as social and community service managers are projected to grow alongside them. See pay by role in our career guides.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) for Birmingham, AL; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.

What kind of social work license do I need in Birmingham, AL?

After an MSW from Birmingham, AL or anywhere, these are the Alabama social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.

Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Alabama state board before applying.