Alabama · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Huntsville, AL (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Huntsville, Alabama (population 225,564) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city . 6 Alabama programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Alabama licensure.
Best MSW programs in Huntsville, AL
Accredited programs with a campus in Huntsville, 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 In Huntsville, AL
Alabama A&M University
Normal, AL, AL · CSWE-accredited since 1996 · On-Campus
6.2
3 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy 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
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
Online MSW programs available in Huntsville, AL
Alabama-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Huntsville, AL residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama | 1969 | Yes | #37 |
| Samford University | 2014 | Yes | #201 |
| Alabama State University | 2015 | Yes | #203 |
| Auburn University | 2017 | Yes | #246 |
| Troy University | 2013 | Yes | #258 |
| University of North Alabama | 2020 | Yes | #305 |
How much do social workers make in Huntsville, AL in 2026?
Huntsville, Alabama sits within the Huntsville, AL metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 590 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $62,560 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).
| Occupation | Employed | Median wage | Typical range (10th–90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare social workers | 230 | $62,560 | $45,580 – $76,160 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 360 | $46,860 | $39,210 – $69,000 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 180 | $74,400 | $46,850 – $127,250 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Huntsville, AL earn a median of $46,860 versus $46,660 statewide in Alabama and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Alabama median.
Where do social workers work in Huntsville, AL in 2026?
Huntsville, Alabama sits in Madison County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- WellStone (Mental Health Center of Madison County)
- Huntsville Hospital
- Madison County Department of Human Resources
- Huntsville City Schools
- Alabama A&M University
Representative local employers known to operate in the area; illustrative, not an exhaustive or BLS-sourced list.
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 Huntsville, AL; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Huntsville, AL?
After an MSW from Huntsville, AL or anywhere, these are the Alabama social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) | Bachelor of Social Work | Two years required number of hours not specified | Bachelors |
| Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Masters |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Alabama state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Huntsville, AL?
How much do social workers earn in Huntsville, AL?
Can I earn an MSW online from Huntsville, AL?
What license do MSW graduates need in Alabama?
MSW programs in other Alabama cities
Sources
- CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs for program accreditation, campuses, and structure.
- U.S. Census Bureau 2023 Gazetteer (city coordinates) and Population Estimates Program (population).
- ASWB social work licensure database for Alabama license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.