Alabama · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Montgomery, AL (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Montgomery, Alabama (population 195,287) has 2 CSWE-accredited MSW programs based in the city , with 1 more accredited program within about 60 miles. 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 Montgomery, AL
Accredited programs with a campus in Montgomery, 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 Montgomery, AL
Alabama State University
Montgomery, AL, AL · CSWE-accredited since 2015 · Online or On-Campus
5.8
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Alabama State University has held CSWE accreditation since 2015, 11 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Montgomery, AL). It records 2 concentrations (Forensic Social Work; Mental Health). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Forensic Social Work, Mental Health
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.3
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 6.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 In Montgomery, AL
Troy University
Troy, AL, AL · CSWE-accredited since 2013 · Online or On-Campus
5.4
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Troy University has held CSWE accreditation since 2013, 13 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Troy, AL; Montgomery, AL). It records 2 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Management or Administration). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Management or Administration
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.6
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.9
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 6.0
Best MSW programs near Montgomery, AL
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Montgomery, AL, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Auburn · ~48 mi
Auburn University
Auburn, AL, AL · CSWE-accredited since 2017 · Online or On-Campus
5.5
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Auburn University has held CSWE accreditation since 2017, 9 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Auburn, 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 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.1
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Montgomery, AL
Alabama-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Montgomery, 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 Montgomery, AL in 2026?
Montgomery, Alabama sits within the Montgomery, AL metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 930 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $58,410 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 | 260 | $58,410 | $37,740 – $76,160 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 50 | $42,910 | $35,830 – $48,790 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 620 | $50,240 | $38,450 – $80,110 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 380 | $70,900 | $45,990 – $110,560 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Montgomery, AL earn a median of $50,240 versus $46,660 statewide in Alabama and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Alabama median.
Where do social workers work in Montgomery, AL in 2026?
Montgomery, Alabama sits in Montgomery County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Montgomery Area Mental Health Authority
- Baptist Health and Jackson Hospital
- Montgomery Public Schools
- Alabama Department of Human Resources
- Family Guidance Center of Alabama
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 Montgomery, AL; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Montgomery, AL?
After an MSW from Montgomery, 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 Montgomery, AL?
How much do social workers earn in Montgomery, AL?
Can I earn an MSW online from Montgomery, 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.