Arizona · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Tucson, AZ (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Tucson, Arizona (population 547,239) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city . 3 Arizona programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Arizona licensure.
Best MSW programs in Tucson, AZ
Accredited programs with a campus in Tucson, AZ, 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 Tucson, AZ National #4 Online #4
Arizona State University
Phoenix, AZ, AZ · CSWE-accredited since 1965 · Online or On-Campus
9.8
5 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online option Carnegie R1Why it ranks here
Arizona State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1965, 61 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Phoenix, AZ; Tucson, AZ; Glendale, AZ; and more). It records 5 concentrations (Advanced Generalist; Clinical or Direct Practice; Community Development and Social Systems; and more). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 3 dual-degree options and 3 embedded certificates. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist, Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Management or Administration, Social Policy
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 9.3
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 10.0
- Delivery format (18%) 10.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Tucson, AZ
Arizona-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Tucson, AZ residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | 1965 | Yes | #4 |
| Northern Arizona University | 2018 | Yes | #329 |
| Grand Canyon University | 2019 | Yes | #334 |
How much do social workers make in Tucson, AZ in 2026?
Tucson, Arizona sits within the Tucson, AZ metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 2,940 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $65,220 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 | 460 | $60,030 | $45,680 – $91,670 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 510 | $48,370 | $38,730 – $59,820 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 1,570 | $47,010 | $38,390 – $62,270 |
| Social workers, all other | 400 | $65,220 | $42,810 – $111,530 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 570 | $74,260 | $44,990 – $112,310 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Tucson, AZ earn a median of $47,010 versus $50,150 statewide in Arizona and $67,310 nationally. That is below the Arizona median.
Where do social workers work in Tucson, AZ in 2026?
Tucson, Arizona sits in Pima County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Pima County Behavioral Health
- Banner-University Medical Center Tucson and TMC HealthCare
- Tucson Unified School District
- La Frontera Arizona
- Arizona’s Children Association
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 Tucson, AZ; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Tucson, AZ?
After an MSW from Tucson, AZ or anywhere, these are the Arizona social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) | Bachelor of Social Work | — | Bachelors |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3200 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | — | Masters |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Arizona state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Tucson, AZ?
How much do social workers earn in Tucson, AZ?
Can I earn an MSW online from Tucson, AZ?
What license do MSW graduates need in Arizona?
MSW programs in other Arizona 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 Arizona license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.