Arkansas · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Fayetteville, AR (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Fayetteville, Arkansas (population 101,680) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city . 3 Arkansas programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Arkansas licensure.
Best MSW programs in Fayetteville, AR
Accredited programs with a campus in Fayetteville, AR, 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 Fayetteville, AR
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR, AR · CSWE-accredited since 2003 · Online or On-Campus
6.0
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
University of Arkansas has held CSWE accreditation since 2003, 23 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Fayetteville, AR). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 dual-degree option.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.8
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Fayetteville, AR
Arkansas-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Fayetteville, AR residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | 1969 | Yes | #73 |
| University of Arkansas | 2003 | Yes | #179 |
| Arkansas State University | 2008 | Yes | #230 |
How much do social workers make in Fayetteville, AR in 2026?
Fayetteville, Arkansas sits within the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 570 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is mental health & substance abuse social workers at a $96,420 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 | 150 | $58,900 | $35,140 – $82,940 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 130 | $96,420 | $48,030 – $108,070 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 190 | $47,990 | $36,140 – $68,810 |
| Social workers, all other | 100 | $89,610 | $42,100 – $113,920 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 410 | $59,250 | $38,030 – $101,620 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Fayetteville, AR earn a median of $47,990 versus $43,330 statewide in Arkansas and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Arkansas median.
Where do social workers work in Fayetteville, AR in 2026?
Fayetteville, Arkansas sits in Washington County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Arisa Health (Ozark Guidance)
- Washington Regional Medical Center
- Fayetteville Public Schools
- University of Arkansas
- Arkansas Department of Human Services
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 Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Fayetteville, AR?
After an MSW from Fayetteville, AR or anywhere, these are the Arkansas social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) | Master of Social Work | 4000 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) | Master of Social Work | — | Masters |
| Licensed Social Worker (LSW) | Bachelor of Social Work | — | Bachelors |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Arkansas state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Fayetteville, AR?
How much do social workers earn in Fayetteville, AR?
Can I earn an MSW online from Fayetteville, AR?
What license do MSW graduates need in Arkansas?
MSW programs in other Arkansas 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 Arkansas license requirements.
Published 2026-06-12; last updated 2026-06-23. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.