Arkansas · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Fort Smith, AR (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Fort Smith, Arkansas (population 89,770) has no MSW campus within city limits , with 1 more accredited program within about 60 miles. 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 Fort Smith, AR
No CSWE-accredited MSW program currently lists a campus inside Fort Smith, AR. See the nearby and online options below.
Best MSW programs near Fort Smith, AR
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Fort Smith, AR, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Fayetteville · ~51 mi
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 Fort Smith, AR
Arkansas-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Fort Smith, 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 Fort Smith, AR in 2026?
Fort Smith, Arkansas sits within the Fort Smith, AR-OK metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 280 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $50,970 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 | 70 | $50,970 | $30,680 – $74,100 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 40 | $46,430 | $37,510 – $89,170 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 170 | $42,990 | $35,560 – $58,840 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 140 | $55,450 | $37,510 – $78,650 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Fort Smith, AR earn a median of $42,990 versus $43,330 statewide in Arkansas and $67,310 nationally. That is below the Arkansas median.
Where do social workers work in Fort Smith, AR in 2026?
Fort Smith, Arkansas sits in Sebastian County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Arisa Health (Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center)
- Mercy Hospital Fort Smith and Baptist Health-Fort Smith
- Fort Smith Public Schools
- Sebastian County government
- 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 Fort Smith, AR-OK; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Fort Smith, AR?
After an MSW from Fort Smith, 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 Fort Smith, AR?
How much do social workers earn in Fort Smith, AR?
Can I earn an MSW online from Fort Smith, 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.