Arkansas · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Little Rock, AR (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Little Rock, Arkansas (population 203,842) 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 Little Rock, AR
Accredited programs with a campus in Little Rock, 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 Little Rock, AR
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR, AR · CSWE-accredited since 1969 · Online or On-Campus
7.9
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
University of Arkansas at Little Rock has held CSWE accreditation since 1969, 57 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Little Rock, AR). It records 2 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Macro Social Work). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 2 dual-degree options and 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 8.8
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 8.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Little Rock, AR
Arkansas-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Little Rock, 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 Little Rock, AR in 2026?
Little Rock, Arkansas sits within the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 1,610 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $87,710 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 | 560 | $60,470 | $38,370 – $75,260 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 450 | $51,320 | $41,540 – $91,990 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 280 | $44,610 | $36,140 – $59,470 |
| Social workers, all other | 320 | $87,710 | $37,600 – $118,710 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 930 | $60,430 | $40,240 – $101,460 |
How local pay compares
Healthcare social workers around Little Rock, AR earn a median of $60,470 versus $55,640 statewide in Arkansas and $69,060 nationally. That is at or above the Arkansas median.
Where do social workers work in Little Rock, AR in 2026?
Little Rock, Arkansas sits in Pulaski County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Arkansas Department of Human Services (state headquarters)
- UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital
- Little Rock School District
- Centers for Youth and Families
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock
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 Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Little Rock, AR?
After an MSW from Little Rock, 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 Little Rock, AR?
How much do social workers earn in Little Rock, AR?
Can I earn an MSW online from Little Rock, 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.