Faith-Based Rankings
Best Faith-Based MSW Programs, Top 15 (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology, MSW Student (Exp. Graduation 2028)
The 15 highest-scoring CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work programs at religiously affiliated institutions. We identify faith affiliation from IPEDS, the federal education dataset, rather than from a school's name, then rank the eligible programs on the same data-driven model used in our national ranking.
The Top 15 Faith-Based MSW Programs
Each score is a weighted composite of five factors computed from the CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs and the institution's Carnegie research classification. Affiliation is from IPEDS and is never part of the score.
- #1 Roman Catholic National #9
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO, MO · CSWE-Accredited since 1930 · Online or On-Campus
9.5
/ 10.0
8 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online option Carnegie R1Why it ranks here
Saint Louis University has held CSWE accreditation since 1930, 96 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Saint Louis, MO). It records 8 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Community Development and Social Systems; Management or Administration; and more). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 4 dual-degree options and 1 embedded certificate. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 10.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 Roman Catholic National #30
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-Accredited since 1921 · Online or On-Campus
8.7
/ 10.0
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Loyola University Chicago has held CSWE accreditation since 1921, 105 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 1 concentration (Other). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 4 dual-degree options and 4 embedded certificates.
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #3 Roman Catholic National #32
Catholic University of America
Washington, DC, DC · CSWE-Accredited since 1923 · Online or On-Campus
8.7
/ 10.0
4 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Catholic University of America has held CSWE accreditation since 1923, 103 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Washington, DC). It records 4 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Community Development and Social Systems; Management or Administration; and more). 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 and 2 embedded certificates.
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #4 Roman Catholic National #46
Fordham University
New York, NY, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1929 · Online or On-Campus
8.5
/ 10.0
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online option Carnegie R2Why it ranks here
Fordham University has held CSWE accreditation since 1929, 97 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (New York, NY; West Harrison, NY). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. A part-time plan of study is available. The program also offers 2 dual-degree options and 2 embedded certificates. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R2 classification for high research activity.
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 8.3
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 7.5
- Delivery format (18%) 9.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 6.0
- #5 Roman Catholic National #61
Marywood University
Scranton, PA, PA · CSWE-Accredited since 1969 · Online or On-Campus
8.0
/ 10.0
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Marywood University has held CSWE accreditation since 1969, 57 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Scranton, PA; Lehigh Valley, PA (1969). 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 2 dual-degree options and 1 embedded certificate.
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 8.8
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 9.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #6 United Methodist National #70
Clark Atlanta University
Atlanta, GA, GA · CSWE-Accredited since 1928 · Online or On-Campus
8.0
/ 10.0
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Clark Atlanta University has held CSWE accreditation since 1928, 98 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Atlanta, GA). It records 2 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; Behavioral Health). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 2 embedded certificates.
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #7 Roman Catholic National #82
Our Lady of the Lake University
San Antonio, TX, TX · CSWE-Accredited since 1945 · Online or On-Campus
7.6
/ 10.0
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Our Lady of the Lake University has held CSWE accreditation since 1945, 81 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (San Antonio, TX; La Fera, TX/Rio Grande Valley). It records 1 concentration (Other). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #8 Seventh Day Adventists National #88
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI, MI · CSWE-Accredited since 1997 · Online or On-Campus
7.4
/ 10.0
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Andrews University has held CSWE accreditation since 1997, 29 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Berrien Springs, MI). 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 4 dual-degree options and 6 embedded certificates.
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 5.5
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #9 Roman Catholic National #93
Barry University
Miami Shores, FL, FL · CSWE-Accredited since 1968 · Online or On-Campus
7.3
/ 10.0
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Barry University has held CSWE accreditation since 1968, 58 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Miami Shores, FL). It records 1 concentration (Trauma). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 9.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #10 Roman Catholic National #98
University of Saint Thomas
Saint Paul, MN, MN · CSWE-Accredited since 1990 · Online or On-Campus
7.2
/ 10.0
3 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
University of Saint Thomas has held CSWE accreditation since 1990, 36 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Saint Paul, MN). It records 3 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Aging and Gerontological Practice; Immigrants and Refugees). 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.
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 6.3
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 8.1
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #11 Baptist National #117
Baylor University
Waco, TX, TX · CSWE-Accredited since 2001 · Online or On-Campus
6.8
/ 10.0
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Baylor University has held CSWE accreditation since 2001, 25 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Waco, TX). It records 2 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Community Development and Social Systems). 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.
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 5.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 8.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #12 Free Methodist National #125
Roberts Wesleyan University
Rochester, NY · CSWE-Accredited since 1997 · Online or On-Campus
6.7
/ 10.0
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Roberts Wesleyan University has held CSWE accreditation since 1997, 29 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Rochester). It records 2 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; 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 dual-degree option.
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 5.5
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 6.9
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #13 Roman Catholic National #140
St. Ambrose University
Davenport, IA, IA · CSWE-Accredited since 1999 · Online or On-Campus
6.6
/ 10.0
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
St. Ambrose University has held CSWE accreditation since 1999, 27 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Davenport, IA). It records 1 concentration (Other). 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.
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 5.2
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #14 Churches of Christ National #141
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, TX, TX · CSWE-Accredited since 2007 · Online or On-Campus
6.6
/ 10.0
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online option Carnegie R2Why it ranks here
Abilene Christian University has held CSWE accreditation since 2007, 19 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Abilene, TX). It records 2 concentrations (Advanced Generalist; Other). 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. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R2 classification for high research activity.
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.3
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 6.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 7.5
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #15 Seventh Day Adventists National #145
Walla Walla University
College Place, WA, WA · CSWE-Accredited since 1989 · Online or On-Campus
6.5
/ 10.0
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Walla Walla University has held CSWE accreditation since 1989, 37 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (College Place, WA; Billings, MT). 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.
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 6.4
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Faith-Based MSW Rankings Table
Top 15 of the 58 CSWE-accredited MSW programs at religiously affiliated institutions. National rank is the program's position among all 350 accredited MSW programs in our model.
| # | Institution | State | Affiliation | Format | Natl. | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saint Louis University | MO | Roman Catholic | Online or On-Campus | #9 | 9.5 |
| 2 | Loyola University Chicago | IL | Roman Catholic | Online or On-Campus | #30 | 8.7 |
| 3 | Catholic University of America | DC | Roman Catholic | Online or On-Campus | #32 | 8.7 |
| 4 | Fordham University | NY | Roman Catholic | Online or On-Campus | #46 | 8.5 |
| 5 | Marywood University | PA | Roman Catholic | Online or On-Campus | #61 | 8.0 |
| 6 | Clark Atlanta University | GA | United Methodist | Online or On-Campus | #70 | 8.0 |
| 7 | Our Lady of the Lake University | TX | Roman Catholic | Online or On-Campus | #82 | 7.6 |
| 8 | Andrews University | MI | Seventh Day Adventists | Online or On-Campus | #88 | 7.4 |
| 9 | Barry University | FL | Roman Catholic | Online or On-Campus | #93 | 7.3 |
| 10 | University of Saint Thomas | MN | Roman Catholic | Online or On-Campus | #98 | 7.2 |
| 11 | Baylor University | TX | Baptist | Online or On-Campus | #117 | 6.8 |
| 12 | Roberts Wesleyan University | NY | Free Methodist | Online or On-Campus | #125 | 6.7 |
| 13 | St. Ambrose University | IA | Roman Catholic | Online or On-Campus | #140 | 6.6 |
| 14 | Abilene Christian University | TX | Churches of Christ | Online or On-Campus | #141 | 6.6 |
| 15 | Walla Walla University | WA | Seventh Day Adventists | Online or On-Campus | #145 | 6.5 |
Where faith-based MSW graduates work
A faith-based MSW is the same CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work as every other program on this site, so it opens the same licensed clinical and macro careers. Graduates qualify for the LMSW and, after supervised clinical hours, the LCSW in every state. What a religiously affiliated program often adds is a strong connection to faith-aligned organizations, where many students also complete their field placements:
- Denominational social-service agencies (for example, Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services, and Jewish Family Services)
- Faith-based nonprofits, community ministries, and chaplaincy programs
- Religiously affiliated hospitals, hospices, and behavioral-health systems
- Refugee resettlement and humanitarian-aid organizations
- Rescue missions, recovery, and homeless-services programs
- Faith-mission foster care, adoption, and family-services agencies
Licensure and scope of practice are identical no matter where you work. See state-by-state rules on the credentials page, and compare these programs with the full field in our national MSW ranking.
How we identify and rank faith-based programs
We do not guess affiliation from an institution's name. Each CSWE-accredited MSW institution is matched to its record in the IPEDS Institutional Characteristics survey, and a program is treated as faith-based only when IPEDS records a religious affiliation for that institution. The denomination shown on each card is the one IPEDS reports. Programs at public universities and at private institutions with no reported religious affiliation are not eligible for this list.
Once eligibility is set, every program is scored on the same five-factor, data-driven model applied to all 350 accredited MSW programs nationally. Nothing in the score is opinion or affiliation: each factor maps to a verifiable field in the CSWE directory or to the institution's Carnegie research classification. Because CSWE's EPAS standards require a 900-hour field-education minimum for every accredited MSW, field hours are a shared floor across programs rather than a scored differentiator.
| Factor | Weight | What we measure | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accreditation longevity | 30% | Years since the program first earned CSWE accreditation. Long, continuous standing signals a program that has met EPAS standards across many review cycles. | CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs |
| Pathways & laddering | 22% | Number of concentrations, whether an Advanced Standing track is offered for BSW holders, and the count of embedded certificates and dual-degree options. | CSWE Directory (concentrations, advanced standing, certificates, dual degrees) |
| Prestige (Carnegie research tier) | 18% | The institution's 2025 Carnegie research classification: R1 (very high research) and R2 (high research) earn the highest marks; other institutions share a common baseline. | Carnegie Classifications (ACE) |
| Delivery format | 18% | Whether the program offers an online option, how many approved campus locations it operates, and whether evening/weekend delivery is available. | CSWE Directory (online option, approved locations, plan of study) |
| Schedule flexibility | 12% | Availability of both full-time and part-time plans of study. | CSWE Directory (program plan) |
Scores are assigned on a 1-10 scale per factor, then multiplied by the factor weight and summed to produce a composite out of 10.0. Affiliation is never part of the score; it only sets eligibility for this list. For the full editorial seven-factor model used on hand-reviewed national programs, see our ranking methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an MSW program faith-based?
Does religious affiliation affect the ranking?
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are faith-based?
Is a faith-based MSW still CSWE-accredited and licensure-eligible?
Are all faith-based MSW programs Christian?
Sources
- Religious affiliation: IPEDS Institutional Characteristics 2022 (religious affiliation), via the Urban Institute Education Data API (educationdata.urban.org), mirroring IPEDS Institutional Characteristics.
- CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs for accreditation status and program structure.
- Carnegie Classifications (ACE) for the research-tier prestige factor.
- Scoring follows the data-driven model documented above and on our methodology page.
Last updated 2026-06-09. Affiliation reflects the latest available IPEDS Institutional Characteristics release.