Colorado · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Denver, CO (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Denver, Colorado (population 716,577) has 2 CSWE-accredited MSW programs based in the city , with 1 more accredited program within about 60 miles. 5 Colorado programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Colorado licensure.
Best MSW programs in Denver, CO
Accredited programs with a campus in Denver, CO, 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 Denver, CO National #18 Online #18
University of Denver
Denver, CO, CO · CSWE-accredited since 1933 · Online or On-Campus
9.1
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
University of Denver has held CSWE accreditation since 1933, 93 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Denver, CO; Durango, CO; Glenwood Springs, CO). 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 5 dual-degree options and 3 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Other
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 10.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 In Denver, CO
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO, CO · CSWE-accredited since 2011 · Online or On-Campus
5.5
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Metropolitan State University of Denver has held CSWE accreditation since 2011, 15 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Denver, CO). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.8
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Best MSW programs near Denver, CO
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Denver, CO, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Fort Collins · ~55 mi
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO, CO · CSWE-accredited since 1987 · Online or On-Campus
8.6
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online option Carnegie R1Why it ranks here
Colorado State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1987, 39 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Fort Collins, CO). 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 5 embedded certificates. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 6.7
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 10.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Denver, CO
Colorado-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Denver, CO residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Denver | 1933 | Yes | #18 |
| Colorado State University | 1987 | Yes | #38 |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | 2011 | Yes | #240 |
| University of Colorado, Colorado Springs | 2020 | Yes | #287 |
| Colorado State University-Pueblo | 2019 | Yes | #293 |
How much do social workers make in Denver, CO in 2026?
Denver, Colorado sits within the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 8,520 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is mental health & substance abuse social workers at a $70,920 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 | 2,300 | $63,480 | $46,960 – $95,750 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 900 | $70,920 | $49,320 – $95,590 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 4,240 | $67,560 | $47,820 – $110,620 |
| Social workers, all other | 1,080 | $61,870 | $47,910 – $105,390 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 1,500 | $101,310 | $67,210 – $166,410 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Denver, CO earn a median of $67,560 versus $63,720 statewide in Colorado and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Colorado median.
Where do social workers work in Denver, CO in 2026?
Denver, Colorado sits in City and County of Denver. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Denver Health
- WellPower (the Denver community mental-health center)
- Denver Department of Human Services
- Denver Public Schools
- Children’s Hospital Colorado
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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Denver, CO?
After an MSW from Denver, CO or anywhere, these are the Colorado social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3360 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Social Worker (LSW) | Master of Social Work | — | Exam Not Required; Masters exam is optional |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Colorado state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Denver, CO?
How much do social workers earn in Denver, CO?
Can I earn an MSW online from Denver, CO?
What license do MSW graduates need in Colorado?
MSW programs in other Colorado 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 Colorado license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.