Connecticut · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Stamford, CT (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Stamford, Connecticut (population 136,226) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city , with 3 more accredited programs within about 60 miles. 5 Connecticut programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Connecticut licensure.
Best MSW programs in Stamford, CT
Accredited programs with a campus in Stamford, CT, 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 Stamford, CT
University of Connecticut
Hartford, CT, CT · CSWE-accredited since 1949 · Online or On-Campus
8.7
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
University of Connecticut has held CSWE accreditation since 1949, 77 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Hartford, CT; Stamford, CT). It records 2 concentrations (International Social Work; 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.
Concentrations
International Social Work, Other
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 9.9
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Best MSW programs near Stamford, CT
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Stamford, CT, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 New Haven · ~36 mi
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT, CT · CSWE-accredited since 1982 · Online or On-Campus
7.4
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Southern Connecticut State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1982, 44 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (New Haven, CT). 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 1 dual-degree option and 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 7.3
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 New Haven · ~36 mi
Quinnipiac University
North Haven, CT, CT · CSWE-accredited since 2013 · Online or On-Campus
5.9
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Quinnipiac University has held CSWE accreditation since 2013, 13 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (North Haven, CT). It records 2 concentrations (Healthcare; 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.
Concentrations
Healthcare, Mental Health
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.6
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 6.9
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #3 Fairfield · ~16 mi
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT, CT · CSWE-accredited since 2016 · Online or On-Campus
5.8
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Sacred Heart University has held CSWE accreditation since 2016, 10 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Fairfield, CT). 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.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.2
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.9
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Stamford, CT
Connecticut-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Stamford, CT residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut | 1949 | Yes | #34 |
| Southern Connecticut State University | 1982 | Yes | #86 |
| Quinnipiac University | 2013 | Yes | #192 |
| Sacred Heart University | 2016 | Yes | #211 |
| Fairfield University | 2019 | Yes | #261 |
How much do social workers make in Stamford, CT in 2026?
Stamford, Connecticut sits within the Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 1,880 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $81,270 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 | 340 | $81,270 | $62,830 – $110,860 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 360 | $79,940 | $53,800 – $103,330 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 1,140 | $78,970 | $50,030 – $110,170 |
| Social workers, all other | 40 | $50,370 | $48,990 – $74,400 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 1,010 | $77,290 | $49,860 – $120,730 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Stamford, CT earn a median of $78,970 versus $78,970 statewide in Connecticut and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Connecticut median.
Where do social workers work in Stamford, CT in 2026?
Stamford, Connecticut sits in Fairfield County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Stamford Health
- Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (Western region)
- Stamford Public Schools
- Family Centers and Liberation Programs
- Connecticut Department of Children and Families
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 Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Stamford, CT?
After an MSW from Stamford, CT or anywhere, these are the Connecticut 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 | 3000 hours | Clinical |
| Master's Level Social Worker (MLSW) | Master of Social Work | — | Masters |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Connecticut state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Stamford, CT?
How much do social workers earn in Stamford, CT?
Can I earn an MSW online from Stamford, CT?
What license do MSW graduates need in Connecticut?
MSW programs in other Connecticut 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 Connecticut license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.