Georgia · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Atlanta, GA (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Atlanta, Georgia (population 510,823) has 2 CSWE-accredited MSW programs based in the city , with 2 more accredited programs within about 60 miles. 5 Georgia programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Georgia licensure.
Best MSW programs in Atlanta, GA
Accredited programs with a campus in Atlanta, GA, 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 Atlanta, GA
Clark Atlanta University
Atlanta, GA, GA · CSWE-accredited since 1928 · Online or On-Campus
8.0
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.
Concentrations
Children, Youth, and Families, Behavioral Health
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
- #2 In Atlanta, GA
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA, GA · CSWE-accredited since 2001 · Online or On-Campus
7.2
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online option Carnegie R1Why it ranks here
Georgia State University has held CSWE accreditation since 2001, 25 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Atlanta, GA). 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 embedded certificate. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 5.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 6.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 10.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Best MSW programs near Atlanta, GA
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Atlanta, GA, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Lawrenceville · ~28 mi
University of Georgia
Athens, GA, GA · CSWE-accredited since 1966 · Online or On-Campus
8.7
3 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
University of Georgia has held CSWE accreditation since 1966, 60 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Athens, GA; Lawrenceville, GA). It records 3 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Macro Social Work; Integrated Practice). 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 4 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work, Integrated Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 9.2
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 9.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 Kennesaw · ~21 mi
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA, GA · CSWE-accredited since 2005 · On-Campus
5.6
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Kennesaw State University has held CSWE accreditation since 2005, 21 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Kennesaw, GA). 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. The program also offers 1 dual-degree option and 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.5
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 6.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Atlanta, GA
Georgia-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Atlanta, GA residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia | 1966 | Yes | #36 |
| Clark Atlanta University | 1928 | Yes | #70 |
| Georgia State University | 2001 | Yes | #96 |
| Valdosta State University | 1997 | Yes | #164 |
| Albany State University | 2011 | Yes | #267 |
How much do social workers make in Atlanta, GA in 2026?
Atlanta, Georgia sits within the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 9,720 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $67,260 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 | 4,130 | $65,280 | $45,730 – $92,500 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 820 | $58,500 | $33,000 – $85,690 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 3,990 | $49,720 | $37,090 – $92,340 |
| Social workers, all other | 780 | $67,260 | $44,350 – $134,120 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 2,480 | $78,870 | $51,880 – $144,360 |
How local pay compares
Healthcare social workers around Atlanta, GA earn a median of $65,280 versus $62,420 statewide in Georgia and $69,060 nationally. That is at or above the Georgia median.
Where do social workers work in Atlanta, GA in 2026?
Atlanta, Georgia sits in Fulton County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Fulton County Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
- Emory Healthcare and Grady Health System
- Atlanta Public Schools
- CHRIS 180
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 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Atlanta, GA?
After an MSW from Atlanta, GA or anywhere, these are the Georgia social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) | Master of Social Work | Two years required number of hours not specified | Masters |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Georgia state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Atlanta, GA?
How much do social workers earn in Atlanta, GA?
Can I earn an MSW online from Atlanta, GA?
What license do MSW graduates need in Georgia?
MSW programs in other Georgia 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 Georgia license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.