Georgia · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Columbus, GA (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Columbus, Georgia (population 201,877) has no MSW campus within city limits . 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 Columbus, GA
No CSWE-accredited MSW program currently lists a campus inside Columbus, GA. See the nearby and online options below.
Online MSW programs available in Columbus, GA
Georgia-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Columbus, 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 Columbus, GA in 2026?
Columbus, Georgia sits within the Columbus, GA-AL metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 520 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $96,820 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 | 220 | $59,650 | $47,820 – $77,510 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 230 | $47,080 | $35,040 – $80,450 |
| Social workers, all other | 70 | $96,820 | $43,170 – $118,710 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 130 | $68,360 | $51,880 – $122,570 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Columbus, GA earn a median of $47,080 versus $47,510 statewide in Georgia and $67,310 nationally. That is below the Georgia median.
Where do social workers work in Columbus, GA in 2026?
Columbus, Georgia sits in Muscogee County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- New Horizons Behavioral Health, the regional community service board
- Piedmont Columbus Regional
- Muscogee County School District
- Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS)
- Twin Cedars Youth and Family Services
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 Columbus, GA-AL; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Columbus, GA?
After an MSW from Columbus, 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 Columbus, GA?
How much do social workers earn in Columbus, GA?
Can I earn an MSW online from Columbus, 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.