Indiana · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Fort Wayne, IN (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Fort Wayne, Indiana (population 269,994) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city . 3 Indiana programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Indiana licensure.
Best MSW programs in Fort Wayne, IN
Accredited programs with a campus in Fort Wayne, IN, 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 Fort Wayne, IN National #1 Online #1
Indiana University
Indianapolis, IN, IN · CSWE-accredited since 1923 · Online or On-Campus
9.8
7 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online option Carnegie R1Why it ranks here
Indiana University has held CSWE accreditation since 1923, 103 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Indianapolis, IN; Fort Wayne, IN; South Bend, IN; and more). It records 7 concentrations (Substance Use Disorders; Children, Youth, and Families; Healthcare; and more). 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. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.
Concentrations
Substance Use Disorders, Children, Youth, and Families, Healthcare, Mental Health, Other, School Social Work, Leadership
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 10.0
- Delivery format (18%) 9.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Fort Wayne, IN
Indiana-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Fort Wayne, IN residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University | 1923 | Yes | #1 |
| University of Southern Indiana | 1995 | Yes | #130 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | 2016 | Yes | #288 |
How much do social workers make in Fort Wayne, IN in 2026?
Fort Wayne, Indiana sits within the Fort Wayne, IN metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 1,040 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $74,510 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 | 420 | $66,090 | $47,970 – $96,990 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 130 | $54,610 | $37,030 – $80,640 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 390 | $50,490 | $39,180 – $70,940 |
| Social workers, all other | 100 | $74,510 | $62,210 – $103,900 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 230 | $72,920 | $48,950 – $116,270 |
How local pay compares
Healthcare social workers around Fort Wayne, IN earn a median of $66,090 versus $64,580 statewide in Indiana and $69,060 nationally. That is at or above the Indiana median.
Where do social workers work in Fort Wayne, IN in 2026?
Fort Wayne, Indiana sits in Allen County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Parkview Health and Lutheran Health Network
- Bowen Health (Park Center)
- Fort Wayne Community Schools
- SCAN (Stop Child Abuse and Neglect)
- Indiana Department of Child 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 Fort Wayne, IN; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Fort Wayne, IN?
After an MSW from Fort Wayne, IN or anywhere, these are the Indiana social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) | Bachelor of Social Work | — | Bachelors |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Social Worker (LSW) | Master of Social Work | — | Masters |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Indiana state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Fort Wayne, IN?
How much do social workers earn in Fort Wayne, IN?
Can I earn an MSW online from Fort Wayne, IN?
What license do MSW graduates need in Indiana?
MSW programs in other Indiana 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 Indiana license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.