Indiana · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near South Bend, IN (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
South Bend, Indiana (population 103,395) 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 South Bend, IN
Accredited programs with a campus in South Bend, 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 South Bend, 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 South Bend, IN
Indiana-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which South Bend, 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 South Bend, IN in 2026?
South Bend, Indiana sits within the South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 650 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $62,640 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 | 160 | $62,640 | $47,550 – $85,060 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 130 | $62,010 | $46,390 – $77,950 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 360 | $50,470 | $40,160 – $72,490 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 190 | $74,380 | $45,980 – $112,460 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around South Bend, IN earn a median of $50,470 versus $50,470 statewide in Indiana and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Indiana median.
Where do social workers work in South Bend, IN in 2026?
South Bend, Indiana sits in St. Joseph County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Beacon Health System and Saint Joseph Health System
- Oaklawn Psychiatric Center
- South Bend Community School Corporation
- Indiana University South Bend
- 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 South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in South Bend, IN?
After an MSW from South Bend, 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 South Bend, IN?
How much do social workers earn in South Bend, IN?
Can I earn an MSW online from South Bend, 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.