Best MSW Programs near Baltimore, MD (2026)

Best MSW programs in Baltimore, MD

Accredited programs with a campus in Baltimore, MD, 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. #1 In Baltimore, MD

   University of Maryland, Baltimore

   Baltimore, MD, MD · CSWE-accredited since 1963  ·  Online or On-Campus

   8.6

   2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online option

   Why it ranks here

   University of Maryland, Baltimore has held CSWE accreditation since 1963, 63 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Baltimore, MD; Rockville, MD). It records 2 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Macro Social Work). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 5 dual-degree options.

   Concentrations

   Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work

   Program website CSWE directory

   Five-factor score breakdown

   • Accreditation longevity (30%) 9.6
   • Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
   • Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
   • Delivery format (18%) 8.0
   • Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
2. #2 In Baltimore, MD

   Morgan State University

   Baltimore, MD, MD · CSWE-accredited since 2005  ·  Online or On-Campus

   6.5

   4 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online option

   Why it ranks here

   Morgan State University has held CSWE accreditation since 2005, 21 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Baltimore, MD). It records 4 concentrations (Substance Use Disorders; Children, Youth, and Families; Other; and more). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.

   Concentrations

   Substance Use Disorders, Children, Youth, and Families, Other, Aging and Gerontological Practice

   Program website CSWE directory

   Five-factor score breakdown

   • Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.5
   • Pathways & laddering (22%) 8.3
   • Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
   • Delivery format (18%) 7.0
   • Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0

Online MSW programs available in Baltimore, MD

Maryland-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Baltimore, MD residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.

How much do social workers make in Baltimore, MD in 2026?

Baltimore, Maryland sits within the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 7,560 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $75,720 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).

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 Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.

What kind of social work license do I need in Baltimore, MD?

After an MSW from Baltimore, MD or anywhere, these are the Maryland social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.

Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Maryland state board before applying.