Missouri · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Independence, MO (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Independence, Missouri (population 120,922) has no MSW campus within city limits , with 1 more accredited program within about 60 miles. 5 Missouri programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Missouri licensure.
Best MSW programs in Independence, MO
No CSWE-accredited MSW program currently lists a campus inside Independence, MO. See the nearby and online options below.
Best MSW programs near Independence, MO
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Independence, MO, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Kansas City · ~11 mi
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kansas City, MO, MO · CSWE-accredited since 1999 · On-Campus
5.8
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
University of Missouri-Kansas City has held CSWE accreditation since 1999, 27 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Kansas City, MO). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). 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.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 5.2
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 5.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Independence, MO
Missouri-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Independence, MO residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Louis University | 1930 | Yes | #9 |
| University of Missouri | 1919 | Yes | #16 |
| University of Missouri-St. Louis | 1999 | Yes | #101 |
| Missouri State University | 1998 | Yes | #206 |
| Missouri Baptist University | 2020 | Yes | #303 |
How much do social workers make in Independence, MO in 2026?
Independence, Missouri sits within the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 5,150 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $104,400 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 | 1,390 | $66,260 | $44,130 – $85,540 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 960 | $58,320 | $43,180 – $81,530 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 2,620 | $49,880 | $42,970 – $67,750 |
| Social workers, all other | 180 | $104,400 | $59,810 – $125,360 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 1,060 | $78,920 | $55,510 – $122,210 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Independence, MO earn a median of $49,880 versus $48,520 statewide in Missouri and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Missouri median.
Where do social workers work in Independence, MO in 2026?
Independence, Missouri sits in Jackson County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Comprehensive Mental Health Services
- Centerpoint Medical Center
- Independence School District
- Jackson County government
- Missouri Children’s Division
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 Kansas City, MO-KS; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Independence, MO?
After an MSW from Independence, MO or anywhere, these are the Missouri social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Advanced Macro Social Worker (LAMSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Advanced Generalist |
| Licensed Bachelors Social Worker (LBSW) | Bachelor of Social Work | 3000 hours | Bachelors |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | — | Masters |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Missouri state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Independence, MO?
How much do social workers earn in Independence, MO?
Can I earn an MSW online from Independence, MO?
What license do MSW graduates need in Missouri?
MSW programs in other Missouri 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 Missouri license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.