Ohio · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Cleveland, OH (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Cleveland, Ohio (population 362,656) has 2 CSWE-accredited MSW programs based in the city , with 2 more accredited programs within about 60 miles. 5 Ohio programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Ohio licensure.
Best MSW programs in Cleveland, OH
Accredited programs with a campus in Cleveland, OH, 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 Cleveland, OH
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH, OH · CSWE-accredited since 1919 · Online or On-Campus
8.7
9 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Case Western Reserve University has held CSWE accreditation since 1919, 107 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Cleveland, OH). It records 9 concentrations (Substance Use Disorders; Children, Youth, and Families; Clinical or Direct Practice; and more). 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 and 5 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Substance Use Disorders, Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Healthcare, Mental Health, School Social Work, Aging and Gerontological Practice, Macro Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 In Cleveland, OH
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH, OH · CSWE-accredited since 1996 · Online or On-Campus
7.1
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online option Carnegie R2Why it ranks here
Cleveland State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1996, 30 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Cleveland, OH). It records 1 concentration (Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 3 embedded certificates. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R2 classification for high research activity.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 5.6
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.1
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 7.5
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Best MSW programs near Cleveland, OH
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Cleveland, OH, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Akron · ~29 mi
University of Akron
Akron, OH, OH · CSWE-accredited since 1996 · Online or On-Campus
7.0
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online option Carnegie R2Why it ranks here
University of Akron has held CSWE accreditation since 1996, 30 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Akron, OH). 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 1 embedded certificate. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R2 classification for high research activity.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 5.6
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 6.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 7.5
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 Lorain · ~26 mi
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH, OH · CSWE-accredited since 2004 · On-Campus
5.6
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Youngstown State University has held CSWE accreditation since 2004, 22 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 3 approved campuses (Youngstown, OH; Lorain, OH; Lakeland, OH). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.6
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 6.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Cleveland, OH
Ohio-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Cleveland, OH residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Western Reserve University | 1919 | Yes | #29 |
| Ohio State University, The | 1919 | Yes | #43 |
| Cleveland State University | 1996 | Yes | #103 |
| University of Akron | 1996 | Yes | #107 |
| Ohio University | 2001 | Yes | #116 |
How much do social workers make in Cleveland, OH in 2026?
Cleveland, Ohio sits within the Cleveland, OH metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 7,400 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $68,100 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 | 1,790 | $66,230 | $46,290 – $87,270 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 1,230 | $45,390 | $22,260 – $65,380 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 3,840 | $57,860 | $43,190 – $74,830 |
| Social workers, all other | 540 | $68,100 | $40,900 – $124,380 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | — | $77,200 | $53,070 – $102,630 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Cleveland, OH earn a median of $57,860 versus $51,520 statewide in Ohio and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Ohio median.
Where do social workers work in Cleveland, OH in 2026?
Cleveland, Ohio sits in Cuyahoga County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services and the ADAMHS Board
- Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals
- MetroHealth
- Cleveland Metropolitan School District
- FrontLine Service
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 Cleveland, OH; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Cleveland, OH?
After an MSW from Cleveland, OH or anywhere, these are the Ohio social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) | Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Advanced Generalist or Clinical |
| Licensed Social Worker (LSW) | Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work or PhD in Social Work | — | Bachelors or Masters |
| Social Work Assistant (SWA) | Associate/Diploma (2 year degree) | — | Exam Not Required |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Ohio state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Cleveland, OH?
How much do social workers earn in Cleveland, OH?
Can I earn an MSW online from Cleveland, OH?
What license do MSW graduates need in Ohio?
MSW programs in other Ohio 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 Ohio license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.