Tennessee · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Knoxville, TN (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Knoxville, Tennessee (population 198,162) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city . 7 Tennessee programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Tennessee licensure.
Best MSW programs in Knoxville, TN
Accredited programs with a campus in Knoxville, TN, 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 Knoxville, TN National #23 Online #23
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Knoxville, TN, TN · CSWE-accredited since 1945 · Online or On-Campus
8.9
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
University of Tennessee at Knoxville has held CSWE accreditation since 1945, 81 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Knoxville, TN; Nashville, TN). It records 2 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Organizational Leadership). 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 and 4 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Organizational Leadership
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 9.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Knoxville, TN
Tennessee-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Knoxville, TN residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Tennessee at Knoxville | 1945 | Yes | #23 |
| University of Memphis | 2011 | Yes | #78 |
| East Tennessee State University | 2003 | Yes | #136 |
| Union University | 2008 | Yes | #162 |
| Austin Peay State University | 2009 | Yes | #200 |
| Southern Adventist University | 2010 | Yes | #213 |
| King University | 2021 | Yes | #309 |
How much do social workers make in Knoxville, TN in 2026?
Knoxville, Tennessee sits within the Knoxville, TN metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 2,110 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is healthcare social workers at a $61,560 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 | 530 | $61,560 | $40,090 – $81,500 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 250 | $45,660 | $38,290 – $61,960 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 1,070 | $56,310 | $37,610 – $76,030 |
| Social workers, all other | 260 | $38,830 | $30,670 – $78,000 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 300 | $88,240 | $60,290 – $128,080 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Knoxville, TN earn a median of $56,310 versus $56,310 statewide in Tennessee and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Tennessee median.
Where do social workers work in Knoxville, TN in 2026?
Knoxville, Tennessee sits in Knox County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Helen Ross McNabb Center
- University of Tennessee Medical Center and Covenant Health
- Knox County Schools
- Cherokee Health Systems
- Tennessee Department of Children’s 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 Knoxville, TN; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Knoxville, TN?
After an MSW from Knoxville, TN or anywhere, these are the Tennessee social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Advanced Generalist |
| Licensed Baccalaureate 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 Master Social Worker (LMSW) | Master of Social Work or Doctorate of Social Work | — | Masters |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Tennessee state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Knoxville, TN?
How much do social workers earn in Knoxville, TN?
Can I earn an MSW online from Knoxville, TN?
What license do MSW graduates need in Tennessee?
MSW programs in other Tennessee 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 Tennessee license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.