Virginia · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Chesapeake, VA (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Chesapeake, Virginia (population 253,886) has no MSW campus within city limits , with 1 more accredited program within about 60 miles. 7 Virginia programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Virginia licensure.
Best MSW programs in Chesapeake, VA
No CSWE-accredited MSW program currently lists a campus inside Chesapeake, VA. See the nearby and online options below.
Best MSW programs near Chesapeake, VA
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Chesapeake, VA, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Norfolk · ~17 mi
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA, VA · CSWE-accredited since 1975 · Online or On-Campus
7.0
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Norfolk State University has held CSWE accreditation since 1975, 51 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Norfolk, VA). 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%) 8.1
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Chesapeake, VA
Virginia-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Chesapeake, VA residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Commonwealth University | 1919 | Yes | #8 |
| Norfolk State University | 1975 | Yes | #106 |
| Radford University | 1996 | Yes | #149 |
| George Mason University | 2002 | Yes | #153 |
| Virginia Union University | 2022 | Yes | #249 |
| Virginia State University | 2022 | Yes | #276 |
| Liberty University | 2021 | Yes | #290 |
How much do social workers make in Chesapeake, VA in 2026?
Chesapeake, Virginia sits within the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 2,890 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $94,220 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 | 660 | $63,880 | $49,560 – $79,290 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | — | $61,760 | $47,920 – $130,350 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 1,970 | $62,360 | $46,730 – $92,250 |
| Social workers, all other | 260 | $94,220 | $62,240 – $123,220 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 620 | $92,140 | $57,960 – $134,310 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $62,360 versus $61,330 statewide in Virginia and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Virginia median.
Where do social workers work in Chesapeake, VA in 2026?
Chesapeake, Virginia sits in City of Chesapeake. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare (Community Services Board)
- Chesapeake Regional Healthcare and Sentara
- Chesapeake Public Schools
- Chesapeake Department of Human Services
- The Up Center
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 Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Chesapeake, VA?
After an MSW from Chesapeake, VA or anywhere, these are the Virginia social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Social Worker (ASW) | Bachelor of Social Work | — | Exam Not Required |
| Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) | Bachelor of Social Work | — | Bachelors |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) | Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW) | Master of Social Work | — | Masters |
| Supervisee in Clinical Social Work (Select One) | Master of Social Work | Exam Not Required |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Virginia state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Chesapeake, VA?
How much do social workers earn in Chesapeake, VA?
Can I earn an MSW online from Chesapeake, VA?
What license do MSW graduates need in Virginia?
MSW programs in other Virginia 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 Virginia license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.