Virginia · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Norfolk, VA (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Norfolk, Virginia (population 230,930) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city . 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 Norfolk, VA
Accredited programs with a campus in Norfolk, VA, 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 Norfolk, VA
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 Norfolk, VA
Virginia-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Norfolk, 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 Norfolk, VA in 2026?
Norfolk, 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 Norfolk, 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 Norfolk, VA in 2026?
Norfolk, Virginia sits in City of Norfolk. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Norfolk Community Services Board
- Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters
- Norfolk Public Schools
- Norfolk State University
- 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 Norfolk, VA?
After an MSW from Norfolk, 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 Norfolk, VA?
How much do social workers earn in Norfolk, VA?
Can I earn an MSW online from Norfolk, 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.