Virginia · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Richmond, VA (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Richmond, Virginia (population 229,247) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city , 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 Richmond, VA
Accredited programs with a campus in Richmond, 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 Richmond, VA National #8 Online #8
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA, VA · CSWE-accredited since 1919 · Online or On-Campus
9.5
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online option Carnegie R1Why it ranks here
Virginia Commonwealth University has held CSWE accreditation since 1919, 107 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Richmond, VA). 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 2 dual-degree options and 5 embedded certificates. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 10.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Best MSW programs near Richmond, VA
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Richmond, VA, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Petersburg · ~23 mi
Virginia State University
Petersburg, VA, VA · CSWE-accredited since 2022 · Online or On-Campus
5.3
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Virginia State University has held CSWE accreditation since 2022, 4 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Petersburg, VA). It records 1 concentration (Trauma). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Trauma
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 2.5
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Richmond, VA
Virginia-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Richmond, 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 Richmond, VA in 2026?
Richmond, Virginia sits within the Richmond, VA metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 3,030 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $96,970 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 | $71,690 | $49,670 – $92,960 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 740 | $63,020 | $50,020 – $80,310 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 1,530 | $60,520 | $45,850 – $91,790 |
| Social workers, all other | 230 | $96,970 | $43,860 – $126,820 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 810 | $104,070 | $62,630 – $140,460 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Richmond, VA earn a median of $60,520 versus $61,330 statewide in Virginia and $67,310 nationally. That is below the Virginia median.
Where do social workers work in Richmond, VA in 2026?
Richmond, Virginia sits in City of Richmond. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Richmond Behavioral Health Authority
- VCU Health System and Bon Secours
- Richmond Public Schools
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- ChildSavers and Greater Richmond SCAN
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 Richmond, VA; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Richmond, VA?
After an MSW from Richmond, 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 Richmond, VA?
How much do social workers earn in Richmond, VA?
Can I earn an MSW online from Richmond, 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.