Washington · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Tacoma, WA (2026)
Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS
Tacoma, Washington (population 222,906) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city , with 2 more accredited programs within about 60 miles. 2 Washington programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Washington licensure.
Best MSW programs in Tacoma, WA
Accredited programs with a campus in Tacoma, WA, 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 Tacoma, WA National #2 Online #2
University of Washington
Tacoma, WA, WA · CSWE-accredited since 1934 · Online or On-Campus
9.8
3 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online option Carnegie R1Why it ranks here
University of Washington has held CSWE accreditation since 1934, 92 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Tacoma, WA; Seattle, WA). It records 3 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Community Development and Social Systems; Management or Administration). 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 2 embedded certificates. Its home institution holds a Carnegie R1 classification for very high research activity.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Management or Administration
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 10.0
- Delivery format (18%) 9.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Best MSW programs near Tacoma, WA
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Tacoma, WA, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Everett · ~51 mi
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA, WA · CSWE-accredited since 1976 · On-Campus
7.7
1 concentration No Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Eastern Washington University has held CSWE accreditation since 1976, 50 years of standing as of 2026. The program is offered on 3 approved campuses (Cheney, WA; Spokane, WA; Everett, WA). It records 1 concentration (Advanced Generalist). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 3 dual-degree options and 3 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 8.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 8.6
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 Seattle · ~26 mi
Seattle University
Seattle, WA, WA · CSWE-accredited since 2016 · On-Campus
5.4
5 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Seattle University has held CSWE accreditation since 2016, 10 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Seattle, WA). It records 5 concentrations (Substance Use Disorders; Clinical or Direct Practice; Healthcare; and more). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. The program runs on a full-time plan of study.
Concentrations
Substance Use Disorders, Clinical or Direct Practice, Healthcare, Mental Health, Trauma
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.2
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 9.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 6.0
Online MSW programs available in Tacoma, WA
Washington-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Tacoma, WA residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington | 1934 | Yes | #2 |
| Walla Walla University | 1989 | Yes | #145 |
How much do social workers make in Tacoma, WA in 2026?
Tacoma, Washington sits within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 10,950 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $105,570 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 | 3,060 | $83,550 | $48,550 – $126,440 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 1,840 | $78,350 | $49,280 – $105,880 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 5,540 | $75,280 | $54,800 – $99,430 |
| Social workers, all other | 510 | $105,570 | $59,840 – $124,610 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 2,040 | $106,400 | $75,650 – $161,970 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Tacoma, WA earn a median of $75,280 versus $74,480 statewide in Washington and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Washington median.
Where do social workers work in Tacoma, WA in 2026?
Tacoma, Washington sits in Pierce County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Pierce County Human Services, Behavioral Health
- MultiCare Health System and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
- Tacoma Public Schools
- Comprehensive Life Resources
- Catholic Community Services of Western Washington
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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Tacoma, WA?
After an MSW from Tacoma, WA or anywhere, these are the Washington social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Advanced Social Worker (LASW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3200 hours | Advanced Generalist or Clinical |
| Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Clinical |
| Licensed Social Worker Associate Advanced (LSWAA) | Master of Social Work or Doctorate of Social Work | — | Exam Not Required |
| Licensed Social Worker Associate Independent Clinical (LSWAIC) | Master of Social Work or Doctorate of Social Work | — | Exam Not Required |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Washington state board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Tacoma, WA?
How much do social workers earn in Tacoma, WA?
Can I earn an MSW online from Tacoma, WA?
What license do MSW graduates need in Washington?
MSW programs in other Washington 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 Washington license requirements.
Last updated 2026-06-12. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.