An MSW is a fully accredited graduate program that can lead to careers in mental health, community development, and social justice initiatives. Students can dive deeply into learning about helping others through therapeutic treatments, advocacy, and community organizing.
Complete our request form to receive details about our program. If you have further questions, contact Lisa Fortner.
An MSW degree can lead to careers where graduates can make a difference working one-on-one with clients or advocating for policy changes to make people's lives better, while gaining the knowledge to apply for licensure after graduation.
Choose between online and in-person courses, and part-time and full-time options, for maximum flexibility.
Learn to identify strengths and resources to develop skills and create lasting change for people and communities.
Work one-on-one with faculty to tailor your field experience to your interests and goals, choosing from a variety of field placements.
The MSW degree can be combined with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Public Health (MPH).
BSW graduates can earn a MSW in as little as a year through SAU’s Advanced Standing program.
Our curriculum offers a pathway designed for students who want to build their career in mental health.
MSW students will deepen their commitment to social work by increasingly specialized coursework that will help them develop the skills they need to help others. They'll also work on soft skills such as empathy, compassion, and self-care, both for those they work with and for themselves. Graduates will be prepared to pursue clinical licensure and can take advantage of practice exams and licensure drop-in sessions for finding answers to questions.
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSW 550 | Empowerment Social Work in Mental Health | 3 credits |
| MSW 920 | Empowerment Social Work with Substance Using Disorders | 3 credits |
| MSW 530 | Social Work and Social Welfare–Ecuador | 3 credits |
| MSW 550 | Mental Health Practices and Policies–India | 3 credits |
| MSW 570 | Couple and Family Therapy | 3 credits |
The cost of your MSW degree will depend on several factors, including your specific scholarships, finances, the number of credits you take per semester, and your start date. New students also pay a $10 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies and materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore total cost of attendance.
| Expense | Per Semester (Fall or Spring) | Per Summer Session | Total Program Cost** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total tuition ($852/credit hour)** | $12,780 | $5,112 | $30,672 |
| Technology fee | $140 | $70 | $350 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $12,920 | $5,182 | $31,022 |
*This accelerated format is only available to students who have earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution.
**Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
***12-month program requires a summer start date. Total cost includes summer, fall, and spring semester.
| Expense | Per Semester (Fall or Spring) | Total Program Cost** | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total tuition ($852/credit hour)* | $12,780 | $51,120 | |
| Technology fee | $140 | $560 | |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $12,920 | $51,680 |
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**Full-time program requires a fall start date. Total includes two fall semesters and two spring semesters.
| Expense | Year I - Per Semester (Fall and Spring) | Per Summer Session | Year II & III - Per Semester (Fall and Spring) | Total Program Cost** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total tuition ($852/credit hour)* | $5,112 | $5,112 | $7,668 - $10,224 | $51,120 |
| Technology fee | $70 | $70 | $140 | $840 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $5,182 | $5,182 | $7,808 - $10,364 | $51,960 |
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**Part-time program requires a fall start date. Total includes Year I: fall and spring, Year II & Year III: fall and spring, and two summer sessions.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) represents social work education in the U.S. Its Board of Accreditation is the only accrediting agency for social work education in the U.S. and recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
St. Ambrose University School of Social Work is also an approved program for the School Social Work Endorsement in Iowa. The endorsement requires completion of one school social work elective and a school social work practicum in a school setting under the supervision of an experienced school social work practitioner.
We also provide guidance for school social work licensure in Illinois.
SAU established the first MSW program in the country with an empowerment specialization. Today, our social work faculty includes internationally known empowerment scholars with a broad range of interests.
Our faculty bring an international perspective to topics including female empowerment, global disaster relief, early childhood development and welfare, domestic/sexual violence prevention and intervention, implicit racial bias, and social work across the lifespan. We specialize in working with marginalized communities, military and veteran families, individuals with developmental disabilities, and survivors of natural disasters.
The MSW faculty is available to students in person, by phone, and digitally, and offers social work supervision in the Interprofessional Clinic weekly. The social work department is located in Higgins Hall, which is newly renovated and fitted with new technology for upgraded classroom experiences.
St. Ambrose also offers regular continuing education events for our alums and community, and students can attend for free or with a low-cost ticket. We also invite students to our advisory council meetings to meet working professional social workers.
Need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies? The ARC is here to help.
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of resources to help make college more affordable for our students.
This needs-based scholarship, given by St. Vincent Home, is for already-enrolled SAU MSW students. Preference for students with an agency affiliation or career intention in the area served by the Diocese of Davenport. Learn more about the St. Vincent scholarship.
Two scholarships for $2,500 each are awarded each spring to MSW students enrolled in nine or more credit hours in the fall. Learn about the graduate fellowships.
These scholarships are for students who want to work in social work or advocacy for social, economic and environmental justice. Preference given to first-generation college students or people from historically underrepresented groups. Learn about the empowerment scholarships.
You may be able to transfer up to 30 previous credits toward your MSW, saving you time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Veterans, service members, and their children and spouses may be eligible for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Learn about military benefits.
Besides intensive coursework, MSW students have the opportunity to build advocacy and social justice skills by becoming involved with the Graduate Student Government Association (GSGA), the Graduate Student Association, and the Racial Justice Committee. They can also gain additional opportunities for hands-on experience at the Interprofessional Clinic and chances to network when invited to advisory council meetings with working social workers. Alumni can take continuing education events.
The MSW program offers numerous resources for its graduate students, including:
Start your Master of Social Work career at St. Ambrose. Here are the admissions requirements for our MSW.
If you have questions about the MSW program or application process, please contact us at msw@sau.edu or 563-333-3916.
Here are the prerequisites for students entering St. Ambrose University’s MSW program.
Your application deadline will depend on the type of program you’re considering.
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. SAU can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating, but here's a list of possible job titles, traits, and settings an MSW graduate could achieve.
Potential job titles
Potential employment settings
Traits of a social worker
For more information on management employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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Connect with current students and get your questions answered during this live, virtual event.
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Tre Moss ’25 MSW is passionate about college students’ mental health.
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After 23 years in the military, Leslie Waddle pursued an MSW at St. Ambrose to further expand her ability to take action and help others.
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With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
