Social workers make a difference in the lives of those around them. By reaching out and helping those in need, social workers make their communities better and safer places to live, work and play. If you call Maryland home and have a passion for improving the lives of those in your community, becoming a social worker is an excellent way to influence positive changes.

The need for social workers across the United States is expected to grow at a much faster rate than other occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics{target="blank"} (BLS) with a projection rate of 16 percent from 2016 to 2026.

Maryland, in particular, is in need of social workers

Located close to several major East Coast cities, Maryland social workers work with individuals facing many different sorts of challenges. As the elderly population needs assistance and as the drug crisis moves across state borders, Maryland is in need of social workers to help those groups of people get the help they need.

Due to the growing need for social workers, Salisbury University is launching a new College of Health and Human Services. According to the Morgan Eichensehr of Baltimore Business Journal{target="blank"}, “...the country is also facing dire health challenges, like the opioid epidemic, which continue to fuel the demand for capable healthcare workers. In Maryland alone, heroin-related deaths more than tripled between 2011 and 2016, according to the state's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The state’s drug overdose death rate is the fifth worst in the country."

Additionally, the need for social workers is so urgent in Maryland that the public libraries are now making social workers available to their patrons. According to this article in The Baltimore Sun{target="blank"}, “social workers now available at four branches of the Enoch Pratt Free Library will offer some counseling services and help patrons with other tasks such as filling out forms for disability benefits. Representatives of the library system said they decided to offer the services because so many people were coming in with questions that needed the expertise of a social worker."

As Maryland is dealing with the opioid crisis, natural disasters, homelessness, and an aging population, social workers in all social work fields are needed. Fortunately, like Salisbury University, there are several other MSW programs in MD to prepare those interested in entering this career field.

Why enroll in an accredited MSW program in Maryland?

For individuals hoping to become licensed social workers, you must earn a Master’s of Social Work from a Council on Social Work Education{target="blank"} (CSWE) accredited MSW program. For those looking for an MSW program in Maryland, you are in luck. Maryland has three outstanding MSW programs in-state, as well as online MSW programs in Maryland or open to students in Maryland.

While the demand changes from one month to the next, one can find job listings for individuals with an MSW (or licensed social workers) in Maryland on job sites. By graduating from an MSW program in Maryland, you will be able to find a job working as a licensed MSW social worker.

The National Association of Social Workers{target="blank"} (NASW) reports that while a BSW should only expect to earn around $30,000, those with an MSW will earn significantly more. For instance, the BLS{target="blank"} reports individuals with an MSW to have a median annual wage of $47,980 as of May 2017.

In comparison, licensed social workers in Maryland are paid slightly above the national average. Indeed reports an average salary range of $40,815 for caseworkers and $52,851 for social workers in Maryland; Glassdoor reports an average salary of $52,050 in Baltimore, Maryland; and, PayScale reports an average salary range of $36,210 - $61,325 for Baltimore, Maryland.

Overview of accredited MSW programs in Maryland

Those seeking licensure will be required to pass the social work licensing Association of Social Work Board{target="blank"} (ASWB) exam. However, in order to take this exam, you must have earned a degree from a Council on Social Work Education{target="blank"} (CSWE) accredited MSW program. The following list of MSW programs in Maryland are CSWE accredited.

_Morgan State University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition – $514.50 per credit hour for residents x$932.50 per credit hour for non-residents Initial Accreditation Date: 2005 Latest Accreditation Review Date: February 2013 Morgan State University is convenient for individuals seeking MSW programs near Baltimore.

_Salisbury University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition – $404 per credit hour for residents | $724 per credit hour for non-residents (excluding online program) Initial Accreditation Date: 2001 Latest Accreditation Review Date: October 2009 Salisbury University is convenient for individuals seeking MSW programs near Ocean City.

_University of Maryland, Baltimore{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition – $13,990 per year for full time residents | $30,484 per year for full time non-residents Initial Accreditation Date: 1963 Latest Accreditation Review Date: June 2010 The University of Maryland is convenient for individuals seeking MSW programs near Baltimore.

Overview of accredited online MSW programs approved to operate in Maryland

Here is an overview of the CSWE accredited online MSW programs in Maryland, as well as the online MSW programs that are open to students from Maryland.

_Arizona State University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $512 - $1,312 per credit hour On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Advanced Generalist

_Boise State University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- Approximately $17,865-$18,165 On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Individuals and Families

_Boston University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- Financial aid is available. For tuition information, contact an admission representative at 877-308-9945. On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Clinical Social Work Practice and Macro Social Work Practice

_California State University, Northridge{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- Total Tuition for Degree is $39,186-45,120 On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Urban Family Studies

_Capella University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- Total Tuition for Degree is $36,360–$43,935 On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Advanced Generalist

_Case Western Reserve University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $1,450 per credit hour On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Community Practice & Social Change and Direct Practice (Child, Youth, & Families or Mental Health/Adults)

_Catholic University of America{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- you can check their website On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Clinical

_Columbia University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $1,504 per credit On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Advanced Clinical Practice or Social Enterprise Administration

_Delaware State University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $438 Per Credit Hour On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Advanced Generalist

_Edinboro University of Pennsylvania{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $605 per credit hours On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Family Social Work Practice

_Indiana University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- In-state residents pay $541 per credit hour/Out-of-state residents pay $675 per credit hour On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Advanced Generalist

_Louisiana State University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $539 per credit hour On-campus visit required? No

_Morgan State University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $514.50 per credit hour for residents | $932.50 per credit hour for non-residents On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Urban Children, Youth, and Families

_New Mexico State University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $364.68 per credit hour On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Advanced Generalist

_Our Lady of the Lake University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $889 per credit hour On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Direct Practice with Hispanic Children and Families

_Portland State University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $630 per credit hour On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Practice and Leadership in Communities and Organizations

_Rutgers University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $900 per credit hour On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Clinical Social Work

_Salisbury University - Satellite Program{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $765 per credit hour On-campus visit required? Yes – students are required to attend satellite classes Specialized practice areas: Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, and Organizations

_Salisbury University - Online Program{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $765 per credit hour On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, and Organizations

_Simmons College{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition – Total cost for a degree is $68,900 On-campus visit required? Yes Specialized practice areas: Clinical Social Work, specialized areas in mental health and substance abuse; Child and Family Welfare; Trauma and Interpersonal Violence; and Health and Aging

_Tulane University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $1,057 per credit On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Traditional; Disaster Mental Health and Trauma Studies; Family Practice

_University at Buffalo{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $713 per credit for New York residents and $777.03 per credit for non-residents On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Trauma-Informed and Human Rights Perspective

_University of Arkansas{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $420.19 per credit hour On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Multi-System Life Course

_University of Central Florida{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $487.45 per credit hour On-campus visit required? No

_University of Denver{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $947 per credit hour On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Mental Health and Trauma

_University of Houston{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- See University of Houston’s Academic Calculator{target="blank"} On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Clinical with optional emphasis in health and behavioral health

_University of Illinois of Urbana - Champaign{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition – Base rate of $473 per credit hour On-campus visit required? Macro program fully online; clinical program mostly online Specialized practice areas: Leadership and Social Change; Mental Health; Health Care; Children, Youth, and Family Services; Schools

_University of Louisville{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $714 per credit hour On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Military Social Work, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Gerontology, Mental Health Counseling, and Psychology Oncology

_University of Nevada, Reno{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $350 per credit for residents/$700 per credit for non-residents On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Advanced Generalist

_University of New England{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $890 per credit hour On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Individual, Family, & Group Practice (clinical-based) and Organizational and Community Practice (policy-based)

_University of New Hampshire{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $770/$845 per credit On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Advanced Generalist

_University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- Use the Tuition Estimator{target="blank"} for rates On-campus visit required? Yes Specialized practice areas: Direct Practice and Community, Management, and Policy Practice

_University of South Florida{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition – Contact the school at 813-974-9416 for tuition information On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Clinical Social Work Practice

_University of Southern California{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $1,800 is the per credit hour for students enrolled in 1–14 units. On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Adult mental health and wellness; Children, youth, and families; Social change and innovation

_University of Tennessee at Knoxville{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $6,542 per semester for residents/$15,751 per semester for non-residents On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Clinical or Macro (Management, Leadership, and Community Practice)

_Western New Mexico University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $ 992.31 per 3 credit hours On-campus visit required? No

_Widener University{target="blank"}_ MSW Tuition -- $850 per credit hour On-campus visit required? No Specialized practice areas: Advanced Clinical with focus on trauma and its impact on mental health

Before we go

When it comes to choosing the MSW program that is right for you, choose the program that includes the specialized practice areas you are most passionate about and is the best financial decision for you. Students from Maryland have excellent options, and Maryland is waiting for you to start making a difference.

Works cited

Directory of Accredited Programs. (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2018, from https://www.cswe.org/Accreditation/Directory-of-Accredited-Programs.aspx

Eichensehr, M. (n.d.). Salisbury University launching new college to meet demands in health, social work fields. Retrieved June 18, 2018, from https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2018/02/06/salisbury-universitylaunching-new-college-to-meet.html

McDaniels, A. K. (2017, September 27). Social workers now offering services at Enoch Pratt library branches. Retrieved June 18, 2018, from http://www.baltimoresun.com/health/bs-hs-library-social-workers-20170926-story.html

Online and Distance Education. (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2018, from https://www.cswe.org/Accreditation/Directory-of-Accredited-Programs/Online-and-Distance-Education

Salaries. (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2018, from https://www.indeed.com/salaries/MSW maryland

Salary: Social Worker in Baltimore, MD. (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2018, from https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/baltimore-social-worker-salary-SRCH_IL.0,9_IM63_KO10,23.htm

Social Worker (MSW) in Baltimore, Maryland Salary. (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2018, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Social_Worker_(MSW)/Salary/aed347bb/Baltimore-MD

Summary. (2018, April 13). Retrieved June 13, 2018, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm The National Association of Social Workers - Maryland Chapter. (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2018, from https://www.nasw-md.org/