Why Iowa?

With mental health services in greater demand than ever, social work training has never been more valuable. As the home of the largest and highest-ranked social work programs in the state, the University of Iowa has resources and expertise to prepare you for vital and rewarding careers helping people and communities.

Make an impact

Transform lives

Collaborative and committed

The Iowa difference

Benefit from the expertise, learning, and training opportunities you can only find at a Big 10 university and health sciences campus like the University of Iowa.

# 1

Highest-ranked MSW program in Iowa

US News and World Report

Social work: a career and a calling

Social workers are the nation’s largest group of mental health services providers. There are more clinically trained social workers—over 250,000—than psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses combined. And with an expected growth in jobs of 12 percent by 2030, social work is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States.

“I chose to study social work as an undergraduate student and will continue on with attaining my master's here because of the faculty. The department is small enough that everyone will know your name, and they will be the first ones to check in and provide you with support and connection.”

- Olivia Van Fosson-Roelfs

Portrait of Olivia Van Fosson-Roelfs

A format that fits your life

You have a lot going on–Iowa’s online MSW makes it possible to advance professionally without putting the rest of your life on pause.

# 19

Online MSW program in the nation

Source: College Consensus

News and announcements

Research that creates real change: Sara Kintzle’s journey in military social work

Monday, April 27, 2026
School of Social Work alumni Sara Kintzle MSW reflects on mentorship, trauma-informed care, and building a career in military social work.

Master of Social Work student exemplifies leadership through youth advocacy and support in Siouxland

Friday, April 3, 2026
Ariel Sanders leads youth outreach efforts with the Crittenton Center in Sioux City as a part of her practicum placement in Iowa's MSW program.

School of Social Work faculty member analyzes aging from an intersectional perspective

Friday, April 3, 2026
May Guo, associate professor for the School of Social Work, expands upon current understandings of aging in her new academic textbook. The textbook, "Aging and Diversity", analyzes aging from an intersectional perspective, taking into account the impact that race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, and religion have on one's aging experience.

Upcoming events

Des Moines Masters of Social Work Graduation Celebration

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Community Choice Convention Center

Online MSW Info Session

Thursday, May 14, 2026 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual

Please join us via Zoom for an info session to learn more about the online MSW program.

https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/91760640877

Questions? Contact Lauren at ssw-admissions@uiowa.edu

School of Social Work Graduation Celebration

Friday, May 15, 2026 9:00am to 10:30am
Iowa Memorial Union (IMU)

The School of Social Work hosts an informal graduation celebration for all spring and summer 2026 social work students (BA, MSW & PhD) from all locations. Family and friends are welcome

Sioux City MSW Info Session

Wednesday, May 20, 2026 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Virtual
To learn about the MSW program options and specializations available in Sioux City.
Continuing Education: Belonging is infrastructure promotional image

Continuing Education: Belonging is infrastructure

Friday, May 22, 2026 9:00am to 12:00pm
Virtual

Registration: https://uiowaforms.wufoo.com/forms/belonging-is-infrastructure/

Overview: Social workers are working at the intersection of three converging crises: rapid population aging, increasing social disconnection, and workforce burnout. Research now demonstrates that social connection is a core determinant of physical and mental health, yet most service systems still treat belonging as optional rather than essential infrastructure.This workshop introduces the Visibility → Belonging →...

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