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

Building social work careers in Siouxland: Meet the leader behind the Sioux City MSW program

Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Sarah Stevens, practicum and program administrator for the School of Social Work, dedicates herself to helping MSW students thrive in Sioux City.

Finding purpose and community: How a transfer student immersed himself in Iowa’s BA in Social Work program

Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Nick Grober transferred to the University of Iowa to pursue a BA in Social Work, drawn to the program's experiential learning offerings and tight-knit community.

Making an impact: School of Social Work PhD student aims to increase interest in the aging sciences through research and education

Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Lauren Gil Hayes was recently selected for the Health Policy Research Scholars program, a competitive four-year development program comprised of doctoral students from across the United States of America.

Upcoming events

Bachelor of Arts in Social Work Info Session

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual

Please join us via Zoom for an info session to learn more about earning a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work degree.

https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/96938044127

Contact our Admissions Office directly with any questions or requests.

ssw-admissions@uiowa.edu

319-335-1250

Night of 1000 Dinners promotional image

Night of 1000 Dinners

Friday, March 6, 2026 6:00pm to 8:00pm
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church
Night of 1000 Dinners is a community celebration of International Women's Day and features an international buffet, entertainment, and recognition of women-led groups advancing UN Sustainable Development Goal #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Iowa City MSW Info Session

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual
To learn about the MSW program options and specializations available in Iowa City.

Des Moines MSW Info Session

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual
Learn about the MSW program options and specializations available in Des Moines.

Sioux City MSW Info Session

Wednesday, March 11, 2026 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Virtual
To learn about the MSW program options and specializations available in Sioux City.
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