Why Iowa?

With mental health services in greater demand than ever, social work training has never been more valuable. As the home of the 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 research university difference

Benefit from the expertise, learning, and training opportunities you can only find at a major research 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.

“The experiences and opportunities opened by an MSW are endless. I know so many classmates and friends with MSWs who have gone on to do some incredible work, in a variety of fields. Policy builders, politicians, community collaborators, therapists, directors of programs, and business owners.”

- Ondrea Patzlaff, MSW ‘11

Portrait of Ondrea Patzlaff

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

SSW adjunct professor balances teaching and substance abuse research

Wednesday, May 14, 2025
As both the training director for the National Resource Center for Family Centered Practice, and an adjunct professor for the University of School of Social Work, Kellee Thorburn McCrory is making headway in multiple directions.

School of Social Work assistant professor of practice using her rural perspective to make a difference in health care equity

Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Get to know one of our newest faculty members, Dana Wickwire Cheek, and how she is using her perspectives to fuel her passions in the field of social work.

Upcoming Events

Iowa City MSW Info Session

Tuesday, June 10, 2025 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual
Please join us via Zoom for an info session to learn more about earning your MSW degree on our main University of Iowa campus in Iowa City.Click here to register:https://socialwork.uiowa.edu/graduate/msw-social-work/iowa-cityContact our Admissions Office directly with any questions or requests.ssw-inquiries@uiowa.edu319-335-1250

Des Moines MSW Info Session

Tuesday, June 10, 2025 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual
Please join us via Zoom for an info session to learn more about the MSW program in Des Moines at the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center.Click here to register: https://socialwork.uiowa.edu/graduate/msw-social-work/des-moinesQuestions? Contact Melanie at melanie-reed@uiowa.edu 

Online MSW Info Session

Thursday, June 12, 2025 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual
Please join us via Zoom for an info session to learn more about the Online MSW program. We offer Advanced Standing and Regular Standing with specializations in Clinical Practice and Leadership Practice.Click here to register: https://socialwork.uiowa.edu/graduate/msw-social-work/onlineQuestions? Contact Melanie at melanie-reed@uiowa.edu 

Iowa City MSW Info Session

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual
Please join us via Zoom for an info session to learn more about earning your MSW degree on our main University of Iowa campus in Iowa City. Click here to join: https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/97721848252. Contact our Admissions Office directly with any questions or requests. ssw-admissions@uiowa.edu 319-335-1250

Des Moines MSW Info Session

Tuesday, July 15, 2025 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual
Please join us via Zoom for an info session to learn more about the MSW program in Des Moines at the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center. Click here to join: https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/94610615429 Questions? Contact Melanie at melanie-reed@uiowa.edu 
View more events