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

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.

CLAS invests in expanded practicum education model during Social Work Month

Wednesday, March 11, 2026
To support the continued growth of the School of Social Work and the success of its students, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is investing in an expanded practicum education structure for the Social Work program.

Upcoming events

Bachelor of Arts in Social Work Info Session

Tuesday, April 7, 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

Sioux City MSW Info Session

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Virtual
To learn about the MSW program options and specializations available in Sioux City.

Iowa City MSW Info Session

Tuesday, April 14, 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, April 14, 2026 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Virtual
Learn about the MSW program options and specializations available in Des Moines.

Online MSW Info Session

Thursday, April 16, 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

View more events