The Des Moines MSW program is perfect for working professionals who want the quality and reputation of the Iowa MSW but want to continue working in central Iowa. Housed in the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center, the Iowa MSW in Des Moines can be completed on a full-time or part-time schedule. Classes typically meet weekly and include both day and evening times.

Most required courses are taught by University of Iowa faculty who live in Des Moines. Electives and a few required courses are taught by adjunct faculty who hold MSW degrees and are experienced social work practitioners in the community with reputations for excellence in the areas they teach. Some courses are taught via Zoom. 

The Des Moines program offers students unique opportunities in policy advocacy and access to state government as well as the variety of services available in the state's largest city. Des Moines is a diverse metropolitan environment, providing students with a wide range of practice experiences.

Melanie Reed

Welcome our new Program Specialist

Melanie Reed, MSW

Program options

Advanced standing program

36 semester hour program
  • For students with a social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program
  • Starts in the summer semester and can be completed in one or two years
  • View the sample course sequence

Regular standing program

54 semester hour program
  • For students without a social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program
  • Starts in the fall semester and can be completed in 2, 3 or 4 years
  • View a sample course sequence

Application deadline

Dec. 1 for early review of Advanced Standing and Regular Standing

Dec. 1 is the only deadline for the Advanced Standing one-year-track.

March 1 for Advanced Standing 2-year & Regular Standing

Information sessions

Please join us for an online info session to learn more about earning your MSW degree from the University of Iowa.

Online information sessions take place via Zoom. You can join in from a PC, Mac, iOS, or Android device via: https://uiowa.zoom.us/j/97721848252

We welcome everyone to register prior to the session; however, it is not necessary. You are welcome to "drop-in".

Sessions take place on the following Tuesdays from 4–5 p.m. (Central Standard Time) via Zoom.

  • December 10, 2024
  • January 14, 2025
  • February 11, 2025

If you have any questions or requests, please contact our Admissions Office directly at ssw-admissions@uiowa.edu or 319-335-1250.

Questions?

If you have any questions on the MSW program at Iowa, please visit our admissions webpage or contact our admissions office.

 ssw-admissions@uiowa.edu
 319-335-1250

Des Moines faculty

Stephen Cummings

Stephen Cummings, M.S.W., A.C.S.W., L.I.S.W.

Title/Position
Clinical Associate Professor,
Distance Education Administrator,
MSW Program Director
Motier Haskins

Motier F. Haskins, M.S.W.

Title/Position
Associate Professor of Instruction
Peggy_Tropser

Peggy Trosper, M.S.W

Title/Position
Clinical Assistant Professor
S_Webster

Sharaine Webster, M.S.W, L.I.S.W

Title/Position
Clinical Assistant Professor