• ALL students pay in-state tuition
  • Part-time and full-time options
  • Students admitted annually
  • Required classes meet at 5:30pm (central time) Monday - Thursday via Zoom

The University of Iowa School of Social Work has the highest-ranked MSW program in Iowa.  We've been serving the state of Iowa with multiple learning centers for more than 50 years.

We added the Online MSW Program in 2018 to serve working students who live in Iowa or a bordering state and who, because of geography or schedule, cannot attend classes at one of our physical locations.

All required classes in the Online MSW program meet in the evening only, starting no earlier than 5:30pm (central time), via Zoom.  Students can choose to complete the program in two, three or four years, on a full- or part-time basis - whatever best fits with their life circumstances.

For students without an accredited bachelor's degree in Social Work, the MSW program requires 54 semester hours.  For those with a bachelor's degree in Social Work, the program can be completed in 36 semester hours.

To qualify, students must:

  • Live in Iowa or bordering states
  • Have either a BSW or a 4-year degree in another discipline
  • Commit to evening classes in real time using video conferencing and asynchronous classes in which course work is done independently, adhering to deadlines
  • Be willing to work with the Online MSW Practicum Administrator to develop and secure practicum (internship) placement(s) in their community

And show potential for being a successful online learner, which calls for: 

  • Preparedness: Group project skills, time management, quiet space;
  • Basic technical skills: Managing computer hardware and software, navigating Internet, downloading and uploading documents; and
  • Devices and tools: Regular access to high speed Internet, a computer, a headset/microphone, web camera, and other necessary learning tools.

Are you ready for Online? Assess your readiness with the help of UI Distance and Online Education.

View Sample Course Sequence 

For more information, visit our Admissions webpage or please contact:

Christy Thies
Des Moines and Online Program Coordinator
Pappajohn Education Center
1200 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50309
christy-thies@uiowa.edu
515-235-4662