Wisconsin – Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
In Wisconsin, prospective social workers may begin their careers with an undergraduate degree and a Social Worker Training Certificate. However, if you plan to advance your career it is advantageous to understand the differences between Wisconsin social work programs and earn a CSWE-accredited social work degree such as a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW). A minimum of a BSW accredited by the CSWE is required to obtain licensure as a social worker in Wisconsin.
Quick Facts
- 17 schools offering social work programs in Wisconsin are in our database (see below)
- Of the social work schools in Wisconsin, 2 offer associate’s degrees or certificates, 15 offer bachelor’s degrees, and 4 offer a master’s or advanced degree1
- 1 school ranked in Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges
- 5 schools ranked in US News Best Graduate Social Work Programs
- No schools ranked in Social Work Guide’s Top Online MSW Programs4
- Across 15 schools, 19 bachelor’s and master’s social work degree programs in Wisconsin are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)5
Featured Online Programs in Social Work
Top-Ranked Schools with Social Work Programs in Wisconsin
Kiplinger’s Best Values in Public Colleges
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (#13 in-state, #19 out-of-state)
*Institution-wide ranking.
US News Best Graduate Social Work Programs
- University of Wisconsin-?Madison (#11 tie)
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (#54 tie)
- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (#105 tie)
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (#147 tie)
- George Williams College of Aurora University (#220 tie)
Schools with Social Work Programs Accredited by the CSWE
- Carthage College
- Concordia University Wisconsin-Mequon
- Concordia University Wisconsin-Cedarburg
- Marian University
- Mount Mary University
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- University of Wisconsin-River Falls
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
- University of Wisconsin-Superior
- University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
- Viterbo University
Schools in Wisconsin with Social Work Degree Programs
BSW and Other Undergraduate Programs
Concordia University Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin is a private university affiliated with the Lutheran Church. The school’s CSWE-accredited BSW program takes four years to complete through full-time study and focuses on developing generalist practice skills. The university’s School of Health Professions (SHP) offers inter-professional education opportunities with students enrolled in other health professions programs which may appeal to individuals interested in health-related social work practice. In 2015, the university began an accelerated BSW program for adult students at the Green Bay and Miller Park Way learning centers. This program features in-person classes one night per week paired with online course options to fit busy schedules. A CSWE-accredited MSW program is also planned to begin in 2017. US News & World Report ranked Concordia University Wisconsin #54 among regional universities in the Midwest in 2016.
Mount Mary University
Mount Mary University, located in Milwaukee, is a Catholic, female-only institution with a CSWE-accredited BSW program. The social work program in Mount Mary’s School of Natural and Health Sciences is built on the university’s commitment to service, leadership, and social justice. The program teaches students about many facets of social work education and practice. In the senior year, students complete at least 500 hours of supervised field education as well as a social action project and a capstone project. Students also participate in social work research projects. Placements are available at a range of social service organizations in the Milwaukee region and have included such organizations as Children’s Services Society of Wisconsin, Salvation Army Emergency Lodge, and Wisconsin Community Services. There are many ways to get involved on campus, including a social work club and several honors societies. In 2016, the university tied for #75 among regional universities in the Midwest.
MSW and Other Graduate Programs
University of Wisconsin-Madison
The social work graduate school at UW-Madison was tied for #11 among all social work graduate schools in the country by US News & World Report in 2016. The UW-Madison School of Social Work CSWE-accredited MSW program has an advanced generalist curriculum with specializations in Aging; Child, Youth, and Family Welfare; Health; and Mental Health. Field education is organized based on students’ practice area of interest, such as community mental health, education, or criminal justice. Students are then able to choose from placements that match the field unit focus. Those who have a CSWE-accredited BSW degree may be eligible to apply for various course exemptions from the first year curriculum. Tuition assistance may be available for those interested in child welfare social work or who identify as minority or economically disadvantaged students. The UW-Madison campus also offers a CSWE-accredited BSW degree and a PhD in social work.
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
UW-Green Bay offers an accredited MSW program which is divided into two sections: a foundational year for students who do not have a BSW degree to develop generalist practice knowledge and skills and an advanced generalist year to prepare students for many different areas of social work practice. Students in the Department of Social Work can also choose a specialization from areas such as child welfare, gerontology, or corrections. Advanced standing, which allows degree candidates to bypass the foundational year of the program, is available for students with an accredited BSW. UW-Green Bay also offers a CSWE-accredited BSW program. In 2016 US News & World Report ranked the UW-Green Bay campus #75 among regional universities in the Midwest.
Accreditation Information for Wisconsin Social Work Schools
| School Name | Graduation Rate1 | Transfer-Out Rate1 | Associate’s SW Program | Bachelor’s SW Program | Graduate SW Program | CSWE Accredited5 | US News Best Social Work Grad Schools Ranking3 | Net Price*1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carthage College | 61% | N/A | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not Ranked | $27,385 |
| Concordia University-Wisconsin | 61% | N/A | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $23,178 |
| Madison Area Technical College | 23% | 14% | Yes | No | No | No | Not Ranked | $12,578 |
| Marian University | 56% | 17% | No | Yes | No | No | Not Ranked | $19,642 |
| Marquette University | 79% | N/A | No | Yes | No | No | Not Ranked | $32,900 |
| Mount Mary University | 49% | 34% | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $13,665 |
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire | 68% | N/A | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not Ranked | $12,439 |
| University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | 51% | N/A | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | #105 tie | $11,937 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | 84% | N/A | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | #11 tie | $16,131 |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | 44% | N/A | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | #54 tie | $13,940 |
| University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | 54% | N/A | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | #147 tie | $12,171 |
| University of Wisconsin-River Falls | 54% | N/A | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $12,505 |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | 60% | N/A | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $11,561 |
| University of Wisconsin-Superior | 43% | N/A | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $10,748 |
| University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | 58% | N/A | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not Ranked | $11,575 |
| Viterbo University | 48% | N/A | No | Yes | No | Yes | Not Ranked | $17,850 |
*The net price is calculated by the National Center for Education Statistics by subtracting the average amount of aid (including grants and scholarships) from the total published cost of attendance for in-state/in-district students, which includes tuition, books, room and board, and other expenses. To gain a better understanding of how to interpret the statistics discussed in this table, see our list of important definitions.
Directory of Wisconsin Social Work School Programs
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the “Data, Student Reviews and Other Information” section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
Schools with an asterisk (*) have programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Carthage College*
2001 Alford Park Dr
Kenosha, WI 53140-1994
(262) 551-8500
http://www.carthage.edu
Concordia University-Wisconsin*
12800 N Lake Shore Dr
Mequon, WI 53097-2402
(262) 243-5700
http://www.cuw.edu
George Williams College of Aurora University*
350 Constance Blvd
Williams Bay, WI 53191
https://gwc.aurora.edu/
Madison Area Technical College
1701 Wright St
Madison, WI 53704-2599
(608) 246-6100
https://madisoncollege.edu
Student Review: “I loved every minute of earning my degree in my field. I learned so my from so my great teachers to do something I always wanted to do and that is saving the world. I liked how I was challenged and It paid off. I have a 3.9 GPA and I am working on my bachelors now. MATC’s Human Service/Social Work program is the best. They really focus on being the best you can be. The professors there really spend time with you and make sure you are ready for the outside world. I would recommend all area people to attend this school.” – Student at Madison Area Technical College
Marian University*
45 S National Ave
Fond Du Lac, WI 54935-4699
(920) 923-7600
http://www.marianuniversity.edu
Marquette University
1250 W Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 288-7710
http://www.marquette.edu
Mount Mary University*
2900 N Menomonee River Pky
Milwaukee, WI 53222-4597
(414) 930-3000
http://www.mtmary.edu
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire*
105 Garfield Ave
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004
(715) 836-2637
http://www.uwec.edu
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay*
2420 Nicolet Dr
Green Bay, WI 54311-7001
(920) 465-2000
http://www.uwgb.edu
University of Wisconsin-Madison*
500 Lincoln Dr
Madison, WI 53706-1380
(608) 263-2400
https://www.wisc.edu
Student Review: “Overall, my experience with the BSW Program at UW-Madison was a positive one. The social work programs at this university are among the top programs in the nation, and that certainly shows. The city of Madison has offered many opportunities to further my social work education. It has allowed me to work closely with an organization that works with victims of human trafficking, and I was able to use this organization to complete my required internship for the program. I have also been offered a great support system that I felt comfortable enough to rely on for various problems I might have encountered. My supervisor at my internship and my field instructor are valuable relationships that I was able to develop during the program. One qualm I did have was with the advisors for the program. They were not very helpful, and the advisor that was assigned to me was often standoffish, cold, and demeaning. I rarely went to her for help because I dreaded every other meeting I had with her. Otherwise, UW-Madison has a wonderful program that has helped me to shape my life and practice in positive ways.” – Student at University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee*
2200 E Kenwood Blvd
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0413
(414) 229-1122
http://www.uwm.edu
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh*
800 Algoma Blvd
Oshkosh, WI 54901
(920) 424-1234
http://www.uwosh.edu
University of Wisconsin-River Falls*
410 S 3rd St
River Falls, WI 54022-5001
(715) 425-3911
http://www.uwrf.edu
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point*
2100 Main St
Stevens Point, WI 54481-3897
(715) 346-0123
http://www.uwsp.edu
University of Wisconsin-Superior*
1605 Catlin Ave
Superior, WI 54880-4500
(715) 394-8101
http://www.uwsuper.edu
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater*
800 W Main St
Whitewater, WI 53190-1790
(262) 472-1234
http://www.uww.edu
Viterbo University*
900 Viterbo Dr
La Crosse, WI 54601-8804
(608) 796-3000
http://www.viterbo.edu
Schools with an asterisk (*) have programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Kiplinger’s Best College Values: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-private-colleges/index.php?table=all
3. US News & World Report Social Work Best Grad Schools Rankings: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/social-work-rankings
4. Social Work Guide’s Top Online MSW Programs: /degrees/masters/online/
5. Council on Social Work Education: https://www.cswe.org/Accreditation/Directory-of-Accredited-Programs.aspx
