Master of Social Work

Social workers recognize the critical role they play as clinical therapists and as advocates for human rights, equity, systemic change, and the elimination of poverty. Capital’s Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is unique in offering an MSW in Advanced Social Work Practice, which means that our graduates can practice in any field. A combination of classroom instruction and exceptional field experiences gives students the knowledge and skills they will need to work with diverse populations in a variety of settings. The Capital MSW is either a one-year or two-year program, depending on your area of undergraduate study.

Fill out the form below to learn more about our MSW program. We will be in touch soon!

Applications for the ASAP and Two-Year Traditional program opened on August 1, 2024. Both ASAP and Two-Year Tradition begin in Fall 2025. Please fill out the form for more information.

Social Work at Capital University

Practice and Experience

The MSW degree is designed for individuals who want to pursue advanced practice social work careers. Capital’s MSW prepares students for advanced social work practice, meaning that you can professionally practice with individuals, families, organizations, and global communities. Field placements begin in the first year of study and align with your interests and passions. Placements are often near your community of residence and are student centered. Past field placement locations have included:

  • Nationwide Children’s Hospital
  • Ohio Guidestones
  • Community and Private Clinical Mental Health Centers
  • School districts
  • Ohio Health
  • Wexner Medical Center
  • National Association of Social Workers-Ohio
  • Department of Corrections

Capital offers two tracks to earning an MSW: the Two-Year MSW and the Advanced Standing Program (ASAP). Both options offer a flexible hybrid learning format with a balance of in-person and online course work.

Two-Year MSW

For students who have earned a bachelor’s degree outside of social work.

  • 59 Credit Hours
  • 900 Field Placement Hours
  • No GRE/GMAT Required
  • Hybrid Course Delivery: Online Classes and Evening In-Person Classes
  • Field Placements Begin in the First Year
Advanced Standing (ASAP)

For students who hold a bachelor of social work degree from a CSWE-accredited institution.

  • 36 Credit Hours
  • 680 Field Placement Hours
  • No GRE/GMAT Required
  • Hybrid Course Delivery: Online Classes and Evening In-Person Classes
  • Field Placements Begin in the First Year

All MSW students can sit for the Licensed Social Work (LSW) examination during the last semester of the program. Students will be considered licensed once they complete their degree and pass the LSW exam.

Leaders for Ethical Social Change

Designed for working professionals, the Capital MSW offers a flexible hybrid learning format with a balance of in-person and online course work. In-person courses are offered during the evening hours. All field placements are student centered and guided by dedicated field education faculty.

Our graduates practice in a variety of settings including:

  • Clinical Therapy
  • Substance Abuse and Addiction Services
  • Clinical Medical Social Work
  • School and Higher Education Social Work
  • Policy and Advocacy Practice
  • Justice System
  • Non-Profit Management

The Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) and Higher Learning Commission (HLC) have approved Capital's MSW application, needed prior to pursuing CSWE accreditation. The MSW Program is currently in the process of attaining pre-candidacy status by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditors (BOA) which has not yet been reviewed by the BOA or verified to be compliant with the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).

Counseling Education Tracks

School Counseling

With a Master of Arts in Education - School Counseling from Capital, you can help your students achieve academic and personal success. Our program will prepare you to play a vital role in helping students make sense of their world inside and outside of school. Coursework merges theory with best practices, and classes are taught by highly respected faculty who are also recognized professionals in the field. Our students learn the requisite knowledge and practical skills they will need to reach, advise, and counsel today’s diverse student population.

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Capital’s Master of Arts – Clinical Mental Health Counseling provides the required foundation and practical skills to become a licensed professional counselor in the state of Ohio. Our CMHC graduates will be prepared to take the National Counselor Examination and to confidently practice in a variety of mental health settings. Courses and practical training focus on mental health diagnoses and the treatment of mental and emotional disorders. The program fosters the attitudes, dispositions, and skills to promote a strong professional identity and prepares students to become leaders in the field of mental health.

  • 50 Years(CWSE-Accredited Program Since 1974)
  • 12:1Student-to-Faculty Ratio
  • 100%Of Students Complete a Field Experience Before Graduation

By the Numbers

  • 64Credits
  • 600Hour Internship
  • 100Hour Practicum
  • 12:1Student-to-Faculty Ratio

Paying for Your Graduate Studies

  • Graduate assistantships may be available
  • Federal financial aid is available to assist in financing your education
  • Capital University accepts the GI bill and other veteran benefits

Review Tuition and Fees

  • $44,604*Total anticipated cost for the Counseling program (either track) including tuition and fees *Costs are estimates only and are subject to change due to course sequencing, annual fee increases, etc.
  • $686per credit hour for the 2022-23 academic year

Explore Capital University

  • Quality Graduate EducationOur programs, led by faculty who are experts in their fields, are designed to offer a degree with distinction and give you the knowledge and expertise to expand your career options.
  • Flexible Degree PathsWe provide the pathway. You set the pace. With flexible scheduling and both in-person and hybrid programs offered, you can earn a degree that fits your life.
  • Highly Personalized SupportBuild strong relationships in a community that cares about your success. Your professors and peers will come to know you personally, understand your goals, and challenge you to be the best you can be.

Become Part of the Capital Family!

Submit your application now to take advantage of these benefits:

  • No application fee
  • No test scores required*
  • Expedited admissions decision for most programs

*Proof of English (TOEFL/IELTS) required for international applicants.

Questions About Capital?

We’re here to help! From programs and prerequisites to application questions, enrollment deadlines, and anything else, our Admissions Advisors are ready to guide you.