Master of Social Work

Dordt University's Master of Social Work (MSW) program focuses on providing a Christ-centered education and is 100% online. The coursework is collaborative, and Dordt's engaging faculty provide practical applications to the concepts they teach.

Tuition update starting Fall 2025-Summer 2026: $695/credit

Through Dordt’s MSW program, you will learn about diverse communities and broadening perspectives on social justice all while remaining rooted in the belief that all people are image bearers of God. You will also be equipped to serve others professionally in non-profit agencies, counseling clinics, schools, and government agencies.

Depending on if you hold a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and/or how recently you earned your BSW, Dordt will have you enroll in a different MSW program to fulfill all the requirements needed for certification.

Regular Standing Students

Students without a BSW will be considered regular standing and will be required to complete 18 credits of foundational courses along with 6 credits (450 hours) of foundational field and seminar. These students will take an additional 15 credits of advanced courses, 6 credits (450 hours) of advanced field and seminar, and 15 credits of practice specializations of their choice for a total of 60 credit hours. Students may have some foundation coursework waived if the requirement was met in their undergraduate coursework.

Advanced Plus Standing Students

Students seeking advanced standing but have a BSW older than seven years old will be required to complete 9 credits of foundations courses. These students will take an additional 15 credits of advanced courses, 6 credits (450 hours) of advanced field and seminar, and 15 credits of practice specializations of their choice for a total of 45 credit hours.

Advanced Standing Students

Advanced standing students who have completed a BSW within the last seven years will be required to complete 15 credits of advanced courses, 6 credits (450 hours) of advanced field and seminar, and 15 credits of practice specializations of their choice for a total of 36 credit hours.

For a more detailed idea of what is required for each series of courses, visit the program page.

2024-2025 Tuition and Fees

• Graduate Courses: $800/credit
• One-time Technology Fee: $300
• Program Completion Fee: $100

2025-2026 Tuition will be:

• Graduate Courses: $695/credit
• One-time Technology Fee: $300

Graduate courses taken for graduate credit are worth three credits.

Financial Aid

In an effort to make graduate education at Dordt available to as many people as possible, program costs are kept as reasonable as possible. Financial aid in the form of federal loan programs is available. Students who wish to apply online should go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. For more information, contact Harlan Harmelink in the Financial Aid Office at (712) 722-6082.

The Dordt University Federal ID is #001859.

Dordt University Donor-Funded Annual Scholarships

Donor-funded scholarships vary in dollar amounts and in recipient selection criteria. Typically, the application process includes an application form and recommendation and a scholarship committee that selects the recipients.
Students may contact the Office of Graduate Studies (grad@dordt.edu) with inquiries.

How many credits are required for the MSW program?

The MSW program requires 36 credits for students qualifying for advanced standing. Those with a BSW degree older than seven years must complete the Application for Advanced Standing. If approved, these students will be required to take 45 credits. Regular standing requires 60 credits.

What is the difference between regular standing and advanced standing?

Preference for admittance to Advanced Standing will be given to those students who completed their BSW degree no more than seven years prior to application. If students completed their BSW more than seven years before applying to the MSW program, they must demonstrate that they have engaged in continuing education and professional social work practice during a majority of the years since their baccalaureate education. Students can contact grad@dordt.edu with any questions.

A copy of the Field Evaluation from BSW field experience(s) documenting satisfactory generalist practice experience and skills in the internship is required. While prospective students may be admitted conditionally based on their performance in the field, full admission is contingent upon receipt of final field evaluation. When the final field evaluation is not available, the applicant must submit the Field Verification Form.

Students who have obtained a bachelor’s degree in an area other than social work will have regular standing.

Are all MSW courses 100% online?

Yes, all courses are 100% online, with both synchronous and asynchronous learning activities.