Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Tennessee

Tennessee, with a population of 7.1 million people, employed almost 17,000 social workers across all specialties in 2023. As the need for social workers continues to expand, earning an MSW in Tennessee can launch you into a fulfilling career as a licensed social worker. An on-campus or online master’s in social work (MSW) is the minimum educational requirement for three of the state’s four levels of social work licensure. You must hold an MSW and earn a specific license to practice independently in the state.

Tennessee offers a variety of learning options for aspiring social workers. Our directory of CSWE-accredited MSW programs in Tennessee can help you find a school that fits your personal needs and career goals.

If you have a bachelor’s in social work from an accredited program, you may apply for admission with advanced standing at all ten schools. While students admitted with bachelor’s degrees in fields other than social work typically take two years to complete their degree, students with advanced standing can finish MSW degree requirements in half the time.

All MSW programs in Tennessee prepare graduates for advanced generalist practice, but some schools also provide certificate opportunities that can translate into broader social work career possibilities, such as play therapy and veterinary social work.

Before applying to any MSW program, you should check the admission requirements to ensure you have the necessary credentials and prerequisites for admission. Most MSW programs in Tennessee require:

Traditional two-year MSW programs typically admit students with bachelor’s degrees in a non-social work field, such as sociology, psychology, or counseling. However, you’ll need a CSWE-accredited BSW for admission into an advanced-standing MSW program. Most applications require a personal statement and may ask you to take part in an interview.

Like most states, Tennessee requires an MSW for the advanced licensure levels. The Tennessee Board of Social Workers authorizes four levels of licensure:

The LMSW license does not have field requirements beyond those required to earn your MSW. After passing the master exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards and receiving licensure from the state, LMSWs may provide general non-clinical services as part of an organization or practice clinical social work under the supervision of an LCSW, but they cannot practice privately.

LAPSW applicants must hold an LMSW license, pass the ASWB advanced generalist exam, and complete 3,000 hours of field requirements. LAPSWs may provide non-clinical services privately or as part of an organization. They may also practice clinical social work under the supervision of an LCSW.

In Tennessee, the LCSW is the only license that authorizes social workers to provide clinical services independently. LCSW candidates must complete 3,000 hours of direct clinical social work services under supervision and pass the ASWB clinical exam.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed May 15, 2024.