Social Work Graduate Programs
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CSWE Accredited
Unique Specializations
Expert Faculty
Online and On-Campus Options
Follow Your Passion for Helping Others
Develop the expertise to advance equity and inclusion and promote social justice and systems transformation to work with vulnerable populations in your community with the Master of Social Work program at George Mason. In this program, you will build knowledge for evidence-based practice in classes led by practicing social workers. With two unique specialization options, the MSW program is designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to pursue an impactful career. Graduates work in nonprofit, governmental, and policy organizations.
- Ranked #67 in Best Schools for Social Work by U.S. News & World Report.2
- Ranked #57 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report.3
- Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033.1
Master of Social Work Specializations
The specializations in the MSW at George Mason will allow you to further specialize your degree to prepare for the type of work that aligns with your career goals.
- Program Options: Online & on campus
- Credit Hours: 60
- Duration: 4-8 SEMESTERS (ON-CAMPUS), 8-10 SEMESTERS (ONLINE)
Learn how to address the physical and mental health challenges adults face across the lifespan, gaining expertise and skills in direct practice and advocacy for careers in long-term health facilities and other behavioral health and nonprofit services.
- Program Options: Online & on campus
- Credit Hours: 33
- Duration: 1.5 Years
Complete your Master of Social Work degree with a specialization in Adults and Healthy Aging in half the time with the advanced standing option. BSW degree required.
- Program Options: Online & on campus
- Credit Hours: 60
- Duration: 4-8 SEMESTERS (ON-CAMPUS), 8-10 SEMESTERS (ONLINE)
Learn to work with and advocate on the behalf of clients and communities across the family lifecycle, gaining the skills and expertise to work in schools, mental/behavioral health, social services departments, child welfare systems, and other settings.
- Program Options: Online & on campus
- Credit Hours: 33
- Duration: 1.5 Years
Complete your Master of Social Work degree with a specialization in Children, Youth, and Families in half the time with the advanced standing option. BSW degree required.
- Program Options: On Campus
- Credit Hours: 15
- Duration: 12 months
Complete a multidisciplinary program that combines theoretical and applied coursework in aging with the graduate curriculum of your choice.
A Program Focused on Enhancing the Quality of Life of Individuals, Families, and Communities
George Mason’s MSW curriculum will teach you to work with underserved populations and communities through coursework and practicum experiences that emphasize empowerment and systems transformation. You will study topics such as behavioral health, social welfare, human behavior and social systems, psychopathology, immigration policy, and more.
Drive Positive Change
About 67,300 openings for social workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.1 Earning your MSW at George Mason will allow you to enter the field with the confidence to positively impact the lives of individuals and communities.
Top Careers
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Social Worker
Mental Health Counselor
Study at the First College of Public Health in Virginia
George Mason University’s College of Public Health is the first CEPH-accredited College of Public Health in Virginia. We are a national leader in inclusive, interprofessional research, education, and practice. The College’s transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors influencing health and well-being. Our graduates are uniquely prepared to lead in an increasingly diverse, multidisciplinary, and community-focused public health landscapes.
Delivering Excellence On Campus or Online
Whether you study on campus or online, you’ll complete the same rigorous curriculum and be held to the same high standards. Faculty teach courses on campus and online, ensuring consistency and access to distinguished experts for students across the globe. All students benefit from George Mason’s robust support services, including library resources, the writing center, academic advising, and career services.
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- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Social Workers.” Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://bls.gov/.
- U.S. News & World Report. “Best Schools for Social Work.” Retrieved August 5, 2025, from https://usnews.com/.
- U.S. News & World Report. “George Mason University Rankings.” Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://usnews.com/.