Tacoma, Washington
Pacific Lutheran University MSW Programs
What MSW Options Does Pacific Lutheran University Offer?
Pacific Lutheran University offers an MSW, offered on campus. It is CSWE-accredited. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (36 credits). Estimated tuition starts at $54,780.
The Pacific Lutheran University MSW
- FormatOn campus960 field hoursCredits60Est. tuition$54,780$913/creditAccreditationCSWE
Specializations named on Pacific Lutheran University's pages: Healthcare and behavioral health.
Admissions, Structure and Cost at Pacific Lutheran University
| Program | Advanced standing | Field education | GRE | Published tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Social Work (MSW)Starts: Fall, Summer | 36 credits, 14 months, starting in summer | 960 hours (regular standing); 640 hours (advanced standing) | $913 per semester hour; for students beginning Fall 2026, tuition for the 60-credit Regular Standing program is $53,160 (2026-28 program cost $54,780 with fees); Advanced Standing (36 credits, Summer 2026 start) $31,896 tuition, 2026-27 program cost $32,868 with fees |
From Pacific Lutheran University's own program, admissions and tuition pages, reviewed September 30, 2026. Blank cells: the school's pages don't state that detail. Tuition changes each year; confirm fees with the school.
How Pacific Lutheran University Compares
Pacific Lutheran University's lowest estimated tuition, $54,780 for Master of Social Work (MSW), is above the national median of $40,180 (275th lowest of 349 programs with an estimate). Its MSW requires 60 credits, against a national median of 60.
| Pacific Lutheran University | Washington median | U.S. median | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated tuition (lowest option) | $54,780 | $56,210 | $40,180 |
| Credits | 60 | 75 | 60 |
Medians across programs on this site that publish the figure, September 2026. The MSW cost and loan calculator adds fees and federal loan limits.
Certificates at Pacific Lutheran University
- School Social Worker Certificate (ESA)
Other Social Work Degrees at Pacific Lutheran University
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) (on campus). A BSW from a CSWE-accredited program is what qualifies you for advanced standing in an MSW.
Is Pacific Lutheran University's MSW CSWE Accredited?
Pacific Lutheran University's MSW is listed as accredited in the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) directory (September 2026). CSWE accredits the program, which covers every format the school offers it in. All CSWE-accredited MSW programs
From Pacific Lutheran University's MSW to a Washington License
- Earn a CSWE-accredited MSW2 years full time, or about 1 with advanced standing
- Pass the ASWB examFor the Advanced Social Worker Associate
- Log supervised clinical hoursUsually about two years of post-MSW practice
- Earn the clinical licenseIndependent clinical practice
Washington license tiers from its social work board · License pathway planner
Similar MSW Programs to Compare With Pacific Lutheran University
MSW programs at other CSWE-accredited schools, closest in estimated tuition:
- FormatOnlineCredits55Est. tuition$54,615$993/creditAccreditationCSWE
- FormatHybridCredits65Est. tuition$54,600$840/creditAccreditationCSWE
Traditional On-Campus MSW Program at Rutgers University
Rutgers University · New Brunswick, NJFormatOn campus900 field hoursCredits60Est. tuition$54,360$906/credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWEMaster of Social Work (MSW) at Rowan University
Rowan University · Glassboro, NJFormatOn campus900 field hoursCredits59Est. tuition$54,339$921/credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWE- Format–400 field hoursCredits60Est. tuition$54,180$903/credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWE
Pacific Lutheran University MSW: Common Questions
Is Pacific Lutheran University's MSW CSWE Accredited?
Pacific Lutheran University's MSW is listed as accredited in the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) directory (September 2026). CSWE accredits the program, which covers every format the school offers it in.
Does Pacific Lutheran University Offer an Online MSW?
No. Pacific Lutheran University's MSW is offered on campus, according to its own pages.
Does Pacific Lutheran University Offer Advanced Standing?
Master of Social Work (MSW): 36 credits; 14 months, starting in summer; Bachelor's degree or social work major from an accredited program; PLU BSW graduates directly admitted with a 10% MSW tuition discount.
How Much Does Pacific Lutheran University's MSW Cost?
Master of Social Work (MSW): $913 per semester hour; for students beginning Fall 2026, tuition for the 60-credit Regular Standing program is $53,160 (2026-28 program cost $54,780 with fees); Advanced Standing (36 credits, Summer 2026 start) $31,896 tuition, 2026-27 program cost $32,868 with fees (about $54,780 for 60 credits, before fees). Confirm current rates and fees with the school.
How Many Field Hours Does Pacific Lutheran University's MSW Require?
Master of Social Work (MSW): 960 hours (regular standing); 640 hours (advanced standing).
More MSW Programs in Washington
Sources
- plu.edu: program, admissions and tuition pages, reviewed September 30, 2026
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), directory of accredited programs (September 2026)
- U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS completions 2022-23
- Washington State Department of Health - Social Worker and Social Worker Associate credentials