Pacific Lutheran University · Tacoma, Washington
Master of Social Work (MSW)
What Should You Know About Master of Social Work (MSW) at Pacific Lutheran University?
Master of Social Work (MSW) is a MSW program at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, offered on campus. It requires 60 credits (regular standing) and takes 24 months (regular standing); 14 months (advanced standing). At $913 per credit, estimated tuition is $54,780 before fees. BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (36 credits). Pacific Lutheran University's MSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | MSW |
|---|---|
| Format | on campus |
| Credits | 60 credits (regular standing) |
| Length | 24 months (regular standing); 14 months (advanced standing) |
| Advanced standing | 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 |
| Field education | 960 hours (regular standing); 640 hours (advanced standing) |
| Start terms | Fall, Summer |
| Tuition | $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 |
| Specializations | Healthcare and behavioral health |
From plu.edu, reviewed September 30, 2026. Check start dates, deadlines and current tuition with the school before you apply.
How This Program Compares
- Estimated tuition of $54,780 is the 275th lowest of 349 MSW programs on this site with an estimate (median $40,180).
- Its 60 credits compare with a median of 60.
- Its 960 field education hours compare with a median of 900 among programs that state them.
- Advanced standing drops 24 credits, about $21,912 in tuition at the published rate.
Estimate the full cost and federal loan coverage for this program
After This MSW: The Washington License Path
- 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 board. Online students licensed in another state follow that state's board.
Similar MSW Programs at Other Schools
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- FormatOn campus, Online900 field hoursCredits60Est. tuition$54,000$900/creditAccreditationCSWE
Master of Social Work (Traditional MSW, Columbus Campus and Online) at Ohio State University
Ohio State University · Columbus, OHFormatOn campus, Online900 field hoursCredits63Est. tuition$53,842$855/credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWE
Master of Social Work (MSW): Common Questions
How Much Does Master of Social Work (MSW) at Pacific Lutheran University Cost?
$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. That works out to about $54,780 for 60 credits, before fees. Tuition changes each year; confirm fees and total cost with Pacific Lutheran University.
How Long Is Master of Social Work (MSW)?
60 credits (regular standing), 24 months (regular standing); 14 months (advanced standing), according to the school's program page.
Does Master of Social Work (MSW) Offer Advanced Standing?
Yes. 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 Many Field Hours Does Master of Social Work (MSW) Require?
960 hours (regular standing); 640 hours (advanced standing), according to the school's program page.
Is Master of Social Work (MSW) CSWE Accredited?
Pacific Lutheran University's MSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.