University of South Dakota · Vermillion, South Dakota
Social Work (MSW)
What Should You Know About Social Work (MSW) at University of South Dakota?
Social Work (MSW) is a MSW program at University of South Dakota in Vermillion, South Dakota, offered on campus and online. It requires 60 credit hours. At $358 per credit, estimated tuition is $21,504 before fees (resident rate). BSW graduates can enter with advanced standing (36 credit hours). University of South Dakota's MSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.
Program Details
| Degree | MSW |
|---|---|
| Format | on campus and online |
| Part time | Offered |
| Credits | 60 credit hours |
| Advanced standing | 36 credit hours; Bachelor's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program |
| Field education | 500 to 1,000 hours of field education depending on the plan of study (Path to Licensure program) |
| Tuition | USD Sioux Falls: $358.40 per credit resident, $689.15 per credit non-resident; online courses: $495.70 per credit for all students (2026-27) |
| Specializations | Advanced generalist practice |
From usd.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 $21,504 is the 33rd lowest of 349 MSW programs on this site with an estimate (median $40,180).
- Its 60 credits compare with a median of 60.
- Its 1,000 field education hours compare with a median of 900 among programs that state them.
- Advanced standing drops 24 credits, about $8,602 in tuition at the published rate.
Estimate the full cost and federal loan coverage for this program
After This MSW: The South Dakota License Path
- Earn a CSWE-accredited MSW2 years full time, or about 1 with advanced standing
- Pass the ASWB exam ((board-prescribed exam; level not named in the rule))For the CSW
- Log supervised clinical hoursUsually about two years of post-MSW practice
- Earn the clinical licenseIndependent clinical practice
South Dakota license tiers from its board. Online students licensed in another state follow that state's board.
Similar MSW Programs at Other Schools
Master of Social Work (MSW) at University of Nebraska at Omaha
University of Nebraska at Omaha · Omaha, NEFormatOn campus, OnlineCredits63Est. tuition$21,483$341/credit · resident rateAccreditationCSWEMaster of Social Work (MSW) at Minnesota State University Moorhead
Minnesota State University Moorhead · Moorhead, MNFormatOnlineCredits31Est. tuition$21,794$703/creditAccreditationCSWEMaster of Social Work (MSW) Online at Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University · Jonesboro, ARFormatOnlineCredits63Est. tuition$22,050$350/creditAccreditationCSWEMaster of Social Work (Long Beach Campus: 2-Year, 3-Year and Advanced Standing Plans) at California State University-Long Beach
California State University-Long Beach · Long Beach, CAFormatOn campusCredits60Est. tuition$20,924published totalAccreditationCSWE
Social Work (MSW): Common Questions
How Much Does Social Work (MSW) at University of South Dakota Cost?
USD Sioux Falls: $358.40 per credit resident, $689.15 per credit non-resident; online courses: $495.70 per credit for all students. That works out to about $21,504 for 60 credits, before fees. Tuition changes each year; confirm fees and total cost with University of South Dakota.
How Long Is Social Work (MSW)?
60 credit hours, according to the school's program page.
Does Social Work (MSW) Offer Advanced Standing?
Yes. 36 credit hours; Bachelor's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
How Many Field Hours Does Social Work (MSW) Require?
500 to 1,000 hours of field education depending on the plan of study (Path to Licensure program), according to the school's program page.
Is Social Work (MSW) CSWE Accredited?
University of South Dakota's MSW is listed as accredited in CSWE's directory (September 2026); the accreditation covers this format.