Tennessee · Verified September 2026
MSW Programs in Tennessee
Where Can You Earn an MSW in Tennessee, and How Do You Get Licensed?
13 schools in Tennessee offer 13 MSW programs we verified, including Austin Peay State University, Belmont University and East Tennessee State University. 8 can be taken online and 10 offer advanced standing. Estimated tuition runs from $35,380 to $61,200 before fees. After the MSW, Tennessee's clinical license is the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
- Earn a CSWE-accredited MSW2 years full time, or about 1 with advanced standing
- Pass the ASWB exam (Masters)For the LMSW
- Log supervised clinical hoursAt least two years of practice as an LMSW (or temporary LMSW) under su…
- Earn the clinical license (LCSW)Independent clinical practice
- programs in Tennessee
- 13
- schools
- 13
- CSWE-accredited schools
- 10
- offer advanced standing
- 10
- online programs
- 8
The Tennessee Social Work License Path
Tennessee Social Work Licenses
Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure (Tennessee Department of Health)Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker
- Degree
- Bachelor's degree in social work from a program accredited by CSWE at the time the degree was granted
- Exam
- ASWB Bachelors
- Independent practice
- No, practice under supervision or in an agency
Licensed Master's Social Worker
- Degree
- Master's or doctorate degree in social work from a program accredited by CSWE at the time the degree was granted
- Exam
- ASWB Masters
- Independent practice
- No, practice under supervision or in an agency
Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker
- Degree
- Master's or doctorate degree in social work from a program accredited by CSWE at the time the degree was granted
- Exam
- ASWB Advanced Generalist
- Supervised experience
- At least two years of practice as an LMSW (or temporary LMSW) under supervision of an LAPSW or LCSW, completed within 2 to 8 years, including at least 3,000 hours of nonclinical advanced practice experience plus at least 100 hours of supervision (about 1 hour per 30 experience hours)
- Independent practice
- Yes
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Degree
- Master's or doctorate degree in social work from a program accredited by CSWE at the time the degree was granted
- Exam
- ASWB Clinical
- Supervised experience
- At least two years of practice as an LMSW (or temporary LMSW) under supervision of a qualified LCSW, completed within 2 to 8 years, including at least 3,000 hours of clinical experience plus at least 100 hours of supervision (about 1 hour per 30 clinical contact hours)
- Independent practice
- Yes
- Social Work Licensure Compact
- Listed by the Compact Commission among jurisdictions that have passed the compact language; the Commission's May 2026 FAQ says multistate licenses are not yet issued, with no definite date but likely within 9-12 months
From Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure (Tennessee Department of Health), reviewed 2026-09-30. Rules change; confirm with the board before you plan your supervised hours. Plan your own timeline with the license pathway planner.
Tennessee Schools Compared
| School | Programs | Formats | CSWE | Advanced standing | Lowest est. tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Peay State UniversityClarksville · Public | 1 | Hybrid | CSWE | ||
| East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City · Public | 1 | Campus, Online | CSWE | Yes | |
| King UniversityBristol · Private nonprofit | 1 | Online | CSWE | Yes | $35,380 |
| Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro · Public | 1 | Campus, Hybrid | CSWE | Yes | |
| Southern Adventist UniversityCollegedale · Private nonprofit | 1 | Online | CSWE | Yes | |
| Tennessee State UniversityNashville · Public | 1 | CSWE | |||
| The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaChattanooga · Public | 1 | Campus | CSWE | Yes | |
| The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville · Public | 1 | Campus, Online, Hybrid | CSWE | Yes | |
| Union UniversityJackson · Private nonprofit | 1 | Online | CSWE | $41,940 | |
| University of MemphisMemphis · Public | 1 | Campus, Online | CSWE | Yes | |
| Belmont UniversityNashville · Private nonprofit | 1 | Candidacy | Yes | $61,200 | |
| The University of Tennessee-MartinMartin · Public | 1 | Online | Pre-candidacy | Yes | |
| Trevecca Nazarene UniversityNashville · Private nonprofit | 1 | Online | Pre-candidacy | Yes | $36,250 |
From each school's own pages, reviewed September 2026. CSWE status from CSWE's directory. Estimated tuition is the published per-credit rate times the stated credits, before fees, or the school's published total.
Every MSW Program in Tennessee
13 programs in Tennessee
Master of Science in Social Work (Knoxville, Nashville, Online and Nashville Hybrid Evening) at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville · KnoxvilleFormatOn campus, Online, Hybrid500 field hoursCredits60Est. tuition$13,932per year · resident rateAccreditationCSWEMaster of Social Work (Johnson City Main Campus or 100% Online) at East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University · Johnson CityFormatOn campus, OnlineCredits63Est. tuition$692per credit · general rate · resident rateAccreditationCSWE- FormatOnlineCredits60Est. tuition$41,940$699/creditAccreditationCSWE
Master of Social Work (On-Ground and Distance Learning/UM Global) at University of Memphis
University of Memphis · MemphisFormatOn campus, OnlineCredits60Est. tuition$600per credit · general rate · resident rateAccreditationCSWESocial Work, M.S.W. (Advanced Generalist) at Middle Tennessee State University
Middle Tennessee State University · MurfreesboroFormatOn campus, HybridCredits60Est. tuition$623per credit · general rate · resident rateAccreditationCSWEMaster of Social Work (on Campus, Evening Classes) at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga · ChattanoogaFormatOn campusCredits60Est. tuition$534per credit · general rate · resident rateAccreditationCSWEMaster of Social Work (Hybrid) at Austin Peay State University
Austin Peay State University · ClarksvilleFormatHybridCredits60Est. tuition$533per credit · general rate · resident rateAccreditationCSWEMaster of Social Work (Online) at Southern Adventist University
Southern Adventist University · CollegedaleFormatOnlineCredits61Est. tuition$830per credit · general rateAccreditationCSWE- Format–Credits30Est. tuition$539per credit · general rate · resident rateAccreditationCSWE
- FormatOnlineCredits58Est. tuition$35,380$610/creditAccreditationCSWE
- Format–900 field hoursCredits60Est. tuition$61,200published totalAccreditationCandidacy
Master of Social Work (Online) at Trevecca Nazarene University
Trevecca Nazarene University · NashvilleFormatOnlineCredits58Est. tuition$36,250$625/creditAccreditationPre-candidacyMaster of Science in Social Work (Online) at the University of Tennessee-Martin
The University of Tennessee-Martin · MartinFormatOnlineCredits60Est. tuition$700per credit · general rate · resident rateAccreditationPre-candidacy
No programs match these filters.
Program facts come from each school's own pages, reviewed September 2026. Estimated tuition is the published per-credit rate times the stated credits, before fees, or the school's published program total; "resident rate" means the school charges nonresidents more. CSWE status comes from CSWE's directory of accredited programs.
What an MSW Costs in Tennessee
4 Tennessee programs publish enough to estimate tuition before fees, from $35,380 at King University to $61,200 at Belmont University. The Tennessee median is $36,250, against $40,180 nationally.
| Program | Credits | Est. tuition | With advanced standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| King University: Master of Social Work (online)Master of Social Work (online) | 58 | $35,380 | |
| Trevecca Nazarene University: Master of Social Work (online)Master of Social Work (online) | 58 | $36,250 | $20,625 |
| Union University: Master of Social Work (online)Master of Social Work (online) | 60 | $41,940 | |
| Belmont University: Master of Social WorkMaster of Social Work | 60 | $61,200 |
Public universities' figures are usually the in-state rate. Turn any program into a full cost and loan estimate with the MSW cost and loan calculator.
Largest MSW Programs in Tennessee
By MSWs awarded in 2022-23 (U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS), The University of Tennessee-Knoxville has Tennessee's largest program, followed by East Tennessee State University and Union University. Size tells you how many classmates, alumni and field placement partners to expect, not how good a program is.
Online MSW Options for Tennessee Residents
You aren't limited to schools in Tennessee: 253 online MSW programs at schools in other states accept students nationwide. Before you apply, confirm the school can enroll Tennessee residents online and arrange your field placement in Tennessee.
| Lowest-cost CSWE-accredited online programs elsewhere | Est. tuition |
|---|---|
| Florida Atlantic University: Master of Social Work - 100% Online Advanced StandingMaster of Social Work - 100% Online Advanced Standing · Florida | $11,155 |
| Appalachian State University: Master of Social Work, Advanced Standing (App State Online)Master of Social Work, Advanced Standing (App State Online) · North Carolina | $11,359 |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Metro: Maestría en Trabajo Social (MSW), Especialidad en Trabajo Social Clínico - Online / PresencialMaestría en Trabajo Social (MSW), Especialidad en Trabajo Social Clínico - Online / Presencial · Puerto Rico | $12,939 |
| University of North Alabama: Master of Social Work (online)Master of Social Work (online) · Alabama | $14,850 |
| University of Arkansas: Online Advanced Standing Master of Social WorkOnline Advanced Standing Master of Social Work · Arkansas | $15,151 |
| East Carolina University: Master of Social Work, part-time online (Regular Pathway and Advanced Standing)Master of Social Work, part-time online (Regular Pathway and Advanced Standing) · North Carolina | $16,624 |
Compare every option on the online MSW programs page, or let the program matcher rank them for you.
Social Worker Pay in Tennessee
| Occupation | Tennessee median | U.S. median | Jobs in Tennessee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $56,310 | $59,550 | 7,870 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $61,240 | $67,880 | 5,970 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $46,500 | $60,280 | 2,220 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $51,460 | $71,900 | 1,910 |
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. A high median on few jobs describes a small market. What you can do with an MSW.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many MSW Programs Are in Tennessee?
We verified 13 MSW programs at 13 schools in Tennessee; 10 of those schools are listed as accredited in CSWE's directory.
What Social Work Licenses Does Tennessee Issue?
Tennessee's board (Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure (Tennessee Department of Health)) issues LBSW, LMSW, LAPSW and LCSW. Clinical practice requires the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), after At least two years of practice as an LMSW (or temporary LMSW) under supervision of a qualified LCSW, completed within 2 to 8 years, including at least 3,000 hours of clinical experience plus at least 100 hours of supervision (about 1 hour per 30 clinical contact hours).
Can Tennessee Residents Earn an MSW Online?
Yes. Beyond Tennessee's own programs, 253 online MSW programs at schools in other states accept students nationwide; confirm each school can enroll Tennessee residents and place you in a field practicum in Tennessee. Online MSW programs.
How Much Does an MSW Cost in Tennessee?
Estimated tuition for Tennessee programs that publish a rate and their credits runs from $35,380 to $61,200 before fees. Public universities usually charge nonresidents more, and advanced standing cuts the total for BSW graduates.
Nearby States
Sources
- Official program, tuition and admissions pages of the 13 Tennessee schools listed, reviewed September 2026
- Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure (Tennessee Department of Health)
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), directory of accredited programs
- U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS completions 2022-23
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025