MSW Programs in Colorado | No GRE/CSWE Accredited Masters

The snowy western state of Colorado has quite a few educational opportunities for you as a social work student. The state is dotted is large cities, like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aurora, in addition to smaller towns and cities. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the population of 5.2 million people grew twice as fast as the overall national population. This rapidly expanding population gives you the chance to serve people that may be overlooked by a busy mental health system.

Sperling’s Best Places reports that the cost of living in Colorado is just 7% higher than the national average. However, the median household income is also over $5,000 higher than the national average (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012).

MSW Programs in Colorado Tuition and Admission Information

With your Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, it’s time to choose a Master’s degree in social work at one of the five social work schools in Colorado. These schools have an average tuition cost of $13,435. However, if you attend a school that also offers Bachelor’s-level social work courses, you may be able to pay for your education with a teaching assistantship.

Some schools in Colorado, including the Metropolitan State University of Denver, give you the chance to earn Advanced Standing. This is open to students with a Bachelor’s degree in social work, and it allows you to complete your MSW in one year instead of two years.

What Will I Learn in an Colorado MSW Program?

The coursework involved in a graduate-level social work program is multi-faceted and challenging. In addition to learning about the laws, ethics, and basics of evidence-based practice, you learn about the sociological implications of social work. As a student, you’ll explore the root causes of social issues and discover how to help people overcome their circumstances.

Throughout the course of your social work program, it’s important to integrate classroom learning with real life social work care. Traditional students complete about 15 hours per week at a field site, while Advanced Standing students complete at least 20 hours per week.

In order to get a wide range of experience in the field, you may complete your field work at several different sites. This gives you experience in mental health, child welfare, substance abuse, and more.

MSW Salary and Job Outlook in Colorado

Myriad government employers and private employers hire licensed social workers. Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that two industries hire the majority of social workers: government and health care entities. You may work for a child welfare agency, substance abuse counseling center, or a hospital, depending on your area of study.

In addition to working for an employer, you may have the option to own an independent practice. If you complete two years of supervised work experience after becoming licensed, you can independently provide counseling services. This employment option gives you more flexibility in where, when, and how you work.

Social Worker Salary in Colorado

In general, social work salaries in Colorado are in line with national averages. The greatest factor in determining how much money you earn is what job title you take on. Healthcare social workers earn the largest salaries in Colorado; O*Net reports an average annual salary of $48,200 per year. Child and family social workers, according to O*Net, earn an average salary of $41,900 per year. Mental health social workers are close behind with an average salary of $39,500 per year (O*Net, 2012).

Social Worker Job Outlook in Colorado

In general, the job outlook for social workers is excellent. Job growth is increasing faster than the national average in every type of social work. Healthcare social workers are experiencing the greatest growth, with job openings increasing by 34% through 2020 (O*Net, 2012). Mental health social work job openings are growing almost as quickly, with an increase of 27% between 2010 and 2020 (O*Net, 2012). Job openings for child social workers are expected to increase by 19% between 2010 and 2020 (O*Net, 2012).

Prior to working as a social worker in Colorado, you have to get your license from the State Board of Social Work Examiners. After filling out an application and sending in your $160 fee, you can wait for the Board to approve your application. Between the time your application is approved and you take your state exam, you can work as a social worker with a provisional license.

Social Work Licensure in Colorado

If you want to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, you must complete 3,360 hours of supervised work experience over the course of 24 months. After your supervisor submits proof of completed hours, you can take the higher-level exam to get your license.

Masters in Social Work Degree Programs in Colorado

Colorado State University-Fort Collins

(Fort Collins, CO)

  • Masters in Human Development and Family Studies
  • Masters in Social Work (MSW)
  • $6,875 Tuition Cost
  • $4,832 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
  • Urban Campus Setting

Metropolitan State University of Denver

(Denver, CO)

  • Masters in Social Work (MSW)
  • $4,304 Tuition Cost
  • $2,107 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
  • Urban Campus Setting

University of Colorado Denver

(Denver, CO)

  • Masters in Social Work (MSW)
  • $6,384 Tuition Cost
  • $3,751 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
  • Urban Campus Setting

University of Denver

(Denver, CO)

  • Masters in Public Policy Analysis
  • Masters in Social Work (MSW)
  • $38,232 Tuition Cost
  • $19,347 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
  • Urban Campus Setting

University of Northern Colorado

(Greeley, CO)

  • Masters in Social Development
  • $5,214 Tuition Cost
  • $3,838 Scholarship and Financial Aid Awards
  • Urban Campus Setting
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