What is the best HBCU for social work?

The best HBCU for social work depends on your specific interests, but some of the most reputable HBCUs offer MSW programs, including Howard University.

Is the Howard University MSW program accredited?

Yes, Howard University's MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation.

Can I go to an HBCU if I'm white?

Yes, white students can attend an HBCU. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, non-Black students made up 24% of HBCU's student body in 2022.

Can you get a full-ride scholarship to an HBCU?

Several HBCUs offer scholarships that cover a student's entire tuition, including Edward Waters University, Spelman College, and Howard University. Many HBCUs refer to these full-ride scholarships as Presidential Scholarships, and they are some of the most competitive merit-based awards available.

Online MSW programs at HBCUs

An online MSW program at an HBCU can prepare you to support some of the most underrepresented populations in the country. Find out what these programs have to offer.

See all MSW programs

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Benefits of earning an MSW online from an HBCU

Grow your network

Connect with your school's alumni network and leverage strong professional partnerships.

Expand your education

Develop culturally relevant knowledge and skills to understand and support underrepresented populations.

Learn on your schedule

Fit your studies around your work schedule to help you build experience, apply your learning, and afford your education.

Social workers must understand the diverse cultural, social, and economic factors that affect people and their communities. Earning a master's in social work (MSW) from a historically Black college and universities (HBCU) can provide you with a specialized focus on underrepresented populations and the need for change and social justice.

Explore HBCU online MSW programs in this guide and what they do differently.

See all HBCU MSW programs

Prestigious

An immersive cohort-based learning experience that is designed to optimize learning outcomes and ensure global networking opportunities.

Flexible

Choose your path with a range of completion options and class times.

Equivalent to on-campus

Earn the same degree and complete the same curriculum as on-campus students.

Explore online MSW programs from HBCUs

from HBCUS can provide students with a culturally-informed social work education. These programs often emphasize social justice and working with diverse communities. For students who want to work with underrepresented populations and contribute to changing policies, an HBCU could be an excellent choice.

HBCUs foster and celebrate leadership, diversity, and community building — values and attributes that closely align with the social work mission. At an HBCU, you can find with flexible schedules, , and even for students with advanced standing.

What are the main advantages of HBCUs?

HBCUs are often some of the most diverse and inclusive postsecondary education environments. While HBCUs were initially created to provide quality education for Black Americans, their rigorous programs support and welcome students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Among other things, HBCUs offer smaller-than-average class sizes, lower-than-average tuition rates, numerous financial aid opportunities, and a powerful interconnected alumni network.

In-person vs. online degrees at HBCUs

Online and in-person degrees at HBCUs have pros and cons depending on how you learn and what you want from your program. The following table highlights some of the differences.

In-person HBCU program

More face-to-face interaction with peers, instructors, and mentors.
Access to campus events, facilities, and environment.
Live classes with scheduled times.
A more engaging classroom environment.
Students must live within commuting distance of campus.

Online HBCU program

Less interaction but more study freedom.
Fewer travel requirements and greater access to out-of-state programs.
Flexible scheduling that accommodates work and a busy home life.
Suitable for students with time management and organization skills.
Lower travel costs and potentially lower room and board costs.

Can you earn an MSW from an HBCU entirely online?

In an HBCU's online MSW program, you can do your coursework entirely online, but you will need to complete an in-person practicum at some point. Depending on your undergraduate degree, you may need to complete up to 900 hours of supervised fieldwork. During these hours, you will have the opportunity to engage directly with clients and communities.

Some programs may feature additional in-person requirements, such as orientations, live workshops, and on-campus classes.

Admissions requirements for online MSWs from HBCUs

The admissions processes and requirements vary between programs, but many programs ask for the following:

Bachelor's degree (an accredited social work degree may qualify you for advanced standing)
Transcripts and GPA
Résumé
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Application fee
Work experience (if required)
GRE scores (if required)