The 10 Best MSW Programs in Nashville, TN in 2026
An MSW (Master of Social Work) degree prepares students for careers in social work, counseling, advocacy, community organization, and more. Nashville, Tennessee is home to several excellent MSW programs that offer rigorous curriculums, fieldwork opportunities, and a supportive learning environment. This article provides an overview of the top 10 MSW programs in Nashville based on academics, affordability, reputation, and more.
1. Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University offers an CSWE-accredited MSW program focused on leadership, research, and community service. Students complete 900 hours of fieldwork in their area of interest, such as health, mental health, child services, corrections, or gerontology. The full-time program can be completed in two years or students may choose the three to four year part-time track.
The Tennessee State MSW program’s fields of practice align with pressing societal needs, especially for children, families, and communities of color. Small class sizes, accessible faculty, and student support resources create an engaging learning community focused on student success. Graduates have a near-perfect licensure exam pass rate and 100% job placement.
Tuition (In-State): $8,842 per year
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Visit Tennessee State‘s Website
2. Lipscomb University
Lipscomb University offers a CSWE-accredited full-time and part-time MSW program focused on serving individuals, families, groups, and communities in need. Students complete 1,000 hours of fieldwork and can choose a concentration in mental health, child and family services, crisis and trauma, aging services, or community development.
Small class sizes, mentoring relationships with faculty, and emphasis on faith, service, and social justice create a supportive Christian learning environment. Students benefit from the program’s partnerships with over 400 Middle Tennessee health and human service agencies. Graduates consistently achieve strong licensure exam pass rates.
Tuition (In-State): $620 per credit hour
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
3. Trevecca Nazarene University
Trevecca Nazarene University’s CSWE-accredited MSW program prepares students for ethical, competent social work grounded in the university’s Christian tradition. The curriculum covers human behavior, research, policy, practice methods, fieldwork, and more.
Students complete 1,000 hours of field education over two years in their choice of focus area: mental health, child and family services, crisis and trauma, corrections, global social work, or congregational care. Small class sizes, mentoring relationships with faculty, and emphasis on spirituality and service promote student success. Graduates consistently achieve strong licensure exam pass rates.
Tuition (In-State): $575 per credit hour
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Visit Trevecca Nazarene’s Website
4. Belmont University
Belmont University’s CSWE-accredited MSW program emphasizes ethical social work practice, scientific inquiry, and community service across all areas of study. The accelerated option allows eligible students to complete the full MSW coursework and fieldwork requirements in just 12 months.
All MSW students complete over 900 hours of fieldwork tailored to their interests, such as trauma, health/mental health, children and families, or community development. Small classes led by Ph.D. faculty provide individualized support and mentoring. Graduates report strong preparation for licensure exams and social work careers in their specialization.
Tuition (In-State): $1,095 per credit hour
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
5. Middle Tennessee State University
Located in nearby Murfreesboro, MTSU‘s CSWE-accredited MSW program emphasizes professional social work practice through 60 credit hours of coursework and fieldwork. Students gain supervised experience across all levels of practice, from individuals to organizations.
The full-time option takes two years to complete. Part-time students may spread coursework over three years. Available fieldwork specializations include mental health, addiction, gerontology, and child welfare. Small class sizes and dedicated faculty facilitate strong student-teacher rapport and preparation for licensure exams. Over 95% of MSW graduates find employment soon after completing the program.
Tuition (In-State): $419 per credit hour for Tennessee residents
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
6. Western Kentucky University (Online MSW Program)
WKU offers an online CSWE-accredited MSW program that allows Nashville students to complete coursework and most fieldwork requirements in their local community. The curriculum covers research methods, social policy, human behavior, practice skills, fieldwork experience in the student‘s focus area, and more.
Available focus areas include mental health, addictions, trauma, health, school social work, community development, and others tailored around student interests. The full-time option takes two years while part-time students may take up to four. Small classes, dedicated advising, and emphasis on fieldwork/research foster student success. Over 92% of graduates pass the licensure exam.
Tuition (In-State): $549 per credit hour
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
7. University of Tennessee Knoxville (Online MSW Program)
The University of Tennessee Knoxville offers a top-ranked online CSWE-accredited MSW program accessible to students across Tennessee. Coursework covers social work theory, practice, policy, fieldwork, research, and more. The full-time track takes just 2 years while part-time students finish in 3-4 years.
MSW students complete specialized fieldwork and courses focused on their population of interest. Available concentrations include health, mental health, disasters, trauma, administration, planning, and more. Over 700 fieldwork sites across Tennessee facilitate hands-on learning in students’ own communities. Graduates report excellent preparation for social work licensure exams and careers.
Tuition (In-State): $627 per credit hour
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Visit University of Tennessee‘s Website
8. Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University’s prestigious CSWE-accredited MSW program immerses students in rigorous social work education grounded in research and fieldwork. The full-time track takes just 2 years while part-time students finish in 3-4 years.
All students complete over 900 fieldwork hours in their population and issue of interest, such as health, mental health, child welfare, social change, or clinical practice. Extensive research opportunities, small seminar classes, and mentoring prepare graduates to address complex social issues through careers in direct practice, community or policy leadership, or doctoral study.
Tuition (In-State): $1,384 per credit hour
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
9. Austin Peay State University
Located in Clarksville, Austin Peay State University offers a CSWE-accredited traditional and advanced standing MSW program focused on serving rural and military communities. The curriculum emphasizes social work practice, policy, fieldwork, and research tailored around the needs of vulnerable regional populations.
Students complete specialized fieldwork and coursework related to their focus area, such as health/mental health, school social work, international practice, military families, etc. Small class sizes, dedicated faculty advising, scholarships, and undergraduate course waivers help facilitate affordable access to graduate social work education.
Tuition (In-State): $398 per credit hour
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Visit Austin Peay State‘s Website
10. Southern Adventist University
Southern Adventist University‘s MSW program emphasizes wholistic social work practice grounded in Christian ethics, fieldwork, policy, and research. The curriculum includes specialized training in relationship building, cultural competency, mental health practice, policy analysis, program evaluation, and grant writing.
Fieldwork sites focus specifically on regional underserved populations across Tennessee and Georgia. Students also benefit from small class sizes, mentoring support from faculty, and integration of Adventist philosophy across the two-year full-time or three-year part-time program tracks. Graduates consistently achieve strong licensure exam pass rates.
Tuition (In-State): $615 per credit hour
Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
