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Find MSW programs that teach micro-level social work

Explore programs in micro social work to prepare for a rewarding career helping individuals and families thrive.

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Why earn an MSW with courses in micro-level social work?

Work closely with your clients

Working one-on-one or in small groups allows you to build a strong rapport and make a big impact on your clients' lives.

Earn licensure

Micro-level social work training prepares you to become licensed in your state as a clinical social worker.

Master the art of interpersonal communication

An MSW with courses in micro-level social work can offer in-depth training to help you communicate effectively with others.


Micro-level social work is a meaningful professional practice that allows you to work with individuals, families, and small groups of people to make a difference in their lives. Find the right master of social work (MSW) program that teaches micro-level social work to begin your journey in this in-demand field.

Browse MSW programs that teach micro social work

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.

What is micro-level social?

Micro-level social work focuses on an individual client, family, or small group of clients with similar needs. Rather than working toward community or policy change at a systemic level, micro-level social workers work with individual clients to make positive changes in their lives.

This level of social work is often carried out in private or group practice by licensed mental health clinicians, offering evidence-based counseling services to address mental health concerns, substance use conditions, and significant life events like grief and loss.

What to expect from an online MSW that teaches micro social work

An online MSW program that focuses on micro-level social work can teach you the nuances of interpersonal practice while imparting the skills needed to assess, treat, and evaluate mental health concerns. You will learn how to adopt a non-judgmental, empathic stance that considers the person-in-environment perspective.

Courses in micro social work might cover topics such as trauma-informed practice, children and youth, group practice, mental health conditions, substance use, culturally responsive practice with diverse populations, as well as specialized courses in treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, and expressive arts therapies.

An important part of any MSW program in micro social work is a field experience that allows you to begin practicing with clients under the supervision of a fully licensed clinical social worker. Fieldwork will prepare you to meet the licensing requirements in your state upon graduation.

What micro social work jobs can you get with an MSW?

Micro-level social workers can work in a variety of practice settings, including outpatient mental health clinics, inpatient mental health treatment facilities, hospitals and other medical settings, substance use treatment centers, schools, or correctional facilities.

Here are a few micro social work jobs you can qualify for with an MSW:

Explore online MSW programs by specialization

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