Find MSW programs that teach micro-level social work

Micro social work involves working directly with people in need. Explore MSW programs that can prepare you for this fulfilling career.

Explore online micro-level MSW programs

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.

In September 2023, Columbia University reported that the United States faces a severe shortage of qualified social workers. Micro social work is a subset of this field, which involves working one-on-one with individuals and small groups.

Dive into what makes micro social work a fulfilling career, and learn how to get started with MSW programs.

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 work?

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

that focuses on micro-level social work can teach you the nuances of interpersonal practice while imparting the skills needed to assess and treat 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

Your program may also include specialized courses in treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and expressive arts therapies.

An important part of 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, and correctional facilities.

Below are a few micro social work jobs you can qualify for with an MSW, including salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Clinical social worker

Mental health social workers provide therapy services in private or group practice settings, often making their own hours and sometimes providing virtual therapy. These professionals can specialize in working with children, teens, adults, couples, families, or specific mental health conditions.

Median annual salary (May 2024): $69,480
Projected employment growth (2023-33): +7%

Medical social worker

Medical social workers help patients navigate the healthcare system effectively, offer emotional support in the face of challenging medical events, and connect clients to resources to address housing, financial, insurance, and transportation needs.

Median annual salary (May 2024): $68,090
Projected employment growth (2023-33): +10%

School social worker

School social workers offer individual and group counseling to children and teens who qualify for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Median annual salary (May 2024): $58,570
Projected employment growth (2023-33):+ 5%

Frequently asked questions

What is micro vs. mezzo vs. macro social work?

These terms refer to social workers' areas of focus. All social workers connect people in need with appropriate resources to improve their lives. "Generally speaking, micro social workers work on an individual or small group level, macro social workers work on a larger, systemic level, and mezzo social workers bridge the gap, incorporating both direct practice and community-based care," says Melissa Bronstein, LCSW.

What are micro practice skills in social work?

Micro practice skills in social work are practices that let social workers effect positive change. "A social worker practicing at the micro level needs strong active listening skills, empathy, and an ability to build rapport with diverse groups of people. They should have strong skills in the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions, and an ability to take a strengths-based and collaborative approach to their work," says Bronstein.

What is a micro-level intervention in social work?

A micro-level intervention in social work is an action a social worker takes on a one-to-one basis to help individuals meet their clinical goals. These interventions may include counseling in individual and group sessions, creating treatment plans, and connecting clients to additional resources.

What type of work is done at the micro-level of social work practice?

Although all micro social work involves working directly with clients, responsibilities vary by specialization. The specializations below are just a few you can explore during your MSW program.

Child Welfare: Child welfare social workers protect children from abuse and neglect and work with families to connect them with resources and meet their goals.
Clinical: Clinical social workers provide assessment and evidence-based treatment for mental health conditions.
Gerontological: Gerontological social workers pair older adults with resources that can help them live longer, more independent lives.

Explore online MSW programs by specialization

Published July 23, 2025