Best Online MSW Programs of 2025
If you want to practice unsupervised, step into a clinical role, or offer mental health or substance use counseling, you need a master’s degree in social work (MSW). The good news is that many online MSW programs let you work while you study. This way, you won’t have to put your life on hold.
Find out about the top online MSW programs, what to look for when choosing one, and your career options after graduation.
10 Best Online Master’s in Social Work Programs
Indiana University
Indianapolis, IN- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Indiana University's online MSW program prepares you for both micro- and macro-level social work practice. The program's curriculum covers generalist and specialized coursework in diversity, human rights, social justice, and social work practice.
Things We Love:
- Choose from five focus areas: military social work, e-social work, telebehavioral health, mental health, and addictions.
- Earn an e-social work practice graduate certificate without adding time to your degree plan.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Your previous work in human services — including paid, volunteer, research, and internship experience — factors in admission.
- You must have a bachelor's degree with at least six social or behavioral sciences courses.
- In-State$9,241
- Out-of-state$32,509
- In-State$9,648
- Out-of-state$26,784
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled25,497
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Daemen University
- Amherst, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The online MSW at Daemen University offers both general and specialized curricula. Foundation courses cover essential skills in generalist social work, focusing on ethics, research, diversity, and policy. Specialized courses teach culturally responsive, evidence-based ways to assess and help individuals and families.
Things We Love:
- Receive a 30% tuition discount with an undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or higher.
- Prepare for the Association of Social Work Boards licensure exams through Daemen's MSW curriculum.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Courses are held in the afternoons and evenings to help working students.
- No GMAT score is necessary to apply to the MSW program.
- In-State$33,054
- Out-of-state$33,054
- In-State$25,728
- Out-of-state$25,728
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled2,635
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Campbellsville University
- Campbellsville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
Campbellsville University's online MSW focuses on career advancement. This program combines ethical principles and trauma-informed practices to help prepare you for leadership positions in social work. Graduates pursue diverse career paths, including therapy, community health, and veterans services.
Things We Love:
- Benefit from small classes and more personalized instruction.
- Get personalized help from Campbellsville's student services, including an online academic advisor and resources for mental health, careers, and finances.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- This program includes faith-based education in Christianity for students wishing to incorporate spirituality into their practice.
- If you do not meet the minimum undergraduate GPA requirement of 3.0, you must include a personal statement with your application.
- In-State$26,490
- Out-of-state$26,490
- In-State$9,620
- Out-of-state$9,620
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate98%
- Students Enrolled12,451
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
University of New England
- Biddeford, ME
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The University of New England offers an online MSW program tailored for working professionals. This fully asynchronous program emphasizes social justice and community impact and prepares you for diverse roles in social work through comprehensive training and flexible practicum options.
Things We Love:
- Choose the accelerated pathway if you want to earn your MSW faster, or choose the advanced standing path if you hold a BSW from an accredited school.
- Receive personalized support from faculty and student specialists for course selection and practicum placement.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- This program follows an asynchronous format to provide scheduling flexibility.
- UNE prefers advanced-standing applicants to have earned their BSW in the past seven years.
- In-State$41,050
- Out-of-state$41,050
- In-State$31,415
- Out-of-state$31,415
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled6,473
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's online MSSW equips you for impactful careers in diverse communities. This program emphasizes leadership, social justice, and practical solutions for vulnerable populations.
Things We Love:
- Choose the 33-credit accelerated pathway if you already hold an accredited BSW to graduate faster.
- Opt for the micro specialization, focusing on direct practice with individuals, families, and groups, or the macro concentration, if your goal is to work in politics, administration, advocacy, or community practice.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Advanced-standing applicants must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.2 in social work courses.
- All courses include a synchronous component that you must attend on days determined by the instructor.
- In-State$7,637
- Out-of-state$17,707
- In-State$6,948
- Out-of-state$14,499
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled31,931
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
- Las Cruces, NM
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
New Mexico State University's online MSW program prepares you for advanced practice in a multicultural environment. The curriculum focuses on developing skills for creating impactful social policies and addressing complex community issues.
Things We Love:
- Access social work scholarships like the Child Welfare Scholar Program for eligible students.
- Follow in the footsteps of successful alumni by securing leadership positions in respected organizations through NMSU's career services.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- The program is mostly asynchronous, with some live requirements.
- Advanced-standing applicants need an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher in social work courses.
- Some practicums may require significant travel, and students must pay for their own transportation.
- In-State$6,728
- Out-of-state$25,055
- In-State$5,181
- Out-of-state$18,023
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled14,779
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
- Carbondale, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The online MSW at Southern Illinois University Carbondale focuses on improving people's lives by promoting social and economic justice. You'll learn to tackle social issues and advocate for communities while preparing for leadership roles in various fields.
Things We Love:
- Gain advanced knowledge through a challenging curriculum focused on social work practices and policy reform.
- Complete your degree in two years, with a reduced-courseload option to help working professionals who are not able to attend full-time.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- To apply, you need a broad liberal arts background, including preparation in social and behavioral sciences and humanities.
- You must report official GRE scores if you plan to pursue a graduate assistantship.
- In-State$9,638
- Out-of-state$9,638
- In-State$11,268
- Out-of-state$28,170
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate16%
- Students Enrolled11,359
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
East Texas A&M University
- Commerce, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
East Texas A&M University offers an online MSW that expands your social work knowledge. The curriculum, which does not require a thesis, focuses on skills and knowledge based on the advanced generalist model.
Things We Love:
- Earn a potential median salary of nearly $72,000 as a licensed clinical social worker or $74,000 as a social work manager.
- Choose the part-time option to help you balance classes, fieldwork, and other life commitments.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- This program follows an asynchronous format that allows you to juggle your studies and personal life.
- Advanced-standing students must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0.
- Tuition for out-of-state students is more than double that of Texas residents.
- In-State$4,790
- Out-of-state$17,060
- In-State$3,630
- Out-of-state$11,196
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled11,500
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationYes
Rutgers University-Camden
- Camden, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The online MSW program at Rutgers University provides practical experience and specialized skills in clinical settings or management and policy. It also offers certifications in concentrations such as aging and health, interpersonal violence and trauma, and Latino/a initiatives.
Things We Love:
- Choose from multiple formats, including a two-year full-time or three-year part-time option.
- Enjoy a fixed credit price so you know exactly how much you're paying per course.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Applicants will automatically be considered for merit-based scholarships.
- The program's asynchronous format caters to working professionals with busy schedules.
- In-State$13,674
- Out-of-state$32,436
- In-State$19,824
- Out-of-state$32,664
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled5,776
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
University of Utah
- Salt Lake City, UT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What You'll Like:
The University of Utah's online MSW employs a generalist perspective. The curriculum focuses on shaping policies and services to enhance well-being and promote justice. Partnerships with more than 300 social service agencies allow you to gain hands-on experience while focusing on concentrations like aging, child welfare, and mental health.
Things We Love:
- Enjoy the same tuition rate as an out-of-state or in-state student.
- Finish your degree in just one year with the full-time advanced-standing option.
What to Know Before You Apply:
- Before applying to the MSW program, you must complete a course on research methods, which focuses on quantitative research, evaluation, and design.
- This program is mostly asynchronous, though some courses may have synchronous components.
- In-State$9,103
- Out-of-state$31,861
- In-State$7,353
- Out-of-state$25,961
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled35,262
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Reality Check: What Degree Do You Need To Be A Social Worker?
While you can find roles in social work with a bachelor’s degree, to become a licensed clinical social worker, you need a master’s degree. The knowledge and skills required for this career go beyond the scope of a bachelor’s degree in social work — specifically, diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
What Is an MSW Degree?
A master of social work degree is a graduate degree that helps you develop the skills you need for advanced social work. You’ll study social welfare policies, people’s behavior, and research techniques. MSW programs typically require around 60 credits, last two years, and prepare you for state licensure.
Differences Between an Online and Campus-Based MSW Program
The key difference between online and campus-based MSW programs is flexibility. Online programs provide asynchronous classes that allow for self-paced learning. In contrast, campus-based programs need you to attend in-person classes at specific times.
Both online and campus-based MSW programs require in-person clinical work through field education or practicum placements. Online MSW programs usually connect with local social service agencies. This way, you can gain hands-on experience in real-world settings.
Why Get Your MSW Degree Online?
- An MSW is the minimum degree requirement to practice clinical social work or independently practice generalist social work.
- An MSW offers career opportunities in mental health, substance misuse, and forensic social work.
- The National Association of Social Workers reports that MSW graduates make around $13,000 more per year than social workers with only a bachelor’s degree.
- An online degree allows you to study around your work schedule and other commitments.
- An online degree can save you money on housing, transportation, and some on-campus fees.
How to Choose an Online MSW Program
To choose an online MSW program that meets your needs and sets you up for success, follow these essential guidelines:
1. Check for CSWE Accreditation
First, check whether the MSW program is accredited. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national accrediting agency that accredits MSW programs in the United States. This accreditation ensures that the program meets high academic, ethical, and competency standards. Also, most states require you to graduate from a CSWE-accredited program to take the social work licensing exam.
2. Find a Program Within Your Budget
Another key point is the cost of an online MSW program, which can vary among schools. For example, tuition and fees often cost more at private schools than at public ones. Financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, or federal loans, can help reduce the cost. A more affordable program means less financial stress, which lets you focus more on studying.
3. Look Into the Program’s Clinical Requirements
Check the clinical requirements for online MSW programs. To become a clinical social worker, you must have completed your state’s minimum of supervised clinical practice. Look for programs offering field placements, practicums, or internships nearby that match your interests and career goals.
4. Ensure the Program Offers Your Focus Area
Finally, make sure the program matches your goals. For example, if you want to focus on mental health, choose a relevant online MSW program that offers specializations or focus areas that allow you to build knowledge and skills in mental health.
Common Social Work Concentrations
- Children and Family
- Clinical Social Work
- Community and Social Systems
- Forensic Social Work
- Healthcare and Medical
- Mental Health
- School Social Work
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Social Work?
The most in-demand and highest-paying jobs in social work usually require a master’s degree in the field. These include clinical and administrative roles, working directly with clients, or leading teams of social workers. With an MSW, you could also create programs to address specific social issues.
An online MSW can also prepare you for a career in policy, research, or education. You could collaborate with government agencies to create and apply social policies or conduct research to better grasp social issues.
How Much Does a Social Worker Make?
According to Payscale, the average salary for licensed clinical social workers was $68,034 as of January 2025. However, many factors can affect earnings in this field. Experience, location, and specialization all play important roles.
| 5 Careers You Can Pursue With an MSW | Median Annual Wage (May 2023) | Projected Job Growth (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Social Workers | $58,380 | 7% |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $55,960 | 9% (or higher) |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $53,940 | 3%-5% |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $62,940 | 9% (or higher) |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $58,510 | 16% |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $77,030 | 8% |
How Much Does a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in 2020, a master’s degree in social work cost an average of $18,523 annually. This figure does not include costs for books and other school supplies, like computers or smart devices, that you may need to complete your coursework.
As an online student, you may save money on transportation and campus-based fees. You can also save money by attending a public rather than a private school. Master’s degrees at public universities cost around $14,000 less per year than private universities, according to NCES.
Average Annual Cost of an Online MSW Degree
$13,681
Online MSW Degree
$18,523
Traditional, Campus-Based MSW Degree
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MSW Degrees
It depends on your career goals. If you prefer to focus on broader systemic change and varied community services, consider an MSW. If you want to focus on counseling techniques and direct client interaction, an online master’s in counseling may be the better choice.
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