The 25 Best Master of Social Work (MSW) Online Degree Programs
An online master’s degree in social work from an excellent online college allows you to work in a wide range of fields, from government assistance programs to private psychological counseling. The growing availability of outstanding online MSW programs makes this degree even more attractive, adding convenience and flexibility to the professional value of earning a master’s in social work online degree.
A master’s in social work online degree program will include coursework and a clinical practice, typically performed in a student’s local community. Students can select from full-time and part-time master in social work online programs. Some schools offer accelerated online MSW programs.
Online MSW Programs Ranking Guidelines
We selected the accredited online MSW programs based on the quality of the program, types of courses provided, faculty strength, school awards, rankings and reputation, including the reputation for providing online degree programs.
The Best Online Master of Social Work Degree Programs
1. University of Southern California, School of Social Work
Los Angeles, California
The University of Southern California (USC), a private, nonsectarian research university established in 1880, is the oldest private research university in the state. The university enrolls more than 45,000 students and offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs.
Offered through the School of Social Work, the online master of social work degree program allows students to develop a common base of skills, knowledge and values through issues, theories and practice methods. The program combines web-based learning and hands-on field instruction, combining both asynchronous and synchronous elements. The MSW program’s curriculum emphasizes leadership and effective collaboration; early intervention, prevention and wellness; and the implications of new neuroscience findings.
Online students pursue one of three Departments of Study — children, youth and families; adults and aging; or community, organization and business innovation.
Online students can choose from five main concentrations:
- Families & Children
- Military Social Work
- Mental Health
- Health
- Social Work & Business in a Global Society
- Community Organization, Planning & Administration
The 60-credit USC MSW online degree program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Online MSW students will complete more than 1,000 hours of field education online via virtual field practicum and offline via community-based field placement.
Full-time students can earn their master’s in social work online in as little as two years. USC offers a 37-credit advanced standing MSW for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in social work, allowing full-time students to complete their degree in three semesters.
Accreditation
The University of Southern California is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The university’s social work programs also hold Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation.
2. Columbia University, Columbia School of Social Work
New York, New York
Columbia University, a private, Ivy League, research university established in 1754, is the oldest college in the state. The university has about 30,000 students enrolled in programs across 20 schools, including the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the School of General Studies.
The Columbia School of Social Work’s master in social work online degree program provides students with the knowledge, professional values, and skills to promote social justice and human rights. The nationwide program combines real-world practice with academic theory and prepares graduates for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker exam.
The 60-credit Columbia MSW online program includes required online college courses in social welfare policy and services, human behavior and the social environment, social work practice, and research. Students complete 1,200 total hours of field education (except reduced residency students, who complete 900). Field Education Department staff determine students’ first-year placement sites, while chosen concentration and field practice determine the second-year placement.
The college offers four synchronous online MSW programs:
- A full-time two-year program
- An extended program
- A reduced residency program
- An advanced standing program
- Extended program students take a reduced course load the first year, allowing working adults to maintain employment while completing courses. Extended program students can take up to four years to earn their degree.
- The reduced residency program is open to students who are already employed and practicing through a human service organization. Students take a reduced course load the first two years, allowing working adults to maintain employment while completing courses. Students also complete 900 hours of field education in their third year, during which students must be enrolled full-time.
- The advanced standing program is designed for students with a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree in social work, allowing students to complete the program in one year. Students will complete at least 33 credits at Columbia. Advanced standing students cannot pursue the law minor option.
Columbia online MSW students can choose from four concentrations:
- Advanced Generalist Practice & Programming
- Policy Practice
- Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice
- Social Enterprise Administration
The university offers several dual degrees and minors, and students choose from these fields of practice:
- Aging
- Family, Youth & Children’s Services
- International Social Welfare and Services to Immigrants and Refugees
- World of work
- Contemporary Social Issues
- Health, Mental Health & Disabilities
- School-Based & School-Linked Services
Accreditation
Columbia University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) provides accreditation to Columbia University’s online social work programs.
3. Florida State University (FSU), College of Social Work
Tallahassee, Florida
Florida State University, a public, sea-grant, space-grant, research university founded in 1851, enrolls over 41,000 students. A member of the State University System of Florida, FSU offers more than 360 programs of study from undergraduate to professional degrees through 16 colleges.
Offered through its College of Social Work, Florida State University’s online master of social work degree program prepares students to work with diverse client problems and systems. The part-time program’s curriculum helps students develop the skills needed to assess, diagnose and treat psychosocial problems. FSU online MSW students also learn to work with other human service professionals to help clients.
The university offers the online MSW program in Alabama, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, and South Dakota.
The traditional program, consists of 61 credit hours over nine semesters, requiring four weekends of skills-building sessions — students attend the sessions within driving distance of the university’s coverage areas.
The traditional MSW program online includes:
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Introduction to Social Work Research
- Social Welfare Policy and Services
- Social Work Practice with Groups and Communities
- Social Work Practice
- The Social Work Profession
The advanced standing MSW program consists of 39 credit hours, and is asynchronous. The advanced standing is for students holding a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Students can complete their degree in two years, and study includes the following online college courses:
- Evaluation of Social Work Practice
- Integrative Seminar in Advanced Social Work Practice
- Psychopathology in Clinical Practice
- Theories and Practice of Crisis Intervention
All Florida State MSW online students complete field placement hours. The Office of Field Education works with students to place them in agencies suited to their goals and interests.
Accreditation
Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The university’s social work programs also hold Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation.
4. University of South Florida, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, School of Social Work
Tampa, Florida
The University of South Florida, a public research university established in 1956, enrolls over 43,000 students in a full selection of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs.
The School of Social Work at USF offers a master in social work online degree program for students of advanced standing. For admission to the program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
The advanced standing master’s degree in social work online program provides students with a background in the field, and an accelerated path to earning their MSW online. The program helps students develop advanced knowledge and skills as well as professional standards, values, and ethics in the practice of clinical social work. Students prepare to work with diverse populations and communities.
Classes for the University of South Florida online MSW program are taught through a blend of synchronous and asynchronous methods, allowing for weekly face-to-face interaction with learning cohorts and professors, as well as a self-guided study schedule.
The program requires 34 credits and includes the following online MSW courses:
- Evaluations of Clinical Practice in Diverse Settings
- Psychopathology
- Social Welfare Policy Development and Analysis
- Social Work Practice with Couples and Families
- Social Work Practices with Individuals
Students in the online MSW program must complete a capstone project, as well as a field placement experience with 20 hours of work each week.
The online MSW program is available in all 50 states. The program includes full-time and part-time options, which require three semesters and five semesters to complete, respectively.
Accreditation
The University of South Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The university’s social work programs also hold Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation
5. Ohio State University, College of Social Work, Ohio State Online
Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State University, a public research university established in 1870, enrolls around 60,000 students in a wide selection of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs, both on campus and online.
Through the Ohio State Online platform, the College of Social Work offers an online master of social work degree program for students seeking to enter or advance a variety of careers in the field.
Students may enter the traditional program, or the advanced standing program, depending on their needs and qualifications. The master’s in social work online program develops the key skills necessary for clinical services, practice administration, mental health and substance abuse counseling, and child and youth services.
Applicants to the advanced standing program must hold a BSW with a 3.0 GPA. Both the advanced and traditional tracks can be completed online in all 50 states. The advanced standing track requires 43 credit hours for completion and takes three semesters of full-time study. The traditional program requires 63 credit hours and can be completed in two years of full-time study.
Students in either program may choose an area of emphasis relating either to mental health and substance misuse, or child and youth services.
The online MSW program utilize both synchronous and asynchronous delivery models, and includes the following online social work courses:
- Applied Practice Evaluation
- Diversity and Cultural Competence
- Engaging with Evidence
- Evaluating Social Work Practice
- Social and Economic Justice
Students in the Ohio State University online MSW program must also complete a field practicum.
Accreditation
Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The social work programs at OSU are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
6. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, School of Social Work
Champaign, Illinois
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a public research university established in 1867, enrolls over 48,000 students in a full selection of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs.
The School of Social Work offers a master of social work online degree program with a concentration in leadership and social change. The program provides a strong grounding in the principles of social work, preparing students to become community leaders and catalysts for meaningful change. Graduates emerge ready for significant positions in social work agencies, advocacy organizations, public policy, and community organization.
The online MSW program requires 64–72 credits and includes online courses in key areas, including advocacy, leading social change, program evaluation, approaches to social work practice, policy analysis, legislation, and ethics. Students must also complete a field internship.
The master’s in social work online may be completed in 16–24 months of full-time study.
Applicants should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, though it does not need to be in social work.
Accreditation
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The social work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
7. Rutgers University-New Brunswick, School of Social Work
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Rutgers University-New Brunswick, a public, land-grant university founded in 1766, enrolls about 50,000 students and boasts more than 400,000 alumni worldwide. The flagship New Brunswick campus offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and more than 200 graduate programs including degrees in communication, public policy, and engineering.
Rutgers University’s School of Social Work offers an online master of social work degree which helps students hone their critical-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills. The curriculum also allows students to build their knowledge of difference and diversity, learn strategies for strengthening families and communities, and develop the skills to administrate important health and human services.
With nationally recognized faculty, noteworthy research, and a network of organizations and alumni, the School of Social Work strives to prepare students to become global leaders in the field.
The 60-credit master’s in social work online degree program follow an asynchronous format with scheduled assignments and deadlines, and includes the following online MSW courses:
- Advanced Human Behavior
- Clinical Social Work
- Diversity and Oppression
- Methods of Social Work Research
- Psychopathology
- Social Welfare Policy and Services
- Social Work Practice
Students can complete the MSW program online in three years. Advance standing students with a bachelor’s in social work degree from a CSWE-accredited institution may complete their degree in two years.
The Rutgers University School of Social Work also offers a blended online social work master’s program, featuring courses offered both online and at one of Rutgers University’s three conveniently-located campuses.
Students complete two field placements for a total of 1,125 field hours. Advanced Standing students complete 885 field hours. Faculty members work with students to find field education placements that are compatible with their social work education and professional focus.
The Rutgers University online MSW program features a concentration in clinical social work. Students in the blended online MSW program may choose a clinical or management and policy specialization. The university also offers study-abroad opportunities and a specialized certificate in issues related to violence against women and children (VAWC).
Accreditation
Rutgers University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The social work programs received Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation.
8. Boston University, School of Social Work
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston University, a private, nonsectarian, research university founded in 1839, enrolls about 33,000 students. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Boston University offers a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees through 18 colleges and schools.
Offered through the School of Social Work, the master in social work online degree program helps students develop the skills and knowledge to address the potentials and needs of people, families, groups, communities, and organizations. Designed to further social and economic justice, the curriculum emphasizes ethics, diversity, and at-risk populations.
Students can choose from concentrations in clinical social work practice or macro social work practice. This allows students to tailor the degree to their personal and professional goals.
The Boston University master’s in social work online program includes three tracks:
- The traditional track consists of 65 credits over three years as well as two field internships.
- The human service experience track, open to those with at least two years of supervised human services experience, consists of 65 credits over three years and one 1,000-hour field internship. Students in this track also complete a two-credit capstone course.
- The advanced standing track, open to applicants who hold a bachelor’s in social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program, consists of 40 to 43 credits, and a 1,000-hour field internship.
Boston University MSW online students attend live, synchronous classroom sessions on Sunday or Monday nights. Students complete their field internships near their geographical area. The college collaborates with students to select field placement locations.
The online MSW degree program is open to U.S. students in all states, except New Hampshire and Maryland.
The Boston University’s online MSW program includes online courses in:
- Clinical Practice with Individuals
- Communities and Organizations
- Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- Racial Justice & Cultural Intersectionality of Oppression
- Social Welfare Policy
- Social Work Ethics
- Social Work Research
Accreditation
Boston University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The MSW online program also received accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
9. University of Central Florida, College of Health and Public Affairs, School of Social Work
Orlando, Florida
The University of Central Florida, a public, metropolitan, space-grant, research university founded in 1963, is among the largest universities in the nation, with more than 68,000 enrolled students. The university offers over 200 areas and over 80 fully online programs that lead to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees; they also offer several specialist programs and a professional medicine program.
The University of Central Florida offers an online master of social work degree through its College of Health and Public Affairs and School of Social Work. The master’s in social work online program prepares graduates for careers as social work practitioners who promote human rights, social and economic justice, and well-being. The curriculum features courses in social welfare policies, human behavior, and research, with a behavioral health focus.
UCF offers its MSW online program on a part-time basis, and students take one class per seven-week term. Online students can earn their degree in three years.
The online courses follow a cohort model.
The program includes online MSW courses in:
- Diverse Client Populations
- Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- Foundations of Behavioral Health Policy and Social Work Practice
- Clinical Practice with Families
- Psychosocial Pathology
- Social Welfare Policies and Services
- Theories for Evidence-based Clinical Social Work Practice
Students choose one of two tracks: Generalist or Clinical. Generalist students must complete 400 field hours, while Clinical students must complete 600 field hours.
The university also offers an online advanced standing option for students who hold a bachelor’s in social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program. Advanced option students complete 600 field hours and can earn their degree in four semesters.
The University of Central Florida online MSW program has no state restrictions.
Accreditation
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The online social work programs also received Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation.
10. University at Buffalo SUNY, School of Social Work
Buffalo, New York
The State University of New York at Buffalo, a public research university founded in 1846, offers more than 300 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, as well as doctoral and professional programs through more than a dozen schools and colleges. A member of the State University of New York system, the university is the largest in the SUNY system with more than 30,000 students enrolled.
The University at Buffalo’s School of Social Work offers several social work degrees, including a master in social work online degree program. Rooted in evidence-based practice, the MSW online program integrates human rights and trauma-informed perspectives. The MSW curriculum also includes courses in social welfare history and policy, diversity, and oppression, and theories of human and organizational behavior and development.
Students can tailor the degree program to their goals and interests with a host of elective course options.
The 60-credit online MSW program features asynchronous and synchronous elements and includes the following online social work courses:
- Diversity and Oppression
- Evaluation in Social Work
- Perspectives on Trauma and Human Rights
- Scientific Methods in Social Work
- Social Action for Community Change
- Social Welfare History and Policy
- Theories of Human Behavior and Development
- Theories of Organizational Behavior and Development
Students also complete a minimum of 900 hours of field placement in their geographical area.
SUNY Buffalo offers an online 35-credit advanced standing MSW program for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. Advanced standing students complete one 480-hour field placement.
The university offers both the traditional online MSW and advanced standing MSW programs on a part-time basis. Students can complete the Buffalo MSW online program in three years and the advanced MSW program in one and a half years.
Accreditation
The University at Buffalo SUNY is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The online social work programs also hold accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
11. University of Alabama, School of Social Work
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
The University of Alabama, a public, sea-grant, space-grant research university founded in 1820, is among the largest and oldest public universities in the state. The flagship of the University of Alabama System, the university enrolls over 38,000 students across 117 programs of study leading to bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and education specialist degrees.
The University of Alabama offers an online master of social work degree program through its School of Social Work. The curriculum prepares graduates to promote social justice and improve social conditions. The MSW online program helps students increase their knowledge of social problems and solutions.
Online MSW students choose from two concentrations — children, adolescents and their families; or adults and their families.
The University of Alabama MSW online program consists of online courses as well as face-to-face skills labs, which are held on the Tuscaloosa campus during select Saturdays.
The 60-credit-hour master’s in social work online program includes courses such as:
- Crisis Intervention
- Family Preservation
- Human Behavior and Social Environments
- Practice in Health Care
- Social Welfare Advanced Policy Analysis
- Social Welfare Policy
- Social Work Practice with Groups
- Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
Students must complete 1,000 hours of field practicum.
The university offers a 42-credit-hour advanced standing program for applicants who hold a bachelor’s in social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program. Students complete 500 hours of field work.
Students must attend orientation sessions and can complete the program on a full-time or part-time basis.
Accreditation
The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The social work programs hold Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation.
12. Indiana University, School of Social Work, IU Online
Bloomington, Indiana
Indiana University, a public research university established in 1820, enrolls over 43,000 students in a full array of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs.
Through the IU Online platform, the School of Social Work offers an online master of social work degree program that prepares students to handle the dynamic needs of social work professions. Students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the needs of individuals, families, and communities in careers such as family service worker, foster care social worker, developmental disabilities specialist, and alcohol and drug abuse specialist.
The master’s in social work online requires 60 credits and includes the following online social work courses:
- Assessment in Mental Health and Addictions
- Community and Global Theory and Practice
- Diversity, Human Rights, and Social Justice
- Executive Leadership Practice
- Social Work Analysis and Practice
Students in the Indiana University online MSW program must complete a practicum experience.
Online college courses for the program are taught by the same faculty as their on-campus counterparts, providing a flexible option for students to earn a quality education.
Accreditation
Indiana University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The social work programs hold Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation.
13. Tulane University, School of Social Work
New Orleans, Louisiana
Tulane University, a private, non-sectarian research university established in 1834, enrolls over 12,000 students in a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs.
The School of Social Work at Tulane offers an online master of social work degree program with full-time, part-time, and advanced standing options for completion. Each of these programs develops a strong foundation in key areas of the field, including history, ethics, values, theory, and practice. Students prepare to serve individuals, niche groups, and entire communities in a variety of professional settings.
The master’s in social work online program requires 60 credits for the full-time and part-time paths, 44 credits for the advanced standing path, and includes the following online social work courses:
- Community Organizing and Policy Advocacy: Theories and Practice
- Diversity and Social Justice: Theory and Practice
- Research for Evidence-Based Social Work Practice
- Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups
- Theories of Human Behavior Across the Life Course
Students in the online MSW program must complete a field practicum experience.
The full-time Tulane online MSW program takes 16 months to complete; the part-time program takes 32 months; and the advanced standing program takes 12 months. For admission into the advanced standing program, applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in social work from a regionally accredited institution, and have a minimum 3.3 GPA. GRE scores are not required for any applicants.
Accreditation
Tulane University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The MSW online program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
14. Case Western Reserve University, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
Cleveland, Ohio
Case Western Reserve University, a private university founded in 1826, enrolls more than 11,000 students from around the world. The university offers a host of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in topics such as accounting, nursing, management, and medicine, through nine schools and colleges.
Offered through the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, the online master of science in social administration program provides graduates with the practical knowledge required for a career in social work. The program integrates coursework and hands-on field education. The online MS in social administration degree is equivalent to a masters in social work online.
The university offers two tracks — a traditional track for students without a bachelor’s degree in social work; and an advanced standing track for students with a BSW.
Students in the traditional track complete 60 credits over eight semesters and typically earn their degree in two years.
Students in the advanced standing track with full advanced standing status complete 36 credits over six semesters and earn their degree in about two years.
Regardless of the track, master’s in social administration students complete 12 credit hours of field education courses. Program applicants must submit a field education plan.
Once field education begins, students average 10–12 hours per week of field education.
MSSA students choose from three concentrations: direct practice-children, youth & families; direct practice-adult mental health; and community practice for social change.
Case Western’s online degree program features synchronous live sessions, and course topics include:
- Globalization
- Poverty & Inequality
- Physical Abuse
- Community-Based Mental health
- Drug Treatment
- Public Health.
The same faculty teach the university’s on-campus and online college courses.
The university is authorized to operate post-secondary distance education in all 50 U.S. states.
Accreditation
Case Western Reserve University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The university’s social work programs also hold Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation.
15. University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work
Denver, Colorado
The University of Denver, a private research university established in 1864, enrolls over 11,000 students in a wide selection of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs.
The Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver offers an online master of social work degree program with traditional and advanced standing options for completion. Whichever path students choose, they will engage with key aspects of the field, developing the knowledge, skills, ethics, theory, and practical approaches necessary for professional success in serving individuals and communities. Students emerge prepared for careers in settings such as advocacy organizations, correctional facilities, hospitals, and public and private agencies.
The master’s in social work online requires 90 quarter-credits for the traditional program; 60 for the advanced standing program; and includes the following online social work courses:
- Clinical Social Work Theory and Practice
- Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- Intersections of Mental Health, Substance Use, and Trauma
- Power, Privilege & Oppression
- Social Policy Analysis, Advocacy & Practice
In addition to core coursework, students complete a concentration in mental health and trauma, and two field internships, blending theory and practice.
The traditional track of the University of Denver online MSW can be completed in 27 months of study at full-time status, or 21 months at accelerated status. The advanced standing program may be completed in 18 months of study, and is open to applicants holding a bachelor’s in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Accreditation
The University of Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
16. University of Arkansas Global Campus, Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, School of Social Work
Fayetteville, Arkansas
The University of Arkansas, a public, land-grant, research university established in 1871, enrolls over 27,000 students in a full array of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs. The University of Arkansas Global Campus allows students around the world to select from a large variety of entirely online degrees.
Through the Global Campus, the School of Social Work offers an online master of social work degree program for students of advanced standing. For admission to the University of Arkansas MSW online program, students must hold a bachelor’s in social work from a CSWE-accredited program, and demonstrate a minimum 3.0 GPA.
The advanced standing online MSW program allows for students who already have a significant background in the field to quickly and conveniently develop the knowledge and skills they need to advance or pursue a variety of careers in the field. Students engage with concepts such as social work theory and practice, program evaluation, ethics, diversity, substance abuse, mental health issues, and policy analysis.
The master’s in social work online requires 39 credits and includes the following MSW courses:
- Advanced Practice Using the Multi-System Life Course Perspective
- Evidence-Based Social Work
- Social Work Research and Technology
The master’s degree in social work online may be completed in one year of full-time study. Students learn through a cohort model, and engage with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous courses. Students in the online MSW program must complete an internship, and may choose to complete a thesis project.
Accreditation
The University of Arkansas Global Campus is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The online MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
17. Arizona State University–ASU Online
Skysong, Arizona
Arizona State University (ASU), a public, research university founded in 1885, offers more than 800 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including more than 150 online programs through ASU Online. Among the largest public universities in the nation, ASU enrolls over 80,000 students.
Arizona State University offers an online master in social work degree program through the ASU School of Social Work and ASU Online. The program helps students develop strong problem-solving skills. The curriculum, focused on advanced generalist studies, pairs research evidence with effective service strategies and practices.
The ASU online MSW degree program includes online social work courses in:
- Organizational & Community Change
- Human Behavior and Research
- Social Policy
- Direct Practice
ASU MSW online students complete a set sequence of courses. The 45-credit-hour to 60-credit-hour program includes two professional seminars and 960 hours of hands-on field education.
Students work with the field education office to find field assignments within their geographical area.
ASU offers several enrollment sessions each year and accelerated 7.5-week courses.
MSW applicants must have completed 240 hours of volunteer and/or work experience in social services during a six-month period in the last five years.
Accreditation
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The master’s in social work online program holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
18. Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Service
New York, New York
Fordham University, a private, co-educational, non-profit, Jesuit university founded in 1841, enrolls over 16,200 students. The university awards a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees through ten colleges.
Fordham University offers an online master of social work degree through its Graduate School of Social Service. Open to students in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, the program combines classroom instruction with real-world experience. The program prepares graduates to provide social work services to people, families, groups, and communities.
Students can tailor the degree to their personal and professional goals with concentrations in clinical social work or leadership and macro practice.
The same Fordham faculty teach both the online and on-campus MSW courses. The online program follows an asynchronous format and includes courses in:
- Generalist Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Human Rights and Social Justice
- Social Policy: Human Rights Policy Analysis, Advocacy & Practice
- Social Policy: Policy & the Profession
- Social Work Practice in Research
Fordham University online MSW students can pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time basis and can complete the program in two to four years.
Fordham offers an advanced standing option for transfer students and those with a bachelor’s degree in social work from an CSWE-accredited program and successful field experience. Students following the advanced standing plan of study can complete the program in less than two years.
The Field Instruction Department places students in an agency within their geographical area for the fieldwork portion of the program. Students complete 1,200 hours of field work over two years.
Accreditation
Fordham University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The online social work programs also hold Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation.
19. University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work
Houston, Texas
The University of Houston, a public university founded in 1927, is among the largest universities in the state, with about 45,000 students enrolled. The flagship of the University of Houston System, the university offers more than 280 degree programs. University of Houston, located in America’s fourth largest city, is the second most racially/ethnically diverse university in the nation.
The Graduate College of Social Work offers an online master in social work degree that prepares students to become leaders in practice and research. The program prepares students to address complex challenges and achieve sustainable social, racial, economic, and political justice, both locally and globally, through education, innovative research, and community engagement.
The 63-semester-credit-hour online MSW degree provides a strong foundation in social work practice. Students complete a clinical concentration and can choose electives tailored to specific interests with the option to earn an additional specialization in health and behavioral health. Students who hold a BSW degree can apply for advanced standing status.
Online MSW students are introduced to the social work community via a college-wide summer reading assignment that highlights social justice issues while simultaneously building a sense of community among the cohort.
Online students work with dedicated online field coordinators to find field hour opportunities within their areas of interest.
Primarily asynchronous, the cohort-based online program offers many synchronous elements via web conferencing and live streaming of special events. The school also utilizes faculty videos, alumni interviews, and synchronous book discussions to emphasize social justice issues locally and globally.
Most students earn their degree in two-and-a-half to three years.
The 63-semester-credit-hour MSW degree includes the following specializations:
- Foundations of the Social Work Profession
- Health & Behavioral Health
- Individualized
- Political Social Work
- Social Work Practice with Latinos
MSW students complete a minimum of 900 hours of field work. Students work with Field Education Office staff to identify agencies for their field hours.
Online students complete a clinical concentration. Students can earn a health and behavioral health specialization.
The university offers an advanced standing MSW program to students who hold a BSW degree.
The University of Houston does not offer the Online MSW degree to students in Hawaii, California, Utah, Wisconsin, Kentucky, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Delaware, Connecticut or Massachusetts.
Accreditation
The University of Houston is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The social work programs also received Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation.
20. University of Missouri, College of Human Environmental Sciences, School of Social Work
Columbia, Missouri
The University of Missouri, a public, land-grant research university founded in 1839, is among the largest universities in the state, with more than 30,000 students enrolled. The flagship of the University of Missouri System, the university offers more than 300 degree programs through 19 colleges.
The University of Missouri’s College of Human Environmental Sciences and School of Social Work offers a master’s degree in social work online program. Designed for students who hold a BSW degree, the curriculum builds on students’ undergraduate education and prepares them for leadership opportunities. The program prepares graduates for careers in direct intervention with people, families, groups and communities as well as policy making and advocacy practice in social service organizations.
University of Missouri online MSW program students can choose from two concentrations: policy, planning, and administration; or advanced clinical practice.
The 39-credit-hour advanced standing program includes the following online MSW courses:
- Foundations of Human Behavior
- Large Group Therapy
- Professional Social Work Practice
- Research Design in Social Work
- Social Justice Seminar
- Social Policy and Service Delivery in Social Work
- Social Work Skills
Students complete a 680-hour field practicum.
The part-time program features asynchronous elements with weekly assignments.
The School of Social Work accepts applications for the online master’s degree in social work from students in Missouri, Nebraska, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, and Kansas.
The university offers students without a BSW an off-campus hybrid master of social work degree program which combines on-site meetings and online coursework.
Accreditation
The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) provides accreditation to the university’s social work programs.
21. University of Iowa, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, School of Social Work
Iowa City, Iowa
The University of Iowa, a public research university established in 1847, enrolls over 32,000 students in a full selection of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs.
The School of Social Work offers an online master of social work degree program that allows students to earn their degree through part-time studies in three years.
The program covers key topics in the field, with online social work courses in areas such as:
- Ethics & Professional Behavior
- Understanding & Engaging Diversity
- Advancing Human Rights & Social Justice
- Engaging & Analyzing Policy
- Research-Based Practice
- Serving Communities & Individuals
- Assessment, Intervention, & Evaluation.
Applicants to the program must hold a bachelor’s degree, though it does not need to be in social work. GRE scores are not required. The online MSW program requires 60 credit hours for completion. In addition to coursework, students must complete an internship, and attend a four-day summer residency on campus each year. Graduates emerge prepared for a variety of careers in public and private sector settings.
Accreditation
The University of Iowa is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Its social work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
22. West Virginia University, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, School of Social Work, WVU Online
Morgantown, West Virginia
West Virginia University, a public land-grant research university established in 1867, enrolls over 28,000 students in a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs.
Through the WVU Online platform, the School of Social Work offers an online master of social work degree program for students seeking to study part-time while maintaining employment. The program prepares students to advance a variety of careers in social work, serving the needs of individuals and communities in private and public settings.
Though part-time, the program offers both traditional and advanced standing tracks, for students of varying levels of experience. Both tracks engage with key concepts in the field, including:
- Policy Analysis
- Theory & Practical Applications
- Working with Families & Groups
- Engaging with Diversity.
The online MSW requires 60 credits for the traditional track; 36 for the advanced standing track; and includes the following online social work courses:
- Assessment and Diagnosis
- Evaluation Research in Social Work
- Practice with Families and Groups
- Practice with Individuals
- Social Policy Analysis, Advocacy, and Deliberation
Students in the master of social work online program must complete a field experience.
The traditional track may be completed in three years of part-time study, while the advanced standing track may be completed in two years. For admission to the advanced standing track, students must hold a bachelor’s in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Accreditation
West Virginia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Its social work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
23. University of South Dakota, School of Health Sciences, USD Online
Vermillion, South Dakota
The University of South Dakota, a public research university established in 1862, enrolls over 10,000 students in a variety of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional programs.
Through the USD Online Platform, the School of Health Sciences offers an online master of social work degree program that prepares students to pursue or advance careers in clinical services, administration, organizational planning, and social policy analysis.
The program offers two track options — a traditional 60-hour track that may be completed in two years of study; and an advanced track option that requires 36 credit hours and may be completed in one year of study. For admission to the advanced track, students must hold a bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
The online MSW program courses includes the following:
- Advanced Practice with Individuals, Children, and Families
- Advanced Social Policy
- Diversity and Social Justice in Rural and Urban Communities
- Mental Health: Assessment and Treatment
- Practice with Communities
Students in the online MSW program must complete a field experience.
Online classes are taught by the same faculty as their on-campus counterparts.
Accreditation
The University of South Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Its social work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
24. California State University – Northridge, Tseng College
Northridge, California
California State University-Northridge, a public university established in 1958, enrolls over 41,000 students in a variety of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional degree programs.
The Tseng College at CSUN-Northridge offers an online master of social work degree program that prepares students for work providing social services to individuals and communities in need. The program emphasizes a community-oriented, urban practice model that promotes social justice and sensitivity to diversity.
The online MSW program utilizes a cohort learning model, allowing online students to learn alongside each other. Courses are delivered synchronously and taught by the same faculty as their on-campus counterparts. The online program requires 60 credits and includes the following online college courses:
- Human Behavior and Social Environment
- Generalist Social Work Theory and Practice
- Social Work Practice in Multiple Contexts
- Social Welfare Policy and Services
- Family Crisis, Trauma, and Grief
Students in the California State University-Northridge online MSW program must complete a field experience.
Accreditation
California State University-Northridge is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Its social work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
25. Temple University, College of Public Health
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Temple University, a public research university established in 1884, enrolls about 40,000 students in a full array of bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees.
The College of Public Health at Temple University offers an online master of social work degree program for students seeking to work and advance their careers while studying part-time. Students in the program prepare for clinical and leadership roles in settings including government, schools, clinics, nonprofits, and community organizing groups.
The part-time master in social work online requires 60 credits and includes online college courses in key subjects such as theory and practice of social work, ethics, policy analysis, community engagement, diversity, family and child issues, substance abuse, mental health, and applying research.
The Temple University online MSW may be completed in three years of part-time study. Program courses blend synchronous and asynchronous delivery models, and students must complete a field experience.
An online master’s in social work / master’s in public health dual degree program may be completed for additional credits and study time.
Accreditation
Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
CSWE Accredited Online MSW Programs
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is a non-profit organization providing accreditation to programs that meet rigorous standards designed by social work practitioners and educators. These professional standards ensure that CSWE accredited distance learning programs sufficiently prepare students for professional social work practice. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes the CSWE as the only accrediting agency for social work education in the United States.
For students earning a master’s in social work online, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and most state licensing laws require the completion of a CSWE-accredited online MSW program.
Master’s degrees in social work help students develop basic and advanced practice skills. The programs typically offer both clinical and non-clinical concentrations, including:
- Policy Practice
- Social Enterprise Administration
- Children & Families
- Human Services Management & Organizational Leadership
- Clinical Social Work
- Social Leadership
Advanced Standing MSW Programs
Students with a bachelor’s in social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program may receive advanced standing in an MSW online program. The typical master’s degree in social work online degree program requires two years of full-time study. Advanced standing can reduce graduate requirements to one year. Graduates of a BSW degree program do not have to attend the same school to acquire advanced standing status in an MSW online program.
How long does it take to get an MSW?
Most social work master’s degrees are approximately 60 credit-hours and take two years to complete for full-time students. Students who have a bachelor’s in social work (BSW) from an CSWE-accredited program can easily find advanced standing programs that can reduce the required credit-hours by 20–30 hours. Students with advanced standing can finish an MSW in one year. Part-time MSW students can finish a program in three to four years.
Master of Social Work Admissions
To enter most MSW programs, students must hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. MSW degree programs do not usually require that the bachelor’s degree be in the field of social work; however, admission to an advanced standing program usually does require a bachelor’s of social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Online MSW Programs Field Education Requirements
Field education is an important part of a Master of Social Work program. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the accrediting organization for all higher education social work schools in the United States, requires students in residential and online MSW programs to complete a generalist field education experience and an advanced field experience. The CSWE requires that students complete a minimum of 900 hours of field education. In many MSW programs, students complete 300 to 450 hours during their first/general year and complete the remaining hours during their clinical or concentration year.
Students in these social worker programs typically complete field education concurrently with classes. Students enrolled in a traditional MSW program typically need 900 to 1,200 hours of field education, depending on the school, whereas students in an advanced standing program typically need from 450 to 1,000 hours of field education.
Students can gain experience at a health services agency or other locations situated in their area. Students typically choose an agency based on their concentration or area of focus. They work with field instructors on the practical applications of social work. Field instructors need an MSW degree and they usually have at least two years of experience post-graduation.
Schools with master’s in social work online programs typically provide MSW online students opportunities to gain experience at local locations such as:
- Community organizations
- Mental health facilities
- Addiction treatment centers
- Charity organizations
- Hospitals
- Correctional facilities
- Medical care facilities
- Family counseling centers
Social Worker Licenses
Every state has adopted Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing examinations. There are four exam levels:
- Master;
- Bachelor;
- Advanced generalist; and
- Clinical
Some states use all four exams, whereas some states require only one exam. Individuals interested in becoming a social worker should look for social work license requirements by state.
The following are some key licensing abbreviations used in the field:
- What is an LSW?
- LSW stands for Licensed Social Worker.
- What is an LMSW?
- LMSW stands for Licensed Master Social Worker. A master’s degree in social work is required. In many states, passing a licensing exam is also required.
- What is an LCSW?
- LCSW typically stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker or sometimes licensed certified social worker. A master’s degree in social work is required, including at least three years of supervised experience.
- What is an LGSW?
- LGSW typically stands for Licensed Graduate Social Worker. A master’s degree in social work is required. In some states, passing a licensing exam is also required.
- What is an ACSW?
-
ACSW stands for the Academy of Certified Social Workers. The National Association of Social Workers’ ACSW certification is not the same as licensing, rather it usually signifies accomplishment. However, some states have indicated they accept the credential as evidence an individual has met their own supervised practice requirements.
To learn more about the employment forecast for social workers, social worker wages, work settings, and a variety of social worker job titles, continue reading beyond our ranking of the best schools for your online MSW degree.
See also: What can I do with a Social Work degree?
Social Worker Job Outlook and Salary Information
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts a 16 percent job growth for social workers from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. The expected job growth is due to an increase in demand for a variety of social services and healthcare jobs across the board.
MSW Salary Information
Social Workers Median Annual Wages (2017):
- Social Workers: $47,980
- Healthcare Social Workers: $56,810
- Child, Family, and Social Workers: $48,430
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: $43,250
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social Workers : Occupational Outlook Handbook, Healthcare Social Workers, Child, Family, & School Social Workers, Mental Health & Substance Abuse Social Workers
Median annual wages for social workers in the top industries (2017):
- Hospitals; state, local, and private: $58,490
- Local government, excluding education and hospitals: $52,900
- State government, excluding education and hospitals: $46,120
- Ambulatory Healthcare Services: $48,340
- Individual and Family Services: $40,800
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social Workers : Occupational Outlook Handbook
MSW Jobs
Individuals with a MSW degree typically have jobs such as counselors, social workers or therapists. Jobs in clinical settings or public schools require a MSW degree.
What can you do with a Master’s in Social Work degree?
Social workers practice in government settings such as health care facilities; agencies serving children and families; facilities serving older adults; agencies serving military veterans and active duty military personnel; and schools. The federal government provides social work positions at agencies such as Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, Department of Defense, Health and Human Services, and the Department of Justice.
Social work job titles:
- Admissions Counselor
- Agency Director
- Care Coordinator
- Care Manager
- Career Counselor
- Case Manager
- Child Welfare Advocate
- Clinical Social Worker
- Community Educator
- Community Health Worker
- Community Liaison Social Worker
- Community Planner
- Community Social Worker
- Corporate Foundation Specialist
- Drug Dependency Counselor
- Family Services Caseworker
- Gerontology Social Worker
- Health Reform Advocate
- Healthcare Social Worker
- Immigration Program Administrator
- Medical/Clinical Worker
- Medical Social Worker
- Mental Health Social Worker
- Nursing Home Administrator
- Occupational Social Worker
- Outreach Specialist/Coordinator
- Patient Advocate
- Population Health Social Worker
- Poverty Advocate
- Public Health Social Worker
- Public Interest Advocate
- Rehab Counselor
- Residential Care Manager
- School Social Worker
- Shelter Director
- Social Recreation Director
- Social Worker Administrator
- Social Worker Assessment Specialist
- Social Worker Home Health
- Social Worker-Housing Subsidy Specialist
- Social Worker/Internal Case Manager
- Social Worker Planner & Policy Maker
- Treatment Specialist
- Volunteer Services Director
- Youth Counselor
Places of employment for social workers:
- Adoption Agencies
- Advocacy Programs
- Area Agencies on Aging
- Child and Family Services
- Child Welfare Organizations
- Clinics
- Colleges
- Community Action Programs
- Community Mental Health Centers
- Companies
- Court Systems
- Domestic Violence Centers
- Foster Care Agencies
- Government Agencies
- Health Care Centers
- Health Maintenance Organizations
- Homeless Projects
- Hospitals
- Neighborhood Coalition programs
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Nursing Homes
- Public Service Agencies
- Private Social Service Agencies
- Religious organizations
- Schools
Macro, Mezzo, Micro: Social Work Practice Levels
The social work field has three main categories of practice: Macro, Mezzo, and Micro.
Macro Social Workers
Social workers practicing at a macro level are involved at the leadership level of programs, institutions, and government policy. They work with communities, major institutions, large groups of people, and cities. Macro social workers help clients by intervening in large systems, which may include lobbying to make changes to healthcare laws, organizing state-wide activist groups, and advocating for large-scale social policy change.
Macro social workers help communities identify needs, design interventions and implement strategies which improve the quality of life for people within a community.
Some macro social workers have leadership positions in organizations or government agencies and some macro social workers participate in large-scale research.
Mezzo Social Workers
Mezzo level social workers are typically involved with working with smaller groups of individuals or organizations. These social workers tend to work with families or smaller groups of individuals to promote change or address group level issues. Examples of mezzo social work would include working with addiction and recovery groups, schools, families, or leading smaller organizations where you are focused more on institutional or cultural change rather than a focus on individuals.
Micro Social Work:
These social workers assist people on an individual level. Micro level social workers are typically referred to as direct service social workers or clinical social workers. Direct service social workers connect clients with services they need. Direct service social workers perform case management, make referrals, determine program eligibility, and provide mediation services. They also perform intake and initial screening.
Direct care social workers may provide some counseling to clients, but they cannot provide psychotherapy. non-clinical social workers generally provide counseling to individuals for issues other than mental health needs. The counseling they provide is limited in scope. These social workers typically help clients who have psychiatric conditions or emotional disturbances. They provide individual, group and family therapy. They evaluate, diagnose, treat and strive to prevent mental illness and other types of behavioral and emotional issues. Licensed clinical social workers work in hospitals, primary care, child and family services, rehabilitation facilities, community mental health, private practice, elder care facilities, agencies, and more.
Some licensed clinical social workers work in private practice, providing services similar to mental health counselors. Clinical social workers may work as part of a large team that includes professionals in other fields such as psychiatrists, and advanced practice psychiatric nurses. Clinical social workers also help clients with health conditions that are not necessarily psychological illnesses.
Note: The designation used for social workers who have a clinical social worker license varies by state; some states provide the title of licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and other states provide a title such as licensed independent social worker (LISW) or licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW).
Every state has its own social work licensing board which establishes specific requirements for clinical social work licensure for its residents.
2017–18 Archive: The 25 Best MSW Online Degree Programs
Note: The following ranking list was published on January 18, 2017, and archived on February 25, 2019.
| #1. | Columbia University, Columbia School of Social Work |
| #2. | University of Southern California, School of Social Work |
| #3. | Case Western Reserve University, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences |
| #4. | Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Service |
| #5. | Rutgers University-New Brunswick, School of Social Work |
| #6. | Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Social Work |
| #7. | Boston University, School of Social Work |
| #8. | Indiana University, School of Social Work |
| #9. | University at Buffalo SUNY, School of Social Work |
| #10. | Arizona State University–ASU Online |
| #11. | University of Tennessee–Knoxville, College of Social Work |
| #12. | University of Louisville, Kent School of Social Work |
| #13. | Florida State University (FSU), College of Social Work |
| #14. | Catholic University of America, National Catholic School of Social Service |
| #15. | Simmons College, Simmons School of Social Work |
| #16. | University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work |
| #17. | Portland State University, School of Social Work |
| #18. | University of Alabama, School of Social Work |
| #19. | University of Missouri, College of Human Environmental Sciences, School of Social Work |
| #20. | Colorado State University, Fort Collins, College of Health & Human Sciences, School of Social Work |
| #21. | Louisiana State University, School of Social Work |
| #22. | Widener University, Center for Social Work Education |
| #23. | Our Lady of the Lake University, Worden School of Social Service |
| #24. | University of Central Florida, College of Health and Public Affairs, School of Social Work |
| #25. | University of New Hampshire, College of Health and Human Services |
| #26. | MSW Salary Information |
2012–17 Archive: The 10 Best Online Masters in Social Work
Note: The following ranking list was published on April 26, 2012, and archived on January 18, 2017.
| #1. | Fordham University |
| #2. | University of Southern California |
| #3. | Virginia Commonwealth University |
| #4. | Boston University |
| #5. | Florida State University |
| #6. | University of North Dakota Online & Distance Education |
| #7. | University of New England |
| #8. | Texas State University |
| #9. | Saint Leo University |
| #10. | Northeastern University |