Earning a master's in social work online (MSW) can lead to meaningful careers in many different fields. For example, graduates find employment in schools, government agencies, and clinics, working directly with individuals, children, and families.
During an online MSW program, students learn to diagnose behavioral issues, advocate for at-risk communities, and help individuals and groups manage challenges in their daily lives. With a growing number of families falling into poverty during the COVID-19 pandemic, the social work field will need more experienced professionals to support struggling communities.
Online MSW programs provide a flexible route to lucrative, meaningful work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average job growth for social workers from 2019-2029. Social workers with MSWs generally earn higher-than-average salaries and qualify for roles like clinical social worker.
Our list ranks the best online MSW programs for 2021. Prospective online MSW students can use this ranking to find the right fit for their professional goals. This article also introduces social work concentrations, licensure requirements for social workers, and common social work careers.
| #1 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL |
| #2 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL |
| #3 | University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND |
| #4 | Arizona State University | Scottsdale, AZ |
| #5 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, TX |
| #6 | University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR |
| #7 | Eastern Washington University | Cheney, WA |
| #8 | Missouri State University | Springfield, MO |
| #9 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA |
| #10 | New Mexico State University | Las Cruces, NM |
What Is an Online Master's in Social Work Degree?
An online MSW program trains students in areas like social welfare policy, social work research, and clinical social work. Many online MSW programs offer concentrations for specialty areas like children and families, school social work, or social work administration. The degree builds strong interpersonal, research, and analytical skills.
Pursuing a master's in social work online allows enrollees to complete practicum requirements in their local areas. Completing an MSW degree online generally takes two years for full-time students, though some programs offer an accelerated option. After earning an online MSW, graduates can apply for social work licensure and pursue employment in the field.
Choosing a Master's in Social Work Online Program
When researching online MSW programs, prospective applicants should consider factors like cost, program length, and specialization options. Rather than simply comparing tuition rates, candidates should research the total cost of each program, including fees, the total number of credits required, and textbook prices. Some programs offer accelerated options, which can mean tuition savings.
MSW students should also research the graduate placement record for each program, along with field experience opportunities. Online programs often connect distance learners with opportunities in their local areas, but some programs have larger placement networks than others. By researching these factors, aspiring social workers can find the program that best suits their goals and needs.
Accreditation for Online MSW Programs
Prospective students should always choose accredited MSW programs. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits schools of social work, including online programs. Only a CSWE-accredited degree meets the requirements for a social work license. As a result, attending an unaccredited program will limit a social worker's career options.
In addition to ensuring that the program holds accreditation, applicants should research if the school maintains regional accreditation. Some institutions have national accreditation, which doesn't meet the same standards as regional accreditation when it comes to social work degrees.
What Can I Expect When Pursuing a Master's in Social Work Online?
Degree-seekers enrolled in a master's in social work online can expect to take classes in social justice, social work practice, and social welfare policy. Additionally, social work students often choose concentrations to prepare for specialized career paths after graduation. Online learners must often complete in-person requirements to develop practical experience.
Social Work Curriculum
- Diversity and Social Justice in Social Work: Most social work programs include courses on diversity and social justice to introduce students to core issues in the field. MSW students engage with diversity in practice, promote social justice, and explore social identity. The course also considers theories of social oppression, the roles of privilege and power in society, and conflict resolution.
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Social environments shape how people respond and behave. In this course, students learn to interpret human behavior and critically examine the relationship between social settings and behavior. The course also covers concepts like social network theory and social-cognitive-behavioral theory. Learners apply these theoretical concepts through case studies to strengthen their practical skills.
- Social Welfare Policy: Topics in this course may include the development of new policies, the implementation and evaluation of social welfare policies, and the broader service delivery network. Learners also examine the relationship between policy development and delivery. The course prepares graduates for policy-making roles.
- Social Work Research: Enrollees learn about research methods, including quantitative and qualitative approaches, the connection between research and practice, and strategies for sampling and data collection. Learners also examine ethical issues, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity in conducting research.
- Social Work with Individuals and Families: Learners build interpersonal skills and strengthen their professional practices. Coursework covers the assessment process, building relationships with clients, and appropriate social work interventions. The class prepares graduates for clinical roles working with individuals and groups.
Social Work Concentrations
Aging
This concentration prepares students for careers working with older adults. Coursework covers services aimed at aging communities, social justice issues for older adults, and program development. Core topics include healthcare, memory care, and elder abuse. Graduates are prepared for clinical roles or policy-making positions in aging services organizations.
Children and Families
A children and families social work concentration examines how to increase positive mental health outcomes for children. Students learn to assess children, provide early intervention services, and offer clinical treatment for children and families. The concentration emphasizes mental health support, protective factors, and risk factors.
Clinical Social Work
This concentration trains social workers to help people facing mental and emotional challenges. Learners examine counseling practices, including methods of identifying and evaluating challenges and both individual and group treatment approaches. They also explore behavioral issues, professional challenges, and family conflicts. Graduates can pursue careers in clinical social work.
Community and Social Systems
A community and social systems concentration focuses on macro-level social welfare organizations. Students examine social systems to identify potential improvements or policy needs. They also learn to conduct multisystemic assessments and evaluate large-scale social problems. The concentration prepares graduates for roles in social work policy-making and social welfare institutions.
Forensic Social Work
This concentration uses social work tools to address problems in the legal system. Forensic social workers represent clients within the justice system, acting as consultants or advocates in legal settings. A forensic social work concentration includes training in the criminal justice system and social services that connect to the legal system.
Generalist School Social Work
A school social work concentration examines the barriers children face in school settings. The concentration trains MSW students in issues like homelessness, violence, truancy, and challenges related to special education programs. Degree-seekers build the knowledge and skills needed to work with different student populations and design student support systems in schools
Advanced Standing MSW Programs
A student with a bachelor's in social work from a CSWE-accredited program may receive advanced standing status in an online MSW program, which allows them to graduate more quickly. Typically, an MSW takes two years of full-time study to complete, but advanced standing programs usually allow students to graduate within one year.
Social Work Licensure and Certification
Social workers seeking employment in clinical social work, school social work, and similar fields need licenses. Each state issues its own social work licenses and sets specific licensure requirements. Generally, a licensed social worker (LSW) needs to hold an MSW and meet supervised experience requirements, though some states only require a bachelor's degree.
Social workers licensed in one state can often apply for a reciprocal license in other states, but reciprocity isn't automatic. They may need to meet additional requirements, depending on the state. Learn more about social work licensure with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing guide.
What Is a Licensed Social Worker?
An LSW typically holds at least a bachelor's degree in social work, though many states require an MSW. In some states, MSW students must apply for LSW licenses to complete their practicum training. Since the requirements for the LSW credential vary by state, social workers should research the process in their state.
What Is a Licensed Master Social Worker?
A licensed master social worker (LMSW) holds an MSW degree and works in non-clinical social work roles. For licensure, candidates must complete accredited MSW programs, provide evidence of supervised social work experience, and take the ASWB Advanced Generalist exam.
What Is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker?
A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) holds an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program. In most states, LCSW candidates must also complete at least two years of supervised clinical experience after earning their master's degrees. Licensure also requires passing scores on the state's clinical social work exam.
What Is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker?
A licensed graduate social worker (LGSW) typically holds an MSW degree and must pass an exam. LGSW requirements vary among states. In some states, LGSWs must also meet supervised work experience requirements. Clinical social workers often hold LGSW licenses while working toward meeting LCSW licensure requirements.
What Is an ACSW Credential?
The Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) offers the ACSW credential for social workers with master's degrees from CSWE-accredited programs and at least two years of postgraduate professional experience. Each candidate also needs a current NASW membership and 20 hours of continuing education. The credential recognizes experienced social workers who follow the profession's code of ethics.
Social Work Professional Organizations
Professional organizations help MSW students network with social workers and prepare for the workforce. Many of these organizations offer information on social work practice, publish research in the field, provide professional development resources, and host career centers. Many also offer scholarship opportunities to help students fund their education.
- National Association of Social Workers NASW counts over 120,000 social work professionals among its members. Founded in 1955, the association offers career resources, professional certifications, and information about specialty practice. NASW also hosts a career center.
- Clinical Social Work Association CSWA advocates for clinical social workers. It also offers clinical practice resources, including information on informed consent, HIPAA, and texting in mental health treatment. CSWA also hosts a job board.
- National Rural Social Work Caucus This organization brings together social workers specializing in rural issues. The National Rural Social Work Caucus hosts an annual conference, publishes a journal on rural social work, and provides continuing education resources.
- National Association of Black Social Workers This professional organization for Black social workers supports research and human services delivery in Black communities. NABSW publishes research in the field, hosts a career center with job resources, and awards scholarships to social work students.
- International Federation of Social Workers ISFW advocates for social workers around the globe by promoting social justice and human rights. Members can access conferences and events, the organization's information hub, and resources on social work best practices.
Social Work Jobs and Salaries
Marriage and Family Therapists
| Median Salary: $49,610 | Projected Job Growth: 22% |
|---|
Marriage and family therapists help families overcome challenges, including personal relationship problems, life changes, and mental health struggles. They work with individuals, couples, and families to help clients process life changes and make decisions about their futures. Marriage and family therapists also refer clients to relevant community resources and services, such as support groups or inpatient treatment facilities.
Strong interpersonal communication skills help marriage and family therapists support their clients. Marriage and family therapists typically hold online master's degrees in social work, psychology, or other related fields. In every state, marriage and family therapists need licenses to practice.
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
| Median Salary: $54,290 | Projected Job Growth: 4% |
|---|
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists help incarcerated individuals access social services and reintegrate into their communities upon release. These professionals work with probationers, parolees, and pretrial defendants. After evaluating clients, probation officers and correctional treatment specialists design a course of rehabilitation, which may include referring clients to services like job training or substance abuse counseling.
Most probation officer and correctional treatment specialist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in social work. A master's degree qualifies candidates for advanced roles in the field.
Social and Community Service Managers
| Median Salary: $67,150 | Projected Job Growth: 17% |
|---|
Social and community service managers oversee social service programs. They identify the need for programs and services; plan and implement programs; and analyze program effectiveness.
Most managerial social work jobs require at least a bachelor's degree. Some employers prefer candidates with master's degrees or significant professional experience in social services.
Social Workers
| Median Salary: $50,470 | Projected Job Growth: 13% |
|---|
Social workers assist individuals struggling with mental, behavioral, and emotional issues. They connect clients to community resources, provide counseling services, and treat mental health issues. Social workers can specialize in niche areas, like school social work or healthcare social work.
Many social workers need master's degrees, including clinical social workers, who must hold MSWs and have two years of supervised experience.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
| Median Salary: $46,240 | Projected Job Growth: 25% |
|---|
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors help clients manage mental health and behavioral challenges. They evaluate clients' mental and physical health, develop customized treatment plans, and help patients modify behaviors. These counselors may also make referrals to social services and conduct outreach programs to educate the public on destructive behaviors.
Most substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors hold bachelor's degrees, while mental health counselors typically need master's degrees.
Ask an Expert
Anne Inwood works at Successful Families Together, where she provides parent coaching, parent support and resources, and parent education. She helps families create successful routines and provide therapy and counseling. She has an LCSW and a master of science in child development.
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
The Best Online Master's in Social Work (MSW) Degree Programs
| Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of Central Florida |
Orlando, FL Apply Now | ||
| 2 |
University of South Florida |
Tampa, FL Apply Now | ||
| 3 |
University of North Dakota |
Grand Forks, ND Apply Now | ||
| 4 |
Arizona State University |
Scottsdale, AZ Apply Now | ||
| 5 |
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley |
Edinburg, TX Apply Now | ||
| 6 |
University of Arkansas |
Fayetteville, AR Apply Now | ||
| 7 |
Eastern Washington University |
Cheney, WA Apply Now | ||
| 8 |
Missouri State University |
Springfield, MO Apply Now | ||
| 9 |
University of Southern California |
Los Angeles, CA Apply Now | ||
| 10 |
New Mexico State University |
Las Cruces, NM Apply Now | ||
| 11 |
The University of Texas at Arlington |
Arlington, TX Apply Now | ||
| 12 |
The University of Alabama |
Tuscaloosa, AL Apply Now | ||
| 13 |
Concord University |
Athens, WV Apply Now | ||
| 14 |
California State University, San Bernardino |
San Bernardino, CA Apply Now | ||
| 15 |
University of South Dakota |
Vermillion, SD Apply Now | ||
| 16 |
Colorado State University |
Fort Collins, CO Apply Now | ||
| 17 |
Virginia Commonwealth University |
Richmond, VA Apply Now | ||
| 18 |
University of Missouri |
Columbia, MO Apply Now | ||
| 19 |
University of North Carolina at Charlotte |
Charlotte, NC Apply Now | ||
| 20 |
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey |
New Brunswick, NJ Apply Now | ||
| 21 |
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville |
Knoxville, TN Apply Now | ||
| 22 |
Ohio State University |
Columbus, OH Apply Now | ||
| 23 |
Aurora University |
Aurora, IL Apply Now | ||
| 24 |
University of Houston |
Houston, TX Apply Now | ||
| 25 |
Texas State University |
San Marcos, TX Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!
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Online Master's in Social Work (MSW) Programs Ranking Guidelines
We selected the programs based on the quality of the program, the types of courses offered, the faculty, rankings, awards, and reputation, including the school's reputation for effectively providing online degree programs.
