The number of fully online MSW programs has grown to 163 as of August 2023.
We might have once called online MSW programs an “alternative” to traditional campus-based programs. Still, online MSW programs are now preferred by thousands of applicants interested in earning an advanced social work degree.
In this guide- Online MSW programs
- Delivery and structure
- Admission requirements
- Campus visits
- Fieldwork requirements
- Online MSW curriculum
- Career opportunities
- Benefits of an online MSW
- Things to consider
- Online MSW tuition
- FAQs
- Expert advice
Online MSW programs
- Credits: 64
Cost per credit: $1,295
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 64
Cost per credit: $300
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 63
Cost per credit: $910
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Management or Administration
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 56
Cost per credit: $1,267
Plan of Study: Full-Time
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration, International Affairs, Public Health, Theology or Divinity
Certification: Child Welfare, Marriage and Family, Mental Health, School Social Work, Trauma, Administration or Management, Medical Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $403 in state | $811 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-time, part-time, advanced standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $304
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $413 in-state | $1,143 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Management or Administration, Social Policy
Dual Degree Option(s): Doctorate in Social Work, Public Administration, Public Policy
Certification: Gerontology, Other, Trauma, Domestic Violence, Medical Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 63
Cost per credit: $340
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Addictions, Rural Social Work, Trauma
Certification: Addictions
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $618
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration, Public Administration, Theology or Divinity
Certification: Addictions, Child and Family, School Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $457 in-state | $734 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 63
Cost per credit: $990
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Trauma
Certification: Trauma
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,100
Plan of Study: Full-time, part-time, advanced standing, multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or direct practice, community and social systems
Dual Degree Option(s): Business administration, theology or divinity
Certification: Other
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 61
Cost per credit: $252
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice
Certification: Addictions, Refugee & Immigrant Populations
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 65
Cost per credit: $1,781
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening, Weekends Only
Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice, Health, Mental Health, Aging and Gerontological Practice, Trauma, Macro Social Work
Dual Degree Option(s): Doctorate in Social Work, Education, Public Health, Theology or Divinity
Certification: Child and Family, Gerontology, Trauma, Behavioral Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $665
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 36-60
Cost per credit: $347 in-state | $743 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: School Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $788
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 34-63
Cost per credit: $541 in-state | $937 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $451 in-state | $847 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time
Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Mental Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $609
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $650
Plan of Study: Full-Time
Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Mental Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $499
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: Child and Family, Mental Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $583
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Integrated Practice
Certification: Gerontology
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $603
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,630
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Addictions, Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Health, International Social Work, Management or Administration, Mental Health, School Social Work, Aging and Gerontological Practice, Trauma
Dual Degree Option(s): Bioethics, Business Administration, Law, Non-profit Management, Public Health
Certification: Gerontology, International Social Work, Non-Profit Management, Other, School Social Work, Trauma, Medical Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,200
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Management or Administration, Social Policy, Integrated Practice
Dual Degree Option(s): Law
Certification: Child Welfare
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $695
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $590 in state | $654 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Clinical or Direct Practice
Certification: Addictions, Gerontology, School Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 64
Cost per credit: $725
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Option(s): Public Health
Certification: Non-Profit Management, Other, School Social Work, Conflict Resolution, Military, Clinical Social Work, Behavioral Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,834
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Clinical or Direct Practice, Management or Administration, Social Policy
Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration, Education, Jewish Studies, Law, Public Health, Public Policy, Theology or Divinity, Urban Planning
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 24-36
Cost per credit: $543 in-state | $947 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 63
Cost per credit: $740
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,056
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $346 in state | $764 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $850
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Children, Youth, and Families, Health, International Social Work, Mental Health, Military Social Work, School Social Work, Aging and Gerontological Practice, Immigrants and Refugees
Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration, Education, Other
Certification: Child Welfare, Gerontology, International Social Work, School Social Work, Military, Refugee & Immigrant Populations, Behavioral Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $405
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Management or Administration
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 63
Cost per credit: $613 in-state | $841 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Certification: Addictions
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,087
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $891
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 48
Cost per credit: $740
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Option(s): Criminal Justice, Public Health
Certification: School Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 61
Cost per credit: $446 in state | $1,076 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Leadership
Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Law, Public Administration
Certification: Child Welfare, Gerontology, Non-Profit Management, Other
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 62
Cost per credit: $995
Plan of Study: Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 66
Cost per credit: $319
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 61
Cost per credit: Not available on the website
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Disabilities
Certification: Disabilities
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $766.45 in-state | $1,681 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Aging and Gerontological Practice
Dual Degree Option(s): Other
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $318
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Community Development and Social Systems
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 62
Cost per credit: $575
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $2,027
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Criminal Justice, Health, Management or Administration, Mental Health, Social Policy, Aging and Gerontological Practice, Macro Social Work
Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration, Public Health, Theology or Divinity
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 59
Cost per credit: $494.68 in-state | $1544 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $624 in state | $741 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Addictions, Advanced Generalist, Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice, Health, Management or Administration, Mental Health, School Social Work
Dual Degree Option(s): Law
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $559
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 30-57
Cost per credit: $474 in state | $1,474 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families
Certification: Gerontology
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $700 in-state | $920 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 65
Cost per credit: $824
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 78
Cost per credit: $902
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Health, Mental Health
Dual Degree Option(s): Criminal Justice, Other
Certification: Other
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $350
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Health, Mental Health
Certification: Behavioral Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $599
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Option(s): Law, Public Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 49
Cost per credit: $1,045
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Clinical or Direct Practice, Other, Macro Social Work, Integrated Practice, Leadership
Dual Degree Option(s): Law, Other, Public Health, Theology or Divinity
Certification: Addictions, Gerontology, School Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $500 in state | $700 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 57
Cost per credit: $867 in-state | $1704 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
Dual Degree Option(s): Law, Public Health
Certification: Child Welfare, Gerontology, Marriage and Family, Other, School Social Work, Trauma, Administration or Management, Military, Medical Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $516 in-state | $602 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Option(s): Other
Certification: Other, Behavioral Health, Art
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $668
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $331
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $667
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Addictions, Children, Youth, and Families, Other, Social Policy, Aging and Gerontological Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $739
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $790
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 63
Cost per credit: $525
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, International Social Work, Management or Administration, Immigrants and Refugees
Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration
Certification: Addictions
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $444
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Option(s): Public Health
Certification: Public Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 62
Cost per credit: $616
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 54
Cost per credit: $542
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $616
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening, Weekends Only
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Human Behavior
Certification: Gerontology, Trauma, Forensic Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 50
Cost per credit: $669
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Management or Administration, Social Policy, Macro Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 63
Cost per credit: $598
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Addictions, Advanced Generalist, Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Management or Administration, Mental Health, Integrated Practice
Certification: School Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 62
Cost per credit: $508 in state | $527out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Rural Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 57
Cost per credit: $981
Plan of Study: Full-time, part-time, advanced standing, multiple cohorts per year, weekends/evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or direct practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $695
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Military Social Work, Aging and Gerontological Practice
Certification: Mental Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: Not available in the website
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Trauma
Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 78
Cost per credit: $521 in-state | $748 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Health, Management or Administration, Mental Health, School Social Work, Aging and Gerontological Practice
Dual Degree Option(s): Doctorate in Social Work, Public Health
Certification: School Social Work, Administration or Management
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 61
Cost per credit: $556 in-state | $951 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Community Development and Social Systems
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $850
Plan of Study: Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 62
Cost per credit: $533 in-state | $1,002 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time and Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work
Certification: Addictions, Non-Profit Management, Trauma, Behavioral Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $737
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Health, Mental Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $950
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Management or Administration
Dual Degree Option(s): Doctorate in Social Work, Law, Pastoral Studies, Public Health, Public Policy
Certification: Addictions, Child and Family, Gerontology, Refugee & Immigrant Populations, Domestic Violence
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $840
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 62
Cost per credit: $575
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 48-56
Cost per credit: $1,120
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Other
Dual Degree Option(s): Law, Pastoral Studies, Public Health, Theology or Divinity
Certification: Gerontology
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 30-60
Cost per credit: $895
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 62
Cost per credit: $998 in-state | $1,183 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Health, Mental Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $775
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $938
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $600
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,450
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Health, Mental Health
Certification: Forensic Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 65
Cost per credit: $1,148
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Certification: Child and Family, Mental Health, Other, School Social Work, Trauma
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $322 in-state | $516 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Certification: Other, Behavioral Health, Animal-Assisted Therapy
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 61
Cost per credit: $715
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $470
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Health, Mental Health, School Social Work
Dual Degree Option(s): Law
Certification: Gerontology, School Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $760
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $652
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $805
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Other, Leadership
Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration, Public Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 64
Cost per credit: $331 in state | $725 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-time, part-time, advanced standing, multiple cohorts per year, weekends/evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced generalist, rural social work
Certification: International social work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,111
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Integrated Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $1053 in-state | $1449 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Management or Administration
Dual Degree Option(s): Law, Public Health
Certification: Non-Profit Management, Administration or Management, Macro Social Work Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $758 in state | $1,166 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-time, part-time, advanced standing, multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced generalist
Certification: Management
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $684 in state | $1,594 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-time, advanced standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 62
Cost per credits: $357 in state | $765 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-time, part-time, advanced standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 63
Cost per credit: $765
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Option(s): Doctorate in Social Work, Public Administration, Public Health, Public Policy, Urban Planning
Certification: Addictions, School Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 65
Cost per credit: $820
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,276
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Addictions, Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Criminal Justice, Disabilities, Health, Mental Health, Program Evaluation, Research, School Social Work, Trauma, Human Behavior
Dual Degree Option(s): Law, Other, Public Health
Certification: Addictions, Child and Family, Mental Health, Trauma, Clinical Social Work, Behavioral Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $630
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration, Theology or Divinity
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $683 in-state | $1,063 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work
Dual Degree Option(s): Criminal Justice, Law, Public Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $756 in-state | $1,136 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration, Doctorate in Social Work, Law, Public Health
Certification: Trauma
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $440
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Dual Degree Option(s): Master of Public Health (MPH) or Juris Doctorate (JD)
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 61
Cost per credit: $513 in-state | $1079 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, School Social Work
Dual Degree Option(s): Public Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $383
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
Dual Degree Option(s): Law
Certification: Gerontology
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 62
Cost per credit: $487
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Certification: Military
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $788
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Trauma
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 54
Cost per credit: $1,164
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Children, Youth, and Families, Health, International Social Work, Management or Administration, Mental Health, Other, Aging and Gerontological Practice, Trauma, Macro Social Work, Leadership
Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration, International Affairs, Law, Public Health, Public Policy, Theology or Divinity
Certification: Other, Refugee & Immigrant Populations, Diversity Studies
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $629
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Integrated Practice
Dual Degree Option(s): Law, Public Health, Theology or Divinity
Certification: Addictions, Gerontology, Marriage and Family, Non-Profit Management
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 57
Cost per credit: $650 in state | $1402 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Health, Mental Health, Aging and Gerontological Practice
Dual Degree Option(s): Law
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 63
Cost per credit: $376 in state | $884 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-time, part-time, advanced standing, multiple cohorts per year, weekends/evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or direct practice, management or administration, macro social work
Dual Degree Option(s): Business administration, doctorate in social work, law, public health, public policy
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 72
Cost per credit: $152 in-state | $304 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Addictions, Children, Youth, and Families, Health, Mental Health, Program Evaluation, Research, Rural Social Work, School Social Work, Social Policy, Aging and Gerontological Practice, Immigrants and Refugees, Trauma
Dual Degree Option(s): Doctorate in Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 54
Cost per credit: $605
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, School Social Work, Integrated Practice
Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration, Law, Public Policy, Urban Planning
Certification: Gerontology
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 64
Cost per credit: $700
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Macro Social Work
Dual Degree Option(s): Law
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $716
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Option(s): Theology or Divinity
Certification: Addictions, Child Welfare, Developmental Disabilities, Gerontology, School Social Work, Military, Clinical Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $775
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Option(s): Law, Other, Theology or Divinity
Certification: School Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 63
Cost per credit: $590
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: Gerontology
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $676 in-state | $1307 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Health, Management or Administration, Mental Health, Aging and Gerontological Practice
Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration, Jewish Studies, Law, Public Health, Public Policy
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 39
Cost per credit: $695
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $606 in-state | $818 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 45
Cost per credit: $343 in-state | $553 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Addictions, Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Health, International Social Work, Management or Administration, Mental Health, Program Evaluation, Research, School Social Work, Social Policy, Aging and Gerontological Practice, Immigrants and Refugees
Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration, Doctorate in Social Work, Education, Law, Other, Public Administration, Public Health, Public Policy, Urban Planning
Certification: Addictions, Child Welfare, Jewish Services, Non-Profit Management, Other, Trauma, Public Health, Macro Social Work Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 51
Cost per credit: $683 in state | $1,056 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $575
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Management or Administration, Social Policy
Dual Degree Option(s): Doctorate in Social Work, Public Health
Certification: Gerontology
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $614 in-state | $1460 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Children, Youth, and Families, Social Justice, Leadership
Certification: Non-Profit Management, Other, School Social Work, Behavioral Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $758 in state | $2,759 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Option(s): Law, Public Policy
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 63
Cost per credit: $351 in state | $457 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Option(s): Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Public Health
Certification: Managing Juvenile and Adult Population (MJAP
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $700 in-state | $1,400 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,050
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Certification: Gerontology, Trauma, Art
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 62
Cost per credit: $785 in-state | $1,370 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Addictions, Advanced Generalist, Children, Youth, and Families, Disabilities, Health, Mental Health
Dual Degree Option(s): Law, Other
Certification: Addictions, Child Welfare, Developmental Disabilities
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,047 in-state | $1,833 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: Child Welfare, Mental Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 50-62
Cost per credit: $963
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 36
Cost per credit: $676
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 36-60
Cost per credit: $625
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Option(s): Public Administration, Public Health
Certification: Other
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $540
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Addictions, Mental Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 56
Cost per credit: $825
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Military Social Work, Aging and Gerontological Practice, Immigrants and Refugees
Dual Degree Option(s): Law
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $470
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $433 in state | $897 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Dual Degree Option(s): Public Health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 27
Cost per credit: $2,137
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening, Weekends Only
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Children, Youth, and Families, Community Development and Social Systems, Health, Mental Health, Military Social Work, School Social Work, Macro Social Work, Integrated Practice
Dual Degree Option(s): Business Administration, Jewish Studies, Law, Other, Public Administration, Public Health, Urban Planning
Certification: Addictions, Child and Family, Gender Studies, Gerontology, Marriage and Family, Mental Health, School Social Work, Trauma, Research, Behavioral Health, Medical Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 61
Cost per credit: $445
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Integrated Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 62
Cost per credit: $599
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: School Social Work
Dual Degree Option(s): Gerontology, Forensic Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $716 in-state| $1,740 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Leadership
Dual Degree Option(s): Law
Certification: Gerontology, Other, School Social Work, Trauma, Forensic Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 61
Cost per credit: $362 in state | $408 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-time, part-time, advanced standing, weekends/evening
Area of specialized practice: Children, youth, and families, health, management or administration, mental health, aging and gerontological practice
Dual Degree Option(s): Business administration, criminal justice, public administration, public health, urban planning
Certification: Administration or management, military
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 63
Cost per credit: $1,333
Plan of Study: Full-time, part-time, advanced standing, multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Children, youth, and families, clinical or direct practice, community development and social systems, management or administration, immigrants and refugees, practice with a specific racial or ethnic group
Certification: Public health
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $301 in-state | $1058 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Addictions, Children, Youth, and Families, Health, Forensic Social Work, International Social Work, Mental Health, Aging and Gerontological Practice
Dual Degree Option(s): Law, Public Administration, Public Health
Certification: Gender Studies, Administration or Management
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credits: $378 in state | $1,037 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 36
Cost per credit: $675
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Dual Degree Option(s): Criminal Justice, Other, Public Health, Urban Planning
Certification: Gerontology, Trauma
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 59
Cost per credit: $492 in-state | $588 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $293
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $603 in-state | $1,015 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Management or Administration, Social Policy
Dual Degree Option(s): Law, Public Health, Theology or Divinity
Certification: Gerontology, Non-Profit Management, School Social Work, Domestic Violence
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 92-97
Cost per credit: $515
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Children, Youth, and Families, Health, Military Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $763 in-state | $1652 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems, Social Policy, Integrated Practice, Leadership
Dual Degree Option(s): Other, Public Policy
Certification: Addictions, Developmental Disabilities, Gerontology, School Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $673 in state | $721 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-time, part-time, advanced standing, weekends/evening
Area of specialized practice: Advanced generalist
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 36-40
Cost per credit: $658
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Integrated Practice
Dual Degree Option(s): Public Administration
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $607 in state | $917 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening, Weekends Only
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist, Rural Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $343 in state | $425 out of state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Advanced Generalist
Certification: School Social Work, Military, Rural Social Work
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 66
Cost per credit: $520
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 57
Cost per credit: $943
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice
Dual Degree Option(s): Other
Certification: Developmental Disabilities, Gerontology, Trauma
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 42-60
Cost per credit: $463 in state | $698 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Trauma
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 39-60
Cost per credit: $651 in state | $1,254 out-of-state
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Weekends/Evening
Area of specialized practice: Other, Leadership
Dual Degree Option(s): Child Welfare
Learn More: Program Details - Credits: 60
Cost per credit: $1,138
Plan of Study: Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year
Area of specialized practice: Clinical or Direct Practice, Community Development and Social Systems
Dual Degree Option(s): Doctorate in Social Work, Law, Theology or Divinity
Certification: Addictions, Child Welfare, Gerontology, Jewish Services, Other, School Social Work, Trauma, Military, Hospice
Learn More: Program Details
An entire industry has grown around online social work graduate education, with programs generally having a director and staff explicitly dedicated to the online program and its students.
Online programs are similar to campus-based programs in terms of curriculum, rigor, fieldwork requirements, quality of professors (many professors teach in both programs), and time it takes to earn the degree.
There are some differences as well, such as students not being on campus (perhaps ever), variations in durations of courses (for example, 8-week courses), and the many different modes of delivery students may choose from (for example, fully asynchronous versus having live class meetings – see more below).
What is certain is being an online MSW student is not easier, and if anything, is more challenging, than being a campus-based student. People looking for an easier route to earning an MSW should not assume an online program is more effortless.
Modes of Online MSW Course Delivery and Structure
An online MSW program is an excellent option for students comfortable with online learning based on their previous experience learning online or knowing they can function well in a fully online learning environment.
It is helpful to understand all of your options as a future online student. This includes understanding variations in how programs are structured and a curriculum is delivered, the duration of courses, and other choices you may have as an online MSW student.
Fully asynchronous programs do not require students to attend live online class meetings. The course content and assignments are packaged and accessible through a learning management system such as Canvas or Moodle. You will need to be a highly independent learner to be successful in a fully asynchronous program because most of your interactions with classmates and the instructor will be via email and discussion boards.
A synchronous online MSW program requires students to attend weekly live class meetings via Zoom or another video conferencing platform. This course delivery mode suits students who enjoy learning online but would benefit from weekly live class discussions and interaction with the instructor.
Some programs or courses only require bi-weekly meetings. Still, during asynchronous weeks (when the class doesn’t meet), students generally will complete more online assignments such as discussion posts or voice threads.
Occasionally, programs allow students to take both courses throughout the program. Students may realize that specific classes, such as research, are best taken synchronously while they are comfortable taking other courses in an asynchronous format.
Course length varies by school, but many schools use an eight-week model where students take two fully asynchronous or synchronous classes per semester. A student’s course load varies from semester to semester but often requires two classes per eight week session for four courses per semester. Eight-week courses move quickly, and the workload is equivalent to a 15-week course. Students must think carefully about how many courses they can handle per session and semester. Most schools offer a part-time option should students need it or allow students to take courses mainly in the evenings and weekends.
Online MSW Admission Requirements
Like most master’s degrees, online MSW programs usually have a set of minimum admission requirements. These include GPA minimums like 2.5 to 3.0, depending on the school. Many others include GRE thresholds and a certain number of undergraduate semester hours or credits that count toward liberal arts classes or competencies.
If you’re a non-native English speaker, you may need to pass a Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL, exam.
Additionally, if you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree in social work, your school may waive the first year of classes, as these are often foundational. These are called advanced standing programs. Not only does this save you money, but it makes you a more attractive applicant for admissions teams. Be sure to mention this on your application if possible!
Regardless, you’ll at least need a bachelor’s degree. You will have a much easier time getting into the program if your major is in the humanities or social studies. These broad major umbrellas relate more to social work than STEM fields.
Potential Campus Visits via Residency
Most online MSW students will never spend time on a physical campus, but some programs require students to be on campus for a limited time. Some programs encompass a residency, a few days of on-campus learning per semester, or several weekend intensives per year.
The idea behind these campus visits is to build camaraderie within student cohorts and allow students to meet professors in person. Students typically engage in some classroom based learning while on campus. Some programs require a multi-day one credit seminar while others plan special presentations or lectures. Some schools that require time on campus are now giving students the option of attending residencies or workshops online as well.
Fieldwork Requirements for Online Programs
Students enrolled in an online MSW program must complete fieldwork in person. Online programs place students in appropriate fieldwork assignments in their local community. Students may have limited opportunities to complete an advocacy or research-oriented fieldwork placement online. Still, for students interested in clinical work, the in-person fieldwork experience is vital to their learning and professional development.
Online students without a bachelor’s in social work (BSW) typically complete two field work assignments – one during their first year and another during their second year, while advanced standing students with a BSW may complete only one fieldwork assignment.
Online MSW programs network with social service providers nationwide to provide online students with the best possible field work experience that matches their interests and learning needs. Online students, like all MSW students, must take an integrative seminar during which they process their field work experience and interact with their faculty field advisor.
Online Social Work Program Curriculum
Online MSW programs typically offer the same course options as campus-based programs. Some courses may be more readily available to on-campus students. This does not mean the course is not offered to online students, but rather, it may be provided on a more limited basis, such as only during a specific semester.
Traditional program students (no BSW) take foundation courses during their first year, such as generalist practice, human behavior, social policy, and research.
During the second year, they take advanced clinical or macro classes such as:
- psychopathology
- advanced clinical practice
- non-profit management
- special topics
Online students have the same concentration options as campus based students, such as:
- clinical practice,
- macro practice (i.e., agency administration),
- clinical work with children and families,
- trauma-based work,
- gerontology,
- advocacy or community organizing,
- research
Educational Outcomes, Career Development, and Career Opportunities
It is natural to wonder whether online students learn as much as their on-campus peers and whether career development opportunities and outcomes are similar.
According to a study conducted at the University of Tennessee College of Social Work, online and on-campus MSW students had no significant differences in educational outcomes. The study also suggested that online and on-campus students performed equally in retaining knowledge and expanding their skills. The study did find, however, that on-campus students had higher GPAs.
Online students have the same career development resources as their on-campus peers. Online students can access a school’s career development resources, including resume assistance, job fairs, mentoring, alumni networks, etc. However, a school physically located in one city may not have the same number of connections to social service organizations in another city. Local alumni organizations can greatly help recent graduates by assisting them in finding employment, networking, and mentoring.
Ask programs you are interested in applying to if they provide career development resources to students and alumni nationwide.
There are some differences between online and campus-based graduates regarding where they are employed and the populations they work with.
According to the George Washington University Health Workforce Institute 2018 survey of social work graduates, online MSW graduates were more likely than campus-based graduates to be employed in rural or smaller communities (57 percent vs. 30 percent). Furthermore, they were more likely to work with children and families (44 percent vs. 33 percent) and individuals with substance abuse issues (9 percent vs. 6 percent).
Graduates of online programs have the same career opportunities as campus-based program graduates. An online degree from a specific university will be just as prestigious and attractive to employers as a campus base degree. Again, according to the GWU study mentioned above, there is evidence that, on average, campus-based graduates earn slightly higher incomes than online graduates. Also, according to the GWU survey, online and on-campus graduates were equally likely to recommend pursuing an MSW.
There are numerous career options for online MSW and campus-based graduates, including the following:
- School social work
- Private practice or agency based therapy
- Research and policy development
- Advocacy and community organizing
- Medical social work (hospital, hospice, nursing home, etc.)
- geriatric social work
- International social work
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for social workers are expected to grow, especially in the areas of mental health and substance abuse, through 2030.
Benefits of Attending an Online MSW Program
You have probably already considered the benefits of attending a fully online MSW program. Here are some additional benefits you may not have thought of:
- Save gas/commuting money
- Save time commuting/traveling
- Convenience of learning from home or occasionally from another location if necessary
- Convenient for caregivers
- Easy access to all your course materials through the program’s learning management system (e.g., Canvas)
- View lectures any time of day or night
- Attend live classes from the comfort of your home
Additionally, if you are an international student, you won’t have to travel to the U.S. to get your MSW education.
However, online learning, especially asynchronous learning, is not for everyone, so you have to think carefully about your learning style, past experiences with online learning, and your social needs. Some people learn better when physically present in a traditional classroom with their classmates and instructor; they may feel that being online creates an artificial barrier between people or feels less natural as a learning environment.
You may enjoy getting to know classmates in person and find working in groups easier in person. You may also be a highly social and enjoy being on a physical campus with access to the library, organizations, dining, and other amenities.
The bottom line is to think carefully about your learning needs, preferences, and personal needs before applying to a fully online MSW program. If you are still not certain if online learning is for you, ask the admissions office to connect you with the program director, a faculty member who primarily teaches online, or a current online student to gather different perspectives.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Online MSW Program
- Apply only to accredited programs
Once you decide online learning is for you, there are several things you should be aware of as you choose which MSW program to attend. First, it is critical you apply to and ultimately attend a program that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. As of late 2021, there were 212 accredited online social work programs in the U.S., and 35 online programs were in the candidacy or pre-candidacy phase of accreditation.
Online MSW programs are generally embedded in a larger school of social work. The accreditation process for schools and online programs is rigorous. Therefore, you can be confident an accredited online program has been thoroughly evaluated and meets all the standards upheld by CSWE. Schools must engage in a comprehensive self-study process, site visits from a Commission on Accreditation (COA) member, and the completion of benchmark reports.
Online social work programs, like campus programs, must also adhere to Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS), which were most recently updated in 2015. These standards require programs to teach a set of core social work practice competencies. Accredited MSW programs must meet high academic standards, including delivering a curriculum that prepares students to engage in advanced social work practice. All MSW programs must undergo a periodic reaffirmation of the accreditation process. After initial accreditation, programs are re-accredited after four years and every eight years.
Students should be highly skeptical of non-accredited online MSW programs, especially those that require little work or are for-profit. For-profit online social programs that are not accredited will have lower academic standards but charge high tuition fees. Typically graduates of for profit school have lower employment rates compared to those who graduated from a nonprofit private or public university. Then there are diploma mills.
Purchasing a bogus degree from a diploma mill will backfire when it comes time to share your credentials for employment and advancement. And, of course, as eminent social work professor Bruce Thyer points out, misrepresenting your social work education and training directly violates the social work code of ethics.
- Find out if there is an advanced standing program (if you have a BSW)
Advanced standing programs are accelerated programs for MSW students with a BSW. Advanced standing students may complete their online MSW degree in as little as three semesters, but this varies by program. Advanced-standing students are exempt from taking specific courses such as the first social policy courses, or human behavior and the social environment if they have already taken these courses as undergraduates.
Some programs require students to transfer eligible credits from their undergraduate degree to qualify for advanced standing. Advanced standing students generally complete one fieldwork assignment as opposed to two, throughout the program.
- Compare tuition and financial aid
Tuition, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities vary widely between online programs, just as they do between on-campus programs. Some online programs cost considerably less than their campus-based programs. It is important to compare costs within different programs at a particular school and across schools. Make sure you are getting the most value for your dollar.
Also, explore which schools provide financial aid in the form of assistantships or provide scholarships or fellowships. Most online students are eligible to do a research or teaching assistantship to earn tuition remission, but as noted above, they may have to complete these jobs on campus. Research independent scholarships and fellowships (not school-based) and apply to anything you are eligible for. As an online student, you may qualify for the same government loans and grants as your on-campus counterparts. You may also qualify for loan forgiveness if you work in the public sector after graduation.
- Think about location
Why think about a school’s location, you may ask, if a program is online? A program will work with you to find a suitable fieldwork placement, no matter where you are. However, if you are halfway across the country from your program’s home base, will they be as familiar with opportunities and social service networks in your local community? A handful of online programs require students to be near campus to complete fieldwork in that area. Some schools require online students who are TAs and RAs to work on campus. These are all details you have to research and ask questions about.
This is very important as well. Look into whether the state where you want to live after graduation requires you to do fieldwork training in that state as a prerequisite for licensing. Applicants should also talk to programs on their short-list about the types of career development or mentoring the school offers where the student wants to live after graduation. This includes whether the school has a strong network of alumni and employers in that area. Another consideration is the time difference. If you are on the East Coast and your school is on the West Coast, you will be limited to registering for earlier classes so you don’t have to attend classes late at night.
- Review admissions requirements
All online MSW programs require applicants to have an undergraduate degree. You are not required to have a BSW, but having one will greatly increase your chances of admission. A closely related undergraduate degree such as human services, nursing, or sociology is also helpful but not required. People from diverse backgrounds, including business, science, and even fine arts undergraduate degrees, apply for admission to online MSW programs. Most programs want to see that applicants have a strong undergraduate GPA.
Admission materials vary somewhat by program, but most online MSW programs require GRE test scores, letters of recommendation, a resume, an undergraduate transcript, and a personal statement. It may take some time to take the GRE and gather the other required items, so give yourself six months to a year to take the test and complete your application. Some programs have rolling deadlines, but many have a specific cutoff date. Make sure you gather the correct information about application procedures as you make a short list of schools to apply to.
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test many graduate programs require applicants to take. It can help admissions departments assess applicants’ potential for doing well in a graduate program. It can be especially helpful in assessing preparedness for students with a low undergraduate GPA. The exam is divided into a verbal and quantitative section. According to the ETS GRE Worldwide Test Taker Report 2015-2020, social and behavioral science graduate students, on average, earned a 153 verbal score, 152 quantitative scores, and 4 for analytical writing. The exam is not without controversy, however, and more and more social work graduate programs are deciding not to require it.
Your personal statement is also a vital component of your application because it reflects how well you write, your interests and passions, your personal experiences, why you want to be a social worker, your capacity for empathy, and your sense of social justice (does this give you a good idea of what to include in your letter). Proofread your statement well and have one other person, preferably a good writer, review it as well.
Recommendations can also be key to admission into a preferred program. If you already work in a social service setting, get a recommendation from your supervisor. If you do not work in social services, you should still ask a work supervisor for a letter. Your other recommendations can come from undergraduate professors, community leaders, or colleagues. Finally, you have to assemble a resume if you don’t already have one. Use your undergraduate career office for help with writing a resume, or if you already have one, make sure it’s updated and proofread.
- Create your short-list and apply!
Begin your research on online MSW programs by reviewing the information on this site and visiting program websites. Visiting a school’s physical campus is unnecessary unless you’re interested in talking to the director and faculty in person. Otherwise, you can speak to people via videoconference. Review everything you need to know about a program before putting it on your shortlist. To review, do you want to apply to a school with an advanced standing program? Also, do you want to attend a program that has a specialty track in a certain field of practice, such as family therapy, working with traumatized children, or doing environmental social work? Also, what kind of reputation does a program have? Talk to some current or former students to gain different perspectives.
Tuition for Online Master’s in Social Work Programs
Master’s in social work programs typically require between 30 and 60 credits depending on university policy and the student’s prior experience. According to US News and World Report, credits can cost between $300-$650. A student should expect to pay between $11,000 and $39,000 in total tuition for the entire master’s program.
Several things can affect the total cost of your degree:
- Location: Generally, most online programs are attended by out-of-state students. Try to attend an online program within your state or find a university that doesn’t charge higher tuition for out-of-state students
- Part or full-time: while the degree will cost the same in the end, taking it on a part-time basis may make it more affordable if you need to pay for some costs out-of-pocket
- Size: many larger universities charge more for their credits because they offer more diverse class options
Ultimately, there are several things you can do to lower your tuition costs across the board. Fill out the FAFSA to get started; if that doesn’t cover your tuition, there are some scholarship opportunities you can take advantage of. Some of the best are:
- Student funding opportunities from the CSWE. They provide several scholarships and awards, many based on demographic or economic needs. These are exclusive to social work program students, so the competition is less high than for generalized scholarships
- American School Health Association Scholarship. This scholarship is ideal for students looking to pursue careers related to helping children. It’s an annual scholarship opportunity and is given to two winners each year
- Cenie Jomo Williams Tuition Scholarship. This award is open to African-American college students that are enrolled in a full-time social work program. It provides up to $2500 for two students who show commitment toward improving their communities through social work
FAQs
In 2015, 65 percent of applicants to any type of full-time MSW program were accepted. The acceptance rate for part-time applicants was 72 percent.
Some states require students to complete their fieldwork in that state to qualify for licensing. Make sure to review the requirements before deciding on an MSW program.
Just like their campus-based counterparts, online programs have alumni networks and offer CEUs to graduates and other social workers. They also offer career development workshops and job fairs. Find out if the online school you are interested in offers all of these things in the city where you live, if you live far from the physical campus.
MSW students need a working computer and access to internet to attend virtual classes and to complete assignments and lessons. Most online programs will require students to be on camera during class so students will need a built in camera or webcam. You will also need a good headset with a mic.
A majority of online MSW students work. Some work at social service agencies, where they also complete their fieldwork. According to the George Washington University study referenced earlier, more online MSW students return to work full-time with the agency they did their fieldwork after graduating when compared to on-campus students.
Just like the on-campus counterparts, some online programs require a thesis or capstone project while other do not.
Expert Advice – for online master’s social work degree
Find the latest interviews with subject matter experts and people working at the forefront of their field and get advice on online master’s social work degree directly from some of the world’s leading authorities. Learn more about all the different pathways and opportunities available in social work today.
- What are the most important factors for students to consider when choosing an online MSW program?
- What do you think is the most challenging aspect of an online MSW program?
- How do the fieldwork components of an online MSW program work?
- Can students take electives, or customize their online MSW experience?
- What types of jobs are MSW graduates finding?
- If you had to choose one or two books, articles, documentaries, podcasts, etc. to be included on a required reading list for social work students, what would it be?