Overview of Available Online MSW Programs in Connecticut

Connecticut is an ideal state for social workers to pursue online graduate study for a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. If you’re considering that next step, the state offers multiple options.

Below, we present your MSW options in the state, with details on what you can expect and some sample courses listed to help you understand what you may study.

List of Connecticut Colleges That Offer CSWE Online MSW Programs

Sacred Heart University – Fairfield, CT

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This fully online CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) accredited MSW program offers an Advanced Standing option. Sacred Heart provides firsthand training a year before you practice, claiming this level of support is unmatched elsewhere.

It’s also unique in that it offers LGBTQ+ courses within its program in addition to global issues, trauma, anti-racism, and other more traditional core subjects. With experiential learning, you will receive a substantial amount of practical training. After the foundation year, the university offers two specializations: Direct Community Practice and Direct Clinical Practice, allowing you to drive your career toward your passions. An Advanced Standing option is also available for well-qualified students.

Sample course titles include Human Diversity and Social Justice, Social Welfare Policy, Human Behavior & the Social Environment, Social Work General Practice, Assessing Clients, Clinical Assessments, Social Work Practice, Forensic Social Work, and  LGBTQ+ Practice.

Southern Connecticut University – New Haven, CT

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This CSWE-accredited MSW program offers online, campus, and hybrid options. It focuses on a clinical practice concentration that teaches the principles of health and recovery for mental health and addiction patients.

SCU’s MSW program is guided by foundational, solid anti-racism and culturally responsive practice principles. Students will also understand individual and group trauma in community-led initiatives while employing scientifically rigorous clinical practice across the board. Sample course titles of Southern Connecticut University’s program include Social Welfare Policies and Delivery Systems, Substance Use: Current Issues, Theory & Practice, Human Behavior and Social Environment, Diversity, Oppression, and Social Functioning, and Clinical Practice Modules

University of Connecticut – Hartford, CT

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This CSWE-accredited, fully online MSW program is designed with complete flexibility in mind. it is aimed at professionals, so any prior experience you have could contribute to program credit.

Students enrolled in the school’s online MSW will receive the same high-quality education using the same curriculum as the campus-based program. The University of Connecticut is a top-ranked public research university, utilizing the highest teaching standards with a commitment to cutting-edge information. Your first year will be foundational, while later on, you will pursue one of two specializations: direct practice or clinical practice. Your courses will then be based on your social work specialization track.

Sample course titles of the MSW program include Macro and Micro Theories, Analysis of Social Welfare Policy, Research, Field Education, Advanced Research Program Evaluation, Advanced Practice, Human Oppression, Substance Abuse, and Practice with Individuals, Groups, and Families.

Social Work Industry Details in Connecticut

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) there are 10,240 social workers in Connecticut. One of the societal pressures that these social workers must deal with is the state’s incredibly high level of income disparity. The top 1 percent take in an average salary of $2.4 million per year while the bottom 99 percent average just $56,445 per year. In fact Connecticut has the second highest level of income inequality in the United States, just after New York state.

The problem with income inequality is that it concentrates power in the hands of the wealthy. Laws and regulations that favor the elites, taxes that benefit the rich and a higher cost of living for everyone as high earners drive up the price of real estate.

Social workers in Connecticut are dealing with the fallout of such a high wealth concentration in the hands of so few. Lower and middle class families in Connecticut may not have access to good healthcare, many public services are underfunded and children from poor neighbors don’t always receive a good education. That’s the bad news. 

The good news is that social workers can make a difference not just in their client’s lives, but also at a higher level as they help to craft public policy that benefits all of the residents of Connecticut, not just the wealthy. Before someone can start a social work career in Connecticut though they’ll need a good education and that all starts with applying for a MSW program. 

How to Become a Social Worker in Connecticut

Since becoming a social worker with only a bachelor’s degree in Connecticut is impossible, the following steps assume the graduate has an MSW or higher. 

1. Graduate with an MSW or Ph.D. from a CSWE-accredited university
2. Complete the online application for a LMSW license. There is a $125 license application fee
3. Take the ASWB master’s level exam
4. Complete a background check
5. Once the applicant has passed their background check and the ASWB exam, they will be granted a LMSW license. At this point, the license holder is permitted to practice supervised clinical social work
6. Once the social worker has 3,000 hours of supervised experience they can apply for the LCSW license. This will allow them to practice unsupervised, clinical social work 

Most social work can be done by anyone with a master’s degree. However, there are certain tasks which can only be completed by a social worker with a PhD. For instance, complex statistical analysis or managing a large organization. 

Social workers who aspire to the highest positions in the field may want to consider pursuing a PhD. More information is available on our doctorate degree page, as well as a list of PhD social work programs currently available in the United States. 

Social Work License Requirements in Connecticut

Connecticut is unique in that there are only two types of social work licenses. Most other states have three or four different licenses. Both of the social work licenses in Connecticut require the applicant to have a master’s or PhD in social work. More information about social work licensing requirements in Connecticut can be found at the Department of Public Health’s website.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

To apply for a LMSW license an applicant must have a graduate’s degree from a CSWE certified university. With a LMSW license a social worker is allowed to practice supervised, clinical social work. Once the license holder has gained enough supervised experience they may apply for a LCSW license. 

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Once a social worker has 3,000 hours of supervised clinical social work experience they can apply for a LCSW license. With the LCSW license a social worker is allowed to practice unsupervised, clinical social work. 

License Renewal in Connecticut

Both licenses have the same $125 renewal fee and they must be renewed every year. Before a social worker can renew their license they must complete at least 15 hours of continuing education. 

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