MSW Programs in Connecticut Online

Connecticut’s social work education landscape offers several pathways to earning an MSW degree, including fully online options that have become increasingly accessible for working professionals throughout the Constitution State. While Sacred Heart University is currently the only institution in Connecticut offering a fully online MSW program, students can also access hybrid and online components through other CSWE-accredited programs in the state. For those seeking broader online program selections, numerous nationally-ranked universities offer fully online MSW programs that accept Connecticut residents, providing additional concentrations and flexible scheduling options to accommodate diverse career goals and personal circumstances.

Connecticut represents one of the most attractive states for MSW-educated social workers, ranking as the second highest paying state for social workers in the nation. The state’s robust healthcare system, established social services infrastructure, and proximity to major metropolitan areas create exceptional career opportunities across clinical practice, community organizing, healthcare social work, and policy advocacy. Whether pursuing licensure as an LCSW for clinical practice or focusing on macro-level interventions, Connecticut’s online and hybrid MSW programs prepare graduates with comprehensive field experience, evidence-based practice skills, and cultural competency necessary to address the complex needs of diverse communities from urban centers like Hartford and New Haven to rural towns throughout the state.

2026 Best Connecticut MSW Programs Online

Masters in Social Work Online presents the most comprehensive guide to the best Connecticut MSW programs online, designed to help aspiring social workers navigate their educational journey. Our expert team has carefully evaluated each program, considering factors like curriculum quality, faculty expertise, and student support services. Online and virtual learning platforms have revolutionized social work education, making advanced degrees more accessible for working professionals and those with geographic constraints. These distance learning options provide flexible pathways to earning a Master of Social Work degree without sacrificing academic rigor or professional preparation. Connecticut offers several standout online MSW programs that combine academic excellence with innovative digital learning technologies. Learn more about our comprehensive ranking methodology.

#1

Quinnipiac University

Hamden, CT - Private 4-year - qu.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Health and Mental Health - Online Learning - Visit Website

Quinnipiac University offers a robust online Master of Social Work program targeting professionals seeking specialized training in Health and Mental Health concentrations. The comprehensive 60-credit degree provides flexible full-time and part-time study options, enabling students to complete their MSW while maintaining professional commitments. Uniquely designed with two extensive field placements totaling over 1,000 professional hours, the program prepares graduates for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensure in Connecticut. Students benefit from an interprofessional curriculum emphasizing advanced clinical skills, with an opportunity for Advanced Standing for qualified candidates. The program prioritizes hands-on learning and professional development in mental health and healthcare settings, making it an excellent choice for aspiring clinical social work professionals.

• 60-credit online MSW program
• Health/mental health concentration
• Full/part-time study options
• Two field placements
• 1,000+ professional hours
• Minimum 3.0 GPA required
• Advanced Standing available
• LCSW licensure preparation
• Interprofessional education
• Two-year full-time completion

#2

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT - Private 4-year - fairfield.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Fairfield University's Master of Social Work program offers a distinctive low-residency online format designed for aspiring clinical social work professionals. Accredited by CSWE through 2029, the program provides two flexible pathways: a comprehensive two-year track requiring 60 credits and an advanced standing option requiring 30 credits. Students benefit from comprehensive clinical training emphasizing behavioral health assessment and social justice principles. The hybrid program combines online coursework with minimal on-campus requirements, accommodating working professionals seeking advanced social work education. With multiple annual start dates, full-time and part-time options, and potential $10,000 scholarship opportunities, this program enables students to balance academic growth with professional commitments while developing advanced clinical intervention skills.

• Low-residency MSW format
• Online courses available
• CSWE accredited through 2029
• Two program tracks
• Clinical social work focus
• 60 or 30 credit options
• Social justice curriculum
• Multiple start dates annually
• Full-time or part-time
• $10,000 scholarship potential

*Source: U.S. DOE National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 collection.

List of Connecticut Online MSW Programs

List of Connecticut Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs

Advanced standing MSW programs in Connecticut are designed for students who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program, offering an accelerated pathway to complete their master’s degree. These programs emphasize advanced clinical intervention, policy analysis, and community engagement to address Connecticut’s specific social issues, including income inequality, aging populations, and urban-suburban disparities. Students develop specialized skills in areas such as family preservation, substance abuse treatment, and healthcare social work while preparing to serve the state’s ethnically diverse communities across both densely populated urban areas and smaller suburban towns.