MSW Programs in Washington, DC Online
The nation’s capital presents a concentrated yet specialized landscape for Master of Social Work education, with several universities in the District of Columbia that currently offer online Master of Social Work (MSW) degree programs. For DC residents seeking more options, numerous prestigious national programs welcome applications and provide the flexibility needed for working professionals in the demanding federal employment environment that characterizes the District.
Washington, DC’s unique position as the epicenter of federal policymaking creates an unparalleled environment for social work practice and education, with curriculum across available programs heavily emphasizing policy analysis, legislative advocacy, federal program administration, and macro-level social change strategies. The District’s MSW programs prepare graduates for licensure as Licensed Independent Clinical Social Workers (LICSW) and Licensed Graduate Social Workers (LGSW) under DC’s regulatory framework, while providing field education opportunities within federal agencies, international organizations, think tanks, and advocacy groups that exist nowhere else in the country. The concentrated presence of nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and policy institutes in Washington, DC creates exceptional career prospects for MSW graduates interested in shaping social policy at the national level, working with diverse international populations, or engaging in high-level program evaluation and research that influences social work practice nationwide.
2026 Best Washington, DC MSW Programs Online
Howard University
Washington, DC - Private 4-year - howard.edu
Master's - MSW Online
Online Learning - Visit Website
Howard University's online MSW program, available with Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks, empowers students to combat systemic oppression and foster community resilience through a social justice lens. The program does not require an entrance exam and offers flexible full-time or part-time options, with durations ranging from 1 to 3 years. Emphasizing cultural competence, it prepares graduates for impactful roles locally and globally, with start dates in January, May, and September. A 3.0 GPA is preferred for admission, and fee waivers are available for McNair scholars.
- Online MSW program available
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
- Full-time or part-time options
- Traditional track: 60 credits
- Advanced Standing track: 45 credits
- Full-time Traditional: 1.5 years
- Full-time Advanced Standing: 1 year
- Part-time Traditional: 3 years
- Part-time Advanced Standing: 2 years
- Start dates: January, May, September
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC - Private 4-year - catholic.edu
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Clinical - Online Learning - Visit Website
The Catholic University of America offers an online Master of Social Work with a Clinical concentration, preparing students for advanced practice in diverse settings. This 60-credit program includes full-time and part-time options, with no entrance exam required. It features 12 credits of field internships and connections to over 450 agencies, emphasizing skills for licensed clinical social work. Scholarships are available, and it's designed for working professionals, with a completion time of two to five years.
- 60-credit MSW program
- Two-five year completion time
- Clinical and CAPP concentrations
- 100% online option available
- Links to 450+ agencies
- Scholarships available
- Full-time and part-time tracks
- 12 credits field internships
- Located in Washington, D.C.
- Designed for working professionals
Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Community, Administration and Policy Practice - Online Learning - Visit Website
The Catholic University of America's online Master of Social Work focuses on the Community, Administration and Policy Practice concentration, equipping students to drive social change through policy and administrative roles. This 60-credit program has no entrance exam requirement and offers flexible full-time or part-time study over two to five years. It includes 12 credits of field internships, access to 450+ agencies, and scholarships, all delivered online for convenience.
- 60-credit comprehensive MSW program
- Two concentration options available
- Full-time and part-time formats
- 100% online learning option
- Two-to-five year completion timeline
- 12 credits of field internships
- Clinical and policy concentrations
- Scholarships available
- Located in Washington, D.C.
- Connections to 450+ agencies
List of Washington, DC Online MSW Programs
Washington, DC
Howard University
- Master's - MSW Online
Online Learning - Website
- Online MSW program available
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
- Full-time or part-time options
- Traditional track: 60 credits
- Advanced Standing track: 45 credits
- Full-time Traditional: 1.5 years
- Full-time Advanced Standing: 1 year
- Part-time Traditional: 3 years
The Catholic University of America
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Clinical - Online Learning - Website
- 60-credit MSW program
- Two-five year completion time
- Clinical and CAPP concentrations
- 100% online option available
- Links to 450+ agencies
- Scholarships available
- Full-time and part-time tracks
- 12 credits field internships
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Concentration: Community, Administration and Policy Practice - Online Learning - Website
- 60-credit comprehensive MSW program
- Two concentration options available
- Full-time and part-time formats
- 100% online learning option
- Two-to-five year completion timeline
- 12 credits of field internships
- Clinical and policy concentrations
- Scholarships available
2026 Affordable Online DC MSW Program Options
| Howard University |
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| The Catholic University of America |
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List of Washington, DC Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs
Online advanced standing MSW programs in Washington, DC provide an accelerated educational pathway for BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited institutions, allowing them to complete their master’s degree through flexible digital learning platforms. Several universities in Washington DC offer MSW programs with advanced standing options, including online delivery formats that accommodate working professionals. These programs emphasize federal policy analysis, international development work, and advocacy services to serve the District’s unique position as the nation’s capital, addressing the needs of diverse communities, government sectors, and the complex social issues inherent to America’s political and diplomatic center.
Washington, DC
Howard University
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Website
- Accredited by CSWE.
- Online and on-campus options.
- 60 credit hours for traditional students.
- 45 credit hours for BSW graduates.
- No GRE required.
- Focus on Black Perspective.
- Specializations in Direct Practice and CAP.
- Requires bachelor's degree for admission.
The Catholic University of America
- Master's - Master of Social Work
Online Learning - Website
- Advanced Standing option available
- Online program format
- Starts with advanced year curriculum
- Requires BSW from CSWE-accredited program
- 3.5 GPA in social work courses required
- 3.2 overall GPA required
- Completion of field practicum needed
- Letter of reference from field instructor
2026 Affordable Online Washington, DC Advanced Standing MSW Programs
| Howard University |
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| The Catholic University of America |
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