Indiana offers a well-established foundation for advanced social work education through a carefully curated selection of CSWE-accredited MSW programs that blend traditional academic excellence with innovative online learning methodologies. Indiana’s distinguished institutions demonstrate the state’s commitment to technological advancement in professional preparation. Multiple specialization options and Advanced Standing MSW program alternatives provide flexible pathways for both BSW graduates and career-changing professionals. These comprehensive programs integrate field education placements across religious and secular social service organizations throughout Indiana, preparing practitioners for therapeutic practice, organizational management, policy formulation, and community development roles that address the diverse needs of both metropolitan Indianapolis and Indiana’s extensive rural communities.

Indiana’s professional marketplace rewards MSW-educated social workers with competitive compensation structures for social work practitioners statewide and medical social workers in particular, positioning graduates favorably within the regional economy. The state’s industrial heritage, anchored by manufacturing, agriculture, limestone mining, and emerging technology sectors, creates multifaceted employment opportunities in healthcare systems, educational institutions, corporate employee assistance programs, and government agencies. Indiana provides clear advancement trajectories for social work professionals willing to serve communities spanning from urban centers to small farming towns. The state’s licensing framework supports career progression while maintaining professional standards, making Indiana an attractive destination for MSW graduates seeking both meaningful work and financial stability in the heartland of America.

2026 Best Indiana MSW Programs Online

Masters in Social Work Online brings you the definitive guide to the best Indiana MSW programs available through distance learning. Our comprehensive rankings highlight top-tier online social work master's degree options that provide flexible, high-quality education for aspiring social work professionals. These virtual programs enable students to balance academic pursuits with personal and professional commitments, making advanced social work education more accessible than ever. Indiana's online MSW programs offer rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty, and innovative learning platforms that prepare graduates for meaningful careers in social services, healthcare, and community development. Our expert team carefully evaluates each program's academic quality, student support, and professional outcomes to help you make an informed decision about your social work education journey. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, IN - Private 4-year - valpo.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Valparaiso University's online Master of Social Work program offers flexible learning pathways designed for aspiring social work professionals seeking comprehensive training. The hybrid program provides part-time and full-time options, emphasizing advanced generalist practice across diverse settings like mental health, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. With a strategic 12:1 student-faculty ratio, students benefit from personalized mentorship and a curriculum focused on social justice and equity. The 60-credit program features pre-candidacy accreditation status, multiple specialization tracks, and includes practical practicum experiences to prepare graduates for transformative leadership roles.

  • Part-time and full-time MSW options
  • 60 credit total program
  • Online and in-person formats
  • Pre-candidacy accreditation status
  • 12:1 student-faculty ratio
  • Multiple pathway specializations
  • Summer 2024 part-time launch
  • Summer 2025 full-time option
  • Summer 2026 Advanced Standing
  • Cohort learning model

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Direct Practice - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Valparaiso University's Direct Practice MSW concentration delivers a robust online program emphasizing evidence-based interventions and culturally responsive practice. Students can choose part-time or advanced standing pathways, with a comprehensive 60-credit curriculum targeting mental health, healthcare, and community settings. The program strategically prepares professionals for complex social work challenges through specialized training in direct practice methodologies. With a low 12:1 student-faculty ratio, graduates develop advanced skills in human rights, intervention strategies, and ethical leadership across diverse professional environments.

  • Part-time, online program available
  • Full-time in-person option coming 2025
  • Advanced Standing option 2026
  • 60 total credits required
  • 12:1 student-faculty ratio
  • Multiple specialization pathways
  • Pre-candidacy accreditation status
  • Summer residency components
  • Practicum experience included
  • Diverse career setting preparation

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Macro Practice - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Valparaiso University's Macro Practice MSW concentration provides an innovative online program focused on systemic social change and community transformation. This 60-credit degree equips students with advanced skills in policy development, advocacy, and organizational leadership. The hybrid format offers flexible part-time and future full-time options, enabling professionals to specialize in macro-level interventions. With a commitment to social justice and a strategic 12:1 student-faculty ratio, the program prepares graduates to drive meaningful change in nonprofit, governmental, and community-based organizations.

  • Part-time and full-time options
  • Online and in-person formats
  • 60 total credit program
  • 12:1 student-faculty ratio
  • Pre-candidacy accreditation status
  • Multiple specialization pathways
  • Summer 2024 online launch
  • Summer 2025 full-time launch
  • Summer 2026 advanced standing
  • Practicum and internship experiences
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#2

Indiana Wesleyan University

Marion, IN - Private 4-year - indwes.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online Learning - Visit Website

Indiana Wesleyan University's fully online Master of Social Work provides a comprehensive 60-credit program tailored for working professionals seeking advanced clinical skills. Students can complete the degree in approximately 20 months, with a curriculum integrating faith-based principles and professional social work practice. CSWE-accredited and designed for maximum flexibility, the program requires a minimum 2.7 GPA and includes 500 field practicum hours. With competitive tuition at $575 per credit hour, the program prepares graduates for leadership roles in social service agencies, emphasizing a Christian worldview and advanced practice focus. The online format enables students to balance professional and academic commitments seamlessly.

  • Online MSW Standard Track
  • 60 Credit Hour Program
  • 20+ months to complete
  • $575 per credit hour
  • CSWE Accredited Program
  • Faith-integrated curriculum
  • Minimum 2.7 GPA required
  • 500 Field Practicum hours
  • Advanced practice focus
  • Christian worldview emphasis
#3

University of Southern Indiana

Evansville, IN - Public 4-Year - usi.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Southern Indiana's fully online Master of Social Work program offers a transformative educational experience for aspiring social work professionals. With flexible full-time and part-time learning tracks, students can choose an advanced standing or traditional pathway depending on their bachelor's background. The CSWE-accredited program requires a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA and emphasizes comprehensive clinical skills development. Uniquely featuring a global social work elective and potential dual MSW/MPA degree option, the curriculum prepares graduates to address complex community challenges. Military-friendly and designed with 54 total credit hours, this program equips students to make meaningful interventions across diverse practice settings.

  • 54 total credit hours
  • Full-time and part-time tracks
  • Advanced Standing option available
  • Online and on-campus options
  • Application deadline: January/June
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • 24 social science prerequisite hours
  • CSWE fully accredited program
  • Global social work elective
  • Dual MSW/MPA degree possible
#4

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

Marion, IN - Private 4-year - indwes.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online Learning - Visit Website

Indiana Wesleyan University's fully online Master of Social Work represents an innovative program tailored for professionals seeking advanced clinical training. Distinguished by its faith-integrated curriculum, the CSWE-accredited program allows students to complete 60 credits in approximately 20+ months. Uniquely structured with standard and advanced practice tracks, students engage in 500 field practicum hours while benefiting from flexible learning technologies. The program demands a minimum 2.7 GPA and offers affordable tuition at $575 per credit hour. With a clinical practice focus, graduates are prepared for high-level roles in social service agencies, blending professional expertise with compassionate, faith-based principles. Military-friendly features enhance accessibility for diverse student populations.

  • Online MSW degree program
  • $575 per credit hour
  • 20 total courses
  • 20+ months to complete
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Faith-integrated curriculum
  • Minimum 2.7 GPA requirement
  • 500 field practicum hours
  • Standard and advanced tracks
  • Clinical practice focus
*Credit: NCES, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2023.

List of Indiana Online MSW Programs

Jump to City:

Evansville, IN

University of Southern Indiana

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online Learning - Website

    • 54 total credit hours
    • Full-time and part-time tracks
    • Advanced Standing option available
    • Online and on-campus options
    • Application deadline: January/June
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • 24 social science prerequisite hours
    • CSWE fully accredited program

Marion, IN

Indiana Wesleyan University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSW Standard Track
    • 60 Credit Hour Program
    • 20+ months to complete
    • $575 per credit hour
    • CSWE Accredited Program
    • Faith-integrated curriculum
    • Minimum 2.7 GPA required
    • 500 Field Practicum hours

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSW degree program
    • $575 per credit hour
    • 20 total courses
    • 20+ months to complete
    • CSWE accredited program
    • Faith-integrated curriculum
    • Minimum 2.7 GPA requirement
    • 500 field practicum hours

Valparaiso, IN

Valparaiso University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Part-time and full-time MSW options
    • 60 credit total program
    • Online and in-person formats
    • Pre-candidacy accreditation status
    • 12:1 student-faculty ratio
    • Multiple pathway specializations
    • Summer 2024 part-time launch
    • Summer 2025 full-time option
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Direct Practice - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Part-time, online program available
    • Full-time in-person option coming 2025
    • Advanced Standing option 2026
    • 60 total credits required
    • 12:1 student-faculty ratio
    • Multiple specialization pathways
    • Pre-candidacy accreditation status
    • Summer residency components
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Macro Practice - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Part-time and full-time options
    • Online and in-person formats
    • 60 total credit program
    • 12:1 student-faculty ratio
    • Pre-candidacy accreditation status
    • Multiple specialization pathways
    • Summer 2024 online launch
    • Summer 2025 full-time launch
*IPEDS 2023 survey data, provided by NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

2026 Affordable Online Indiana MSW Program Options

Indiana offers prospective social work students multiple affordable online educational pathways across various degree levels. With options ranging from bachelor's to doctoral programs, these virtual learning opportunities provide flexible routes for working professionals and students seeking advanced social work credentials. Distance learning platforms enable learners from Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, and other Indiana regions to access quality education without geographical constraints. Online programs particularly benefit those balancing career, family, and academic goals, making advanced social work education more accessible. These remote learning options help students develop critical skills while maintaining professional and personal commitments, ensuring that geographical or scheduling limitations do not impede educational advancement in this vital and compassionate field.
Indiana Wesleyan University
  • Online MSW Standard Track
  • 60 Credit Hour Program
  • 20+ months to complete
  • $575 per credit hour
  • CSWE Accredited Program
  • Faith-integrated curriculum
  • Minimum 2.7 GPA required
  • 500 Field Practicum hours
  • $9,600 - $14,400 (Graduate)
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
  • Online MSW degree program
  • $575 per credit hour
  • 20 total courses
  • 20+ months to complete
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Faith-integrated curriculum
  • Minimum 2.7 GPA requirement
  • 500 field practicum hours
  • $8,300 - $12,500 (Graduate)
University of Southern Indiana
  • 54 total credit hours
  • Full-time and part-time tracks
  • Advanced Standing option available
  • Online and on-campus options
  • Application deadline: January/June
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • 24 social science prerequisite hours
  • CSWE fully accredited program
  • $8,800 - $13,100 (Graduate In-State)
  • $16,700 - $25,100 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Valparaiso University
  • Part-time and full-time options
  • Online and in-person formats
  • 60 total credit program
  • 12:1 student-faculty ratio
  • Pre-candidacy accreditation status
  • Multiple specialization pathways
  • Summer 2024 online launch
  • Summer 2025 full-time launch
  • $10,200 - $15,300 (Graduate)
*Source: https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/ (IPEDS 2023).

List of Indiana Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs

Advanced standing MSW programs in Indiana are designed for students who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution, providing an accelerated pathway to complete their master’s degree. These programs focus on advanced clinical practice, community development, and evidence-based interventions to address Indiana’s specific social challenges, including manufacturing job displacement, rural healthcare access, substance abuse issues, and supporting diverse populations across both industrial urban centers and agricultural communities. Students gain expertise in areas such as child and family services, healthcare social work, and substance abuse treatment while preparing to serve communities ranging from metropolitan Indianapolis and Fort Wayne to smaller towns throughout the state’s rural counties.

Jump to City:

Goshen, IN

Goshen College

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: mental health, anti-racism, anti-oppressive practices - Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format
    • Specializes in mental health
    • Focus on anti-racism practices
    • Holistic social work approach
    • Integrates spirituality into practice
    • Advanced standing for BSW holders
    • 30-57 credit hours required
    • $525 per credit hour

Marion, IN

Indiana Wesleyan University

  • Master's - Master's in Social Work

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • 12-16 months completion
    • $575 per credit
    • 30 credit hours required
    • Faith-integrated curriculum
    • Clinical skills focus
    • Accredited by CSWE
    • Financial aid available

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

  • Master's - Master's in Social Work

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program
    • 12-16 months completion
    • $575 per credit hour
    • CSWE-accredited
    • Faith-integrated curriculum
    • Advanced clinical skills focus
    • Flexible for working professionals
    • 500 field practicum hours
*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023 institutional data.

2026 Affordable Online Indiana Advanced Standing MSW Programs

Explore the world of advanced standing MSW programs across Indiana, offering flexible online education options for aspiring social work professionals. These virtual learning opportunities provide accessible pathways for students in major regions like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Bloomington. Distance learning programs enable working professionals and students with personal commitments to advance their careers without geographical constraints. With multiple schools offering advanced standing options, students can find affordable programs that match their academic and professional goals. The online format allows for comprehensive social work education that accommodates diverse learning styles and personal schedules, making advanced social work degrees more attainable than ever before.
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global
  • Online program
  • 12-16 months completion
  • $575 per credit hour
  • CSWE-accredited
  • Faith-integrated curriculum
  • Advanced clinical skills focus
  • Flexible for working professionals
  • 500 field practicum hours
  • $8,300 - $12,500 (Graduate)
Indiana Wesleyan University
  • Hybrid program format
  • 12-16 months completion
  • $575 per credit
  • 30 credit hours required
  • Faith-integrated curriculum
  • Clinical skills focus
  • Accredited by CSWE
  • Financial aid available
  • $9,600 - $14,400 (Graduate)
Goshen College
  • Online program format
  • Specializes in mental health
  • Focus on anti-racism practices
  • Holistic social work approach
  • Integrates spirituality into practice
  • Advanced standing for BSW holders
  • 30-57 credit hours required
  • $525 per credit hour
  • $14,200 - $21,300 (Graduate)
*Source: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/