Maryland’s strategic position in the Mid-Atlantic corridor and its proximity to the nation’s capital have cultivated a sophisticated network of CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work programs that capitalize on the state’s diverse economy and demographic complexity. The state's online MSW offerings serve students from the urban centers of Baltimore and the DC metropolitan suburbs to the rural Eastern Shore and Appalachian western counties, providing flexible access to advanced social work education across Maryland’s varied geographic and socioeconomic landscapes. These programs feature specialized tracks that leverage Maryland’s unique position, including policy advocacy and legislative affairs, federal contracting and government social services, urban community development, health disparities research, and international social work practice—concentrations that prepare graduates to work within Maryland’s interconnected network of federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, and advocacy groups that influence social policy on both state and national levels.

Maryland’s online MSW programs are distinguished by their emphasis on policy-practice integration and evidence-based interventions, reflecting the state’s role as a hub for research institutions, government agencies, and progressive social service organizations. The curriculum is designed to meet Maryland’s LCSW licensing requirements while developing competencies in program evaluation, grant writing, and systems-level change that are highly valued in the state’s competitive social work job market. Graduates emerge prepared for careers in federal and state government, major medical centers like Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland systems, international nonprofits, think tanks, and consulting firms, with particular opportunities in areas such as immigration services, health policy implementation, criminal justice reform, and educational advocacy that reflect Maryland’s position at the intersection of local community needs and national policy development.

2026 Best Maryland MSW Programs Online

Discovering the best Maryland MSW programs online has never been easier with Masters in Social Work Online's comprehensive rankings. Our expert team evaluates top-tier virtual social work graduate programs that offer flexible distance learning options for aspiring social work professionals. Maryland students can now pursue advanced degrees without geographical constraints, accessing high-quality education through innovative online platforms. These remote programs provide comprehensive curriculum, expert faculty, and robust field placement opportunities that prepare students for meaningful careers in social services, healthcare, and community support. Online MSW programs have transformed educational accessibility, allowing working professionals and students with personal commitments to advance their social work credentials seamlessly. Our detailed ranking methodology ensures transparent and reliable program assessments.
#1

Salisbury University

Salisbury, MD - Public 4-Year - salisbury.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Salisbury University's hybrid Master of Social Work program offers a comprehensive educational pathway for aspiring social work professionals. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, this program uniquely blends online and on-campus learning modalities. Students can complete the regular curriculum in three years or pursue an advanced standing track in just 17 months. The program emphasizes direct intervention and community practice, providing flexible learning options with competitive tuition rates of $775 per credit. Highlights include a cohort model, field education opportunities, and support for working professionals seeking advanced social work credentials.

  • Accredited MSW Program
  • Online and On-Campus Options
  • 62-Credit Regular Curriculum
  • Advanced Standing Available
  • $775 per Credit Tuition
  • Cohort Model (20 Students)
  • Courses in 7-Week Blocks
  • Field Education Included
  • Multiple State Eligibility
  • 3.0 GPA Recommended

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online Learning - Visit Website

Salisbury University's fully online Master of Social Work program empowers students to become transformative social work professionals. Designed for flexibility, the program offers two distinct specialization tracks: Clinical Social Work and Advocacy, and Social Change and Leadership. Accredited by CSWE, the curriculum supports working professionals through evening and summer courses across five Maryland campus locations. Students develop advanced skills in clinical practice, social justice, and community leadership. The program provides accessible learning pathways, affordable tuition, and comprehensive field education placements to prepare graduates for impactful social work careers.

  • Online and regional campus options
  • Two specialization tracks available
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Affordable online MSW
  • Evening and summer courses
  • Five Maryland campus locations
  • Advanced direct practice focus
  • Field education placements
  • Multiple state program availability
  • Hybrid learning format
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Morgan State University

Baltimore, MD - Public 4-Year - morgan.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Urban Children, Youth, and Families - Online Learning - Visit Website

Morgan State University's online Master of Social Work (MSW) program delivers a transformative educational experience focusing on Urban Children, Youth, and Families concentration. As a CSWE-accredited curriculum, the program offers a comprehensive 60-credit standard track and a 30-credit Advanced Standing option for BSW graduates. Students explore critical urban challenges, social injustice, and community development strategies. The flexible online platform accommodates working professionals, providing specialized training in addressing systemic issues affecting urban populations. With a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement and no entrance exam specified, the program empowers students to become skilled social work practitioners dedicated to creating meaningful social change.

  • 60-credit standard program
  • 30-credit Advanced Standing option
  • Urban practice focus
  • Two specialized practice areas
  • CSWE-accredited curriculum
  • 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
  • Online learning platform
  • Advanced Standing for BSW graduates
  • Within five years BSW graduation
  • No grade lower than B

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Addictions - Online Learning - Visit Website

Morgan State University's online MSW program offers a specialized Addictions concentration designed for aspiring social work professionals. This CSWE-accredited curriculum provides robust 60-credit and 30-credit Advanced Standing pathways, emphasizing urban practice interventions. Students gain comprehensive skills in addressing mental health, substance abuse, and community-level challenges. The online format supports working professionals seeking to make substantial impacts in addiction treatment and prevention. With a focus on African American urban populations, the program requires a 3.0 GPA and offers advanced learning opportunities. Graduates emerge as competent practitioners equipped to implement innovative strategies in addiction counseling and community wellness.

  • Online and campus-based MSW
  • 60-credit and 30-credit options
  • Advanced Standing available
  • 3.0 GPA required
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Urban practice focus
  • Two practice specializations
  • BSW graduates preferred
  • Technology requirements exist
  • Interview for Advanced Standing
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#3

University of Maryland, Baltimore

Baltimore, MD - Public 4-Year - umaryland.edu

Master's - MSW

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Maryland, Baltimore's online Master of Social Work (MSW) program offers a robust educational pathway for aspiring social work professionals. Students can complete their degree in three years through flexible online and hybrid formats, with options for both clinical and macro concentrations. The program emphasizes practical field experience, providing students with comprehensive training in addressing complex social challenges. Military-friendly and highly ranked at #24 nationally, graduates consistently earn $12,275 above average salaries. The curriculum integrates leadership, policy development, and therapeutic services, preparing students for diverse social service roles across multiple sectors.

  • Multiple MSW program formats
  • Hybrid and online options
  • 3-year completion timeline
  • In-person field practicum
  • Multiple campus locations
  • Baltimore and Shady Grove campuses
  • Clinical and macro concentrations
  • Graduates earn $12,275 above average
  • Leadership and policy focus

Master's - MSW

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Maryland, Baltimore's hybrid MSW program delivers an innovative approach to social work education, combining online coursework with in-person field practicums. Available at Baltimore and Shady Grove campuses, the program offers advanced standing and three-year completion options. Students can specialize in clinical or macro social work tracks, gaining comprehensive skills in therapeutic interventions, community engagement, and policy analysis. The program's flexible learning model accommodates working professionals while maintaining rigorous academic standards. With a national ranking of #24 and graduates earning significantly above average, this MSW program equips students with transformative skills for impactful social service careers.

  • Three flexible MSW program formats
  • Baltimore and Shady Grove campuses
  • Hybrid and online options available
  • Graduates earn $12,275 above average
  • Clinical and macro social work tracks
  • Comprehensive field practicum experience
  • Three-year degree completion possible
  • Remote learning with in-person practicum
  • Advanced Standing MSW option
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#4

University of Maryland Global Campus

Adelphi, MD - Public 4-Year - umgc.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a comprehensive online Master of Social Work program designed for professionals seeking transformative career opportunities. Spanning 62 credit hours, this flexible degree provides advanced practice skills with two distinct tracks and an advanced standing option for BSW graduates. Students benefit from a competitive $350 per credit hour tuition rate and a curriculum accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program emphasizes clinical practice and community engagement, featuring a robust 12-credit field practicum. With full-time completion possible in 12 sessions and a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement, the program prepares graduates to drive meaningful social change through advanced social work methodologies.

  • 62 total credit hours
  • Online and hybrid courses
  • $350 per credit hour
  • Advanced standing option
  • Accredited by CSWE
  • 12 credits field practicum
  • Two program tracks
  • Full-time completion in 12 sessions
  • 3.0 minimum GPA required
  • Specialized clinical practice focus
*Data from: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023.

List of Maryland Online MSW Programs

Jump to City:

Adelphi, MD

University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online Learning - Website

    • 62 total credit hours
    • Online and hybrid courses
    • $350 per credit hour
    • Advanced standing option
    • Accredited by CSWE
    • 12 credits field practicum
    • Two program tracks
    • Full-time completion in 12 sessions

Baltimore, MD

Morgan State University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Addictions - Online Learning - Website

    • Online and campus-based MSW
    • 60-credit and 30-credit options
    • Advanced Standing available
    • 3.0 GPA required
    • CSWE accredited program
    • Urban practice focus
    • Two practice specializations
    • BSW graduates preferred
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Urban Children, Youth, and Families - Online Learning - Website

    • 60-credit standard program
    • 30-credit Advanced Standing option
    • Urban practice focus
    • Two specialized practice areas
    • CSWE-accredited curriculum
    • 3.0 GPA minimum requirement
    • Online learning platform
    • Advanced Standing for BSW graduates

University of Maryland, Baltimore

  • Master's - MSW

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Three flexible MSW program formats
    • Baltimore and Shady Grove campuses
    • Hybrid and online options available
    • Ranked #24 Best Social Work School
    • Graduates earn $12,275 above average
    • Clinical and macro social work tracks
    • Comprehensive field practicum experience
    • Three-year degree completion possible
  • Master's - MSW

    Online Learning - Website

    • Multiple MSW program formats
    • Hybrid and online options
    • 3-year completion timeline
    • In-person field practicum
    • Ranked #24 Social Work Program
    • Multiple campus locations
    • Baltimore and Shady Grove campuses
    • Clinical and macro concentrations

Salisbury, MD

Salisbury University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Accredited MSW Program
    • Online and On-Campus Options
    • 62-Credit Regular Curriculum
    • Advanced Standing Available
    • $775 per Credit Tuition
    • Cohort Model (20 Students)
    • Courses in 7-Week Blocks
    • Field Education Included
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online and regional campus options
    • Two specialization tracks available
    • CSWE accredited program
    • Affordable online MSW
    • Evening and summer courses
    • Five Maryland campus locations
    • Advanced direct practice focus
    • Field education placements
*Data citation: NCES, IPEDS 2023 Final Release Data.

2026 Affordable Online Maryland MSW Program Options

Maryland offers diverse online social work educational opportunities for students seeking advanced degrees and professional development. Distance learning programs provide flexible pathways for working professionals and those balancing personal commitments with academic goals. These virtual options span from Baltimore to the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, covering various degree levels including bachelor's, master's, graduate certificates, and doctoral programs. Online platforms make social work education more accessible, allowing students to advance their careers without geographical constraints. The state's digital learning environments enable aspiring social workers to gain critical skills, engage with comprehensive curricula, and prepare for meaningful careers in human services, healthcare, and community support. Affordable and adaptable, these remote programs meet the growing demand for professional social work education.
Salisbury University
  • Online and regional campus options
  • Two specialization tracks available
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Affordable online MSW
  • Evening and summer courses
  • Five Maryland campus locations
  • Advanced direct practice focus
  • Field education placements
  • $8,300 - $12,400 (Graduate In-State)
  • $12,500 - $18,700 (Graduate Non-Resident)
University of Maryland Global Campus
  • 62 total credit hours
  • Online and hybrid courses
  • $350 per credit hour
  • Advanced standing option
  • Accredited by CSWE
  • 12 credits field practicum
  • Two program tracks
  • Full-time completion in 12 sessions
  • $7,800 - $11,600 (Graduate In-State)
  • $9,700 - $14,600 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Morgan State University
  • Online and campus-based MSW
  • 60-credit and 30-credit options
  • Advanced Standing available
  • 3.0 GPA required
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Urban practice focus
  • Two practice specializations
  • BSW graduates preferred
  • $7,900 - $11,800 (Graduate In-State)
  • $14,300 - $21,500 (Graduate Non-Resident)
University of Maryland, Baltimore
  • Three flexible MSW program formats
  • Baltimore and Shady Grove campuses
  • Hybrid and online options available
  • Ranked #24 Best Social Work School
  • Graduates earn $12,275 above average
  • Clinical and macro social work tracks
  • Comprehensive field practicum experience
  • Three-year degree completion possible
  • $14,200 - $21,300 (Graduate In-State)
  • $29,100 - $43,600 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*Data source: NCES IPEDS survey, 2023.

List of Maryland Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs

Advanced standing MSW programs in Maryland provide an accelerated route for BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited institutions to advance their professional credentials through an intensive master’s degree program. These programs emphasize specialized clinical training, policy advocacy, and evidence-based practice methods to serve Maryland’s urban, suburban, and rural communities across the diverse Mid-Atlantic region.

Jump to City:

Adelphi, MD

University of Maryland Global Campus

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online Learning - Website

    • 62 credits required.
    • Transfer up to 6 credits.
    • All courses available online.
    • Select on-site and hybrid courses.
    • $350 per credit hour.
    • Accredited by CSWE.
    • Prepares for advanced direct practice.
    • Combines theoretical and practical learning.

Baltimore, MD

Morgan State University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online MSW program.
    • Advanced standing eligibility.
    • 3.0 GPA required.
    • CSWE-accredited BSW needed.
    • Flexible online format.
    • Focus on practical skills.
    • No campus attendance required.
    • Graduation within last five years.

University of Maryland, Baltimore

  • Master's - 36-Credit Hybrid Advanced Standing MSW

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • 36-credit program
    • Advanced Standing for BSW grads
    • Concentrations available
    • 3.0 GPA requirement
    • Up to 24 credit hours
    • CSWE-accredited BSW required
    • Clinical concentration option
*IPEDS 2023 survey data, provided by NCES, U.S. Department of Education.

2026 Affordable Online Maryland Advanced Standing MSW Programs

Exploring advanced standing Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in Maryland offers promising opportunities for aspiring social work professionals. With growing demand for flexible education, online distance learning platforms have become increasingly important for students balancing work, family, and academic goals. Maryland, home to vibrant regions like Baltimore, Washington D.C. metropolitan area, and the Eastern Shore, provides diverse educational pathways for students seeking graduate-level social work credentials. These virtual programs enable students to advance their careers without geographic constraints, making higher education more accessible. Online MSW programs with advanced standing can help students complete their degrees more efficiently, typically reducing overall program duration for those with relevant undergraduate social work backgrounds.
University of Maryland Global Campus
  • 62 credits required.
  • Transfer up to 6 credits.
  • All courses available online.
  • Select on-site and hybrid courses.
  • $350 per credit hour.
  • Accredited by CSWE.
  • Prepares for advanced direct practice.
  • Combines theoretical and practical learning.
  • $7,800 - $11,600 (Graduate In-State)
  • $9,700 - $14,600 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Morgan State University
  • Online MSW program.
  • Advanced standing eligibility.
  • 3.0 GPA required.
  • CSWE-accredited BSW needed.
  • Flexible online format.
  • Focus on practical skills.
  • No campus attendance required.
  • Graduation within last five years.
  • $7,900 - $11,800 (Graduate In-State)
  • $14,300 - $21,500 (Graduate Non-Resident)
University of Maryland, Baltimore
  • Hybrid learning format
  • 36-credit program
  • Advanced Standing for BSW grads
  • Concentrations available
  • 3.0 GPA requirement
  • Up to 24 credit hours
  • CSWE-accredited BSW required
  • Clinical concentration option
  • $14,200 - $21,300 (Graduate In-State)
  • $29,100 - $43,600 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*IPEDS 2023 survey data, provided by NCES, U.S. Department of Education.