Tennessee’s Master of Social Work education demonstrates the Volunteer State’s commitment to expanding access to quality graduate social work preparation through diverse delivery formats and specialized concentrations. The state features multiple CSWE-accredited MSW programs offering online options for maximum flexibility and convenience. Tennessee’s online MSW landscape also includes programs with specialized emphases in Mental Health Practice in Social Work, School Social Work, and Trauma and Emergency Management, reflecting the state’s recognition of contemporary social work practice needs. These programs typically incorporate flexible scheduling arrangements, comprehensive field education coordination, and advanced standing options for qualified BSW graduates.

Tennessee’s social work licensing framework establishes a comprehensive four-tier system through the Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure, including Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW) credentials. An on-campus or online master’s in social work (MSW) is the minimum educational requirement for three of the state’s four levels of social work licensure, positioning graduate education as essential for advanced practice. For LCSW licensure, candidates must complete at least two years (3,000 hours) of full-time experience as an LMSW under the supervision of an LCSW, while LAPSW requires similar supervised experience in non-clinical social work settings. Tennessee’s rigorous supervision requirements ensure that online MSW programs prepare graduates for comprehensive post-graduation professional development within the state’s structured advancement pathway.

The career environment for social workers in Tennessee reflects the state’s diverse geographic regions and growing population centers. From the music city of Nashville and the medical hub of Memphis to the Appalachian communities of East Tennessee, the state generates diverse opportunities for MSW graduates in healthcare social work, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and community development. Tennessee’s emphasis on trauma-informed care, school social work, and emergency management aligns with contemporary MSW curricula that emphasize evidence-based practice and specialized intervention skills. Online MSW programs prepare practitioners to navigate this dynamic landscape through comprehensive field education experiences and coursework that integrates Tennessee’s unique blend of urban sophistication, rural community needs, and cultural heritage throughout the Southeast region.

2026 Best Tennessee MSW Programs Online

Welcome to mastersinsocialworkonline.org's guide to the best Tennessee MSW programs online. We understand the importance of online programs for busy students, offering flexibility through distance learning and virtual options. Our team has carefully ranked these programs to help you find the right fit for your career goals. https://mastersinsocialworkonline.org/rankings-methodology/
#1

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Knoxville, TN - Public 4-Year - utk.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Social Work

Concentration: Clinical Practice - Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville's online Master of Science in Social Work with a concentration in Clinical Practice is a CSWE-accredited program designed for working professionals. It requires no GRE and offers flexible part-time or full-time options with synchronous and asynchronous courses. Emphasizing clinical skills, students complete mandatory field placements for hands-on experience, and advanced standing is available for eligible candidates.

  • Fully online MSSW program
  • No GRE required
  • Multiple study options
  • Synchronous and asynchronous courses
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Flexible evening class times
  • Mandatory field placement
  • Part-time and full-time paths
  • Advanced standing available

Master's - Master of Science in Social Work

Concentration: Organizational Leadership - Online Learning - Visit Website

Focusing on Organizational Leadership, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville's online Master of Science in Social Work is CSWE-accredited and does not require the GRE. This program provides part-time and full-time tracks with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning, including field placements to apply leadership skills in real-world settings, and advanced standing options for qualified students.

  • Fully online MSSW program
  • No GRE required
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Synchronous and asynchronous courses
  • Part-time and full-time options
  • Field placement included
  • Evening course schedules
  • Same professors as on-campus
  • Advanced standing available
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

Union University

Jackson, TN - Private 4-year - uu.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Union University offers an online Master of Social Work program with a hybrid format, combining flexible digital coursework with in-person sessions. As a CSWE-accredited program rooted in Southern Baptist values, it focuses on social justice and evidence-based practice without requiring the GRE. Students can choose between a 33-credit Advanced Standing track for BSW graduates or a 60-credit Traditional track, both emphasizing trauma-informed care and advanced generalist skills. At $655 per credit, it includes options like a Trauma Studies Certificate and supports military-friendly policies, preparing graduates for leadership in diverse social work settings.

  • Online and in-person options
  • Advanced Generalist Concentration
  • $655 per credit hour
  • No GRE required
  • CSWE Accredited Program
  • Advanced Standing for BSW graduates
  • Two campus locations
  • Trauma Studies Certificate available
  • Minimum 2.65 GPA requirement
  • Fall and Spring start terms
#3

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN - Public 4-Year - utc.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) program in a hybrid format, combining flexible digital learning with some in-person components. This CSWE-accredited program focuses on advanced social work practice, preparing students for licensure and diverse careers in medical, clinical, and hospice settings. With an emphasis on life course practice and independent learning, it does not require an entrance exam like the GRE, making it accessible for working professionals. The evening program structure supports those balancing studies with other commitments.

  • CSWE fully accredited program
  • Evening program format
  • Advanced practice focus
  • Licensure preparation
  • Multiple career path options
  • Life course practice emphasis
  • Practice across demographics
  • Independent learning approach
#4

King University

Bristol, TN - Private 4-year - king.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work (MSW)

Concentration: Clinical Advocacy - Online Learning - Visit Website

King University's online Master of Social Work (MSW) program, accredited by CSWE, specializes in Clinical Advocacy, preparing students for advanced clinical practice across micro, mezzo, and macro levels. This flexible program offers foundational and advanced standing tracks, with durations of 22 and 12 months respectively, and requires no entrance exam. Students complete 1000 hours of fieldwork, focusing on ethical intervention strategies to address social challenges, and can pursue licensure with a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement. The cost is $610 per credit, with the next start date in August 2025.

  • CSWE-accredited online MSW
  • Advanced Standing option available
  • 30-33 credit hours advanced
  • 57-60 credit hours foundational
  • Cost per credit: $610
  • Next start date: August 25, 2025
  • 1000 hours total fieldwork
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • Multiple admission pathways
  • Clinical advocacy focus
#5

Middle Tennessee State University

Murfreesboro, TN - Public 4-Year - mtsu.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Middle Tennessee State University's online Master of Social Work is a hybrid program accredited by CSWE, focusing on advanced generalist training without requiring an entrance exam. It prepares students for licensure through a comprehensive curriculum emphasizing social justice, cultural competence, and leadership, with flexible admission in fall and spring. The program includes a 400-900 hour practicum for hands-on experience in diverse settings like mental health, healthcare, and schools, requiring a 2.75 undergraduate GPA. Graduates are equipped for high-demand careers in social services.

  • M.S.W. fully accredited by CSWE
  • 400-900 hour practicum experience
  • On-ground and hybrid options
  • 2.75 undergraduate GPA required
  • Fall and spring admission
  • January 31 fall application deadline
  • October 15 spring application deadline
  • Advanced standing available
  • Prepares for state licensure
  • Multiple career path opportunities
#6

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN - Public 4-Year - etsu.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Clinical - Online Learning - Visit Website

East Tennessee State University's online Master of Social Work program, accredited by the CSWE since 2003, specializes in a clinical concentration. This 100% online program offers both traditional and advanced standing tracks, with flexible full-time or part-time enrollment options. Classes are delivered through a mix of synchronous and asynchronous formats, taught primarily by faculty. An entrance exam is not required for admission. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for clinical social work practice, emphasizing hands-on learning and professional readiness.

  • CSWE-accredited since 2003
  • 100% online MSW option
  • Clinical concentration available
  • Traditional and advanced standing tracks
  • Full-time and part-time enrollment
  • Synchronous and asynchronous classes
  • Faculty-taught majority of courses
*Dataset: IPEDS 2023, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.

List of Tennessee Online MSW Programs

Jump to City:

Bristol, TN

King University

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

    Concentration: Clinical Advocacy - Online Learning - Website

    • CSWE-accredited online MSW
    • Advanced Standing option available
    • 30-33 credit hours advanced
    • 57-60 credit hours foundational
    • Cost per credit: $610
    • Next start date: August 25, 2025
    • 1000 hours total fieldwork
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA required

Chattanooga, TN

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • CSWE fully accredited program
    • Evening program format
    • Advanced practice focus
    • Licensure preparation
    • Multiple career path options
    • Life course practice emphasis
    • Practice across demographics
    • Independent learning approach

Jackson, TN

Union University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Online and in-person options
    • Advanced Generalist Concentration
    • $655 per credit hour
    • No GRE required
    • CSWE Accredited Program
    • Advanced Standing for BSW graduates
    • Two campus locations
    • Trauma Studies Certificate available

Johnson City, TN

East Tennessee State University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Clinical - Online Learning - Website

    • CSWE-accredited since 2003
    • 100% online MSW option
    • Clinical concentration available
    • Traditional and advanced standing tracks
    • Full-time and part-time enrollment
    • Synchronous and asynchronous classes
    • Faculty-taught majority of courses

Knoxville, TN

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

  • Master's - Master of Science in Social Work

    Concentration: Clinical Practice - Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online MSSW program
    • No GRE required
    • Multiple study options
    • Synchronous and asynchronous courses
    • CSWE accredited program
    • Flexible evening class times
    • Mandatory field placement
    • Part-time and full-time paths
  • Master's - Master of Science in Social Work

    Concentration: Organizational Leadership - Online Learning - Website

    • Fully online MSSW program
    • No GRE required
    • CSWE accredited program
    • Synchronous and asynchronous courses
    • Part-time and full-time options
    • Field placement included
    • Evening course schedules
    • Same professors as on-campus

Murfreesboro, TN

Middle Tennessee State University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • M.S.W. fully accredited by CSWE
    • 400-900 hour practicum experience
    • On-ground and hybrid options
    • 2.75 undergraduate GPA required
    • Fall and spring admission
    • January 31 fall application deadline
    • October 15 spring application deadline
    • Advanced standing available
*Data retrieved from: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023.

2026 Affordable Online Tennessee MSW Program Options

This table shows 10 affordable online MSW program options in Tennessee for 2026. These programs include Bachelor's, Master's, Graduate Certificate, and Doctorate degrees. Online learning is important because it offers flexibility for students across the state, including in cities like Nashville and Memphis. Distance learning and virtual formats make education accessible from anywhere.
Union University
  • Online and in-person options
  • Advanced Generalist Concentration
  • $655 per credit hour
  • No GRE required
  • CSWE Accredited Program
  • Advanced Standing for BSW graduates
  • Two campus locations
  • Trauma Studies Certificate available
  • $9,600 - $14,300 (Graduate)
King University
  • CSWE-accredited online MSW
  • Advanced Standing option available
  • 30-33 credit hours advanced
  • 57-60 credit hours foundational
  • Cost per credit: $610
  • Next start date: August 25, 2025
  • 1000 hours total fieldwork
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA required
  • $11,300 - $17,000 (Graduate)
Middle Tennessee State University
  • M.S.W. fully accredited by CSWE
  • 400-900 hour practicum experience
  • On-ground and hybrid options
  • 2.75 undergraduate GPA required
  • Fall and spring admission
  • January 31 fall application deadline
  • October 15 spring application deadline
  • Advanced standing available
  • $8,900 - $13,300 (Graduate In-State)
  • $22,500 - $33,800 (Graduate Non-Resident)
East Tennessee State University
  • CSWE-accredited since 2003
  • 100% online MSW option
  • Clinical concentration available
  • Traditional and advanced standing tracks
  • Full-time and part-time enrollment
  • Synchronous and asynchronous classes
  • Faculty-taught majority of courses
  • $8,600 - $12,900 (Graduate In-State)
  • $20,700 - $31,100 (Graduate Non-Resident)
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
  • CSWE fully accredited program
  • Evening program format
  • Advanced practice focus
  • Licensure preparation
  • Multiple career path options
  • Life course practice emphasis
  • Practice across demographics
  • Independent learning approach
  • $8,600 - $12,900 (Graduate In-State)
  • $15,100 - $22,600 (Graduate Non-Resident)
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
  • Fully online MSSW program
  • No GRE required
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Synchronous and asynchronous courses
  • Part-time and full-time options
  • Field placement included
  • Evening course schedules
  • Same professors as on-campus
  • $10,900 - $16,300 (Graduate In-State)
  • $25,700 - $38,500 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*Data citation: NCES, IPEDS 2023 Final Release Data.

List of Tennessee Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs

Tennessee’s advanced standing MSW programs are structured for students who have earned their Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution, offering them a fast-track route to complete their master’s education. These accelerated programs emphasize music therapy integration, Appalachian community outreach, and healthcare disparities intervention to serve Tennessee’s diverse populations across the musical heritage of Nashville and Memphis, the mountainous regions of East Tennessee, and rural communities throughout the Volunteer State.

Jump to City:

Bristol, TN

King University

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online Learning - Website

    • CSWE-accredited program.
    • Online format available.
    • Advanced Standing pathway.
    • Foundational pathway option.
    • Minimum GPA 3.0 required.
    • Conditional acceptance possible.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Focus on clinical advocacy.

Jackson, TN

Union University

  • Master's - Advanced Standing Master of Social Work

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program format
    • Advanced Standing option
    • Trauma Studies Certificate available
    • Focus on social justice
    • Evidence-based practice emphasis
    • Ecological perspective framework
    • Christian values integration
    • Leadership in social work

Johnson City, TN

East Tennessee State University

  • Master's - MSW Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Fully accredited by CSWE.
    • Clinical concentration available.
    • Traditional and advanced standing options.
    • Full-time and part-time schedules.
    • 100% online program option.
    • Mix of synchronous and asynchronous classes.
    • Experienced full-time faculty.
    • Strong student association.
  • Master's - MSW Program

    Concentration: Clinical social work - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Fully accredited by CSWE.
    • Clinical concentration available.
    • Traditional and advanced standing options.
    • Full-time and part-time schedules.
    • 100% online program option.
    • Mix of synchronous and asynchronous classes.
    • Experienced full-time faculty.
    • Strong student association.

Memphis, TN

University of Memphis

  • Master's - Master of Social Work Advanced Standing Program

    Concentration: Advanced Practice Across Systems - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format.
    • Advanced Practice Across Systems concentration.
    • Requires BSW for admission.
    • Minimum 3.0 GPA needed.
    • Focuses on social justice.
    • Prepares for diverse community issues.
    • Evidence-based interventions taught.
    • Ethical practice emphasis.
*IPEDS 2023 dataset, accessed via NCES Data Center. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

2026 Affordable Online Tennessee Advanced Standing MSW Programs

Tennessee offers a range of affordable online advanced standing MSW programs for 2026, with ten schools providing options at the bachelor's, master's, graduate certificate, and doctorate levels across cities like Nashville and Memphis. Online programs are crucial for making education accessible through distance learning, allowing students to balance studies with personal commitments from anywhere in the state.
University of Memphis
  • Hybrid program format.
  • Advanced Practice Across Systems concentration.
  • Requires BSW for admission.
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA needed.
  • Focuses on social justice.
  • Prepares for diverse community issues.
  • Evidence-based interventions taught.
  • Ethical practice emphasis.
  • $9,000 - $13,500 (Graduate In-State)
  • $12,200 - $18,300 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Union University
  • Online program format
  • Advanced Standing option
  • Trauma Studies Certificate available
  • Focus on social justice
  • Evidence-based practice emphasis
  • Ecological perspective framework
  • Christian values integration
  • Leadership in social work
  • $9,600 - $14,300 (Graduate)
King University
  • CSWE-accredited program.
  • Online format available.
  • Advanced Standing pathway.
  • Foundational pathway option.
  • Minimum GPA 3.0 required.
  • Conditional acceptance possible.
  • Financial aid available.
  • Focus on clinical advocacy.
  • $11,300 - $17,000 (Graduate)
East Tennessee State University
  • Fully accredited by CSWE.
  • Clinical concentration available.
  • Traditional and advanced standing options.
  • Full-time and part-time schedules.
  • 100% online program option.
  • Mix of synchronous and asynchronous classes.
  • Experienced full-time faculty.
  • Strong student association.
  • $8,600 - $12,900 (Graduate In-State)
  • $20,700 - $31,100 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*Analysis based on: NCES IPEDS 2023 survey data.