Wisconsin’s strong tradition of public service and community engagement has fostered a well-developed network of online Master of Social Work programs that reflect the state’s deep commitment to accessible higher education and social welfare advancement. The Badger State’s universities offer multiple CSWE-accredited online MSW options that are particularly well-suited to serve Wisconsin’s blend of urban centers like Milwaukee and Madison alongside extensive rural and agricultural communities throughout the state’s northern regions and smaller towns. These programs emphasize practical, community-based approaches to social work practice, incorporating Wisconsin’s historical leadership in areas such as progressive social policy development, aging services, substance abuse prevention, and rural health initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by communities across the state’s diverse geographic landscape.

Wisconsin’s online MSW programs are strategically designed to prepare graduates for state licensure requirements, including Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW) credentials, while providing comprehensive field education experiences that connect students with Wisconsin’s robust network of social service agencies, healthcare systems, and community organizations. The state’s manufacturing heritage, strong cooperative movement, and emphasis on worker rights create distinctive career pathways for MSW graduates in occupational social work, labor advocacy, and community organizing, complementing traditional clinical and direct service roles. Wisconsin’s commitment to public health, mental health services expansion, and addressing rural healthcare disparities generates consistent demand for MSW-trained professionals who can navigate both urban and rural practice settings while contributing to the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community resilience and social support systems.

2026 Best Wisconsin MSW Programs Online

Looking for the best Wisconsin MSW programs online? mastersinsocialworkonline.org has ranked top options to help you advance your career in social work. Online programs offer flexibility, making it easier to balance studies with work or family, and they are great for those in remote areas or preferring virtual learning. Distance learning options provide accessible education without relocation. Learn more about how we create our rankings at https://mastersinsocialworkonline.org/rankings-methodology/.
#1

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI - Public 4-Year - wisc.edu

Master's - Part-Time Master of Social Work

Concentration: Child, Youth, and Family Welfare - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Wisconsin-Madison's online hybrid Part-Time Master of Social Work program specializes in Child, Youth, and Family Welfare, preparing professionals for social change through a flexible Saturday-based format. This 4-year program requires 49 graduate credits at $800 per credit, with a 3.0 GPA minimum for admission and no entrance exam specified. It includes a field internship and is designed for working adults, offering licensure compatibility and fall term admissions.

  • Part-time Saturday hybrid format
  • Two focus area options
  • 49 graduate credits total
  • $800 per credit tuition
  • Fall term admission
  • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • Field internship included
  • 4-year program duration
  • Licensure requirement potential

Master's - Part-Time Master of Social Work

Concentration: Mental Health - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

UW-Madison's online hybrid Part-Time MSW program focuses on Mental Health, empowering students to address complex social challenges with Saturday classes over four years. It requires 49 credits at $800 per credit, a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and no entrance exam is mentioned. The program includes a field internship, supports licensure, and has a May 1st application deadline, ideal for recent graduates and career changers.

  • Part-time Saturday hybrid format
  • Two concentration areas
  • 49 graduate credits total
  • 4-year program commitment
  • $800 per credit tuition
  • Fall term admissions
  • 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
  • Field internship included
  • Licensure requirement compatible
  • Application deadline May 1st
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#2

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI - Public 4-Year - uwm.edu

Master's - Online Master of Social Work MSW

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers an online Master of Social Work (MSW) program designed for working professionals, with no GRE required for admission. This CSWE-accredited program features two tracks: Advanced Standing for BSW degree holders (36 credits) and Foundation for other undergraduate backgrounds (60 credits), both delivered asynchronously to meet LCSW credential requirements. Costs are $675 per credit, totaling $24,300 to $40,500. With a 2.75 minimum GPA and an application deadline of April 15, 2025, it's ideal for residents of Wisconsin and bordering areas seeking flexible, advanced social work education.

  • Online part-time MSW program
  • Two program tracks available
  • $675 per credit cost
  • Advanced Standing: 36 credits
  • Foundation Track: 60 credits
  • CSWE accredited program
  • No GRE required
  • 2.75 minimum GPA
  • Application deadline: April 15, 2025
  • Limited to Wisconsin, bordering areas
#3

Concordia University-Wisconsin

Mequon, WI - Private 4-year - cuw.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Advanced Generalist - Online Learning - Visit Website

Concordia University-Wisconsin offers an online Master of Social Work with an Advanced Generalist concentration, accredited by CSWE. This 100% online program provides flexible full- and part-time options, allowing completion in 1-2 years through Regular or Advanced Standing pathways. No GRE is required for admission. Students engage in 16 hours of weekly field placements and can pursue clinical licensure courses. At $770 per credit, the program prepares graduates for diverse roles in mental health, community services, and clinical settings, emphasizing hands-on training and broad practice levels.

  • 100% Online Coursework
  • Cost: $770 per credit
  • Full and Part-Time Options
  • Advanced Generalist Specialization
  • Clinical Licensure Option
  • CSWE Accredited Program
  • Regular and Advanced Standing
  • Diverse Field Placement Opportunities
  • No GRE Required
  • 16 Hours Weekly Field Placement
#4

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Green Bay, WI - Public 4-Year - uwgb.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Concentration: Advanced Generalist with Individualized Area of Emphasis - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay offers an online Master of Social Work program with a concentration in Advanced Generalist with Individualized Area of Emphasis. This 54-credit hybrid program is CSWE-accredited and focuses on social justice, multicultural practice, and leadership, preparing students for diverse human service roles. It provides flexible full-time or part-time options and advanced standing for BSW graduates, emphasizing affordability and an anti-racist curriculum. No entrance exam is required for admission.

  • 54-credit MSW program
  • Full-time or part-time options
  • Advanced standing for BSW
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Multiple specialization areas
  • Social justice focused curriculum
  • Affordable Wisconsin MSW
  • Interdisciplinary approach
  • Career growth opportunities
  • Emphasis on anti-racist practice

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's online Master of Social Work program is a 54-credit hybrid offering that prepares students for advanced practice in areas such as child welfare and clinical mental health. It includes full-time and part-time options, advanced standing for BSW graduates, and a focus on social justice and strengths-based education. CSWE-accredited and affordable, the program does not require an entrance exam for admission.

  • 54-credit MSW program
  • Full-time or part-time options
  • Advanced standing available
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Multiple specialization areas
  • Social justice focused curriculum
  • Affordable Wisconsin program
  • Diverse career preparation paths
Show 1 More Programs ˅
#5

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Whitewater, WI - Public 4-Year - uww.edu

Master's - Master of Social Work

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers an online Master of Social Work program with a hybrid format, combining online learning with some in-person components. This CSWE-accredited program emphasizes an advanced generalist approach, covering clinical practice, policy analysis, and specializations such as trauma, substance abuse, and gerontology. No GRE is required for admission, and it has a minimum GPA requirement of 2.75. Flexible options include evening classes and synchronous virtual sessions, with application deadlines on December 1. The program is military-friendly and offers certificate opportunities in areas like school social work.

  • Full-time face-to-face and online options
  • CSWE fully accredited program
  • No GRE required for admission
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Optional certificate programs
  • Evening class schedules
  • Advanced generalist emphasis
  • Application deadline: December 1
  • Multiple financial aid options
*Data provided by: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2023 collection.

List of Wisconsin Online MSW Programs

Jump to City:

Green Bay, WI

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 54-credit MSW program
    • Full-time or part-time options
    • Advanced standing available
    • CSWE accredited program
    • Multiple specialization areas
    • Social justice focused curriculum
    • Affordable Wisconsin program
    • Diverse career preparation paths
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Advanced Generalist with Individualized Area of Emphasis - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • 54-credit MSW program
    • Full-time or part-time options
    • Advanced standing for BSW
    • CSWE accredited program
    • Multiple specialization areas
    • Social justice focused curriculum
    • Affordable Wisconsin MSW
    • Interdisciplinary approach

Madison, WI

University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • Master's - Part-Time Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Child, Youth, and Family Welfare - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Part-time Saturday hybrid format
    • Two focus area options
    • 49 graduate credits total
    • $800 per credit tuition
    • Fall term admission
    • Minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA
    • Field internship included
    • 4-year program duration
  • Master's - Part-Time Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Mental Health - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Part-time Saturday hybrid format
    • Two concentration areas
    • 49 graduate credits total
    • 4-year program commitment
    • $800 per credit tuition
    • Fall term admissions
    • 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
    • Field internship included

Mequon, WI

Concordia University-Wisconsin

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Advanced Generalist - Online Learning - Website

    • 100% Online Coursework
    • Cost: $770 per credit
    • Full and Part-Time Options
    • Advanced Generalist Specialization
    • Clinical Licensure Option
    • CSWE Accredited Program
    • Regular and Advanced Standing
    • Diverse Field Placement Opportunities

Milwaukee, WI

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

  • Master's - Online Master of Social Work MSW

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online part-time MSW program
    • Two program tracks available
    • $675 per credit cost
    • Advanced Standing: 36 credits
    • Foundation Track: 60 credits
    • CSWE accredited program
    • No GRE required
    • 2.75 minimum GPA

Whitewater, WI

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Full-time face-to-face and online options
    • CSWE fully accredited program
    • No GRE required for admission
    • Minimum 2.75 GPA
    • Optional certificate programs
    • Evening class schedules
    • Advanced generalist emphasis
    • Application deadline: December 1
*Data sourced from: NCES IPEDS survey, 2023. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

2026 Affordable Online Wisconsin MSW Program Options

This table shows 10 affordable online MSW program options in Wisconsin for 2026. You can find degrees at the bachelor's, master's, graduate certificate, and doctorate levels. Online programs are important because they offer flexibility for students across the state, including in cities like Milwaukee and Madison. Distance learning and virtual options make it easier to balance education with other responsibilities.
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
  • 54-credit MSW program
  • Full-time or part-time options
  • Advanced standing available
  • CSWE accredited program
  • Multiple specialization areas
  • Social justice focused curriculum
  • Affordable Wisconsin program
  • Diverse career preparation paths
  • $7,900 - $11,900 (Graduate In-State)
  • $15,900 - $23,900 (Graduate Non-Resident)
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
  • Full-time face-to-face and online options
  • CSWE fully accredited program
  • No GRE required for admission
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Optional certificate programs
  • Evening class schedules
  • Advanced generalist emphasis
  • Application deadline: December 1
  • $8,100 - $12,100 (Graduate In-State)
  • $16,500 - $24,800 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Concordia University-Wisconsin
  • 100% Online Coursework
  • Cost: $770 per credit
  • Full and Part-Time Options
  • Advanced Generalist Specialization
  • Clinical Licensure Option
  • CSWE Accredited Program
  • Regular and Advanced Standing
  • Diverse Field Placement Opportunities
  • $10,500 - $15,800 (Graduate)
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
  • Online part-time MSW program
  • Two program tracks available
  • $675 per credit cost
  • Advanced Standing: 36 credits
  • Foundation Track: 60 credits
  • CSWE accredited program
  • No GRE required
  • 2.75 minimum GPA
  • $9,800 - $14,700 (Graduate In-State)
  • $20,600 - $30,800 (Graduate Non-Resident)
University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Part-time Saturday hybrid format
  • Two concentration areas
  • 49 graduate credits total
  • 4-year program commitment
  • $800 per credit tuition
  • Fall term admissions
  • 3.0 undergraduate GPA required
  • Field internship included
  • $9,800 - $14,700 (Graduate In-State)
  • $20,500 - $30,700 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*U.S. Department of Education, NCES, IPEDS 2023 data files.

List of Wisconsin Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs

Wisconsin’s online Advanced Standing MSW programs are designed for students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution, offering them an accelerated route to complete their master’s degree through an intensive curriculum. These programs emphasize manufacturing community support and dairy farming family services to address the evolving needs of Wisconsin’s industrial cities, rural agricultural communities, and the diverse populations throughout America’s Dairyland from the northern wilderness regions to the southern urban corridors.

Jump to City:

Mequon, WI

Concordia University-Wisconsin

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Advanced Generalist - Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online coursework.
    • Advanced Generalist specialization.
    • Flexible full- and part-time options.
    • $770 per credit cost.
    • Requires bachelor's degree.
    • 3.0 GPA for admission.
    • 63 credits for Regular Standing.
    • 36 credits for Advanced Standing.
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Clinical Licensure - Online Learning - Website

    • 100% online coursework.
    • Clinical Licensure concentration.
    • $770 per credit.
    • 36 credits for Advanced Standing.
    • CSWE-accredited program.
    • Full- and part-time options.
    • Hands-on internships required.
    • Advanced Generalist Specialization.

Milwaukee, WI

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

  • Master's - Online Master of Social Work

    Online Learning - Website

    • Part-time online program.
    • Prepares for LCSW credential.
    • $675 per credit cost.
    • Open to foundation and advanced-standing students.
    • 2.75 GPA admission requirement.
    • 21 social science credits needed.
    • Emphasizes social justice.
    • Focuses on ethical practice.

Oshkosh, WI

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

  • Master's - Master of Social Work

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

    • Hybrid program format
    • Evening classes for flexibility
    • Focus on Advanced Direct Practice
    • Strengths-based graduate program
    • Commitment to social justice
    • Prepares for leadership roles
    • Requires 2.75 undergraduate GPA
    • Liberal arts background needed
  • Master's - Master of Social Work

    Concentration: Clinical/Mental Health Practice - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • Focus on Clinical/Mental Health
    • Part-time study available
    • 2.75 GPA requirement
    • Liberal arts background needed
    • Relevant experience required
    • Evening classes for flexibility
    • CSWE accredited curriculum
*Data compiled from: IPEDS 2023 survey, NCES. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/

2026 Affordable Online Wisconsin Advanced Standing MSW Programs

This table shows 10 affordable online advanced standing MSW programs in Wisconsin for 2026. These programs are available at the bachelor's, master's, graduate certificate, and doctorate levels. Online options are important because they offer flexibility for students across the state, including in cities like Milwaukee and Madison. Distance learning and virtual formats make education accessible from anywhere, helping working professionals and busy individuals advance their careers without relocating.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
  • Part-time online program.
  • Prepares for LCSW credential.
  • $675 per credit cost.
  • Open to foundation and advanced-standing students.
  • 2.75 GPA admission requirement.
  • 21 social science credits needed.
  • Emphasizes social justice.
  • Focuses on ethical practice.
  • $9,800 - $14,700 (Graduate In-State)
  • $20,600 - $30,800 (Graduate Non-Resident)
Concordia University-Wisconsin
  • 100% online coursework.
  • Clinical Licensure concentration.
  • $770 per credit.
  • 36 credits for Advanced Standing.
  • CSWE-accredited program.
  • Full- and part-time options.
  • Hands-on internships required.
  • Advanced Generalist Specialization.
  • $10,500 - $15,800 (Graduate)
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
  • Hybrid program format
  • Evening classes for flexibility
  • Focus on Advanced Direct Practice
  • Strengths-based graduate program
  • Commitment to social justice
  • Prepares for leadership roles
  • Requires 2.75 undergraduate GPA
  • Liberal arts background needed
  • $7,700 - $11,600 (Graduate In-State)
  • $15,600 - $23,500 (Graduate Non-Resident)
*Source: IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/