MSW Online – Master of Social Work Programs

Typical Admissions Requirements for Online Master’s Degrees in Social Work

Admission requirements for master of social work (MSW) programs can vary by institution, but several common elements exist. Typically, universities seek students with a solid academic record, professional or volunteer experience in the field, and a demonstrated commitment to social work values and ethics. It’s important to note that while some MSW programs prefer or require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW), many also welcome students from other academic backgrounds, often requiring specific prerequisite coursework.

Typical admissions requirements for those with a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW):

• Bachelor’s degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Minimum GPA: often a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Letters of recommendation: usually from academic or professional references
• Statement of purpose or personal essay: detailing interest in social work, career goals, and reasons for choosing the specific MSW program
• Resume or CV: highlighting relevant work, volunteer, or research experience

Typical admissions requirements for those without a bachelor’s degree in social work:

• Bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited institution
• Prerequisite coursework: Some programs require courses in social sciences such as psychology, sociology, or statistics
• Minimum GPA: often a 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Letters of recommendation: Usually from academic or professional references
• Statement of purpose or personal essay: Detailing interest in social work, career goals, and reasons for choosing the specific MSW program
• Resume or CV: Highlighting relevant work, volunteer, or research experience

In both cases, applicants may also need to undergo an interview process. Some programs may further require or recommend fieldwork or volunteer experience in the social services sector. Always check the specific requirements of the prospective programs.

Supervised Clinical Hour Requirements & Internships: Online MSW

Supervised clinical hours are crucial for master’s of social work programs. After earning a master’s degree in social work, students are typically required to complete several supervised clinical hours before becoming licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). This requirement varies by state but is generally around 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. 

For example, North Carolina requires 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice in two years, and Connecticut requires 3,000 hours of post-master’s social work experience and 100 hours of professional supervision by a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).

Featured Online Master’s Degrees in Social Work

Arizona State University (Online)

Arizona State University Online offers an online master of social work (MSW) program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE). The program is designed to deliver culturally-adapted, knowledge-informed, ethical interventions at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. The curriculum includes courses in advanced generalist social work practice, assessment of mental disorders, diversity, oppression, and social justice in social work, foundation practice, and human behavior/social environment, among others.

The faculty comprises Fellows of the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare, Fellows of the Society for Social Work and Research, and Fulbright Scholars. The program prepares students for various roles in public and private human service agencies, research organizations, schools, nonprofits, governments, private practice settings, and hospitals.

• Location: Phoenix, AZ
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Tuition: $819 per credit 

Indiana University (Online)

Indiana University offers an online master of social work (MSW) program fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The 60-credit-hour curriculum encompasses core courses and specialized fields of practice such as military social work, e-social work, telebehavioral health social work, mental health, and addictions. The program also includes foundation coursework in diversity, human rights, social justice; social policy; and social work practice in organizations, communities, and societies.

The program prepares graduates for various professional settings, including community mental health agencies, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, employee assistance programs, family service agencies, and community service agencies. Graduates can pursue careers as geriatric case managers, family service workers, child protective services (CPS) social workers, foster care social workers, adult protective services agents, youth services specialists, developmental disabilities specialists, clinical social workers, alcohol and drug abuse specialists, and hospital social workers.

• Location: Bloomington, IN
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Tuition: $624 per credit (residents); $741 per credit (non-residents)

Louisiana State University (Online)

Louisiana State University (LSU) offers an online master of social work (MSW) program that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This comprehensive program, which can be completed in around two years, prepares students for diverse career paths in business, criminal justice, education, healthcare, human services, liberal arts, technology, and more. 

The curriculum includes graduate and undergraduate programs, online college credit courses, and professional certificates. It can lead to roles in private practice therapy, child and family social work, mental health counseling, school counseling, and substance abuse counseling. The program blends online education with real-world internships and a robust professional network, equipping students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

• Location: Baton Rouge, LA
• Duration: One to two years
• Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Tuition: $599 per credit

Simmons University (Online)

Simmons University offers an online master of social work (MSW) program deeply rooted in social justice values and a multicultural perspective. The curriculum, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), prepares students to advocate for social justice and provide psychosocial support in their communities. The program offers several tracks, including advanced standing, full-time, and extended, to cater to student needs and schedules. 

Alongside the core curriculum, students can pursue certificate programs to specialize in specific areas of interest. A defining feature of the program is its practical experience through practicum education, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. Classes are interactive and small, with an average of 20 or fewer students, fostering a close-knit learning community.

• Location: Boston, MA
• Duration: Nine to 32 months
• Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Tuition: $1,148 per credit 

University of Alabama (Online)

The University of Alabama offers a master of social work (MSW) program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, that provides flexibility through its online platform. The program offers two paths to earn the MSW degree: the Advanced-Standing Program, a 42-credit-hour program for those who hold a CSWE-accredited BSW, and the 60-credit-hour program for those who do not currently hold a CSWE-accredited BSW.

Students can concentrate in areas such as Children, Adolescents and Their Families, and Adults and Their Families. In addition, the program offers dual degree options, including MSW/JD and MSW/MPH, which prepare students for leadership roles in social work and law or public health, respectively.

• Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Tuition: $440 per credit 

University at Buffalo (Online)

The University at Buffalo School of Social Work offers an online master of social work (MSW) program incorporating trauma-informed and human rights perspectives into the curriculum. The program offers traditional and advanced standing options, catering to students with different academic backgrounds and experiences. 

Field placements, completed over two semesters, are integral to the program, providing students with specialized field training opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. To facilitate effective learning, the program has specific technology requirements that students must meet. This program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring that the education provided meets the highest standards in the field of social work. 

• Location: Buffalo, NY
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Tuition: $706.25 per credit (residents); $815.25 per credit (non-residents)

University of Central Florida (Online)

The University of Central Florida offers an online master of social work (MSW) program to prepare students for careers in diverse fields such as social and community service management, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counseling, and marriage and family therapy. The program, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), is crafted to address national and global health challenges in today’s world.

Two tracks are available: a Traditional Track that can be completed in three years and an Advanced Standing Track that can be finished in 16 months. The curriculum covers many topics, including practice with diverse client populations, clinical social work practice with LGBTQ+ individuals, and practice with families. Field experience is a crucial part of the program, with traditional track students required to complete 1,000 field hours and advanced standing track students completing 600 field hours. The part-time program offers online courses with an accelerated pace of seven-week terms.

• Location: Orlando, FL
• Duration: Three years
• Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Tuition: $487.45 per credit 

University of Houston – Graduate College of Social Work (Online)

The University of Houston offers an online master of social work (MSW) program for independent, self-motivated learners who need a flexible schedule. The program assigns students to a cohort with whom they take online classes throughout the program. The curriculum starts with a 15-credit hour foundation offered across two semesters, including practicum. This foundation curriculum focuses on generalist practice in professional social work, emphasizing social, economic, and political justice and critical thinking skills.

Practicum placements provide students with hands-on social work practice experience under the supervision of a degreed master social worker. The Practicum Education Office staff works closely with online students to identify qualified agencies in their area for the practicum.

• Location: Houston, TX
• Duration: Two to three years
• Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Tuition: $474.76 per credit (residents); $994.76 per credit (non-residents)

University of Maine (Hybrid)

The University of Maine offers an online master of social work (MSW) program to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become competent and effective social workers. The program emphasizes social change and the advancement of social and economic justice. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes courses in social welfare policy, human behavior, social work practice, and field practicum. Students must complete a Generalist Year practicum of 400 hours and a Specialized Year practicum of 500 hours.

The program provides both regular and Advanced Standing formats, with the latter allowing students with a bachelor’s in social work (BSW) degree to complete their MSW in two years. Elective courses are also offered, allowing students to tailor their education based on their interests. Upon completing specific clinical social work courses and appropriate supervised work experience, graduates can apply for licensure at the State of Maine Board of Social Work Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) level.

• Location: Orono, ME
• Duration: Three years
• Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Tuition: $608 per credit 

University of Michigan – School of Social Work (Online)

The University of Michigan School of Social Work offers an online master of social work (MSW) degree program, allowing students to balance their careers while pursuing an advanced degree in social work. This versatile program offers both full-time and part-time options, catering to the different needs of students. It currently features a specialized curricular pathway in Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, & Substance Abuse, with an additional pathway in the Welfare of Children & Families becoming available in the fall of 2024.

For students with a bachelor’s in social work (BSW) degree and a GPA of 3.5 or higher, there’s an Advanced Standing option available. Alternatively, the Master Track option is offered for those not eligible for Advanced Standing. Other options are also available for U-M Sociology and Social Work (Ann Arbor) and UM-Dearborn Human Services and Social Work students

• Location: Ann Arbor, MI
• Duration: Two years
• Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Tuition: $15,962 per semester (residents); $25,691 per credit (non-residents)

What Can I Do with a Master’s Degree in Social Work?

With a master’s degree in social work, graduates can pursue careers such as clinical social workers, healthcare workers, mental health counselors, or social and community service managers. This degree also opens doors to policy-making roles, research positions, and teaching opportunities at the university level.

Here are three potential careers for those with a master’s in social work (MSW). 

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Specialist

An alcohol and drug abuse specialist, also known as a substance abuse counselor, uses their master’s in social work (MSW) degree and experience to provide expert care and support to people with substance use disorders. They conduct individual, group, and family counseling to help clients and their families cope with addiction. These specialists are trained to understand the underlying causes of addiction, help patients develop coping strategies, and recognize triggers that could lead to relapse.

In addition to counseling, these specialists may also provide interventions and crisis responses, which involve acting swiftly to prevent harmful situations related to substance abuse. They might also design a program of treatment and rehabilitation tailored to each patient’s situation, based on their knowledge of alcohol and drug dependence.

Clinical Social Worker

A clinical social worker uses their MSW degree and experience to provide mental health services to prevent, diagnose, and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders in individuals, families, and groups. Their work often involves therapy, counseling, and assistance with social and psychological issues associated with mental illness or life stressors.

They are trained to comprehensively understand complex situations, identify social and emotional needs, and devise treatment plans to improve their clients’ well-being. They may also coordinate with other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic care for their clients. The MSW degree equips them with advanced assessment, diagnosis, intervention, evaluation, advocacy, consultation, social and health policies, and program development skills. Their degree gives them a strong foundation in theories of human behavior, social systems, and ethical practices.

Foster Care Social Worker 

A foster care worker, often called a child welfare social worker, uses their MSW degree and experience to provide support and services to children in foster care and their foster families. Their responsibilities include assessing the needs of the children, coordinating services such as counseling or therapy, conducting home studies for potential foster families, and ensuring the child’s well-being and safety in the foster home.

They also assist in developing and implementing a case plan, which may involve reunification with the biological family, adoption, or independent living for older youth. They are responsible for regular check-ins with the children and their foster families and reporting on their adjustment and progress. The MSW degree provides them with advanced knowledge of child development, family systems, social policy, and skills in assessment, intervention, and case management. This education, combined with field experience, prepares them to handle the complex emotional, behavioral, and societal issues that children in foster care and their families often face.