What to Look For in Online MSW Programs

Updated September 5, 2023

Your Future is Waiting

Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.

Written by Maura Deering
Last Updated: May 2023

A nationwide mental healthcare crisis and psychiatrist shortage means that social workers, among other mental health practitioners, may be overextended, according to the AAMC. As people deal with post-pandemic recovery, economic instability, and social isolation, social workers are needed more than ever to help those in need.

Many states require social workers to have a master of social work (MSW) to become licensed. Explore the best online MSW programs, which offer flexibility to accommodate students with work or other responsibilities.

What to Look For in Online MSW Programs

Accreditation

Be sure to attend an online MSW that holds accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Most states require applicants for social work licensure to earn their online MSWs from a CSWE-accredited program.

CSWE accreditation indicates that the MSW curriculum has undergone rigorous review to ensure it meets academic standards and prepares students for professional practice.

Cost

Comparing the online MSW program costs is another important step. Tuition varies depending on whether the school is public or private and if you’re paying in-state or out-of-state tuition.

Some programs feature a standard online tuition rate regardless of your residency, while others may not. In addition to tuition, schools impose fees and other costs, including technology fees and class materials costs.

Financial Aid

Federal financial aid consists of grants, loans, and work-study, which can help cover the costs of tuition and fees, food and housing, course materials and supplies, and transportation.

Other options include AmeriCorps education awards for community service and scholarships and loan repayment programs from the Department of Health and Human Services.

You can also check with your school’s financial aid office for scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships, along with organizations like the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Admission Requirements

Carefully consider the admission requirements of each program before you apply. Typical criteria include a bachelor’s degree in any field (but some programs prefer a related discipline like sociology or psychology), a minimum GPA, social services experience, and prerequisite coursework.

If you earned a bachelor of social work, you may have the option of applying for advanced standing admission, which accelerates the time to an MSW.

Online Format

Make sure you understand the online formats of the schools you’re applying to. Figure out if you prefer scheduled (synchronous) classes or non-scheduled (asynchronous) courses you access when convenient.

Even though classes are online, you will still have to complete field requirements in person. Most online programs allow students to complete their field hours in their communities. It’s also important to know whether you’ll need to go on campus for orientation, intensives, or seminars.

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Research How to Become a Social Worker by State

Each state sets their social work licensing requirements. In some states, you can pursue licensure with a BSW, while others require a master’s degree. Other requirements include getting the required experience and passing your state’s social work licensure exam.

The Best Online MSW Programs for 2023

View our methodology to learn more about how we create school rankings.

1. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida‘s online master of social work (MSW) program emphasizes interconnected national and global mental health. The traditional track requires 62 credits, which takes about three years of study. The advanced standing track, for bachelor of social work-holders, requires 32 credits and takes four months to complete.

The advanced standing curriculum includes clinical specialization classes, electives, and 600 field experience hours. The traditional track requires 1,000 field experience hours and adds 21 credits of core courses and three additional credits of electives.

Program(s): Master of social work
Campus: Orlando, Florida
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $487 per credit
Admission Requirements: Traditional track: bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; 3.0 GPA or previous graduate or professional degree. Advanced standing: BSW with 3.3 GPA in last 60 credit hours
Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
On-Campus Requirements: No

2. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida offers its master of social work (MSW) degree online. The 60-credit curriculum focuses on clinical social work and includes social work foundations courses; core courses in psychopathology and health, illness, and disability; individuals, couples, and groups social work courses; field experience; and electives. The program culminates with a capstone paper or project.

Bachelor of social work (BSW) graduates can apply for 35-credit advanced standing admission and finish their MSW sooner.

Program(s): Master of social work
Campus: Tampa, Florida
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $468 per credit for Florida residents; $915 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a liberal arts perspective (BSW with a B- in social work courses for advanced standing); one year of post-bachelor’s work experience in a social service agency preferred
Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
On-Campus Requirements: No

3. Tulane University

Tulane University offers a master of social work with full- or part-time options and a one-year advanced standing track for bachelor of social work (BSW) degree-holders. The 60-credit (48 credits for advanced standing) clinical-community curriculum focuses on relationship-centered practice within a social justice framework.

Courses include professional foundations, social work history and policy, and diversity and social justice. The Tulane University School of Social Work assists distance learners with finding field placement within 45-60 minutes of their homes.

Program(s): Master of social work
Campus: New Orleans, Louisiana
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $1,180 per credit
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts field from an accredited college or university (BSW for advanced standing); minimum 3.0 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 12-16 months
On-Campus Requirements: No

4. University of Southern California

The online master of social work program at the University of Southern California offers full- or part-time enrollment, and those with a bachelor of social work (BSW) can apply for advanced standing. Course delivery is online, and distance learners can complete the required 1,000 hours of field education through virtual practicums or community-based placements.

Concentration areas focus on adult mental health and wellness; children, youth, and families; and social change and innovation. Optional tracks cover military, school, or medical social work.

Program(s): Master of social work
Campus: Los Angeles, California
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $44,880 per year for full-time students; $26,928 per year for part-time students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (BSW for advanced standing); minimum 3.0 GPA
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: No

5. Columbia University

Columbia University‘s online master of science in social work features primarily synchronous courses and field placements throughout the country. Program pathways include full-time, part-time, advanced standing, and reduced residency options for working professionals..

Enrollees can specialize in advanced clinical practice; advanced generalist practice and programming; policy practice; and leadership, management, and entrepreneurship for social justice. Students receive assistance throughout their field placements from the Field Education Department and the Office of Advising.

Program(s): Master of social work
Campus: New York, New York
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $53,504 per year for full-time students; $64,172 total for advanced standing; $21,384 per year for part-time, part-time to full-time, and one-year residency learners
Admission Requirements:
- Full/part-time: bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Advanced standing: bachelor of social work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Residency for working professionals: two years full-time or four-years part-time of social service employment
- Transfer: completion of one year at another CSWE-accredited social work program
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: No

6. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers its master of science in social work online with emphases on leadership, social justice, and practical solutions to challenges faced by society’s most vulnerable populations.

Students with a bachelor of social work (BSW) degree may qualify for the 33-hour advanced standing track. Non-BSW-holders follow the accelerated 63-hour curriculum. Both include concentration options in administration and community practice or direct practice with Latino individuals, families, and groups.

Program(s): Master of social work
Campus: Brownsville, Texas
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $9,193 per year for Texas residents; $17,353 per year for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA (CSWE-accredited BSW with 3.2 GPA for advanced standing); completion of basic statistics course
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: No

7. Ohio State University

The online master of social work at Ohio State University includes asynchronous and synchronous instruction, full- and part-time enrollment options, and areas of emphasis in aging and health; mental health and substance abuse; child and youth services; and community and social justice. The program’s field education team matches students with agencies in Ohio and across the U.S. for supervised field placements.

Applicants with a bachelor of social work (BSW) degree may be eligible for advanced standing.

Program(s): Master of social work
Campus: Columbus, Ohio
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $765 per credit for Ohio residents; $200 surcharge per term for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; minimum 3.0 GPA; social sciences prerequisites
- Advanced standing: BSW with 3.0 GPA, B or higher in social work courses, and completion of a practicum
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: No

8. California State University, San Bernardino

California State University, San Bernardino lists a distance education option for master of social work (MSW) students who live too far away from campus or any other four-year university that offers an MSW. The online MSW program is also available to those with work or personal situations that make in-person learning impractical. Enrollees must come to campus for a three-day, mandatory orientation.

The curriculum trains advanced generalist social workers, and students work with a field education coordinator to arrange supervised field placements.

Program(s): Master of social work
Campus: San Bernardino, California
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $650 per credit for California residents; additional $396 per credit for out-of-state students
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (BSW for advanced standing); minimum 3.0 GPA; liberal arts and social and behavioral science background preferred; one year of paid or volunteer social work-related experience preferred
Minimum Time Commitment: 36 months
On-Campus Requirements: Yes

9. Boston University

Students enrolled in Boston University‘s online master of social work program study part-time and select clinical practice or macro practice concentrations. Distance learning is primarily self-paced with weekly live sessions and includes field internships in students’ home areas. Additional enrollment options are available for those with human service experience or a bachelor of social work (BSW) degree.

The curriculum focuses on at-risk populations, diversity, ethics, and social and economic justice. The macro track emphasizes organizations and policy and clinical works with individuals and groups.

Program(s): Master of social work
Campus: Boston, Massachusetts
Type: Private
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $937-$956 per credit
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; liberal arts background preferred
- CSWE-accredited BSW with 3.0 GPA for advanced standing; human service experience requires two years full-time, paid, post-bachelor’s work
Minimum Time Commitment: 6-9 consecutive semesters
On-Campus Requirements: No

10. Louisiana State University and A&M College

Louisiana State University and A&M College offers an online master of social work program in an intensive seven-week module format with asynchronous course delivery. Students can study full or part time and begin classes on one of six start dates per year. The program also offers advanced standing admission for bachelor of social work (BSW)-holders with two start dates.

Enrollees complete their field internships in their communities. The social work program encourages students to complete a thesis.

Program(s): Master of social work
Campus: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Type: Public
Accreditation(s): Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
Tuition: $599 per credit
Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (BSW for advanced standing); liberal arts background; minimum 3.0 GPA; C in introductory statistics
Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
On-Campus Requirements: No

What to Expect in an Online MSW Program

Coursework

The typical online MSW curriculum includes core classes, specialization topics, and courses aligned with field placements. Some programs feature a capstone course. Common courses include introduction to social work; human behavior and the environment; strategic planning for nonprofit organizations; couple and family therapy; and social work services for older adults.

Program Length

Online MSW programs usually take two years to complete, but bachelor of social work graduates with advanced standing can finish in one year. Other factors affecting the length of an MSW include number of transferable credits, credit for work or military experience,full- or part-time enrollment, and self-paced study or accelerated learning.

Field Placement

Field placements are a key component of an online MSW program. They provide the setting for students to gain hands-on experience under supervision with an organization, agency, or facility.

Online learners typically complete their field placements at a work site near their homes. The number of required hours corresponds to your state licensing board’s requirement, but totals at least 900 hours.

Prepare for Licensure

CSWE-accredited online MSW programs offer curriculums that adhere to state licensure requirements, preparing students to become licensed masters social workers or licensed clinical social workers. These programs also prepare graduates to pass the licensing examinations administered by the Association of Social Work Boards.

Accreditation ensures that online MSW programs include generalist and specialized practice competencies, and comply with equity and social justice guidelines, including the code of ethics created and maintained by the NASW.

What Can You Do With an MSW?

Online MSW program graduates can focus on generalist or clinical social work. They can also select from specialty areas that include children and families, healthcare, mental health, substance abuse, school social work, and policy and advocacy.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% increase in social worker jobs from 2021-2031. The agency projects a slightly higher increase of 11% for healthcare, mental health, and substance misuse social workers.

Careers With a Master’s in Social Work Degree

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

LCSWs provide psychological counseling and therapy to individuals, families, and groups. They also assist patients with daily challenges like finding jobs, housing, and social services. LCSWs often work in clinics, hospitals, private practice, and rehabilitation centers.

Average Salary (March 2023):$62,600

Hospice Social Worker

Hospice social workers focus on palliative care for patients in their final stage of life. They work on healthcare teams and offer diagnostic assessments. They also help families make care decisions and funeral arrangements, assist with insurance claims and access to community resources, such as Meals on Wheels.

Average Salary (March 2023):$56,950

Substance Misuse Counselor

These social workers work in community clinics, government agencies, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, helping patients overcome drug and alcohol addictions. They lead group and family counseling sessions, conduct one-on-one evaluations, and formulate personalized recovery plans. Substance misuse counselors may also lead support groups and collaborate with other healthcare providers.

Average Salary (March 2023):$43,360

Social Worker

Social workers provide non-clinical services, such as facilitating support groups and connecting patients with healthcare or mental healthcare providers. They also refer patients to social services, such as child welfare, domestic violence support, food stamps, job training, and legal resources.

Average Salary (March 2023):$51,607

Bereavement Coordinator

These professionals help terminally ill patients and their families and caregivers. They serve as guides through the grieving process and help with finding hospice care, making funeral arrangements, and arranging follow-up counseling for loved ones. Bereavement coordinators often work for healthcare organizations.

Average Salary (March 2023):$48,780

Learn more about social work careers at every degree level.

How Much Can You Make With a Master’s in Social Work Degree?

According to May 2023 Payscale data, MSW degree holders earn an average annual salary of $59,000. LCSWs make close to $63,000, medical social workers earn more than $60,000, and school social workers bring in just over $50,000.

Experience level also influences how much social workers earn. Mid-career (5-9 years) social workers earn 6% more than those beginning their careers. While experienced (10-19 years) social workers make 24% more in average salary.

Skills that can help social workers earn higher wages include home health/home care (40%), policy analysis (25%), and hospice care (11%). Social workers can also pursue salary increases through supervisory positions, advanced degrees, and location.

Frequently Asked Questions about Getting Your Master’s in Social Work Online

Why pursue an MSW?

While some states license bachelor of social work graduates, many states only license those with an MSW. Not all states require licensure to practice, but an MSW is required for licensed clinical social workers and licensed master social workers. MSWs also provide a gateway to doctoral social work programs.

Is an online MSW worth it?

Online MSW programs accredited by the CSWE offer the same academic quality and professional preparation as on-campus programs. The only difference is that students attend class via distance learning. Online and on-campus students must complete field placements in person. Online students can potentially save money on commuting, parking, housing, and tuition.

What degree do most social workers need?

While licensing requirements vary by state, most social workers need an MSW degree. MSW degree-holders can become LCSWs or LMSWs – or both. MSWs can practice clinical social work and enter doctoral social work programs.

Is an MSW the same as LCSW?

You need an MSW degree to become an LCSW. LCSWs can work in healthcare organizations or private practice providing psychological counseling and therapy to patients.