Best Online (MSW) Master’s in Social Work Programs of 2023
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- An MSW from an accredited school is a qualifying requirement for licensure as a social worker.
- Getting your MSW doesn't need to take over your life: Online programs are a great choice for people who need a flexible degree program.
- Online MSW students will likely graduate into a rapidly growing job market.
Some folks spend their careers behind a computer screen. But social workers spend their careers elbow-deep in the rawest and most vulnerable moments of other people's lives.
In a world where people feel increasingly disconnected from the suffering of others and helpless in the face of societal problems like poverty, loneliness, oppression, or addiction, social workers are the ones who know what to do.
If you want to be a social worker, you have to have what it takes to fight for people,
said MSW student Bridget Washington. I've always known that was my calling. If you see what's wrong in the world and want to use the light inside you to fix some of the darkness, go into social work.
If that sounds like you, all you need is the right training. Check out these top online programs to start earning your degree on your own terms.
Featured Master's in Social Work Programs
MSW Programs Near Me
Why Should I Get an Online Master of Social Work?
A social work bachelor's degree qualifies you for entry-level positions. But a social work master's degree can prepare you for better opportunities, better pay, and greater impact.
You'll have far fewer opportunities, professionally, without a graduate degree,
said Ada Dye, LCSW, MBA.
Benefits of an MSW
- Boost your earning potential
- Qualify for licensure and clinical work
- Gain access to liability insurance
- Qualify for more interesting jobs
Reasons to Get Your MSW Online
- More flexibility
- Ability to learn from anywhere
- Complete coursework remotely
- Great for career-changers
Read More:
What Are the Best Accredited Online MSW Programs?
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University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $383
Out of State | N/A
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
UA Little Rock's MSW program is only available to Arkansas residents. You can choose the concurrent program option and earn a master of public service along with your MSW. This option allows you to save money by counting some credits toward both degrees. Keep in mind that you must complete field internships in person.
To apply to UA Little Rock's MSW program, you need a bachelor's degree with a liberal arts focus from an accredited school. You must hold a 3.0 overall GPA. And you must submit a personal statement, three reference letters, and official transcripts.
Indiana University-Purdue University-Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $606
Out of State | $716
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
Get ready to practice social work in various settings with IU's MSW advanced generalist program. The program focuses on special practice areas in social work. You'll receive the foundational knowledge you need, but you also have the choice to dive deeper into specialized areas.
To apply to IU's online MSW, you must hold a bachelor's degree. You'll also need to submit transcripts, three recommendation letters, and a writing sample. In addition, your application must include a personal statement and resume.
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online or Hybrid | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $603
Out of State | $603
Credits to Graduate
60-63
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
Campbellsville University's master of social work curriculum covers topics from clinical practice to substance use disorder. The curriculum also includes a faith-based focus area. Keep in mind that you need to complete six credit hours of a practicum.
To apply to Campbellsville University's MSW, complete the school application, as well as the MSW graduate program application form. You must also submit transcripts from any accredited schools you've attended along with three recommendations.
University of New England
Biddeford, ME - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,010
Out of State | $1,010
Credits to Graduate
32-64
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
Searching for an MSW program entirely online? Well, you're in luck — UNE's online MSW requires no campus visits. UNE offers two tracks. Its traditional track takes just over three years to complete, and you can finish its advanced standing track in as few as 16 months.
You need a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school or the equivalent to meet admission requirements for the traditional track. For the advanced standing track, you must have completed a CSWE-accredited BSW within the last seven years and hold significant experience in human services.
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $444
Out of State | $444
Credits to Graduate
30-60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
Not only is the master of social work from NMSU fully online, but BSW students can complete the program in as little as one year. Plus, the program is specifically designed to prepare you to work as a social worker in the southwest.
To graduate from NMSU's MSW program, you must hold at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in all courses and practicums. And to apply, you must submit electronic copies of transcripts and contact information for references.
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Commerce, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online or In-person | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $408
Out of State | $816
Credits to Graduate
36-60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
The MSW program at TAMUC offers various delivery options, so if you want to complete your MSW completely online — you can. To apply to TAMUC's program, you must have a bachelor's degree in social work with a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher, or a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 credits of undergraduate coursework.
This program makes you eligible to become a licensed master social worker in the state of Texas.
Rutgers University
Camden, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online, Hybrid, In-Person | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $950
Out of State | $950
Credits to Graduate
39-60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
The MSW from Rutgers prepares you to forge relationships in a collaborative environment through its cohort program. You'll also have the option to earn a certificate in interpersonal violence and trauma or Latino/a initiatives for service, training, and assessment.
Rutgers' program satisfies licensure requirements in the state of New Jersey. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from an accredited school with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA. You must have also taken an introductory statistics course.
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $532
Out of State | $798
Credits to Graduate
36-60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
At UND, you have two options when it comes to pursuing your MSW. If you have a BSW, you can pursue the online concentration track. If you have a bachelor's degree in a related field, you can instead pursue the online foundation track.
For UND's MSW, you must participate in the web-based Leadership Academy for Supervisors for experienced child welfare supervisors. You must complete this because most students in the program live in rural areas with limited training opportunities.
Brescia University
Owensboro, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Scheduled Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $665
Out of State | $665
Credits to Graduate
30-60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
At BU, you'll gain the foundational skills you need to offer therapy, address complex problems, and hone leadership skills in the social work space. To be considered for BU's MSW program, you need a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Plus, graduates from Brescia University's undergraduate program are eligible for preferential acceptance if they have at least a 3.5 GPA or higher. These students must have earned a minimum "C" grade in the intro to social work course.
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $958
Out of State | $1,744
Credits to Graduate
60
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council on Social Work Education
If you're hoping to get started on your MSW as soon as possible, LSU's online MSW may be the program for you. LSU's master of social work offers six start dates. Classes run for seven weeks instead of following a semester format.
To apply for LSU's MSW online program, you must have a bachelor's degree with a liberal arts education. And you need an overall 3.0 GPA, or at least a 3.0 GPA in the final 60 credit hours of an undergraduate degree.
Is an MSW Degree Worth It?
The MSW graduates we spoke to want you to know that social work is hard work. You may be paid less than you're worth. You'll learn how to make things happen with limited resources. You'll probably face compassion fatigue, overwork, and burnout.
But they also say that there is nothing more satisfying than empowering your clients and helping them thrive.
“I have never regretted this career. I have never wavered. The privilege of being an ally for my clients and walking alongside them every day is something I could never give up.”
— Kenna Hamm, LMSW and assistant director of the Texas Adoption Center
“It's a job unlike any other. The work that we do matters. After 12 years, I can honestly say that I would do it all over again.”
— Angela Clavijo, LMSW and instructor of social work at Lamar University
“My MSW was worth it. It gives me flexibility to explore different roles. It allows me to balance micro work with macro work. It allows me to have a private practice where I can make my own schedule, have career independence, and make a difference.”
— Melissa Goolsaran, LMSW
“I would tell anyone who wants to work in this field to get an MSW. Because if you do reach a point in your career where you want to make more money, you can eventually quadruple your pay by going into private practice.”
— Sue English, MSW, LCSW, CADC
Read More: MSW vs. LCSW: What's the Difference?
How Much Does an Online Master's Degree Cost?
Average Annual Cost of a Graduate Degree
Public Institution | 2020-2021
$12,394
Private Institution | 2020-2021
$26,621
Read More:
How Long Does an Online MSW Program Take?
Without a Bachelor's Degree
If you don't have a bachelor's degree in social work, MSW coursework typically takes about two years of full-time study to complete.
Course Credits Required
60-70 credits
Field Education Required*
900-1,200 hours
*Depending on your specialization
With a Bachelor's Degree
If you do have a bachelor's degree in social work, you may qualify for an accelerated master's program, which often takes 12 months of full-time study to complete.
Course Credits Required
30-35 credits
Field Education Required*
500-650 hours
*Depending on your specialization
How Much Money Will I Make With a Master's Degree in Social Work?
As you probably already know, social worker salaries aren't exactly famous for being high-paying compared to the national average.
It's not the most lucrative field, but that's also not why people choose it. This is heart-work,
said Kenna Hamm, LMSW. If you want a six-digit starting salary, you're going to be disappointed. But that doesn't mean you'll be financially insecure, either. I love my job, I'm fulfilling my purpose, and I make enough to take care of my family.
Child and family services is the most common field of practice for MSW graduates. Social workers in this field tend to earn lower salaries than those in healthcare or private practice.
Hover over the map to see how much child, family, and school social workers made in your state in 2021:
How to Consider Your ROI
Even though you're probably not pursuing an MSW to get rich, it's still important to consider the return on your investment:
- Will your starting salary cover student loan payments, rent, and groceries?
- Will you be able to meet your life goals, as well as your career goals?
Keep in mind that your ROI can also be influenced by further licensing, which is often compensated at a higher rate,
said Melissa Goolsaran, LCSW.
Read More:
What Jobs Can I Get With a Master's Degree in Social Work?
Social work is a vast profession with a ton of job options.
Since earning my MSW, I have worked in an outpatient clinic, a group home, treatment for foster care, schools, a university, and my own private therapy practice,
said Wendy B. Pitts, LCSW-C. So: Do your research, decide what you want to do, and take classes that will help you reach that goal.
Here are eight common fields of social work for MSW graduates:
Common Fields of Social Work
Read More:
Job Outlook for Social Workers
The job outlook for social workers is strong and growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 9% job growth for social workers from 2021-2031, which is faster than the average 5% growth rate for all U.S. jobs. Certain specializations have even better projections:
An MSW can also make you more competitive for jobs outside the social work field.
The skills and experience social workers bring to the table are becoming more and more valuable across the board,
said Dye. After a decade of practice, I went back to school for an MBA. I wanted to bring my insight as a healthcare social worker to bear on the business side of hospital administration, to see if I could make a bigger systemic impact. And that's exactly what I'm doing.
Read More: Featured MSW Programs
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
Everything Else You Need to Know About Starting Your Career in Social Work
CSWE Accreditation for Social Work Programs
It's vital that you choose an MSW program that is CSWE-accredited*, for three reasons:
- Quality Assurance: Accreditation ensures that you are receiving a high-quality education in your field.
- Professional Standing: A degree in an accredited program is a qualifying requirement for licensure as a social worker.
- Job Opportunities: Graduates from accredited schools can be confident their training will meet job requirements and standards — giving them more mobility and access to job opportunities nationwide.
*Note: All of the online programs we have ranked on this page are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which is the only accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for graduate programs in social work.
Social Work Licensing and Certifications
All 50 states and the District of Columbia require social workers to graduate from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and pass a licensure exam. Additional social work requirements vary by state.
Licenses available to MSW graduates include:
- Licensed master of social work
- Licensed master social worker, advanced generalist
- Licensed clinical social worker
- Licensed social worker, administration
Read More:
- How to Prepare for the ASWB Exam
- How to Become a Licensed Social Worker: State-by-State Requirements
Master's in Social Work Curriculum and Continuing Education
Though your MSW coursework will vary depending on your school and specialization, you can expect to take some version of these core classes during your first year:
- Social welfare policy
- Interventions in clinical social work
- Poverty and inequality
- Human behavior in the social environment
- Social work research
In your second year, you'll branch out into more specialized coursework — which will help give you a sense of your preferred area of practice.
Also, keep in mind that most states require social workers to complete continuing education credits to maintain licensure. Check out the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for more details.
Master's degree-holders who want to land even more advanced clinical positions can pursue a doctoral degree in social work.
Read More: Online Doctorate in Social Work Programs
The Business Side: Preparing for Private Practice
I was lucky to have an instructor in my master's program who had a private practice. She emphasized that we needed to be thinking about the business side of opening our own practice. That means finding out how to get insurance, marketing your business, and networking with people who can help you get things off the ground,
said Sue English, MSW, LCSW, CADC.
If your program offers a course on building a private practice, take it. If not, consider getting a few course credits from the business program at your school.
Compassion Fatigue: Awareness and Prevention
We get it: You're fired up. You want to change the world. But social work is physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding work. Have you thought about how to prepare yourself for the long haul?
It's so common for social workers to experience compassion fatigue and to feel exploited by the systems they have to operate within,
said English. These are problems you need to anticipate and prepare for ahead of time. As you empower your clients to set healthy boundaries and prioritize their own well-being, you must commit to doing the same for yourself.
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