Social workers, in the most general sense, help needy or at-risk individuals of varying demographics through intervention and advocacy. They work to ensure the welfare of any population that might be vulnerable to hardship. 

A Master of Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution may be required to become a practicing social worker in your state. More specialized and technical roles within social work might also be available to you when you have a master’s in social work degree. For some social work students, the idea of completing a degree program without having to relocate or sacrifice income can be appealing. This has led to the emergence of online MSW programs as an option for MSW degree seekers.

Earn your Master of Social Work online from the University of Denver.

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

• Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
• No GRE Required
• Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

Request more info from the University of Denver.

info SPONSORED

Earn Your Master of Social Work From Simmons University

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

• Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
• Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks 
• Minimum completion time: 9 months

Request more info from Simmons University.

info SPONSORED

Earn your Master of Social Work online from Howard University

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

• Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
• Complete at least 777-1,000 hours of agency-based field education
• Earn your degree in as few as 12 months

Request more info from Howard University.

info SPONSORED

Earn Your MSW Online from Fordham University

Fordham’s skills-based, online MSW program integrates advanced relevant social work competencies, preparing students to serve individuals and communities while moving the profession forward. This program includes advanced standing and traditional MSW options.

•  Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available.
• There are four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.
• Pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time track.

Request more info from Fordham University.

info SPONSORED

Syracuse University’s Online MSW—No GRE Required

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

• Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
• No GRE required
• Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

Request more info from Syracuse University.

info SPONSORED

The primary responsibility of a social worker is to help their clients—individuals, groups, communities or agencies—solve problems. They help clients identify and treat mental, behavioral and emotional issues. This resolution can be attained through various methods that include education, advocacy or intervention. While this role has evolved over the decades, it continues to focus on maximizing human potential and fulfilling human needs. If you are thinking about transitioning to a social work career, you can follow some of the steps below, which might include obtaining an MSW degree.

Yes, you can earn an online MSW. Many online MSW programs don’t require campus visits. However, if you’d prefer some on-campus experience, you can select a program that requires it. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits on-campus and online MSW programs. CSWE-accredited online MSW programs provide flexibility in your schedule and environment while teaching you self-discipline, focus and responsibility. 

Each online MSW program has its own prerequisites, so you should contact your accredited institution for detailed information regarding its policies. Depending on your school, you may be required to submit some or all of the following:

A student pursuing a master’s degree often has to meet many program application requirements. Some CSWE-accredited online MSW programs no longer mandate standardized tests like the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). This eliminates the cost, stress and time needed to study and take the examination.

The curriculum and number of credits required to complete an online msw program vary widely depending on your school and specialization. However, a typical msw program online includes courses in:

Typically, coupled with general and elective coursework are social work field experiences. For school social workers specifically, these will take place in a school system or school district setting, and will help train social workers using hands-on methods. Online MSW programs often partner students with surrounding area field sites to offer the same field experience as on-campus programs.

One way to get a jump-start on your MSW program is to earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. Many CSWE-accredited MSW programs offer an advanced standing option. In an advanced standing program, you already have a BSW so you don’t need to take as many classes to complete your MSW. Essentially, your work as an undergraduate reduces the number of classes (and credits) you need to take when you earn a master’s in social work. 

Within the overarching umbrella of social work exist a multitude of types of social work that individuals can consider pursuing. There are social work paths that lead to schools, mental health facilities, and correctional facilities, to name just a few. Below are descriptions and resources for a few specific areas of social work.

School Social Work

A school social worker’s primary responsibility is to look out for the best interests of students in both their home and in-school lives. Some main duties might be advocating on a student’s behalf, ensuring that students have access to food and clothing, and working with parents and staff to create action plans for at-risk students. A school social worker might work in a single school, a district, or multiple districts depending on the size of the student population. Some issues school social workers might deal with are student truancy, behavioral problems, and violence. For more information about the role of social workers in schools, consult the resources created by The National Association of Social Workers  that outline trends and practices in the field.

Clinical Social Workers

Clinical social workers treat and diagnose mental illness and help people who suffer from psychological challenges overcome barriers. The ultimate goal of a clinical social worker is to provide patients with the best quality of life they can possibly have, and they employ a variety of methods to help patients achieve this.

After completing an online master’s program in social work, you have the option of becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). This certification can enable you to practice in many settings including hospitals, correctional facilities, substance abuse and addiction clinics, schools, and community health centers.

Is a Master of Social Work worth it? There are many factors to consider, including projected job growth, salary, and personal fulfillment. The median annual wage for family, child and school social workers was $47,390 in 2019, with earners in the 90% percentile earning $78,230, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Learn more about social worker salary and careers.

Before you advance your educational endeavors, research accredited online MSW programs and compare their length, curricula and costs. 

In searching for the best online MSW programs that fit your needs, carefully consider the structure of the coursework, admissions and campus visit requirements. Once you are armed with all of the information available to you about a specific program, you will be in the best position to choose an MSW online degree program that works for you.

Last Updated September 2020