What to Look For in Online MSW Programs
Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.
An ongoing national shortage of mental health professionals — coupled with an increasing demand for their services — means that qualified practitioners are needed more than ever.
Among these practitioners are social workers with a master of social work (MSW) degree. After obtaining their MSW degree and license, social workers can perform various duties, including clinical social work, and command higher salaries.
Reputable MSW degree programs are increasingly available online. It’s important to consider the program’s accreditation, cost, and admission requirements before making a decision. Review our checklist to find the right online MSW program for you.
Popular Online BSW Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What to Look for in Online MSW Programs
Below is a breakdown of what to look for in an MSW program, including accreditation, cost of attendance, admission requirements, and format. Check with your school or program for specific information.
Accreditation
An online MSW with accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) ensures that the program meets the highest academic standards and preparation for professional practice.
CSWE accreditation is also required to secure federal financial aid and to transfer credits across accredited institutions. Most states require applicants for social work licensure to earn their online MSWs from a CSWE-accredited program. CSWE’s directory of accredited programs helps simplify the process of choosing an online MSW program.
Cost
Comparing the costs of online MSW programs is a critically 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.
Tuition rates vary by location. In addition to tuition, schools also charge other fees, including technology or lab fees.
Financial Aid
Funding your MSW may seem daunting, but federal financial aid is one option. This aid consists of grants, loans, and work-study, which can help cover the costs of tuition and fees, food and housing, and other expenses. You can also check with your school’s financial aid office for scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.
Another option is to explore organizations that offer scholarships and other financial rewards in exchange for service-based commitments. These organizations include AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps.
Many states administer scholarships, loan forgiveness, and loan repayment programs specifically for those in healthcare. Professional organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers Foundation and CSWE also offer scholarships and fellowships.
Admission Requirements
Carefully consider each online MSW program’s application requirements. Applicants typically have a bachelor’s degree in a major such as social work, psychology, or sociology from an accredited institution.
Applicants with a CSWE-accredited bachelor of social work (BSW) may qualify for advanced standing admission. Those without a BSW may need to complete prerequisite coursework or demonstrate social work or human services experience.
Admission requires a minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA, school transcripts, resume, and recommendations. Many schools no longer require test scores for admission.
Online MSW Program Format
Make sure that the MSW’s online format matches your learning needs. Some programs offer classes that require students to log in and participate in live classes at scheduled times. Other classes, known as asynchronous classes, attract students who want to watch pre-recorded lectures and participate in activities at their convenience.
Even though classes are online, you must still complete field requirements in person. Most online programs allow students to complete their field hours in their communities. Knowing whether you’ll need to go on campus for orientation, intensives, or seminars is important.
How to Become a Social Worker: State-by-State Requirements
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington DC
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Best Online MSW Programs
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,368
- Out-of-state$22,467
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled68,842
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,647
- Out-of-state$11,963
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate41%
- Students Enrolled48,566
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment67%
- AccreditationYes
Tulane University of Louisiana
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$58,666
- Out-of-state$58,666
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate15%
- Students Enrolled12,285
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$63,468
- Out-of-state$63,468
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate12%
- Students Enrolled48,945
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Columbia University in the City of New York
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$61,989
- Out-of-state$61,989
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate4%
- Students Enrolled29,661
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,857
- Out-of-state$20,097
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled31,559
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Ohio State University-Main Campus
- Columbus, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,936
- Out-of-state$36,173
- Retention Rate94%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled60,046
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-San Bernardino
- San Bernardino, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled18,510
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
Boston University
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$61,050
- Out-of-state$61,050
- Retention Rate95%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled36,624
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment14%
- AccreditationYes
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
- Baton Rouge, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,047
- Out-of-state$24,731
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled39,418
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
At SocialWorkGuide.org, we use a student-oriented methodology to evaluate and rank social work programs. Using datasets from sources including the U.S. Department of Education, our objective approach focuses on academic quality, affordability, school reputation, and program appeal.
As part of our process, we focus on important and relevant information for social work students searching for their ideal programs. This ranking is from 2023. To learn more, read about our rankings methodology.
What to Expect in Online MSW Programs
Coursework
The online MSW curriculum typically includes core classes, specialization topics, and courses aligned with field placements. Common courses include:
- Introduction to social work
- Human behavior and the environment
- Practice with individuals, families, and groups
- Couple and family therapy
- Social work services for older adults.
Some programs offer specializations in advanced clinical practice, family, youth, and children’s services, and management and policy.
Program Length
Online MSW programs usually take two years to complete if students enroll without a bachelor of social work. The Advanced Standing pathway enrolls participants with a BSW, allowing them to complete fewer than the traditional 60 credits and finish in as little as one year. Other factors that impact program length include full- or part-time enrollment, the number of transferable credits, and credit for work or military experience.
Field Placements
Field placements are supervised internships that provide MSW students with hands-on experience. Students apply their theoretical knowledge during social work practice with various populations at an organization, agency, or facility.
The required field hours vary depending on each state’s licensing board’s requirements but usually total at least 900 hours.
Prepare for Licensure
Once you’ve earned your MSW, it’s time to apply for a license to practice in your state. Each state’s social work board establishes the education, clinical experience, and examination requirements for licensure.
CSWE accreditation is crucial because it ensures online MSW programs adhere to state licensure requirements. These programs also prepare graduates to pass the licensing examinations administered by the Association of Social Work Boards.
Accredited online MSW programs include generalist and specialized practice competencies and the NASW code of ethics.
What Can You Do With an MSW Degree?
Online MSW programs prepare both generalists who can provide various services and practitioners who specialize in treating specific populations. For instance, specialized social workers may qualify to help children and families, those with substance abuse and addictions, or clients with mental health problems.
Social workers who practice at the macro level work in areas such as policy development or social work administration and leadership.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7% increase in social worker jobs from 2023-2033, faster than the average 4% for all occupations. The agency projects a higher increase of 12% for healthcare, mental health, and substance use and addiction 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 independent practice or clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.
Average Salary (September 2024):$66,892
Substance Use Counselor
These social workers help clients grappling with alcohol or drug abuse. They provide one-on-one and group counseling sessions within a variety of settings, such as independent practice, community clinics, government agencies, and rehabilitation centers. Substance misuse counselors may also lead support groups and collaborate with other healthcare providers.
Average Salary (September 2024):$46,998
Social Worker
Social workers help individuals, groups, and families cope with everyday challenges. They assess clients’ needs and provide guidance and support to address crises such as illness, unemployment, or divorce. They refer clients to mental health providers and social services such as child welfare, job training, food stamps, and domestic violence support.
Average Salary (September 2024):$55,302
Geriatric Social Worker
Geriatric social workers specialize in supporting older people’s emotional, physical, and social well-being. They may provide counseling services to help clients cope with illness, grief, and aging. These specialists help aging adults coordinate various services and networks, such as home health care and transportation services.
Average Salary (November 2023):$65,787
Hospice Social Worker
Hospice social workers focus on palliative care for patients in their final stage of life. They provide counseling and emotional support to patients and families planning care and navigating the bereavement process.
Average Salary (September 2024):$60,600
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MSW Degree Programs
Is an MSW degree difficult?
MSW programs can be challenging for students without a bachelor of social work or prerequisite coursework in psychology, sociology, and statistics. However, with dedication and commitment many students find the MSW an achievable goal that leads to a rewarding career.
Is an online MSW respected?
A properly accredited online MSW provides the same rigorous curriculum and hands-on experience as on-campus programs. Online students complete MSW field placements required for licensure in their communities. Key differences include greater learning flexibility and access to online MSW programs outside your region.
Is an MSW program worth it financially?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social worker jobs are projected to increase 7-9% from 2023-2033. That’s an estimated 67,300 job openings for social workers each year. The median annual wage was $58,380 as of May 2023, with some specialties, such as healthcare social workers, earning more.
Which MSW specialization is best?
The best MSW specialization depends on your interests and career goals. Many programs offer traditional options such as mental health, child and family, or clinical social work. Students can also explore newer opportunities such as geriatric care, social work administration, or military and veterans affairs.
