Social work is a profession focused on helping individuals, families, groups, and communities to enhance their well-being and overall quality of life. Social workers work in various settings, including schools, hospitals, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private practices. They address a wide range of social issues such as poverty, inequality, discrimination, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and child welfare.
In a world where people feel increasingly disconnected from others and powerless in the face of societal problems like poverty, loneliness, oppression, or addiction, social workers can help.
Online Schools For Social Work Master’s Degree
You can become a social worker with a Bachelor of Social Work, but many social worker roles require a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.). You can complete a traditional online MSW program in four semesters or two academic years if you don’t have a bachelor’s in social work.
1. University of Georgia
Location – Athens, GA
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Cost per Credit: $629
Credits to Graduate: 60
The University of Georgia’s MSW program includes an online, extended-time option and a micro practice specialization. The curriculum centers on cultural competence and dedication to economic and social justice. Students must reside in Georgia or agree to complete their field internships in Georgia. Some field learning activities may take place via teleconferencing.
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree with coursework in biological sciences, psychology, and social sciences, a 3.0 GPA, and three recommendations. The program encourages relevant work or volunteer experience.
2. University of Houston
Location – Houston, TX
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $376-$475
Out-of-State | $896-$995
Credits to Graduate: 51
The MSW online at the University of Houston features cohort-based asynchronous classes and in-person practicums. Distance learners receive assistance in finding practicum placements in their local areas from the Practicum Education Office.
Students can select a three-year online clinical degree plan or an online macro degree plan. The program offers advanced standing options for both clinical and macro tracks.
Admission requirements include a liberal arts-focused bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a 3.0 GPA, and 2-3 recommendations. Advanced standing entry requires a BSW.
3. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Location -Ann Arbor, MI
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,107 (full-time); $1,851 (part-time)
Out-of-State | $1,781 (full-time); $2,975 (part-time)
Credits to Graduate: 45-60
The online MSW program at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor allows for both part-time and full-time study, so you should have ample flexibility with your schedule. Coursework has synchronous and asynchronous components, and participants complete 684 clock hours of field instruction. Classes cover topics like interpersonal practice in integrated health, mental health, and substance abuse.
U-M offers advanced standing to applicants who earned a BSW degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher — these students complete 45 credits to earn their master’s degree. If you’re not a candidate for advanced standing, you must complete 60 credits.
4. University of Nevada-Reno
Location – Reno, NV
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $385
Out-of-State | $770
Credits to Graduate: 60
The online MSW at the University of Nevada, Reno, features traditional and advanced standing tracks that emphasize helping clients in diverse communities, including underserved rural areas. The program prepares advanced generalists for licensure that allows autonomous practice with families, groups, and individuals.
Advanced standing students can finish in 15 months, and traditional online learners in 32 months.
Candidates need a liberal arts-focused bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school (or a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program for advanced standing), statistics and research methods coursework, and a 3.0 GPA.
5. Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Location – New Brunswick, NJ
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Cost per Credit: $1,007
Credits to Graduate: 60
Rutgers’ online MSW program offers cohort-based asynchronous courses. Learners can complete their studies in 2-3 years, and BSW holders can apply for advanced standing. Optional certificates include aging and health, interpersonal violence and trauma, and Latina/o initiatives for service, training, and assessment.
Rutgers maintains relationships with field practicum agencies across the U.S. to allow distance learners to complete clinical placements near their homes.
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA. Rutgers prefers candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to social justice.
6. University of Southern California
Location – Los Angeles, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Cost per Credit: $2,137
Credits to Graduate: 48
The University of Southern California’s online MSW offers full-time, part-time, and accelerated advanced standing options. Students can choose from five optional program tracks: adult mental health and wellness; children, youth, and families; military populations and settings; school and educational settings; and social change and innovation.
Distance learners work with a practicum coordinator to select virtual practicum experiences or community-based placements.
Admission requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school (a BSW for advanced standing), a 3.0 GPA, and two recommendation letters.
7. Fordham University
Location – Bronx, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Cost per Credit: $1,045
Credits to Graduate: 62
Fordham University’s online MSW program offers full- and part-time study and four practice focus options: evaluation, individuals and families, organizations and community, and policy practice and advocacy. Online learners work with placement specialists to find field experience sites in their communities. Students can complete their degrees in 16, 24, or 32 months.
Applicants submit transcripts, personal statements, a resume, and a letter of recommendation. The program also offers an advanced standing track for BSW holders.
8. Columbia University in the City of New York
Location – New York, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Cost per Credit: $1,854 (full-time students pay a flat rate of $27,822 per semester)
Credits to Graduate: 60
Columbia University’s online MSW program offers four specializations and seven fields of practice. The curriculum features primarily synchronous course delivery and practicum placements across the country.
Students can choose among six pathways: a two-year option; advanced standing for those with a BSW; a part-time to full-time extended track; a one-year residency for working professionals; a one-year transfer track; and part-time study.
Applicants must demonstrate a serious commitment to social work through experience or internships. Required application materials include a resume, transcripts, an admission essay, and two reference letters.
9. Simmons University
Location – Boston, MA
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Cost per Credit: $1,148
Credits to Graduate: 65
Simmons University’s MSW online program emphasizes social justice in clinical practice. Simmons offers four tracks: 32-month extended; 16-month accelerated full-time; 23-month standard full-time; and 12- to 16-month advanced standing for BSW degree holders.
Distance learners attend live, online classes and in-person clinical practicums at sites in their home communities. Students can select a focus area of interest.
Admission requires a bachelor’s degree (BSW for advanced standing) from a regionally accredited school, a 3.0 GPA, and relevant work or volunteer experience.
10. Boston University
Location – Boston, MA
4 years
Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
Cost per Credit: $956
Credits to Graduate: 43-65
Boston University’s online MSW program features a part-time delivery schedule and offers majors in clinical practice and macro practice. Classes combine self-paced work with some synchronous components. In addition to your coursework, you will take part in live classroom discussions and one or two field internships (depending on your major).
To apply, you must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. If you earned a BSW with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, you may apply to the advanced standing program — this lets you complete your degree after earning 43 credits, as opposed to 65 credits.
Submission
When choosing an online master of social work program, consider factors such as specialization and concentration offerings, student support services, accreditation, and cost. Choose a program that aligns with your passions and career goals, and consider student support services for academic and personal support. Accreditation ensures online programs meet educational and industry standards, and attending an accredited program is essential for becoming a licensed social worker. Costs can be influenced by factors like tuition, class schedule, and school location. Lower costs can be achieved by applying for scholarships and grant programs, and contacting your employer for tuition reimbursement.
