The Best Online Master’s in Social Work Programs

A great option for distance learners, the University of Nevada, Reno enrolls 3,952 students in its online programs, which include a master of social work. The accredited program provides a rigorous education valued by employers that prepares graduates for social work careers. 

Enrollees enjoy a student-to-faculty ratio of 18-to-1, which gives them one-on-one time with faculty. The school’s website provides more information about support services and student organizations. The online program charges affordable tuition rates and offers financial aid. These options help master's candidates pay for their degree with less debt. The college has a graduation rate of 61% for its programs.

The University of Nevada, Reno Facts:

Total Online Enrollment: 5,018

Number of Online Master’s Programs: 3

Average Cost Per Credit: 837

Graduate Tuition: $5,306 per year in-state, $20,357 per year out-of-state

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,367

Average Net Price: $16,253

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Boston University educates undergraduate and graduate degree-seekers online and on its campus. The school delivers four online bachelor's programs and 24 online master's programs, which provide scheduling flexibility for busy learners.

Degree-seekers interested in social work can enroll in the online master of social work. Learners currently employed in the social work field often qualify for career advancement after graduation. Master's students can access support services such as faculty mentorship and career counseling.

Online enrollees at the school pay affordable tuition rates. Students with financial need can submit the FAFSA to qualify for federal grants, scholarships, and loans. Private scholarships and institutional fellowships can also help learners fund their master's studies.

Boston University At a Glance:

Students Receiving Aid: 55%

Students Receiving Loans: 31%

Total Master's Programs: 170

Awards Transfer Credits: No

Colorado State University's academic offerings include high-quality online undergraduate and graduate programs. The public institution offers 39 online programs, along with in-person programs at its campus in Fort Collins, Colorado. The school offers a top-ranked master of social work for graduate degree-seekers. The online social work program features flexible enrollment options that benefit working professionals.

Learners in the program take core courses and advanced social work classes. Experiential learning opportunities help graduate students bolster their resume and gain practical skills. Degree-seekers enrolled full time typically require 1–2 years to complete their master's program. Prospective applicants can contact an admissions advisor for details about application deadlines and requirements.

Online learners at the school pay affordable tuition rates. Graduate tuition rates at the institution average $10,520 for Colorado residents and $25,791 for out-of-state students. The institution holds accreditation, which means enrollees can receive federal grants, scholarships, and loans. According to the school, 79% of the student body receives financial aid to fund their education.

Based in Salt Lake City, the University of Utah educates undergraduate and graduate degree-seekers on campus and online. The public institution's master's programs include an online master of social work program for distance learners. After earning the master's degree in social work, graduates can launch a new career in the field.

Faculty advisors support students during the course of their master's studies. The program features a rigorous curriculum that meets high academic standards. Master's candidates develop leadership skills necessary to lead teams in settings.

The school's affordable tuition rates make graduate studies more accessible. The institution's dedicated financial aid counselors work with degree-seekers as they locate and apply for educational funding. 

The University of Utah At a Glance:

Online Master's Programs: 123

Total Online Programs: 16

Number of Online Students: 11,058

Graduate Tuition In-State: $7,211

Graduate Tuition Out-of-State: $25,455

Awards Transfer Credits: No

Graduate degree-seekers can enroll in online and in-person programs from Rutgers University–New Brunswick. The public institution delivers an online master of social work for distance learners. After earning the master's degree in social work, graduates often qualify for promotions or raises.

Faculty advisors help master's candidates examine complex issues and develop a strong overall understanding of the field. The program features a rigorous curriculum that helps enrollees develop transferable skills and specialized knowledge. Participants develop leadership skills necessary to lead teams in social work settings.

The school charges online learners affordable tuition rates, making graduate studies more accessible. The institution's financial aid counselors help graduate degree-seekers secure funding through scholarship and fellowship programs. 

Rutgers University–New Brunswick Fast Facts:

Online Master's Programs: 125

Total Online Programs: 33

Number of Online Students: 11,925

Graduate Tuition In-State: $17,736

Graduate Tuition Out-of-State: $30,144

Transfer Credits Permitted: No

Learners attending the University of New England can earn an online master of social work. The private institution enrolls 3,521 students in online programs. Online programs' scheduling flexibility is ideal for learners balancing academics with personal and professional obligations.

Degree-seekers in the master of social work program complete a rigorous curriculum that fosters field-specific knowledge and transferable skills. Students pursuing the master's degree can choose electives that align with their interests and professional goals.  Graduates can transition to a social work career or advance their current career in the field after earning their master's degree. Master's students can take advantage of the institution's career services to prepare to transition from their studies into the workforce.

The school offers learners access to career advising and financial aid counseling. Students at the school access affordable tuition rates and institutional funding, which can reduce out-of-pocket expenses. In addition to federal funding, learners can secure private scholarships and institutional fellowships. 

Indiana University Bloomington stands out among schools offering online programs. In addition to educating students on campus, the public institution delivers ten master's programs for online learners. Among the school's master's programs is a respected master of social work. Degree-seekers with personal or professional obligations often benefit from the online program's flexible scheduling options.

Learners gain transferable skills and prepare for positions in the field during core coursework and classes. Master's students gain specialized knowledge during elective classes and apply theoretical knowledge during experiential learning opportunities. Full-time degree-seekers typically require 1–2 years to earn their master's degree in social work. Admissions advisors provide prospective applicants with details about application deadlines and requirements.

People pursuing online graduate programs benefit from the school's affordable tuition rates. Residents of Indiana pay discounted tuition rates averaging $9,501 for graduate studies, and out-of-state graduate students pay an average of $31,932. Enrollees at the accredited institution can qualify for federal grants and loans. At the school, 84% of enrollees obtain financial aid to pay for their degree.

San Jose State University is a leader in distance learning. This institution offers online and on-campus master's degree options.  The online master of social work program relies on video lectures, assignments, and class discussions to deliver an industry-relevant education.

Applicants must submit school transcripts for consideration into the program. Students at the accredited institution can use financial aid to pay for their degree. Qualifying learners may also receive institutional aid to lower the cost of their degree. 

San Jose State University Facts:

Online Student Enrollment: 12,738

Distance Learning Master's Programs: 4

Tuition for Graduate Students: $7,176 in-state; $16,680 out-of-state

Average Student Aid Awarded: $9,262

Average Price With Aid: $14,471

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign  enrolls 13,707 students in its online courses. Distance learners can earn their master of social work at the school. The accredited program offers a rigorous course of study valued by employers and emphasizes advanced skills and knowledge for careers. 

Program participants benefit from a student-to-faculty ratio of 20-to-1, which means one-on-one attention from faculty. The program's website provides more information about support services and student organizations. 

The institution charges affordable tuition rates and offers financial aid. This makes the master's degree an affordable option for learners on a budget. Enrollees can expect a graduation rate of 85% for this program.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Facts:

Total Online Enrollment: 20,199

Number of Online Master’s Programs: 30

Graduate Tuition: $14,997 per year in-state, $28,404 per year out-of-state

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $15,442

Average Net Price: $14,660

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Texas State University educates degree-seekers online and at its San Marcos campus. In addition to on-campus graduate programs, the school offers a variety of online programs. The institution's online master of social work provides a flexible option for students interested in starting or advancing a social work career.

Rigorous coursework, faculty mentorship, and career advising help enrollees prepare for the social work field. Learners with personal or professional obligations often benefit from the online social work program's flexible scheduling options. While most master's programs require 1–2 years, part-time degree-seekers may take longer to graduate.

The institution holds accreditation, which means students with financial need qualify for federal grants and loans. Of all enrollees, 51% take out loans to fund their degree, according to information from the school. In addition to loans, learners can fund their studies through financial aid, which 76% of the institution's learners receive.

Texas State University Numbers:

Total Programs: 204

Number of Online Students: 11,452

Religious Affiliation: Non-Affiliated

Transfer Credits Accepted: No

Ohio-based Case Western Reserve University educates degree-seekers online and at its Cleveland campus. In addition to studying in person, learners can pursue the school's graduate degrees online. Students interested in social work can enroll in the online master of social work offered by the institution.

The rigorous curriculum, combined with academic and career advising, prepares enrollees for social work careers. Busy learners balancing work and school can benefit from the online social work program's scheduling flexibility. Full-time master's degree-seekers typically require 1–2 years to complete their program.

Students with financial need can fund their education through federal grants and loans. To pay for school, 54% of the school's enrollees take out loans. Learners can also apply for financial aid to fund their degree, and 89% of the institution's learners receive aid.

Case Western Reserve University Fast Facts:

Total Programs: 247

Number of Online Programs: 7

Online Master's Programs: 96

Number of Online Students: 931

Per-Credit Tuition: 1,500

Religious Affiliation: Non-Affiliated

Transfer Credits Allowed: No

Louisiana State University leads in distance learning. This school offers online and on-campus graduate degree options.  The online master of social work program's curriculum incorporates video lectures, assignments, and class discussions. In addition to this online social work program, LSU offers 9 other master's degrees.

Students may be able to lower their cost of tuition through loans or outside scholarships. Distance learners may also qualify for institutional aid to cover their tuition costs. 

Louisiana State University Fast Facts:

Online Student Enrollment: 8,775

Online Master's Programs Offered: 10

Graduate School Tuition Rate: $9,132 in-state; $9,132 out-of-state

Average Aid Awarded: $12,175

Average Price After Financial Aid: $18,143

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

The University of Missouri-Columbia ranks among the top online master's programs for social work. The public institution enrolls 9,722 students in online programs. Busy learners balancing academics with personal obligations often benefit from online programs' flexible scheduling options.

The master of social work offers a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes career-focused skills and knowledge. The master's program features electives, allowing students to tailor the curriculum to their professional goals. Learners in the online program develop specialized industry skills and knowledge. After completing the social work degree, graduates land competitive roles in their field. The institution offers career services, which can benefit current master's candidates, as well as alumni.

Master's-level learners can access support services, such as career advising and financial aid counseling. Graduate students at the accredited institution can take out federal loans to cover costs. Learners often apply for scholarships and fellowships to reduce the financial burden of earning a master's degree.

Graduate degree-seekers can enroll in online and in-person programs from the University at Buffalo. Learners throughout the country can pursue online master's programs from the public institution. The school's graduate options include a flexible and affordable master of social work.

The online master of social work program features core classes that help students develop foundational knowledge in the field. The curriculum also features upper-level coursework exploring advanced topics. Faculty members provide mentorship, and graduate students can pursue internships to prepare for careers in the field. A master's in social work often leads to leadership roles and increased earning potential. The institution's career counselors help master's students prepare to secure professional roles after graduation.

At the accredited institution, degree-seekers who demonstrate financial need can qualify for federal aid. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs to help employees earn their master's degree. Of the school's students, 84% receive financial aid.

The University of South Florida delivers undergraduate and graduate programs from its Tampa campus. Working professionals often pursue one of the school's five online bachelor's programs and any of its 27 online master's programs.

The institution's online master of social work benefits distance degree-seekers seeking career advancement in social work. After earning the master's degree in social work, graduates can apply for positions in the field or advance their current career. The school delivers services including academic advising, experiential learning programs, and career counseling.

The school supports online enrollees through affordable tuition rates and institutional funding. The college holds accreditation, which means students can submit the FAFSA to receive federal grants and loans. Private scholarships and institutional fellowships can also help learners fund their master's studies.

The University of South Florida At a Glance:

Tuition Per Credit: 907

Students Receiving Aid: 93%

Students Receiving Loans: 35%

Total Master's Programs: 103

Total Online Master's Programs: 103

Allows Transfer Credits: No

Based in Tuscaloosa, The University of Alabama educates graduate degree-seekers through in-person and flexible online programs. Distance learners can earn online master's degrees from the public institution. The school's graduate options include a flexible and affordable master of social work. Graduates with a master's in social work often qualify for raises and promotions.

The online social work program features core classes that help students develop foundational knowledge in the field. After completing core coursework, degree-seekers take advanced courses covering in-depth social work topics. Master's students can take advantage of faculty mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities. Master's candidates, as well as alumni, can work with faculty advisors and career counselors.

At the accredited institution, degree-seekers who demonstrate financial need can qualify for federal aid. Scholarships, fellowships, and employer-sponsored tuition reimbursement programs can also help distance learners finance their master's studies. At the school, 79% of students receive financial aid to fund their graduate education.

Learners can earn accessible, affordable online graduate degrees from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The public institution offers 24 online programs, including ten online master's programs. Among the school's master's programs is a respected master of science in social work. Busy students balancing work and school can benefit from the online social work program's scheduling flexibility.

Enrollees in the social work master's program gain specialized knowledge during advanced classes. Experiential learning opportunities allow participants to apply theoretical industry knowledge in practical contexts. Master's degree-seekers usually earn their degree in social work after 1–2 years of full-time study. Prospective students can contact the institution for specific application details.

The school charges online learners affordable tuition rates and offers institutional funding for eligible applicants. Residents of Tennessee pay discounted tuition rates averaging $11,468 for graduate studies, and out-of-state graduate students pay an average of $29,656. Degree-seekers in the school's online programs pay an average of $1,313 per credit. Enrollees with financial need can submit the FAFSA to apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. The school reports that 91% of its student body receives financial aid to fund their education.

Learners at the University of Iowa can enroll in a variety of top-ranked academic programs, including an online social work master's program. The public institution enrolls 15,672 students in online programs. Remote programs typically feature flexible scheduling options, which are ideal for busy learners.

The master of social work features a rigorous curriculum and meets high academic standards. Specialized electives allow students to customize the program based on their goals and interests. Learners in the online program benefit from flexible scheduling options, making earning a master's degree more convenient. After completing the program, graduates often secure high-paying positions with additional responsibilities. The institution offers career services, which can benefit current master's students and alumni.

Learners in the school's master's programs can access career advising and financial aid counseling. Degree-seekers pursuing online graduate programs benefit from the school's affordable tuition rates. Students may also qualify for scholarships, fellowships, or other forms of financial aid. The school's online graduate programs cost an average per-credit rate of $661.

Learners throughout the country can pursue high-quality online graduate programs from The Catholic University of America. In addition to on-campus options in Washington, D.C., students at the private institution can pursue 11 programs in an online format. The school's academic offerings include a master of social work for graduate degree-seekers interested in the field. People can pursue the online social work program to access flexible enrollment options that make earning a degree easier.

Learners in the program take core courses and advanced social work classes. The rigorous curriculum blends theoretical and practical knowledge, with an emphasis on industry-specific skills. While most master's programs require 1–2 years, part-time degree-seekers may take longer to graduate. For specific application details, including requirements and deadlines, prospective students can review information on the institution's website.

Online learners benefit from affordable tuition rates and can apply for institutional funding to further reduce their financial burden. The institution charges average graduate tuition rates of $48,000 for in-state and out-of-state students. At the accredited school, enrollees who demonstrate financial need can qualify for federal aid. At the college, 97% of students fund their education through financial aid.

A great option for distance learners, Simmons University enrolls 583 students in its online classes. The institution offers an online master of social work program. The accredited program provides a rigorous course of study valued by employers and offers advanced training for social work careers. 

The school reports a student-to-faculty ratio of 8-to-1, giving program participants one-on-one time with faculty. Students can learn more about online support services at the school's website. Master's degree-seekers pay affordable tuition rates and receive financial aid. This helps learners afford the master's degree with less debt. The college has a graduation rate of 81% for its programs.

Simmons University Fast Facts:

Total Online Enrollment: 3,591

Number of Online Master’s Programs: 7

Average Cost Per Credit: $875

Graduate Tuition: $21,654 per year in-state, $21,654 per year out-of-state

Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education