Online Master’s in Social Work Programs 2021

The Online Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA) at Case Western Reserve University is comparable to a Master of Social Work in that it prepares students to enter the field, obtain licensure and work in numerous capacities. The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences was established in 1915 and was the first university-affiliated graduate school of social work in the nation. At that time, the MSW had not yet been established and the MSSA was the standard for social workers. Today, the MSSA is seen as the equivalent to the MSW by accrediting boards and state licensing boards.

Students in the MSSA program can choose from two concentrations. The first is Community Practice for Social Change, which prepares students to lead and organize change on a broad scale. The second is Direct Practice, which allows students to engage with those in need. With the Direct Practice concentration, students can pursue one of two specializations – Children, Youth and Families (CYF) and Mental Health with Adults (MHA). Regardless of concentration, the MSSA requires 60 credits to graduate: 24 in foundation studies and 36 in a concentration. Those who already hold a BSW can enter with advanced standing and will then need to complete 36 hours for graduation, which can be completed in about two years.

The Mandel School puts strong emphasis on field experience. The online program allows students to complete their field work at their current place of employment, and advanced standing students can take advantage of SOFE, a self-paced online resource that helps them formulate their field work proposal. Though all courses are online and most are asynchronous, there might be some live online sessions required on specific dates; these sessions can be attended from anywhere via an internet connection.

Mandel School alumni have gone on to become educators, researchers, practitioners, government officials and chief executives in all 50 states and 41 countries (so far). The MSSA program at Case Western Reserve University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The Masters in Social Work at University of North Dakota allows students to complete their courses entirely online through synchronous learning. Live instruction is offered during two or three class sessions per week; these are usually held at set times that are most convenient for students, such as evenings and weekends. Those who miss a class can catch up through watching the recording of it at a later time. The frequent use of web-conferencing technology for a “live” experience helps facilitate discussion and collaboration among peers. The online program is tailored specifically to meet the needs of working professionals in the world of social work.

Those who enter the program with a BSW can expect to spend two years in the master’s program, with one six-day intensive lab session during their first year on the campus in Grand Forks. Students must earn 36 credits for graduation. Those who have a bachelor’s degree in any other field will spend three years in the program and have two intensive on-campus visits; they must earn 60 credits for graduation. Local field placements of 500 hours are required for all students in the MSW programs, which can be completed in the student’s home community. No matter the program chosen, students will enjoy in-state tuition rates, regardless of their state of residency.

The focus of the MSW program at UND is an Advanced Generalist program, which prepares students to work in a wide variety of social work settings, including clinical work. Graduates of the MSW program at University of North Dakota have proven to be in high demand in the job market, especially in North Dakota, South Dakota and western regions of Minnesota. However, students engage in the program from all over the country; recent graduates and current students represent at least 33 states. The MSW program is among the top 15% of all graduate programs at University of North Dakota. The program has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education since 1993.

The Louisiana State University School of Social Work is home to the MSW Online program, where students enjoy asynchronous learning as they prepare for a career in social work. Active in teaching graduate students since 1937, the programs through the School of Social Work are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Students choose from six start dates throughout the year. The traditional program – for those who have a degree in something other than social work – takes two years of full-time study to complete. Student attending part-time can expect to be in school for three to four years. Those with advanced standing – meaning that they hold a BSW earned within the past five years – can complete the program in as little as one year. Though the program is the same whether on campus or online, it is important for applicants to choose “online” rather than “Baton Rouge” when offered their choice of location.

To complete the degree, students must earn 60 credit hours and maintain a 3.0 GPA average throughout the program. (Advanced standing students must complete 33 hours.) They must also complete either the thesis or non-thesis option. Those who choose not to write a thesis must complete the three-part non-thesis option, which includes an integrative seminar, reflective paper and comprehensive exam.

Field education is also required. Students may complete this in the block format, which consists of 40 hour weeks for 12 weeks over the course of two modules, or the single format, during which students will work 16-18 hours per week, two days per week, over the course of four modules. Ultimately, students will complete 960 clock hours of social work training.

Those seeking a Master of Social Work at University of Missouri can choose between several options; those who need the flexibility of online learning can find it through the Part-time, Online Option. This online program is available to residents in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Iowa and Kansas. The online program is structured with full-time working professionals in mind and was created in response to the need for more social workers in rural areas of the Midwest.

All cohort programs start in the fall semester, and each semester consists of two classes. Those with regular standing can expect to complete the degree within three years, or 60 hours of coursework, all with a “B” or better. Those with advanced standing will put in two years of study, or 39 hours of coursework. All potential graduates must receive a satisfactory grade on their field practicum. During the program, students must also maintain an overall 3.0 GPA, complete all courses in the correct order and finish the program within four years of the start date.

The MSW program at University of Missouri offers two concentrations. The Clinical concentration is for those who look forward to working in social service organizations and practicing with individuals, families, small groups and local communities. Graduates of this concentration serve as educators, social brokers, community advocates, case managers, diagnosticians, counselors and the like. The Policy, Planning and Administration in Human Services concentration (PP&A) is for those who want to work at the macro level in the field, providing services to social service organizations, foundations and government entities. Graduates have found success as program administrators or directors, evaluators, researchers and policy analysts.

Students who are considering the MSW must consider where they will reside during the two or three years of study, as field practicums must be completed in the Missouri region. Moving out of the region during the period of study will result in delayed graduation or a withdrawal from the program.

The Online MSW Program at University of Buffalo is delivered part-time to allow working professionals to keep up with their employment obligations while furthering their education. Students in this program will encounter a unique trauma-informed and human rights perspective that prepares students to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world. This informed approach to social work prepares students to work with those who have suffered significant traumas or human rights abuses, such as those coming back from military deployments in war zones or refugees fleeing the same. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Students in this program will choose from the traditional online program, which requires 60 credits for graduation. This is designed for those who have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than social work. Those with advanced standing (who already hold a BSW) will enter the 35-credit program, which requires only the higher-level courses. Though the program is delivered mostly in asynchronous format, some synchronous sessions might be required; it’s important to speak with the professor at the beginning of the semester to determine how often the class will meet in real time online. Also, keep in mind that some elective courses might be available only on campus; online students who choose an on-campus course will be expected to attend that course in the traditional classroom setting.

Field placements can take place in the student’s local area. These will consist of a minimum of 15 hours per week and cannot be met through the student’s current place of employment or volunteer work. Field work will be completed over the course of two semesters. Those in the traditional track will complete 900 hours of field work; those in advance standing will complete 480 hours.

In addition to being open to in-state students, the MSW is open to out-of-state and international students as well, who all receive the lower non-resident online tuition rate. However, this is with the understanding that all work will be completed online. Those who choose a hybrid or seated course will be charged the full seated non-resident rate for all their courses that semester, which can dramatically increase their bottom line.

Students who have already earned their Bachelor of Social Work can take their education further with the Online Advanced Standing MSW program at University of South Florida. Students can choose between full-time and part-time study through synchronous courses. Though the GRE is not required, students must have graduated with their BSW within five years of the date of enrollment. It is also highly preferred that the applicant have at least one year of social work experience prior to application. Graduates tend to excel in this program; 70% of students have a job lined up before graduation, and the first-time pass rate on the Clinical Association of Social Work Boards Licensing Exam is better than the national average. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

During the online program, students will meet via webcam with their professor and peers, usually from 6:30 – 8:45pm Eastern Time. During the first semester, the cohort meets on Tuesday evenings; during following semesters, students meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Some courses might rotate and meet every other week. Students must also be available during daylight hours to complete their placement requirement of 20 hours per week for full-time students and 10 hours per week for part-time students. Though the program can help working professionals advance their education, working full-time while in the program is discouraged, due to the rigorous course load and field expectations.

Students will complete 35 credit hours, including 20 hours of core courses, eight hours of field experience, six hours of electives and one hour devoted to the capstone project. Full-time students can expect to complete their studies in three semesters, while part-time students will take five semesters to finish.

USF’s School of Social Work provides ample opportunities for field experience, thanks to more than 350 community partnerships and over 1,000 field instructors across the nation. Graduates of the MSW program have found work in veteran’s affairs services, social service agencies, private practice, school systems, medical social work and more.

The Master of Social Work at University of Alabama is offered primarily online, with some face-to-face lab sessions required. The 60-hour program is for those who hold a bachelor’s degree in something other than social work and can be completed within two years. The advanced standing, 42-hour program is for those who already hold a BSW and takes three full-time semesters to complete. Both programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Those who take either track will have most of their courses online, as well as occasional face-to-face skills labs. These labs are held on Saturdays at several locations across the state of Alabama, as well as in Jackson, Mississippi and Atlanta, Georgia. There is also an in-person, mandatory orientation in Alabama shortly after the beginning of the first semester. In addition to these face-to-face meetings, students will complete the field placement, which includes 500 hours for advanced standing students and 1,000 hours for those in the traditional track. Field education can be completed anywhere as long as it is in a work setting approved by the field coordinator. Orientation for field education will take place in Tuscaloosa, locations around Alabama or online.

Two concentrations are available to students in the MSW program. Those who choose Children, Adolescents and Their Families will be prepared to move into positions that focus on those individuals, especially in mental health or child welfare settings. Graduates might find work in social services, health care, behavioral health, substance abuse treatment and the like. Those who choose the Adults and Their Families concentration will be prepared to move into geriatric services, mental health, family services and more. No matter the concentration, the faculty teaching the MSW program focuses on improving knowledge of social issues and their solutions, strategies to improve social issues in the state and beyond, and promotion of social justice and human dignity for all.

Students at the University of Tennessee Knoxville can earn their Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) entirely online. This online program is taught by the same professors that teach the on-campus courses, meaning what students learn through their computer screen is the same as what they would learn while sitting in a classroom. Though many courses use asynchronous learning, there will be some synchronous sessions expected, usually held during evenings or weekends. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Students can choose from the part-time, full-time or advanced standing options. Advanced standing requires students to hold a BSW earned within the past five years and a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. They begin classes in the summer term and eventually complete 37 semester hours in 12 months for full-time students and up to 24 months for part-time. The full-time program requires 60 semester hours completed over two years. The Extended Study Program allows students to take even more time, requiring only six credit hours per semester, for completion within four years. Online courses for the Extended Study Program are synchronous and meet in the evenings. A field placement of 672 total hours is required, no matter the option chosen.

Two primary concentrations are available. The Evidence-Based Interpersonal Practice (EBIP) concentration provides advanced training in therapeutic and group work. Graduates of the EBIP concentration have found work in hospitals, schools, private practice, psychiatric clinics, prisons, mental health facilities, non-profit agencies and more. The Organizational Leadership (OL) concentration prepare students for macro work in the field, whether as an individual or on a team. Graduates of the OL concentration have gone on to work in government, non-profit agencies, community planning and more.

In addition to the MSSW concentrations, the program is structured to allow students to earn certificates that boost their knowledge, skills and resume. These possibilities include certificates in gerontology, school social work licensure, trauma, and veterinary social work.

Students who reside in Iowa or a neighboring state and cannot attend the on-campus MSW program can choose the MSW Online program at University of Iowa. This program launched its first cohort of 25 students in 2018; the next cohort won’t begin until 2010. The flexible scheduling allows students to complete their program in three years through primarily online courses – a total of 56 credits will be required to complete the online program, regardless of whether a student enters with a BSW or other undergraduate degree. Students will engage in the Integrated Concentration, designed for those who want to move into macro social work roles, such as those in organizational or community leadership, case management, grant writing, medical social work, holding elected office and other areas of influence on policy and practice.

Though many courses provide asynchronous learning, students can also expect to have some synchronous courses. In keeping with flexible scheduling for working professionals, the “live” courses will happen during the evenings – usually on Thursday nights – while the asynchronous courses will have deadlines to keep students on track. There is an on-campus requirement of a four-day block each year for the Summer Institute in Iowa City, where students will meet with their cohort for face-to-face learning. In addition, students in the same geographical area will meet with local social work practitioners twice per year in a group setting. Students can complete their required field practicum in their local area and are encouraged to work closely with their field supervisors to determine the best possible placement.

The Online Master of Social Work at The Catholic University of America prepares students to obtain their license in clinical social work practice. Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, this comprehensive program prepares students for careers in mental health, substance abuse, elderly care, child welfare, K-12 social work and medical/public health, among others. The mission of the degree program is to “improve the human condition, to make life better, longer and healthier for the clients we serve.”

The MSW online program features small class sizes (usually capped at 25 students), collaboration with students in identifying proper field placements, a responsive faculty and emphasis on applying theory in evidence-based practice. Students can choose from two focuses of study. The Advanced Generalist program creates a foundation for social workers who want to move into clinical work in their community. The Advanced Standing program offers a broader range of elective options, all designed to allow students to put their knowledge and skills to work with high-risk groups. Advanced standing courses look at aging services and policy, mental health, family systems practice, child welfare, at-risk individuals and underserved populations.

Students in this asynchronous program will enroll in two courses each semester. Each course is eight weeks long and is taken one at a time to maximize the attention and learning potential. The program requires 60 credits for graduation, which translates into 10 semesters, or three-and-a-half years. While working on field placements, students will take an eight-week course during the first part of the semester, but will work in their placement during the full 16 weeks, as well as participate in an integrative seminar.

Training students in clinical social work since 1904 and proudly known as the Nation’s First School of Social Work, Simmons College now offers the Online Master of Social Work. The cohort model allows students to choose between full-time, part-time and accelerated tracks. With five cohort start dates per year, applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Online social work students at Simmons College will find a rigorous, clinical-centered curriculum with plenty of freedom to carve their own path with specializations. Four concentration options – Child and Family, Trauma and Interpersonal Violence, Health and Aging, and Mental Health and Addictions – are available to those who feel strongly about one of the topics, but students can also choose to create their own individualized specialization by building a plan with specific electives.

The program requires 65 credit hours for graduation; for those who choose the accelerated track and already have a BSW in hand, this could mean they spend only 15 months in the program. Full-time students can expect to attend for six terms, while part-time students will attend for eight terms. Though much of the coursework can be completed on a student’s own time, the use of synchronous, live learning is an integral part of the curriculum. Students meet in weekly, seminar-style classes that allow them to stay in touch with professors and peers.

Students are required to complete two field education placements for a total of 1,120 hours. A clinical field specialist will assist in finding the best local placements for online students, and a field liaison will keep track of each student’s progress through courses and placement.

The Online Master of Social Work at Widener University is a trauma-focused program that prepares students to work with those who have suffered trauma, loss, neglect and a number of other serious personal challenges. All courses are taught with the understanding that trauma is a strong potential root cause in mental health issues, thus helping graduates have a greater impact in their professional roles. Students who choose to pursue the online MSW can choose between advanced standing, dual degree and certificate options.

Students who have earned their BSW within the past six years are eligible for the advanced standing option, which requires completion of 41 credit hours. The program can be completed in just two years. Those who do not hold a BSW will take the traditional option, which requires 64 credit hours. The dual degree option is a hybrid learning format, allowing students to earn their MSW as well as their Master of Education, Human Sexuality Studies. Though the MSW portion of the dual degree can be completed 100% online, the M.Ed. requires weekend courses. Finally, those students who are earning the MSW can add two additional credits through a Trauma Supervision Seminar, and thus receive their trauma certificate.

Field education is broken up into two parts: The generalist year and the concentration year. The generalist year requires 14-16 hours per week over the course of two semesters for a total of 420 hours. The specialization year requires 20-24 hours per week over two consecutive semesters. Those who choose the extended field option can complete 14-16 hours per week over three semesters. The specialization placement will result in 680 total hours of experience. In some cases, field placements might be completed at the agency where the student is already employed.

The Social Work Pathway Distance Education Program at California State University, San Bernardino is designed for those students who live too far away from campus to make classroom learning practical, or those who have a work or personal situation that requires more flexible scheduling. Though most learning is asynchronous, occasionally a synchronous meeting might be required. Students who choose the Pathway option can expect to complete their coursework fully online, with a two-day campus visit requirement at the beginning of the program for orientation to the distance learning format. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The program offers a generalist perspective, which prepares students for work in any number of micro, mezzo or macro social work areas. Field placements of a total 1,080 hours can be completed in the student’s home community, thus allowing them to put their newfound knowledge into immediate action in their local area. Though most placements take place in Northern California, out-of-state placements can be arranged.

In addition to the coursework and fieldwork required, students will also engage in pertinent extra-curricular activities that enhance their knowledge and skills. They also have the opportunity to join a wide variety of clubs and student organizations that allow for more contact with peers, both online and on campus.

This three-year program requires completion of 90 quarter units. Since the online program is more expensive to administer than the on-campus program, students can expect to pay higher tuition rates than those who attend in the classroom. Those who are employees of county and tribal services agencies might qualify for the Title IV-E Stipend, which is also available to online students.

Please note this is a very new program that is still building a strong curriculum and support services. Given this, though the program is open to those who reside in states other than California, the online social work program at California State University – San Bernardino is not currently available to international students.

The Online MSW from Fordham University is offered through the Graduate School of Social Service. Students can opt for the traditional online program or the advanced standing cohort. With start dates three times each year and the opportunity to choose numerous focus areas, graduates of the MSW program can expect to hone their knowledge and skills to better serve their communities and beyond. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The traditional track, designed for those with an undergraduate degree, requires 66 hours of generalist and advanced credits. The full-time option takes 24 months, while the part-time option takes 32 months. The accelerated option can cut the time down to only 16 months. Those who already hold a BSW can choose the advanced standing track, which requires only the advanced coursework and field practicum. The full-time advanced standing option takes eight months, while the part-time program takes 16 months to complete.

The future-focused curriculum of the online program prepares students for employment in all social work contexts. Four focus areas are offered for specialization; these include Individuals and Family, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy. Field placement of 600 hours is required for those with advanced standing, while 1200 hours will be required in the traditional track. Online students will work closely with the Field Education Department to find a suitable placement in their local area.

Though students will have an opportunity to work on their own time on a variety of assignments, they will also attend weekly live seminar-style classes to better communicate with professors and peers in real-time. Students also have Global Access membership to WeWork community workspaces across the world, where they can choose to meet in person with other students in the local area to collaborate, study and expand their professional network. A wealth of other support is available through Fordham’s robust online platform, including advisors, tech support, student support advisors and career service specialists.

The School of Social Work at University of Arkansas offers an Online Advanced Standing Full-Time Program for those who want to earn an MSW and already have a BSW in hand. This program takes a total of 12 months of full-time study to complete, which includes 39 credit hours and field placement in the student’s local area. The program uses a Multi-System Life Course (MSLC) perspective, requiring all students to develop their skills and knowledge across a variety of settings, including individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations. Though this is a new program, with the first cohort introduced in 2016, it is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Students interested in pursuing this program never have to set foot on campus; even the informational sessions, which are held at various times throughout the year, are entirely online. As is the required orientation at the beginning of the program. Most courses are delivered asynchronously with regular deadlines, but students will also need to attend an internship Field Seminar online every Tuesday evening to receive feedback.

Entry into the advanced standing online program requires that a student earned their BSW within six years prior to admission, though those who earned a BSW more than six years ago can apply for an exception if they have significant post-bachelor’s work experience. Students can expect to begin during the summer semester and complete their work by the end of the following spring semester. During that time, they will complete 900 hours of field work for graduation, which equates to about 22 hours per week. Students will also complete a capstone project, required as part of the two-course Research and Technology sequence. Alternatively, they can choose the thesis option after obtaining curriculum committee approval.