Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Programs: Search Programs by State

Considering making a difference through social work? Learn about the top online MSW programs and how to find the right one for you.

Updated on November 30, 2023

Edited by

Learn more about our editorial process

Edited by

Updated on November 30, 2023

Learn more about our editorial process

www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Turn Your Dreams Into Reality

Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.

If you have the drive to help others, an online master's in social work (MSW) program may be the ideal pathway towards your goals. These programs integrate theory and practical experience, helping to equip learners with the necessary skills to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

You can pursue a career as a licensed social worker or counselor with an MSW. Learn more about MSW programs and what to consider when choosing a program. Review our comprehensive list of online CSWE-accredited MSW programs in each state.

Search CSWE-Accredited Online MSW Programs by State

Alabama

Online MSW Programs in Alabama
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Auburn University	Auburn, AL	N/A	Full Time
Samford University	Birmingham, AL	Advanced Clinical Practice	Full Time, Part Time
University of Alabama	Tuscaloosa, AL	Adults and their Families; Children, Adolescence, and their Families	Full Time
University of North Alabama	Florence, AL	N/A	Full Time

Featured MSW Programs

Alaska

Online MSW Programs in Alaska
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
University of Alaska, Anchorage	Anchorage, AK	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

Arkansas

Online MSW Programs in Arkansas
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Arkansas State University	Jonesboro, AR	Rural Based Clinical Social Work Practice With an Emphasis on Trauma-informed Care	Full Time
University of Arkansas	Fayetteville, AR	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
University of Arkansas at Little Rock	Little Rock, AR	Advanced Direct Practice (clinical) Community and Organizational Impact	Full Time

Arizona

Online MSW Programs in Arizona
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Arizona State University	Phoenix, AZ; Tucson, AZ; Glendale, AZ	Policy; Administration and Community Practice; Advanced Direct Practice; Advanced Generalist	Full Time, Part Time
Grand Canyon University	Phoenix, AZ	N/A	Full Time
Northern Arizona University	Flagstaff, AZ	N/A	Full Time

California

Online MSW Programs in California
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Cal Poly Humboldt	Arcata, CA	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
California Baptist University	Riverside, CA	N/A	Full Time
California State University, Chico	Chico, CA	Child and Family Services; Mental Health; Gerontology	Full Time, Part Time
California State University, East Bay	Hayward, CA	Children, Youth, and Families; Community Mental Health	Full Time, Part Time
California State University, Northridge	Northridge, CA	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
California State University, San Bernardino	San Bernardino, CA	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
California State University, San Marcos	San Marcos, CA	Children, Youth, and Families; Behavioral Health	Full Time, Part Time
California State University, Stanislaus	Turlock, CA	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Loma Linda University	Loma Linda, CA	Clinical Practice	Full Time, Part Time
San Jose State University	San Jose, CA	Health and Mental Health; Children Youth, and Families; Aging	Full Time, Part Time
University of Massachusetts Global	Irvine, CA	N/A	Full Time
University of Southern California	Los Angeles, CA	Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Social Change and Innovation; Children, Youth and Families; School Social Work; Military Social Work	Full Time, Part Time
National University	San Diego, CA	N/A	Full Time

See All On-Campus and Online Master of Social Work Programs in California

Colorado

Online MSW Programs in Colorado
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Colorado State University	Fort Collins, CO	Multi-disciplinary, Advanced Clinical Behavioral Health; Conflict Resolution and Mediation; Nonprofit Administration; Pre-K-12 School Social Work; Social Aspects of Human-Animal Interaction	Full Time
Metropolitan State University of Denver	Denver, CO	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs	Colorado Springs, CO	Trauma-Informed Social Work	Full Time
University of Denver	Denver, CO	Child Welfare; Children & Youth: Risks and Healthy Development; Ecological Justice; Family Systems Practice; Health & Wellness; Mental Health; Organizational Leadership & Policy Practice	Full Time, Part Time

Connecticut

Online MSW Programs in Connecticut
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Sacred Heart University	Fairfield, CT	Direct Community Practice, Direct Clinical Practice	Full Time, Part Time

Delaware

Online MSW Programs in Delaware
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Delaware State University	Dover, DE	Advanced Generalist Practice	Full Time, Part Time

Florida

Online MSW Programs in Florida
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Barry University	Miami Shores, FL	Trauma-Informed Clinical Practice	Full Time, Part Time
Florida State University	Tallahassee, FL	Clinical Social Work; Social Leadership	Full Time, Part Time
Saint Leo University	St. Leo, FL	Advanced Clinical Practice	Full Time, Part Time
University of Central Florida	Orlando, FL	Advanced Clinical Practice	Full Time, Part Time
University of South Florida	Tampa, FL	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
University of West Florida	Pensacola, FL	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

Georgia

Online MSW Programs in Georgia
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Albany State University	Albany, GA	Children, Families, and Vulnerable Adults	Full Time, Part Time
Georgia State University	Atlanta, GA	Community Partnerships	Full Time, Part Time
University of Georgia	Athens, GA	Micro Practice; Macro Practice; Integrated/Combined Practice	Full Time, Part Time
Valdosta State University	Valdosta, GA	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

Hawaii

Online MSW Programs in Hawaii
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
University of Hawai'i at Manoa	Honolulu, HI	Behavioral Mental Health, Child and Family, Gerontology, and Health	Full Time, Part Time

Featured Online MSW Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Iowa

Online MSW Programs in Iowa
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Dordt University	Sioux Center, IA	Clinical Practice; Advanced Generalist; Community Practice and Administration	Full Time, Part Time
St. Ambrose University	Davenport, IA	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
University of Iowa	Iowa City, IA	N/A	Full Time

Idaho

Online MSW Programs in Idaho
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Boise State University	Boise, ID	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Idaho State University	Pocatello, ID	N/A	Full Time
Northwest Nazarene University	Nampa, ID	Clinical Mental Health & Addictions; Integrated Clinical & Community Practice	Full Time, Part Time

Illinois

Online MSW Programs in Illinois
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Aurora University	Aurora, IL	Addictions; Child Welfare; School Social Work; Forensics; Gerontology; Health Care; Leadership Administration; Military and Veteran Social Work	Full Time, Part Time
Chamberlain University	Addison, IL	Crisis and Response Interventions; Medical Social Work; Trauma	Full Time, Part Time
Dominican University	River Forest, IL	Aging, Adulthood and Gerontology; Children, Youth and Family; Global Social Work Practice for Immigrants and Refugees; Health and Well-Being; Military; School Social Work	Full Time, Part Time
Erikson Institute	Chicago, IL	Children; Adolescents & Adults; Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health	Full Time, Part Time
Loyola University Chicago	Chicago, IL	Advanced Clinical Practice; Migration Studies	Full Time, Part Time
Southern Illinois University Carbondale	Carbondale, IL	Health/Mental Health; Children, Youth & Families	Full Time
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	Urbana, IL	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
University of St. Francis	Joliet, IL	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

See All On-Campus and Online Master of Social Work Programs in Illinois

Indiana

Online MSW Programs in Indiana
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Indiana University	Indianapolis, IN	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Indiana Wesleyan University	Marion, IN	N/A	Full Time

See All On-Campus and Online Master of Social Work Programs in Indiana

Kansas

Online MSW Programs in Kansas
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Newman University	Wichita, KS	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
University of Kansas	Lawrence, KS	N/A	Full Time
Washburn University	Topeka, KS	Health Care	Full Time, Part Time

Kentucky

Online MSW Programs in Kentucky
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Brescia University	Owensboro, KY	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Campbellsville University	Campbellsville, KY	Clinical; Addiction; Faith-Based	Full Time
Northern Kentucky University	Highland Heights, KY	Clinical Behavioral Health and Community Practice	Full Time, Part Time
Spalding University	Louisville, KY	N/A	Full Time
University of Kentucky	Hazard, KY	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
University of Louisville	Louisville, KY	Alcohol and Drug Counseling; Gerontology Social Work; Mental Health Social Work; Military Social Work; Psychosocial; Oncology/Medical Social Work; School Social Work	Full Time, Part Time
University of Pikeville	Pikeville, KY	Mental Health and Addictions	Full Time
Western Kentucky University	Bowling Green, KY	N/A	Full Time

Louisiana

Online MSW Programs in Louisiana
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Louisiana Christian University	Pineville, LA	Healthcare/behavioral health; advanced generalist	Full Time, Part Time
Louisiana State University and A&M College	Baton Rouge, LA	N/A	Full Time
Tulane University	New Orleans, LA	Disaster and Collective Trauma; Mental Health; Addiction and the Family	Full Time, Part Time

Massachusetts

Online MSW Programs in Massachusetts
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Boston University	Boston, MA	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Simmons University	Boston, MA	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Lesley University	Cambridge, MA	N/A	Full Time
Regis College	Weston, MA	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Salem State University	Salem, MA	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Westfield State University	Westfield, MA	Child, Youth, and Family; Health Social Work; Latinx Community Health; Substance Use and Addictions	Full Time, Part Time

Maryland

Online MSW Programs in Maryland
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Morgan State University	Baltimore, MD	N/A	Full Time
Salisbury University	Salisbury, MD	Clinical Social Work and Advocacy; Social Change and Leadership	Full Time, Part Time
University of Maryland, Baltimore	Baltimore, MD	Aging; Behavioral Health; Community Action & Social Policy; Families and Children; Health, Organizational Leadership	Part Time

Featured Online MSW Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Maine

Online MSW Programs in Maine
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
University of Maine	Orono, ME	N/A	Full Time
University of New England	Portland, ME	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
University of Southern Maine	Portland, ME	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

Michigan

Online MSW Programs in Michigan
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Andrews University	Berrien Springs, MI	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Ferris State University	Big Rapids, MI	School Social Worker	Full Time, Part Time
Michigan State University	East Lansing, MI	Clinical Social Work, Organization and Community Leadership	Full Time, Part Time
Northern Michigan University	Marquette, MI	Clinical or Policy; Planning and Administration	Full Time, Part Time
Spring Arbor University	Spring Arbor, MI	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
University of Michigan	Ann Arbor, MI	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Wayne State University	Detroit, MI	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

Minnesota

Online MSW Programs in Minnesota
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Capella University	Minneapolis, MN	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota	Winona, MN	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
University of Minnesota-Duluth	Duluth, MN	N/A	Full Time
University of Saint Thomas	Saint Paul, MN	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Walden University	Minneapolis, MN	Addictions; Child and Family Healthcare; Military; Trauma	Full Time
Winona State University	Winona, MN	Trauma-informed Clinical Social Work	Full Time, Part Time

Missouri

Online MSW Programs in Missouri
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Missouri Baptist University	St. Louis, MO	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Missouri State University	Springfield, MO	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Park University	Parkville, MO	Gerontological Social Work; Military social work; Social Work with Children and Families	Full Time, Part Time
Saint Louis University	Saint Louis, MO	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
University of Missouri	Columbia, MO	Policy, Planning and Administration in Human Services; Clinical	Full Time, Part Time
University of Missouri-St. Louis	St. Louis, MO	Family practice; Leadership and Social Change	Full Time, Part Time

Mississippi

Online MSW Programs in Mississippi
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Jackson State University	Jackson, MS	N/A	Full Time

Montana

Online MSW Programs in Montana
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
University of Montana	Missoula, MT	N/A	Full Time

North Carolina

Online MSW Programs in North Carolina
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Appalachian State University	Boone, NC	Community and Organizational Practice; Individuals and Families	Full Time, Part Time
East Carolina University	Greenville, NC	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	Chapel Hill, NC	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
University of North Carolina at Charlotte	Charlotte, NC	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
University of North Carolina at Pembroke	Pembroke, NC	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

See All On-Campus and Online Master of Social Work Programs in North Carolina

North Dakota

Online MSW Programs in North Dakota
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
University of North Dakota	Grand Forks, ND	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

New Hampshire

Online MSW Programs in New Hampshire
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
University of New Hampshire	Durham, NH	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

New Jersey

Online MSW Programs in New Jersey
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Fairleigh Dickinson University	Teaneck, NJ	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Kean University	Union, NJ	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
The State University of New Jersey, Rutgers	New Brunswick, NJ	Clinical Social Work; Management and Policy	Full Time, Part Time
Seton Hall University	South Orange, NJ	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

See All On-Campus and Online Master of Social Work Programs in New Jersey

New Jersey Social Work Licensure Requirements

New Mexico

Online MSW Programs in New Mexico
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
New Mexico Highlands University	Albuquerque, NM	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
New Mexico State University	Las Cruces, NM	N/A	Full Time
Western New Mexico University	Silver City, NM	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

Nevada

Online MSW Programs in Nevada
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
University of Nevada, Reno	Reno, NV	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

New York

Online MSW Programs in New York
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Adelphi University	Garden City, NY	Mental Health; Substance Abuse; Trauma; Human Services Management and Organizational Leadership	Full Time, Part Time
Binghamton University	Binghamton, NY	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Columbia University	New York, NY	Aging; Contemporary Social Issues; Family, Youth & Children's Services; Health, Mental Health & Disabilities; School-Based and School-Linked Services; International Social Welfare and Services to Immigrants and Refugees; World of Work	Full Time, Part Time
Daemen University	Amherst, NY	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Fordham University	New York, NY	Health; Crisis and Resilience	Full Time, Part Time
Keuka College	Keuka Park, NY	N/A	Full Time
Nazareth College of Rochester	Rochester, NY	Family and Community Practice; Interdisciplinary Health Care	Full Time, Part Time
Roberts Wesleyan College	Rochester, NY	Mental Health; Child and Family Services	Full Time
Syracuse University	Syracuse, NY	Advanced Integrated Practice; Advanced Clinical Practice	Full Time, Part Time
Touro University	New York, NY	The Aging Population; When Veterans Come Home; Mental Illness	Full Time
University at Albany, State University of New York	Albany, NY	Aging; Mental Health	Full Time, Part Time
University at Buffalo, State University of New York	Buffalo, NY	N/A	Part Time
Yeshiva University	New York, NY	Gerontology and Palliative Care; Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC); Child Welfare Practice; School Social Work Practice; Creative Arts and Healing; Trauma Informed Practice; Social Work Practice With the Military	Full Time, Part Time
Albany State University	Albany, NY	Aging; Mental Health	Full Time, Part Time

Ohio

Online MSW Programs in Ohio
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Case Western Reserve University	Cleveland, OH	Aging; Children, Youth, and Families; Community Practice for Social Change; Health; Mental Health; School Social Work; Substance Use Disorders and Recovery	Full Time
Cleveland State University	Cleveland, OH	Clinical Social Work; Advanced Generalist Social Work	Full Time, Part Time
Ohio State University	Columbus, OH	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Ohio University	Athens, OH	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

See All On-Campus and Online Master of Social Work Programs in Ohio

Oklahoma

Online MSW Programs in Oklahoma
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
University of Oklahoma	Norman, OK	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

Oregon

Online MSW Programs in Oregon
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Portland State University	Portland, OR	N/A	Full Time

Pennsylvania

Online MSW Programs in Pennsylvania
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Millersville University of Pennsylvania and Shippensburg University Collaborative	Millersville, PA	N/A	Full Time
Pennsylvania Western University	Edinboro, PA	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Slippery Rock University	Slippery Rock, PA	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Temple University	Philadelphia, PA	Clinical Practice with Individuals and Families; Macro Practice in Organizations; Communities and Policy Arenas	Full Time, Part Time
Widener University	Chester, PA	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Carlow University	Pittsburgh, PA	Direct Practice, Macro Practice	Full Time, Part Time

See All On-Campus and Online Master of Social Work Programs in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Social Work Licensure Requirements

South Carolina

Online MSW Programs in South Carolina
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Winthrop University	Rock Hill, SC	Empowerment Practice	Full Time, Part Time

South Dakota

Online MSW Programs in South Dakota
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
University of South Dakota	Sioux Falls, SD	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

Tennessee

Online MSW Programs in Tennessee
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Austin Peay State University	Clarksville, TN	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
East Tennessee State University	Johnson City, TN	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Southern Adventist University	Collegedale, TN	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Union University	Jackson, TN	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
University of Tennessee at Knoxville	Knoxville, TN	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

See All On-Campus and Online Master of Social Work Programs in Tennessee

Texas

Online MSW Programs in Texas
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Angelo State University	San Angelo, TX	Advanced Generalist Practice; Clinical Practice	Full Time
Baylor University	Waco, TX	Diversity; Gerontology; Congregational Social Work; International Social Work; Trauma, or Integrated Behavioral Health	Full Time, Part Time
Our Lady of the Lake University	San Antonio, TX	Hispanic Children and Families	Full Time
Stephen F. Austin State University	Nacogdoches, TX	Advanced Generalist Practice in a Rural Context	Full Time, Part Time
Texas A&M University-Commerce	Commerce, TX	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Texas State University	San Marcos, TX	Advanced Practice Leadership	Full Time, Part Time
University of Houston	Houston, TX	Clinical Practice; Macro Practice	Full Time, Part Time
University of Texas at Arlington	Arlington, TX	Direct Practice in Aging; Direct Practice in Children & Families; Direct Practice in Health; Direct Practice in Mental Health & Substance Misuse; Community and Administrative Practice	Full Time, Part Time
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley	Edinburg, TX	Direct Practice with Latino Individuals, Families and Groups; Administration and Community Practice	Full Time, Part Time
West Texas A&M University	Canyon, TX	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

Utah

Online MSW Programs in Utah
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
University of Utah	Salt Lake City, UT	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

Featured Online MSW Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Virginia

Online MSW Programs in Virginia
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
George Mason University	Fairfax, VA	Adults and Healthy Aging; Children, Youth, and Families	Full Time, Part Time
Radford University	Radford, VA	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Virginia Commonwealth University	Richmond, VA	N/A	Full Time

West Virginia

Online MSW Programs in West Virginia
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Concord University	Athens, WV	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
Marshall University	Huntington, WV	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
West Virginia University	Morgantown, WV	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

Wisconsin

Online MSW Programs in Wisconsin
University	Location	Available Concentrations	Enrollment Type
Concordia University Wisconsin	Mequon, WI	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee	Milwaukee, WI	N/A	Full Time, Part Time
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	Whitewater, WI	N/A	Full Time, Part Time

How to Choose an Online Master's in Social Work Program

Enrolling in an online MSW is a major commitment. The right program depends on your goals, background, and interests. Discover the most important factors to help you identify the right MSW program.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a voluntary process that ensures online MSW programs meet educational and industry standards. Attending an accredited program is essential for those looking to become a licensed social worker. Each program listed below has been accredited by the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE).

Concentration

Many online MSW programs offer concentrations in a particular specialty or client, while others offer a generalist focus. Find an online program with a concentration that aligns with your passions and career goals.

Program Schedule

Depending on your other responsibilities, you may prefer to attend a full-time or part-time program. Online MSW programs typically follow two formats: synchronous (everyone views lectures simultaneously) or asynchronous (you view lectures when convenient).

Field Work Experience

Every program requires fieldwork, but the logistics vary by program. Some schools provide extensive support for finding a placement, while at other schools, it's entirely the student's responsibility.

Location

Because MSW programs meet local state requirements for social workers, attending a program in the state where you plan to work may be ideal. However, if you attended a school in another state, you can still apply for a license in a different state, but you may need to demonstrate that your program meets that state's requirements.

Advantages of Completing an Online MSW

Most states require you to have at least a master's degree to call yourself a social worker and earn a social work license. You may earn a higher salary with an MSW than a bachelor's degree.

Attending an online MSW program offers more flexibility than an on-campus program. You do not have to commute to classes, and if the program is asynchronous, you can attend classes at whatever time works for you. Some states even offer in-state tuition fees to all online students.

Careers With an Online MSW

Graduating from an on-campus or online MSW program opens the door to various career options. These are only some of the most common career possibilities for MSW graduates. Along with an MSW degree, licensed clinical social worker positions typically require about two years of supervised work experience.

Generalist Social Worker
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Healthcare Social Worker
Child and Family Social Worker
Mental Health and Substance Misuse Social Worker
Medical Social Worker
School Social Worker
Military and Veteran Social Worker
Behavior Analyst
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Community and Social Services Manager

Average Salary with an Online MSW

The average base salary for someone with an MSW is $60,000, according to Payscale data from August 2023. Your earnings with an MSW may vary considerably depending on your concentration, location, experience, and practice area

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median salary of the highest-paid top 10% of social workers is at least $87,300. The highest-paid social workers work in hospitals, followed by local government settings excluding healthcare and education.

The demand for licensed and trained social work professionals is growing. The BLS estimates a 9% increase in social worker employment from 2021-2031, which is faster than other occupations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master in Social Work Programs

How long does it take to complete an online MSW program?

An online MSW program generally takes 1-2 years. If you have a BSW, you may be eligible to finish an online MSW program in approximately one year of full-time study. If you have a bachelor's degree in another subject, it typically takes two years of full-time study and 1.5-2 years for part-time students.

What are the requirements to apply to an online MSW program?

To apply to an online MSW program, you must have a bachelor's degree, typically with a minimum 2.5 to 3.0 GPA, at least two references, and an essay or personal statement. You may be required to submit your fingerprints or information for a background check.

What is the difference between an online MSW and DSW program?

The difference between an online MSW and an online doctor of social work (DSW) program is primarily the advanced research and leadership in the DSW. Both degrees prepare you to become a licensed social worker. A DSW is the highest possible social worker degree and can help you to become a leader, administrator, instructor, or researcher.

Is an online MSW respected?

An online MSW program is respected just as much as an on-campus program. The programs both offer the same degree and diploma. Regardless of whether the MSW program is online or in person, ensure it's accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.