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.
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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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