Best Online Master’s in Social Work Programs for 2024

If you’re ready to level up your social justice career and become a licensed social worker, check out these top online programs right away.
Gayle Morris, MSN
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Updated May 31, 2024
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In a world where people feel increasingly disconnected from others and powerless in the face of societal problems like poverty, loneliness, oppression, or addiction, social workers can help.

“If you want to be a social worker, you must have what it takes to fight for people,” said MSW student Bridget Washington. “I’ve always known that was my calling. If you see what’s wrong in the world and want to use the light inside you to fix some of the darkness, go into social work.”

If that sounds like you, all you need is the right training. Check out these top online programs to start earning your degree on your own terms.

Popular Online Social Work Programs

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

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The Best Online Master’s in Social Work Programs of 2024

#1

University of Georgia

Athens, GA4 yearCampus + Online

$8,878

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$25,186

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

40%

Acceptance Rate

20%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,790

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,830

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

40,118

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,878

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,186

University of Georgia

Athens, GA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,878

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,186

Acceptance Rate

40%

Online Enrollment

20%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$9,790

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$28,830

Retention Rate

95%

Students Enrolled

40,118

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#2

University of Houston

Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$8,713

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,857

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

66%

Acceptance Rate

69%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,685

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,877

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

47,031

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,713

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,857

University of Houston

Houston, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,713

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,857

Acceptance Rate

66%

Online Enrollment

69%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,685

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$20,877

Retention Rate

85%

Students Enrolled

47,031

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#3

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI4 yearCampus + Online

$24,902

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$50,136

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

20%

Acceptance Rate

34%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$16,865

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,769

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

50,278

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$24,902

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,136

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$24,902

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,136

Acceptance Rate

20%

Online Enrollment

34%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$16,865

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,769

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

50,278

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#4

University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, NV4 yearCampus + Online

$5,625

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,715

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

88%

Acceptance Rate

29%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,923

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,013

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

21,034

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,625

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,715

University of Nevada-Reno

Reno, NV4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$5,625

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,715

Acceptance Rate

88%

Online Enrollment

29%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,923

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$24,013

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

21,034

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#5

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ4 yearCampus + Online

$18,180

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$30,900

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

68%

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,536

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,737

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

50,804

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,180

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,900

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$18,180

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$30,900

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment

74%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$12,536

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,737

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

50,804

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#6

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$60,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

13%

Acceptance Rate

46%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,446

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

49,318

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,446

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,446

Acceptance Rate

13%

Online Enrollment

46%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$60,446

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$60,446

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

49,318

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#7

Fordham University

Bronx, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$23,112

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,112

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

58%

Acceptance Rate

26%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,730

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,730

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

16,986

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,112

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,112

Fordham University

Bronx, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$23,112

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,112

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment

26%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$54,730

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$54,730

Retention Rate

88%

Students Enrolled

16,986

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#8

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$50,496

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$50,496

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

4%

Acceptance Rate

23%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$59,450

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$59,450

Retention Rate

99%

Students Enrolled

33,776

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$50,496

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,496

Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$50,496

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$50,496

Acceptance Rate

4%

Online Enrollment

23%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$59,450

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$59,450

Retention Rate

99%

Students Enrolled

33,776

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#9

Simmons University

Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$21,384

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,384

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

84%

Acceptance Rate

59%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$41,872

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,872

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

5,984

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,384

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,384

Simmons University

Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$21,384

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,384

Acceptance Rate

84%

Online Enrollment

59%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$41,872

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,872

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

5,984

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Boston University

Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online

$58,560

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$58,560

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

19%

Acceptance Rate

15%

Online Enrollment
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$58,560

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$58,560

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

36,104

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$58,560

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$58,560

Boston University

Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$58,560

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$58,560

Acceptance Rate

19%

Online Enrollment

15%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$58,560

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$58,560

Retention Rate

94%

Students Enrolled

36,104

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why Should I Get a Master of Social Work Online?

A social work bachelor’s degree helps you pursue entry-level positions. But a social work master’s degree can prepare you for better opportunities, better pay, and greater impact.

You’ll have far fewer opportunities, professionally, without a graduate degree, said Ada Dye, LCSW, MBA.

Benefits of an MSW

  • Boost your earning potential
  • Qualify for licensure and clinical work
  • Gain access to liability insurance
  • Qualify for more interesting jobs

Reasons to Get Your MSW Online

  • More flexibility
  • Ability to learn from anywhere
  • Complete coursework remotely
  • Great for career-changers

How to Choose an Online Master of Social Work Program

As you’re choosing the right online master of social work program to meet your goals, it’s important to consider several factors:

Specialization and Concentration Offerings

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.

Student Support Services

Student support services provide academic and personal support to improve student retention and graduation rates. The services are designed for students with academic needs or first-generation college students to promote their success.

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).

Cost

Several factors influence online MSW program costs, including whether you’re paying in-state or out-of-state tuition, taking part-time or full-time classes, or attending a private or public school.

You can help lower costs by applying for scholarships and grant programs. If you’re currently working, ask your employer if they provide tuition reimbursement.

Explore On-Campus and Online Social Work Programs by State

What to Expect from an Online Master of Social Work Program

After graduating with a online master’s of social work, you’ll be prepared to work in direct practice with individuals, groups, couples, and families.

Most states offer multiple categories for licensure. With an online MSW, you may become a licensed social worker (LSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with additional supervised hours.

In an online MSW program, students can expect to complete in-person supervised clinical hours. Hybrid programs may also expect you to attend some in-person classes.

The curriculum for an online master’s in social work may include foundation classes, specialization coursework, advanced practice methods courses, and electives.

How Long Does an Online MSW Program Take?

You can complete a traditional online MSW program in four semesters or two academic years if you don’t have a bachelor’s in social work.

Graduates with a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program may be eligible for an advanced standing program. In that case, the program will take 12-16 months to complete because of the reduced credit requirement.

These are full-time program length estimates. Master’s in social work programs typically require that part-time students graduate within four years.

Without a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

Required Course Credits

60-70

Field Study Requirements

900-1,200 hours*
*Depending on your specialization

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work

Required Course Credits

30-35

Field Study Requirements

500-650 hours*
*Depending on your specialization

Master’s in Social Work Curriculum and Continuing Education

Though your MSW coursework will vary depending on your school and specialization, you can expect to take some version of these core classes during your first year:

  • Social welfare policy
  • Interventions in clinical social work
  • Poverty and inequality
  • Human behavior in the social environment
  • Social work research

In your second year, you’ll branch out into more specialized coursework — which will help give you a sense of your preferred area of practice.

Also, keep in mind that most states require social workers to complete continuing education credits to maintain licensure. Check out the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for more details.

Master’s degree-holders who want to land even more advanced clinical positions can pursue a doctoral degree in social work.

Careers With an Online Master of Social Work Degree

Social work is a vast profession with a ton of job options.

“Since earning my MSW, I have worked in an outpatient clinic, a group home, treatment for foster care, schools, a university, and my own private therapy practice,” said Wendy B. Pitts, LCSW-C. “So: Do your research, decide what you want to do, and take classes that will help you reach that goal.”

Earning an online MSW degree will prepare you for a career as a licensed master of social work (LMSW) or licensed clinical social work (LCSW) with the opportunity to work and specialize in different populations.

Careers With a Master of Social Work Degree
OccupationMedian Annual Salary (May 2023)Employment Growth (2023-2033)
Healthcare Social Worker$62,94010%
Mental Health and Substance Misuse Social Worker$55,96012%
Child, Family, and School Social Worker$53,9405%
Marriage and Family Therapist$58,51016%
School and Career Counselors and Advisors$61,7104%
Source: BLS

An MSW can also make you more competitive for jobs outside the social work field.

“The skills and experience social workers bring to the table are becoming more and more valuable across the board,” said Dye. “After a decade of practice, I went back to school for an MBA. I wanted to bring my insight as a healthcare social worker to bear on the business side of hospital administration, to see if I could make a bigger systemic impact. And that’s exactly what I’m doing.”

What Is the Average Salary With a Master’s in Social Work?

The average annual salary for a graduate from an online MSW program is $29 per hour or $61,000 per year, according to Payscale data from Sept. 2024. Several factors influence the average salary range, including location, cost of living index, education, and experience.

An LCSW license requires more supervised clinical hours after graduation and increases your earning potential. The average LCSW salary as of Sept. 2024 was $66,812, according to Payscale.

“It’s not the most lucrative field, but that’s also not why people choose it. This is heart-work,” said Kenna Hamm, LMSW. “If you want a six-digit starting salary, you’re going to be disappointed. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be financially insecure, either. I love my job, I’m fulfilling my purpose, and I make enough to take care of my family.”

Even though you’re probably not pursuing an MSW to get rich, it’s still important to consider the return on your investment:

  • Will your starting salary cover student loan payments, rent, and groceries?
  • Will you be able to meet your life goals, as well as your career goals?

Keep in mind that your ROI can also be influenced by further licensing, which is often compensated at a higher rate, said Melissa Goolsaran, LCSW.

Is an MSW Degree Worth It?

The MSW graduates we spoke to want you to know that social work is hard work. You may be paid less than you’re worth. You’ll learn how to make things happen with limited resources. You’ll probably face compassion fatigue, overwork, and burnout.

But they also say that there is nothing more satisfying than empowering your clients and helping them thrive.

“I have never regretted this career. I have never wavered. The privilege of being an ally for my clients and walking alongside them every day is something I could never give up.”

Kenna Hamm, LMSW and assistant director of the Texas Adoption Center

“It’s a job unlike any other. The work that we do matters. After 12 years, I can honestly say that I would do it all over again.”

Angela Clavijo, LMSW and instructor of social work at Lamar University

“My MSW was worth it. It gives me flexibility to explore different roles. It allows me to balance micro work with macro work. It allows me to have a private practice where I can make my own schedule, have career independence, and make a difference.”

Melissa Goolsaran, LMSW

“I would tell anyone who wants to work in this field to get an MSW. Because if you do reach a point in your career where you want to make more money, you can eventually quadruple your pay by going into private practice.”

Sue English, MSW, LCSW, CADC

Everything Else You Need to Know About Starting Your Career in Social Work

It’s vital that you choose an MSW program that is CSWE-accredited**, for three reasons:

  1. Quality Assurance: Accreditation ensures that you are receiving a high-quality education in your field.
  2. Professional Standing: A degree in an accredited program is a qualifying requirement for licensure as a social worker.
  3. Job Opportunities: Graduates from accredited schools can be confident their training will meet job requirements and standards — giving them more mobility and access to job opportunities nationwide.

**Note: All of the online programs we have ranked on this page are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which is the only accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for graduate programs in social work.

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