Best Online Master’s in Social Work Programs for 2024

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.

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

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.

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

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 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 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).

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.”

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:

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.