10 Online Masters Of Social Work Programs You Can Study

Are you looking for an online Masters of Social Work program you can study?

Don’t panic you are in the right place.

During an online MSW program, students learn to diagnose behavioral issues, advocate for at-risk communities, and help individuals and groups manage challenges in their daily lives.

Online Masters of Social Work programs provide a flexible route to lucrative and meaningful work.

Social workers with MSWs generally earn higher-than-average salaries and qualify for roles like clinical social workers.

In this article, I’ve compiled some online Masters of Social Work programs you can study.

What Is Social Work?

Social work is an academic discipline and practice-based profession that concerns individuals, families, groups, and society as a whole to meet basic needs and enhance social functioning, self-determination, collective responsibility, and overall well-being.

What Is an Online Masters in Social Work Degree?

An online MSW program trains students in areas like social welfare policy, social work research, and clinical social work.

However, pursuing a master’s in social work online allows enrollees to complete practicum requirements in their local areas.

After earning an online Masters of Social Work degree, graduates can apply for social work licensure and pursue employment in the field.

How to Choose a Master’s in Social Work Online Program

Think About the Future. You should ask yourself why you’re entering the field of social work.

Make sure you’re in pursuit of the particular area that best resonates with you.

  • Consider the Level of Education.
  • Think Over Your Budget.
  • Do Your Research.
  • Look Closely at the School.
  • Consider the tuition fee.

What To Expect When Pursuing a Master’s in Social Work Online?

Degree-seekers enrolled in a master’s in social work online can expect to take classes in:

  • Social justice.
  • Social work practice.
  • Social welfare policy.

Social Justice

Social justice is the relation of balance between individuals and society measured by comparing the distribution of wealth differences, from personal liberties to fair privilege opportunities.

Social Work Practice

Social welfare policy is defined as acts, laws, and rules that help to improve the lives of people in the community.

Social Welfare Policy

Social work practice consists of the professional application of social work values, principles, and techniques.

Additionally, social work students often choose concentrations to prepare for specialized career paths after graduation. Online learners must often complete in-person requirements to develop practical experience.

Social Work Curriculum

The following are the list of Social Work Curriculum:

  • Diversity and Social Justice in Social Work
  • Human Behavior and the Social Environment
  • Social Welfare Policy
  • Social Work Research
  • Social Work with Individuals and Families

Social Work Concentrations

  • Aging
  • Children and Families
  • Clinical Social Work
  • Community and Social Systems
  • Forensic Social Work
  • Generalist School Social Work

Is Social Work Worth It?

Social work is a unique blend of psychology, interpersonal relationships, and work for the public good.

However, it might help individuals, children, families or addicts overcome their challenges.

Masters in Social Work Admission Requirements

Applying for an MSW program can be a long, intensive process.

Graduate schools often offer rolling admissions and review applications as soon as they arrive, rather than evaluating them after a deadline has passed.

However, the admission criteria for brick-and-mortar MSW programs vary by institution.

All candidates should hold a bachelor’s degree, but schools differ in terms of minimum undergraduate GPA and standardized test score requirements.

Why Pursue a Degree in Social Work?

  • Learners can pursue many careers with a social work degree.
  • The best social work jobs allow graduates to use their skills and talents to help their clients live better lives.
  • People who enjoy helping others reach their potential often find this work both appealing and rewarding.
  • Empathetic problem-solvers thrive in social work settings, as do individuals who enjoy working with diverse clients.

How Long Does An MSW Online Take To Complete?

The amount of time it takes to earn an online MSW varies by school.

Some offer accelerated programs that students can complete in one year, while others use a synchronous cohort format that can take up to four years.

However, an MSW typically takes two years to complete.

Skills Gained With a Social Work Degree

The following list highlights several important skills that social workers use daily:

  • Communication
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Organizational Skills
  • Emotional Skills
  • Problem-Solving

Career In Social Work

  • Counseling Services
  • Child Welfare Services
  • Community Mental Health Center
  • Social Services
  • Nursing Home
  • Hospital
  • Health Care

10 Online Masters Of Social Work Programs You Can Study

Below are 10 online Masters of Social Work Programs You can study online:

  1. University of Central Florida
  2. University of Southern California
  3. University of South Florida
  4. Boston University
  5. New Mexico State University
  6. Ohio State University
  7. University of Arkansas
  8. Arizona State University
  9. California State University
  10. Case Western Reserve University

1. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida is a public research university in unincorporated Orange County, Florida.

It is part of the State University System of Florida with almost 72,000 students.

Moreover, it currently has the largest student body in the United States. Founded in 1963 by the Florida Legislature, UCF opened in 1968 as Florida Technological University.

Their initial mission was providing personnel to support the growing U.S. space program at the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Florida’s Space Coast.

UCF’s online master’s in social work program features seven-week courses that students take one at a time.

All learning takes place virtually and students may view lectures and complete assignments on their own time.

However, students may begin the 62-credit program in the fall, spring, or summer. They also take classes in cohorts, allowing them to connect with their fellow learners regularly.

The program takes a social justice approach, focusing on improving the well-being of oppressed and marginalized groups.

In addition to online classes, students will also have to complete field education internships. All online MSW students pay the same tuition, even if they live out of state.

Their Masters of Social Work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

You can visit their website for more info https://www.ucf.edu/

2. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California is a private research university in Los Angeles, California.

Founded in 1880 by Robert M. Widney, it is the oldest private research university in California.

It is composed of one liberal arts school, the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and twenty-two undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools.

Enrolling an average of 19,500 undergraduate and 26,500 post-graduate students from all fifty U.S. states and more than 115 countries.

USC is ranked among the top universities in the United States and admission to its programs is highly selective.

If you are interested in earning an online master’s in social work at USC you can enroll in the department that best suits your needs and interests.

You can take coursework through the Departments of Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Children, Youth, and Families.

The program also offers tracks in military social work and school social work.

You can take all their classes online, with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous delivery. However, if you are a fast learner you can graduate from the 60-credit program in 2-3 years.

All students must complete at least 1,000 hours of fieldwork before graduation. Please Kindly Visit their website for more info https://www.usc.edu/

3. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida is a public research university with campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota, Florida; with the main campus located in Tampa.

It is one of 12 members of the State University System of Florida.

Founded in 1956, USF is the fourth-largest university in Florida and seventh-largest public university in the United States.

It had an enrollment of 50,830 students from over 145 countries, 50 states, and the District of Columbia as of the 2022 academic year.

USF’s online master’s in social work program features evening classes that meet twice a week.

In addition to their coursework, students complete 12-15 hours of field experience each week, totaling 900 hours by the time they graduate.

Students in all 50 states and the District of Columbia may complete this MSW program, and all coursework takes place online.

Their online masters in social work curriculum include classes in social justice, social welfare policy, and psychopathology.

Students also undertake a one-credit capstone project where they apply what they learned in the classroom and while completing field experiences to a social work case.

USF’s master’s in social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Find more info on the university’s website https://www.usf.edu/admissions/

4. Boston University

Boston University is a private research university in Boston, Massachusetts. The university is nonsectarian but has a historical affiliation with the United Methodist Church.

It was founded in 1839 by Methodists with its original campus in Newbury, Vermont, before moving to Boston in 1867.

Moreover, the university now has more than 4,000 faculty members and nearly 34,000 students and is one of Boston’s largest employers.

It offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctorates, and medical, dental, business, and law degrees through 17 schools and colleges on three urban campuses.

BU’s online master’s in social work emphasizes the importance of meeting the needs of at-risk populations through social and economic justice and ethical practices.

As a student, you may choose between traditional and human service-focused tracks. But each requires 65 credits and up to 1,200 field experience hours.

Throughout the program, you’ll attend live virtual classroom sessions each week, while also completing 1-2 internships or field experiences at sites close to where you live.

Students complete their other online course requirements at the same time.

You may select from a variety of classes in topics like group therapy, family therapy, LGBTQ+ issues, and the effects of stress and trauma on people’s lives.

A course on substance abuse disorders helps you to understand how to assess and intervene when alcohol or drugs affect individuals and families.

Kindly visit their website for more info https://www.bu.edu/

5. New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University is a public land-grant research university with its main campus in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Founded on September 17, 1888, it is the oldest public institution of higher education in the state of New Mexico and one of two flagship universities in New Mexico.

NMSU had 24,580 students enrolled as of Fall 2017 and had a faculty-to-student ratio of about 1 to 16.

It offers a wide range of programs and awards associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees through its main campus and four community colleges.

NMS U’s online master’s in social work program focuses on working with the diverse populations of the Southwest.

You will learn about the various cultural, environmental, and social factors that affect the quality of life for people throughout the region.

The 60-credit curriculum includes courses in social welfare policy, mental health practice, and advanced family practice.

If you are a full-time student you can finish the program in two years. Before graduating, you will complete 450 hours of generalist fieldwork and 500 hours of advanced generalist fieldwork.

Through these experiences, you learn directly from practicing social workers as they serve individuals, families, and communities.

While most field experience involves site-based work, students may be able to complete some of these hours virtually.

Kindly drop check their website for more info https://nmsu.edu/

6. Ohio State University

The Ohio State University, commonly Ohio State or OSU, is a public land-grant research university in Columbus, Ohio.

The flagship of the University System of Ohio, it is considered a Public Ivy and has been ranked by major institutional rankings as among the best public universities in the United States.

It was founded in 1870 as the state’s land-grant university and the ninth university in Ohio with the Morrill Act of 1862.

However, the main campus in Columbus, Ohio has grown into the third-largest university campus in the United States with nearly 50,000 undergraduate students and nearly 15,000 graduate students.

Ohio State’s online master’s in social work prepares you to help people address mental health, substance abuse, and family-related challenges.

You will leave the program prepared for direct service, advocacy, administrative, and policy roles within agencies and organizations.

This online MSW program delivers all coursework asynchronously, allowing students to complete course requirements largely on their own time.

If you are a full-time student you will graduate within two years. The program includes 896 hours of fieldwork at sites located close to where you live.

You will dedicate about 24 hours per week to these activities.

You may choose from concentrations in aging and health, mental health and substance misuse, and child and youth services.

Please kindly visit for more information https://www.onu.edu/

7. University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is a public land-grant research university in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

It is also the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas System and the largest university in Arkansas.

However, it was founded as Arkansas Industrial University in 1871, classes were first held on January 22, 1872, with its present name adopted in 1899.

UA offers a one-year, advanced standing master’s in a social work program that features online classes.

You will move through the 39-credit program in cohorts, allowing you to network and support each other.

You will take part in an internship close to where they live, spending about 22 hours per week learning directly from practicing social work professionals.

In some cases, you can complete your internship at your current workplace.

Although the program delivers most coursework asynchronously, you must attend a live field seminar every Tuesday evening.

Additionally, many graduates go on to pursue a doctorate in social work. This online MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Please kindly visit their website for more info https://www.uark.edu/

8. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research university in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

It was founded in 1885 by the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature. ASU is one of the largest public universities by enrollment in the U.S.

However, ASU has nearly 150,000 students attending classes, with more than 38,000 students attending online, 90,000 undergraduates, and more nearly 20,000 postgraduates across its five campuses and four regional learning centers throughout Arizona.

The university offers 350-degree options from its 17 colleges and more than 170 cross-discipline centers and institutes for undergraduate students, as well as more than 400 graduate degree and certificate programs.

ASU’s online master’s in social work program emphasizes social justice and finding the most practical solutions to a variety of social problems.

Coursework explores the various administrative, policy, community practice, behavioral health, and family dynamic aspects of social work practice.

Expect to take 20 total classes, one at a time.

Moreover, each class lasts 7.5 weeks. You will complete 60 credits before graduating, which usually takes two years.

Toward the end of your studies, you’ll complete an applied project.

In addition to your online courses, you will engage in two-year-long internships. Through these experiences, you hone your skills while learning from social workers in various settings.

ASU’s online MSW program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education.

Please kindly visit their website for more info https://students.asu.edu/

9. California State University

The California State University is a public university system in California with 23 campuses and eight off-campus centers enrolling 484,300 students with 26,858 faculty and 25,305 staff.

CSU is the largest four-year public university system in the United States.

Its system was created in 1960 under the California Master Plan for Higher Education, and it is a direct descendant of the California State Normal Schools chartered in 1857.

Moreover, CSU offers an online master’s in social work focused on preparing you for a variety of social work careers.

The program requires 60 credits of coursework and eliminates all on-campus requirements, using a mix of synchronous and asynchronous delivery.

In their final year of the program, your can focus your studies on a specialization, such as a field of practice, social problem, or client population.

You can then tailor your research project and assignments to your specialization.

In addition to coursework, you will take part in a field practicum, field seminar, and field events. This online MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Please kindly visit their website for more information https://www.csun.edu/

10. Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University is a private research university in Cleveland, Ohio. It was created in 1967 through the federation of two longstanding contiguous institutions.

Students in CWRU’s online social work master’s degree program learn to become change agents in the field.

They may specialize their studies in children, youth, and families; mental health with adults; or community practice for social change.

In addition to coursework, students also complete at least 900 hours of fieldwork.

These experiences allow them to develop their clinical skills, learn from social work professionals, and better understand how they can help clients with a variety of challenges.

However, all classes take place online, with set meeting times that allow students to get to know one another and their instructors.

Most full-time students graduate from the 60-credit program in two years.

The program also offers a part-time option, which usually requires three years.

Please kindly visit their website for info https://case.edu/

Conclusion

I believe you’ve learned something plus you’re satisfied with the information we provided?

Please drop your honest thoughts in the comment section below.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.