Online Social Work Masters Programs
Earning a master's in social work online can lead to a meaningful career working directly with individuals, children, and families. During an online social work degree, students learn to diagnose behavioral issues, advocate for at-risk communities, and help individuals and groups manage challenges in their daily lives. With a growing number of families falling into poverty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the social work field will need more experienced professionals to support struggling communities.
Online MSW programs are a flexible route to meaningful work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects faster-than-average job growth for social workers from 2020-2030. The median annual salary in 2020 was $51,760.
Our list ranks the best online MSW programs. Future online MSW students can use this ranking to find the right program for them. This article also introduces social work concentrations, licensure requirements for sreocial workers, and common social work careers.
Featured MSW Programs
What Is an Online Master's in Social Work?
An online MSW program trains students in areas like social welfare policy, social work research, and clinical social work. Many online MSW programs offer concentrations in children and families, school social work, or social work administration. The degree builds strong interpersonal, research, and analytical skills.
Pursuing a master's in social work online allows enrollees to complete practicum requirements in their local areas. Completing an MSW degree online generally takes two years for full-time students, though some programs offer an accelerated option. After earning an online MSW, graduates can apply for social work licensure and pursue employment in the field.
The Best Online Master's in Social Work (MSW) Degree Programs
#1 Best Online Master’s in Social Work
University of Southern California
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online master of social work degree at the University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles, prioritizes flexibility. Graduates train for leadership roles in the field while earning their degree from the social work program. A master's degree helps candidates advance in their current field or pursue a new career path.
The master's curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in social work. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. Applicants without a social work background may need to complete prerequisite courses to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees complete internship programs in their local area to gain hands-on experience. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.
University of Southern California at a Glance:
Type of school: Private not-for-profit, four-year
Admission Rate: 11%
Total Online Master's Programs: 55
Program name: Master of social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $46,272
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $46,272
Percent Online Enrollment
17%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Best Online Master’s in Social Work
The Ohio State University
- Columbus, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Columbus, The Ohio State University hosts a top-rated online master of social work program. The master of social work helps graduates increase their salary potential and take on more professional responsibilities. A master's degree can also prepare candidates for opportunities in new fields.
The master's curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to social work. Learners prepare for the job market by choosing a specialty through electives. The program recommends that applicants bring a background in social work or a related field.
Online enrollees participate in internship programs at approved locations in their local area. Graduate students expand their professional network through internships and online events.
The Ohio State University at a Glance:
Type of school: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 54%
Total Online Master's Programs: 12
Program name: Master of social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $11,560
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $35,144
Percent Online Enrollment
34%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Best Online Master’s in Social Work
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Orlando, the University of Central Florida enrolls master's students in its top-ranked online social work program. The master of social work program emphasizes advanced practice skills, training graduates for leadership roles and an increased earning potential. After earning a master's degree, candidates also pursue careers in new industries.
The master's curriculum examines theoretical and practical perspectives on social work. Learners choose electives and concentrations to prepare for focused career paths. Applicants without a degree in social work or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees complete internships in their local community to gain real-world experience. Graduate students also build professional connections through virtual networking events and other activities.
University of Central Florida at a Glance:
Type of school: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 44%
Total Online Master's Programs: 26
Program name: Master of social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $6,916
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $25,759
Percent Online Enrollment
59%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Online Master’s in Social Work
Yeshiva University
- New York, NY
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Yeshiva University, located in New York, enrolls master's students in its online social work program. Graduates train for leadership roles in the field while earning their degree from the online MSW program. Earning a master's degree can also help candidates pursue new career opportunities.
The master's curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in social work. Learners specialize the degree by choosing from a variety of electives. The program encourages applicants to gain experience in social work before applying to the program.
Online enrollees complete internship programs in their local area to gain hands-on experience. The program encourages graduate students to participate in hands-on experiences and networking events to grow their professional connections.
Yeshiva University at a Glance:
Type of school: Private, not-for-profit, four-year
Admission Rate: 55%
Total Online Master's Programs: 2
Program name: Online MSW
Graduate Tuition In State: $34,800
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $34,800
Percent Online Enrollment
12%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#5 Best Online Master’s in Social Work
Tulane University
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
From its campus in New Orleans, Louisiana, Tulane University offers an online master of social work. Graduates train for leadership roles in the field while earning their degree from the online MSW program. After completing a master's degree, candidates can pursue career advancement in their current field or a new one.
The master's curriculum explores social work research and methodologies. Learners choose electives or a specialization to gain focused career training. The master's program recommends that applicants bring a background in social work or a related field.
Online enrollees work with the program to find internship opportunities in their local area. Graduate students also participate in networking events to expand their professional connections.
Tulane University at a Glance:
Type of school: Private, not-for-profit, four-year
Admission Rate: 13%
Total Online Master's Programs: 6
Program name: Online master of social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $54,918
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $54,918
Percent Online Enrollment
12%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#6 Best Online Master’s in Social Work
University of South Florida
- Tampa, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Tampa, the University of South Florida offers an online master of social work. The online advanced standing MSW program encourages career training throughout its curriculum, preparing graduates for leadership positions. A master's degree allows candidates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.
The master's curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in social work. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants without a degree in social work or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees coordinate with the program to complete internships at approved sites in their local area. The program encourages professional development activities, including networking events, so graduate students can expand their professional connections.
University of South Florida at a Glance:
Type of school: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 48%
Total Online Master's Programs: 27
Program name: Online advanced standing MSW
Graduate Tuition In State: $8,350
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $19,048
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#7 Best Online Master’s in Social Work
Boston University
- Boston, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online master of social work at Boston University, located in Massachusetts, prioritizes flexibility. The online MSW program draws on a rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates for leadership responsibilities. A master's degree can also train candidates for roles in new industries.
The master's curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in social work. Learners prepare for focused career paths by choosing electives and concentrations. The master's program builds on prior social work experience during a bachelor's program.
Online enrollees complement the classroom experience with experiential learning opportunities in their local area. Graduate students grow their professional connections through internships and virtual networking events.
Boston University at a Glance:
Type of school: Private not-for-profit, four-year
Admission Rate: 19%
Total Online Master's Programs: 24
Program name: Online MSW
Graduate Tuition In State: $54,720
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $54,720
Percent Online Enrollment
10%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#8 Best Online Master’s in Social Work
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- New Brunswick, NJ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in New Brunswick, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey hosts a top-rated online master of social work program. The online master of social work program emphasizes specialized skills, preparing graduates for increased responsibilities and a higher earning potential. A master's degree can also train candidates for roles in new industries.
The master's curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners focus their training by choosing electives based on their interests and career goals. Applicants without a background in social work may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the master's program.
Online enrollees work with the program to identify internship opportunities at approved sites in their local communities. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey at a Glance:
Type of school: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 61%
Total Online Master's Programs: 19
Program name: Master of social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $17,736
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $30,144
Percent Online Enrollment
24%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#9 Best Online Master’s in Social Work
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Edinburg, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Edinburg, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers an online master's in social work. The master of science in social work program strengthens specialized skills, preparing graduates for leadership roles with a higher earning potential. A master's degree can also prepare candidates for opportunities in new fields.
The master's curriculum examines theoretical and practical perspectives on social work. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. Applicants with prior experience in social work or a related field often meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their local area. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley at a Glance:
Type of school: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 80%
Total Online Master's Programs: 17
Program name: Master of science in social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $5,959
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $13,555
Percent Online Enrollment
51%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#10 Best Online Master’s in Social Work
California State University, Northridge
- Northridge, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online master of social work program, offered by California State University, Northridge, ranks as a top program in the field. Graduates train for leadership roles while earning their degree from the master of social work program. Earning a master's degree helps candidates move into a new career path or advance in their current field.
The master's curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to social work. Learners prepare for the job market by choosing a specialty through electives. The master's program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in social work.
Online enrollees complete internship programs in their local area to gain hands-on experience. The program encourages graduate students to participate in networking events to grow their professional connections.
California State University, Northridge at a Glance:
Type of school: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 59%
Total Online Master's Programs: 7
Program name: Master of social work
Graduate Tuition In State: $7,176
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $16,680
Percent Online Enrollment
55%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Online Master's in Social Work (MSW) Programs Ranking Guidelines
We selected the programs based on the quality of the program, the types of courses offered, the faculty, rankings, awards, and reputation, including the school's reputation for effectively providing online degree programs.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our
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Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the
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specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at
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While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we
value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break
down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Academics
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Affordability
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Online Enrollment
Data Sources
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The Integrated
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Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
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We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and
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Featured MSW Programs
Choosing a Master's in Social Work Online Program
When researching online colleges, prospective applicants should consider factors like cost, MSW program length, and specialization options. Rather than comparing tuition rates, candidates should research the total cost. This includes fees, the total number of credits required, and textbook prices. Some programs offer accelerated options, which can mean tuition savings.
MSW students should also research the graduate placement record and field experience opportunities. Online programs often connect distance learners with local opportunities. Some programs have larger placement networks than others. By researching these factors, social work students can find the program that best suits their goals.
Accreditation for Online MSW Programs
Prospective students should always choose accredited MSW programs. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits schools of social work, including online programs. Only a CSWE-accredited degree meets the requirements for a social work license. As a result, attending an unaccredited program will limit a social worker's career options.
In addition to checking program accreditation, applicants should see if the school has regional accreditation. Some institutions have national accreditation, which doesn't meet the same standards as regional accreditation when it comes to social work degrees.
What Can I 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, and social welfare policy. Additionally, social work students often choose concentrations to prepare for specialized career paths after graduation. Online learners must often complete in-person requirements for practical experience.
Social Work Curriculum
- Diversity and Social Justice in Social Work: Most social work programs include courses on diversity and social justice. MSW students engage with diversity in practice, promote social justice, and explore social identity. The course also considers theories of social oppression, the roles of privilege and power in society, and conflict resolution.
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Social environments shape how people behave. In this course, students learn to interpret human behavior and critically examine the relationship between social settings and behavior. The course also covers concepts like social network theory and social-cognitive-behavioral theory. Learners apply these concepts through case studies to strengthen their practical skills.
- Social Welfare Policy: Topics in this course may include the development of new policies, the implementation and evaluation of social welfare policies, and the broader service delivery network. Learners also examine the relationship between policy development and delivery. The course prepares graduates for policy-making roles.
- Social Work Research: Enrollees learn about research methods, including quantitative and qualitative approaches. They also study the connection between research and practice and strategies for sampling and data collection. Learners also examine ethical issues, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity in conducting research.
- Social Work with Individuals and Families: Learners build interpersonal skills and strengthen their professional practices. Coursework covers the assessment process, building relationships with clients, and appropriate social work interventions. The class prepares graduates for clinical roles working with individuals and groups.
Social Work Concentrations
Aging
This concentration prepares students for careers working with older adults. Coursework covers services aimed at aging communities, social justice issues for older adults, and program development. Core topics include healthcare, memory care, and elder abuse. Graduates are prepared for clinical roles or policy-making positions in aging services organizations.
Children and Families
A children and families social work concentration examines mental health among children. Students learn to assess children, provide early intervention services, and offer clinical treatment for children and families. The concentration emphasizes mental health support, protective factors, and risk factors.
Clinical Social Work
This concentration trains social workers to help people facing mental and emotional challenges. Learners examine counseling practices, including methods of identifying and evaluating challenges and both individual and group treatment approaches. They also explore behavioral issues, professional challenges, and family conflicts. Graduates can pursue careers in clinical social work.
Community and Social Systems
A community and social systems concentration focuses on macro-level social welfare organizations. Students examine social systems to identify potential improvements or policy needs. They also learn to conduct macro assessments and evaluate social problems. The concentration prepares graduates for roles in social work policy-making and social welfare institutions.
Forensic Social Work
This concentration uses social work tools to address problems in the legal system. Forensic social workers represent clients within the justice system, acting as consultants or advocates in legal settings. A forensic social work concentration includes training in the criminal justice system and social services that connect to the legal system.
School Social Work
A school social work concentration examines the barriers children face in school settings. The concentration trains MSW students in issues like homelessness, violence, truancy, and challenges related to special education programs. Degree-seekers learn to work with different student populations and design student support systems in schools
Advanced Standing MSW Programs
A student with a bachelor's in social work from a CSWE-accredited program may receive advanced standing status in an online MSW program. This allows them to graduate more quickly. Typically, an MSW takes two years of full-time study to complete, but advanced standing programs usually allow students to graduate within one year.
Social Work Licensure and Certification
Social workers pursuing clinical social work, school social work, and similar fields need licenses. Each state issues its own social work licenses and sets specific licensure requirements. Generally, a licensed social worker (LSW) needs an MSW and must meet supervised experience requirements. Some states only require a bachelor's degree.
Social workers licensed in one state can often apply for a reciprocal license in other states, but it isn't automatic. They may need to meet additional requirements. Learn more about social work licensure from the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing guide.
Social Work Jobs and Salaries
Median Salary 2020: $51,340 |
Projected Job Growth 2020-2030: 15% |
Marriage and family therapists help families overcome challenges, including personal relationship problems, life changes, and mental health struggles. They work with individuals, couples, and families to help clients process life changes and make decisions about their futures. Marriage and family therapists also refer clients to relevant community resources and services, such as support groups or inpatient treatment facilities.
Strong interpersonal communication skills help marriage and family therapists support their clients. Marriage and family therapists typically hold master's degrees in social work or psychology. In every state, marriage and family therapists need licenses to practice.
Median Salary 2020: $55,690 |
Projected Job Growth 2020-2030: 4% |
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists help incarcerated individuals access social services and reintegrate into their communities upon release. These professionals work with probationers, parolees, and pretrial defendants. After evaluating clients, probation officers and correctional treatment specialists design a course of rehabilitation. This can include referring clients to services like job training or substance abuse counseling.
Most probation officer and correctional treatment specialist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in social work. A master's degree qualifies candidates for advanced roles.
Median Salary 2020: $69,600 |
Projected Job Growth 2020-2030: 15% |
Social and community service managers oversee social service programs. They identify the need for programs and services; plan and implement programs; and analyze program effectiveness.
Most managerial social work jobs require at least a bachelor's degree. Some employers prefer candidates with master's degrees or years of professional experience in social services.
Median Salary 2020: $51,760 |
Projected Job Growth 2020-2030: 12% |
Social workers assist clients with mental, behavioral, and emotional issues. They connect clients to community resources, provide counseling services, and treat mental health issues. Social workers can specialize in niche areas, like school social work or healthcare social work.
Many social workers need master's degrees. Clinical social workers must hold MSWs and have two years of supervised experience.
Median Salary 2020: $47,660 |
Projected Job Growth 2020-2030: 23% |
Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors help clients manage mental health and behavioral challenges. They evaluate clients' mental and physical health, develop customized treatment plans, and help patients modify behaviors. These counselors may also make referrals to social services and conduct outreach programs to educate the public.
Most substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors hold bachelor's degrees, while mental health counselors typically need master's degrees.
Featured MSW Programs
Ask a Social Worker
TheBestSchools sat down with social worker, Anne Inwood to discuss how she chose to pursue a master's in social work and give advice to prospective students.
Anne Inwood
Anne Inwood works at Successful Families Together, where she provides parent coaching, parent support and resources, and parent education. She helps families create successful routines and provide therapy and counseling. She has an LCSW and a master of science in child development.
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
What was your favorite aspect of earning a master of social work degree?
When I was earning my MSW, I was able to have first-hand experience working with families in various situations while learning and working under regular supervision. I had group supervision in my courses with a professor and other students, which meant we could all learn from each other and our experiences. I learned from my internship experiences as well as the experiences of my peers.
What should students interested in social work be good at?
Students studying social work should be able to have meaningful and critical self-reflection. Social workers need to be able to reflect on who they are and how their values and beliefs impact how they work with their clients. These beliefs and values may be ingrained in who a social worker is even if it's not readily apparent to them.
Social workers interact with a variety of clients who hold beliefs that can range from extreme on either end of the spectrum to more in the middle. This means that a social worker needs to be able to respond to clients with dignity and respect, no matter how similar or different their belief systems are.
This does not mean that social workers need to change their beliefs and values for a client, but they do need to be aware of what these are to make it easier to respond appropriately to clients from a variety of backgrounds.
What makes social work a popular field for online study?
Social work is a field that can be filled with nontraditional work hours, which also include being on call. This can make it more difficult to have courses at the same time each week as they may not be as confident of what their schedule will look like from week to week.
While there may be some specific times for course meetings, online learning can be more flexible in terms of when the student needs to be online, as long as assignments are submitted on time. It can also provide a more varied experience for students as they can learn from the experiences their peers are having in a variety of communities and environments.
Are there any advantages to studying social work online as opposed to in a traditional brick-and-mortar setting?
In an online program, you can interact with students in a variety of states. By contrast, while students from a brick-and-mortar setting may come from various locations, they are not having their internship experiences from a variety of states.
While the Code of Ethics provides social workers with the same ethical code, this does not mean that states have the same resources and laws. I am currently teaching in an online social work program, and students are able to learn about the variety of different social work experiences — such as hospice, child welfare, and inpatient programs — and they are able to see how different laws and regulations also impact social work. It is a valuable learning experience to see the role that advocacy can play in the field.
What makes social work such a versatile and meaningful degree?
Social work provides theories and ideas around clinical skills and providing therapy and counseling, but it also helps people learn who they are and the ideas around interacting with others. These attributes are important for everyone.
Specifically, how does a therapist help clients to know and understand themselves and their passions if the therapist is not clear on who they themselves are? If someone does not know who they are and what values and beliefs they have, how can they work effectively with others when their beliefs differ?
All of these skills can transfer to other fields and professions and are especially valuable when interacting with a client who may or may not share the same beliefs or life experiences.
Common Questions About Social Work Degrees
Which State Has the Highest-Paid Social Workers?
Hawaii, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Georgia report the highest annual mean wages for social workers.
How Hard Is A Master's in Social Work?
MSW programs can be very challenging, mentally and emotionally. MSW programs train social workers in social welfare policy-making, social work research, and clinical social work, which can all be technical. Students must also complete an internship or practicum, which can be emotionally challenging. Driven, compassionate students will thrive in an MSW program.
Can You Get Your Master's in Social Work Online?
Yes. Many top-ranked social work programs offer online MSW programs. In an online setting, learners complete coursework in a distance learning format while meeting in-person clinical requirements through local mental health organizations.
Should I Get a Master's in Social Work or Counseling?
An MSW and a master's in counseling prepare graduates for different careers. A counseling degree emphasizes counseling techniques and theories, while a social work degree takes a big-picture approach. Social workers provide a range of services within the social work system, while counselors typically work directly with clients.
How Long Does an MSW Take to Complete?
Two years for full-time students, including internship requirements. Some programs offer accelerated options, which enable students to complete their degrees in less time. Applicants must already have a bachelor's degree.
Featured MSW Programs