Social work professionals with an MSW are crucial in assisting individuals facing mental health emergencies, domestic abuse, financial hardships, and family deaths. With online degree programs, you can earn your master’s in social work in about two years and gain advanced skills for serving diverse client populations. Programs designed for working adults are offered either entirely online or in hybrid format, with some on-campus requirements. Three top online master of social work programs are featured below with information on tuition, coursework, and learning formats.Online Master's Degrees in Social Work (MSW): Reviewing Schools
Explore Online MSW Degrees
Online MSW programs allow students to study advanced social work theories and practices without relocating or pausing their careers. Many are designed for working professionals, with part-time or accelerated tracks and flexible class schedules.
While some programs can be completed entirely online, most require at least some in-person or supervised fieldwork to meet Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards. Students complete local internships or campus residencies to practice clinical skills.
When choosing a program, consider cost, accreditation status, whether the school offers specializations of interest, and flexibility of class formats and field study.
Florida State University
Florida State University offers an online Master of Social Work program that was one of the first CSWE-accredited online MSW degrees in the country. It provides a path to clinical social work licensure through a part-time curriculum delivered mostly online.
The program combines asynchronous online coursework with hands-on training: students attend two weekend residencies on campus in Tallahassee to practice clinical skills, and complete local field internships arranged in their community. FSU’s online MSW is fully accredited and prepares graduates to become Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs).
Duration: 3 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $444/credit ($27,084 total), in state; $625/credit ($38,125 total), out of state
Curriculum:
- Human behavior and the social environment
- Social welfare policy and services
- Mental health and child welfare
- Clinical social work practice
Texas State University
Texas State University’s online Advanced Practice Leadership MSW features fully online coursework that develops advanced leadership combined with direct practice skills for social workers. It is built on a liberal arts foundation and emphasizes training to serve diverse populations in public services.
Graduates of Texas State’s MSW program have a strong record on licensure exams and find employment in social service fields. The School of Social work also offers electives in health care, diversity, international social work, gerontology, spirituality, adventure therapy, and work with veterans, among others. A supervised field practicum/internship is required.
Duration: 2 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $499.36 per credit
Curriculum:
- Social Work and Health Care
- International Social Work
- Introduction to Trauma Informed Care
- Innovative Community Engagement with Vulnerable Populations
- Social Work Practice in the Criminal Justice System
- School Social Work
- Spirituality in Social Work Practice
- Human Behavior in Individual and Family Social Environments
- Social Welfare Policy and Services
- Foundation Social Work Practice
- Advanced Social Policy and Social Justice
- Advanced Social Work Research
Louisiana State University
Louisiana State University’s online Master of Social Work is a flexible program delivered in a 7-week course format. Students can choose from six start dates throughout the year and move through the 60-credit curriculum in approximately two years of full-time study (taking two courses per module) or about three to four years part-time (one course per module).
The program is asynchronous and runs year-round with short breaks, allowing working professionals to progress at their own pace. LSU’s online MSW covers a range of social work topics, preparing students for advanced generalist practice. All students complete hands-on field internships in their local area, but there are no campus residency requirements for the online MSW.
Duration: 2-3.5 years
Mode: Online
Cost: $599 per credit hour
Curriculum:
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Social Welfare History and Policy
- Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
- Social Work Research
- Human Diversity and Oppression
- Social Work Practice with Groups, Organizations and Communities
- Differential Diagnosis
- Advanced Direct Theory and Practice
- Community Engagement and Grant Development
- Advanced Social Policy
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Online Social Work Master’s FAQs
How long does it take to complete an online MSW program?
Program length varies by school, student status, and enrollment pace. A typical traditional-track MSW (for those without a BSW) takes about two years full-time, though many schools offer part-time options spanning three to four years. For instance, Louisiana State University uses accelerated 7-week modules, which helps full-time students finish in around two years, while part-timers will need longer. If you have a BSW, you might qualify for Advanced Standing and complete your MSW in as little as one year.
Are online MSW degrees accredited and valued by employers?
Yes. Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) ensures that online MSW programs meet the same standards as campus-based versions. Employers and state licensing boards treat CSWE-accredited degrees equally, whether completed online or in person. For example, Texas State University notes that its online curriculum is taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. Graduates from these programs are fully eligible for licensure, including the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential.
Do online MSW programs require any in-person attendance or internships?
Most online MSW programs include internship requirements, also known as field practicum. Students arrange these practicums near their home communities, fulfilling CSWE’s hands-on training mandates. Some schools, like Florida State University, require minimal on-campus residencies where students practice clinical techniques. Others, such as LSU, don’t require campus visits at all but do require in-person internships at a local agency.
What is an “Advanced Standing” MSW track, and do I need a BSW to enroll?
Advanced Standing is an accelerated track for students with a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). These programs waive much of the foundational coursework, reducing the total credit load from around 60 credits to roughly 30-36. As a result, you can earn your MSW in about a year to 18 months instead of two or more.
Can I work full time while earning my online MSW?
Yes, but it requires juggling a significant workload. Many programs encourage part-time study for working adults, including Florida State’s online MSW. Field internships demand 16–20 hours weekly, often during weekdays, so you may need a flexible work schedule. Balancing full-time work and a full-time MSW can be challenging so before committing, talk to academic advisors and your employer about scheduling and internship requirements to help ensure a successful online learning experience.
Online MSW Concentrations
Many schools offer specialized MSW tracks, allowing you to focus on an area of social work that aligns with your interests and career goals. Specializing can open doors to specific roles like clinical therapist or social work administrator and can deepen your expertise in targeted service areas, from child welfare to healthcare. Here are some common specializations found in online social work master’s programs.
Mental Health Social Work
Students who enroll in this specialization take coursework that prepares them to diagnose people with mental health issues and provide the counseling they need to live a productive life. In addition, those who are interested in this area may learn how to work with people struggling with substance abuse disorders.
Medical and Public Health Social Work
Medical and public health social work programs prepare students to work in substance abuse treatment facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agencies by teaching them the clinical skills they need to work with vulnerable communities. These programs focus on helping patients with chronic illnesses, mental health problems, and physical disabilities.
Children, Families, and Couples
This specialization focuses on the needs of families who may be dealing with various problems related to abuse, trauma, depression, and behavioral disorders. The curriculum is designed to train those who work in child welfare and community social service agencies, as well as the juvenile justice system.
Social Work Administration
If you aspire to leadership roles such as social work supervisor and program director, this concentration is for you. Coursework covers topics such as advocacy, grant writing, social problems, public policy, and issues in social work.
Military Social Work
In this specialization, students learn how to address the needs of the military community, from active-duty soldiers to reserve military personnel to veterans. Coursework addresses the specific needs of this community and the interventions that are most effective when providing services to them and their families.
Online Social Work Master’s Curriculum
Though each university’s MSW curriculum varies, most programs share foundational courses that build skills in assessment, policy, human behavior, and research. Below are examples of core classes frequently found in online MSW programs. They reflect the critical competencies needed for advanced social work practice and potential licensure.
Assessment and Diagnosis
This class explores the DSM-5 and other evaluation tools used to diagnose mental health conditions. You’ll learn how to conduct client assessments, recognize common disorders, and form treatment plans grounded in evidence-based practice. Gaining diagnostic skills is essential for clinical social workers who plan to deliver therapeutic services.
Field Practicum
A field practicum provides hands-on experience in real social work settings. You’ll practice core skills like interviewing clients, completing intake forms, and coordinating services under the supervision of licensed professionals. These internships are critical for bridging classroom concepts with practical application, ensuring you’re job-ready and prepared for licensure requirements.
Human Behavior in the Social Environment
This course examines how biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors shape human behavior across the lifespan. You’ll explore theories of development, identity, and societal influence, learning to view client challenges in a broader environmental context. Understanding these interactions helps you create comprehensive intervention strategies tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.
Policy and Advocacy
Policy and advocacy courses teach students to analyze social policies and lobby for systemic change. You’ll study legislation, social welfare history, and community organizing tactics, enabling you to promote policies that enhance client well-being and resource accessibility. Developing advocacy skills is vital for shaping fair, effective social service programs.
Social Work Research
Here you’ll learn quantitative and qualitative methods for evaluating interventions, conducting needs assessments, and measuring program outcomes. Skills in data analysis, research ethics, and evidence-based practice enable you to support or challenge existing policies with empirical findings. This class is essential for informative and impactful social work practice.
Salary & Career Outlook for Licensed Social Workers
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | Social Workers | $39,580 | $104,580 | $63,770 |
| Alabama | Social Workers | $46,650 | $102,090 | $83,470 |
| Alaska | Social Workers | $43,890 | $110,100 | $57,630 |
| Arizona | Social Workers | $42,440 | $101,670 | $57,640 |
| Arkansas | Social Workers | $39,690 | $99,380 | $44,370 |
| California | Social Workers | $41,060 | $120,870 | $63,680 |
| Colorado | Social Workers | $40,890 | $90,310 | $52,150 |
| Connecticut | Social Workers | $50,990 | $103,250 | $66,750 |
| Delaware | Social Workers | $49,840 | $111,340 | $79,620 |
| Florida | Social Workers | $36,230 | $96,620 | $48,980 |
| Georgia | Social Workers | $39,200 | $118,960 | $78,740 |
| Hawaii | Social Workers | $50,740 | $121,890 | $95,870 |
| Idaho | Social Workers | $42,850 | $96,620 | $52,790 |
| Illinois | Social Workers | $38,200 | $101,500 | $63,630 |
| Indiana | Social Workers | $49,310 | $96,620 | $76,710 |
| Iowa | Social Workers | $39,350 | $102,940 | $77,830 |
| Kansas | Social Workers | $69,100 | $100,820 | $86,130 |
| Kentucky | Social Workers | $37,110 | $99,380 | $46,510 |
| Louisiana | Social Workers | $30,780 | $96,620 | $58,570 |
| Maine | Social Workers | $44,410 | $82,830 | $55,220 |
| Maryland | Social Workers | $47,050 | $109,890 | $66,600 |
| Massachusetts | Social Workers | $49,000 | $108,700 | $82,910 |
| Michigan | Social Workers | $38,230 | $101,940 | $61,710 |
| Minnesota | Social Workers | $47,580 | $94,760 | $70,100 |
| Mississippi | Social Workers | $39,180 | $99,380 | $82,830 |
| Missouri | Social Workers | $37,660 | $93,890 | $49,910 |
| Montana | Social Workers | $35,710 | $85,570 | $46,090 |
| Nebraska | Social Workers | $34,870 | $96,240 | $62,740 |
| Nevada | Social Workers | $44,350 | $131,370 | $100,240 |
| New Hampshire | Social Workers | $77,730 | $111,800 | $93,270 |
| New Jersey | Social Workers | $37,740 | $103,250 | $61,160 |
| New Mexico | Social Workers | $52,000 | $99,380 | $62,590 |
| New York | Social Workers | $59,030 | $104,980 | $79,040 |
| North Carolina | Social Workers | $43,740 | $103,540 | $59,320 |
| North Dakota | Social Workers | $45,230 | $93,870 | $71,900 |
| Ohio | Social Workers | $36,240 | $94,890 | $60,050 |
| Oklahoma | Social Workers | $69,100 | $110,160 | $93,870 |
| Oregon | Social Workers | $44,540 | $84,010 | $61,140 |
| Pennsylvania | Social Workers | $35,110 | $104,980 | $65,770 |
| Rhode Island | Social Workers | $77,730 | $111,800 | $93,350 |
| South Carolina | Social Workers | $38,550 | $102,150 | $82,830 |
| South Dakota | Social Workers | $59,380 | $99,530 | $85,300 |
| Tennessee | Social Workers | $29,860 | $98,840 | $47,060 |
| Texas | Social Workers | $38,890 | $121,080 | $82,910 |
| Utah | Social Workers | $39,420 | $106,020 | $52,830 |
| Vermont | Social Workers | $48,940 | $104,920 | $74,840 |
| Virginia | Social Workers | $44,620 | $109,890 | $79,360 |
| Washington | Social Workers | $64,230 | $113,780 | $94,250 |
| West Virginia | Social Workers | $41,150 | $104,350 | $77,380 |
| Wisconsin | Social Workers | $41,710 | $84,240 | $57,360 |
| Wyoming | Social Workers | $50,000 | $114,170 | $61,680 |
Source: Social Workers, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Social Workers | 68,400 | 72,900 | 4,500 | 6.60% |
| Alabama | Social Workers | 480 | 510 | 30 | 6.30% |
| Alaska | Social Workers | 320 | 340 | 20 | 6.30% |
| Arizona | Social Workers | 1,220 | 1,370 | 150 | 12.30% |
| Arkansas | Social Workers | 1,180 | 1,260 | 80 | 6.80% |
| California | Social Workers | 8,700 | 9,900 | 1,200 | 13.80% |
| Colorado | Social Workers | 2,840 | 3,270 | 430 | 15.10% |
| Connecticut | Social Workers | 380 | 400 | 20 | 5.30% |
| District of Columbia | Social Workers | 360 | 380 | 20 | 5.60% |
| Florida | Social Workers | 6,070 | 6,850 | 780 | 12.90% |
| Georgia | Social Workers | 1,430 | 1,600 | 170 | 11.90% |
| Idaho | Social Workers | 100 | 100 | – | 0.00% |
| Illinois | Social Workers | 1,630 | 1,760 | 130 | 8.00% |
| Indiana | Social Workers | 610 | 650 | 40 | 6.60% |
| Iowa | Social Workers | 400 | 450 | 50 | 12.50% |
| Kansas | Social Workers | 200 | 210 | 10 | 5.00% |
| Kentucky | Social Workers | 730 | 760 | 30 | 4.10% |
| Louisiana | Social Workers | 900 | 970 | 70 | 7.80% |
| Maine | Social Workers | 940 | 970 | 30 | 3.20% |
| Maryland | Social Workers | 1,510 | 1,670 | 160 | 10.60% |
| Massachusetts | Social Workers | 270 | 290 | 20 | 7.40% |
| Michigan | Social Workers | 1,160 | 1,230 | 70 | 6.00% |
| Minnesota | Social Workers | 4,960 | 5,380 | 420 | 8.50% |
| Missouri | Social Workers | 1,520 | 1,620 | 100 | 6.60% |
| Montana | Social Workers | 350 | 400 | 50 | 14.30% |
| Nebraska | Social Workers | 260 | 280 | 20 | 7.70% |
| Nevada | Social Workers | 620 | 730 | 110 | 17.70% |
| New Jersey | Social Workers | 1,020 | 1,100 | 80 | 7.80% |
| New Mexico | Social Workers | 600 | 630 | 30 | 5.00% |
| New York | Social Workers | 2,460 | 2,970 | 510 | 20.70% |
| North Carolina | Social Workers | 1,460 | 1,600 | 140 | 9.60% |
| North Dakota | Social Workers | 170 | 170 | – | 0.00% |
| Ohio | Social Workers | 3,370 | 3,610 | 240 | 7.10% |
| Oklahoma | Social Workers | 430 | 450 | 20 | 4.70% |
| Oregon | Social Workers | 3,070 | 3,470 | 400 | 13.00% |
| Pennsylvania | Social Workers | 1,270 | 1,320 | 50 | 3.90% |
| Rhode Island | Social Workers | 150 | 160 | 10 | 6.70% |
| South Carolina | Social Workers | 500 | 550 | 50 | 10.00% |
| South Dakota | Social Workers | 140 | 150 | 10 | 7.10% |
| Tennessee | Social Workers | 2,270 | 2,690 | 420 | 18.50% |
| Texas | Social Workers | 3,630 | 4,200 | 570 | 15.70% |
| Utah | Social Workers | 680 | 790 | 110 | 16.20% |
| Vermont | Social Workers | 160 | 190 | 30 | 18.80% |
| Virgin Islands | Social Workers | 40 | 40 | – | 0.00% |
| Virginia | Social Workers | 980 | 1,060 | 80 | 8.20% |
| Washington | Social Workers | 1,430 | 1,570 | 140 | 9.80% |
| West Virginia | Social Workers | 410 | 400 | -10 | -2.40% |
| Wisconsin | Social Workers | 3,280 | 3,600 | 320 | 9.80% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Top Picks: Online MSW Programs
We have compiled a list of the country’s top accredited online MSW programs to assist prospective graduate students in finding the right school, equipping them for the challenges of social work. This list can help you in your search for the most important school qualities, such as accreditation, affordability, and student benefits. Make the process of finding the right school easier by taking a look at which schools made it onto our list.
Dominican University
River Forest, Illinois
Private
Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
Public
Brescia University
Owensboro, Kentucky
Private
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Private
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, North Carolina
Public
University of St Francis
Joliet, Illinois
Private
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota
Public
Bethel University
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Private
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
Public
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
Private
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
Public
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
Public
Limestone University
Gaffney, South Carolina
Private
Texas State University
San Marcos, Texas
Public
Angelo State University
San Angelo, Texas
Public
Concord University
Athens, West Virginia
Public
George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia
Public
Albany State University
Albany, Georgia
Public
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
Public
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Public
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Public
Western New Mexico University
Silver City, New Mexico
Public
University of Maine
Orono, Maine
Public
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Public
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
Public
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Public
University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Public
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota
Public
University of Massachusetts Global
Irvine, California
Private
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa
Public
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
Public
Washburn University
Topeka, Kansas
Public
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Public
New York University
New York, New York
Private
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska
Public
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, Michigan
Public
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Fort Collins, Colorado
Public
Temple University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Public
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, Connecticut
Private
Our Lady of the Lake University
San Antonio, Texas
Private
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Public
Simmons University
Boston, Massachusetts
Private
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Millersville, Pennsylvania
Public
University of North Alabama
Florence, Alabama
Public
Regis College
Weston, Massachusetts
Private
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Honolulu, Hawaii
Public
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
Private
Yeshiva University
New York, New York
Private
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Public
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Commerce, Texas
Public
