MSW Programs
Schools with MSW Programs
Social Work Licensure
Social Worker Careers with an MSW Degree
Social Work Licensure
ROI Analysis: Costs vs. Career Outcomes
When evaluating whether an online MSW is worth the investment, the numbers tell a compelling story. According to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, social workers earn median salaries ranging from $48,780 to $65,070 depending on specialization and location.
| Social Work Specialty | Median Annual Salary (2024) | Job Growth 2022-2032 |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Social Workers | $62,940 | 11% |
| Mental Health & Substance Abuse | $53,540 | 11% |
| Child, Family & School | $53,880 | 5% |
| Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) | $59,980 | 11% |
Online MSW programs typically cost between $20,000 and $60,000 total, with many CSWE-accredited online MSW programs offering competitive tuition rates compared to their on-campus counterparts. When you factor in the ability to continue working while earning your degree, the financial advantage becomes even clearer.
Breaking Down the Investment
- Average Online MSW Tuition: $25,000-$45,000
- Time to Completion: 2 years full-time, 3-4 years part-time
- Typical Salary Increase: $15,000-$25,000 annually post-MSW
- ROI Timeline: 3-5 years to recoup investment
Why CSWE Accreditation Matters
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation is non-negotiable when choosing any MSW program, online or on-campus. CSWE accreditation ensures your degree meets the educational requirements for licensure in all 50 states.
Social work puts skilled professionals out into the community working face-to-face with people at their most vulnerable. It’s not a job for anyone without a lot of compassion and patience. It takes the kind of selfless attention to the needs of at-risk populations that inspires action in situations where others wouldn’t be so quick to get involved.
Becoming a social worker takes courage, and the people skills to be both decisive and diplomatic in sensitive situations. It also takes advanced knowledge of policy and community resources to direct people to the services they need. Social workers are skilled counselors and interventionists. They’re tireless advocates for underserved and under-represented populations, and a lifeline for those on the margins of society.
Key Accreditation Benefits:
- Eligibility for LCSW licensure in all states
- Qualification for federal loan forgiveness programs
- Access to Title IV-E child welfare stipends
- Recognition by employers nationwide
- Standardized curriculum meeting national standards
This makes social work a line of work where advanced, field-specific training and state licensure requirements are standard. As the basic requirement to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in every state, a Master of Social Work (MSW) provides the entry-point to careers where the most impactful work in social work is happening.
Online vs. On-Campus MSW Comparison
| Factor | Online MSW | On-Campus MSW |
|---|---|---|
| CSWE Accreditation | Available ✓ | Available ✓ |
| Licensure Eligibility | Full eligibility ✓ | Full eligibility ✓ |
| Average Cost | $25,000-$45,000 | $30,000-$70,000 |
| Schedule Flexibility | High (asynchronous options) | Low (fixed class times) |
| Work While Studying | Easier to maintain employment | More challenging |
| Fieldwork Options | Local placement flexibility | School-arranged placements |
| Start Dates | Multiple per year | Typically fall only |
| Geographic Limitations | Study from anywhere | Must relocate or commute |
For anybody serious about a career in social work , the decision to earn an MSW is an easy one. Sometimes the bigger challenge is simply deciding whether to earn that degree online or go with a more traditional, campus-based option.
Particularly now, in the post-pandemic world, online degrees have more than established their place as the go-to option. Even in hands-on fields like social work, online MSW programs are now the path more frequently traveled, no longer thought of as just a more convenient alternative to showing up on campus every day.
The Flexibility Advantage of Online MSW Programs
Getting started in a graduate program and maintaining the momentum to make it through requires a careful balance between personal and family life, work commitments, and school. Online MSW programs offer the flexibility today’s busy grad students need to pull it off.
With multiple start dates throughout the year, a streamlined curriculum offering a condensed learning experience, and asynchronous classes that let students time-shift studies around work and family obligations, online MSW programs offer more choice in prioritizing life’s demands. Options include:
- Full-time online MSW programs for accelerated completion
- Part-time options for working professionals
- Advanced standing programs for BSW holders (1 year)
- MSW programs without BSW requirements for career changers
- Hybrid MSW programs combining online and limited campus visits
That flexibility also means more freedom in choosing site-based, hands-on fieldwork MSW students need to prepare for careers in social work. It all comes together to create more ways to make school fit into busy lives, and fewer barriers to achieving career goals.
Fieldwork and Clinical Training in Online Programs
Social work is a state-licensed profession requiring specialized skills, stringent practice standards, and commitment to professional ethics. Each state independently establishes social work licensure requirements, with boards maintaining standards and issuing licenses for specialized roles.
Though requirements vary by state, two universal elements exist: specified hours of pre-professional experience and an MSW or similar graduate degree. Every accredited Master of Social Work program includes fieldwork as a graduation requirement, with many assisting through paid internships and externship programs.
Online MSW Fieldwork Advantages:
- Local Placement Flexibility: Choose agencies in your community
- Career-Aligned Experience: Select placements matching your goals
- Network Building: Establish connections where you’ll practice
- Diverse Settings: Access to various agency types and populations
With online MSW programs, students often have more control when choosing social services agencies for their required hours. Rather than being directed to agencies within the school’s network, online students have greater freedom in selecting agencies serving different communities. This puts online MSW students in position to get real-world experience aligned with their career goals, whether pursuing clinical social work or macro social work practice .
Building Professional Networks in Online Programs
One hallmark of online MSW programs is direct engagement with social work alumni networks. By cultivating student-alumni connections, MSW programs help students connect with seasoned professionals with years of experience.
Through networking programs, today’s social work graduate students find amazing fieldwork opportunities through recommendations from alumni who’ve navigated the same process. Virtual networking creates real-world opportunities through:
- Alumni mentorship programs
- Virtual professional development workshops
- Online student organizations and interest groups
- Digital conferences and continuing education
- Social media professional communities
Career Outcomes and Long-Term Value
There are few careers bringing as much satisfaction and deep sense of purpose as social work. It’s a line of work connecting people with exact support and resources precisely when needed. The career outcomes for MSW graduates demonstrate the value of this investment:
Career Advancement Opportunities:
- Clinical Practice: Private practice eligibility with LCSW licensure
- Leadership Roles: Program director, clinical supervisor positions
- Specialized Practice: Healthcare, schools, mental health facilities
- Policy Work: Government agencies, advocacy organizations
- Consultation: Independent consulting opportunities
Feeling overwhelmed at times is part of life in social work. One of the best ways for social workers to stay inspired is maintaining connections with colleagues and mentors, preserving relationships built in school and through fieldwork. The field advisors who help find perfect internships often become lifelong mentors, available even years later when navigating challenging cases.
Case Study: Aurora University’s Online MSW Program
As dean of the College of Education and Social Work at Aurora University, Dr. Brenda Barnwell, DSW, has seen first-hand the benefits online learners take advantage of. Aurora University Online (AUO) exemplifies how quality online MSW programs operate.
“In some programs where you must start in fall, you take pre-scripted classes throughout your time and they’re only available in particular term,” explains Dr. Barnwell. “Students have six different points of entry to even start the program, as well as the ability to schedule out courses available all year long in many different ways, different modalities, and different time frames.”
For social work graduate students holding down jobs or raising families, online MSW programs are without doubt the best option, and many times the only option. Programs considering MSW admission without GRE requirements further reduce barriers to entry.
Aurora University’s Approach to Fieldwork
Alison Arendt, MSW, LCSW, associate professor and director of graduate studies at Aurora University, believes freedom of choice is a major highlight of their online MSW program.
“We do encourage students to check out what’s in their local area,” Arendt explains, “because they’re going to stay in that local area most likely. We want them to establish networks and understand how different places function.”
As Arendt sees it, first-hand experience proves invaluable as students move into the field. Students orchestrate fieldwork connections themselves to “make a choice based on what’s a good fit for their goals.”
These connections create unexpected benefits later in careers. “There’s lots of support while students are looking for the internship, when they secure it, when they begin it, and when they finish,” Arendt notes. “There’s all sorts of field personnel making contact with the student and organization throughout that process.”
Finding Your Path to Social Work
No two paths into social work are alike. While some have early clarity about social services, others switch from different fields later. Dr. Barnwell started as a truancy officer before becoming a social worker.
“I enjoyed that work greatly. But I wasn’t understanding what was happening with individuals I worked with. Years later, it didn’t work, so I knew I had a gap in understanding,” she reflects. “I think one of the best fits about social work is it’s always moving and changing. It’s inclusive of all people, all environments, recognizing change is inevitable.”
Social work anticipates and adapts to change. At individual, family, community, and policy levels, today’s social workers engage with all backgrounds, making meaningful connections driven by conviction that everyone deserves access to support and resources for healthy, fulfilled lives.
Aurora University’s Online MSW Specializations
When ready to advance your social work career, Aurora’s online MSW lets you customize learning with eight optional specializations:
- Addictions
- Child Welfare
- Forensics
- Gerontology
- Healthcare
- Leadership Administration
- Military & Veteran (exclusive to AUO)
- School Social Work
Dual degree options include MSW/MBA or MSW/MPA programs. The Aurora University MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do employers value online MSW degrees equally to traditional degrees?
Yes, employers value CSWE-accredited online MSW degrees equally to on-campus degrees. The accreditation ensures identical educational standards, and many employers cannot distinguish between online and traditional graduates’ resumes. What matters most is CSWE accreditation, field experience quality, and demonstrated competencies.
Can I become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with an online MSW?
Absolutely. CSWE-accredited online MSW programs meet all educational requirements for LCSW licensure in all 50 states. You’ll complete the same supervised clinical hours (typically 3,000-4,000) and pass the same licensing exam as on-campus graduates. Verify your state’s specific requirements at our licensure guide .
How do online MSW students complete field education requirements?
Online MSW students complete 900+ hours of field education at approved agencies in their local communities. Most programs help arrange placements or allow self-directed placement searches. You’ll work with field instructors on-site while receiving remote supervision from faculty advisors through video conferences and online seminars.
What technology requirements do I need for an online MSW?
Basic requirements include reliable high-speed internet, a computer with webcam and microphone, and standard software (word processing, PDF reader). Some programs provide specific learning management systems. Budget $500-1,000 for technology if you need upgrades.
Is financial aid available for online MSW programs?
Yes, CSWE-accredited online MSW programs qualify for federal financial aid, including loans and grants. Many also offer institutional scholarships, graduate assistantships, and employer tuition reimbursement. Veterans can use GI Bill benefits. Some students access Title IV-E stipends for child welfare specializations.
How long does it take to complete an online MSW?
Standard online MSW programs take 2 years full-time or 3-4 years part-time. BSW holders may qualify for advanced standing programs completing in 1 year. Most online programs offer flexible pacing options to accommodate working professionals.
What’s the typical class size in online MSW programs?
Online MSW classes typically range from 15-25 students, similar to or smaller than on-campus programs. This ensures personalized attention from instructors and meaningful peer interactions through discussion boards, group projects, and video conferences.
Making Your Decision
The newest generation of dedicated social workers enters the field better prepared than ever, graduating with MSW degrees earned online through flexible programs making education possible while working and raising families. They bring not just degrees, but unique experiences from diverse field placements and strong practitioner networks.
When evaluating if an online MSW is worth it for you, consider:
- Your career goals and desired specialization
- Current life circumstances and need for flexibility
- Local field placement opportunities
- Financial situation and available aid
- Learning style preferences
- Long-term location plans
For most aspiring social workers, especially working professionals and career changers, the flexibility, accessibility, and equal career outcomes make online MSW programs not just worth it, but often the optimal choice. The key is selecting a CSWE-accredited program aligning with your goals and circumstances.
Ready to explore your options? Start by reviewing accredited online MSW programs or learn about steps to become a social worker in your state.
Editorial contributions from Aurora University College of Education and Social Work faculty: Dr. Brenda Barnwell, DSW – Dean of the College of Education and Social Work; Alison Arendt, MSW, LCSW – Associate Professor of Social Work, Director of Graduate Studies; Joseph Oleck, LCSW – Lecturer of Social Work
