The Online MSW degree is the most common online program within the Social Work area of study. In our database, there are 36 CSWE accredited Online MSW Programs in the United States. A Master of Social Work degree from a CSWE accredited program is required to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or LCSW, in all 50 states within the United States.
The most common online degree within the Social Work area of study is the Online MSW Program. The Online Master of Social Work is typically the degree that students seek while they are currently employed. Many have earned their BSW degree, are employed within the area of social work, but see greater employment opportunities and impact if they attain their Master of Social Work.
In Short, What is the MSW?
The MSW is a Master of Social Work degree, a graduate level program within the social work area. The MSW is typically required for LMSW (or similar) social worker licensure, and the MSW degree prepares individuals to enter the social work field using a framework that emphasizes social justice, human rights, and the improvement of society as a whole. Jobs may range from clinical work with adults, to school social work with children, to grief counseling with families following the loss of a loved one.
If you have your BSW already, consider an Advanced Standing MSW to accelerate your time to completion
While the MSW degree allows individuals to work in a variety of settings and with numerous populations, there are different ways in which the MSW may be completed. One of those ways is through the Advanced Standing MSW program. Advanced Standing MSW programs are not offered at all CSWE accredited institutions. However, many exist across the country in both on-campus or online formats.
It is also important to note that not everyone is eligible for this type of MSW program, which is why it is important to understand what the Advanced Standing MSW program is, the eligibility requirements, and how this program differs from other MSW programs.
Online MSW Programs
The online version of the MSW degree may be quickly becoming one of the most beneficial degree programs available at this time. Online MSW programs include flexibility and versatility that may not be present in traditional degree programs, which is one of the reasons that upcoming students are more drawn to online options.
Here is a quick list of online MSW programs. Click to jump to the fully reviewed list of MSW programs available online.
Arizona State University: Online MSW: Advanced Generalist
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Online MSW, multiple tracks
University of Kentucky: Online MSW program
Consider a Featured Online Master of Social Work Program
There are a number of online MSW programs in our database, including multiple featured online MSW programs that are currently accepting applicants. The below programs are currently seeking applicants for their MSW program and are entirely online. We have provided quick information on these, including accreditation (most are CSWE accredited), if they have an Advanced Standing MSW program for those with a BSW, and more. Click to go directly to their MSW program website to review more information about their admissions requirements and to get with their admissions department to ask further questions.
Consider a Featured Online Social Work Program
Click the university name for information on admissions, courses, status of accreditation, and more.
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School / Program
Online Program / Entry Reqs
Advanced Standing Availability / Course Information
Advanced Standing Program available. MSW program includes options for an advanced-standing program (30 credits) and a 60-credit regular standing program.
Regular admission option and the Advanced Standing admission option, an option for those who qualify and hold a BSW, can be completed in as few as two years.
Advanced Standing Program for those with an undergraduate degree in social work (can complete in 2 years) and a Traditional Program, which can be completed in 3 years.
More career opportunity: Masters in Social Work degree programs or even doctoral programs can provide students with even more professional opportunities – which can lead to more lives touched. Moving forward with a degree program can be greatly eased by the use of online degree programs.
Campus and online program availability for adult learners: Since most people with the desire to get a higher degree cannot find the time or energy to do so, online degree programs are amplifying in popularity. Master's level social work degrees can be found in an array of online settings.
MSW education helps the community and society: Online MSW degree programs are implemented in an effort to help future social work professionals apply a lawful understanding of social work to communities in need. These graduate level programs can help professionals identify more specific methods of critical thinking and evidence-based research related to their line of work, which can contribute to a better understanding of individuals and society.
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MSW Programs Currently Accepting Applicants
The online MSW at the University of Kentucky is taught by faculty who are dedicated to your success and who provide diverse expertise across multiple areas of social work. Regular and Advanced Standing MSW tracks are available. Each program prepares students for effective advanced practice across the micro-macro continuum with diverse populations. CSWE Accredited. Click for admissions information.
Earn your CSWE accredited online Master of Social Work (MSW) from a university that’s pioneered social work education for every generation in need of it: Our Lady of the Lake University. 100% online, No GRE or GMAT is required for admission, and whether you have a bachelor’s in social work or have a calling to work in this important field, but graduated with a bachelor’s degree in another subject, OLLU’s online Master of Social Work has a track for you. Admissions information.
MSW Curriculum
Most, if not all, online MSW programs include a curriculum that focuses on key practice areas, such as Child Welfare, Behavioral Health, Community Health, Welfare, and Public Health Administration.
These topics are extremely important to the field of social work, since most of the work completed in this field involves people, the community, and well-being. Most online degree programs allow students to take multiple courses at a time, with courses lasting anywhere from 7 - 10 weeks a piece.
Credit Hour Expectations
Most programs in an online setting require that students complete around 60 credit hours for completion of the entire degree. Depending on the university you choose - you may find that some programs require more or less than the standard 60 credit hour requirement.
Some schools even label credits as semester hours or quarter credits. These labels can be confusing initially, but each school can provide an explanation of their credit-acquisition process for you to review.
Top Focus Areas of Specific Study
Online MSW programs may also focus on theories of psychology, human growth and development, sociology, and behavior health to consider social functioning from an inside perspective. Students that have the option to pursue this type of program online can take part in high quality courses in a convenient online setting.
Keep an Eye Open for New Online MSW Programs
Universities and colleges around the nation are continuously bringing reputable MSW programs online.
For example, in May 2018, the University of Iowa brought their MSW program online. The Online MSW at the University of Iowa is a 3 year, part-time, online MSW Program, with no GRE requirements. There are some prerequisites, so check with the university on their website.
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MSW Programs Currently Accepting Applicants
MSW Degree Specialties
At the master’s level, students can choose a specialty such as Mental Health, Clinical or Child/Adult Social Work. Most online Master’s degrees in Social Work require that students complete various research assignments alongside the standard discussions and quizzes.
Research assignments at this level urge learners to become involved in the community in different ways in order to truly grasp the concept of the social environment.
Different Types of MSW Degrees
100% Online MSW Programs – Online Master of Social Work programs, where courses are offered 100% online in either an asynchronous or synchronous format.
Advanced Standing MSW Programs – for Bachelor of Social Work degree holders, an Advanced Standing MSW can be a fast track to a Master of Social Work degree.
One Year MSW Programs – MSW programs that are less than 12 months. One Year MSW Programs are usually an Advanced Standing MSW program for BSW degree holders.
MSW Programs with No GRE Requirement – MSW Program that does not require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) prior to admission to their program. Other programs may grant a GRE waiver for qualified applicants.
Clinical MSW Programs – If you are considering pursuing a social work career in a hospital or private practice, the Clinical Social Work area of study is likely the best fit.
Broad Categories and Types of Social Work Practice Areas
Social work can be split into three separate practicum areas (then divided into further subcategories). At the most broad level, here are the major areas:
Since social workers will work primarily in the public sector, students are encouraged to properly analyze and report on specific aspect of the community through essays and research paper assignments.
Students are provided access to a plentiful supply of resources, both for research and for information regarding the course. Students are regularly required to take part in online discussions, which can compare and debate opinions of students in a respectful and scholarly fashion.
Top 5 Sample MSW Courses
MSW COURSE
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Reviews CBT theories, helps students develop an understanding of required technique and development of case conceptualizations.
Advanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This course provides advanced learning that covers specific protocols and cognitive behavior therapy interventions for various disorders.
Addictions and Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Thoroughly examines the relationship of addiction and other mental health disorders. Focuses on assessment and intervention of multiply diagnosed patients.
Clinical Research
Teaches students the user of quantitative and qualitative research methods and statistics that will be used in clinical research.
Clinical Management
Teaches students the concepts of leadership and management in a clinical setting. Touches on strategic planning, program design and financial management.
Social workers assist with making society more productive by providing their clients with resources and contacts within the community environment. They also master human behavior and how it relates to a public lifestyle. Professionals in the social work field can be found in almost every aspect of the public domain. Social workers are present in hospitals – helping families with healthcare planning and referring patients to helpful community resources.
They are also found in state and government agencies – providing vital healthcare, food assistance, and welfare management for families in need. In the judicial system, social workers play an important role in child and adult welfare and mental health services. The social worker works hard with the client’s well-being in mind, regardless of the sector.
The hard work and determination that goes into pursuing a degree in social work pays off not only for the individual that is being served, but also for society as a whole. There is truly no better option for professionals that have a passion for helping people and making a notable difference within their communities.
💻 Online Online MSW: Clinical Social Work Practice
Part-time format with majors in Clinical and Macro Practice and 3 track options: Traditional MSW Track (TT), Human Service Experience Track (HSE), and Advanced Standing Track (AS).
Advanced Standing program for those with a BSW or a Traditional program for those with a bachelor's in another area of study. Part-Time Online MSW Program. Joint / dual degrees available: MSW-MBA, MSW-JD.
Advanced Standing Program (for BSW graduates) and Regular MSW Program. Options of blended face-to-face coursework with online, or fully online. Weekend and part-time coursework is available.
Advanced Standing Program (30 credit hours for those with a CSWE-accredited BSW) and Foundation MSW (57 credit hours for those with a Bachelors in a different, non Social Work field)program available. Click for admissions information.
💻 Online Online MSW: Clinical Social Work specialized areas in Mental Health and Substance Abuse; Child and Family Welfare; Trauma and Interpersonal Violence; and Health and Aging
💻 Online Online MSW: Areas of Specialist Practice: Trauma, Health/Mental Health, Children and Families, Humanitarian Social Work, and Military Social Work
Three MSW options (Regular, Advanced Standing and Accelerated Advanced Standing) are available in Iowa City and Des Moines. 2 options (Regular and Advanced Standing) in Davenport / Quad CIties. 3-year, part-time, online MSW Program launched in May 2018.
MSW program is offered by the Grace Abbott School of Social Work at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.. Advanced Standing and Foundational Level options available.
The online version of the MSW degree may be quickly becoming one of the most beneficial degree programs available at this time. Online MSW programs include flexibility and versatility that may not be present in traditional degree programs, which is one of the reasons that upcoming students are more drawn to online options.
Social workers assist with making society more productive by providing their clients with resources and contacts within the community environment. They also master human behavior and how it relates to a public lifestyle. Professionals in the social work field can be found in almost every aspect of the public domain. Social workers are present in hospitals – helping families with healthcare planning and referring patients to helpful community resources. 
