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.
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.
Consider a Featured Online MSW Program
| School / Program | Online Program? | Advanced Standing Availability | Course Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fordham University | cast_connected Online | check_circle Advanced Standing Program Available | class Accelerated, full-time, and part-time options. Advanced standing for qualified students with a BSW |
| Baylor University | cast_connected Online No GRE Scores Required |
check_circle Advanced Standing Program Available | class 2 Specializations: Clinical Practice or Community Practice. Standard MSW and Advanced Standing MSW. |
| University of Denver | cast_connected Online No GRE Required |
check_circle Advanced Standing Program Available | class Two online graduate programs: a traditional MSW and an advanced standing MSW |
| Simmons University | cast_connected Online No GRE Required |
check_circle Accelerated Track Available | class Accelerated 15-month immersive program |
| University of Southern California | cast_connected Online Bachelor's Degree Required. |
check_circle Advanced Standing Program Available | class Advanced standing program available to earn an MSW degree in under 1 year |
| Regis College | cast_connected Online | check_circle Apply with No GRE | class Complete in as few as 8 semesters |
Why a MSW?
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.
Fordham's CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program offers a future-focused curriculum, preparing students with advanced integrated competencies that cut across populations and contexts.
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The Master of Social Work online program from Baylor University is now accepting applications. Learn how to ethically integrate faith and social work practice in as few as 12 months. No GRE required. CSWE Accredited.
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Earn your Master of Social Work online from the University of Denver's top-20 school of social work. CSWE-accredited. MSW @ Denver offers two online graduate programs: a traditional MSW and an advanced standing MSW.
Learn more.
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.
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.
- MSW Degrees by State – View different MSW programs in each state.
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:
Micro
Direct practice with individuals or families.
Mezzo
Intermediate based, within small groups or communities.
Macro
Large-scale, systemic and community-based or larger care.
What Can You Do With an Online MSW Degree?
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. |
CSWE Accredited Social Work Certificates
What Can You Do With an MSW Degree?
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.
MSW Programs by State
List of Programs
Fordham University
University of Denver
Simmons University
University of Southern California
Our Lady of the Lake University
All Programs
Search the Top Programs in Social Work
Fordham's CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program offers a future-focused curriculum, preparing students with advanced integrated competencies that cut across populations and contexts.
Click for admissions information.
[email protected] is an innovative, online Master of Social Work program offered through the Simmons School of Social Work, the nation’s oldest school of social work. Complete your MSW in as little as 15 months with this CSWE-accredited program. No GRE required.
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Online MSW: Top-ranked by US News and World Report, the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work offers a CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program. Bachelor's degree required.
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Online DSW: The University of Southern California is now offering a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) designed for experienced practitioners to harness innovative solutions to solve real-world problems. The [email protected] can be completed in 24 months.
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