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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | check_circle Online Bachelor's Degree Required. |
check_circle Advanced Standing Program Available | Advanced standing program available to earn an MSW degree in under 1 year |
| Fordham University | check_circle Online No GRE Scored Required |
check_circle Advanced Standing Program Available | Accelerated, full-time, and part-time options. Advanced standing for qualified students with a BSW |
| University of Denver | check_circle Online No GRE Required |
check_circle Advanced Standing Program Available | Two online graduate programs: a traditional MSW and an advanced standing MSW |
Why a MSW?
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.
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.
Stopping at the bachelor's level is not always the end of the line for some learners. The determination to move forward is an incredible trait for individuals seeking the most from their potential.
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. Programs can help professionals identify 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.
Lead change at the top-ranked USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. Earn a Master of Social Work online in as few as 12 months if you have a Bachelor of Social Work. Earn a Doctor of Social Work online in as few as 24 months (master’s req.).
CSWE Accredited.
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.
SocialWork @ Simmons 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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Curriculum
These programs include a curriculum that focuses on topics in 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 courses 1 or 2 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.
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
[wpsm_comparison_table id=”1″ class=”courses”]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.
List of Programs
University of Southern California
Fordham University
University of Denver
Our Lady of the Lake University
