Online MSW programs offer flexibility to fit your schedule. You'll engage in coursework through interactive platforms, participate in live sessions, and complete assignments. Full-time students typically graduate in 2 years, while part-time options allow you to learn at your own pace.
Master of Social Work Programs
Advance your social work career with an online MSW program. Industry-aligned curriculums can prepare you for a specialized role.
Master of Social Work (MSW) programs
The Master of Social Work (MSW) is a globally recognized graduate degree that equips learners with the knowledge, values, and skills to promote social justice and empower individuals, families, and communities. As a profession dedicated to positive social change, social work offers a wide range of rewarding career paths for those passionate about making a difference.
Elevate your impact with an MSW
Open doors to a career in social work with enhanced skills and leadership opportunities.
Earning your MSW can offer:
- Career Advancement: Unlock leadership opportunities, earning potential, and greater job security
- Skill Development: Gain expertise in areas like clinical social work, policy advocacy, and community organizing
- Positive Impact: Empower vulnerable populations and advocate for social justice
- Networking: Join an alumni network and build lasting professional connections with a diverse community of faculty, peers, and alumni
MSW curriculum: Building a strong foundation
Online MSW programs are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of social work theory, practice, and ethics.
Coursework may vary by program, but it typically delves into core areas such as:
- Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- Social Welfare Policy and Services
- Research Methods and Evaluation
- Clinical Social Work Practice
- MSW Field Placements, where you can gain valuable hands-on experience through supervised fieldwork in diverse settings
MSW program tracks: Choose your path
Find the right MSW program to align with your educational background and career goals:
- Traditional Track: Designed for students without a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), this track provides a comprehensive foundation in social work theory and practice.
- Advanced Standing Track: For those with a BSW, this accelerated track builds upon your existing knowledge and allows you to complete your MSW in less time.
- Advanced Generalist Practice (AGP): This track prepares graduates for a wide range of social work roles across diverse settings, emphasizing a holistic and client-centered approach.
Licensure, what you need to know
Earning your MSW is a crucial step towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). While specific requirements vary by state, the process of gaining LCSW licensure typically includes:
- Completing an accredited MSW program
- Accumulating supervised clinical hours
- Passing the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam
Create positive change with a social work career
MSW graduates can prepare for diverse careers where they're impacting lives every day. Possible career paths include:
- Clinical Social Worker: Provide mental health services and support to individuals, families, and groups.
- School Social Worker: Advocate for students' well-being and promote positive school climates.
- Healthcare Social Worker: Assist patients and families in navigating healthcare systems and provide emotional support.
- Community Organizer: Empower communities to address social issues and advocate for equitable systems and policy changes.
- Policy Advocate: Influence legislation, develop programs, and shape policies that promote social justice.
Find the right online social work program for you
We offer a personalized enrollment experience designed to match you with online social work programs that align with your needs. Here's how it works:
Answer a few quick questions about your background and career goals — this should only take about 5 minutes.
We'll match you with courses, certificates and/or degrees that can help you achieve your goals.
Our enrollment expertise
Our enrollment advisors are trained to help you select the right online social work degree or certificate program from one of our accredited academic partners. Their services are offered at no cost to you.
- Get tailored program recommendations
- Explore no GRE/GMAT options
- Complete 100% online coursework
FAQs
An online MSW opens doors to leadership roles, specialized practice areas, and higher earning potential. It equips you with advanced skills in areas like clinical practice, policy advocacy, and community organizing, making you a highly competitive candidate.
Enrollment advisors are your dedicated guides throughout the process. They'll help you:
- Identify the right program based on your career goals and learning style.
- Understand program requirements, curriculum, and field placement options.
- Navigate the application and financial aid processes.
Yes, field placements are a crucial component of accredited MSW programs. They provide invaluable hands-on experience in real-world settings, allowing you to apply your knowledge and develop essential skills under the supervision of experienced professionals.