Are you looking for social work masters programs? With the growth of online learning, pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree has become more accessible. In this blog, we will explore the best online MSW programs for 2023, providing you with a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right program that suits your needs.
Finding the right one can be overwhelming with the number of online MSW programs available. That’s why we have researched for you!
Our aim is to provide you with an informed perspective that will help you make the right decision. By reading this blog, you can be confident that you will have the knowledge and resources to make a well-informed decision about which social work masters program is right for you.
Top 20 Best Online Social Work Masters Programs in 2023
#1. University of Wyoming
Annual Tuition: $9, 000 – $17,000
Estimated Cost Per Credit: $299
Program Length: Two to three years
The Standard and Advanced Standing MSW Programs offered by the University of Wyoming’s Division of Social Work consist of 60 and 31 credit hours, respectively. The program’s curriculum is meticulously structured to ensure students acquire essential knowledge and skills before advancing to higher-level coursework.
Graduates of the program are well-equipped to work competently in various settings, including those involving children and individuals with mental health concerns, which comprise 34.8% and 26.4%, respectively, of the populations served by social workers, according to CSWE 2018 data.
These programs offer a blend of online and on-campus coursework delivery. UW’s MSW programs are competency-based and meet the Council on Social Work Education’s accreditation standards.
Completing a capstone project is a requirement for all students pursuing this degree. The capstone project can be a thesis or involve applying original research, making it an excellent choice for students looking to complete a master’s degree with a practice-based capstone project rather than the traditional written dissertation.
#2. California State University-San Bernardino
Annual Tuition: $10, 000 – $16,000
Estimated Cost Per Credit: $280
Program Length: Two to three years
California State University-San Bernardino recognizes the need for flexibility in learning and offers a diverse range of online MSW programs tailored to meet the needs of working professionals.
These include the Advanced Standing 36-unit program, which can be completed in as little as 12 months, and other more extended programs like the three-year program and the combined Master of Social Work and Master of Public Administration Concurrent Degrees.
The CSUSB MSW Program adopts an advanced generalist model with a specialization that students choose in their final year of study. Specializations focus on social issues, client populations, or practice fields.
Students can apply their research projects and assignments to their chosen specialization, providing a practical and hands-on approach to learning.
#3. University of South Dakota
Annual Tuition: $10, 000 – $20,000
Cost Per Credit: $340.15
Program Length: Two to three years
One of the best universities for MSW, the University of South Dakota recognizes that not all students may be able to commit to in-person lessons or reside close to the campus. As a result, they offer online MSW programs for those who require more flexibility in their learning.
Full-time and part-time enrollment options are available, although students must complete the degree within a maximum of four years. Completing the University of South Dakota online MSW program equips graduates with the skills needed to provide clinical and therapeutic social services to their clients.
The curriculum also emphasizes organizational planning, community development, and social policy analysis and advocacy, ensuring graduates are equipped with a broad range of competencies needed to succeed in the field of social work.
#4. University of West Florida
Annual Tuition: $11, 000 – $62,000
Cost Per Credit: In-state – $384.60, Out-of-state – $1,044.24
Program Length: Two to three years
The University of West Florida’s MSW online programs focus on providing students with expertise in clinical social work practice, emphasizing the study of behavioral and medical healthcare.
The traditional 60-credit program and advanced standing program utilize a combination of theories and field internships to prepare students for licensure as clinical social workers in Florida.
For out-of-state students looking to enroll in the program, the cost can be a significant concern. However, submitting the FAFSA form can be an excellent way to receive scholarships and grants to help offset these costs.
In the 2020-21 academic year, over half of the families (56%) utilized scholarships, which covered 16% of their higher education costs (Sallie Mae, 2021). The MSW online courses offered by the University of West Florida are organized using a rotational system, with core courses only available in designated semesters.
For example, the Foundational course, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, is offered during the fall semester, while the Clinical course, Psychopathology for Social Work is offered during the summer.
#5. Western New Mexico University
Annual Tuition: $11, 000 – $22,000
Online MSW Programs: Non-advanced – 60 credits, Advanced – 39 credits
Program Length: Two to three years
Western New Mexico University’s online MSW courses offer both full-time and part-time options, making them an excellent fit for professionals who want to pursue postgraduate studies while maintaining their current jobs.
Western New Mexico University offers an Advanced Standing MSW for students with a BSW and a non-advanced program for those without a BSW. Completing a field placement is a requirement for both programs. Additionally, students can choose electives that align with their interests or professional roles.
The online MSW programs at Western New Mexico University offer a variety of electives, including Advanced Social Work with the Military, Disabilities and Empowerment, and Psychopharmacology for Social Workers.
The programs utilize a combination of synchronous and asynchronous instruction to provide students with a practical and flexible learning experience.
#6. Texas State University
Annual Tuition: $11,000 – $19,000
Estimated Cost Per Credit: $317.36
Online MSW Programs: Non-advanced – 62 credits, Advanced – 36 credits
Program Length: Two to three years
The MSW program offered by Texas State University emphasizes a direct practice approach to delivering social work services to individuals and families of all ages from diverse backgrounds.
The curriculum comprises courses that develop advanced-level leadership and administration skills, making students more effective in providing social work practice to populations receiving public services.
Texas State University’s MSW program offers flexibility for students to enroll as part-time or full-time learners and choose from the traditional 62-credit or advanced standing programs.
Additionally, students can customize their learning experience through elective courses and intensive MSW-supervised agency-based internships. Graduates of the program are eligible to take social work licensure exams.
#7. Delaware State University
Annual Tuition: $13, 000 – $26,000
Cost Per Credit: $438
Program Length: Two to three years
Delaware State University’s MSW program is available entirely online, specializing in Advanced Generalist Practice that focuses on individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students can complete the program part-time or full-time, taking up to three years to finish.
Graduates of the program are equipped with a deeper understanding of areas such as the black perspective in social work and strengths that client systems can use to promote positive change.
The coursework also focuses on teaching students techniques and methods for empowering individuals, families, organizations, and communities, ensuring they possess the skills needed to make a meaningful impact in their field.
#8. Concord University
Annual Tuition: $17,000 – $29,000
Estimated Cost Per Credit: $485
Online MSW Programs: Non-advanced – 60 credits, Advanced – 36 credits
Program Length: Two to three years
Concord University’s MSW program is entirely online and focuses on preparing students for advanced generalist social work practice, emphasizing rural practice.
The program’s curriculum is built upon a conceptual framework that identifies advanced knowledge and skills covering all four dimensions of advanced generalist practice:
- Knowledge
- Values
- Skills, and cognitive
- Affective reaction
Upon completing the MSW program, students are equipped to respond effectively to various social work situations within rural contexts. They have the skills to assess and intervene at all levels, including families, individuals, organizations, groups, and communities.
Graduates also qualify for leadership roles, possessing the knowledge and skills to analyze rural social policies and promote change in services affecting clients and social workers.
#9. Saint Leo University
Annual Tuition: $17, 000 – $34,000
Cost Per Credit: $550
Program Length: Two to three years
Saint Leo University’s MSW online programs are available to students in Florida, Maryland, Illinois, Mississippi, New Jersey, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, and Virginia.
The programs focus heavily on evidence-based social work research methods and provide students with the skills to lead in advanced clinical social work practice.
Students of the MSW programs are required to complete internship hours and attend a one-weekend seminar on campus in addition to completing online courses. The coursework explores social work practices in the military, psychopathology, and the relationship between cultural and social environments and mental and emotional health.
These components provide students with practical, hands-on experience and an opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the complex issues faced by the communities they serve.
#10. University of Arkansas
Annual Tuition: More than $17,000
Cost Per Credit: $437.54
Online MSW Programs: Advanced – 39 credits
Program Length: One year
The University of Arkansas’s Advanced Standing MSW program is offered entirely online and is one of the shortest paths to earning an MSW, making it an attractive option for many students. It is designed exclusively for full-time enrollment.
While students complete their coursework independently, they must complete a year-long internship of 22 hours. Working students may be able to complete their internships at their current workplace, subject to certain restrictions.
Completing the MSW program can prepare students for doctoral studies, further enhancing their knowledge and career prospects in social work.
#11. Humboldt State University
Annual Tuition: more than $18,000
Estimated Cost Per Credit: $510
Online MSW Programs: Advanced – 36 credits
Program Length: One to three years
Humboldt State University’s online MSW program is designed to prepare students for advanced social work practice, focusing on rural and Indigenous communities.
Through the program’s courses, students learn to apply disciplined, ethical, and compassionate social work practices responsive to these communities’ unique challenges and resources.
Additionally, students gain a global perspective on historical, local, and contemporary social issues. Humboldt State University offers several online program formats besides the main full-time two-year program.
For example, students can choose from the part-time Advanced Standing two-year Distributed Learning/online program or the Part-time 3.5-year Distributed Learning/online program. However, only California residents are eligible to apply for the online programs.
#12. Brescia University
Cost Per Credit: $625
Program Length: Two to three years
Brescia University’s online MSW program is designed to equip advanced generalist social workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality, evidence-based services to their clients.
Upon completing the program’s coursework, graduates will be prepared to address complex social problems and provide therapy and interventions to individuals, families, and groups.
The MSW program at Brescia University is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The program includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Organizational Leadership, Appreciation of Diversity, and Dynamics of Oppression.
In addition, students must complete a capstone project as part of their degree requirements. This project allows students to demonstrate their mastery of the program’s concepts and apply them to a practical social work challenge.
#13. Boise State University
Annual Tuition: from $18,315 – $30,195
Estimated Cost Per Credit: $495
Online MSW Programs: Non-advanced – 61 credits, Advanced – 37 credits
Program Length: Two to three years
Boise State’s MSW online degree is a fully online program that equips students with advanced social work practice skills. Graduates can provide high-quality services to individuals and families using theoretical knowledge and practical training.
Additionally, the curriculum emphasizes clinical, policy, and organizational skills necessary for promoting social justice and improving social services.
To complete the program, students must participate in a supervised fieldwork practicum involving 18 credits and 1,000 clock hours for the traditional program and 12 credits and 600 clock hours for the Advanced Standing program.
#14. University of Northern Iowa
Annual Tuition: More than $19,000
Cost Per Credit: $517
Online MSW Programs: Advanced – 37 credits
Program Length: One year
The University of Northern Iowa’s Advanced Standing MSW online program is focused on preparing students to work with individuals, families, and groups who have experienced various traumatic experiences.
The coursework goes beyond traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy models and includes an integrative approach to clinical treatment.
Graduates of the Advanced Standing program gain skills in various cognitive and somatic-based therapies, including sensorimotor psychotherapy, body-centered psychotherapy, trauma-sensitive yoga, and EMDR. They are also trained to assess and implement trauma-informed approaches and policies in service organizations.
#15. University of Missouri
Annual Tuition: from $19, 000 to more than $30,000
Estimated Cost Per Credit: $500
Online MSW Programs: Non-advanced – 60 credits, Advanced – 39 credits
Program Length: Two to three years
The MSW program at the University of Missouri can help students expand their careers in clinical practice and qualify for leadership positions in social work planning and administration. Graduates of the program can pursue careers such as Adoption Specialist, Family Advocacy Representative, and Public Health Manager.
The advanced and non-advanced programs at the University of Missouri are delivered fully online, with no on-campus requirements. However, students must complete supervised work at an approved agency.
Eligibility for the online MSW is limited to applicants residing in Missouri and contiguous states (Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky). Coursework includes topics such as human behavior and psychopathology, management of social agencies, and intervention with individuals, families, small groups, and communities.
#16. West Virginia University
Annual Tuition: from $23,000 to more than $37,000
Estimated Cost Per Credit: $643
Program Length: Two to three years
West Virginia University’s MSW programs aim to prepare graduates to become competent and effective social work practitioners who can improve social well-being and quality of life, particularly for vulnerable and oppressed populations.
The program’s curriculum is designed to develop micro, mezzo, and macro practice skills that can address social and human issues in various practice areas.
In addition to traditional social work skills, the programs at West Virginia University also integrate digital literacy into the curriculum to enable graduates to use technology resources effectively in their practice. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to pursue clinical licensure.
#17. Ohio University
Annual Tuition: from $23,000 to more than $41,000
Estimated Cost Per Credit: $654 per credit (Ohio resident), $673 per credit (non-Ohio resident)
Online MSW Programs: Non-advanced – 62 credits, Advanced – 36 credits
Program Length: Two to three years
Ohio University’s online MSW programs have a rural focus, providing students with knowledge and skills to better serve communities, individuals, and families across different demographic groups.
Graduates can work in various settings and benefit from the projected 12% job growth for social workers from 2020 to 2030.
The program’s curriculum was developed with real-world scenarios in mind, and students need to complete field social work training to put their learning into practice.
Graduates will be able to strengthen their creative skills in developing innovative solutions for clients with limited resources and use different methods of practice to communicate effectively with their clientele.
#18. University of Alabama
Annual Tuition: more than $26,000
Cost Per Credit: $440
Online MSW Programs: Advanced, 60-credit Traditional, Part-time
Program Length: One to three years
The University of Alabama offers online MSW programs with three tracks – traditional, advanced standing, and part-time.
The programs have two concentrations:
- Social Work with Children, Adolescents, and Their Families, and
- Social Work with Adults and Their Families.
The programs cater to working professionals who want to pursue advanced studies in social work in a non-traditional learning setup. The online programs require face-to-face skills labs.
Graduates of UA’s MSW programs can deliver evidence-based social work practice to their clients. They can also analyze, formulate, and influence social work policymaking in organizations and the government.
Moreover, they can engage in culturally competent advanced social work practice with diverse groups.
#19. University of Kentucky
Annual Tuition: from $27,000 to more than $45,000
Estimated Cost Per Credit: $750.50 per credit
Online MSW Programs: Non-advanced – 60 credits, Advanced – 36 credits
Program Length: Two to three years
The University of Kentucky’s MSW degree is a comprehensive Advanced Generalist program that prepares students for social work practice in various settings, from micro to macro.
The curriculum equips students with the necessary skills to provide appropriate services to diverse populations, such as rural communities, the military, and underserved groups. Students can specialize in various areas, allowing them to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.
Some available specializations are Child Welfare, Integrative Behavioral Health, Clinical Social Work, Military Behavioral Health, Substance Use Disorder, and Rural Population Well Being.
#20. Loyola University Chicago
Annual Tuition: from 28,700 – 61,500
Estimated Cost Per Credit: $1,025
Online MSW Programs: Full-time, non-advanced – 60 credits
Program Length: Two years
Loyola University Chicago’s MSW program provides advanced practice training for various social work settings such as clinical, community, and school settings. Students can choose between two specializations: Micro Practice or Mezzo/Macro Practice.
The Micro Practice specialization covers advanced clinical practice, CADC, migration studies, and schools, while the Mezzo/Macro Practice offers the Leadership, Mezzo, & Macro Practice track (LMMP).
The program also has a special track for students who aspire to take leadership roles in social work. The two-year MSW program can be taken through blended learning (a mix of online and in-person classes) or entirely online.
Consider These Five Factors in Choosing the Right Social Work Masters Programs
Pursuing higher education while juggling a career can be challenging, so choosing the right program is crucial. With thousands of schools in the US and worldwide offering master’s programs, it can be overwhelming to find the right one.
Fortunately, many schools now offer entirely online programs, making it easier for working professionals to obtain a master’s degree.
If considering a master’s in social work online, it’s important to consider five factors when choosing a program.
Access to Resources
When considering an online master’s degree program, the availability and quality of digital resources should be a top priority. It is essential to ensure students have the same access to university resources as on-campus students, such as library materials, career advice, and communication with module leaders.
When evaluating program options, look for examples of strong student services. For instance, the University of Birmingham was awarded Best Careers Support for International Students in 2016.
Ultimately, online students should feel they have access to a range of high-quality resources that enhance their learning experience to the same standard as on-campus students.
Networking
Online postgraduate students should not miss opportunities to connect with others with the same interests and professional goals. Creating a sense of community is essential for building networks and making contacts, just like traditional on-campus programs.
Look for online degree programs that prioritize peer-to-peer interaction and collaboration. Such opportunities can come in various forms, including group work, discussion forums, and synchronous sessions.
Building a strong professional network through online programs can prove valuable for future career growth and development.
Interactivity and Engagement
It’s important to consider if the online course you’re interested in was explicitly designed for online learning. You can investigate this by attending a course webinar or looking for video demos from various institutions.
This will help you evaluate the course’s production quality and better understand how online learning works in practice.
Another factor to consider is the course’s content and how it’s delivered. Some online courses can be text-heavy with extensive PDFs, which may not be as engaging as other options. The course should be intuitive, interactive, and engaging to ensure a positive online learning experience. Look for evidence of this when selecting a course.
Content
To select the right online degree program, examining the content covered and the expected learning outcomes is crucial. When evaluating courses, consider whether the modules offered to align with your career goals and whether they can help you bridge any gaps in your skill set.
If career advancement is your primary objective, it’s important to determine how the modules you take can help you achieve that goal. Certain online postgraduate programs, such as the one offered by the University of Birmingham, allow students to base their final dissertation on a work-based project.
This emphasis can be particularly beneficial for those seeking career progression since it aligns with their goals and provides an opportunity to add value to their organization.
Credibility
The credibility of the university and the course is crucial when considering online learning. A reputable, global university will likely offer high-quality degrees and attract top-performing students.
It is recommended to assess both local and international rankings, awards, accreditations, and university reviews to compare universities.
It is also essential to consider school and course accreditations beyond university rankings. For instance, Birmingham Business School’s Online MBA has triple-crown certification and is the world’s first and only 100% online MBA accredited by the Association of MBAs.
With these credentials, it is no surprise that this online course is a popular choice for many students.
Flexibility
Flexibility is a crucial factor for busy professionals when studying online. When searching for online courses, it is essential to consider how the courses’ flexibility will benefit your work and personal commitments. Things to look for include:
- The range of optional modules offered
- The ability to extend the course duration
- Whether there are required visits to the campus
- The amount of weekly study time required
- The schedule and frequency of synchronous learning sessions
Understanding the expectations of the course and how much flexibility is available is crucial when choosing an online degree. It’s important to know whether the course will work for your needs before enrolling.
It’s Worth Getting Your Master in Social Work
With a Master’s degree in Social Work, graduates can qualify for top positions in clinical social work, nonprofit organizations, and higher education. The future job market for social work professionals looks promising, as it is among the top jobs in the U.S. and globally.
Although the median salary of social workers is $51,505, the actual income of many professionals in this field fluctuates based on factors like weekend and holiday work, night differential pay, and the industry they work (BLS, 2021).
Earning a master’s degree in social work can provide opportunities to strengthen research and analytical skills and gain a deeper understanding of different approaches to assisting clients such as people with disabilities, those trapped in domestic conflicts, or individuals suffering from substance abuse.
Pursuing advanced studies can also lead to specialized knowledge and skills that can help create policies and systems that can improve social services.
Top 5 Social Work Careers You Can Choose if You are an MSW Degree Holder
The following five careers topped the list of career openings for advanced degrees for social workers equipped with an MSW.
Health Care Social Worker
As a healthcare social worker, your primary responsibility is to provide emotional and psychological support to individuals and families dealing with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. You will be expected to provide education, counseling, and referrals for other services and collaborate with other professionals to evaluate patient needs.
In a hospital environment, healthcare social workers may handle Medicaid- and Medicare-related paperwork and record-keeping. Furthermore, they may be able to conduct social research and develop social policy related to their work, advancing knowledge in the field.
To become a healthcare social worker, you typically need a master’s degree. The projected growth rate of this occupation is nearly triple that of all other occupations nationwide, with job openings expected to increase by 20? by 2026.
Mental health and substance abuse social worker
Mental health and substance abuse social work involve working with individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse issues. As a mental health and substance abuse social worker, you will provide individual or group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention strategies, and education.
Collaborating with counselors, physicians, and nurses is also an important aspect of the job, as is counseling family members to help them understand, communicate with, and support their loved ones. Referring clients to community resources for housing or treatment is also common.
To qualify for mental health and substance abuse social work positions, an MSW degree is often required. This field is expected to grow rapidly, with a projected increase of 19 percent in job openings by 2026.
Marriage and family therapist
Being a marriage and family therapist entails specialization in diagnosing and treating emotional and mental disorders in the context of family and marriage systems. Clients who seek therapy may have issues related to relationships, parenting, financial challenges, and divorce or separation.
They use psychotherapeutic theories, family systems, and other methods to help clients develop strategies and skills to overcome problems constructively. They can develop personalized treatment plans to deal with family-related issues and destructive behaviors. The therapist may also recommend other specialists if the client needs help from professionals in different fields, such as legal or medical.
To become a marriage and family therapist, one needs to have earned a master’s degree in psychology, social work, or marriage and family therapy. Job prospects are high, with a projected 23% increase in demand for marriage and family therapists by 2026.
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Child, family, and school social workers are dedicated to enhancing the social and psychological functioning of children and families, to improve family well-being and promote children’s resilience and academic performance.
In the child and family context, social workers may provide counseling to parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. In school settings, they focus on adopting a strengths-based approach to address various issues, including truancy, teenage pregnancy, and behavioral problems.
They may also deal with legal matters such as child abuse, attending court hearings, and providing testimony for custody arrangements.
Although some child, family, and school social worker positions accept candidates with a social worker online degree, many prefer applicants with a master’s degree. These jobs are projected to grow at 14% by 2026, which is twice the average rate for all occupations in the U.S.
School Counsellor
Professionals who provide counseling services may have different titles in the school environment, including school counselor, educational counselor, guidance counselor, student development advisor, and vocational counselor.
Although a school psychologist’s role may seem similar to that of a school counselor, there are subtle differences between these positions.
Generally, school counselors work with the entire student population of a school, focusing on meeting their social and emotional needs while helping them prepare for future academic and professional pursuits.
They may offer to counsel students regarding personal, social, or behavioral issues and conduct workshops on drug prevention or parenting. Conversely, a school psychologist’s main focus is providing clinical testing for learning disabilities and psychological disorders.
School counselors typically work in schools, while schools, community health centers, and clinics may employ school psychologists and social workers. A master’s degree is often required for school counselor positions, which is projected to grow by 13% by 2026.
Choose The Right Social Work Masters Programs
Pursuing an online Master of Social Work degree can be a game-changer for your career in social work. With the best online MSW programs for 2023 outlined in this blog, you can make an informed decision that fits your needs and budget.
Remember, obtaining a social work master’s program can equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to create a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities in need.
Pursuing a career in social work can be fulfilling, challenging, and rewarding, and it all starts with finding the right program that meets your needs. So, take the first step and choose the best online MSW program.
