15 Best Online MSW Programs for 2025
Pursuing an education in social work can be gratifying, both professionally and personally. For many working professionals, however, there may be better career options than attending classes on a college campus. That’s why more universities are now offering accredited online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs to balance the need for flexibility with professional development opportunities. An online program allows you to access quality courses from home or anywhere your schedule takes you. Read to explore vital facts about online Master of Social Work.
Online MSW Program Admissions
Admission to an online MSW institution accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) can be competitive. From this accreditation, you’ll know these institutions strive for excellence, and potential students to be enrolled must demonstrate that they have the skills, character traits, and dedication to succeed.
As a result, you must know what documents are needed and how to ensure that all your application packages meet admissions standards. Whether this is your first attempt at MSW admission or coming from a different higher education background, understanding the program expectations can make or break your acceptance into an accredited university. These are the primary admissions items for consideration, but it’s important to note that requirements may vary by school.
Transcripts
All official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended must be sent directly to the institution you are applying to. The transcripts should include all courses taken, including undergraduate and graduate-level work. Be sure that your transcripts where you pursued your bachelor’s degree are of CSWE accredited program. Otherwise, they may need to be more readily accepted.
Letters of recommendation
Your application must include three letters of recommendation. These letters should come from a professor, past or current employer, practicum supervisor, or another professional who can attest to your skill, character, intelligence, and dedication as they pertain to the field of social work.
Resume
A resume provides schools with an overview of your professional experience and background in social work. Include your educational history, job experience, and relevant volunteer work or internships. Be sure to include a section with all the certifications you have obtained in the field and any awards or honors you have earned. This may give you an added advantage in online MSW admissions since programs are for dedicated and experienced students to join their programs.
Writing samples
Submitting a writing sample allows the admissions committee to see your ability to organize your thoughts and convey information on paper. Writing samples may include journal entries, essays, or reports that you have written in the past. This will show that you can meet the thoroughness and exhaustiveness of an MSW program and be a valuable addition to the student body.
No GRE scores
Finally, unlike other graduate programs, no GRE scores or tests are needed for admission into an online MSW program. This can make it easier for those who do not have time to study and take such exams, allowing them to focus on their professional experiences and background in social work.
Curriculum
Whether you plan to earn a general practice or specialized social work degree, a well-rounded curriculum will provide the foundational knowledge necessary for success in this growing field. The curriculum for the online Master of Social Work has been designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in social work theory and practice.
Expect to take a concentration in various areas of the social work field. For instance, you may focus on mental health with classes such as mental health interventions for social workers or ethical challenges in mental health practice. If public policy interests you, you can delve into concentrations like public policy, planning and administration, and leadership and management.
Social workers interested in child welfare can study concentration school social work, children, youth and families, and social justice. Also, healthcare social workers can do clinical and social work interventions in the healthcare system.
Note that some concentrations may overlap depending on your specialization area. Consequently, you may do multiple courses in the same concentration.
No matter your concentration, you should expect to take core social work courses, such as human behavior in social environment, foundations of social work practice, working with individuals and groups in therapeutic settings, professional ethics for the social worker, and research methods in social work.
The online master’s program also requires fieldwork internships. These practical experiences can help bridge the gap between theory and practice. The fieldwork aims to allow students to apply their classroom education in a real-world setting and gain hands-on experience in social work practices. Plus, fieldwork hours vary depending on your desired area of study, and in most cases, you may need supervision by a licensed social worker.
Who Needs an Online MSW Program?
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs are an ideal choice for individuals who, for various reasons, cannot commit to a traditional program. This type of degree is perfect for those with full-time jobs or families who need more time to attend classes on campus. It’s also great for those who live in areas where there may not be access to a local university or who prefer the convenience of an online program.
Also, the cost savings associated with an online MSW program can be significant. Since there are no commuting or other campus-related expenses, students can often save money on tuition by attending school online. Furthermore, since course materials are typically available 24/7, students can study independently without worrying about rushing to class.
Additionally, online MSW programs tend to be more flexible than traditional programs. Students can typically take courses at their own pace and in any order they choose. They can also take classes during the day or night, so it’s easy to fit school into even a hectic schedule. Additionally, online students can access course materials from anywhere they have an internet connection, making it easy to study from home or on the go.
15 Best CWSE Accredited Online MSW Programs
Consider turning your passion into purpose by pursuing an online MSW degree from the accredited institution of the Council on Social Work Education (CWSE) to become a professional social worker. The following is a list of the best CWSE-accredited online MSW programs. Our methodology looks at admissions, graduation data, ease of entry and curriculum when we are compiling our list.
1. Campbellsville University
Campbellsville University provides the perfect opportunity if your area of interest is an advanced generalist practice. You can participate in a two-year online MSW program that provides access to high-quality courses and interactive learning experiences.
Their program is 60 credit hours and takes about five semesters to complete. At $603 per credit hour, you can pick your specialization after you’ve completed your foundation courses. Their specializations include Faith-Based, Substance Abuse, Forensics and Advanced Standing Generalist, with clinical options for the various specializations as well.
2. Arizona State University
You can find a quality online MSW program at Arizona State University. With multiple cohorts available each year, you can study full-time, part-time, or even opt for advanced standing if you already have some experience in the field and can attend on-campus. The online MSW is offered in a synchronous or an asynchronous format, so you can choose how you want to attend.
ASU offers the Advanced Generalist option through ASU Online. With the asynchronous option, students take courses that are seven weeks long, and most finish within 2-3 years. With the synchronous program, you’ll attend for two years if you attend in the way the course is outlined, but part-time options are available.
3. Baylor University
Baylor University offers an online MSW program where you can choose between full-time, part-time, and advanced standing options, with multiple cohorts available each year. The area of specialized practice includes clinical or community practice, with concentrations in Trauma-Informed Practice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Organizational Leadership.
The Baylor program is $1100 per credit hour and typically takes four terms to complete. The regular online MSW is 58 credits and the Advanced Standing option for those already holding a BSW is 30 credits.
4. Walden University
With eight cohorts offered each year, you can study either full-time or part-time at Walden University, depending on your needs and availability. You can choose from four different areas of specialized practice: youth and families, health, advanced generalist, children, and military social work. They also have an advanced standing option for those who have a BSW.
Walden is known for their social work programs, and they are the number one granter of MSW degrees in the United States every year. The program consists of 92 quarter-credit hours and takes about 30 months to complete.
5. University of Louisville
The University of Louisville offers an online MSSW program perfect for those pursuing an advanced generalist practice. With multiple cohorts each year, you can choose from full-time or part-time study options. The online program has the same curriculum and instruction as the on-campus program.
You can customize your degree in the areas of Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Gerontology, Forensic Social Work, Mental Health, Military Social Work, Psychosocial Oncology or School Social Work (this one is only if you are in Kentucky).
6. Texas State University
Texas State University offers an online MSW program that can be completed in at least two years. It is designed for those seeking advanced generalist practice and features multiple cohorts each year, offering full-time and part-time study options.
Students can specialize their programs with their elective options, and the same faculty teach the on-ground and online options.
7. Ohio State University
Ohio State University provides a top-tier online MSW program with multiple cohorts each year. You can study full-time or part-time, depending on your needs and availability. The specialized practice area includes advanced generalist, and the program is available in 49 states (sorry Coloradoans).
Students can take this program asynchronously or synchronously, with one online meeting per week for the synchronous option.
8. University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
The University of Hawai‘i at Manoa is a CWSE-accredited school that offers an online MSW program with full-time, part-time, and advanced standing options. The specialized practice areas include children, youth and families, aging, health, mental health, and gerontological practice. You can complete the program residing on any island in Hawaii, Guam or the Commonwealth of the Marianas.
Students enrolled in this distance education version of the MSW program need to have the appropriate technology for successful attendance.
9. Dominican University
Earning your MSW degree from Dominican University is a great way to start working towards achieving your professional goals as a social worker. The program offers full-time, part-time, and advanced-standing options with multiple cohorts each year. You can choose from several specialized practice areas, including advanced generalist, health, international social work, children, youth and families, mental health, school social work, aging, military social work, gerontological practice, and immigrants and refugees. The duration of the program is two years or more.
The online option is available to residents of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin and starts with a launch weekend to kick off the program.
10. Columbia University
Succeed in your career goals by earning an online MSW degree from Columbia University. You can choose from full-time, part-time, and advanced standing options, with multiple cohorts available each year. The specialized practice areas include advanced generalist, management, or administration, clinical or direct practice, and social policy.
Their program is majority synchronous, with opportunities for practicuum all over the country.
11. Indiana University
Indiana University is among the leading CWSE-accredited institutions that offer quality online MSW programs. The program provides full-time, part-time, and advanced standing options with multiple cohorts each year. You can complete the program in 18 months and choose from seven different areas of specialized practice: children, youth and families, advanced generalist, clinical or direct practice, mental health, school social work, health, management or administration, and addictions.
Students can now add IU’s e-Social Work Practice Graduate Certificate without adding time to their degree plan.
12. New Mexico State University
At New Mexico State University, you can participate in a two-year online MSW program that provides access to high-quality courses and interactive learning experiences. You can choose from full-time, part-time, or advanced standing options with multiple cohorts available each year. The specializations include advanced generalist practice.
The program is 60 credits for the regular, and 30 credits for the Advanced Standing. Tuition is $444.40 per credit hour, and $250 a credit hour for active duty military.
13. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama offers an online MSW program with full-time, part-time, and advanced standing options. Multiple cohorts are available each year, and specialized practice includes clinical or direct practice, management or administration, social systems, and social policy. All the courses can be completed in at least two years.
The program is offered primarily online, with tuition coming in at $440 a credit hour and 42-60 hours to complete the program.
14. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is a highly sought-after institution that offers an online MSW program. You can choose from full-time, part-time, and advanced standing options, with multiple cohorts available each year. The specializations include clinical or direct practice, social policy, and management or administration.
In addition to the 100% online option, students can choose a blended option, where they can attend partially online and partially on-campus.
15. Troy University
Finally, Troy University offers a fully online MSW program through Troy Online. This 30-60 credit program has the same curriculum and instruction as their on-campus program, and prepares graduates for social work licensure. Students can specialize in direct practice with a 30 core hour requirement.
Troy Online tuition is $475 per credit hour and they offer multiple start dates for increased flexibility.
Salary and Job Outlook
Social work is a valuable and rewarding profession, and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for social workers was $58,380 in May 2023.
Social workers can specialize in various areas, such as healthcare, mental health and substance abuse, child welfare, and school social work. The type of specialization you pursue will influence your salary significantly. For instance, the median annual wage for healthcare social workers was $62,940 in 2023.
As a social worker, your work setting will also determine your salary. For instance, local government (excluding education and hospitals) offers a median annual wage of $54,600. On the other hand, expect to earn a median yearly salary of $58,700 if you choose to work in ambulatory healthcare services.
The employment forecast for social workers is favorable, with an average of 67,300 vacancies per year predicted over the next ten years. This amount exceeds the average growth rate for all vocations. Additionally, some of these opportunities are anticipated by retirees in the industry and people who change careers.
Additionally, the demand for social workers is increasing due to various factors. The growing elderly population, larger school enrollments, increased demand for healthcare services and support, and an increase in the number of people seeking mental health and substance abuse counseling are all driving this trend.
Advanced technology has made reaching more clients easier for social workers, leading to a higher demand for their services. Advances in telehealth technologies have enabled social workers to provide their services remotely, even during the pandemic. This has opened new opportunities for those who choose to pursue an online MSW program or Master of Social Work degree and become certified as a social worker.
Getting Started
Pursuing online MSW programs can greatly increase your earning potential and gain the skills needed to make a difference in people’s lives. With multiple cohorts available each year and specializations, you can choose the right option. And, with the growing demand for social workers and a favorable job outlook, now is the perfect time to get started. Good luck!