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Social justice has become a hot topic in today’s society.
The reality is that there will always be winners and losers in the system, and the field of social work aims to help those who are most vulnerable.
If you have the desire to work with diverse groups of people and advocate for them, the field of social work may be one you should consider. Although you do not need a degree to help people or to make a difference, a master’s in social work gives you the clinical training needed to understand the theory and policy experience to make change happen. Social workers are employed in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, non-profit organizations, the government, and even prisons. Chances are, you have probably met a social worker and not even realized it!
College Choice has compiled a list of the 53 Best Online Master’s Degrees in Social Work. These schools were chosen based on factors such as overall excellence, affordability, and job placement rates after graduation. Keep reading to find out which online degree may be able to work with your schedule and career goals.
Top 10 Best Online Master’s in Social Work Degrees
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What kind of master’s degree in social work should you get?
An online degree may be more favorable for you than a traditional on-campus one if you wish to continue working full-time while going to school. Not only are online programs usually more affordable (typically there is no difference between in and out-of-state tuition), they also allow you to earn your degree at your own pace. Several of the programs listed in this ranking have both part- and full-time options, giving you complete control over your degree. There are two types of online courses: synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous courses meet at designated times via an online platform, while asynchronous courses are recorded and can be completed at any time before the specified deadline.
Almost anyone can apply for an online master’s degree in social work, so long as they already have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Those who have a bachelor’s, but not necessarily in social work, are often admitted into traditional programs that take two to three years to complete. By contrast, those with a bachelor’s in social work are often admitted to “advanced standing” accelerated programs that can be completed in about one or two years.
Check out last year’s ranking of the 50 best on-campus MSW degrees here.
How much money does someone with an online Master of Social Work degree make?
Whether you studied for your master’s online or on campus, there should be no difference in the salary you earn, as your diploma will never say “online” on it. According to PayScale, the average salary of someone in the U.S. with an MSW degree is $52,000. A licensed clinical social worker earns $57,000 on average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of fall 2018, the median salary of all social workers was slightly lower, at $49,470. It should be noted that while you do not necessarily need a license to work in the field, a majority of people who consider themselves a “social worker” do have a license to practice and thus make slightly more, on average, than their non-licensed peers.
State, workplace (i.e., public versus private sector), and years of experience all influence one’s salary. The top-paying states for child, family, and school social workers are the District of Columbia, Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and California. Metropolitan areas boast the highest rate of employment for social workers. Between 2016 and 2026, it is estimated that this field will experience a growth of 16%, which is higher than the national average.
What can you do with an online Master of Social Work degree?
The most common career path after obtaining an MSW is to become a licensed social worker. There are three main types of social workers, as listed by the BLS:
Child, family, and school social workers
Medical and public health social workers
Mental health and substance abuse social workers
Social workers are not counselors or therapists, nor do they have the license or training to “treat” people like psychologists or doctors do, but they may work alongside other professionals in the health care field. In general, social workers seek to help the overall wellbeing of individuals, either on a personal or societal level. They may work with children in at-risk families or campaign with non-profit organizations to change certain laws.
What are the requirements for an online Master of Social Work degree?
Schools prefer applicants with either a BSW or another bachelor’s degree and a GPA of at least 3.0. After being admitted into a program, students take foundational courses (if in a traditional MSW program) and then move on to more advanced courses (specialization requirements or electives). Depending on the program, students may also participate in a field placement/internship at the beginning of the degree program, or start one after they complete their foundational coursework.
Each school and state has its own requirements for the minimum hours of field placement/internship that must be completed in order to graduate. This hands-on experience is not only important for developing one’s hard skills, it is also necessary if one wishes to become a licensed social worker. Please note that not all programs listed in this ranking have explicitly stated that their curriculum leads to state licensure. If the program does allow its graduates to sit for licensure, usually the curriculum only meets the licensure requirements of the state where the school’s main campus is located.
Boston University offers a Master’s of Social Work degree that is one of the top programs on-campus or online. The program is one of the oldest programs of its kind, creating leaders in social justice for over 100-years. BU is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Online presence
The online degree requires at least 60 credit hours of coursework and 1,000 total clock hours of fieldwork experience. There are a variety of additional requirements dependent on student choices. Sample courses include:
Racial Justice
Cultural Intersection of Oppression
Communities and Organizations
Social Work Research
Notes
Boston University program comes with two concentrations. The clinical track focuses on professional tools while the macro track focuses on academic issues and solutions.
Case Western University offers students a nationally ranked graduate program from a top-tier school. Their M.S.W. program offers three specializations, all available online. The degree from the regionally accredited school meets all the requirements for a social work license.
Online presence
Sample courses include Social Policy, Research Methods in SW, and Direct Practice Foundation Methods and Skills. Each specialization is a direct practice concentration and comes with their own requirements for graduation. Primary concentrations are:
Mental Health with Adults
Community Practice for Social Change
Children, Youth, and Families
Notes
Students are required to complete at least 60 credit hours of 100 percent online coursework and 900 total clock hours of fieldwork experience.
The University of Southern California offers a master’s in social work to all online students. The degree is a perfect pathway towards becoming a licensed professional and gives students the ability to choose how they study. This is a regionally accredited university which holds special accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education.
Online presence
This program offers four concentrations and two study plans for both traditional and Advanced Standing students. Courses are structured asynchronously to allow students to choose an ideal schedule. Sample courses include:
Leadership in the Profession and Organizations
Theory and Practice
Science of Social Work
Policy and Advocacy
Notes
Although students are required to complete over 1,000 field hours, it is possible to fulfill some of these hours through the Virtual Field Practicum. The controlled environment allows students to join an approved agency for the remainder of this requirement.
Fordham University has a Master’s in Social Work program that is currently ranked the best in the nation by BestSchools.org and OnlineColleges.net. It is well known for flexible class schedules, a world-class faculty, and great opportunities in the field.
Online presence
A decision between clinical and leadership concentrations change the nature of student requirements. Students on average need to complete 61 credit hours of work as well as 900 clock hours of fieldwork. Sample courses include:
Social Work Practice in Research
Advanced Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
Human Behavior
Social Environment
Notes
This online program is currently limited to residents of New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. For students who live in this area, this is an amazing degree that has asynchronous courses, full access to course materials, and scheduling options for advanced students.
Indiana University offers an Advanced Generalist program for students who are interested in becoming licensed social workers. This program has the distinction of being the only program on this list to be continuously accredited since 1923. All students have access to the library and student support
Online presence
Open to all students from any state, program participants only need to visit campus once during the entire duration of the program. Part-time students can take up to four years to complete the required 60 credit hours. Sample courses include:
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Statistical Research Methods for Social Work Practice
Diversity Issues in America
Notes
All coursework is done entirely online aside from fieldwork in a student’s local community. The online program can be completed in as little as two years.
Florida State University is a pioneer when it comes to online education. The school offers an extensive online program and is the first in the nation to welcome Advanced Standing Schools. This regionally accredited program is available for both traditional and remote learners.
Online presence
This is a part-time program that requires 480-hours of field experience and 61 credit hours of coursework. Students need 30 credit hours to apply for graduation. Sample courses include:
Psychopathology
Social Work
Research
Social Welfare Policies and Programs
Notes
This degree is certainly one of the best in the country but is unfortunately not available to all students. It is important that students check FSU’s coverage map for this degree to see if you fall into an area supported by this social work program.
Rutgers University offers a completely online Master’s program for students around the world. This program is one of the most sought-after social work degrees in the country and comes with two specializations. Courses are small and taught in an asynchronous format.
Online presence
The degree begins three times per year and can be feasibly completed within three years. Instructors are real-world professionals, providing students with a strong understanding of the field. Sample courses include:
Social Welfare Policy and Services
Psychopathology
Human Behavior and the Social Science
Notes
The program requires 62 credit hours of coursework and 900 hours of fieldwork. Concentrations include clinical and Violence Against Women and Children.
Simmons College offers a graduate online social work degree that has a special focus on clinical training. It is one of the most exciting programs on this list and a smart choice for working professionals who need a flexible degree option. Specializing in clinical work at an accredited program will aid students in getting specific licenses within their state.
Online presence
Students in the SocialWork@Simmons program have access to an intimate, online educational setting. This includes synchronous classes, discussion forums, and uniquely designed online coursework. Within this program, students will find that there are four clinical specializations. These include:
Child and Family
Trauma and Interpersonal Violence
Mental Health and Addictions
Health and Aging
Notes
The master’s social work foundation program requires 65 credit hours. Sample courses include Dynamics of Racism and Oppression, Social Welfare Policy and Services, and Advocacy and Social Action for Professional Social Workers.
Campbellsville University is a strong contender for being one of the most comprehensive graduate degrees for online students. Curriculum from this institution focuses on interpersonal communication skills and Christian ideals. Complete independently accredited programs in as little as 21-months.
Online presence
The online program from Campbellsville focuses on advanced subjects in the field of including cultural competencies, psychopathology, and human development. The degree is perfect for students who feel the need to become valuable members of society. Sample courses include:
Advanced Practice with Children and Families
Community Development and Grant Writing
Change Theories
Notes
This is an advanced standing curriculum of a total of 30 credit hours of coursework to be completed online. 900 practicum hours of field practice and a research project is required.
The Catholic University of America is a premier leader in online learning, particularly when it comes to the social work. An M.S.W. is entirely online, allowing students to obtain their degree without disrupting already busy schedules. It is one of the only programs in the country that prepares students to sit for the Licensed Graduate Exam. The exam is the first step in the journey towards a highly respected and quickly growing profession.
Online presence
Online students will be treated to a variety of features that make this an excellent choice. Small class sizes emphasize a hands-on and evidence-based teaching style. One of the friendliest programs on our list offers graduate students student advisement and support in the field. This requires at least 54 credit hours of courses including:
Human Development and Psychopathology
Ethical Issues in Contemporary Social Work
Psychodynamic Theory
Social Functioning
Notes
A student’s hours are dependent upon specific placement agencies and departments. Participants receive peer mentoring and supervision for at least one hour per week.
Louisiana State University offers a graduate social work degree for all its online students. The program is perfect for students who need a flexible school schedule and can be finished in as little as four years with part-time study. Students who are full-time can finish the degree within two years.
Online presence
All courses are delivered asynchronously and begin six times per year. This program requires 60 credit hours of coursework along with two internships that with a total of 960 credit hours of field practice experience. Courses include:
Juvenile and Criminal Justice
Diversity and Oppression
Community and Agency Contexts in Direct Practice
Notes
Advanced students will find different requirements based on what they choose to study. Students are encouraged to speak to an enrollment advisor to learn more.
Humboldt State University offers students the chance to get a master’s in social work from the comfort of their own home. The degree is through the Department of Social Work and is a hybrid model that sees students finish their degree in as little time as possible. The online program is available online as a part-time degree to remote learners. Students can choose to specialize in social work within rural and Native American communities.
Online presence
This is an important specialization that is geared towards helping those inside and outside these communities. This degree requires 57 credit hours of coursework for traditional students and 33 credit hours for advanced students. Sample courses include:
Methodology
Social Welfare Policy and Services
Human Development
Diversity
Relationships
Notes
Non-advanced standing students will be required to complete 960 clock hours of practicum. Students are advised that entry into the program is not guaranteed. They should apply as early as possible to guarantee a spot for the upcoming academic year.
Virginia Commonwealth University offers busy students the opportunity to get a graduate social worker degree while pursuing their own goals. The program is one of the nation’s top schools for social works and continues to be the standard for excellence. This online social work degree comes with three different curricula.
Online presence
The foundation curriculum focuses on advanced social work skills. Students learn from evidence-based teachings on analysis of key issues, development of networks, and community outreach. The administration side includes planning and policy practice curriculum on the analytical features at all levels of government. Sample courses include:
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Diversity Issues
Policy
Statistical Research Methods
Notes
Students will be required to complete two different field placements in and around Virginia and the Washington, D.C. area. These will fit with their chosen curriculum to help them understand how their specialized field works in the professional world.
The University of New Hampshire offers an affordable regionally accredited master’s program for online students. Programs cover a variety of specializations and can be earned in as little as 28-months.
Online presence
The degree requires 62 total credit hours of coursework, all of which fall under an eight-week course schedule. Certificate programs are available in Intellectual and Development Disabilities, and Child Welfare. Students choose from four different fields of practice:
Health and Mental Health
Addictions and Substance Abuse
Disabilities
Children, Youth, and Families
Notes
UNH offers over 20-electives every year. Sample courses include Human Behavior and the Social Environment, History of Social Welfare Policy, and Statistical Research Methods for SW Practice.
The University of Tennessee at Knoxville has recently been named one of the top programs in the country by GetEducated. This online graduate program was created for working professionals who are interested in becoming licensed and need a feasible plan to get there. The program at UTK has two concentrations, Evidence-Based Interpersonal Practice and Management Leadership and Community Practice.
Online presence
Concentrations help students prepare for administrative or clinical roles as social workers and are a terrific addition to any resume. Students must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of coursework as well as a minimum of 1,000 hours of field experience. Sample courses include:
Trauma Theory and Practice
Resource Development and Management
Program Development
Continuous Improvement
Notes
Online classes are offered in both asynchronous and synchronous formats, allowing students to pick and choose what works best for them. Depending on the student’s standing and study schedule, program requirements may fluctuate.
Indiana University and Purdue University in Indianapolis is an urban campus where two prestigious intuitions merge. The Higher Learning Commission accredited school offers an online master’s in social work transforms students into leaders in the field. Graduates work in every level of sectors throughout the community.
Online presence
The oldest university school of social work in the nation is always adapting to the needs of 21st-century learners. IUPUI offers the highest ranked Master in Social Work program in the state of Indiana. Students choose from several areas of study including:
Children Youth and Families
Community and Organizational Leadership
Health
Mental Health and Addictions
School Social Work
Notes
Ranking in the top 11% of programs around the country, the graduate degree prepares students with practical skills and knowledge. U.S. News & World Report consistently recognizes the university’s support for students entering programs.
Texas State University at San Marcos has a part-time online program for both traditional and Advanced Standing students. The program is especially well known for offering the only Administrative Leadership Concentration on this list. It falls in the top 20 percent of all social work programs as listed by U.S. News and World Report.
Online presence
Traditional students are required to complete a minimum of 1,100 clock hours throughout the four years of their degree, while Advanced Standing students must complete 600 hours. All courses can be completed online and fieldwork takes place in the student’s community. Sample courses include:
Human Behavior in Individual and Family Social Environments
Human Behavior in Local and Global Social Environments
Social Welfare Policy and Services
Notes
Because this program is part-time, students will have about four years to meet this requirement. Students are reminded that this university does not accept students from all states.
The private Catholic university is headquartered in San Antonio and has several satellite locations throughout the state. Hands-on experience prepares remote learners to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families around the world. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredited institution is always expanding their reach to students from all backgrounds.
Online presence
Full-time to part-time students enjoy a choice between a regular 57-credit or advance 30-credit program. Online coursework alongside work in the field enables a range of experience that positively impacts students. Courses for the online Master’s in Social Work include:
Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups
Social Welfare Policy and Services
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Foundations in the Field
Notes
A concentration on Hispanic and Latino communities gives students insight into the needs of a rapidly growing population. Upon an accelerated track, motivated students can complete the program in only two years.
The University of Alabama offers a master’s in social work through its online portal as Bama By Distance. This regionally accredited program is a fantastic way for students to finish their studies while working full time. Students within the program are all in need of the same degree and will be ready to take state licensure exams.
Online presence
Courses are taught mainly online through face-to-face labs via satellite centers campuses across the state. This social work major requires 60 credit hours of coursework and 1,000 clock hours of field experience. Sample courses include:
Advanced Clinical Practice
Social Service Program and Agency Administration
Crisis Intervention
Notes
Students choose between two concentrations Children, Adolescents and their Families or Adults and their Families. Both concentrations are excellent options for students who wish to become licensed social workers.
The University of New England offers a graduate social worker degree for the online student. Four tracks coursework to last between 16 to 28-months. Traditional students who do not have a bachelor in the field have the option to choose a full-time track.
Online presence
All courses can be completed fully online, with no need to ever attend campus. This 42 to 60-hour program is perfect for students who are interested in becoming specialized in the field but need a flexible format. Degree concentrations include
Substance Abuse
Social Action
Community Development
Notes
Students have the option to take part in online certifications that can help them in their journey towards becoming social workers. These include the Trauma-Informed Practice Specialization and the Applied Arts and Social Justice Certificate.
Washburn University has an excellent hybrid program for students who live in and around the Topeka, Kansas. The master degree offers half of its courses online, alleviating the schedules of working adults. Online and on-campus aspects of this degree will help further prepare a student for their career.
Online presence
Washburn requires a total of 1,120 hours of practicum work. Online studies stand alongside team projects and guest lectures on-campus, including 400-hours of generalist practicum and 720 of clinical practicum. Sample courses include:
Fundamentals of Practice
Foundations of Social Policy
Quantitative Research
Notes
The degree requires 60 credit hours of coursework as well as the practicum requirements. Over half of the coursework can be completed online, while other courses are held in regional centers.
The University of North Dakota realizes that students who do not have a bachelor’s in social work but want a graduate degree. This is a part-time master’s degree that takes around three years to complete. Students all pay in-state tuition regardless of their residency, making this one of the most affordable programs for students around the country.
Online presence
Courses are synchronous, hold to the traditional academic semester, and are in the evenings. There are also two on-campus visits required, one for each year of the program. Both on-campus intensives are held at the Grand Forks campus and last for six days. Sample courses include:
Social Policy
Generalist Research Methods and Analysis
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Notes
This program requires 60 credit hours of coursework and 500 clock hours of field experience. Field experience can be done in a student’s local area, pending approval from the department.
The University of Hawaii at Mānoa offers the graduate level social work degree through its Department of Distance Education. It is a comprehensive regionally accredited program running on the cohort model. While taught mostly online, it is best suited for students who already reside in Hawaii. A once per year visit to Oahu makes this program only available to students who can prove they live in the state.
Online presence
Mānoa students utilize Blackboard Collaborate, Laulima, the school’s online learning management system, and HITS to enroll. Currently, foundation students can expect to complete at least 57 credit hours of coursework and 900 hours of fieldwork. Sample courses from the social work major include:
Child Welfare as a Field of Social Work
Methods of Group Psychotherapy
Introduction to Forensic Social Work
Notes
The program offers four concentrations for students to choose from and could affect the requirements for each student. Concentrations will add to the number of required credit hours.
Located in New York City, Touro College provides a thorough education to students around the world. Over 18,000 students in 30 schools throughout four countries create an ideal learning environment. High-quality programs are offered by a skilled faculty that keeps the interests of learners a priority.
Online presence
The Graduate School of Social Work focuses on the clinical side of the field. A range of communities and cultures are explored as learners prepare to dive-in a career of their choice. The TouroOne online portal connects remote students to faculty and peers from all backgrounds. Courses include:
Foundations of Social Work
Human Behavior and the Social Environment
Power, Privilege, and Oppression in Society
Clinical Social Work Practice
Notes
Two, three, four-year, and accelerated programs enable full to part-time students to set their own pace. Foundation courses build a base of understanding that leads to more advanced classes.
Portland State University is a public research university in the urban heart of the city. Readying students for challenges in the field, the institution’s School of Social Work is the best in the state. The regionally accredited Master’s in Social Work is one of the best in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report. Graduates go on to fight for social, political, and economic justice around the globe.
Online presence
Remote learners can complete curriculum and cohort modeled coursework within three years. Choose between Practice and Leadership with Communities and Organizations or the Health Across the Lifespan concentrations. At the beginning of each year, students must attend to two-days of community building and orientation. Courses teach:
Community practice
Human services
Administration
Policy practice
Advocacy
Notes
The experienced faculty is in direct contact with students throughout the week, including periodical face-to-face meetings. The program uses Blackboard, Google Hangouts, and YouTube to facilitate studies.
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