Social work is not just a job, it’s a calling. Social workers strive to make life better for society’s most vulnerable members. They help people and families – most of whom are facing racial discrimination, oppression, poverty, violence, and other social injustices – get through some of the most difficult times of their lives.
Completing an online MSW program and earning your master’s degree in social work can empower you to elevate your social work career and use your graduate-level training and expertise to support those who need you the most. And if you’re thinking of becoming a clinical social worker and obtaining your license, you’ll need to attain your online master’s degree in social work.
Deciding which school and program to attend is a crucial decision that will affect your ability to be an effective social worker now and in the future. We took a close look at accredited online MSW programs from across the country to bring you a list the very best. Programs that ranked the highest featured the most customizable degree plans, strongest support for online students, and most flexible scheduling options. See which online MSW programs scored top marks in 2024 in our college ranking below.
Top Online Master’s Degrees in Social Work (MSW) for 2024
We have ranked the top schools below. Our Rankings Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES.) Click the About the Ranking link below for more information about our methodology.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
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Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
The social work master’s program from Saint Louis University is offered on a part-time or full-time format to accommodate students who want to continue working while in school. Most courses are offered either online or on-campus and last about 15 weeks during the fall and spring semesters. Summer courses last 10 weeks. Students can choose whether to take most of their classes online or in-person. In addition to the coursework, students must also complete in-person practicums to gain real-world experience in social work. One unique feature about the MSW program from Saint Louis University is that students can choose from three concentrations: applied behavior analysis, clinical, and community and organization.
Program Highlights:
Master of Social Work
- Credits: 48-57
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $1,070.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
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Columbus, OHPublic $$$
Students interested in a MSW degree from Ohio State University can choose to attend on a part-time or full-time basis. If a student already has a BSW they can enroll in the ASAP (Advanced Standing Alternative Program) pathway and graduate in one year (as a full-time student) or two years (as a part-time student). Students not eligible for the ASAP pathway can earn their master’s degree in the traditional pathway and graduate in two years as a full-time student or three to four years as a part-time student. Regardless of which path they take, students have zero on-campus requirements and outside of the field placements, all other program requirements can be completed online.
Program Highlights:
Master of Social Work
- Credits: 43 or 63
- Length: About one to four years
- Cost: $6,500.00/semester (in-state); $6,700/semester (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Las Cruces, NMPublic $
The online Master of Social Work program from New Mexico State University is designed for social work professionals who want to work in an advanced generalist setting with clients from vulnerable and multicultural groups. Both part-time and full-time tracks are offered, but only the full-time track is available online. In addition to most of the courses being delivered in a distance learning format, students must also complete in-person field training. The MSW program provides for advanced standing for incoming students who already have a BSW, which makes graduating in one year possible.
Program Highlights:
Master of Social Work
- Credits: Varies
- Length: One to three years
- Cost: $444.40/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Students seeking the maximum level of flexibility when it comes to the pace of learning will be hard-pressed to find an online Master of Social Work program better than the one from Simmons University. The program requires completion of 65 credits, but the amount of time it takes to complete the program will vary based on which track a student is in and their prior social work training. For example, a student in the accelerated track who already has a bachelor’s degree in social work (advanced standing) can graduate in as little as 12 months. But a student in the extended track without a bachelor’s degree in social work will take about three years to graduate. The majority of classes are online, with 20 or fewer students per class. Students must finish two field education experiences, which can be completed at an approved location close to where the student works or lives.
Program Highlights:
Master of Social Work
- Credits: 34-65
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $500.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Portland, MEPublic $$
The University of Southern Maine calls its Master of Social Work program a “low-residency” program. This means most classes are delivered online through the Brightspace online learning system, but some classes have two to three face-to-face class meetings per semester. These meetings take place on Fridays in Portland, Maine. The program takes about three years to complete because all students must enroll in the part-time track, which includes two courses for each summer, spring, and fall term. There are also field experience requirements which students must complete in-person. The curriculum is set, so no class variations are allowed except for the two elective classes that students take during the summer semester of their second year.
Program Highlights:
Master of Social Work
- Credits: Varies
- Length: About three years
- Cost: $432.000/credit (in-state); $1,250.00/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CSWE
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Indianapolis, INPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Buffalo, NYPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Norman, OKPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Columbia, MOPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Bronx, NYPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Silver City, NMPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
San Antonio, TXPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Philadelphia, PAPublic $$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
River Forest, ILPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
10/1
-
Athens, OHPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Miami, FLPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Springfield, MOPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Tuscaloosa, ALPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Vermillion, SDPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Dover, DEPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Memphis, TNPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Omaha, NEPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Fort Collins, COPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Charlotte, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Boise, IDPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Tampa, FLPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Baton Rouge, LAPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Saint Leo, FLPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Nashville, TNPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Durham, NHPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Birmingham, ALPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Baltimore, MDPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Reno, NVPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Iowa City, IAPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Pensacola, FLPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Jackson, MSPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Chester, PAPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Salisbury, MDPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Aurora, ILPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Topeka, KSPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Greenville, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
San Angelo, TXPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
-
Flagstaff, AZPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Louisville, KYPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Grand Forks, NDPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Arcata, CAPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Houston, TXPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
23/1
-
Richmond, VAPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Troy, ALPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Cedar Falls, IAPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
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Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
What You’ll Take Away from Your Online MSW Program
The best online MSW programs list the specific learning outcomes you should expect to have mastered upon graduation. These learning outcomes comprise the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which is the main accrediting body in social work education.
While schools may frame learning outcomes differently, here’s a look at some important ones you can look for as you assess programs to ensure a high standard of learning is being met.
Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
You should graduate with an understanding of the value of the social work profession and its ethical standards. You should be well-versed in the relevant laws and regulations that could impact your practice.
You should also know how to make ethical decisions and apply them in practice, research, and policies. Additionally, you’ll need to stick to your ethical standards, particularly as new forms of technology emerge. You’ll become accustomed to reflecting on your own personal values and self-regulating your thoughts and actions to maintain a sense of professionalism.
Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
A person’s age, class, race, ethnicity, and culture all contribute to diversity. That also includes disability and ability; gender and gender identity; expression; immigration status; marital status; religion; political ideology and tribal sovereign status.
Those differences can lead to oppression, poverty, marginalization and alienation—as well as privilege and power. By the end of your online MSW program, you’ll understand how diversity shapes a person’s identity and experiences.
Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Every person, regardless of their societal status, is entitled to fundamental human rights such as freedom, safety, privacy, health care, education, and an adequate standard of living.
You’re expected to treat each person you encounter in your capacity as a social worker with care and respect, regardless of differences. Your goal is to help your clients address their own needs.
Graduates of social work programs should be knowledgeable on theories of human need and strategies to promote social and economic justice and human rights.
Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
Social workers must understand quantitative and qualitative research methods. They should also understand their respective roles in advancing the science of social work and in evaluating their practice.
When you earn your online master’s in social work, you should be able to apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of various research methods and findings. You and your fellow students will be constantly learning by building your social work knowledge on the principles of logic, scientific inquiry, and culturally informed and ethical approaches. You’ll learn how to translate research findings into effective practice to improve policy and ignite change.
Common Classes in Online MSW Programs
Social workers often meet people during the worst moment of their lives. As a social worker, you’ll be called upon to help those who may be living through racism, poverty, violence, homelessness, and other social injustices or who are struggling with mental illness or other serious health issues.
That’s why many online master’s in social work programs will require you to take classes that teach you about institutional discrimination and how it has impacted welfare policies and at-risk populations.
The list below provides an example of a few courses you’ll likely take in your online MSW program:
Foundation of Social Welfare Policy
In this course, you’ll examine the structure of welfare policies in both the U.S. and in international political economies. The course focus on the values of equity, adequacy, and the universality of access to basic social and economic security. Most importantly, it focuses on how policies and programs impact at-risk populations. You’ll learn to identify and evaluate problems within these policies and advocate for change among legislators and with the public.
Human Development Through Life Cycles
You’ll learn about theories of human development based on observations and experiences that focus on the interactions between individuals, groups, societies, and economic systems. The course also examines social systems and how people maintain or achieve health and well-being. You’ll explore the outcomes of people’s various life experiences.
Advanced Issues in Human Diversity
In this class, you’ll learn how to effectively work with people from diverse backgrounds. You’ll need to be candid with yourself and investigate your own personal identity and development to learn how your own experiences and hidden biases can impact your social work practices.
Ethnicity, Gender and Class
This course will give you an insight into the experiences of people who have been historically discriminated against and oppressed. You’ll learn how to recognize your own roots and discover how your life experiences have led to personal biases. This knowledge will give you the ability to work with others who have experienced discrimination based on their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and economic class.
Evaluation and Treatment of Mental Disorders
In the study of mental disorders at the MSW level, you’ll learn to make assessments of clients and patients based on the biological, psychological, and social aspects of a person’s life rather than strictly making assessments based on the biomedical aspects of a person’s disease. You’ll learn to formulate differential diagnostic impressions and recommend effective and appropriate interventions.
Integrative Seminar on Child and Youth Services
This class will prepare you to work in schools, child welfare agencies, juvenile court systems, and other community-based youth development settings. You’ll learn about the needs of at-risk children, youth, and families and how to build supportive social environments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MSW Programs
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Can I earn my master’s degree in social work completely online? What about fieldwork?
While the majority of coursework can be completed online, most online master’s in social work programs require students to do in-person fieldwork.
For example, students applying to the online MSW program at the University of Arizona are required to complete 960 hours of “mandatory hands-on field education” at two different internship sites, according to the institution’s website. Students are able to work with the Field Education Office at U of A’s School of Social Work to find internship sites that are in their local area and meet school CSWE standards.
Most other online MSW programs, including the one at Adelphi University, also allow out-of-state students to complete fieldwork within their own communities.
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What can I do with a master’s degree in social work?
Once you’ve earned your online master’s in social work and received proper licensing, you can specialize in child, family, and school social work; health care social work; or mental health and substance abuse care. Most social workers work in an office or clinical setting and meet with clients, colleagues, and community specialists or other support workers. They may also visit the homes of clients. School social workers will likely need to travel to various school districts to meet with students.
Here’s a look at a few job titles:
- Clinical Manager
- Case Manager
- Director of Social Services
- School Social Worker
- Program Director
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What type of accreditation should an online master’s social work degree program have?
While the school you attend should be regionally accredited, you should look for accredited online MSW programs as well. For purposes of licensing, career prospects, and future educational goals, it’s crucial that both the school and program you attend are accredited.
The Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Commission on Accreditation (COA) is the sole accrediting body for social work programs in the U.S. The CSWE evaluates online master’s in social work programs to the same standard as traditional ones and bases those standards on the students’ learning outcomes rather than on the teaching method. State-based social work licensing boards require you to have a social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program to take the licensing exam.
According to CSWE, there are 313 accredited master’s social work programs in the U.S. as of June, 2022. CSWE has a directory you can use to find accredited social work programs.
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What does the admissions process look like for online MSW programs?
Most online master’s in social work programs will require you to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. You’ll also likely need to apply to graduate school in addition to the social work program.
Many schools require a minimum undergraduate cumulative 3.0 GPA, but that depends on the program.
Some online programs, such as the Master of Social Work at Northeastern Illinois University, may require you to send in a resume, a letter of recommendation, and a professional statement if you want to be placed in advanced standing. Advanced standing may apply if you have a bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited program and have experience in the field.
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How much does an online master’s degree in social work cost?
Tuition depends on the school and online master’s in social work program you choose. For example, the University of California, Berkeley’s School of Social Welfare charges in-state students a total of $13,370 in tuition. Nonresidential students are charged a supplemental tuition of $6,122.50. In total, out-of-state students pay $19,492.50 in tuition costs.
There are many ways to lower the cost of your program tuition. Ask your employer if they are willing to help pay your tuition. You can also apply for student loans, scholarships, fellowships, and stipend programs.
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How much time does it take to earn a master’s degree in social work online?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, completing a master’s in a social work program usually takes two years of full-time study and includes a supervised practicum or internship. Some programs allow graduates with a bachelor’s degree in social work to earn their master’s degree in under two years.
Once you’ve obtained an online master’s in social work, you’ll need to undergo supervised training. The amount of time it takes you to complete the training varies from state to state.
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What specializations are available for master’s degrees in social work?
Most online master’s in social programs offer various options you could specialize in, including mental health and substance abuse, medical and public health, and child, family, and school social work. You could also specialize in social work within rural and aging populations.
Once armed with your master’s degree in social work, you can work for various employers, including individual and group services and both local and state government agencies.
Here’s a look at a few specializations:
- Child and Family Wellbeing
- Advocacy in Change
- School Social Work
- Adulthood and Aging
- Integrated Health
Is a Master’s Degree in Social Work Worth It?
Getting your online master’s in social work can be very well worth the time, effort, and money, depending on the job you get. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is expected to grow by 9% through 2031, which is faster than average when compared to all other occupations. Additionally, the annual median wage for social workers was listed as roughly $50,000, as of May 2021. However, you could earn more than $82,000 depending on the job and your experience.
The table below shows the median annual earnings and employment growth for some fast-growing social work jobs:
| Career | Median Annual Earnings (2021) | Job Growth (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Social Workers | $50,390 | 9% |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 | 12% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics