Master’s in social work (MSW) programs

Social work programs can prepare you for rewarding careers empowering individuals, families, and communities. Learn more about what to expect in an online MSW program.

Explore MSW degrees

woman holding a clipboard talking to two people in a work setting.

Why earn a master's in social work online?

Prepare for a clinical career

Learn to work as a clinical social worker providing mental health therapy for people with anxiety, depression, and other concerns.

Learn to care for specific populations

Choose a population to specialize in, including children and youth, older adults, incarcerated individuals, the LGBTQ+ community, and couples and families.

Advance your social work skills

Build valuable skills, such as interpersonal communication, advocacy, cultural competence, assessment, and evaluation, to enhance your social work career.

A career in social work offers an opportunity to care for your community's underserved populations and fulfill your passion for helping people. Online master's in social work (MSW) programs can open doors to various career opportunities, help you earn a higher salary, and change lives. Learn more about online MSW programs and find the school that's best for you.

Browse accredited master’s in social work online degrees

Online MSW program overview

When you pursue an MSW online, you can explore courses and specializations in the field of social work while enjoying the flexibility of remote learning. Online programs also allow more freedom to fit the required field placement practicum into your busy schedule.

There are several online enrollment options, including:

Full-time
, for students who hold a degree

Courses

Advanced generalist social work practice: Providing a theoretical base for master's-level social work practice, this course will cover an overview of the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of social work.
Advanced clinical social work practice: In preparation for clinical practice, this course teaches mental health assessment, evidence-based therapeutic intervention, and treatment evaluation services to a wide range of populations.
Macro social work practice: This course covers systemic issues facing the communities social workers serve. Rooted in advocacy and social justice, you will learn policy analysis, community organizing, and program development skills.
Research methods: Coursework explores a systematic approach to research in social work, including qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis, research ethics, and study design.
Program evaluation: This teaches how to lead programming in social service organizations, communities, and other settings. You'll learn program planning, strategic design, resource acquisition, program implementation, evaluation, and development.

Practicum requirements

CSWE-accredited MSW programs, which serve as the education requirement for , require a field placement practicum where you will gain valuable hands-on experience in social work practice under the supervision of a fully licensed social worker.

Required Hours:

You must complete at least 900 hours of practicum experience.
Advanced standing students need 600 hours.

In , field education faculty support you in securing an in-person practicum placement in your home community. Placements may occur in outpatient mental health settings, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and schools.

Program tracks

Advanced clinical practice (ACP): Clinical social work program tracks prepare you to pursue a career as a mental health therapist, working in child and family, individual, couples, or substance use treatment. You'll learn more about interpersonal practice, diagnostic skills, and therapeutic interventions.
Advanced integrated practice (AIP): Program tracks in generalist social work offer a broad overview of community organizing, policy, advocacy, and clinical skills that cover macro and micro practice components. You can also choose elective courses that align with your career goals.

What jobs can you get with an online MSW program?

With an MSW degree, you can qualify for many social work roles, depending on your practice level and specialization. If you plan to work as a clinical social worker and provide mental health therapy services to clients, you will need to first pursue clinical licensure in your state.

Jobs you can get with an online MSW program include:

School social worker
Medical social worker
Case manager
Child welfare specialist
Policy analyst
Community organizer

Social work salary and career outlook

Social worker

Median annual salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social workers earned a median annual salary of $61,330 in 2024. This statistic includes entry-level and clinical social workers. The lowest-earning 10% of social workers earned less than $41,580, and the highest-earning 10% took home over $99,500 in 2024.
Career outlook: Due to an increase in mental health conditions, substance use, and the aging population, the BLS projects social worker jobs to increase by 7% from 2023-2033.

Social and community service managers

Median annual salary: BLS data indicates that social and community service managers earned a median annual salary of $78,240 in 2024. The lowest-earning 10% of social and community services managers made less than $50,020. The highest-earning 10% of social workers made over $129,820 in 2024.
Career outlook: Due to the increasing population of older adults, who tend to rely on social services more than other age groups, social and community service manager jobs are projected to increase by 8% from 2023-2033.

Tuition and financial aid for online MSW programs

Online MSW programs vary in cost, from as little as $4,000 per semester up to more than $17,000 per semester, depending on the university. This cost includes credit hours associated with your field placement practicum.

Textbooks, a laptop, internet service, transportation to your field placement, and any other supplies are not included in tuition, making them important considerations when pursuing an MSW degree online.

Some larger universities offer online MSW students scholarships and grant funding opportunities to offset the cost of attendance. Federal and private student loans are also available to many students seeking tuition assistance.

Admissions requirements for online MSW programs

Admission requirements for MSW programs vary by school. Most accredited online social work master's programs require each applicant to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, along with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Many schools prefer to receive a statement of purpose with evidence of personal characteristics and goals aligned with the social work profession. Some schools may require these statements.

Request information from the universities you are interested in or visit their admissions pages to learn about each school's specific requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Is an MSW worth it financially?

While an MSW degree requires a financial investment, financial aid and scholarship opportunities can help offset the cost. There are many job opportunities for master's-level social workers, and the difference you'll make in the community holds its own value.

Can I become a social worker fully online?

You can earn an MSW online. There are many fully online programs that offer synchronous or asynchronous class offerings, but most programs require in-person field placements, which allow you to work under the supervision of an experienced social worker.

How long does an online MSW take?

Most online MSW programs require 2-3 years to complete, depending on how many courses you take each semester. Individuals with BSWs may qualify for advanced standing programs that can be completed in as little as one year.

Is an online MSW respected?

You can earn an MSW online from a respected university. An accredited online MSW is equivalent to an accredited in-person degree. Learn more about available programs to find the right fit for your career aspirations.

Last updated August 6, 2025