Best Online Master's in Social Work Programs
Updated April 18, 2024
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If you want a career in mental health, substance misuse, or social work, you’ll likely need a master’s degree in social work (MSW). Consider an online MSW program if you want the flexibility to continue working while attending school.
Learn more about the top online MSW programs, the factors to consider when choosing a program, and the careers you can pursue after graduation.
Popular Online Social Work Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below
Best Online Master's in Social Work Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Master’s in Social Work Programs
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of South Florida in Tampa is a top-ranked public school offering 254 total programs. Of all applicants, USF admits 49%. Of all admitted applicants, 74% go on to graduate. USF offers robust graduate education, with 111 master's programs and 48 doctorate programs available.
Graduate tuition for in-state students is $8,350, and out-of-state students pay $19,048. The university also provides financial aid to 92% of its students (including undergraduates), with an average aid amount of $10,924. This reduces the average cost to $10,004.
USF also offers 42 total online programs. Of all USF students, 90% are enrolled in at least some distance learning.
#2 Best Online Master’s in Social Work Programs
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a public institution located in Edinburg, Texas. The school offers a wide range of courses, with 142 programs across the undergraduate and graduate levels.
An impressive 95% of students receive financial aid. The average amount of aid awarded per student is $9,910. Students can also take advantage of UTRGV's 25 online programs, with 97% of the student population enrolled in online courses.
Graduate tuition for in-state students is $6,458, while out-of-state students pay $13,820. After financial aid, the average price per student is $4,419.
#3 Best Online Master’s in Social Work Programs
California State University-Northridge
Northridge, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
California State University-Northridge is a public university located in Northridge, California. The school offers a variety of degrees, with 156 programs in total. Currently, 40,381 students are enrolled in CSU-Northridge, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 28-to-1.
The university has 67 master's programs on offer, including a master's program in social work. Tuition varies according to the student's residency. Graduate tuition for in-state students is $7,176, while out-of-state students pay $16,680.
CSU-Northridge also offers 13 online programs. Of the total student population, 98% take at least some courses online. The average amount of aid awarded per student is $10,845, and the average price per student after financial aid is $8,882.
#4 Best Online Master’s in Social Work Programs
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The Ohio State University, located in Columbus, Ohio, is a public university offering a variety of programs. With an 87% graduation rate, students at Ohio State have the resources they need for academic and professional success.
The school offers 397 total programs, including 121 master's programs and 100 doctoral programs. Graduate tuition is $11,560 for in-state students and $36,276 for out-of-state students.
At Ohio State's main campus, 84% of students receive some form of financial aid, with an average of $8,412 awarded per student. After financial aid, the average price per student is $18,884. There are 23 online programs available with 94% of students enrolled in at least one online course.
#5 Best Online Master’s in Social Work Programs
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Central Florida offers a great online master's program in social work. Located in Orlando, Florida, this public institution maintains a 45% admission rate and 74% graduation rate. In all, UCF offers 297 programs of study.
UCF is committed to making higher education accessible and affordable for Florida residents, with an in-state graduate tuition of $6,916. In addition, 94% of students receive some form of financial aid.
The school offers robust distance education, with 136 online programs. Of these, 90 are master's-level programs. With an accredited degree, UCF graduates can expect to gain valuable skills and knowledge
Why Get an Online Master of Social Work Degree?
- An MSW is the minimum degree requirement to practice clinical social work or independently practice generalist social work.
- An MSW offers career opportunities in mental health, substance misuse, and forensic social work.
- MSW graduates make an average of $3,000 more per year than social workers with only a bachelor’s degree, according to Payscale data from June 2023.
- An online degree allows you to study around your work schedule and other commitments.
- An online degree can save you money on housing, transportation, and some on-campus fees.
How Much Does a Master's in Social Work Cost?
A master’s degree costs around $10,000 to $16,000 for the school year, according to 2023 data from SocialWorkLicensure.org. This figure does not include costs for books and other school supplies, like computers or smart devices, that you may need to complete your coursework.
As an online student, you may save money on transportation and campus-based fees. You can also save money by attending a public rather than a private school. Master’s degrees at public universities cost about $14,000 less per year than private universities, according to the NCES.
What Can You Do With a Master's in Social Work?
The most in-demand and highest-paying jobs in social work usually require a master’s degree in the field. However, you can become a social and community service manager and make a median salary of $74,240 per with only a bachelor’s degree in social work.
| Social Work Jobs | Median Annual Pay | Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage and Family Therapists | $56,570 | +15% |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $59,860 | +3% |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,240 | +9% |
| Social Workers | $55,350 | +7% |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $49,710 | +18% |
Common Social Work Concentrations
An MSW opens you up to various specialties in social work once you become licensed to practice in your state. You can work with children, families, victims of crimes, and people with mental health or substance misuse conditions.
Children and Families
A children and families social work concentration examines mental health among children. You learn to assess children, provide early intervention services, and offer clinical treatment for children and families. The concentration emphasizes mental health support, protective factors, and risk factors.
Clinical Social Work
This concentration trains social workers to help people facing mental and emotional challenges. You examine counseling practices, including identifying and evaluating challenges and individual and group treatment approaches. You also explore behavioral issues, professional challenges, and family conflicts. After graduation, you can pursue careers in clinical social work.
Community and Social Systems
A community and social systems concentration focuses on macro-level social welfare organizations. You examine social systems to identify potential improvements or policy needs. You also learn to conduct macro assessments and evaluate social problems. The concentration prepares you for roles in social work policymaking and social welfare institutions.
Forensic Social Work
This concentration covers social work tools to address problems in the legal system. Forensic social workers represent clients within the justice system, acting as consultants or advocates in legal settings. A forensic social work concentration includes training in the criminal justice system and social services.
Master's in Social Work FAQs
Why is an online MSW accreditation important?
Accreditation for your online MSW program is important because you must earn a degree from an accredited program to qualify for state licensure in social work. You'll need a master's level license and a degree from an accredited MSW program to practice master's level generalist social work independently or clinical social work under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW),
Is a master's in social work hard?
MSW programs can be very challenging, mentally and emotionally. MSW programs train social workers in social welfare policymaking, social work research, and clinical social work. You must also complete an internship or practicum, which can be emotionally challenging. Driven, compassionate students can thrive in an MSW program.
How long does it take to complete an MSW program?
It typically takes two years for full-time students to complete an MSW program, including internship requirements. Some programs offer accelerated options, allowing you to complete your degrees in less time but require a bachelor's degree in social work to apply.
Should I get a master's in social work or counseling??
An MSW and a master's in counseling help prepare you for different careers. A counseling degree emphasizes counseling techniques and theories, while a social work degree takes a big-picture approach. Social workers provide various services within the social work system, while counselors typically work directly with clients.
Page last reviewed June 30, 2023. All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the TBS Rankings Team.
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