Looking to earn your social work master’s online? There is a wide selection of online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs to choose from—many of which are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This guide is designed to help aspiring social workers learn about CSWE-accredited online MSW programs, discover potential MSW careers and determine which scholarship opportunities are available to them.

If you’re interested in a broad selection of programs, skip ahead and review our list of all CSWE-accredited online MSW programs.

When it comes to choosing a concentration for your online MSW, there are plenty of options to take into consideration. Some social workers work at the micro level, where they’ll interact directly with individual patients. Others work at the mezzo or macro level, treating larger groups or populations and implementing frameworks on a broad scale. Some common MSW concentrations include:

Each of these focus areas may also contain more specific concentrations, such as child and family welfare, school social work, substance abuse work or military social work.

Finding the right online MSW program for you depends on a number of factors. From personal interests to available tracks and previous education, aspiring students should do well to research options that prepare them to become a licensed social worker in their states. 

Those with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate program may be eligible to pursue an advanced standing MSW program online. Advanced standing MSW programs tend to have stricter admission criteria and requirements.

Accelerated online MSW programs allow students to earn their degree in as little as one year. This option may be suitable for students who want to receive their MSW in a short period of time and are capable of handling the rigor of a condensed program.

MSW programs are designed to prepare students to pursue social workers careers. Programs with a clinical focus (informally called LCSW degree programs) feature foundational social work courses that allow students to build the skills needed to provide psychotherapy, make diagnoses and treat individuals (children, youth and adults) and small groups (couples and families). Depending on your state, MSW degree programs can provide the education requirement you need to pursue  licensure after graduation. 

Similarly, you may pursue a mental health-focused program to engage directly with clients on ways to improve their mental health and overall well-being. 

Below is a table that includes all CSWE-accredited online MSW programs.

This program list was updated October, 2021. The school’s website is always best for the most up to date information.

Determining whether or not you meet the admissions requirements for the programs that interest you can help narrow down your options and ensure that you make an informed decision. Below is an alphabetical list of all online MSW programs that have been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, as well as their admissions requirements and other important program information.

To become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you must complete and graduate from a CSWE-accredited MSW degree program, receive a passing score on your state’s required clinical social work licensure examination and meet a minimum number of hours of professional experience. It is important to confirm you meet the requirements in the state where you intend to practice.

Social work accreditation is an important factor for MSW applicants and graduates entering the professional field and seeking out a role. CSWE accreditation specifically ensures the quality, standards and rigor of a program are the best they can be. Often, employers will require candidates to hold a degree from an accredited program. For your convenience, all programs that we’ve included on this page are CSWE accredited.

MSW degrees are generally offered through designated social work schools, many of which are featured at prominent universities. In addition to determining which master’s program is best for you, understanding CSWE social work accreditation may be important to your decision-making process—and an important factor to keep in mind throughout your search. 

While LCSW denotes a licensed clinical social worker, LMSW stands for licensed master social worker. These are both common roles in the social work field, with a few key differentiators. As described earlier, the majority of LCSWs work on the micro level with individual patients. LCSWs may diagnose issues, plan assessment-based treatment and provide psychotherapy without supervision. LMSWs, on the other hand, cannot clinically counsel or treat patients, although they can still perform some forms of individualized work. This may include providing nonclinical services like case management and referrals to specialists. They tend to work on the macro level, applying their more generalized skills at organizations and in policy-oriented institutions. Both are effective, essential roles—and each requires their own qualifications.

In addition to our collection of online master’s in social work degree programs, we’ve compiled additional information to assist aspiring social workers in selecting a program. As you read through the next couple of sections, remember that finding the right MSW program requires being aware of all the possibilities that come with pursuing the degree and an MSW career. Once you understand degree options, delivery formats and potential career paths, you’ll be able to weigh the pros and cons of each degree program and decide which one best fits your career goals and needs.

An online MSW degree program may benefit working professionals looking for flexibility. Some students may also have a variety of life circumstances preventing them from enrolling in an on-campus program. Online programs typically offer the same curricula as in-person programs and may have the same admissions requirements, but they cater to students’ unique needs through added convenience. Online programs may also allow students to save time and money, as they enable students from all geographical locations to pursue their online MSW without having to relocate.

There are three program designations to consider when deciding on a master’s in social work program, but all are considered equal and harbor no great differences. These designations are:

One of the most important factors to keep in mind when deciding where to earn your MSW is accreditation. The CSWE recognizes and accredits programs that meet their educational standards across all three of these designations.

There is a wide range of online MSW programs, including options of varying lengths, formats and structures. Below, find descriptions of online MSW programs categorized by the following differentiators: full time vs. part time, traditional vs. advanced standing, cohort model vs. flexible scheduling and synchronous vs. asynchronous. With several different options to choose from, you can find a program that fits your circumstances and schedule—and set yourself on a path for a potentially fulfilling career.

Master of Social Work programs require both in-class instruction and field work. As such, a full-time program may not be an option for students who are committed to a full-time job, have caregiver responsibilities or are tied to other familial or financial obligations. Part-time online MSW programs offer these students the opportunity to complete their degrees with flexible scheduling and typically range from two to four years in duration. On the other hand, full-time online MSW programs offer students with more bandwidth the option to focus all of their time and attention on their studies while still reaping the benefits of online learning. The majority of full-time programs can be completed in two years.

Advanced standing online MSW programs are designed for students with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program. Admission requirements may be stricter and differ from traditional programs, but the specific criteria can vary by program. An online advanced standing MSW program can usually be completed in one to two and a half years. Traditional and advanced standing programs require field education at a health services agency. The number of hours of fieldwork required to graduate can range from 450 to 1,000 hours and may include internships.

Many online MSW degree programs follow a cohort model of instruction. This means that students enter as a group and take a predetermined schedule of classes in order to fulfill the program requirements and receive their degree. Alternatively, a flexible scheduling model allows students to self-select the classes they’d like to take each quarter, semester or designated academic period.While students in cohort-model programs may have options regarding their concentration or preestablished elective blocks, they’ll otherwise follow a standard curriculum. Cohort students likely won’t experience the dilemma of missing out on a spot in a required class. To determine which model is best for you, consider your personal preferences and circumstances.

Synchronous instruction methods are seen in programs that require students to attend classes in “real time.” This means students must log on for live classes, study sessions or projects at a set time. Some programs will require this more frequently—perhaps daily or weekly—while others may only require this a couple times per semester. The specifics will vary by program, but students will be made aware of the schedule in advance.

Asynchronous programs do not require students to attend real-time classes. Instead, students are given deadlines to watch lectures, complete assignments and catch up on class material. Depending on the program, there may still be opportunities to interact with teachers and classmates in real time, such as through the school’s online learning portal.

Some programs combine synchronous and asynchronous instruction methods to provide a unique, varied class experience.

Admissions requirements will vary depending on the institution and program, but the majority of traditional online MSW programs require applicants to meet the following criteria:

In addition, some programs may require applicants to have accumulated work experience in a related field. If so, this will be noted on the program website and details will be provided regarding the specific qualifications.

Many online MSW programs no longer require the GRE test for admission. But sometimes, GRE testing is required of applicants that do not meet the minimum GPA threshold required for admission—thereby offering them an additional avenue to qualify for admission. However, there are still certain programs that require the GRE regardless of GPA. Be sure to do your research if you’re set on a specific program but aren’t sure of the requirements.

Typically, the GPA requirement determines whether or not an applicant must also submit GRE scores. This also varies by university and can range from a requirement of 2.5 to a 3.0, depending on the university. That doesn’t mean you cannot get in with a lower GPA; you just may need to meet alternative requirements. If you’re ever unsure about what’s required, visit the program website or get in touch with an admissions representative. Being proactive is the best way to ensure you’re prepared to meet the admissions criteria when it comes time to fill out your applications.

A traditional, CSWE-accredited MSW program will typically include the following:

As a prospective MSW student, choosing the best program for you involves research and information. Some prospective students may seek financial aid or scholarship opportunities. Your options and eligibility for scholarships will vary by university and program, which is why it’s important to reach out to your university’s financial aid or graduate studies department for information.

To learn more about general student funding opportunities available to MSW students, you can visit the CSWE’s collection of student funding opportunities. The CSWE page outlines general scholarships, contests, awards, fellowships and grants available to social work students throughout the country and across different levels of education. In addition to reviewing these opportunities and contacting your university’s financial aid department, you can also seek information from your local chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

For aspiring or practicing social workers with an undergraduate degree, earning an MSW is one way to add to your expertise. An MSW may offer greater career opportunities for clinical, specialty and supervisory practice than what may be achievable with a bachelor’s degree. In addition to potentially qualifying you for a wider range of roles, an MSW may also help you reach a higher earning potential and position you to pursue licensure. An online MSW program is a viable option for anyone who will benefit from added flexibility in their schedules—whether they are maintaining a current job or meeting family commitments or are geographically distant from their desired program. Online MSW programs offer the same career benefits and opportunities that traditional in-person programs do but with additional conveniences.

There are a wide range of social work careers available to MSW graduates, some with specific licensure requirements. A few career paths include:

Often, people consider school counselors to fall under the realm of social work careers, but there are differences between a school counselor and school social worker. Each role requires its own qualifications. Similarly, while professionals in the mental social work and psychology fields work toward a shared goal of identifying and improving the mental health and well-being of individuals, they harbor key differences and require separate degrees, licenses and certifications.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the overall employment of social workers is expected to grow 12% from 2020 to 2030—a rate faster than the average for all other occupations. As our population continues to age, evolve and grow, the demand for healthcare and social services will increase and potentially lead to more and more opportunities for recent MSW graduates.

In May 2021, the median annual pay for social workers was $50,390, according to the BLS. In contrast, the median annual pay for school and career counselors that same year was $60,510. Although the job outlook for school counselors from 2020 to 2030 is projected to see slightly slower growth than that of social workers—11% as opposed to 12%—it’s still faster than average.

In addition to the MSW degree, other social work degrees include the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and the Doctor of Social Work (DSW)—the terminal degree in the field.

Social workers typically start off pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work through an undergraduate program offering essential foundational courses. During the latter part of a BSW program, students will start to take more specialized courses to become familiar with the core ethics, theories and strategies of social work. As we mentioned earlier, holding a BSW can qualify graduates for advanced standing MSW programs.

DSW programs offer social work professionals advanced training in a specific area of practice. DSW graduates can take on leadership and management roles. DSW graduates can work in social work administration; clinical social work; and child, family and school social work. Most DSW programs require a form of residency or a dissertation, building the necessary skills to advance professionally. Alternatively, a Doctor of Philosophy or PhD in social work is less clinically focused and more concentrated on conducting research in the academic setting.

It’s natural to have questions as you begin to research which online MSW program is right for you. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about online MSW programs.

Information last updated May 2022.