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- Frequently Asked Questions About Online MSW Programs
- FAQ: MSW vs. MSSW vs. MSSA
FAQ: What is the difference between an MSW, MSSW and MSSA?
Answer: There is no major difference between MSW, MSSW, and MSSA programs – all three designations are recognized by the CSWE as master’s in social work programs.
For students who are interested in a career in social work, especially clinical social work, an important consideration when choosing a masters in social work program is whether the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The CSWE is the only accrediting body in the United States that accredits master’s level social work programs. To become a licensed clinical social worker in the US, a student must graduate from a CSWE accredited masters program. Most masters in social work programs use one of the following names for their degree programs:
- MSW = Master of Social Work
- MSSW = Master of Science in Social Work
- MSSA = Master of Science in Social Administration
Online master’s in social work programs do offer different curricula and concentration options for students, so programs are not exactly the same between different universities. This goes for programs with any designation: MSW, MSSW or MSSA. At this time, the CSWE does not accredit social work doctoral programs.
Sponsored Online MSSA Program

- CSWE-accredited
- No GRE requirement
- Complete in as few as one and a half years
- MSSA is recognized as an equivalent to an MSW
Sponsored
Sponsored Online Social Work Programs
School | Description |
---|---|
University of Denver | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-20 ranked1 Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver. No GRE Required. |
Fordham University | Earn your Master of Social Work from the top-ranked2 Fordham Graduate School of Social Service. CSWE-accredited. |
Simmons University | Simmons University's online Master of Social Work program can be completed in as few as 16 months, and GRE scores are not required. |
University of Southern California (USC) | Apply to USC's innovative MSW program to take the next step in your social work career. No GRE required. |
Syracuse University | Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. |
Case Western Reserve University | The CSWE-accredited Master of Science in Social Administration from CWRU is an online program for social work leaders. |
Baylor University | Complete Baylor's Master of Social Work program online in as few as 12-16 months and start serving vulnerable populations in need. |
Sponsored
Online Social Work Programs by School
School Name | Program Structure | Program Name | Online MSW Concentrations |
---|---|---|---|
Arizona State University | 100% Online | MSW | Advanced Generalist |
Sponsored: Baylor University | 100% Online | MSW | Clinical or Community Practice |
Boise State University | 100% Online | MSW | Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families |
Boston University | 100% Online | MSW | Clinical Social Work Practice |
California State University, Northridge | 100% Online | MSW | Generalist with an emphasis on urban family practice |
California State University, San Bernardino | Limited Campus Visits Required | MSW | Advanced Generalist with Specializations |
Sponsored: Case Western Reserve University | 100% Online | MSSA | - Children, Youth and Families - Mental Health with Adults - Community Practice for Social Change |
Columbia University | Limited Campus Visits Required | MSSW | - Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice - Social Enterprise Administration |
Edinboro University | 100% Online | MSW | Family Social Work Practice |
Florida State University | 100% Online | MSW | Clinical Social Work Practice |
Sponsored: Fordham University | 100% Online | MSW | - Individuals and Families - Organizations and Community - Evaluation - Policy Practice and Advocacy |
Humboldt State University | Limited Campus Visits Required | MSW | Generalist program that focuses on working with rural and indigenous communities |
Indiana University | Limited Campus Visits Required | MSW | Advanced Generalist Program |
Louisiana State University | 100% Online | MSW | Advanced Direct Social Work Practice |
Our Lady of the Lake University | 100% Online | MSW | Generalist program with an emphasis on the Hispanic community |
Portland State University | Limited Campus Visits Required | MSW | Community and Organizational Practice |
Rutgers University | 100% Online | MSW | Clinical Social Work |
Sponsored: Simmons University | 100% Online | MSW | Clinical Social Work with Specializations: - Child and Family - Trauma and Interpersonal Violence - Mental Health and Addictions - Health and Aging |
Sponsored: Syracuse University | 100% Online | MSW | Advanced Clinical Practice |
Texas State University - San Marcos | 100% Online | MSW | Administrative Leadership |
Texas A&M University | 100% Online | MSW | MSW Foundations MSW Advanced Generalist Practice |
The Catholic University of America | 100% Online | MSW | Clinical Concentration |
University at Buffalo (SUNY) | 100% Online | MSW | Evidence-based practice with a trauma-informed and human rights perspective |
University of Alaska Anchorage | Limited Campus Visits Required | MSW | Advanced Generalist |
University of Central Florida | 100% Online | MSW | - Behavioral Health - Child Welfare Services |
Sponsored: University of Denver | 100% Online | MSW | Mental Health and Trauma |
University of Georgia | 100% Online | MSW | Micro specialization |
University of Houston | 100% Online | MSW | Clinical Practice: Health and Behavioral Health |
University of New England (UNE) | 100% Online | MSW | Clinical Practice: - Individual, Families, and Groups (IFG) - Community Practice: Organizational and Community Practice (OCP) |
University of New Hampshire | 100% Online | MSW | Advanced Generalist with Electives: - Health and Mental Health - Addictions and Substance Abuse - Children, Youth, and Families - Disabilities |
University of North Dakota | Limited Campus Visits Required | MSW | Advanced Generalist |
Sponsored: University of Southern California (USC) | 100% Online | MSW | - Families and Children - Health - Mental Health - Social Work and Business in a Global Society - Community Organization, Planning and Administration (COPA) |
University of Tennessee at Knoxville | 100% Online | MSSW | - Evidence Based Interpersonal Practice (Clinical) - Management, Leadership and Community Practice (Macro) |
Western New Mexico University | 100% Online | MSW | Advanced Generalist with electives |
More FAQs about Online MSW Programs
- FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs for non-BSW students?
- FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs that do not require the GRE?
- FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs that have multiple start dates?
- FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs that start in the Spring?
- FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs with a trauma concentration?
- FAQ: Are there any two year online MSW programs?
- FAQ: Can you get an MSW without a BSW?
- FAQ: MSW vs. LCSW
- FAQ: What are the GPA requirements for online MSW programs?
- FAQ: What is the difference between micro, mezzo and macro social work?
- FAQ: What are the highest-paying social work jobs?
Last updated: April 2020
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