Best Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs - CSWE Accredited

If you are interested in pursuing an online Master of Social Work (MSW), there are several options to consider when choosing the best MSW program for you. Currently, there are over 40 schools that offer online master's in social work degree programs designed for students who have not earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). These are also known as traditional MSW programs. Some other online social work degrees are designed for students who have already obtained their BSW, these are called Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs.

In the United States, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the only organization that provides accreditation for all MSW programs. The MSW programs listed on OnlineMSWPrograms.com are accredited by the CSWE.

For professionals who have already earned a BSW and work in the field, a master’s in social work (MSW) is required to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in all 50 states. In addition, many states also require a MSW to become a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). For other professionals looking to make a career change, a MSW provides the education and background needed to enter the field of social work.

Online MSW degree programs are ideal for working professionals and for students who do not live near a campus-based program. There are over 40 schools that currently offer a traditional standing online master's of social work degree, compared to 235 campus programs.

What is CSWE Accreditation?

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is a partnership of educational and professional social work institutions, social welfare agencies and private citizens. The CSWE is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency in the United States for all social work education, including some of the best online social work programs for you. CSWE accreditation signals that an undergraduate or graduate social work program satisfactorily meets the council’s standards for student competencies, institutional policies, curricula and more.

Why Choose a CSWE-Accredited Social Work Program?

CSWE-accredited programs have been recognized by the educational community and the public as having satisfactory levels of performance, integrity and quality. With this accreditation, students can be confident that the social work program they are investing in, whether it be in person or online, will be able to prepare them for the next steps in their careers. In fact, most state licensing boards require that social workers earn their degrees through CSWE-accredited degree programs. Even in states that don’t mandate it, CSWE accreditation can make the licensure process simpler through its standardization of educational criteria. Employers may require or prefer their candidates to hold degrees from CSWE-accredited programs.

Specifically, CSWE accreditation entails:

Parity regardless of delivery: Accredited programs offer coursework that meet the same standards and criteria, regardless of their delivery in person or online.
Practical competency: CSWE-accredited programs have a proven track record of preparing their students to meet the practical challenges of professional social work practice.
Sound policy: Accredited social work programs pursue goals that reinforce the values of the social work profession.
Requisite curriculum: CSWE-accredited programs offer the courses necessary for students to receive adequate social work preparation.
Qualified licensure: Accredited social work programs grant degrees mandated by most state licensing boards for social work licensure.
Proficient employment: CSWE-accredited programs grant degrees required or preferred by employers of social workers.

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Best Online Master in Social Work Programs of 2019

OnlineMSWPrograms.com strives to provide the most accurate and helpful information on all types of CSWE accredited online master's in social work programs. In order to find the best online msw program for you, we’ve created a comprehensive listing of the CSWE accredited online msw degrees, listing them on six different factors: type of online classes, mobile application accessibility, average class size, GRE requirements, campus visit requirements and field placement teams, specificially for online students. Learn more below on what we look for in these factor categories!

Best Online MSW Program Factors

Type of Online Class

- Live/Asynchronous: Students are able to meet classmates and their professors, virtually, face-to-face, exchange ideas in real time and have live discussions.
- Not Live/Synchronous: classes operate independently of set meeting times. Assignments will have designated due dates but each student is to participate on their own.

Live classes may offer a more realistic mirror of on-campus programs.

Mobile App Accessibility

Online learning is often sought after because of its flexibility. What more can an ideal online MSW program offer if not a mobile application that is offline accessible. This could mean less worry or concern on participation, reading assignments or submitting discussion questions.

Having a mobile app available offline means non-stop learning.

Average Class Size

Lecture hall sized classes are not typical for online programs. For some online master's in social work programs, there can be 15 students or less per instructor. Because of the intimacy of online classes, we believe that smaller student to faculty ratios are ideal - this way every student is included in discussions and participation.

Smaller class sizes may ensure that every student is included.

GRE Requirements

Graduate programs will typically require the completion and passing score on GREs. However, some online graduate social work programs do not require a GRE for admission. We place precedence on these programs for admission processes that require one less step and measurement of future academic achievement.

Leave room for passion in your application with no GRE requirement.

Campus Visit Requirements

You are looking for online social work programs for a reason. Whether it's the flexibility that comes with the coursework or the learning environment. Required campus visits are typically paid for by you, the student, for on-campus courses, workshops or seminars. Programs that do not require on-campus visits allow you to attend top named schools from the comfort of your home or office.

You may find continued flexibility with no campus requirements.

Field Placement Team for Online Students

Online MSW graduate programs that offer field placement teams to specifically meet the needs of online students across the country take priority in our list over those programs that do not. This service and resulting clinical experience is an integral part of your online master's in social work program for post-graduate licensure and practice. Ensuring that you are placed at a center, hospital or school closest to you can bring more value to your online social work program.

Specialized understanding of your locale and field placements.

Below we have organized a list of all CSWE accredited online master's in social work programs. The order in which they are organized is determined by the amount of factors that each online MSW program has met: live classes, offline accessible mobile app, less than 15 students per class, no GRE requirement, no campus requirement and a field placement team available for online students. For any online master of social work degree program that meet the same number of factors, the universities are listed alphabetically.

For example, since Boise University's online MSW program has no live classes, required wifi for their mobile application, has class sizes of more than 15 students, has no GRE requirement, needs no campus visits and has a team available for their online students, Boise meets three out of six factors.

All factor information was collected directly from the universities through contacting their social work departments/schools.

For OnlineMSWPrograms.com, this combination of factors results in some of the best, holistic master's in social work online programs both as an online student and future social worker.

Complete List of Online Master's in Social Work Programs for 2019

Online MSW Programs That Meet All Six Factors

Online Master of Social Work Programs Rankings
University Name	Type of Online Class	Mobile App Accessibility	Average Class Size	GRE Requirement	Campus Visit Requirement	Field Placement Team for Online Students	Number of Factors Met
Baylor University	Live	Offline Accessible	Less Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available	6/6
Fordham University	Live	Offline Accessible	Less Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available	6/6
Simmons University	Live	Offline Accessible	Less Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available	6/6
University of Denver	Live	Offline Accessible	Less Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available	6/6
University of Southern California (USC)	Live	Offline Accessible	Less Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available	6/6

Sponsored Online MSW Programs

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Online MSW Programs That Meet 5/6 Factors

Online Master of Social Work Programs Rankings
University Name	Type of Online Class	Mobile App Accessibility	Average Class Size	GRE Requirement	Campus Visit Requirement	Field Placement Team for Online Students	Number of Factors Met
Western New Mexico University	Live	Wifi Required	Less Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available	5/6

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Online MSW Programs That Meet 4/6 Factors

Online Master of Social Work Programs Rankings
University Name	Type of Online Class	Mobile App Accessibility	Average Class Size	GRE Requirement	Campus Visit Requirement	Field Placement Team for Online Students	Number of Factors Met
University of Arkansas	Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available	4/6
University of Central Florida	Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available	4/6

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Online MSW Programs That Meet 3/6 Factors

Online Master of Social Work Programs Rankings
University Name	Type of Online Class	Mobile App Accessibility	Average Class Size	GRE Requirement	Campus Visit Requirement	Field Placement Team for Online Students	Number of Factors Met
Boise University	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available	3/6
Boston University	Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	GRE Required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.0	No Visit Required	Team Available	3/6
Case Western Reserve University	Live	Wifi Required	Less Than 15	GRE Required if GPA lower than 2.7	No Visit Required	No Team Available	3/6
Columbia University	Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	Two Visits Required	Team Available	3/6
Our Lady of the Lake University	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available	3/6
Portland State University	Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	One Visit Required Per Year	Team Available	3/6
Rutgers University	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available	3/6
Temple University	Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	One Visit Required	Team Available	3/6
Texas State University, San Marcos	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available	3/6
University at Buffalo (SUNY)	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available	3/6
University of Houston	Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available	3/6
University of Nevada, Reno	Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	One Visit Required	Team Available	3/6
University of New Hampshire	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available	3/6
University of South Florida	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available	3/6
University of Tennessee at Knoxville	Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available	3/6
Widener University	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available	3/6

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Online MSW Programs That Meet 2/6 Factors

Online Master of Social Work Programs Rankings
University Name	Type of Online Class	Mobile App Accessibility	Average Class Size	GRE Requirement	Campus Visit Requirement	Field Placement Team for Online Students	Number of Factors Met
Arizona State University	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	GRE Required if last 60 credits GPA is 3.2 or lower	No Visit Required	Team Available	2/6
California State University - Northridge	Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	GRE Required for students with a GPA lower than 3.0	No Visit Required	No Team Available	2/6
Edinboro University	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	GRE Required if GPA is below 3.0	No Visit Required	Team Available	2/6
Humboldt State University	Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	GRE Recommended if GPA is below 3.0	One to Two Visits Required Per Year	Team Available	2/6
Indiana University	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	One Visit Required	Team Available	2/6
Louisiana State University	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	GRE Required if undergraduate GPA is below 3.2	No Visit Required	Team Available	2/6
Metropolitan State University of Denver	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	Team Available Only for Colorado Residents	2/6
The Catholic University of America	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	No Team Available	2/6
University of New England	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	No Visit Required	No Team Available	2/6
University of North Dakota	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	No GRE Required	One to Two Visits Required	Team Available	2/6
University of Texas at Arlington	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	GRE Required if GPA is below 3.0	No Visit Required	Team Available	2/6

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Online MSW Programs That Meet One Factor

Online Master of Social Work Programs Rankings
University Name	Type of Online Class	Mobile App Accessibility	Average Class Size	GRE Requirement	Campus Visit Requirement	Field Placement Team for Online Students	Number of Factors Met
California State University - San Bernardino	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	GRE Recommended if GPA is between 2.8 and 3.0	Three Visits Required	Team Available	1/6
Florida State University	Not Live	Wifi Required	More Than 15	GRE Required	Two Visits Required	Team Available	1/6

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All Online MSW Programs - School Insights

Baylor University

6/6 Factors

MSW@Baylor

Address injustice from a strengths-based perspective
Specialize in clinical practice or community practice
Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
For service-oriented students

Discover more information about MSW@Baylor

Sponsored Online MSW Program

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Baylor University	77%	9%	1-3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

Fordham University

6/6 Factors

OnlineMSW@Fordham

Traditional and advanced standing admissions
Full-time and part-time study options
Complete in as few as eight months
Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy

Discover more about the OnlineMSW@Fordham

Sponsored Online MSW Program

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Fordham University	79%	11%	1-2 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

Simmons University

6/6 Factors

SocialWork@Simmons

Field education at local sites
A progressive, inclusive community
Focus on direct clinical practice
Four clinical specializations: Child and Family, Trauma and Interpersonal Violence, Mental Health and Addictions and Health and Aging.

Explore more information about SocialWork@Simmons

Sponsored Online MSW Program

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Simmons University	73%	57%	1-2 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

University of Denver

6/6 Factors

MSW@Denver

High-quality mentoring by accessible faculty
Concentration in mental health and trauma
Focus on preparing students to fight for social justice
Study the impact of power, privilege and oppression, focusing on how multiple identities impact life experiences and opportunities

Learn more about the online MSW@Denver program

Sponsored Online MSW Program

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
University of Denver	75%	22%	2 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

University of Southern California

6/6 Factors

MSW@USC

Traditional and advanced standing programs
Online classes taught by USC faculty
Virtual field training to build skills and confidence
Dedicated field placement specialists identify in-person placements near students’ communities

Discover more information on the MSW@USC

Sponsored Online MSW Program

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
University of Southern California	92%	22%	1 year

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

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Western New Mexico University (WNMU)

5/6 Factors

Western New Mexico University Online MSW Program

WNMU Online MSW Program

Traditional and advanced standing programs
Fall, spring and summer admissions
Specialize in child welfare, gerontology, school social work or military social work.

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at WNMU.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Western New Mexico University	27%	61%	2-3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

University of Arkansas (U of A)

4/6 Factors

University of Arkansas Online MSW Program

U of A Online MSW Program

Advanced, full-time program
Multi-Systems Life Course Concentration
Asynchronous learning with weekly field seminars

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at UA.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
University of Arkansas	62%	33%	1 year

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

University of Central Florida (UCF)

4/6 Factors

University of Central Florida Online MSW Program

UCF Online MSW Program

Traditional standing, part-time program
Concentrations in behavioral health or child welfare services

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at UCF.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
University of Central Florida	70%	29%	3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

Boise State University

3/6 Factors

Boise State Online MSW Program

Traditional and advanced standing options
Concentrations advanced social work practice with individuals and families
Falls, spring and summer admission

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at Boise State University.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Boise State University	44%	35%	2-3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

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Boston University (BU)

3/6 Factors

BU’s Online MSW Program

Three different tracks: traditional, human service experience and advanced standing
Asynchronous and synchronous coursework
Concentration available in clinical social work practice

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at BU.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Boston University	87%	17%	2 - 3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

Case Western Reserve University

3/6 Factors

Case Western Reserve’s Online MSW Program

Traditional and advanced standing, full-time enrollment
Fall, spring and summer semester starts
Concentrations in Community Practice for Social Change, Children, Youth and Families, or Mental Health/Adult

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at Case Western Reserve.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Case Western Reserve University	83%	7%	2 - 3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

Columbia University

3/6 Factors

Columbia University’s Online MSW Program

Traditional standing, part- and full-time enrollment
Concentrations in Advanced Clinical Social Work and Social Enterprise Administration

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at Columbia University.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Columbia University	95%	2%	2 - 4 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU)

3/6 Factors

OLLU Online MSW Program

Traditional and advanced standing options
Foundation MSW Program for students with no prior social work experience
Emphasis on work serving the Hispanic community

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at OLLU.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Our Lady of the Lake University	38%	59%	1 - 3.5 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

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Portland State University (PSU)

3/6 Factors

Portland State University Online MSW Program

PSU Online MSW Program

Traditional standing, part-time enrollment
Cohort model with year-round classes
Concentration in Community and Organizational Leadership Practice

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at PSU.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Portland State University	49%	10%	3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

Rutgers University (RU)

3/6 Factors

RU Online MSW Program

Traditional standing, part-time enrollment
Cohort model with year-round classes
Concentration in Community and Organizational Leadership Practice

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at RU.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Rutgers University	68%²	15%²	3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics
2 Information gathered is average from Camden, New Brunswick and Newark campuses.}

Temple University

3/6 Factors

Temple Online MSW Program

Traditional standing option only
Synchronous meets twice per week
Concentration in Clinical Health and Mental Health

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at Temple.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Temple University	71%	10%	3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

Texas State University, San Marcos

3/6 Factors

Texas State Online MSW Program

Traditional and advanced standing options
Cohort model with a variety of asynchronous and synchronous learnings
Concentration in Administrative Leadership

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at Texas State.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Texas State University, San Marcos	54%	4%	2 - 4 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

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University at Buffalo (SUNY)

3/6 Factors

University at Buffalo Online MSW Program

SUNY Buffalo Online MSW Program

Traditional and advanced standing options
Concentration in evidence-based practice with a trauma-informed and human rights perspective

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at SUNY Buffalo.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
University at Buffalo (SUNY)	75%	8%	2 - 3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

University of Houston (UH)

3/6 Factors

University of Houston Online MSW Program

UH Online MSW Program

Traditional and advanced standing options
Asynchronous and synchronous instruction
Concentration in Clinical Practice: Health and Behavioral Health

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at UH.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
University of Houston	54%	5%	2.5 - 3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)

3/6 Factors

University of Nevada, Reno Online MSW Program

UNR Online MSW Program

Traditional and advanced standing options
Fall admissions only
Concentration in Advanced Generalist

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at UNR.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
University of Nevada, Reno	55%	17%	1 - 4 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

University of New Hampshire (UNH)

3/6 Factors

University of New Hampshire Online MSW Program

UNH Online MSW Program

Traditional standing, full-time only
Cohort model with a variety of asynchronous and synchronous learnings
Concentration in electives: Health and Mental Health, Addiction and Substance Abuse, Children, Youth and Families and Disabilities

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at UNH.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
University of New Hampshire	78%	15%	2 - 2.5 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

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University of South Florida (USF)

3/6 Factors

University of South Florida Online MSW Program

USF Online MSW Program

Advanced standing, full- or part-time enrollment
Concentration in clinical social work

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at USF.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
University of South Florida	71%	21%	1.5 - 2 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UTK)

3/6 Factors

University of Tennessee at Knoxville Online MSW Program

UTK Online MSW Program

Traditional and advanced standing options
Asynchronous and synchronous instruction
Concentration in Evidence Based Interpersonal Practice and Management, Leadership and Community Practice

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at UTK.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
University of Tennessee at Knoxville	70%	11%	1 - 4 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

Widener University

3/6 Factors

Widener Online MSW Program

Traditional standing, part-time only
Fall, spring and summer admissions
Concentration in clinical social work and trauma

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at Widener.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Widener University	57%	29%	3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

Arizona State University (ASU)

2/6 Factors

ASU’s Online MSW Program

Traditional standing only, full- or part-time options
Asynchronous and synchronous coursework
Advanced generalist concentration

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at ASU.

Additional Factors^{1, 2}

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Arizona State University	52%	23%	2 - 3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics
2 Arizona State University’s graduation rate and percent of online graduate students numbers were calculated as an average of five different campuses: Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic, Skysong, Temple, and West.}

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California State University - Northridge (CSUN)

2/6 Factors

CSUN's Online MSW Program

Traditional standing, full-time enrollment only
Cohort model of coursework progression
Focus on urban family practice

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at CSUN.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
California State University - Northridge	51%	14%	2 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

Edinboro University

2/6 Factors

Edinboro’s Online MSW Program

Traditional and advanced standing, full-time enrollment only
Asynchronous coursework and instruction
Concentration in family social work practice

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at Edinboro.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Edinboro University	43%	76%	1 - 2 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

Humboldt State University

2/6 Factors

Humboldt’s Online MSW Program

Traditional and advanced standing, part-time enrollment only
Asynchronous instruction with an average of two courses per semester
Concentration in a generalist program with focus on working with rural and indigenous communities

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at Humboldt.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Humboldt State University	46%	21%	2 - 4 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

Indiana University (IU)

2/6 Factors

IU’s Online MSW Program

Traditional and advanced standing, part-time enrollment only
Asynchronous and synchronous instruction
On-campus orientation

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at IU.

Additional Factors^{1, 2}

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Indiana University	~39%	~16%	1 - 3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics
2 Indiana University’s graduation rate and percent of online graduate students numbers were calculated as an average of eight different campuses: Bloomington, East, Kokomo, Northwest, IUPU Fort Wayne, IUPU Indianapolis, South Bend and Southeast.}

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Louisiana State University (LSU)

2/6 Factors

LSU’s Online MSW Program

Traditional and advanced standing enrollment options
Asynchronous instruction with seven week-long courses.

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at LSU.

Additional Factors^{1, 2}

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Louisiana State University	30%	94%	1 - 3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics
2 LSU’s graduation rate and percent of online graduate students numbers were selected from the Shreveport campus - the only campus to offer master’s degrees.}

Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver)

2/6 Factors

MSU Denver’s Online MSW Program

Traditional and advanced standing, part- and full-time options
Mostly asynchronous instruction with some synchronous requirements
Concentrations in Individual and Families or Leadership and Management

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at MSU Denver.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Metropolitan State University of Denver	28%	6%	1-5 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

The Catholic University of America (CUA)

2/6 Factors

CUA’s Online MSW Program

Traditional standing, part-time enrollment only
Cohort model with year-round classes
Concentration in clinical social work

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at CUA.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
The Catholic University of America	74%	19%	3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

University of New England (UNE)

2/6 Factors

UNE’s Online MSW Program

Traditional and advanced standing, part-time and accelerated options
Cohort model with asynchronous instruction
Concentration in clinical or community practice

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at UNE.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
University of New England	59%	52%	1 - 4 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

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University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)

2/6 Factors

UTA’s Online MSW Program

Traditional and advanced standing, part-time enrollment only
Asynchronous and synchronous instruction
Concentration in direct practice with children and families

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at UTA.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
University of Texas at Arlington	50%	48%	2 - 3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

California State University - San Bernardino (CSUSB)

1/6 Factors

CSUSB’s Online MSW Program

Traditional standing part-time enrollment only
Cohort model with asynchronous and some synchronous coursework

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at CSUSB.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
California State University - San Bernardino	54%	16%	3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

Florida State University (FSU)

1/6 Factors

FSU’s Online MSW Program

Traditional and advanced standing, part-time options
Mostly asynchronous instruction with some synchronous requirements
Concentration in clinical social work

Discover more about the online master's in social work degree at FSU.

Additional Factors¹

Online Master of Social Work Program
University Name	Graduation Rate	Percent of Online Graduate Students	Average Length of Program
Florida State University	80%	18%	2 - 3 years

^{1 Additional factor information retrieved from College Navigator - National Center for Education Statistics}

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Quick Facts - Traditional Programs

Total Number of Schools: 40+
Credits Required to Graduate: 57 to 66
Field Education: 900 to 1,200 hours
Full-Time Programs: 13
Part-Time Programs: 30

Online MSW Programs by Length

Full-Time Online MSW Programs
Part-Time Online MSW Programs

About the CSWE

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is a non-profit association that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) as the only accrediting body for Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in the United States. CSWE sets and maintains the national accreditation standards for MSW degree programs and all online MSW programs must meet the same standards as campus-based programs. For students who wish to pursue a career in social work, it is important to graduate from a CSWE approved program in order to pursue state licensing.

Be Informed

Please take a minute and read our disclaimers page as licensing requirements for social workers vary by state. Prospective students should check with their state’s social work licensing board and speak with an admissions counselor about state specific requirements before applying to a program.

Overall tuition costs are estimated based on the cost per credit hour multiplied by the number of credits needed to graduate. Tuition rates displayed on the site are not guaranteed and may not include university fees or other expenses. For the most up-to-date information, speak with an admission advisor for current tuition rates.

FOR STUDENTS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

For students in New Hampshire who wish to pursue a career in clinical social work, the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice requires students to attend a hybrid or on-campus program in order to meet licensing requirements.