Best 15 Online MSW Programs in 2023-2024

Getting a Master of Social Work degree can be a step toward more advanced professional roles. IT might allow you to take on a supervisory role or contribute to a social work program that you wouldn’t otherwise qualify to join. 

Employers may ask for an MSW even for some entry-level positions. That’s why exploring MSW degree options and finding the right program can be so important.

Why Choose Online MSW Programs?

Applying for an MSW online is perfect for individuals who prefer greater flexibility. Whether you currently work from home or want to attend school in a different state without relocating, earning your MSW online is possible. On our site, we can help you find the right degree through our Degree Finder program.

Flexibility and Convenience

Online learning provides the flexibility and convenience of attending class from any location with an internet connection. Not only does this eliminate the need for commuting, but it also allows you to tailor your study schedule around work, family, and personal life.

Geographical Independence

Online MSW programs transcend geographical boundaries, providing you with the opportunity to access top-tier education from institutions located in different states or even countries. This freedom allows you to choose a program that aligns best with your academic and career goals without the need to relocate.

Work-Study Balance

Many students pursuing an MSW already work in social work or related professions. Online programs enable these working professionals to advance their education without disrupting their careers.

By providing a flexible learning environment, online MSW programs facilitate a seamless balance between work and study.

Customized Learning Pace

Online MSW programs often offer self-paced or part-time study options, accommodating those who prefer to learn at their own speed. This feature is beneficial for students who need more time to grasp complex concepts or those who wish to accelerate their progress.

Diverse Learning Resources

Digital learning platforms come with a range of interactive and multimedia resources that can enhance the learning experience. From video lectures and virtual simulations to online libraries and collaborative tools, online MSW programs leverage technology to accommodate students.

Global Networking Opportunities

Online MSW programs attract students from various locations and backgrounds. Engaging with fellow students from different backgrounds enhances cross-cultural understanding and provides networking opportunities that extend beyond geographical boundaries.

Degree Finder

Navigating online MSW program options and choosing the best program can be overwhelming. However, we can help match you with the right degree that aligns with your goals.

Advance your education while making a meaningful impact in your community.

Top 5 Online MSW Programs

Online MSW programs vary significantly, so it’s smart to take the time to review each one that you’re interested in, to see its cost and to see how graduates are doing today. The median salary of social workers in 2020 is around $45,900, so you will want to take steps to maximize your degree’s return on investment. Some possible careers available after the completion of the degree include working as clinical social workers at hospitals or as mental health therapists.

We’ve compiled a collection of online MSW programs from around the country. Here, they’re ranked based on their tuition (lower is better) and student-to-teacher ratio (fewer is better).

Best 15 Online MSW Programs

Ranking Specifications

In this article, we ranked the schools by looking at the current in-state tuition rates and student-to-teacher ratios. While all attempts have been made to provide accurate information and the most up-to-date information, the rankings you see above are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed.

Want Your School to Be Reviewed?

If you want to have your school added to our list, information corrected or to be reviewed, reach out to us today. We would be happy to have that conversation with you.

Everything you Need to Know About Online MSW Programs

If you are considering getting your master’s degree in social work, you may want to look at the facts first, just as you would before pursuing any other graduate degree. Although this is a very rewarding career field, the degree itself can be quite costly, and you must weigh all the pros and cons before taking on such a huge life-altering decision.

Now ask yourself, do you enjoy helping people? Can you work long hours with a heavy workload? Do you have a passion for improving the lives of others? Are you empathetic yet strong of heart? If you said yes to any of these questions, then a master’s degree in social work may be right for you.

So, what do you need to know before you start applying to schools to get a master’s degree in social work? Before signing on for any long term and expensive commitment, you must find a college that is right for you. Make sure you are choosing one that offers you affordable tuition, works with your busy life, and has the proper accreditations and licensure programs that will allow you to move forward into your career as soon as you complete your classes.

What to Expect from an Online Master’s in Social Work Program

When preparing to higher your education in the social work field you can expect higher licensures and a better career outlook. You can customize your courses to focus on the area that you are most passionate about, making you better qualified for a position in your field. The opportunities are limitless when it comes to careers available to those with a social work master’s degree. However, here are a few specialized areas of education you can choose from when earning your degree.

• Social Work with Children and Families
• Military Social Work
• Social Work in Health Care
• Advanced Clinical Practice
• Geriatric Social Worker
• Adoption Placement Specialist

How long Does it Take to Complete an MSW Program?

After completing an accredited bachelor’s degree program, you can then enter into a two-year master’s program. If you choose to take your classes part-time, it could take even longer. If you do your research and have some extra time to put into your classes, some online schools offer fast-track programs that may get you your degree in 18 months.

Tuition and Financial Aid for Online MSW Programs

The tuition and financial aid options for an online degree vary greatly depending on the school you choose to attend. It averages a range of around $5,600 yearly to nearly $17,000 yearly. The cost of each school depends on the services they provide. You can assume that the higher the tuition. is, the more services the school provides you.

When paying for your master’s degree you have to keep in mind that you are also supporting the college’s programs. Online colleges need to be up to date with their computer software and programs, and they need professors who are educated and have experience in the field, they need to provide online support staff and supplies, the list goes on. 

So, before you choose a school that has a lower tuition rate, check to make sure they have everything you need to be successful available. You will find some schools that offer lower tuition that are not up to par on education. On the other hand, though, some of the schools with higher tuition may be charging you more for services you don’t need.

Now that you have decided which social work program you want to enroll in, it is time to check into financial aid options. As previously stated this can be an expensive degree but there is a lot of financial help out there to cut down your costs.

• Grants- Although grants are usually only given out to undergraduate students, there are a few ways to apply for grants as a graduate. Federal Pell Grants, state grants, school grants, and personal grants are available to some graduate students. You must apply for all of these options, and they are awarded at the discretion of the distributor.
• Scholarships- There are many scholarships available today for undergraduates and graduates alike. Many entities award scholarships and the qualifications are awarded based on different qualifications. Some go to students with financial need or those who meet situation-based requirements. Others are awarded for academic or athletic merit. 
• Work-Study Programs- Work-study programs are federal programs designed to allow students to work in certain jobs to pay for their college education.
• Loans- Loans taken out from banks or lenders that will pay for your college tuition with a contract that you will pay that money back with interest.

How an Online MSW Program Will Provide You With the Skills You Need

Earning a Masters Degree in Social Work will prepare you for a wider variety of careers in the human service field, than if you only held a bachelor’s degree. It also leads you in the right direction if you are looking to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the future.

Only holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work will give you better opportunities than those who don’t have a degree at all, however, you will only have the credentials needed to obtain work in entry-level positions.

Holding a master’s degree will not only help you land a higher-ranked job, but it gives you a better chance of a higher annual salary and work benefits. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an MSW degree holder earns, on average, almost $12,000 more annually than a BSW degree holder.  

Skills Developed in an Online Masters Program

While in a master’s degree program for social work you will develop many skills needed to be successful in any career in this field. You learn leadership skills, child development, welfare, adult development, welfare, ethics, and laws.

All MSW students learn the basics of social work and prepare to enter the field after completing their program. They will leave with an understanding of social work, human behavior, and how to handle working with people suffering through trauma, abuse, or poor family situations.

Once you complete the basic courses for a core understanding of social work, you can then take specialized classes for better insight into a specialized area of the field. These specializations can include specific areas of social work, like child welfare or disabled adult services, or starting your own practice.

Besides the above skills obtained from the program, you will also learn skills like self-discipline, independent learning, and time management from taking these courses online.

Careers in the Social Work Field

• Child Family and School Social Worker: The average MSW salary in the United States for this position is between 40k and 50k. The highest paying state is Connecticut, at $69,520, and the lowest paying state is Mississippi, at $35,100.
• Health Care Social Worker: Average annual salary for a Health Care Social Worker in the United States is between $50k and $60K. The highest paying state is Nevada at $82,820 and the lowest paying state is South Dakoda at $43,350.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker: Average annual salary in the United States in this career is between 55k and 70k. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $81,790 and the lowest paying state is Montana at $43,930.

Other Possible Jobs for People with an MSW

• Treatment Specialist in the prison system – Average annual salary of $52,290
• Marriage and Family therapist – Average annual salary of $49,610
• Health Educator – Average annual salary of $46,910
• General Social Work – Average annual salary of $50,470

How to Become a Licensed Social Worker

Each state sets its own requirements for becoming a Licensed Social Worker. However, the core requirements are similar regardless of location.

In New York State, for example, the requirements to become an LSCW are as follows:

• Be of good moral character
• Be at least 21 years old
• Have a master’s degree in social work (MSW) with at least 12 hours of acceptable clinical coursework
• Have at least 3 years of post-MSW supervised experience in assessment-based treatment planning, diagnosis, and psychotherapy
• Meet clinical examination requirements
• Complete training in the identification and reporting of child abuse offered by a New York State-approved provider

Each state requires a current license, and you must renew your license every three years, along with completing 30 hours of continuing education courses. These courses are necessary for license renewal. Failure to meet the re-registration deadline can result in the loss of your license and your right to practice.

Below are the general steps to becoming a licensed social worker:

Complete Education Requirements

Complete a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or a related field. Some states may accept degrees in other disciplines but may require additional social work coursework.

Complete a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW)

Most states require completion of a Master’s in Social Work for licensure. Ensure that the program you choose is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), as this is a prerequisite for licensure.

Obtain Supervised Social Work Experience

Complete post-graduate, supervised social work experience through internships or work placements. The required hours may vary based on your location.

Prepare, Apply, and Pass Licensing Exam

Prepare for and take the licensing exam specific to your state, administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).

Submit Licensure Application

Submit your application, along with the required documentation of education, supervised experience, and passing the licensing exam.

How much does an Online MSW cost?

The cost of an Online Master of Social Work (MSW) program can vary depending on the school. Most programs have rates per credit and may offer different rates for in-state and out-of-state residents. The cost ranges between $5,600 and $17,000 per year. The services provided by each school can also affect the cost. The type of MSW program (part-time or full-time) and the number of credits required for completion can also influence the total cost.

Some online MSW programs may require occasional in-person attendance for specific workshops or internships, which could add to the overall expenses, especially if they involve travel.

MSW Salary and Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for social workers was $50,390 in May 2021. It’s important to note that individuals with an MSW earn an additional $13,000 annually compared to those with a BSW.

Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow by 9% from 2021 to 2031. On average, there are projected to be about 74,700 openings for social workers annually over the decade. Possible careers after completing an MSW include child and family social worker, clinical social worker, and mental health social worker.

States with the Highest Salaries for Social Workers

The states with the highest salaries for social workers vary depending on specialization, level of education, and experience.

Here are the top 5 states for social worker salaries:

Oregon

Salaries in Oregon range between $43,000 and $101,000 per year. The average hourly rate for social workers in Oregon is $31.83.

Alaska

As of June 2023, salaries range between $57,000 and $74,000 annually. The average hourly rate for social workers in Alaska is $31.43. Salaries may vary by company and industry.

California

In California, salaries range from $40,000 to $93,000 per year, depending on the company and industry. The average hourly rate for social workers in California is $29.62.

Washington D.C.

Social workers in Washington D.C. often earn higher salaries due to the complexity and diversity of social issues in the area. Child and family social workers in D.C. have the highest average pay at $71,840.

Connecticut

Connecticut is known for providing competitive salaries for social workers, particularly in the healthcare and mental health sectors. The average social worker salary in Connecticut ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 per year, with an average hourly rate of $27.39. 

For the most up-to-date and accurate information on social worker salaries in your state, research current labor statistics.

CSWE Accreditation for Online MSW Programs

If you’re considering pursuing an online MSW, choosing a program that is CSWE-accredited will ensure that you receive a quality education and meet the necessary requirements for social work licensure and professional practice.

CSWE Accreditation plays a significant role in ensuring competent educators of social workers, as well as the quality and standardization of social work programs. CSWE’s high standards have a positive impact on graduates, clients, universities, and state licensing agencies. In some states, employers prefer graduates from accredited programs, and graduation from a CSWE-accredited program is even required for social work licensure.

To check if an online MSW program is accredited by CSWE, visit www.cswe.org.

Is CSWE Accreditation Important for Online MSW Programs?

CSWE-accredited MSW programs are required to meet the standards enforced by state licensing boards. Most importantly, every state requires social workers to have an MSW from CSWE-accredited universities before obtaining licensure.

Human Services vs. Social Work

Although the knowledge and education needed for both human service work and social work are similar, there are many differences between them. The differences are mainly in schooling and licenses but they come up in the career field as well. Some of the differences to note between the two are listed below.

Licensures and schooling

Obtaining a master’s in Social Work will set you up for a license to be a professional licensed social worker. You can help individuals on a clinical basis, working as a counselor for families and individuals and making treatment plans.

When you obtain a master’s in Human Services you cannot obtain a license, which gives you less opportunity in the clinical field, but this does not mean you will be unable to hold a very important and meaningful career. 

Obtaining a master’s degree in social work will also take a little more time to complete and, on average, will cost more than a master’s degree in Human Services. 

Careers

When tailoring your master’s degree program in social work, you can design a curriculum to specialize in specific areas after completing your first year of foundation social work courses. After doing so, you can get jobs in fields like military social work, clinical social work, social work with children and families, etc.

A master’s degree in human services will give you an education in positions that benefits the community on a less clinical scale. Their careers include but are not limited to criminal justice program planning, community leadership, disaster, and crisis intervention, and global social services.

Both masters degrees are great options for those who have compassion for helping others. These fields require empathy and leadership skills to support people’s mental health. If you are someone who strives to make a difference in the lives of others, you’ll be fulfilled with either degree program, both as a student and later in life.

Takeaway

Completing your master’s degree in social work through online universities gives you the flexibility and opportunity to achieve a higher education on your own time. These classes are perfect for prospective students who are busy working adults or for someone who wants to earn their education from a school that is far away from their home. It opens up a world of possibilities for MSW candidates to take advantage of with a social work degree.

Online programs are designed to give you as an MSW student the same education as campus schools without the set schedules and due dates. They’re just as educational as in-person classes, but some cost less as you aren’t using the same amount of resources as you would if you were on campus. Picking an online program that fits your lifestyle and budget is key to being successful in your master’s program. Stick it out, and when you graduate, you’ll be prepared to take on any challenge that waits ahead of you in your career, thanks to your social work degree.

Ranking Specifications

In this article, we ranked the schools by looking at the current in-state tuition rates and student-to-teacher ratios. While all attempts have been made to provide accurate information and the most up-to-date information, the rankings you see above are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed.

Want Your School to Be Reviewed?

If you want to have your school added to our list, information corrected or to be reviewed, reach out to us today. We would be happy to have that conversation with you.

Everything you Need to Know About Online MSW Programs

If you are considering getting your master’s degree in social work, you may want to look at the facts first, just as you would before pursuing any other graduate degree. Although this is a very rewarding career field, the degree itself can be quite costly, and you must weigh all the pros and cons before taking on such a huge life-altering decision.

Now ask yourself, do you enjoy helping people? Can you work long hours with a heavy workload? Do you have a passion for improving the lives of others? Are you empathetic yet strong of heart? If you said yes to any of these questions, then a master’s degree in social work may be right for you.

So, what do you need to know before you start applying to schools to get a master’s degree in social work? Before signing on for any long term and expensive commitment, you must find a college that is right for you. Make sure you are choosing one that offers you affordable tuition, works with your busy life, and has the proper accreditations and licensure programs that will allow you to move forward into your career as soon as you complete your classes.

What to Expect from an Online Master’s in Social Work Program

When preparing to higher your education in the social work field you can expect higher licensures and a better career outlook. You can customize your courses to focus on the area that you are most passionate about, making you better qualified for a position in your field. The opportunities are limitless when it comes to careers available to those with a social work master’s degree. However, here are a few specialized areas of education you can choose from when earning your degree.

• Social Work with Children and Families
• Military Social Work
• Social Work in Health Care
• Advanced Clinical Practice
• Geriatric Social Worker
• Adoption Placement Specialist

How long Does it Take to Complete an MSW Program?

After completing an accredited bachelor’s degree program, you can then enter into a two-year master’s program. If you choose to take your classes part-time, it could take even longer. If you do your research and have some extra time to put into your classes, some online schools offer fast-track programs that may get you your degree in 18 months.

Tuition and Financial Aid for Online MSW Programs

The tuition and financial aid options for an online degree vary greatly depending on the school you choose to attend. It averages a range of around $5,600 yearly to nearly $17,000 yearly. The cost of each school depends on the services they provide. You can assume that the higher the tuition. is, the more services the school provides you.

When paying for your master’s degree you have to keep in mind that you are also supporting the college’s programs. Online colleges need to be up to date with their computer software and programs, and they need professors who are educated and have experience in the field, they need to provide online support staff and supplies, the list goes on. 

So, before you choose a school that has a lower tuition rate, check to make sure they have everything you need to be successful available. You will find some schools that offer lower tuition that are not up to par on education. On the other hand, though, some of the schools with higher tuition may be charging you more for services you don’t need.

Now that you have decided which social work program you want to enroll in, it is time to check into financial aid options. As previously stated this can be an expensive degree but there is a lot of financial help out there to cut down your costs.

• Grants- Although grants are usually only given out to undergraduate students, there are a few ways to apply for grants as a graduate. Federal Pell Grants, state grants, school grants, and personal grants are available to some graduate students. You must apply for all of these options, and they are awarded at the discretion of the distributor.
• Scholarships- There are many scholarships available today for undergraduates and graduates alike. Many entities award scholarships and the qualifications are awarded based on different qualifications. Some go to students with financial need or those who meet situation-based requirements. Others are awarded for academic or athletic merit. 
• Work-Study Programs- Work-study programs are federal programs designed to allow students to work in certain jobs to pay for their college education.
• Loans- Loans taken out from banks or lenders that will pay for your college tuition with a contract that you will pay that money back with interest.

How an Online MSW Program Will Provide You With the Skills You Need

Earning a Masters Degree in Social Work will prepare you for a wider variety of careers in the human service field, than if you only held a bachelor’s degree. It also leads you in the right direction if you are looking to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the future.

Only holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work will give you better opportunities than those who don’t have a degree at all, however, you will only have the credentials needed to obtain work in entry-level positions.

Holding a master’s degree will not only help you land a higher-ranked job, but it gives you a better chance of a higher annual salary and work benefits. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an MSW earns  $13,000 annually than a BSW.

Skills Developed in an Online Masters Program

While in a master’s degree program for social work you will develop many skills needed to be successful in any career in this field. You learn leadership skills, child development, welfare, adult development, welfare, ethics, and laws.

All MSW students learn the basics of social work and prepare to enter the field after completing their program. They will leave with an understanding of social work, human behavior, and how to handle working with people suffering through trauma, abuse, or poor family situations.

Once you complete the basic courses for a core understanding of social work, you can then take specialized classes for better insight into a specialized area of the field. These specializations can include specific areas of social work, like child welfare or disabled adult services, or starting your own practice.

Besides the above skills obtained from the program, you will also learn skills like self-discipline, independent learning, and time management from taking these courses online.

Careers in the Social Work Field

• Child Family and School Social Worker: The average MSW salary in the United States for this position is between 40k and 50k. The highest paying state is Connecticut, at $69,520, and the lowest paying state is Mississippi, at $35,100.
• Health Care Social Worker: Average annual salary for a Health Care Social Worker in the United States is between $50k and $60K. The highest paying state is Nevada at $82,820 and the lowest paying state is South Dakoda at $43,350.
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker: Average annual salary in the United States in this career is between 55k and 70k. The highest paying state is Hawaii at $81,790 and the lowest paying state is Montana at $43,930.

Other Possible Jobs for People with an MSW

• Treatment Specialist in the prison system – Average annual salary of $52,290
• Marriage and Family therapist – Average annual salary of $49,610
• Health Educator – Average annual salary of $46,910
• General Social Work – Average annual salary of $50,470

Requirements Needed to be a Licenced Clinical Social Worker

Each state will provide its own set of requirements for you to be qualified to become a Licenced Clinical Social Worker. However, the core requirements are very similar no matter where you reside. In NY State the requirements to become an LCSW are as follows.

• Be of good moral character
• Be at least 21 years of age
• Have a masters degree in social work with at least 12 hours of acceptable clinical coursework
• Have at least three years of post-MSSW supervised experience in assessment-based treatment planning, diagnosis, and psychotherapy
• Meet clinical examination requirements
• Complete training in the identification and reporting of child abuse offered by a New York State approved provider

Each state requires an up-to-date license, and you must renew your license every three years along with completing 30 hours of continuing education courses. These courses are required for license renewal. If you pass the re-registration date, you could lose your license and possibly your job position as you will not be able to work while your license is suspended. 

Working in a job that requires a license in social work without the licenses could result in legal action.

Human Services VS Social Work

Although the knowledge and education needed for both human service work and social work are similar, there are many differences between them. The differences are mainly in schooling and licenses but they come up in the career field as well. Some of the differences to note between the two are listed below.

Licensures and schooling

Obtaining a master’s in Social Work will set you up for a license to be a professional licensed social worker. You can help individuals on a clinical basis, working as a counselor for families and individuals and making treatment plans.

When you obtain a master’s in Human Services you cannot obtain a license, which gives you less opportunity in the clinical field, but this does not mean you will be unable to hold a very important and meaningful career. 

Obtaining a master’s degree in social work will also take a little more time to complete and, on average, will cost more than a master’s degree in Human Services. 

Careers

When tailoring your master’s degree program in social work, you can design a curriculum to specialize in specific areas after completing your first year of foundation social work courses. After doing so, you can get jobs in fields like military social work, clinical social work, social work with children and families, etc.

A master’s degree in human services will give you an education in positions that benefits the community on a less clinical scale. Their careers include but are not limited to criminal justice program planning, community leadership, disaster, and crisis intervention, and global social services.

Both masters degrees are great options for those who have compassion for helping others. These fields require empathy and leadership skills to support people’s mental health. If you are someone who strives to make a difference in the lives of others, you’ll be fulfilled with either degree program, both as a student and later in life.

Take Away

Completing your master’s degree in social work through online universities gives you the flexibility and opportunity to achieve a higher education on your own time. These classes are perfect for prospective students who are busy working adults or for someone who wants to earn their education from a school that is far away from their home. It opens up a world of possibilities for MSW candidates to take advantage of with a social work degree.

Online programs are designed to give you as an MSW student the same education as campus schools without the set schedules and due dates. They’re just as educational as in-person classes, but some cost less as you aren’t using the same amount of resources as you would if you were on campus. Picking an online program that fits your lifestyle and budget is key to being successful in your master’s program. Stick it out, and when you graduate, you’ll be prepared to take on any challenge that waits ahead of you in your career, thanks to your social work degree.