What Is an Online Master's in Social Work Degree?
An online master's degree in social work is designed to provide a flexible, advanced curriculum focused on groundbreaking human and social service studies and practical training in the field, to qualify students for state licensure upon graduation.
An individual may want to become a social worker if they aspire to make a positive impact on their communities and in people's lives. Students in graduate-level social work degree programs have the opportunity to learn ethical and legal industry standards, advocacy, research methods, critical thinking skills, and how to effectively work alongside different demographics individually and in a group setting. Additionally, many master's social work degree programs allow students to concentrate on a specific study track, which we will discuss in further detail in a later section.
An online master's degree program may be offered fully online or in a hybrid learning environment of online and in-person courses. Students enrolled in online courses should have regular access to a computer and the internet to utilize digital learning tools, such as email, forums, and video instruction.
Graduates typically receive a Master of Social Work (MSW) upon completing their programs and generally pursue state licensure to work as a clinical or nonclinical social worker in a variety of settings, including education, healthcare, government, nonprofits, and more.
The Best Online Masters Degree Programs in Social Work
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of South Dakota | $7043 | 86% | 59% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 2 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $8577 | 80% | 70% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | The University of Alabama | $10780 | 83% | 71% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 4 | Virginia Commonwealth University | $15086 | 87% | 67% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 5 | University of North Dakota | $12058 | 81% | 61% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | University of Missouri-Columbia | $10478 | 81% | 71% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | University of Nevada-Reno | $5931 | 88% | 61% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins | $12871 | 81% | 70% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 9 | Missouri State University-Springfield | $6250 | 88% | 56% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | University of Memphis | $10746 | 85% | 53% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 11 | Boise State University | $9646 | 77% | 51% | 84% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 12 | East Carolina University | $7535 | 79% | 66% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 13 | Humboldt State University | $9298 | 92% | 49% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 14 | Texas State University | $8664 | 81% | 54% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 15 | University of Maine | $9347 | 90% | 57% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | $13380 | 79% | 72% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | University of Northern Iowa | $10432 | 79% | 67% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 18 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $19983 | 61% | 84% | 71% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | $7138 | 83% | 50% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 20 | University of South Florida-Main Campus | $10428 | 48% | 75% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | University of Louisville | $13196 | 69% | 59% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | Florida State University | $11553 | 36% | 83% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 23 | The University of Texas at Arlington | $10248 | 83% | 51% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | Indiana University-Purdue Global-Indianapolis | $9947 | 81% | 50% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 25 | California State University-San Bernardino | $8386 | 69% | 55% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 26 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | $7128 | 80% | 46% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 27 | Western Kentucky University | $12140 | 97% | 48% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 28 | Ohio State University-Main Campus | $12425 | 54% | 86% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 29 | Concord University | $9158 | 82% | 40% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 30 | University of Houston | $9372 | 65% | 61% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 31 | University of Arkansas | $8841 | 77% | 66% | 76% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 32 | Temple University | $17846 | 60% | 74% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 33 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | $7594 | 66% | 43% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 34 | Aurora University | $12600 | 87% | 54% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 35 | Stephen F Austin State University | $7273 | 68% | 52% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 36 | Edinboro University of Pennsylvania | $12246 | 83% | 44% | 92% | No | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 37 | Morgan State University | $9657 | 68% | 43% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 38 | Winthrop University | $15818 | 69% | 63% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 39 | University of Hawaii at Manoa | $16814 | 58% | 61% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 40 | Saint Leo University | $7296 | 72% | 49% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 41 | Daemen College | $24053 | 62% | 62% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 42 | New Mexico State University-Main Campus | $5753 | 55% | 48% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 43 | Delaware State University | $5510 | 53% | 42% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 44 | Our Lady of the Lake University | $17166 | 68% | 42% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 45 | Texas A & M University-Commerce | $6578 | 43% | 43% | 91% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 46 | Campbellsville University | $12690 | 70% | 36% | 94% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 47 | Barry University | $17910 | 51% | 35% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 48 | Brescia University | $800 | 42% | 34% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 49 | Western New Mexico University | $4960 | No Available Data (2019-2020) | 34% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 50 | Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global | $11977 | No Available Data (2019-2020) | 38% | 85% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Why Should I Get an Online Social Work Master's Degree?
Although some individuals may work in the field with a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in social work is typically required to obtain licensure and employment in most states. Additionally, a master's degree may open doors for research, managerial, or other supervisory roles in social work services.
Working professionals may be particularly keen to enroll in distance learning social work programs for a flexible curriculum that they can fit into their daily schedules. Online master's degrees are typically cost-effective alternatives to a campus-based education, allowing students to have a broader selection of programs to choose from outside of their geographical regions.
Many online master's degree programs for social work give students the option to enroll in 16-week or eight-week courses. Students in distance learning programs may also gain other transferable skills from their online learning experiences, such as time management, organizational, self-discipline, and technical skills that they may apply to several careers in the field.
Curriculum for Online Master's Degree Programs in Social Work
An online master's degree program in social work typically provides students with a comprehensive study of intervention and prevention practices utilized by industry professionals, in addition to wellness, leadership, and other core topics that are relative to the study of social work services. Generally, master's social work curriculums also allow students to gain more practical field experience, as well as concentrate on a specific study track.
Common concentrations in graduate-level social work programs may include the following specialized areas of study: healthcare, military, children and families, substance abuse and addictions, gerontology, school, forensics, or community and organizational social work. Students who choose to concentrate on a specific track typically study within more focused curriculums that help them better prepare for their intended careers.
Social Work Foundational Courses
Although social work master's degree programs vary by school, students usually must enroll in a series of similar foundational courses that focus on various social work concepts and perspectives. Typically, foundational course materials apply to all social work industry specializations and aim to prepare students for more advanced instruction in broader "traditional" social work curriculums or their chosen concentrations.
Students in online master's degree programs for social work can expect to take variations of the following foundational courses:
- Human Behavior and Social Environment
- Practice with Individuals and Families
- Social Welfare Policy
- Research Methods in Social Work
Social Work Specialist & Elective Courses
Social work specialist and elective courses in online graduate programs are wide-ranging and typically dependent on the concentration or specialization a student chooses to focus their studies on. Oftentimes, social work specialist courses are a combination of classroom (online or in-person) instruction, in addition to field practicum with various demographics (e.g. child, adolescent, adult, group, individual, etc.).
Variations of the following specialist course titles may be offered to students in an online master's social work degree program:
- Social Work Practice with Children and Adolescents
- Medical Social Work
- Policy and Advocacy
- Community and Organizational Practice
- Social Work with Adults
Licensure & Certification in Social Work
Clinical social workers must obtain licensure for the state in which they're intending to work. The majority of states require that nonclinical social workers obtain licensure, as well. To become certified, a person must hold a master's degree in social work and have at least two years of supervised experience in the field. Additionally, candidates must pass an exam to acquire credentialing.
Licensure and certification requirements tend to vary in each state, so prospective candidates should review the criteria on their state licensure board or visit the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for more detailed information.
Credentialing is available for individuals in other areas of social work services, as well; for example, the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCCAP) offers different levels of the National Certified Addiction Counselor credential, while the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) offers the Certified Health Education Specialist certification for health educators and community health workers.
How to Enroll in a Social Work Online Master's Program
Students can apply to an online master's social work degree program by visiting their prospective college or university's website and filling out the online application. Depending on the school, social work programs may have specific admissions criteria that students must meet in addition to the general application requirements. After submitting the online application (in which many colleges charge a nominal fee), students can begin requesting their official undergraduate transcripts from their previous school be sent directly to the graduate admissions office of their intended college or university.
Students may find that creating a checklist of the various admissions criteria (general and program-specific) and their coinciding deadlines may be helpful to keep track of what they must submit and by when.
Students with questions regarding the admissions process, application and supplemental documents, or the status of their application and/or enrollment can direct their questions to an admissions representative from the school or social work graduate department.
Admissions Requirements for Online Social Work Master's Programs
Students who are interested in pursuing a master's degree in social work must hold a bachelor's degree before applying. Typically, general admissions requirements are similar across several colleges and universities. Common general admissions requirements usually include:
- Online graduate application
- Official undergraduate transcripts
- A minimum grade point average, usually a 3.0
- A current resume
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
Program-specific admissions criteria for a master's degree in social work may include a phone interview between a graduate candidate and program advisors, as well. While online master's degree programs typically wave the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), students should inquire with their admissions representatives to determine if they must submit GRE scores for consideration.
Choosing an Online Social Work Master's Program
There are several factors graduate students should take into consideration when choosing an online social work master's degree program. For starters, students should review their school and/or program's accreditations. The The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the primary accrediting agency that recognizes undergraduate and graduate-level social work degree programs across the United States. Students who attend a CSWE-accredited social work program can be assured that the curriculum and instruction have met a high level of academic evaluation that meets current industry standards, as well as prepares students to pursue licensure for clinical and nonclinical social work careers.
Additionally, students should review program concentrations, course options, and field practicum to ensure curriculums can provide the background and industry experience to fulfill students' individual career aspirations in the field.
Students can reach out to an academic advisor at their prospective college or university to learn more about degree options, curriculums, and other programmatic details to help them choose an online master's degree program for social work.
What Can I Do with a Social Work Master's Degree?
Graduates with a master's degree in social work typically have several career options as clinical and non-clinical social workers in wide-ranging specialties, as well as opportunities as macro social workers whose focus may be on policymaking, advocacy, and community service and program development.
Individuals who concentrated on a specific area of study throughout their graduate degree programs may choose to pursue specialized roles as medical social workers, child and family social workers, or substance abuse counselors, amongst several others. Successful social workers and related careers typically possess critical thinking, communication, advocacy, organization, and active listening skills. Additionally, successful social work professionals are usually empathetic, culturally competent, and committed to becoming lifelong learners in the field.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2019, individuals who worked in social work service roles had an annual median salary of:
- Social Worker: $69,600
- Substance Abuse Counselor: $50,600
- School Counselor: $135,900
- Social and Community Service Manager: $104,690
- Rehabilitation Counselor: $85,260
Job Outlook for a Master's in Social Work
Aspiring social workers with a master's degree in social work are expected to see projected job growth of 13 percent (2019-2029). Depending on the field in which they're employed, the overall job outlook for social workers may vary. For example, child, family, and school social workers are expected to have a 12-percent job outlook, while healthcare social workers anticipate a 14-percent job outlook. Additionally, there is a 17-percent projected job growth for mental health and substance abuse social workers in the coming decade.
Social work majors may also choose to leverage their degrees in related fields, such as social and community service managers, in which the job outlook is projected to increase by 17 percent (2019-2029) due to the aging population. Students concentrating in gerontology social work may be ideal candidates for positions in this particular field.
How to Become a Social Worker
Most graduates with a master's degree in social work go on to pursue careers as clinical or nonclinical social workers to assist people and improve their everyday lives. Social workers are typically responsible for assessing the needs of their communities and individuals, counseling clients to help them adjust to difficult situations or major life changes, researching community resources and advocating for policies that better the lives of others, and responding to various individual and domestic crises.
Social workers usually have excellent communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, emotional, and organizational skills that help them to respond to challenging situations with flexibility and adaptability. Most social workers keep detailed case files and follow up regularly with their clients. Additionally, social workers may be involved in program/services development and coordinating for their clients or their communities.
Although some individuals may become social workers with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and licensure, most states require that social workers have a master's degree and credentials to be qualified for employment in the field.
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor
Individuals with a social work education may choose to become substance abuse counselors, who are responsible for advising people and helping them defeat alcoholism, addictions, and coinciding mental health problems. Substance abuse counselors typically meet with clients and evaluate their needs, develop treatment plans, and provide resources and tools to help clients manage their addictions and behavioral issues. Additionally, substance abuse counselors may facilitate support groups and assist clients seeking employment services.
Substance abuse counselors should be compassionate and patient when working with clients, as well as possess outstanding interpersonal, communication, and listening skills. Many substance abuse counselors work in out-patient mental health facilities, parole agencies, juvenile detention centers, halfway houses, rehabilitation centers, and employee assistance programs (EAPs).
In most states, substance abuse counselors who counsel individuals in a private practice must obtain licensure. Oftentimes, the requirements for licensure include fulfilling between 2,000 and 4,000 hours of supervised field experience, holding a master's degree, and passing a state exam. For non-private practice substance abuse counselors, credentialing requirements vary. Individuals should reach out to their state's licensing boards to find out what the criteria are for licensure.
Common Undergraduate Degrees for Social Work
Students can obtain undergraduate social work degrees online or in-person at the associate and bachelor levels. An associate degree in social work or human services is typically a two-year Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree that includes 60 credits of general education requirements (writing, reading, math, and science) and foundational knowledge of social justice, community service, and human behaviors. Individuals with associate degrees are usually prepared for entry-level employment in a variety of fields, although a majority of students choose to continue their studies in a bachelor's degree program.
A bachelor's degree in social work is usually a four-year program that aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of social work practices and human development theories. Bachelor-level curriculums typically comprise 120 credits of general education requirements, specialist courses, and electives. Students enrolled in social work bachelor's degree programs can usually expect to obtain a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW).
Once again, a student must obtain at least a bachelor's degree to be eligible for a master's social work degree program.
Post-Graduate Options After Completing a Master's in Social Work
Although there are limited distancing learning opportunities for a post-graduate social work degree, students may decide to continue their education in a doctoral social work program. Doctorates are ideal for individuals who wish to seek employment in research, post-secondary teaching roles, and leadership positions. Many doctoral curriculums, whether delivered online or in-person, consist of 45 to 60 credits of rigorous coursework and take about three to five years to complete.
Doctoral candidates must hold a master's degree to be considered admission and typically must meet specific admission criteria, such as a minimum grade point average and/or professional experience in the field. Students may also need to fulfill several program requirements; for example, teaching apprenticeships, independent research, practical training, and a thesis/dissertation and defense.
A doctorate in social work may result in a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Social Work (DSW), and students may choose to focus their doctoral studies in a specific area of social work services.
Graduate Certificates in Social Work
Students with master's degrees in social work may decide to pursue graduate certificates in various social work subject areas. Certificate programs are offered in-person and online and may include about 12 to 18 credits of core social work topics. Typically, students can complete their social work graduate certificate programs within a year.
Graduate certificates are ideal for students who wish to improve their skillsets, gain new skills, advance in their careers, or prepare for a new career. Common online certificate program titles may include variations of the following: Addictions, Behavioral Health, Political Social Work, Sexual Health, PreK-12 School Social Worker, and Mixed Methods Research.
Financial Aid, Scholarships & Grants for Online Master's in Social Work Programs
Although online master's social work degree programs are typically more cost-effective than campus-based programs, financial aid is available to students who need assistance paying for their graduate education. Students can determine how much federal financial aid they are qualified for by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility requirements are the same for undergraduate and graduate students (proof of citizenship, demonstrated need for financial assistance, attendance at an accredited school, etc.); however, graduate students are not required to include their parents' information.
Graduate students may also qualify for several scholarships and grants, which can be searched for and applied to online. Other financial aid may be available through employer tuition reimbursement programs or military/veteran benefits. For additional information regarding tuition and financing, scholarships, and federal or state aid, students can contact their college or university's financial aid office and speak with a representative.
The Cenie "Jomo" Williams Tuition Scholarship
The Cenie "Jomo" Williams Tuition Scholarship is available to paid members of the NABSW of African American descent who are pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate degree in social work at an accredited college or university. Applicants must submit the following materials for consideration:
- Completed scholarship application
- 500-word personal statement that includes professional aspirations, previous work and community service experiences, achievements, and research interests in the Black community
- Two letters of recommendation (from a faculty member or advisor and the second from a NABSW Chapter President/Advisor)
- University letter acknowledging that the applicant is in good academic standing
- Current official transcript demonstrating a minimum grade point average of 3.0
One winner will be selected to receive an award of $1,500.
Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship
The Conseulo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship is offered to National Association of Social Workers Foundation (NASWF) members who are pursuing a graduate degree in social work at an accredited college or university. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0, complete a scholarship application, submit a biographical essay, two letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. Additional application criteria can be found on the scholarship website.
Depending on the annual projected earnings to the scholarship fund, ten selected winners have the potential to receive up to $4,000.
