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If you live in Virginia and want a career in social work, you have two licensure options: an LSW and an LCSW.
A licensed social worker (LSW) must have a bachelor's in social work (BSW) accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
To become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you need a CSWE-accredited master's in social work (MSW).
Top Online Social Work Degree Programs in Virginia
Read on to learn about the best programs for Virginia residents to earn either a BSW or an MSW online.
1. George Mason University (GMU)
George Mason University's online MSW program is ranked one of the top 10 in the country. The school also ranks as one of Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges.
The standard MSW track involves 60 credit hours. If you hold a BSW, you can take the advanced standing track to earn your degree in half the time.
GMU also offers an accelerated track, which allows you to take nine credits per semester so you can earn your degree more quickly.
Tuition is $795 an hour. There are stipends available for child welfare and behavioral health worth $10,000 a year.
2. Liberty University (LU)
Liberty University offers an online BSW that can set you on the path to becoming a licensed social worker in the state of Virginia.
The CSWE–accredited program also gives you the ability to earn an advanced standing MSW after you graduate.
LU's tuition is $615 an hour, with a discounted rate of $275 an hour for active–duty military.
The school also offers free electronic textbooks to all online students, which could save you $800 to $2,000 a year in costs.
3. Mary Baldwin University (MBU)
Mary Baldwin University offers a hybrid BSW specifically designed for students who want to continue working full–time while earning their degree.
The majority of the courses are taught online, with only five to six weeknight or weekend meetings a semester.
In–person meetings give you a chance to connect with the other students in your cohort and take place in Roanoke, Staunton, or Richmond.
MBU's social work program is only open to Virginia residents. Tuition starts at $460 per credit hour, with financial aid available if you qualify.
4. St. Leo University
St. Leo University is technically located in Florida, but the school's online MSW program is only open to residents of a few states, including Virginia.
The school offers multiple cohort tracks with both a standard and an advanced standing MSW.
If you already have a BSW from a CSWE–accredited institution, you can take the advanced standing program to graduate in half the time.
Tuition for the MSW program starts at $600 per credit hour, with federal aid and other scholarships available to qualifying students.
5. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
Virginia Commonwealth University is the #1 school of social work in Virginia and the #16 school for social work in the country.
Online MSW options include a full–time two year track, a part–time track over three or four years, or an accelerated one year advanced standing track.
You're eligible for the advanced standing program if you hold a BSW from a CSWE–accredited college or university.
In–state tuition for the MSW program is $634 per credit hour, plus a $100 per credit hour program fee.
FAQs about Virginia Online Social Work Degrees
Keep reading to find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about social work degree programs in Virginia.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Social Worker in Virginia?
If you get a BSW from a CSWE–accredited institution, you can take the exam to become a licensed social worker (LSW) right away. With a BSW, you can enroll in an advanced standing MSW program, which allows you to earn your degree in as little as one year.
In total, it will take you at least five years to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Virginia with an MSW.
What Field of Social Worker Pays the Most in Virginia?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lists social workers as earning an average salary of $73,590 in Virginia, as of May 2022.
Child, family, and school social workers are the highest paid specialty field, earning an average of $59,530 per year.
How Much Does an Online Social Work Degree Cost in Virginia?
An online BSW is likely to cost at least $40,000 at a Virginia public college or university, assuming you're an in–state student. Tuition may be less at a low-cost Virginia online college.
If you qualify for the advanced standing option, you could earn an MSW in Virginia for less than $10,000. Otherwise, expect an MSW to cost you at least $20,000 — more if you spread your coursework out part–time.
What Is the Difference Between a Master's and Bachelor's of Social Work in Virginia?
If you have a BSW, you can take the exam to become a licensed social worker (LSW). LSWs must work under supervision and can't directly diagnose or treat mental conditions.
Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), on the other hand, must have a master's of social work degree and can work independently.
Find the Right Online Social Work Program in Virginia
If you live in Virginia and are thinking about a career in social work, our team is here to help. Reach out to Best Accredited Colleges to learn about the best online BSW and MSW degree programs in Virginia.
