30 Best Master Degrees in Social Work Online

A master’s degree in social work (MSW) opens doors to rewarding careers helping people in need. Social workers assist vulnerable populations – including children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities or mental illness. They provide counselling, connect clients to resources and advocate for social justice.

An online MSW offers flexibility to balance work, school and family. Online programs provide the same rigorous curriculum and fieldwork opportunities as campus programs. Many top schools now offer online MSW degrees, making this in-demand credential more accessible.30 Best Master Degrees in Social Work Online

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This guide profiles the 30 best online masters in social work. Programs were selected based on academic quality, affordability, and online learning options. Featured schools hold regional or national accreditation plus prestigious social work program accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

The 30 Best Master Degrees in Social Work Online:

Read on to discover the top online MSW programs and find the perfect fit.

1. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California’s top-ranked online MSW prepares students for advanced social work practice. The CSWE-accredited program includes specializations in mental health, children, families and couples, or community organizing.

USC’s online MSW features live video classes and in-person fieldwork with a local agency. Students gain hands-on experience and build professional connections. Other highlights include small classes, research opportunities and internship support. USC also offers a dual degree MSW/MPH online.Information Guide Nigeria

2. New York University

New York University offers a CSWE-accredited online MSW degree spanning 60 credits. The program takes just two years of full-time study. Students complete 16 hours per week of fieldwork alongside online coursework.

Specializations include health, international social welfare and policy practice, and clinical practice with children and families. NYU’s highly flexible online MSW features self-paced pre-recorded classes. The program welcomes international students and veterans.

3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill provides an online MSW pathway for students worldwide. UNC’s CSWE-accredited program offers advanced clinical training and specializations in either health/ageing or children, youth and family services.

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Students complete online coursework, two years of field placement and an applied practice experience. Virtual courses use synchronous and asynchronous components. The program offers some on-campus sessions plus assistance to arrange local fieldwork.Romantic Love Messages

4. University of Southern California

USC’s top-ranked online MSW prepares students for advanced social work practice. The CSWE-accredited program includes specializations in mental health, children, families and couples, or community organizing.

5. University of Denver

The University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work offers an online MSW degree focusing on social justice and community practice. DU’s CSWE-accredited program features concentrations in mental health; child welfare; and family systems, organizations and communities.

The online MSW curriculum spans 60 credits over two years of full-time study. Students complete field experiences near their community. The program also welcomes part-time students, who can finish the degree in 2-4 years. DU provides scholarships and fellowship opportunities.

6. Fordham University

Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service allows students to complete their MSW entirely online. The CSWE-accredited program offers tracks in social work leadership and health care social work leadership.

The 63-credit curriculum includes two years of field education with ongoing online supervision. Fordham’s online MSW students have access to full campus services. They can also attend on-campus immersions to build community.First Secondary School in Southern Nigeria

7. University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The University of Tennessee College of Social Work offers a top online MSW pathway spanning 60 credit hours. Students develop specialized skills through advanced coursework and fieldwork.

Specialization options include mental health, child and family services, veterinary social work, and trauma treatment. UT Knoxville’s CSWE-accredited program features live online classes in the evenings, making the MSW flexible for working professionals. Students also complete local fieldwork.Good Morning Love Message

8. Boston College

Boston College’s nationally ranked Graduate School of Social Work provides an online or hybrid MSW program. Students develop advanced clinical skills and knowledge of evidence-based practices.

Specializations include health and mental health; children, youth and families; older adults and families; and recovery and prevention. BC’s online/hybrid CSWE-accredited MSW offerings include live online classes, in-person immersions and local fieldwork. The program can be completed full or part-time.

9. University of Kentucky

The College of Social Work at the University of Kentucky offers an online part-time MSW program with rolling admissions. UK’s CSWE-accredited program takes three years to complete, spanning 60 credits of online coursework and field education.

Students develop expertise in an advanced Social Work practice concentration: mental health, child welfare or community and social development. The UK also provides a $200 stipend per semester and a laptop to support online learning.NYSC Portal

10. University of Georgia

The University of Georgia College of Social Work provides an online MSW pathway focused on community practice and social change. Students develop skills to address systemic inequities and strengthen communities.

UGA’s CSWE-accredited online program features live remote instruction and local fieldwork placements. Concentrations include community empowerment and program development; management, administration and policy practice; and clinical practice. The program can be completed full-time in two years or part-time.

11. Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve offers an online MSW program focused on leadership and community practice. The CSWE-accredited curriculum covers HR management, program evaluation, grant writing, policy analysis and advanced clinical skills.Former Manchester City and Barcelona forward calls time on career after 17 years

Students take online courses in a synchronous format with faculty and peers. CWRU’s flexible two-year online MSW features fieldwork in each student’s community. The program prepares graduates to become innovative social work leaders and advocates.

12. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona College of Social Work provides an online accredited MSW program focused on advocacy and social justice. Students develop skills for policy practice, critical thinking and leading change.

Specializations include health, public health, behavioural health and clinical practice. The 63-credit online MSW features live remote classes plus in-person immersions. Students also complete two years of fieldwork experience. Dual degree options are also available.

13. University of Maryland – Baltimore

The University of Maryland School of Social Work offers a part-time online MSW program preparing students for advanced clinical social work practice. UMB’s CSWE-accredited curriculum covers theories, diagnostic assessment, evidence-based interventions, cultural humility and policy.

Specializations include health, mental health and child/family services. UMB’s MSW can be completed in 3-4 years through synchronous online courses, local fieldwork and two on-campus immersions. The program welcomes residents across most US states.

14. University of Michigan

The University of Michigan School of Social Work provides an online Master Degrees in Social Work pathway spanning 60 credits. The program takes two years to complete full-time or up to four years part-time.

Students take live remote courses and complete local fieldwork. Specializations include mental health; integrated behavioral health; children and families; and community change. UM’s CSWE-accredited online MSW emphasizes critical thinking, social justice and leadership skills.JAMB Portal

15. Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis’ Brown School offers an online Master Degrees in Social Work with two concentrations: social and economic development; and children, youth and families. The flexible two-year program features live remote course delivery and local fieldwork.

WashU’s CSWE-accredited online MSW emphasizes community collaboration, policy practice and data-informed approaches. Students gain hands-on experience addressing social issues through summer field education and an integrative practicum. Scholarships and tuition support are available.

16. Stony Brook University

Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare provides an online accredited MSW program preparing clinical social workers. Students develop assessment, diagnostic and psychotherapy skills for helping individuals, families and groups.

SBU’s online MSW features specializations in health/mental health; children and families; and ageing/gerontology. The 60-credit curriculum includes live remote instruction, virtual simulations and in-person fieldwork. Graduates can pursue clinical licensure in their state.

17. University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas offers an online MSW through its top-ranked School of Social Work. The program follows a clinical practice curriculum centred on Catholic social teaching. Students focus on ethical service, social justice and cultural competence.

UST’s online MSW features live classes in the evenings and individualized field placements. The 60-credit program takes two years to complete full time with classes held in 7-week blocks. Concentrations include mental health, addiction counselling and children.

18. University of Alaska Fairbanks

The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers an accredited online MSW program focusing on Indigenous social work. Students engage with Alaska Native perspectives and models of community building, healing and resilience.

The curriculum spans 60 credits over two years of part-time study. UAF’s online MSW emphasizes rural and remote social work practice in Alaska. However, the flexible program also welcomes out-of-state students, who can complete fieldwork locally.

19. Aurora University

Aurora University’s School of Social Work provides an online CSWE-accredited MSW degree. The 60-credit curriculum includes advanced coursework and fieldwork tailored to each student’s interests.

Concentration options are diverse, spanning social service administration, clinical practice, school social work, and working with veterans, police/fire professionals, and the ageing. Aurora’s online MSW features synchronous classes and immersive virtual reality simulations. The program welcomes students worldwide.

20. University of Houston

Through its CSWE-accredited online program, the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work prepares advanced social work leaders. Specializations include mental health, substance abuse, child and family services, and community practice.

UH’s online MSW can be completed full-time in two years or part-time in four years. The flexible 60-credit curriculum features live remote classes in the evenings, tailored field placements and skills-based simulations. Scholarships are available.

21. California State University Long Beach

California State University Long Beach provides an online MSW pathway emphasizing community collaboration and social justice. Students gain advanced skills in policy analysis, advocacy, critical thinking and program evaluation.

The CSWE-accredited program features concentrations in public child welfare and community capacity building. CSULB’s online accredited MSW can be completed full or part-time with year-round online coursework and local fieldwork.

22. University of New England

The University of New England (UNE) offers an online MSW degree preparing licensed social workers. Students develop specialized skills in assessment, treatment planning, clinical interventions, cultural competence, ethics and research.

UNE’s CSWE-accredited MSW curriculum includes live remote classes, virtual reality training and in-person fieldwork. UNE has online MSW partnerships in over 35 states to support local field placement and licensure. The flexible program can be completed in as little as 16 months.

23. University of Wisconsin, Madison

The University of Wisconsin Madison School of Social Work offers an online MSW concentration in mental health. Students gain advanced skills in prevention, intervention, assessment, treatment and program management.

UW’s CSWE-accredited online program features synchronous and asynchronous learning, with concentrations in integrated behavioural health, trauma, health equity, and more. Local field placements and in-person immersion experiences are also required. The 60-credit MSW can be completed in two years.

24. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work provides an online MSW degree centred on evidence-based practice. Students develop specialized skills through online coursework and field education tailored to their interests.

Clinical concentrations are available in behavioral health; mental health; health; and children, youth and families. VCU’s online MSW can be completed full-time in two years or part-time in four years. The program meets year-round through live remote classes and local immersions.

25. Simmons University

Simmons University offers an online CSWE-accredited MSW program focused on trauma, intervention and practice evaluation. The 60-credit curriculum provides flexibility to specialize, with clinical concentrations in health/mental health; children and families; schools; and more.

Simmons online MSW students take live remote courses and complete two field placements over two years. Small classes enable close collaboration with faculty and peers. Scholarships and grants are available to support accessibility.

26. Baylor University

Baylor University’s online MSW program follows a clinical practice curriculum grounded in Christian tradition. The CSWE-accredited program prepares licensed social workers through advanced training in intervention, cultural humility, research, and policy.

Baylor’s online MSW allows students to specialize, with concentrations in health/mental health, community practice, global social work, and more. The 60-credit program features synchronous remote coursework and in-person experiences near students’ locations.

27. University of Tennessee Knoxville

The University of Tennessee Knoxville College of Social Work offers an online CSWE-accredited MSW with advanced standing for BSW graduates. This flexible pathway spans just 36 credits over one year of full-time study.

Students take live remote evening classes while completing locally advanced fieldwork. Specializations include trauma treatment, veterinary social work, forensics, and health/mental health. UT Knoxville provides a stipend and laptop to support online learning.

28. University of Texas Arlington

Through its online CSWE-accredited MSW, the University of Texas Arlington School of Social Work prepares licensed clinical social workers. Students receive advanced training in DSM diagnosis, evidence-based therapies, ethical practice, and cultural responsiveness.

UT Arlington offers concentrations in mental health; child and family well-being; and community and administrative practice. The flexible 60-credit curriculum features online coursework with some on-campus labs. Students arrange local field placements.

29. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley offers an online accredited MSW with concentrations in clinical practice and community practice. The 60-credit program provides advanced training in social work methods, policy, research, and service delivery.

UTRGV’s online MSW features live remote instruction, virtual reality labs, tailored field placements and two intensive seminars. The program can be completed full-time in two years or part-time. UTRGV assists in arranging local fieldwork opportunities.

Conclusion

Earning an online masters degree in social work opens doors to making a difference through clinical practice, community empowerment, social action and policy reform. Online MSW programs offer the same rigorous training as campus programs in an accessible format.

USC, NYU, UNC, Boston College and other top schools now provide online CSWE-accredited MSW pathways. Programs feature live classes, virtual simulations, local fieldwork and concentrations tailored to each student’s interests.

This guide outlined the 30 top online MSW programs from leading nonprofit and public universities. With flexibility, academic excellence and affordability, these schools offer ideal options for launching a social work career online.

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30 Best Master Degrees in Social Work Online

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