Alabama MSW Degree Programs

Last updated March 2, 2023
By Online MSW Degrees staff
School Program Admissions
University of Kentucky Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited, 100% online. Regular and Advanced Standing MSW tracks.
University of Kentucky CSWE Accredited MSW Program
University of West Florida Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited, 100% online. Traditional and Advanced Standing MSW tracks.
University of West Florida CSWE Accredited MSW Program
Campbellsville University Online Master of Social Work
No GRE or GMAT required. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks available. Program can be completed in less than a year.
CSWE Accredited
University of Kentucky Doctorate of Social Work
Select one of four concentrations: Administrative Leadership, Clinical Social Work, Military Behavioral Health, and Social Work Education.
George Mason University Master of Social Work (MSW) Online
CSWE accredited. Tracks include: Adults & Healthy Aging or Children, Youth, & Families.
CSWE Accredited
i sponsored

Click to view online MSW programs that are taking applications for 2024.

The University of Alabama and Samford University have an accredited online Master of Social Work. Many professionals in the state work in the field of youth and family services.

Alabama CSWE Accredited MSW Program

In the state of Alabama, there are two institutions that offer an online version of their Master's degree in social work that has been accredited by the CSWE, or Council on Social Work Education. These programs offer flexibility for students that have busy schedules, and there is an additional option at Samford University that allows students to complete both an undergraduate and graduate program in a span of five years. Looking across the state, there are eight total states that have graduate programs in social work.

Are there online MSW programs in Alabama?

Yes, there are colleges in Alabama with an online Master of Social Work degree program. Consider a featured online MSW program that is taking applicants right now, or move on to the list.

School Program Admissions
Adelphi University Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited
Website
Virginia Commonwealth University Online Master's in Social Work
Accredited
Website
University of Kentucky Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited
Website
University of West Florida Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited
Website
Our Lady of the Lake University Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited
Website
i sponsored

Click to see more accredited online MSW programs that are taking applications for 2024.

List of online MSW programs in Alabama that are CSWE accredited

School Program CSWE Accredited?
University of Alabama Online Master of Social Work

Finding a Campus Based Alabama MSW Program

Birmingham is the lone city with two Master's programs - both the online opportunity at Samford University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Two of the more popular public institutions in the state, the University of Alabama and Auburn University, have graduate programs in Tuscaloosa and Auburn respectively, with the former having the other online opportunity in the state. Through the University of Alabama and select other institutions, there is an opportunity to specialize working with children and their families or adults and their families.

University of Alabama's Online Master of Social Work

The Tuscaloosa campus hosts an MSW with primary coursework available online. One aspect of the degree requirements is the completion of face-to-face skill labs, which is offered in various locations across Alabama and in Atlanta, Georgia, and Jackson, Mississippi. In addition to the skills lab, an orientation and at least 500 hours of practicum is needed.

Curriculum Requirements

42 to 60 credit hours are needed to complete the program depending on if the student is accepted for advanced standing. This is open to those who have completed a Bachelor's degree from an accredited CSWE program, which eliminates some foundational courses in the Master's program. Bridge courses span 12 credit hours and is completed in the spring or summer semester before entering the main program in the fall, with 15 credits spread out in the next two semesters each for full-time students.

Program Tracks and Electives

There are two different concentrations that emphasizes a children's relationship with their families and adults with their families. These have different needs in terms of identifying problematic behaviors and with the development of a treatment plan. Elective opportunities that are offered each year include Psychopathology, Spirituality and Social work Practice, and Crisis Intervention.

Samford University's Online MSW

The School of Public Health at Samford University can be completed at the Birmingham campus or conveniently online. Students can pursue the degree on a part-time or full-time basis, and many courses are offered at night for those that are looking to maintain employment. In addition to gaining a degree that aims to improve human growth through evidence-based treatments, courses may include religious aspects in social work practice.

Program Formats

Students generally take one to four years to complete the program depending on enrollment speed and if they are accepted for advanced standing. Full-time students without advanced standing can complete the program in two years, which requires 15 credit hours in the first two semesters each, then the second half is spread out among three semesters, including summer. To complete it in less than two years, advanced standing is required.

Advanced Clinical Practice Concentration

An option for students to consider is pursuing the Advanced Clinical Practice concentration. This provides direct treatment procedures when working at various health care facilities or institutions. Examples of courses that students will complete in this program include Models and Theories of Social Work Practice, Social Welfare Policy, and Diversity and Multicultural Social Work Practice.

Admission Requirements

It is recommended to have at least a Bachelor's degree in social work for this program, but those that do not have a background must hold a degree from an accredited university. At least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, or a 3.2 GPA over their last 60 hours of undergraduate work, is needed. Those with at least a 2.8 GPA can still submit an application with the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores.


Review of campus-based Alabama MSW programs

Alabama A & M University - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Normal

Two concentrations available in Family and Child Welfare, and Community Mental Health. Child welfare specialization focuses on evaluation and assessment with younger clients. A community focus looks at improving quality of life and services offered. Formats offered in full-time, part-time, and advanced standing. Requires one to three years of study based on format selected.

Alabama State University - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Montgomery

Available at the Montgomery campus location. Paths of study include traditional full-time in two years and part-time in four years. Students may complete advanced standing within a year. Holding advanced standing requires an accredited BSW degree. Application requires official transcript, statement of purpose, and three recommendation letters.

Samford University - Master of Social Work - Birmingham

Concentration emphasizes clinical practice for diagnosis and assessment with various clients. Students working on Bachelor's degree can fast track with MSW and finish in five years. Application requires completion of a statistics course and an academic writing sample. Personal statement should include reasons for selecting school and career goals. Advanced standing requires 3.0 GPA with accredited BSW and all social work grades of B- or higher.

The University of Alabama - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Tuscaloosa

Concentration option between children and adolescents or adults. Offers the full and advanced standing program at the Tuscaloosa campus or online. There is no hybrid opportunity, meaning students cannot change format during studies. Completed in one to three years depending on enrollment option. Elective options include crisis intervention and psychopathology.

Troy State University - Master of Social Work - Troy

Two concentrations offered are direct practice with military personnel and international management. The specific military focus helps veterans get accustomed to normal life after duty. The unique management specialization prepares individuals for different organizational settings. Both full-time and advanced standing offered at Troy, Dothan, Montgomery, and Phenix City. Online opportunity offered with advanced standing.

University of Alabama at Birmingham - Master of Social Work - Birmingham

Concentrations available in different clients, such as children and adolescents or adults. This includes individual practice and among family members. Specific practice may include substance abuse treatment or diagnosing specific issues. Completed in one year with advanced standing or at least three years part-time. Can also add dual-degree opportunities with the Juris Doctor or public health. All options available at the Tuscaloosa campus or online.

Social Work Careers, Licensure, and Salaries in Alabama

Alabama sees more employment in social work involving the specialties of children and family, and health care. Over 3,500 positions are dedicated to working in the evaluation of families, where children may be in danger of abuse, or they can help families overcome adversity in their current situation. Employment opportunity is balanced across the state, with a higher concentration in the Birmingham metropolitan area.

Average Salary of an Alabama Social Worker

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, average salaries for health care social workers is at $47,190 annually. This jumps to just over $63,000 for those in the top 10 percentile, and higher pay is generally found in the southeastern portion of the state. Positions in this field can be found at Fresenius Medical Care North America and AltaPointe Health Systems.

Alabama Social Work Licensure Requirements

Completion of a MSW in the state of Alabama can prepare students to become a Licensed Master Social Worker or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). There is an ability to practice in social work for up to one year prior to receiving an official license. In addition to the education experience, becoming a LICSW requires 24 months of supervision experience with a licensed professional.

Renewal Requirements

All licensures in the state require the passing of the Association of Social Work Boards exam. Renewal requires 30 continuing education credit hours every two years, and three of these credit hours must involve topics in ethics. Alabama does accept licensure from other states assuming it passes standard criteria set in the state.