The nation's capital has three universities that offer an accredited Master of Social Work. The Catholic University of America is the exclusive online option for students to consider in this location.
Consider a sponsored online MSW program that is taking applications for 2025.
School | Program | Admissions |
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Fordham University | Master of Social Work Online
Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available. Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy. |
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Virginia Commonwealth University | Online Master's in Social Work
Part-time and full-time online options, with three intakes throughout the year, let you learn from anywhere in the country. |
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Syracuse University | Online Master of Social Work
CSWE accredited. No GRE required. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks. |
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Simmons University | Online Master of Social Work
Accredited by the CSWE. Online Master of Social Work program can be completed in as few as 9 months and GRE scores are not required. |
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Simmons University | Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
No GRE scores required. Complete in less than two years full time or less than three years part time. |
Click to view online MSW programs that are taking applications for 2025.
Washington DC CSWE Accredited MSW Programs
Only one institution offers an online Master of Social Work that has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The Catholic University of America offers specialization in program evaluation and social policy. Students can pursue the program on a full-time or part-time basis, it is available to everyone in the United States and international service members, and has no on-campus needs.
Are there online MSW programs in DC?
Yes, there are colleges in DC 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 |
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Fordham University | Master of Social Work Online
CSWE Accredited |
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University of Kentucky | Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited |
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Virginia Commonwealth University | Online Master's in Social Work
CSWE Accredited |
Website |
University of West Florida | Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited |
Website |
Syracuse University | Online Master of Social Work
CSWE Accredited |
Website |
Click to see more accredited online MSW programs that are taking applications for 2024.
List of online MSW programs in DC that are CSWE accredited
School | Program | CSWE Accredited? |
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Catholic University of America | Online MSW: Clinical - Online | ✓ |
Finding a Campus Based Washington DC MSW Program
Two other colleges that offer Master's degrees are Gallaudet University and Howard University. Outside of Howard University, Bachelor's degrees in social work that have been CSWE-accredited are also available. The University of the District of Columbia has an exclusive Bachelor's degree curriculum available.
Catholic University of America's Online MSW
Students are able to complete a full online Master's degree in social work on a full-time or part time basis through CUA. Specializations are available in mental health, substance abuse, gerontology, and child welfare. This curriculum will specifically prepare students for the Licensed Graduate Social Work (LGSW) licensure in Washington DC, and graduates have a 95 percent passing rate.
Curriculum Structure
60 credit hours are needed for the full curriculum, which includes foundational work, specialization, and field placement. For online students, they can enroll in as little as two courses per semester on the path to completing the program. Student class size is relatively limited at 25 students to provide a more intimate learning experience with faculty members.
Examples of courses that students take in the program include Human Development and Psychopathology, Social Work Research Methods, and Cognitive-Behavioral Theory and Social Functioning. In field placement, students will complete 480 hours in the foundational internship and 600 hours in the advanced internship. Both internships will be split over a two-semester time span.
Admission Requirements
For prospective students that have completed a Bachelor of Social Work that is accredited by the CSWE and graduated with high academic marks (above 3.2 cumulative GPA), they may be eligible for the advanced standing designation. This provides a quicker path to complete the degree with the elimination of foundational courses and one field practicum.
Review of campus-based DC MSW programs
Catholic University of America - Master of Social Work (BSW) - Washington
Based in Washington DC with a Catholic-focused education in social work. Offered completely online with both foundational and specialization courses worth 60 credit hours. Concentrations are available in clinical work, social change, and combination of both concepts. 1,080 total field hours needed, with 600 hours toward the concentration selected. Many field work opportunities need availability during regular weekday business hours. Up to six credit hours are transferable into the program.
Catholic University of America - Master of Social Work (BSW) - Washington
Provides social work education with different populations and developing social change. Prepares individuals for positions in clinical and nonclinical situations. Can specialize in mental health treatment, gerontology, legislation change, and more. Offered completely online or at the Washington DC campus. Incoming students should have prior academic work in liberal arts. Statistical and human biology courses recommended along with a 3.0 GPA in prior studies.
Gallaudet University - MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW) - Washington
61 total credit hours needed to complete full program. Offered in two or three-year plans based on enrollment. Completed in two years of study with foundational and specialization content. Concentration features social work geared toward deaf and hard of hearing patients. This includes improving policy toward the disability and related societal issues. 1,012 total hours needed to complete field practicum needs in the curriculum.
Howard University - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Washington
Concentration option in direct practice or community policy practice. At least two days per week needed for field education in both internships. Offers dual degree opportunity with divinity and business administration. GRE or GMAT are not required in the admission process. Advanced standing requires a B grade in all undergraduate social work courses. Accredited BSW degree earned within the last four years.
Social Work Careers, Licensure, and Salaries in Washington DC
The District of Columbia is one of the higher-paying locations for social work across the country. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest sector is in health care with an annual salary average of $74,160. By comparison, those specializing in child and family services make $71,590 annually (highest of any state in this category) and mental health and substance abuse social workers make $66,080 annually.
Washington DC Social Work Licensure Requirements
After the completion of a Master’s degree, students can become one of the following licensed social work professionals:
- Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)
- Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Hours of Experience Requirements
All licensures require the passing of the required professional examination through the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). The LGSW allows professionals to perform non-clinical and clinical work under supervision. The LISW offers an opportunity for independent non-clinical work after completing 3,000 hours of postgraduate supervised work under a professional with the LISW or LICSW.
The LICSW is a variation of social work for those interested in practicing in a clinical setting. 3,000 hours are also needed after completing the Master’s degree and requires ASWB examination. If the license is verified by another state, is in good standing, and meets Washington DC requirements, this location will recognize the license after applying for a new state-specific license.
Renewal Requirements
Renewals take place prior to July 31st of every odd-numbered year and require 40 credit hours of continuing education. This includes six credit hours dedicated to ethical practice and two credit hours on the LGBTQ community. All ethics courses must be completed in person, and a limit of 12 credit hours can be used for online education.