Consider a sponsored online MSW program that is taking applications for 2024.
| School | Program | Admissions |
|---|---|---|
| Case Western Reserve University | Online Master of Social Work
No GRE required. Earn your Master of Social Work online at CWRU in as little as two and a half years. Bachelor’s degree required. |
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Click to view online MSW programs that are taking applications for 2024.
One-quarter of the 12 institutions in the state of Ohio have online opportunities for the Master of Social Work. These schools are Ohio State University, Ohio University, and Case Western Reserve Universities.
Ohio CSWE Accredited MSW Programs
The state of Ohio has three institutions that have online Master's degrees in social work that has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This includes nationally recognized schools such as Ohio State University and Ohio University, which also do not require any on-campus residencies and are available to any prospective student across the country.
Are there online MSW programs in Ohio?
Yes, there are colleges in Ohio 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 |
Click to see more accredited online MSW programs that are taking applications for 2024.
List of online MSW programs in Ohio that are CSWE accredited
| School | Program | CSWE Accredited? |
|---|---|---|
| Case Western Reserve University | Online MSW: Community Practice & Social Change and Direct Practice (Child, Youth, & Families) or (Mental Health/Adults) | ✓ |
| Ohio State University | Master's in Social Work (MSW) | ✓ |
| Ohio University | Master of Social Work (MSW) | ✓ |
Finding a Campus Based Ohio MSW Program
In total, there are 12 different institutions that offer graduate-level education in social work. Cleveland is home to a few of these Master's degree opportunities, including Cleveland State University and Case Western Reserve University. The latter is the other institution in the state that provides an online curriculum for their advanced social work education, which is available to all across the country.
Ohio State University's Online Master of Social Work
The College of Social Work provides a social work curriculum that helps prospective students become more equipped in the fields of mental health, addiction treatment, and youth services. Both the traditional program and Advanced Standing Alternative Program are available in an online format, with the latter being available for students that have completed a Bachelor's degree in social work that was accredited by the CSWE.
Curriculum Structure
No on-campus requirements are necessary when pursuing the degree, and it is available to all students across the country. The traditional model requires at least 10 semester credits of social sciences regardless of discipline pursued, and there is a recommendation of a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores are not required for application submission even if the GPA falls below the recommendation.
Full-time students have the ability to complete the program over a two-year time span. There are a total of 63 credit hours needed to fulfill the degree requirements, and half the curriculum is dedicated to foundational courses and advanced practice methods. The rest of the degree focuses on field education, concentration selected, and electives for further customization.
Advanced Standing Format
Holding a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for the advanced standing format of the program. On-campus students have an additional ability to have specialization in gerontology, community work, and social justice issues. There is also the potential to combine Master's degrees, such as having a dual degree with the Master of Public Health or Master of City and Regional Planning.
Ohio University's Online Master of Social Work
The College of Health Sciences and Professions offers the MSW in a format that can be fully completed online. Students are able to graduate as early as two years after pursuing the advanced standing format, and this can be as little as one year for the advanced standing method. Specializations exist in working with other adults, children in foster care and/or dealing with behavioral issues, and developing social policy.
Advanced Standing Format
Advanced standing requires 36 credit hours across six semesters of courses and field placement. In order to qualify for advanced standing, prospective students need to prove their accomplishment of a Bachelor of Social Work at a CSWE-accredited institution, achieving a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and gaining a B or higher for all social work courses.
Examples of courses that students will pursue in this program include Social Welfare Policy and Services, Human Behavior in the Social Environment, and Social Work Research and Program Evaluation. There are no requirements for campus visits during the program. Technical requirements include having a modern computer system with webcam and access to high-speed internet.
Admission Requirements
Prospective students can choose from three different start dates to enter the program. Submission requirements include official transcripts that designate completion of an undergraduate program in the last five years, professional resume, and three letters of reference. There are no GRE or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores needed to submit when applying for the program.
Case Western Reserve University's Online Master of Science in Social Administration
The Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences offer various formats of the MSW program. The online degree utilizes the Zoom videoconferencing software for course activity, providing interaction with other students that is similar to the on-campus experience. Students can specialize to work with children and families, adult mental health and treatment programs, and community practice and social justice issues.
Field Requirements
Despite the difference in discipline, this is equivalent to a Master of Social Work degree and is recognized by the CSWE and state licensure boards. More specializations are available in the on-campus format, such as mental health and gerontology study paths. At least 1,000 clock hours are needed for the field requirement, and that includes 600 hours in the specialization, which is also needed for students in advanced standing.
Intensive Weekend Format
One unique aspect of the school is utilizing the intensive weekend format. Students are required to complete the program at the Cleveland campus, but all courses are held throughout the entirety of Saturday and Sunday. With two classes per semester, students are able to continue their professional work while taking the full program.
Admission Requirements
These are the same for all methods to complete the traditional curriculum. Students must have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative 2.7 GPA or higher. There are more strict requirements for advanced standing, which requires 36 credit hours to complete instead of the 60 credit hours needed for the traditional curriculum.
Review of campus-based Ohio MSW programs
Bowling Green State University - MSW - Bowling Green
Provides emphasis on gerontology studies and providing services to the vulnerable population. Explore impact of aging in health care, government, and more. Generalist year provides studies in human behavior and treatment planning. Advanced standing requires accredited BSW degree with 3.2 GPA in social work content. Courses distributed online or on-campus with evening options available.
Case Western Reserve University - Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA) - Cleveland
MSSA has a similar curriculum to most CSWE-accredited MSW degrees. Concentrations available in community practice, and direct practice with youth or adults. Requires Bachelor's degree with 2.7 GPA or higher for general program. Application also requires two-part essay, updated resume, and three recommendation letters. Available both online and on-campus with similar content. Also available in weekend course distribution with part-time enrollment.
Cleveland State University - Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) - Cleveland
Concentration options include clinical work or advanced generalist. Clinical work emphasizes skills assessing clients when suffering trauma, illness, addictions, and more. Advanced generalist provides field overview and familiarity working with individuals and groups. Elective options include addiction pharmacology, trauma and recovery, and physiology of aging. Courses offered through certificates specializing in different social work fields. Some courses may not be available in all semesters.
Greater Miami Valley MASW Collaborative - Master of Arts in Social Work - Dayton
Combination Master of Arts program between Wright State University and Miami University. Offers two to three-year program and advanced standing across three semesters. Traditional format starts in the fall while advanced standing begins in the summer. Two concentrations offered include working with children/family and adults. Courses are available in late afternoon and evening hours during the fall and spring. Daytime hours are generally set for summer terms.
Miami University-Oxford - Master of Arts in Social Work (MASW) - Oxford
Courses available at the Middletown campus with a single course needed in Oxford. Class meetings in the late afternoon and evening hours. 900 total field hours needed through the full program in three semesters. 600 hours dedicated to specialization, but advanced standing only requires 500 field hours. No GRE scores needed in the admission process. Advanced standing completed in as little as one year with summer, fall, and spring study.
Ohio State University - Master's in Social Work (MSW) - Columbus
Availability with full or part-time enrollment on campus or completely online. Graduates prepared to work with different clients and strong assessment and treatment capabilities. Can pursue professional licensure in Ohio and other states if applicable. Application requirements include holding a Bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA. Students below the GPA threshold should emphasize other requirements, such as references. Advanced standing requires a B grade or higher in all prior social work courses.
Ohio University - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Athens
Distributes online graduate degree with traditional and advanced standing formats. Students specialize in adult mental health, children and school, or social policy. No on-campus visits required and field work completed at student's location. Students can start the program in three different times during the year. Advanced standing requires 3.0 GPA with accredited BSW degree. No GRE or GMAT scores required in the admission process.
University of Akron Main Campus - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Akron
Offers various types of enrollment and course availability during evening and weekend hours. Concentration options in direct practice and macro practice. Students complete 60 credit hours with all grades being a B or higher. Admission requires official transcripts and resume with social work experience. Written essay should detail career goals and commentary on diversity. Academic background not needed in social work, but should feature liberal arts topics.
University of Cincinnati - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Cincinnati
Specializations offered in gerontology, youth and family, and mental health. Six credit hours worth of electives needed in the advanced study year. Field work requires 14 to 17 hours of commitment to the internship weekly. Courses distributed both online and on-campus regardless of program path selected. One-third of total credits needed are transferable depending on academic standing. A transfer course must have a B grade and earned in the last five years.
University of Toledo - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Toledo
60 total credit hours needed in the traditional program, or 33 for advanced standing. Courses generally offered after 5:00 PM during evenings and Saturday mornings. Some courses are only available in certain semesters during the academic year. Required foundational courses include micro and macro social work concepts. Field experience requires 16 to 17 hours each week during internship with a seminar. This session prepares students and applies what they have learned to the work place.
Youngstown State University - Master of Social Work (MSW) - Youngstown
Students can emphasize studies in diversity, social welfare policy, and research. Program offered in two to four years at the Youngstown campus location. Potential to complete course during the evening hours or on Saturdays. At least 18 hours needed each week during normal business hours. Requires accredited undergraduate degree with 3.0 GPA or above. B grade or higher needed in all social work courses.
Social Work Careers, Licensure, and Salaries in Ohio
The state of Ohio has above-average employment in various fields of professional social work. The highest sector of work is found in the specialization of child, family, and school services. These workers provide assistance for families that are dealing with behavioral problems with their child or inconsistent academic performance where foundational problems need to be evaluated and treated.
Average Salary of a Ohio Social Worker
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 11,500 workers are represented in this social work field in the state of Ohio. This is fairly spread out across the state with the highest concentration within the Cleveland metropolitan area. Annual mean salary statewide is at $47,260, which is slightly below the national average.
OhioSocial Work Licensure Requirements
Four different licensure levels are recognized in the state of Ohio. Specific to the completion of a Master’s degree that is accredited by the CSWE, individuals can become a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) or an LISW with a supervision designation (LISW-S). The difference is those with supervision ability can observe those that are gaining postgraduate experience to become an LISW.
Hours of Experience Requirements
To gain the LISW, at least 3,000 hours of supervised employment is needed in at least two years. The advanced generalist or clinical examination through the Association of Social Work boards must be passed. Additionally, applicants must submit their official transcripts verifying completion of the MSW, watch and review ethical and legal standards in social work in the state of Ohio, and pass background checks.
