Fully Online MSW Programs (No Campus Visits Required)

100% online MSW programs are one of the most common online degrees offered throughout universities. A MSW degree program is popular for students that have obtained an undergraduate degree in social work (Advanced Standing MSW programs are available), or those that have completed related degree programs in psychology or sociology.

The growth in popularity of the Online MSW has sparked the creation of entirely online MSW programs all over the country. The MSW program was designed in an effort to create more knowledgeable social work professionals for various professional fields, and oftentimes a Master of Social Work is required for licensure in many states.

Compare our list of 100% Online MSW Programs that are CSWE accredited. Be sure to check with the MSW program admissions department to ensure there are no campus visits or residencies required.

School	Program	Admissions
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.	Website
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.	Website
University of Kentucky	Online Master of Social Work CSWE Accredited, 100% online. Regular and Advanced Standing MSW tracks. 7 different certificates available (Clinical, Child Welfare, School, Substance Abuse, Trauma, more).	Website
University of West Florida	Online Master of Social Work CSWE Accredited, 100% online. Traditional and Advanced Standing MSW tracks.	Website
Syracuse University	Online Master of Social Work CSWE accredited. No GRE required. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks.	Website

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

Types of online MSW programs

The growth in popularity of the Online MSW degree has sparked the creation of entirely online MSW programs all over the country. These programs can potentially open doors for new college students that may have not had the time to enroll in degree programs in their past. The MSW program was designed in an effort to create more knowledgeable social work professionals for various professional fields. There are multiple different kinds of MSW programs online that you should be aware of.

Online Advanced Standing MSW Program

Online Advanced Standing MSW programs are available for those that already have a BSW degree (Bachelor of Social Work), and in some cases are available if you have enough work experience. These programs are often 1 year to 18 month programs (they vary so be sure to ask the admissions department).

Online Traditional Standing MSW program

Traditional MSW programs are online and available for those without a BSW degree. These are common social work programs found online. You can view CSWE accredited MSW programs online or social work schools in your state here.

Online One Year MSW program

One year online MSW programs are available and are typically synonymous with Advanced Standing MSW programs. There are not many online one year MSW programs with no BSW requirement - typically a BSW is required for Advanced Standing MSW programs. However, admissions requirements are changing at many social work schools. So if you do not have your BSW but are looking for a one year MSW programs - be sure to speak with the admissions departments.

Online MSW programs with no GRE requirement for entry

The MSW is a graduate level degree program, and many graduate programs require the GRE or GMAT test scores for admissions. However there are many MSW programs with no GRE requirement for entry, which makes it easier for you to find the right online MSW program.

What is the Master of Social Work Degree Program?

The entirely online MSW program may provide students with the option of self-learning and personal dedication throughout their program, which is something that traditional learning environments may not be able to obtain.

Through online discussions, virtual lectures and online test submission, students can gain the same information and skills as students within the traditional environment. The online MSW is an ideal program choice for professionals that are already working in the social work field or those that cannot make the time for attending classes on campus.

If you are seeking better career options, more experience or simply a higher-level degree in social work, you should research entirely online MSW programs available in your area. This program may require that you be self-disciplined and motivated, since you may be required to log in a few times a week to engaging in course work. Completing this program can set you up for a supervised experience that can align you with the licensure requirements for your state.

Click to view all online MSW programs that are currently accepting applications.

What Kind of Aspects Make A Good Social Worker?

Those that have yet to work in the field of social work may be curious about what type of personal traits can be beneficial in order to succeed in the field. Social work is certainly one field of work that requires a specific personal traits in order to truly help those in need.

• The first thing to consider when deciding on an MSW program is whether or not you are dedicated to helping others in need. This sense of compassion can help you to go the extra mile when working with clients, as well as help you feel a sense of happiness or satisfaction when you are successful in your goals.
• Compassion is a top quality for licensed social workers. Compassion can help you maintain a strong bond with your career and give you the desire to work through difficult circumstances on a regular basis.
• The responsibilities of the social worker may include many different aspects, including paperwork, client meetings, therapy sessions, and even a presence in the court room. While there are not many constants in this field, most social workers may advise you to find a good planner and keep it with you at all times.
• Coordination and organization are two factors that can assist you in being a great social work professional. Maintaining a schedule that help you stay organized and not miss any important meetings or events can be a career-saving action within this field, since social work careers can lead you to many different places in a given week. If you have great organizations skills and are able to multi-task with ease, this could be a smart career choice for you.
• As you enter into the field of social work, you may find that you can have the opportunity to work with a very diverse set of clients with varying issues and cultural backgrounds. Social workers must balance a client’s right to self-determination with safety, and being able to provide encouragement without inflicting one’s personal beliefs on a client.
• Patience may be the key to working through frustrating situations on a regular basis and may require professionals to set aside their own expectations to work at the pace of their clients. When you are considering a degree program in social work, you should consider these skills alongside your educational plan. Do you have a personality that is complementary to this career field? If so, then you are ready for the next steps!

How Much Does An Online MSW Degree Cost?

Now that you have sifted through some of the personal requirements for this career field, you might be curious about what is in store in terms of the actual degree program. Learning more about what your program consists of can help you plan more efficiently for the next couple of years of your education, as well as have potential careers and responsibilities in sight for after graduation.

All MSW programs have different tuition costs and cost structures. Literally every single program is different. Be 100% sure you speak with the admissions representatives to see all-in costs for tuition (in state or out of state can vary), books, admissions fees, and administration fees. They truly vary by program.

An example of cost structure from one MSW program

We’ve reviewed an entirely online MSW program in order to give you more information about the time and costs associated with this degree program. As you read more about this program below, consider what you are looking for in a master’s program and see if this aligns with your planning.

Columbia University online MSW tuition

One prestigious university offering the 100% online MSW program is Columbia University. This college can be an excellent resource for upcoming college students that are interested in high-quality educational programs that can set them on track for successful careers.

The online MSW at Columbia University has the following cost structure for academic year 2024-2025:

• Two Year Online MSW program: Total cost of $66,943
• Tuition: $58,148 / Other fees: $8,345
• Advanced Standing Online MSW program: Total cost of $78,491
• Tuition: $69,242 / Other fees: $9,249

The “Other Fees” include medical insurance, health service, technology fees, student activity fees, services and support fees, and other administrative costs. The above fees to NOT include any indirect costs such as housing, food, transportation, and books.

At Columbia University, there are also Part Time MSW programs and residency programs that of course have different cost structures.

As you look at different universities for your program, you should research all fees of the program when looking for the best MSW program for you.

Coursework to expect in an entirely online MSW program

Below is a review of common courses you might take in an MSW program online. Of course these vary by program.

Essentials for Social Work Practice

Social work practice may require professionals to follow certain standards and conduct themselves in a way that represents their field well. This course can teach students more about what is required of them in a professional setting, skills that can help provide better assessments and methods that have been proven effective when working with people in the social work field.

Diversity and Human Rights

One important factor for social workers to consider prior to finding a career in this field is diversity. Diversity is a constant within society, making it a vital consideration for upcoming professionals that may work with people from different culture and ethnic backgrounds. In this course, students may be expected to explore diverse research topics, provide unbiased opinions about social concerns and even take part in classroom discussions that can help students realize their own shortcomings in making equal decisions.

Social Policy

Most social agencies are regulated by state and national agencies. Since this is common within the field of social work, workers may be responsible for knowing policies relevant to their field of expertise throughout the duration of their entire career. This course can introduce students to common social policies regarding poverty, healthcare, education and welfare. Each of these policies can be helpful for social workers that are employed within some of the most common fields for social work.

What Types of Careers and Responsibilities Can I Expect?

Child and Family Social Work

Positions in child and family social work can be found in nearly all states. These professionals may be responsible for providing support to children during welfare crises, intervene when families lack necessary resources, or even engage families during child removal and reunification situations. Job openings within this area of expertise may be found through a state’s Department of Human or Children’s Services, but are not limited to these agencies alone.

Military Social Work

In current society, more and more awareness may be growing for mental health and life quality of military members and their families. In this line of work, social workers may work with current or former military members that may be struggling with mental health issues that have risen as a result of active duty or simply those that need support adjusting back to a civilian lifestyle. Social workers may also work with the families of military members that have been lost in combat or those that have effective conditions as a result of their service.

Court and Legal Social Work

The legal field is another that may contain a higher number of social workers. The legal system is a highly complex professional field that may be foreign to many common members of society. Court social workers can assist plaintiffs or defendants before and during trials, helping them with providing requested information, teaching them about questioning and answering under oath and even provide general information about the legal process. Some social workers within this field also specialize in providing support to children that may be involved in legal cases before the court.

Salaries of Social Work Associated Careers

• Child, Family and School Social Workers: $44,380 on average per year (BLS).
• Social Workers – all other: $61,980 on average per year (BLS).

Advantages of The Entirely Online Program

Now that you have reviewed this degree program and what it can provide for you in the future, you should consider if entirely online MSW programs are the best option for you. There may be many added benefits to obtaining your degree completely online, but these are relative to your needs and your personal schedule.

1. Flexible course schedule

Most online degree programs allow students to make their own schedule, which can be a life-saver for currently employed students or those that have a busy life at home. If you choose to engage in coursework in the late hours of the night when life has settled down, this could be a great option for you. People that learn more efficiently in a classroom setting may be better candidates for traditional learning environments.

2. MSW programs online are still CSWE accredited

Entirely online MSW programs are subjected to the same accreditation process as standard degree programs. Since social work is a field that may require licensure prior to serving the public, students are often concerned about the quality of the degree program that plan to enroll in. Find a review of the best CSWE accredited online MSW programs here.

3. A path to licensure

In recent years, accreditation agencies have started to review and accredited online MSW programs in the same fashion that they do traditional programs. While you are looking at online MSW programs, look for relevant accreditation information on the degree’s website to ensure the degree programs meets all of the requirements set forth for your licensure. Many online MSW programs available throughout the U.S. have received accreditation and help you to obtain your license after graduation.

4. Become self-motivated and self-reliant, independent

Finally, entirely online MSW programs can be a great way for students to rely on their own motivation and efficiency to get into the job they want. It can be difficult at times to finish homework by certain deadlines or complete course work when you have had a busy day.

Students in online programs can learn self-reliant skills that can assist them in being better students and better professionals as they progress through the program. If you are interested in having control over your education and your scheduling, this degree program could be the best option for you.

CSWE Accredited 100% Online MSW Programs

CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) is the top accrediting board for Master of Social Work programs. Below, you will find a list of all of the CSWE accredited social work programs.