Online MSW in Human Rights Degree Programs

Last updated March 22, 2023 by

Kassondra Glenn

Licensed Psychotherapist, MSW in Clinical Social Work/Psychotherapy (NYU)

School	Program	Admissions
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
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 West Florida	Online Master of Social Work CSWE Accredited, 100% online. Traditional and Advanced Standing MSW tracks.	Website
University of Denver	Online Master of Social Work No GRE Required. Top-ranked school of social work offers two online MSW tracks: traditional and advanced standing. Concentration offerings in Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness.	Website

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Click to view online MSW programs that are taking applications for the 2025 academic year.

The field of social work can extend beyond connecting individuals with services and providing counseling. There are also specializations, such as an MSW in Human Rights, that prepare students for careers where they can address social issues, advocate for under-served groups, and create systemic change.

What Is a MSW in Human Rights?

Those with a desire to help others advocate for themselves and address large-scale social issues may be a fit for an MSW in Human Rights.

If you are seeking an online MSW program that can assist you in making a difference in society, the Human Rights specialization may be a great option to choose. Within this degree program, students can explore topics related to the fair treatment of people within society, programs that can assist in providing better opportunities to all members of a community and even advocacy issues related to protecting people during legal matters. Each of these topics is just a small part of this incredibly diverse and highly-influential field.

How does the human rights specialization compare to a regular MSW?

The MSW in Human Rights may blend some of the most critical components of both social work and human rights protection. Students enrolled in this program can gain important insight surrounding the application of social work within a professional field - especially in positions responsible for protecting the rights of the people they serve.

If you have a knack for helping others and a desire to improve current public programs throughout the United States, the MSW in Human Rights could be a life-changing degree for you to pursue.

How Much Does An Online MSW in Human Rights Degree Cost?

Before taking the dive into a MSW program in Human Rights, students should engage in extensive research about the degree program and what type of investment it might pose for the future. Most MSW programs can be found in a convenient online format, which can make for great options for upcoming college students that are working full-time or part-time jobs.

The costs of a MSW in Human Rights can be one of the main factors in your decision to pursue this degree. Many different colleges offer a wide variety of tuition rates for you to choose from, making your research extremely important in getting the best deal. The University of Buffalo current lists their tuition for the online MSW at a rate of $7,847.50 for New York residents and $12,412.50 for out of state students. Online part-time programs are billed at a rate of $736.46 for NY residents and $798.67 for non-residents.

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

Review of the University of Buffalo Online MSW Program

At the University of Buffalo, students can choose from either the traditional or online MSW program. There are currently 2 types of online MSW programs to choose from, depending on the type of experience you have in the professional field and the type of undergraduate degree you hold.

The advanced standing degree program is designed for students that have previously achieved their BSW from an accredited university and are currently licensed social workers. This program may require that students complete 35 credit hours, which can translate to about 3 full semesters for full-time students.

The advanced program may introduce students to more accelerated topics in social work, as well as those that dive deeper into case studies and analyses based on what they have experienced working in the field. The standard online MSW program may require students to complete 60 credit hours, which can take around 2 years to complete at full-time enrollment. In this program, students can take part in a progressive learning program that begins with fundamental elements of social work and finishes out with advanced topics similar to the advanced standing program.

What Traits or Characteristics Should Social Workers in this Field Possess?

In order to be the best human rights activist and social worker, you should have a strong willed personality. In many cases, human rights professionals may be responsible for standing up for the rights of the people they serve during court hearings, when seeking services and programs and even in a public forum.

Well-spoken professionals may find it easier to speak their mind and opinion in this field, which can be a big part of job roles for social workers in this domain. Social workers may be able to benefit from having these strengths in communication throughout their career, since a lot of their roles may consist of those that speak out for those that cannot and advocating for individuals in need of guidance.

Hard working and dedicated professionals may also be a great fit for this field. Defending the rights of others and staying aware of changing policies present within the field of social work may require professionals to indulge in constant research and have a general intuitive nature. If you have personality traits that are complementary to those being discussed, you could be great within this field.

Above all, social workers that are interested in working in human rights professions should have a caring demeanor towards their clients. In many social work fields, clients are often seen in situations that are lower than their best. Professionals in this field should be understanding and willing to help people – even those that have made life-changing mistakes. A general empathy for other people in society can be a helpful determinant of how well you can do within this professional field.

What types of careers and responsibilities can I expect?

Online MSW in Human Rights Courses

Online MSW in Human Rights Potential Salaries

• Policy Analysts: $31,740 on average per year (BLS).
• Sociologists: $79,650 on average per year (BLS).

CSWE Accredited 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.