Online MSW in Individuals and Families Program

Last updated June 16, 2023
Online MSW in Individuals and Families Program By Kassondra Glenn
Kassondra Glenn
Licensed Psychotherapist, MSW in Clinical Social Work/Psychotherapy (NYU)

What Do You Learn in an Online MSW in Individuals and Families Degree

The MSW in Individuals and Families can be found at universities across the United States. This degree program can introduce students to topics that are relevant to the care of people and groups. These topics may include communication techniques, community building, state resources, and social behavior.

If you are interested in an MSW degree, you may want to investigate various career paths for professionals in this line of work. Locating a career path that interests you can be a great way to choose a specialization that fits what you are passionate about. Working with individuals and families can be a rewarding area for graduates of MSW programs. Online MSW programs with an Individuals and Families focus may aid students in gaining skills that help clients find routes to fulfilling and healthy lives.

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.
CSWE Accredited
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Master of Social Work
GRE waived. 100% Online, Advanced Standing available.
CSWE Accredited
George Mason University Online MSW: Children, Youth, & Families
CSWE accredited. Specialized online tracks focused on Children, Youth, & Families.
CSWE Accredited
i sponsored

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

What do you do with a MSW focused on families?

Social workers who have obtained and MSW in Individuals and Families can be found working with people and groups in need of guidance through family planning, court trials, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, and educational support. Social workers can act as a connecting point between those they serve and the resources that may support their current needs.

In depth review of Individual or Family Services MSW Degrees

The decision to enter an MSW in Individuals and Families program may entail research by prospective students. There can be multiple items to consider when choosing a program. These items include the length of the program, the courses available, career options after graduation, and overall cost.

A way of evaluating the differences between MSW in Individuals and Families programs can be to visit each school’s website. Here you may be able to find information regarding the setup of various programs, as well as the requirements for attendance.

Fordham University MSW for individual and family services degree

One university that currently offers an online MSW for individual and family services is Fordham University. This college can provide students with research-driven techniques and extensive knowledge about services available to clients that fall into these groups.

There are four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.

Fordham’s top-ranked Graduate School of Social Service offers a future-focused online MSW program, preparing students for integrated practice with all populations. Fordham’s CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program offers a future-focused curriculum, preparing students with advanced integrated competencies that cut across populations and contexts.

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

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

Online MSW in Individuals and Families Courses

Each of these courses can investigate methods to effectively assist people in varying social situations, as well as those in need of guidance through difficult life events. If you are interested in providing support on an individual or group basis, you should read more about this degree program in the sections below.

Social Work Interventions

One of the few things that can be certain within the field of society work is that the work may be as diverse as the clients. In this field, professionals may require skills in program planning and intervention that can be unique to each client. This course can introduce students to new and innovative intervention methods relevant to different clients with different needs. Students may take a look at needs related to healthcare, education or public welfare systems in order to have a diverse understanding of what intervention can look like for each group.

Law and Ethics

Students entering into social work degree programs should have a strong outlook on the law and ethical considerations of working in this field. At the onset of a social work program, students should become familiarized with the regulations associated with working in the public domain, as well as the ethical concerns associated with working in diverse environments. As part of this course's requirements, students may be tasked with identifying ethical issues within mock scenarios and providing an action plan to change their own way of thinking when working in the field.

Social Work with Children and Families Across Settings

An important aspect of working with individuals and families is to consider the settings in which clients frequent. Comprehending the environment can be a major aspect in determining whether or not the right types of services have been implemented and if programs should include improvement plans for these areas. Students enrolled in this course can assess interactions with the environment, influences of groups within these settings, family dynamics and educational components as part of the initial planning process.

From an outside perspective, the field of social work may appear as if it is focused on low-income families and their needs. However, social work professionals can work with just about any member of society on locating services and programs that can meet their needs.

Which Traits Transcribe to an Online MSW in Individuals and Families

Depending on the field you choose to work in, there may be personality traits that can help you be more effective at completing a wide variety of daily tasks. Some people that graduate with a MSW in Individual and Families may choose to work in popular fields such as Human or Children’s Services.

In these fields, professionals may need to have a high level of resilience when working with families that have experienced varying levels of trauma. Also, upcoming professionals that are research-oriented may be more effective in locating helpful programs and services for the families they have served.

Working in children’s divisions or family services may not be the only option for professionals within this field. Some graduates of these programs may choose to work in the healthcare field or even alongside professionals within the legal system. Each of these fields may require professionals that are willing to dig deep to provide solutions to life’s most challenging situations, question an organization’s response to a client’s request for help and implement helpful improvement plans that can make a difference in the lives of the people being served.

Social work professionals can be life-changing additives for people in need of guidance. The services that they can provide can help alleviate some of life’s unfortunate circumstances, as well as educate the public on what is provided to them. If you are the type of person that is willing to go out of your way to help others, you should consider becoming a part of this field. Organizations that are focused on improving communities or society as a whole may be constantly searching for educated professionals with the drive to help others before themselves.

What Types of Careers Could I Potentially Enter With An Individuals and Families Degree?

Individual Assessments/Evaluations

Many career options in the field of individual and families services may require professionals to work closely with their clients to determine their needs. Conducting assessments and evaluating results may be the most common method of ensuring this process is completed accurately. The assessment process can identify what types of needs are present for your client, as well as organize what needs are being met and others that are not. This can help you pinpoint your focus on programs and services that can be beneficial for your client.

Program Planning for Families

Although it may seem similar, there are many differences in practice and planning when working with families rather than individuals. Your degree program can teach you about the family dynamic, as well as counseling methods that can assist you in reaching multiple members of a family through accurate practice. In this field, you may meet with families to understand what types of services they may require, organize your program plan to meet the needs of each member and actively listen to each client in order to make the most of your relationship.

Networking with Social Service Organizations/Agencies

As you locate and provide resources to your clients, it may be important to gain rapport with social service agencies in your area. A lot of the business conduct through social work may be in partnership with these agencies, making communication and networking a possible essential to a successful career. Knowing your agencies and their services can also make your program planning a little easier along the way.

Potential Online MSW in Individuals and Families Degree Salaries

  • Individual and Family Services Social Workers: $46,640 on average per year (BLS).
  • Social Workers (general): $61,190 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.

Temple University - Online MSW: Areas of Specialist Practice: Trauma, Health/Mental Health, Children and Families, Humanitarian Social Work, and Military Social Work

  • Specialized Area: Areas of Specialist Practice: Trauma, Health/Mental Health, Children and Families, Humanitarian Social Work, and Military Social Work
  • Courses: Mix of synchronous and asynchronous classes, with synchronous classes, advising, and group work on Tuesday and Thursday evenings
  • CSWE Accredited: Part Time
    Open to students in most states
    Online with Campus Visit

California State University, Long Beach - Online MSW: Children, Youth, and Families

  • Specialized Area: Children, Youth, and Families
  • Courses: Interactive television and online resources with frequent in-person visits by faculty. Classes on Saturdays with 16-hour per week field placements during second and third academic years
  • CSWE Accredited: Part Time


Simmons College - Online MSW: Clinical Social Work specialized areas in Mental Health and Substance Abuse; Child and Family Welfare; Trauma and Interpersonal Violence; and Health and Aging

  • Specialized Area: Clinical Social Work specialized areas in Mental Health and Substance Abuse; Child and Family Welfare; Trauma and Interpersonal Violence; and Health and Aging
  • Courses: Online program with both weekly 90-minute synchronous sessions and asynchronous course work
  • CSWE Accredited: Full Time
    Open to students from all states except New Hampshire and some districts in Maryland
    Fully Online
    Advanced Standing

Case Western Reserve University - Online MSW: Community Practice & Social Change and Direct Practice (Child, Youth, & Families) or (Mental Health/Adults)

  • Specialized Area: Community Practice & Social Change and Direct Practice (Child, Youth, & Families) or (Mental Health/Adults)
  • Courses: Online program
  • CSWE Accredited: Full Time and Part Time Options
    Open to students anywhere in the United States

    Advanced Standing

Radford University - Online MSW: Community-based Family Practice

  • Specialized Area: Community-based Family Practice
  • Courses: Hybrid of online and in-class alternating each week on Saturdays
  • CSWE Accredited: Part Time
    Open to students in Virginia
    Online with Campus Visit

University of Texas at Arlington - Online MSW: Direct Practice with Children & Families and Direct Practice in Mental Health & Substance Abuse

  • Specialized Area: Direct Practice with Children & Families and Direct Practice in Mental Health & Substance Abuse
  • Courses: Fully online program with no campus visit required
  • CSWE Accredited: Full Time and Part Time Options
    Open to Texas residents

    Advanced Standing

Our Lady of the Lake University - Online MSW: Direct practice with Hispanic Children and Families

  • Specialized Area: Direct practice with Hispanic Children and Families
  • Courses: Fully online program with no campus visit required
  • CSWE Accredited: Full Time and Part Time Options
    Open to students from all US States except Delaware, all US territories, and all US military bases overseas
    Fully Online
    Advanced Standing

University of Texas of the Rio Grande Valley - Online MSW: Direct Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups and Community and Administrative Practice

  • Specialized Area: Direct Practice with Individuals, Families, and Groups and Community and Administrative Practice
  • Courses: Fully online program with no campus visit required
  • CSWE Accredited: Full Time and Part Time Options
    Open to residents of Texas and other states with which UTRGV has agreements

    Advanced Standing

Edinboro University of Pennsylvania - Online MSW: Family Social Work Practice

  • Specialized Area: Family Social Work Practice
  • Courses: Online program
  • CSWE Accredited: Full Time
    Open to students anywhere in the United States
    Fully Online
    Advanced Standing

University of New England - Online MSW: Individual, Family, & Group Practice (clinical-based) and Organizational and Community Practice (policy-based)

  • Specialized Area: Individual, Family, & Group Practice (clinical-based) and Organizational and Community Practice (policy-based)
  • Courses: Asynchronous learning with no campus visits required
  • CSWE Accredited: Full Time
    Open to students anywhere in the US and internationally
    Fully Online
    Advanced Standing

Metropolitan State University of Denver - Online MSW: Individuals & Families and Macro (Leadership & Management)

  • Specialized Area: Individuals & Families and Macro (Leadership & Management)
  • Courses: Online and hybrid formats
  • CSWE Accredited: Full Time and Part Time Options
    Primarily serving students in Colorado
    Fully Online

Boise State University - Online MSW: Individuals and Families

  • Specialized Area: Individuals and Families
  • Courses: Mostly Asynchronous, with the exception of practice and field seminar courses
  • CSWE Accredited: Full Time and Part Time Options
    Most of the US
    Fully Online
    Advanced Standing

California State University, Northridge - Online MSW: Urban Family Studies

  • Specialized Area: Urban Family Studies
  • Courses: Online program using asynchronous instruction with 24/7 access to classes
  • CSWE Accredited: Full Time
    Open to students anywhere in the United States
    Fully Online