Best Online Social Work Master’s Programs of 2025

Social workers have one driving mission: to improve the well-being of all people, especially those who are vulnerable or oppressed.

If that mission statement speaks to you, an online master of social work (MSW) program may be right for you. Earning an MSW online gives you the flexibility to pursue your graduate degree at your own pace.

What’s more, with an online MSW, you can access an array of jobs in the social work and counseling fields.

Online MSW programs prepare you to become a licensed social worker.

That said, many factors go into choosing the right program for you, including cost, program length, and application requirements.

“Spend some time reflecting on what matters most to [you] in a program, and then seek out a program that checks as many of those boxes as possible,” advises Melissa Bronstein, a licensed independent clinical social worker and psychotherapist.

In 2019-2020, students paid an average net price of around $12,500 for their online MSW programs, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Generally speaking, online master’s programs cost less than in-person programs. Still, total costs can vary depending on several factors.

For one, the type of institution you attend can affect your tuition costs. The total cost of a master’s degree from a private nonprofit university tends to be pricier ($42,700 per year) than one from a public university ($29,720).

How much you pay for your master’s degree will also depend on how much financial aid you get. Some opportunities, such as federal work-study, are limited for online students. However, many institutions do offer work opportunities for remote students, such as online tutoring.

According to NCES, nearly half (49.1%) of master’s degree-holders in 2019-2020 used student loans to help pay for their degrees. The average student loan debt that same year for master’s degree-holders was $53,920.

Nearly one-third of online master’s students and graduates in our survey say they wish they’d done more research about cost and financial aid before enrolling, so make sure you take time to compare programs and apply for financial aid.

Most online MSW programs take 2-3 years to complete.

Accelerated online master’s programs, however, let you earn your master’s degree in a shorter timeframe. These programs often require you to take on a larger workload each term.

Some colleges offer dual bachelor of social work (BSW) and MSW programs. In this type of program, you’ll begin earning your MSW while pursuing your undergraduate degree.

It’s critical that you choose an online MSW program that’s accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). No U.S. state will grant you licensure to practice as a clinical social worker if you did not complete a CSWE-accredited program.

Additionally, the college you attend should be institutionally accredited, ideally by a regional accreditor.

Earning your master’s in social work online makes you qualified for most social work jobs.

But getting an MSW isn’t the only step. To become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you’ll also need to pass an exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards.

Licensure requirements vary by state, so be sure to check your state’s licensing board for more info.

Source: BLS

An online social work master’s degree is worthwhile if you’re truly driven to become a social worker but don’t expect a quick return on investment.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the median starting salary for social workers with a master’s degree was just under $55,000 in 2023. That’s well below the mean starting salary for all master’s graduates ($81,000).

Online MSW programs tend to be cheaper than in-person programs, which can help increase your chances of a higher return on investment.

Our survey also found that 97% of online master’s students and graduates would recommend online education to others.

Your social work education doesn’t have to end with an MSW — some social workers go on to earn either a doctor of social work (DSW) or a Ph.D. in social work.

A DSW can help you reach leadership positions at different social work organizations, while a Ph.D. prepares you to teach social work at universities and spearhead social work research.

Professional certifications also exist within social work disciplines. These optional certifications usually require you to have worked as a licensed social worker for at least two years.

For example, if you want to become a healthcare social worker, you could get the Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC) credential offered by the National Association of Social Workers.