Best Online Social Work Master’s Programs of 2025
Thinking of attending a social work master’s program online? Discover our picks for the top online MSW programs and what makes them stand out.
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2025At a Glance: BestColleges’ Top Online Social Work Master’s Programs
- #1: University of Georgia — UGA’s focus on real-world experiences and specialization offerings make it a good option for working students.
- #2: Rutgers University — The asynchronous, flexible MSW from Rutgers focuses on human behavior and research.
- #3: University of Oklahoma — You’ll have the chance to study under an experienced social worker as part of the University of Oklahoma’s program.
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.
In our 2024 Online Education Trends Report, 100% of online social sciences, psychology, and education students and graduates said they’d recommend online education to others. In that same report, 97% of online master’s students and graduates said they believe their education will have a positive return on investment.
What’s more, with an online MSW, you can access an array of jobs in the social work and counseling fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that demand for social workers will grow 7% over the next decade.
Best Online MSW Programs of 2025
How We Rank Schools
University of Georgia
- Athens, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Georgia’s online master of social work (MSW) program is designed as a cohort model. This means you'll work through the program with your peers as a group.
The program blends coursework with real-world experiences. You’ll engage in field education, where you’ll work within a 60-mile radius of the Georgia state line. The curriculum consists of a micro specialization, which prepares you to work in advanced practice in a variety of settings.
Faculty promote social justice and diversity by discussing power and oppression, using evidence-based practice and advocacy tools.
Highlights
- Flexible and accessible
- No GRE required
- Experienced faculty
Know Before You Apply
- $75 application fee
- Requires three letters of recommendation
- Three-year program
20%
$ 8,878
95%
$25,186
- Acceptance Rate
- 37%
- Students Enrolled
- 41,615
- Institution Type
- Public
Rutgers University, New Brunswick
- New Brunswick, NJ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
In Rutgers University’s 100% online MSW program, you’ll learn asynchronously, meaning you’ll study and complete coursework on your own time and in your own space, rather than at certain meeting times. However, you’ll still have scheduled due dates for assignments.
You’ll take courses like human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, and diversity and oppression, which provide you with research skills and advanced insight into human behavior and society.
The program builds community by giving you opportunities to meet with faculty and classmates during virtual discussions.
Highlights
- 100% online
- Can finish in two years
- Cohort model
Know Before You Apply
- Asynchronous classes
- Requires self-direction
- $1,047 per credit
46%
$18,696
93%
$31,800
- Acceptance Rate
- 65%
- Students Enrolled
- 50,617
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Oklahoma, Norman
- Norman, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
University of Oklahoma’s online master of social work program lets you talk with your professors and classmates in a flexible, online environment. While the program is online, you’ll have two chances to study under the guidance of an experienced social worker.
Core courses include professional social work, human diversity and societal oppression, macro systems in practice, and a social work practicum.
You’ll also have elective courses to choose from, including child abuse and neglect, substance use disorders, and social work with American Indians.
Highlights
- Small class sizes
- Distinguished faculty
- Immersive simulations
Know Before You Apply
- $625 per credit hour
- Requires 60 credit hours
- $350 non-refundable deposit
51%
$ 8,034
89%
$23,820
- Acceptance Rate
- 77%
- Students Enrolled
- 29,166
- Institution Type
- Public
Fordham University
- Bronx, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
In Fordham University’s online MSW program, you’ll study a future-focused, skill-based curriculum. The program lets you choose from two plans of study: either traditional or advanced standing.
The traditional pathway, which requires you to complete 62 credits in 4-8 terms, equips you with both generalist and specialist knowledge. Advanced standing students focus only on specialist knowledge, earning 31 credits in 2-4 terms.
No matter your pathway, your coursework will center evaluation, policy practice and advocacy, individuals and families, and organizations and community. You’ll also complete fieldwork as part of your program.
Highlights
- Three start dates: January, May, September
- Two educational phases: general and specialist
- Two plans of study: traditional and advanced standing
Know Before You Apply
- Program takes 8-32 months
- Requires 950 hours of field education
- $1,076 per credit hour
19%
$23,112
88%
$23,112
- Acceptance Rate
- 56%
- Students Enrolled
- 16,153
- Institution Type
- Private
Columbia University
- New York, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The first institution of its kind in the United States, the Columbia School of Social Work (CSSW) offers an online MS in social work program with a curriculum that is committed to social justice.
In this program, you’ll learn how to apply the power, race, oppression, and privilege (PROP) framework to social work in order to address social and health inequities.
CSSW’s online master’s in social work program offers four specializations: advanced clinical practice, integrated practice and programming, policy practice, and leadership, management, and entrepreneurship for social justice.
You can also choose between seven fields of practice, including aging, world of work, and contemporary social issues.
With several pathway options, you can choose a two-year, accelerated, or part-time program. The program also offers a one-year residency option for working professionals.
Highlights
- 100% online coursework
- Multiple online program option pathways
- 91% of graduates pass their licensing examination first try
Know Before You Apply
- Competitive admissions process
- Requires self-direction
- $26,036 per semester
14%
$52,016
97%
$52,016
- Acceptance Rate
- 4%
- Students Enrolled
- 29,661
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Michigan
- Ann Arbor, MI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Michigan’s online master of social work program requires only 45 credits. The courses are both synchronous and asynchronous, whether you’re studying full time or part time.
As an online student, you’ll have access to three curricular pathways: substance abuse, interpersonal practice in integrated health, and mental health.
This MSW program promises generous financial aid, top faculty, and helpful advisors. GRE test results are not required, and the program has an online field education coordinator who can help you find field placements near your community.
Highlights
- No GRE required
- Offers full-time and part-time options
- Generous financial aid
Know Before You Apply
- Requires 45 credits
- Limited pathways offered
14%
$25,894
98%
$52,124
- Acceptance Rate
- 18%
- Students Enrolled
- 52,065
- Institution Type
- Public
Salisbury University
- Salisbury, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Salisbury University’s online master of social work program is open to students without a bachelor’s degree.
If you’ve earned a bachelor’s from a social work program within the past three years, you can apply to the advanced standing curriculum.
You can complete this 62-credit program in four semesters. During this time, you’ll complete two years of coursework and field instruction. The program is also offered in a hybrid format.
In either format, you’ll take courses such as social welfare policy practice, social work practice, and trauma treatment.
Highlights
- 15-week structure
- Traditional and advanced standing MSW
- 1,000 hours of field placement experience
Know Before You Apply
- Requires a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Requires three letters of recommendation
35%
$ 7,842
80%
$12,690
- Acceptance Rate
- 89%
- Students Enrolled
- 7,030
- Institution Type
- Public
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
The University of Central Florida’s online master of social work program offers two tracks. The traditional track requires you to complete 62 credit hours within three years. In the advanced standing track, you’ll need to earn 32 credits in four semesters.
No matter which track you choose, you’ll study in a cohort model that offers peer support.
The program also offers field experience for both tracks. You’ll need to complete 1,000 field hours if you’re in the traditional tracks and 600 hours in the advanced tracks. Courses include practice with families, diverse client populations, and clinical social work practice with LGBTQ+ communities.
Highlights
- 100% online
- Few fees
- Advanced standing program takes 16 months to complete
Know Before You Apply
- Traditional program takes three years to complete
- $448 per credit hour
- Includes field education internships
9%
$ 6,916
92%
$25,759
- Acceptance Rate
- 43%
- Students Enrolled
- 68,842
- Institution Type
- Public
Louisiana State University
- Baton Rouge, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College offers an online master of social work program that can give you a holistic education.
In the first half of the program — your “generalist year" — you’ll cover important social work concepts and gain real-world experience through an internship. In your “specialized year,” you’ll cover topics in treatment and complete electives, internships, and a thesis.
You’ll take courses that improve your research and critical thinking skills, such as human diversity and oppression, social work research, social welfare history and policy, and human behavior and the social environment.
Highlights
- Offers a non-thesis graduation option
- Seven-week long classes
- Offers place-based internships
Know Before You Apply
- $599 per credit hour
- Requires 60 credit hours
- Fully-online school
48%
$9,132
84%
$9,132
- Acceptance Rate
- 74%
- Students Enrolled
- 39,418
- Institution Type
- Public
Boston University
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
Why We Chose This School
Boston University’s online master’s in social work program lets you choose between three track options: traditional, advanced standing, and human service experience.
You’ll have opportunities to speak with faculty and peers during weekly live classroom sessions, and you can balance your schedule with the rest of your life with accessible web-based courses you can access at any time.
Over half of Boston University MSW graduates find a job through field placements, and once you graduate, you’ll join a global network of professional social workers.
Highlights
- Offers three program tracks
- Offers special program options: clinical or macro
- Provides field placement support
Know Before You Apply
- Part-time master’s degree program
- Lasts 6-9 semesters
- Requires 40-65 credits
14%
$61,050
95%
$61,050
- Acceptance Rate
- 11%
- Students Enrolled
- 36,624
- Institution Type
- Private
Why You Should Get an MSW
Help Others: Social workers have unique opportunities to influence people’s lives for the better, especially when they need the most support.- Work in an In-Demand Field: According to the BLS, jobs for social workers are projected to grow faster than average between 2023 and 2033.
- Get Work Experience: MSW programs, including those online, require you to perform hundreds of hours of field practicum experience before graduation.
- Make a Positive Change: Social workers don’t just work at the individual level but can also make positive improvements to broader systems in society.
Benefits of Getting Your MSW Online
- Flexible Schedule: Online programs, including many online MSW programs, often allow you to complete coursework at your own pace through asynchronous classes.
- Good Return on Investment: Over 9 in 10 online social sciences, psychology, and education students and graduates believe earning an online degree has a positive ROI, according to our research.
- Comparable Education: Nearly 4 in 5 online master’s students and graduates we surveyed say online learning is equal to or better than on-campus learning.
- Equal Value: Employers typically value an MSW earned online equally to an MSW earned in person, so long as you attended an accredited program.
How to Choose the Best Online MSW Program for You
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.
How Much Does an Online MSW Cost?
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Degree, 2019-2020
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$13,681
Avg. Net Price
$12,466
Source: NCES PowerStats
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. That said, 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.
Find Financial Aid for Your Online MSW
How Long Does It Take to Get an MSW Online?
Without a BSW
Typical # of Credits
60-70 Credits
Typical Program Length
2-3 Years
With a BSW
Typical # of Credits
30-35 Credits
Typical Program Length
9-16 Months
Most online MSW programs take 2-3 years to complete.
Accelerated online master’s programs 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 program, you’ll begin earning your MSW while pursuing your undergraduate degree.
Online MSW Application Requirements
Bachelor’s degree, usually in social work or a related field- Minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA
- Resume
- Personal statement or essay
- Letter(s) of recommendation
- Some programs may require GRE scores
Accreditation for Online Social Work Master’s Programs
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.
Ask an Expert: How Important Is Social Work Accreditation?
“It is incredibly important to seek out a program that is accredited by the CSWE. This accreditation ensures that your program is well vetted and meets the academic standards required for state licensure and many career opportunities.”
What Can You Do With an Online MSW?
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.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $53,940 | Work with children and families to address dysfunction in households and connect students to resources that improve their well-being. |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $62,940 | Help patients and families in medical settings cope with illnesses and navigate the medical system. |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $55,960 | Treat and support clients with substance use and/or mental health conditions through counseling and advocacy. |
Source: BLS
Learn More About Social Work Jobs
Is an Online Social Work Master’s Degree Worth It?
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). Still, taking full advantage of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program could help balance costs, debt, and earnings.
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.
Education Beyond an MSW
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online MSW Programs
Employers generally respect any MSW degree, whether earned in person or online, so long as it’s from an accredited school and program.
Accrediting agencies ensure that programs meet certain quality standards. By attending an accredited program, you can make sure your MSW degree is accepted by employers and licensing agencies.
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