Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW): Finding the Right Program

Author: Kyra Sutherland

Editor: Gwen Resulta

Reviewer: Ramona Beltrán

X

Ramona Beltrán

Assistant Professor Ramona Beltrán from the University of Denver is interested in centering cultural protective factors, strengths and resiliencies in indigenous populations as they work to interrupt the intergenerational transmission of historical trauma. She’s used the arts, dance and movement, digital media, and narrative with Latino and indigenous communities for over 15 years and has worked on numerous research projects funded by the National Institutes of Health that examine health, mental health and substance abuse disparities in these same communities. She’s passionate about teaching and believes that social work classrooms can be uniquely transformative spaces in which students learn to bridge theory and practice through embodied and experiential learning.

Updated: 05/09/2025

A Look Into a Master’s in Social Work

A Master of Social Work (MSW) program equips you with advanced skills to support individuals, families, and communities. The curriculum for these courses typically covers core topics like human behavior, social policy, research methods, and clinical practice, often with options to specialize (e.g. mental health or community practice). Online MSW programs take about 2 years to complete and include a minimum of 900 hours of field training in a supervised internship. If you already hold a Bachelor of Social Work, many schools offer an advanced standing track to earn your MSW in as little as 1 year. 

In an online format, courses are delivered via a mix of asynchronous, self-paced lessons and live virtual class sessions. Admissions requirements include a bachelor’s degree (not necessarily in social work) and typically a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA. Most programs do not require GRE scores. Overall, an online MSW offers a convenient path to an advanced social work degree, blending rigorous academics, real-world field experience, and the flexibility to learn from anywhere.

Breaking Down Popular Online MSW Programs

FAQs from Prospective Social Work Master’s Students

How long does it take to complete an online MSW program?

Most online MSW programs can be finished in about 2 years of full-time study, which is similar to on-campus programs. This typically involves two academic years plus a summer, including completion of required field internship hours. Many online students opt for part-time enrollment, which can extend the timeline to 3 or more years. If you qualify for an Advanced Standing track (with a recent BSW), you may complete your MSW in as little as 12–18 months.

Can I work while earning my MSW online?

Yes – in fact, online MSW programs are designed for working professionals, with flexible schedules and part-time options. Many programs use asynchronous coursework that you can complete during evenings or weekends, combined with occasional live sessions. This format makes it feasible to continue working full- or part-time. Keep in mind you’ll also need to complete field internships, which can require around 15–20 hours per week during certain terms.

Do online MSW programs include internships or fieldwork?

Absolutely – field education is an essential part of any MSW, online or on-campus. All accredited programs require students to complete supervised internships (field placements) totaling around 900–1,200 hours. In an online MSW, you’ll work with the school’s field education office to arrange internships at social service agencies in your local community. You’ll be supervised by a qualified social worker at the site and guided by a faculty field liaison from your program. Some programs require a single extended internship. While the coursework is online, internships are in-person. Schools often have a dedicated field team to help match you with appropriate internship opportunities nearby.

How much do online MSW programs cost?

Tuition for online MSW programs varies widely. At the lower end, public universities may charge around $500–$700 per credit (sometimes less for in-state students), while private universities often range from $900 to $1,300+ per credit. This means a full 60-credit MSW program might cost anywhere from about $30,000 to over $80,000 in tuition. For example, here’s a comparison of three online MSW programs:

Financial aid is available for online MSW students: you can apply for federal loans (by submitting FAFSA), and many programs offer scholarships or grants. Some employers also provide tuition assistance for employees pursuing an MSW.

What are the admissions requirements for an MSW program?

While specifics vary by school, most MSW programs have similar admissions criteria. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college – it doesn’t have to be in social work. A minimum GPA of around 3.0 in undergraduate coursework is typically expected. If you do have a Bachelor of Social Work, you may be eligible for Advanced Standing entry, but usually schools require that BSW to be from a CSWE-accredited program. 

All applicants generally must submit: official transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement or statement of purpose explaining why you want the MSW and highlighting any relevant experience. Letters of recommendation are usually required – most programs ask for 2 or 3 references from academic instructors or professional supervisors who can speak to your abilities. The good news: GRE scores are rarely required for MSW programs nowadays, as many schools have dropped the GRE to make applications more accessible.

Understanding Social Work Licensing Requirements

Earning your MSW is a crucial step toward becoming a licensed social worker, but licensure involves additional requirements beyond the degree. Here’s an overview of the process:

1. Graduate from a CSWE-Accredited MSW Program In all states, you must complete an MSW from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education to be license-eligible. Some states also license bachelor’s-level social workers, but clinical practice generally requires an MSW.
2. Apply for Your Initial License Most new MSW graduates first pursue a master’s level license (often called Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Social Worker, or similar, depending on the state). You’ll apply to your state’s social work regulatory board and submit an application with your transcripts and sometimes a background check. Some states allow you to take the licensing exam in your final semester of the MSW program, but the license itself is typically issued after you graduate.
3. Pass the ASWB Exam All states require a passing score on the appropriate Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam. For the LMSW or equivalent, you’ll take the ASWB Master’s exam (a 170-question standardized test covering social work practice). Some jurisdictions might instead use an “Advanced Generalist” exam for macro practice roles, but the Master’s exam is most common for non-clinical licensure. Once you pass, you become eligible for the master’s level license. This license allows you to practice generalist social work under supervision.
4. Complete Post-MSW Supervised Experience To attain a clinical social work license (often called LCSW, LICSW, or similar), you must work under supervision after earning your LMSW. States mandate anywhere from about 1,500 to 4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience (approximately 2 years of full-time work) under a licensed clinical social worker. You’ll need to document these hours according to your state board’s guidelines. During this time, you’re usually considered an “LMSW working toward clinical licensure” and must practice with supervision (you cannot independently counsel/diagnose as an LMSW in most states).
5. Pass the Clinical Exam After completing the required supervision period, you can apply to take the ASWB Clinical exam. This test focuses on advanced clinical practice (assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, ethics, etc.). With a passing score, you can then apply for the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential in your state. The LCSW allows independent practice – you can provide clinical services without supervision, bill insurance, and even start a private practice. Note that some states might also require an additional jurisprudence (law/ethics) exam or other minor steps as part of the clinical licensing process.
6. State Variations: Licensing titles and rules vary by state Not all states use the exact “LMSW/LCSW” terminology – for instance, California’s licenses are ACSW (Associate Clinical Social Worker) and LCSW, while Massachusetts has LCSW (which is equivalent to LMSW elsewhere) and LICSW (clinical). Some states offer multiple levels (LSW, LMSW, LCSW, etc.), while others may combine the generalist and clinical practice into one license. Despite different names, the general pathway is similar: graduate, pass a masters exam, gain supervised experience, and pass a clinical exam. Always check your state social work board for the specific requirements where you plan to practice. You can usually find a summary on the state board’s website or via ASWB’s directory of state requirements.
7. Maintenance and Continuing Education Once licensed, social workers must renew their license periodically (typically every 1–2 years) and complete continuing education (CE) credits to stay current. For example, a state might require 30 hours of CE (including ethics training) every two years for renewal. Maintaining your license is crucial; lapses can require catching up on missed CE or even re-taking exams.

Career Outlook For Social Workers

Best Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs

Our rankings of the best online MSW programs were created using a rigorous methodology that evaluates quality, affordability, and student outcomes, making your decision for the right school that much easier. Key factors in our rankings include tuition and fees, availability of financial aid, number of online programs, accreditation status, and student support services. Explore the ranked programs to find the MSW that best aligns with your professional goals, budget, and learning style.