Best Online MSW Programs: CSWE-Accredited

Social work is about service. Counseling individuals in crisis, connecting families to critical resources, advocating for the rights of children, and improving social conditions for disadvantaged groups are just some ways that social workers can improve the health and well-being of their communities.

While you can find careers helping others with a bachelor’s in social work (BSW), many states require you to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree to become a licensed social worker. And there’s no more convenient and cost-efficient way of earning that degree than through a quality online MSW program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

This guide will help you find the CSWE-accredited online MSW program that best suits your career needs, study preferences, and pocketbook. You’ll also find answers to important questions about the MSW admissions process, how much you’ll pay for your education, what you’ll learn in your MSW courses, and the many job opportunities awaiting you upon graduation.

So, if you’re ready to take the next big step in starting or advancing your career in social work, keep reading for insights on choosing a quality, affordable, CSWE-accredited online MSW program and getting your degree.

We’ve surveyed a wide range of online, CSWE-accredited MSW programs and spotlighted three of the very best below. These spotlights give you a good idea of what you can – and should – expect from the programs you consider in terms of accreditation, affordability, academic quality, study convenience and flexibility, and student-friendly support services. Find out which schools are leading the way.

The advantages to earning your MSW degree from a program accredited by the CSWE are numerous and substantial. Here are three of the most important:

• In practical terms, by earning your MSW from a CSWE-accredited program you are assured that your education has qualified you for social work licensure. Most U.S. states and territories today require that anyone sitting for the LCSW exam or otherwise pursuing licensure in their jurisdictions must be a graduate of a CSWE-accredited degree program.
• Another practical benefit is employment. Graduates of CSWE-accredited MSW programs have gained the professional competencies and leadership qualities needed to work in the full range of clinical and nonclinical social work settings, and employers know it. That makes CSWE-accredited program graduates a valuable commodity in the job market.
• Finally, there’s public trust. Patients and clients know that the services they receive from a graduate of a CSWE-accredited online MSW program are competent, professional, and ethical.

Postsecondary accreditation is an important consideration in selecting any college degree program. It’s how colleges and universities, and the programs they offer, are vetted for academic quality. The CSWE is a nonprofit professional association advocating for social work education and providing accreditation to more than 800 social work baccalaureate and master’s degree programs at colleges and universities throughout the United States.

The purpose of CSWE accreditation is to ensure that program graduates are “prepared for holistic professional practice based on scientific inquiry and best practices, consistent with social work values.” To that end, CSWE has adopted a competency-based framework in which schools are required to demonstrate that graduates meet nine specific social work competencies covering ethics, professional behavior, engagement, assessment, fairness, and more.

To obtain CSWE accreditation, degree programs must complete a rigorous multistep accreditation process that includes program self-studies, site visits, and review by the CSWE Board of Accreditation to confirm the program’s compliance with CSWE’s accreditation standards and educational policies. Attaining initial accreditation typically takes three years; once attained, program accreditation applies to all program sites and delivery methods. A program’s accreditation is reaffirmed every eight years after completing the required five-step process.

Confirming CSWE accreditation of any master of social work program is simple. First of all, practically all CSWE-accredited online MSW programs proudly display their accreditation on their own program websites. If not, you can always check current accreditation status using the CSWE’s Directory of Accredited Programs.

The job market for social workers is solid, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics currently forecasting a 9% overall job growth rate for social workers, counselors, and other community and social service specialists between 2021 and 2023. That’s an overall rate, however, and it’s important to remember that the social work field encompasses a wide range of job settings, employers, and specializations. We’ve provided detailed information on three common job titles for MSW graduates below. Although entry-level positions in these careers may be available to job seekers with a BSW, those with an MSW are preferred by employers to fill higher-paying mid- to senior-level positions.

Most importantly, a master of social work degree is mandatory for LCSW licensure in all U.S. states and territories. LCSWs earn substantially more than non-LCSWs. For example, current figures from Payscale.com indicate an annual base salary of nearly $64,000 for LCSWs in the U.S. as compared with $53,000 for social workers generally.

Child and family social workers provide a range of important services to support the psychological and social well-being of children and families. Examples of services include locating foster care for abused and abandoned children and aiding in the arrangement of adoptions. Employment settings include government agencies, hospitals, and private practices. School social workers provide counseling and advocacy services to students and their parents. They often address behavioral issues, working with teachers and other staff members to develop and carry out effective disciplinary strategies.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2022

In the most general terms, healthcare and medical social workers help patients and their families in coping with serious injuries and acute, chronic, and terminal illnesses. Services provided include assisting with admissions and discharge issues, addressing crises associated with both medical care and external circumstances, aiding patients with locating and accessing emotional and financial resources, and more.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2022

Mental health social workers (sometimes called psychological social workers) assess and address issues related to patients’ mental, behavioral, and emotional health. Typical services include conducting behavioral risk assessments, developing therapeutic strategies, monitoring patient progress, and providing group and individual therapy. Substance abuse social workers provide therapy, education, and counseling services to clients dealing with drug and alcohol abuse problems in settings such as hospitals, drug treatment facilities, and outpatient clinics. They may also provide treatment and prevention outreach services in the community.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2022

While earning your MSW degree can mean a substantial boost to your paycheck, you’ll first have to deal with the substantial cost of paying for your degree program. We’ve listed in the chart below the current tuition costs for three CSWE-accredited online MSW programs. Along with those mentioned in the program spotlights above, these figures will give you a good idea of what you might expect to pay for your MSW degree. The prices, though, do not take into account the funding you may be eligible for in the way of scholarships, fellowships, and grants. You may also be able to tap into employer tuition assistance programs, work-study opportunities, and, of course, student loans.

For details on funding help for your MSW program, be sure to contact the financial aid offices at the schools you’re considering. To learn more about how to get help to pay for your degree, be sure to check out OMD’s financial aid guide.