Full-time online MSW programs
Full-time online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs are designed for students who have the bandwidth and resources to attend graduate school on a full-time basis, but do not have access to or want to attend a traditional campus-based program. Many full-time online MSW programs can be completed in approximately two years, compared with two and a half to four years for part-time programs.
The program cards and tables featured on this page were last updated in January 2021. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.
| University and Program Name | Study Length | Enrollment Type | Field Placement Support |
|---|---|---|---|
|
University of Denver
Master of Social Work (MSW) SPONSORED | As few as 12 months | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
|
Fordham University
Master of Social Work (MSW) SPONSORED | As few as 16 months | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
|
Simmons University
Master of Social Work (MSW) SPONSORED | As few as 9 months | Accelerated Full-Time Part-Time | Support Available |
|
Howard University
Master of Social Work (MSW) SPONSORED | As few as 12 months | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
|
Syracuse University
Master of Social Work (MSW) SPONSORED | As few as 24 months | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
|
Case Western Reserve University
Master of Social Work (MSW) SPONSORED | As few as a year and a half | Full-Time and Part-Time | Support Available |
SPONSORED
For professionals who work in health services and want to expand their career options, earning an MSW degree can open the door to advanced careers in the social work field. In the United States, an MSW is the social work degree required to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Earning an MSW online is also an option for individuals who are looking to change careers, and want to enter a rewarding and growing profession. Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of social workers is expected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032. The BLS reports that this anticipated growth rate is faster than the average for all occupations.
Below is a selection of CSWE-accredited MSW programs. This list is not exhaustive. Visit the CSWE website for the most up-to-date information accreditation.
- Arizona State University
- Boise State University
- California State University, Northridge
- Campbellsville University
- Sponsored: Case Western Reserve University
- Delaware State University
- Edinboro University
- Sponsored: Fordham University
- Indiana University
- Sponsored: Howard University
- Louisiana State University
- Metropolitan State University
- Ohio State University
- Sponsored: Simmons University
- Samford University
- Texas A&M University
- Texas State University – San Marcos
- Tulane University
- University of Alaska Anchorage
- Sponsored: University of Denver
- University of New England
- University of Kentucky
- University of Louisville
- University of New Hampshire
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- University of Texas – Arlington
- Western New Mexico University
- Winthrop University
- Yeshiva University
Structure of full-time online MSW programs
Students are required to complete about 60 to 66 credit hours to graduate and some programs only have admission at specific times of the year, like the fall. Other schools offer full-time programs that have multiple start dates per year.
Full-time program curricula often follow one of two formats:
- Four semesters over two years
- Year-round classes over two years: six semesters or eight quarters
Programs with year-round classes may have lighter course loads since the credit hours are spread over a greater number of terms.
- Class structure: Many full-time online MSW programs use a cohort model where students enter and proceed through the program together as a group. Depending on the school, students may then have the option to select concentrations or electives during their second year in the program.
- Types of instruction methods: The instruction method used, synchronous (i.e. students are required to be online at specific times for real-time classes) versus asynchronous (i.e. students can log in to view lectures and other class materials at their convenience), varies by program. For some programs, the majority of instruction is synchronous, while for others, the majority of instruction may be asynchronous. Some schools also use both methods depending on the class and instructor.
- Field education: Students are often required to complete between 900 and 1,200 hours of field education, depending on the program. Most programs follow a similar format with students completing four semesters of field education: two internships that are each two semesters long, though other formats exist. Many internships take place during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, with a supervisor present.
Due to the course load and field education requirement that students must complete each semester, most full-time programs recommend that students do not work full-time while pursuing their degree. Students should be aware that full-time online programs typically have the same standards and curriculum as the campus-based programs, and working full-time while enrolled as a full-time student is not advised.
(This page provides information on traditional standing programs. For students who have already earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate program, we have compiled a comprehensive list of schools offering advanced standing online MSW programs, complete with program information and admission requirements.)
CSWE-accredited full-time online MSW programs
The following schools all offer CSWE-accredited, full-time online MSW programs designed for students who have not already earned a Bachelor of Social Work. On OnlineMSWPrograms.com, we classify any program that requires two or fewer visits to the campus per year as an online program. We do this to avoid any confusion around how schools name their respective programs.
As with all degree programs, admission requirements, and student eligibility are subject to change at any time. Students should confirm the information below with an admissions advisor before applying.
Arizona State University
Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Tempe, Arizona
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 60
Concentrations:Advanced Generalist Practice
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum GPA 3.0
- Official transcripts
- Statement of education and career goals
- Resume
- Three letters of recommendation
- Proof of 240 hours of volunteer or work experience in social services for 6 months in last five years
- Proof of English proficiency
Boise State University
School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Boise, Idaho
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 37+
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE accredited school in the last 7 years, or 10 years with significant post-BSW practice experience, for advanced standing applicants
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Social service practice experience, either paid of volunteer
- Personal essay
- Recommendation letters
- Background check
- Willingness to understand and abide by NASW Code of Ethics
- Interview
California State University
Tseng College
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Northridge, California
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2 years
Credits: 60
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university
- Undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5, 3.0 for competitive candidates
- Post-baccalaureate work experience for competitive candidates
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- TOEFL scores for non-U.S. degree and internal students
Campbellsville University
Carver School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 30+
Concentrations:Clinical Practice, Addictions
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work from an accredited institution for advanced standing applicants
- Baccalaureate degree with 15 credit hours of liberal arts education
- Baccalaureate GPA of 3.0
- Transcripts from accredited institutions
- Three letters of recommendation
- Signed statement of understanding of the Social Work Professional and Technical Standards
Case Western Reserve University
The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Cleveland, Ohio
Lead lasting change in your community. With no GRE required, you can earn a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work online through Case Western Reserve University’s top-10 ranked school of social work1 and prepare to pursue licensure. The online program curriculum offers three paths of study: Children, Youth and Families; Community Practice for Social Change; and Mental Health with Adults.
1U.S. News and World Report, Case Western Reserve University’s Graduate School Rankings, ranked in 2022
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: As few as two years
Credits: 39-60
Children, Youth, and Families, Mental Health with Adults, Community Practice for Social Change
Admission Requirements:
- A current resume/CV highlighting paid and volunteer work experience
- Transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Three letters of recommendation
- A two-part essay
- Essay detailing your previous field education experience (requirement varies depending on your intended program track)
SPONSORED
Columbia University
School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
New York, New York
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 33+
Concentrations:Advanced Clinical Social Work, Advanced Generalist Practice and Programming, Policy Practice, Social Enterprise Administration
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Academic transcripts
- Resume
- Three essay questions
- Three letters of reference
- TOEFL scores for non-native English speaking applicants
- Other requirements as outlined for specific tracks
Delaware State University
Department of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Dover, Delaware
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: N/A
Credits: 30+
Concentrations:Advanced Generalist Practice
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree form an accredited college or university
- Bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program for advanced standing applicants
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 cumulative and 3.0 in undergraduate major
- Personal statement
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Additional requirements for international applicants
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
College of Science and Health Professions
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 33+
Concentrations:Trauma Informed Practice
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program for advanced standing applicants
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Resume
- Two references
- Personal statement
Fordham University
Graduate School of Social Service
Master of Social Work (MSW)
New York, New York
OnlineMSW@Fordham is the online Master of Social Work program from the top-ranked Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. Designed for aspiring practitioners who want to help individ uals and communities thrive, the program offers an integrated, future-focused curriculum with four inter-professional competency areas: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: As few as 16 months
Credits: 33-66
Individual and Families, Organizations and Community Practice, Evaluation, Policy Practice and Advocacy
Indiana University
School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Indianapolis, Indiana
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.5+ years
Credits: 41+
Concentrations:Clinical and Community Practice
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor of Social Work from an accredited program earned within the last five years or BSW earned in the last 10 years with social work practice experience or active social work licensure during the last five years – for advanced standing applicants only
- Resume
- Writing sample and statement
- Academic transcripts
- Three letters of recommendations
Howard University
School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Washington, D.C.
Earn your Master of Social Work (MSW) online from the Howard University School of Social. Choose the Traditional MSW track, designed for students who are new to the field of social work; or the Advanced Standing MSW track, designed for students who hold a Bachelor of Social Work. Community, Administration and Policy (CAP) and Direct Practice concentrations are available.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: As few as 12 months
Credits: 45+
Direct Practice, Community, Administration and Policy (CAP) Practice
Admission Requirements:
- Three (3) letters of recommendation
- College transcripts
- A personal statement
- An application essay
- A resume
For advanced standing applicants:
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited institution, award within four years of first term start date
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all social work foundation and undergraduate coursework
SPONSORED
Louisiana State University
School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 33+
Concentrations:Child and Youth Services, Gerontology, Social Work Practice in Schools, Policy and Macro Practice
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university
- Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the last five years for advanced standing applicants
- Liberal arts undergraduate preparation with at least 12 credits in social and behavioral sciences
- Grade of C or better in an introductory statistics course
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Letter of intent
- Resume
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Department of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Denver, Colorado
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 36
Concentrations:Children and Families, Mental Health, Leadership and Management School Social Work, Gerontology, Social Work in Healthcare, Children and Youth
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Bachelor degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program within the last six years for advanced standing applicants
- Case study and petition for advanced standing required for advanced standing applicants
- Grade of C or better in selected undergraduate liberal arts courses for traditional standing applicants
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Personal history form, resume optional
- Three letters of recommendation
- Admissions essay
- Transcripts
- Minimum score of 76 on the internet based TOEFL for international students
- Additional requirements for international students\”
Morgan State University
School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Baltimore, Maryland
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30+
Concentrations:Urban Children, Youth & Families, Addictions
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor of Social Work accredited by the CSWE for advanced standing students
- Official transcripts
- Minimum 3.0 GPA, GPAs 2.5-2.9 may be admitted conditionally, traditional standing only
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal background statement
- Resume
- Interview
New Mexico State University
School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 30+
Concentrations:Advanced Generalist Practice
Admission Requirements:
- For advanced standing applicants: case study, biopsychosocial, and copies of last field final
- Biology and statistics prerequisite coursework for traditional standing
- Transcripts
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Three letters of reference
Ohio State University
College of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Columbus, Ohio
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 43+
Concentrations:Aging and Health, Mental Health and Substance Misuse, Child and Youth Services
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor of Social Work within the last five years from an accredited college or university
- Grade of “”B”” or higher in social work required courses
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completion of field evaluation/learning agreement from BSW program
- Official transcripts
- Three references
Samford University
School of Public Health
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Birmingham, Alabama
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 33+
Concentrations:Advanced Clinical Practice
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Grade of “B-” or higher for undergraduate social work courses
- Field evaluation
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 or 3.2 during last 60 hours of undergraduate credit
- If GPA at least 2.8, GRE scores required for consideration
- Three letters of reference
- Academic writing sample
- Personal statement
- TOEFL scores for American citizens who learned English as a second language
Simmons University
Simmons School of Social Work (SSW)
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Boston, Massachusetts
Aspiring clinical social workers can earn their Master of Social Work degree online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. The program prepares students to pursue employment in direct practice settings nationwide. Students may choose from three certificates: Trauma Practice, Mental Health Practice, or Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: As few as 9 months
Credits: 37-65
- Mental Health Practice Optional Certificate
- Trauma Practice Optional Certificate
- Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families
Texas State University
School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
San Marcos, Texas
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 2+ years
Credits: 36+
Concentrations:Advanced Practice Leadership
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor degree from a regionally accredited university
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program for advanced standing applicants
- Official transcripts
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Interview
- TOEFL, PTE, or IELTS scores may be required
Tulane University
School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
New Orleans, Louisiana
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 48+
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor degree in liberal arts from an accredited college or university
- Bachelor of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program for advanced standing applicants
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Grade of ’B+’ or higher in field practicum for advanced standing applicants
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation
- TOEFL for applicants whom English is their second language
University of Alaska, Anchorage
School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Anchorage, Alaska
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 34+
Concentrations:Advanced Generalist Practice
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor degree from a college or university with regional accreditation
- Bachelor of Social Work earned within the last five years from a CSWE-accredited program for advanced standing applicants
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Minimum 3.5 GPA in BSW core courses and grade of ’A’ in field placement courses for advanced standing applicants
- Human biology and statistics coursework
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Writing sample
- Three letters of reference
- Official transcripts
University of Denver
Graduate School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Denver, Colorado
The Online MSW Program: MSW@Denver delivered by the University of Denver’s (DU) top-ranked school of social work offers customizable pathway options including Mental Health and Trauma, preparing students to work with diverse populations impacted by oppression. All classes are taught by DU faculty and are limited to approximately 15 students. As members of the University’s academic community, students work closely with faculty who have a range of community experiences and research interests, from social and economic justice to multicultural communities.
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: As few as 21 months
Credits: 54-81 graduate-level credits
Mental Health and Trauma, Health, Equity and Wellness
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution to be considered for admission
- Minimum undergraduate GPA is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Career goals statement
SPONSORED
University of New England
School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Portland, Maine
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.3+ years
Credits: 35
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution within the last seven years
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Evidence of experience in the human services field with MSW supervisions
- Professional statements
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Copy of field evaluations
- Official transcripts
- Additional requirements for international admissions
University of Kentucky
College of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Lexington, Kentucky
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30+
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in any field
- Bachelor’s in social work from a CSWE-accredited program for advanced standing applicants
- Minimum GPA of 3.0, 3.5 for social work curriculum for advanced standing applicants
- Resume
- Two letters of recommendation
- Autobiographical personal statement
- Writing sample on an ethical dilemma
- Transcripts
University of Louisville
Kent School of Social Work
Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
Louisville, Kentucky
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 30
Concentrations:Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Gerontology, Mental Health, Military Social Work, Psychosocial Oncology
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the last seven years for advanced standing applicants
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Essay, additional essay required for advanced standing applying into a specialization
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 preferred, with 3.25 in social work coursework for advanced standing applicants
- Resume
- Copies of practicum evaluation for advanced standing applicants
- Additional requirements for international applicants
University of New Hampshire
College of Health and Human Services
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Durham, New Hampshire
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.3+ years
Credits: 35+
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor degree with a liberal arts background from an accredited institution
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the last five years for advanced standing applicants
- Minimum GPA of 3.2 for advanced standing applicants
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Resume
- Two years of full-time experience in the field is strongly recommended
- Additional requirements for international applicants
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
College of Social Work
Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
Knoxville, Tennessee
Name of Degree: Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 37+
Concentrations:Evidence-Based Interpersonal Practice, Organizational Leadership
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by regional accrediting agency
- Bachelor of Social Work accredited by the CSWE earned in the last five years for advanced standing applicants
- Completed coursework in social science
- Liberal arts perspective coursework
- Minimum GPA of 2.7, 3.0 preferred, 3.0 GPA required for advanced standing applicants
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- Three letters of reference
- Resume
- Additional requirements for international applicants
University of Texas, Arlington
School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Arlington, Texas
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 38+
Concentrations:Community and Administrative Practice, Direct Practice in Aging, Direct Practice in Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Direct Practice with Children and Families
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the last six years
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation for applicants who do not fully meet the other requirements
- Personal narrative for applicants who do not fully meet the other requirements
- TOEFL or TSE scores for applicants whose native language is not English
Western New Mexico University
School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Silver City, New Mexico
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1+ years
Credits: 39+
Concentrations: N/AAdmission Requirements:
- Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university recognized by CHEA
- Bachelor of Social Work accredited by the CSWE earned in the last eight years for advanced standing applicants
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Three letters of reference
- Personal statement
- Resume
Yeshiva University
Wurzweiler School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW)
New York, New York
Name of Degree: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Enrollment Type: Full-Time
Length of Program: 1.5+ years
Credits: 30+
Concentrations:Gerontology and Palliative Care, Addictions
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program for advanced standing applicants
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Final fieldwork evaluation for advanced standing applicants
- Personal statement
- Letter of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- Additional requirements for international applicants
Last updated January 2024