Indiana University currently has the only school of social work with a campus in the state and a fully online MSW program, known as MSW Direct. Instruction for MSW Direct is delivered mainly in an asynchronous format. The program does not follow a cohort model, allowing students to register for classes as they choose. This is ideal for students who may not be able to take a course each semester.

Please note: All online MSW programs require students to complete field education at a local health services agency.

MSW Direct has both traditional and advanced standing tracks, as well as a concentration in clinical and community practice. The traditional track is 60 credits and requires two practicums of 320 hours and 640 hours. It can be part-time or full-time and is typically completed in two-and-a-half years full-time or three to four years part time. The advanced standing track is 41 credits and requires 640 hours of field work. It is also part-time or full-time. The full-time advanced standing option takes a year and a half to complete, the part-time option typically takes 2 years.

In addition to Indiana University’s MSW Direct, students residing in Indiana have several out-of-state options. There are dozens of universities outside of Indiana with online MSW programs that accept students from Indiana. The majority of these schools offer fully online programs that do not require students to visit campus while earning their degrees, but a few do necessitate a limited number of visits. For students who want the flexibility of an online program but would still prefer to meet their professors and classmates face to face, these programs may be the ideal option.

Several out-of-state institutions also have the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students, so prospective students would be wise to research as many universities as possible while narrowing their list of potential MSW programs. To learn more about a particular program, click on the school’s name below.

All online MSW programs require field education at a local health services agency. Programs that are 100% online do not require students to visit the campus during the program.

The Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board issues three types of social work license: Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW). Below are some common steps to become a social worker in Indiana, which you should confirm with Indiana’s board of social workers. Information regarding licensure in Indiana was last retrieved in August 2020.

For more detailed information on becoming a social worker in Indiana, visit the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board. You can also refer to our guides on general requirements for becoming a social worker and becoming an LCSW.

Last updated: September 2020