Best Online Master’s in Social Work Programs

The master of science in social administration at Case Western Reserve University is offered to graduate students completely online. The degree is equivalent to an MSW, and is recognized by licensing boards, employers, schools and the Council on Social Work Education. The interdisciplinary program incorporates policy, practice, theory, research and advocacy. The program, which is offered through the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students can choose from two distinct concentrations: direct practice and community practice for social change.

Students who pursue a master of social work online at Fordham University receive the exact same education as students who attend the three campus locations. The program offers concentrations in research, leadership, clinical and macro practice. Students will have opportunities to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting through supervised field placements. Current social workers can pursue specialized study plans, and transfer students and students who already have a bachelor's in social work can choose an accelerated degree path. There are joint degree programs available in several specialties, including divinity, public health, law and psychotherapy.

Online students may pursue a master of social work degree through the Worden School of Social Service at Our Lady of the Lake University. Active since 1942, the the Worden School was the first in the state of Texas dedicated solely to social work. The first track, which takes two years to complete, is designed for students who have already achieved a bachelor's degree in social work. The second track, which takes just over three years to complete, is intended for students who have an undergraduate degree in something other than social work. Graduates will be able to pursue leadership roles in social service agencies, as well as governmental agencies.

Saint Leo University's online MSW degree has a special focus on advanced clinical practice. The program, which is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Council on Social Work Education, is also available in an accelerated format. Advanced courses explore clinical practice with families and couples, especially as it applies to ethnicity, gender, multiculturalism, the elderly, oppressed groups, and military service members and their families. Students will have to meet once a week for evening webcam classes, and will have to be present for one weekend seminar on campus. The two-year, 63-credit program is designed for students who earned a bachelor's degree in social work within the last five years.

Distance learners can complete the MSW program at The University of Alabama primarily online, but once admitted, they must continue the program through the online format unless they receive permission to switch. The first part of the program, which consists of 60 semester hours for everyone except for advanced-standing students, is professional foundation content. Next, they enroll in advanced courses, including elective and concentration courses. Although most full-time students complete the program in four years, students can also pursue the program on a part-time basis. The program includes education placements across the state, and a pre-orientation is designed specifically for distance learners.

Students who graduate with a master of social work degree through the Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work at the University of Hawaii at Manoa will be prepared to work with both families and individuals, as well as communities, groups and organizations. Students will be able to choose between four fields of service, including health, gerontology, children and families, and behavioral mental health. The program acclimates students with the 10 areas of expertise listed as critical by the Council on Social Work Education. Advisors will help students choose the right classes and help them fulfil their graduation requirements.

Graduate students pursuing a master of social work degree at the University of New England can choose to study full time or part time with no required campus visits. The program, which culminates in the same degree as its on-campus counterpart, prepares students to address and mitigate the effects of violence, exploitation, poverty, addiction, social inequity and social injustice as they relate to vulnerable populations. There are two tracks, one of which is designed for students who have already earned a BSW, and one that requires no experience or educational background in social work. Since classes are asynchronous, students are not required to log in at any particular time or on any set schedule.

Program outcomes in the University of Southern California's Master of Social Work program is to prepare adults for clinical social work. As they work their way through the studies, students have access to instructional support in the form of academic counselors, writing tutors and mentors. Online and in-person instruction delivery options are available. Study areas in the program are geared toward healthy aging, youth and families, business innovation and organizations and community. Class sizes are small. After enrolling in the program, adults can expect to learn in a seminar based environment.

Students who graduate with a master's degree in social work from Washburn University will be prepared to enter the field of clinical social work. Students may apply to the program, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, whether or not they have a bachelor's degree in social work. Coursework is centered around the clinical curriculum, which incorporates ecological and empowerment strategies. Since so many at-risk people require both social and legal help, Washburn University offers a dual degree that culminates in both a master of social work degree and a juris doctorate degree.

Students can pursue a master of social work at Western New Mexico University both on campus or online. The program is open to graduate students even if they haven't already earned a BSW. The professors who instruct students are licensed professional social workers. The program, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, focuses on the governing principles of social work, including human worth, compassion, service and social justice. Upon graduating, students will be prepared for work in a variety of fields and industries, including corrections, mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, drug-treatment facilities and outpatient clinics.