Updated: May 15, 2023
With an increasingly elderly population and a rising opioid epidemic, the U.S. needs social workers now more than ever. A Master’s in Social Work can position you with the right tools to start giving people the specialized help they need.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are expected to be 64,000 new job openings for social workers by 2031.
The average salary for a social worker is $50,390 — this means you will likely be able to make more than the average salary for all occupations, which is $45,760.
While you may be able to find an entry-level nonclinical position with a Bachelor’s in Social Work, a master’s degree is generally required to work as a clinical social worker.
This list features some of the best online master’s in social work programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list are available at institutions accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), a national association that supports quality social work education and provides opportunities for leadership and professional development.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online master’s in social work programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
intelligent score 99.32
Award
Intelligent Pick
#3 Social Work Degree Center
#4 Online Colleges
#5 College Consensus
#7 College Choice
#8 The Schools
New Brunswick, NJ
Graduation Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 67%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Rutgers School of Social Work offers a 100% online program that instills the same sense of community as their in-person program through virtual classes and online learning modules. Students are not required to attend classes at fixed times, and can participate in various virtual discussions.
The online program can be completed in two or three years, including a field internship in either the first semester of the two-year track or the third semester of the three-year track.
To apply, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Applicants that do not meet the GPA requirement can discuss this in their personal statement. Although social work experience will certainly make an applicant competitive, it is not a requirement.
Award
Intelligent Pick
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$923
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
856-225-6053
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 98.18
Award
Most Customizable Program
#1 Best Colleges
#1 Online Colleges
#1 The Best Schools
#3 College Choice
#3 College Consensus
#10 Social Work Degree Center
Los Angeles, CA
Graduation Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 16%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
USC's Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is a 42-unit program that students can enroll in either part- or full-time. The flexible curriculum allows students the opportunity to tailor their education to their specific career goals, with optional program tracks like Adult Mental Health and Wellness, Social Change and Innovation, and Military Social Work, among others. Students gain field education through a virtual practicum alongside community-based field placement.
A bachelor's degree is required, although the major can be in any field. Applicants must submit a resume and statement of purpose addressing a variety of topics with their application, along with their undergraduate transcripts. USC does not specify a GPA requirement.
Award
Most Customizable Program
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$2,045
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
877-700-4679
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
42
intelligent score 98.03
Award
Best Private Institution
#1 College Consensus
#2 Online Colleges
#2 Social Work Degree Center
New York, NY
Graduation Rate: 93%
Admission Rate: 7%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Columbia University's School of Social Work offers a two- or three-year program with part- and full-time options in addition to their Advanced Standing Pathway. The latter is an option for those who currently hold a bachelor's degree in Social Work and includes a summer intensive and a specialized year.
Regardless of the track a student chooses, coursework is 100% online. With various field placement sites across the United States, field experience requirements can be met almost anywhere.
Applicants are encouraged to seek opportunities where they can demonstrate their capabilities to meet the demands of professional training, like internships or life experiences. They must hold a bachelor's degree and submit three letters of recommendation along with their application.
Award
Best Private Institution
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,734
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
212-488-1784
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 97.46
Award
Best Part-time Program
#1 Social Work Degree Center
#11 Online Colleges
Buffalo, NY
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 67%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
The University of Buffalo's School of Social Work offers both a Traditional and an Advanced Standing program. Priority for online admission is given to applicants living more than 50 miles from the Buffalo campus.
Their traditional online track is part-time only and is for students with a bachelor's degree in any undergraduate major. Their Advanced Standing online track is also part-time only and is for students with a bachelor's degree in social work. Coursework is a mix of virtual live sessions at fixed meeting times and independent classes that can be taken at the student's convenience. Fieldwork can be completed near the student's residence, and students are encouraged to take an active role in finding their field education placement.
Students must complete the specific prerequisite courses listed on the university's website. The University of Buffalo recommends a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Award
Best Part-time Program
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $471
Non-Resident: $565
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
716- 645-3381
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 97.17
Award
Most Affordable
#6 College Choice
#6 Social Work Degree Center
#8 Online Colleges
#14 College Consensus
Tallahassee, FL
Graduation Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 32%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Florida State University's College of Social Work offers a three-year traditional program for students without a bachelor's degree in social work, and a two-year Advanced Standing program for students with a bachelor's degree in social work. Both programs offer coursework and field experience that is designed to qualify students for licensure in social work. At $625 per credit, Florida State University is relatively affordable compared to similar programs.
Prospective students can apply to Florida State University's program with a bachelor's degree in hand and a minimum 3.0 GPA on everything past the first 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. The GRE is not required, and students must submit a high-quality resume and statement of purpose.
Award
Most Affordable
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$625
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
888-368-0834
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39
intelligent score 96.82
Award
Best Public Research School
#3 Online Colleges
#5 Best Colleges
#6 The Best Schools
#7 Social Work Degree Center
Tampa, FL
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 49%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
The University of South Florida offers prospective students a variety of different online tracks to obtain their master's degree in social work. For those who qualify for an Advanced Standing program (meaning that they hold a bachelor's degree in social work), both part- and full-time options are available. For traditional students, a part-time track is available. All three tracks provide ample opportunities for field education, priming students for their future careers in social work.
Known for their various research labs, students can assist faculty and get hands-on research experience with options like "Stepped Care for Children After Trauma" and "Limited English Proficiency, Health, and Healthcare among Older Immigrants," among others.
To apply, students must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum "B" average in all work attempted or a graduate degree with a minimum "B" average. Students must also complete prerequisite courses listed on their website.
Award
Best Public Research School
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $431
Non-Resident: $877
accreditation
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
813-974-2063
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 96.75
Award
Best Student Support Services
#5 College Choice
#5 Social Work Degree Center
Bloomington, IN
Graduation Rate: 79%
Admission Rate: 80%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Indiana University's School of Social Work emphasizes building an ethical, diverse community through its online program by offering affordable options that can help anyone, anywhere achieve their educational goals. This is the most affordable option for Indiana residents, with in-state tuition coming in at $597 per credit, and is fairly affordable for out-of-state applicants.
Their focus on student well-being helps Indiana University stand out against similar programs, and their student support services instill their values and promote a healthy learning environment.
Applicants must submit their professional resume, a writing sample and personal statement, academic transcripts (minimum GPA is not listed), and three professional letters of recommendation to be considered for admission to the program.
Award
Best Student Support Services
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
90
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $597
Out-of-State: $716
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
317-274-7180
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
90
intelligent score 96.1
Award
Best Student-to-Faculty Ratio
#2 College Choice
#7 Best Colleges
#7 College Consensus
#11 Social Work Degree Center
#12 Online Colleges
Cleveland, OH
Graduation Rate: 84%
Admission Rate: 30%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Case Western Reserve University offers an online Master of Social Work that is designed to fit into a variety of lifestyles. Both their traditional program and Advanced Standing program can be completed entirely online, with live classes, in-person field education, and virtual systems designed for student support.
By offering three paths of study - children, youth, and families; mental health with adults; community practice and social change - this program gives students the flexibility they need to pursue their future careers. Students also benefit from their low student-to-faculty ratio, with an average of just 15 students per class.
To apply, students need to submit their academic transcripts, a two-part essay, a current resume, and two letters of recommendation.
Award
Best Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,590
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
216-368-1655
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 94.96
Award
Best Accelerated Program
#4 Social Work Degree Center
Fayetteville, AR
Graduation Rate: 63%
Admission Rate: 78%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
The University of Arkansas offers an online Master of Social Work for those who qualify for their Advanced Standing track. Like other programs, this just means that all applicants must currently hold a bachelor's degree in social work. Their Advanced Standing program is full-time, 100% online, and can be completed in one year.
All of their courses are designed to be completed independently, and the University of Arkansas helps its students locate the year-long internship they need to complete their degree requirements. With an option to allow students to complete their internship at their current place of employment, this program can easily fit into any student's lifestyle.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in social work to apply and must qualify for admission to the University of Arkansas Graduate School. A personal statement, social needs paper, and three letters of recommendation are necessary to complete the application.
Award
Best Accelerated Program
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$438
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-952-1165
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39
intelligent score 94.49
Award
Best Faculty
#3 The Best Schools
#4 Best Colleges
#10 Online Colleges
#12 Social Work Degree Center
Orlando, FL
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 45%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
The University of Central Florida offers a flexible Master of Social Work for both traditional and Advanced Placement students. Their programs are part-time only and are designed to take a maximum of three years to complete. With a team specifically designated to help students find their field education placement within a 45-mile radius from the student's residence, finding internships while enrolled in this program may be less stressful than other online programs.
To meet its goal of creating an educational program in social work for the future, the University of Central Florida prides itself on its diverse faculty that brings a variety of experiences to the classroom - like mental health, disabilities, child welfare, and foster care, among others.
Applications are accepted for the summer, fall, and spring semesters. Applicants are encouraged to book a call with the University's team of Success Coaches before applying but should expect to submit undergraduate transcripts and GRE scores.
Award
Best Faculty
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
62
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$487
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-903-8576
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
62
intelligent score 94.07
Award
Houston, TX
Graduation Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 63%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
63
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $376?
Non-Resident: $884
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
713-743-8075
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
63
intelligent score 93.9
Award
Scottsdale, AZ
Graduation Rate: 52%
Admission Rate: 73%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$277
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
844-353-7953
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 93.88
Award
Boston, MA
Graduation Rate: 87%
Admission Rate: 20%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
43
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$940
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
617-358-1960
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
43
intelligent score 93.11
Award
Baton Rouge, LA
Graduation Rate: 68%
Admission Rate: 73%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$539
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
833-280-5634
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 92.78
Award
Durham, NH
Graduation Rate: 78%
Admission Rate: 85%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
62
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $785
Non-Resident: $865
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-250-6699
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
62
intelligent score 92.71
Award
Arlington, TX
Graduation Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 88%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
38
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $1,433
Non-Resident: $2,783
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
817-272-2011
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
38
intelligent score 92.47
Award
Reno, NV
Graduation Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 87%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $350
Out-of-State: $700
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
775-784-1972
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 92.44
Award
Bronx, NY
Graduation Rate: 79%
Admission Rate: 53%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
66
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$995
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
833-681-2234
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
66
intelligent score 91.97
Award
Grand Forks, ND
Graduation Rate: 50%
Admission Rate: 87%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$676
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
701-777-3000
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 91.53
Award
Knoxville, TN
Graduation Rate: 71%
Admission Rate: 78%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $734
Out-of-State: $1,758
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
865-974-1096
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 91.39
Award
San Marcos, TX
Graduation Rate: 61%
Admission Rate: 85%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
62
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $777
Non-Resident: $1,185
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
512-245-2592
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
62
intelligent score 91.37
Award
Philadelphia, PA
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 71%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $1,173
Non-Resident: $1,550
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
215-204-7000
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 91.18
Award
Waco, TX
Graduation Rate: 76%
Admission Rate: 68%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
32
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,415
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-605-7232
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
32
intelligent score 91.13
Award
New York, NY
Graduation Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 67%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,105
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
866-545-9506
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 89.93
Award
La Jolla, CA
Graduation Rate: 28%
Admission Rate: 90%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$739
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
866-776-0331
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 89.78
Award
Boston, MA
Graduation Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 83%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
34
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,110
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-523-7779
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
34
intelligent score 89.76
Award
Northridge, CA
Graduation Rate: 68%
Admission Rate: 66%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$752
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
818-677-2504
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 89.44
Award
Denver, CO
Graduation Rate: 74%
Admission Rate: 61%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
54
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,141
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-219-5995
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
54
intelligent score 89.18
Award
New Orleans, LA
Graduation Rate: 66%
Admission Rate: 11%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,180
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-631-8234
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 89.01
Award
Ann Arbor, MI
Graduation Rate: 92%
Admission Rate: 26%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
45
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $1,669
Non-Resident: $2,685
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
734-936-0961
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
45
intelligent score 88.45
Award
Champaign, IL
Graduation Rate: 86%
Admission Rate: 63%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
56
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$598
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
217-333-2261
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
56
intelligent score 88.42
Award
San Bernardino, CA
Graduation Rate: 69%
Admission Rate: 78%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
73
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$737
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
909-537-5501
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
73
intelligent score 88.38
Award
Biddeford, ME
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 87%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
32
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,010
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
877-863-6791
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
32
intelligent score 86.6
Award
Campbellsville, KY
Graduation Rate: 39%
Admission Rate: 78%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$585
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
888-506-6011
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 86.24
Award
Columbus, OH
Graduation Rate: 77%
Admission Rate: 68%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
43
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$765
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
614-292-5000
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
43
intelligent score 86.15
Award
Tuscaloosa, AL
Graduation Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 68%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$440
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
205-348-7027
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 85.97
Award
Washington, DC
Graduation Rate: 75%
Admission Rate: 82%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,739
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
202-319-5057
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 85.59
Award
Arcata, CA
Graduation Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: 85%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$510
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
707-826-3731
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 85.28
Award
Athens, GA
Graduation Rate: 85%
Admission Rate: 48%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$629
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
844-842-3294
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 85.23
Award
Richmond, VA
Graduation Rate: 68%
Admission Rate: 91%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $158
Out-of-State: $187
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
804-828-6786
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 85.02
Award
San Antonio, TX
Graduation Rate: 48%
Admission Rate: 74%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
57
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$925
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
210-431-3995
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
57
intelligent score 84.76
Award
Norman, OK
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 83%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$62
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
405-325-2821
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 84.19
Award
Garden City, NY
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 75%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$905
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
888-252-4110
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
64
intelligent score 83.18
Award
Aurora, IL
Graduation Rate: 84%
Admission Rate: 64%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$618
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
888-570-5070
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 83.02
Award
Iowa City, IA
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 84%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$180
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
319-335-1250
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 82.71
Award
Honolulu, HI
Graduation Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: 84%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
51
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $887
Non-Resident: $1,598
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
808-956-7182
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
51
intelligent score 82.2
Award
East Lansing, MI
Graduation Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 76%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
57
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$817
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
517-355-8332
Delivery Format
Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
57
intelligent score 80.29
Award
Detroit, MI
Graduation Rate: 46%
Admission Rate: 69%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $736
Non-Resident: $1,595
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
313-577-4409
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
60
intelligent score 80.24
Award
Topeka, KS
Graduation Rate: 53%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
66
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $556
Non-Resident: $410
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
785-670-1616
Delivery Format
Online, Hybrid
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
66
intelligent score 80.21
Award
Edinburg, TX
Graduation Rate: 56%
Admission Rate: 82%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$444
accreditation
Council on Social Work Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
833-887-4842
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
While we’re eager to see more social workers in the field, there are a couple details you should know before pursuing a Master’s in Social Work.
In order to earn CSWE accreditation, every program requires fieldwork experience – at least 900 hours of it if you don’t have a background in social work. If you’re in a traditional 9-5 job, you’ll need to check with your employer and degree program to make sure you have time to fulfill your fieldwork requirement. While the 900+ hours are spread across the entire program, they are almost guaranteed to take place during standard business hours.
Your Master’s in Social Work will prepare you for licensure at the macro-level in most states, but if you want to work primarily with individuals (micro-level social work), a MSW is only the first step. The next step is at least two years of supervised work experience before you can be licensed as a clinical social worker. Clinical social workers can establish their own practices and provide therapy to individuals, unlocking some of the higher income brackets for social workers and providing specialized care.
Here are some questions to ask when researching Online MSW programs:
You must also consider how you will finance your education. We recommend that you research options such as scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and tuition reimbursement from your employer.