Best Online Master’s in Social Work Programs of 2023

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.