Online MSW Programs in Florida (FL)

There are three universities with campuses in Florida that offer online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs: Florida State University (FSU), University of South Florida (USF), and the University of Central Florida. FSU offers a part-time program with both traditional and advanced standing tracks. Currently, FSU does not accept students from all counties in Florida. For example, students who live within a county that already offers a MSW program or who live within 100 miles of Leon County are not eligible for the online program. (Note: students who live in Jacksonville are eligible for the program). View a complete list of eligible counties.

The University of South Florida is an 100% online program with part-time and full-time options for both traditional standing and advanced standing students.

The University of Central Florida only offers a traditional track that can be completed part-time. For all three universities, the online MSW programs have a clinical social work focus / concentration.

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

In addition to FSU and UCF, there are dozens of universities that offer online MSW programs that accept students from Florida. The majority of these schools offer fully online programs that do not require students to visit the campus while earning their degree, however some schools require students to make a limited number of visits to the campus. For students who want the flexibility of an online program, but who would still like to meet professors and classmates in person, these programs are a great option.

Several of the out-of-state institutions have the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students. Therefore, students should research as many programs as possible as they narrow down their list of prospective schools. To learn more about a school’s program(s), click on the school name in the tables 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.

How to Become a Social Worker in Florida

The Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling issues two types of social work license: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW). Below are some common steps to become a social worker in Florida, which you should confirm with Florida’s board of social workers. Information regarding licensure in Florida was last retrieved in August 2020.

Pathway to Become an LCSW in Florida

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree.
  • Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
  • Following graduation, complete two years of supervised experience, with at least 100 hours of supervision in no less than 100 weeks; 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy with clients; and one hour of supervision every two weeks.
  • Pass the Clinical Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
  • Complete a two-hour domestic violence course from an approved provider.
  • Apply to the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling.

Pathway to Become a CMSW in Florida

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree.
  • Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
  • Following graduation, complete three years of experience, with at least two years of supervision.
  • Pass the Advanced Generalist Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
  • Apply to the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling.

For more detailed information on becoming a social worker in Florida, visit the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. You can also refer to our guides on general requirements for becoming a social worker and becoming an LCSW.

Last updated: September 2020