There are a variety of online social work degrees to choose from depending on your career goals. Some students pursue an online bachelor’s in social work (BSW). Those interested in continuing their education earn their online master’s degree in social work (MSW), online Doctor of Social Work (DSW), or online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Bemidji State University

Campus Location: Bemidji, Minnesota
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from Bemidji State

Briar Cliff University

Campus Location: Sioux City, Iowa
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from Briar Cliff

Brescia University

Campus Location: Owensboro, Kentucky
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from BU 

Campbellsville University

Campus Location: Campbellsville, Kentucky
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from Campbellsville

California State University, Chico

Campus Location: Chico, California
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from CSU, CHICO

Eastern Kentucky University

Campus Location: Richmond, Kentucky
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from EKU

Huntington University

Campus Location: Huntington, Indiana
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from Huntington

Indiana Wesleyan University

Campus Location: Marion, Indiana
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from IWU

Liberty University

Campus Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from Liberty

Malone University

Campus Location: Canton, Ohio
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from Malone

Millersville University

Campus Location: Millersville, Pennsylvania
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from Millersville

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Campus Location: Denver, Colorado
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSSW & MSW
Program Site: Department of Social Work at MSU Denver

Northern Arizona University

Campus Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from NAU

Northwestern State University

Campus Location: Natchitoches, Louisiana
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from NSULA

Our Lady of the Lake University

Campus Location: San Antonio, Texas
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW & MSW, PhD
Program Site: Online Programs at OLLU

Spring Arbor University

Campus Location: Spring Arbor, Michigan
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from SAU

Stephen F. Austin State University

Campus Location: Nacogdoches, Texas
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from SFASU

Salisbury University

Campus Location: Salisbury, Maryland
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BASW
Program Site: BASW from SU

Union Institute and University

Campus Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from Union

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Campus Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from UALR

University of Cincinnati

Campus Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from UC

University of Massachusetts Global

Campus Location: Irvine, California
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BASW from University of Massachusetts Global

University of Nebraska at Kearney

Campus Location: Kearney, Nebraska
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from UNK

University of Utah

Campus Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW, PhD
Program Site: College of Social Work at University of Utah

Ursuline College

Campus Location: Pepper Pike, Ohio
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from Ursuline

Western New Mexico University

Campus Location: Silver City, New Mexico
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW & MSW
Program Site: WNMU’s School of Social Work

Adelphi University

Campus Location: Garden City, New York
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Adelphi

Arizona State University

Campus Location: Tempe, Arizona
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from ASU

Baylor University

Campus Location: Waco, Texas
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW, PhD
Program Site: Diana R. Garland School of Social Work

Boise University

Campus Location: Boise, Idaho
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Boise

Boston University

Campus Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Boston University

California State University, Northridge

Campus Location: Los Angeles, California
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from CSUN

California State University, San Bernardino

Campus Location: San Bernardino, California
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from CSUSB

Case Western Reserve University

Campus Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
This program is sponsored by 2U.

Columbia University

Campus Location: New York City, New York
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Columbia

Delaware State University

Campus Location: Dover, Delaware
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from DESU

Edinboro University

Campus Location: Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Edinboro

Florida State University

Campus Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from FSU

Fordham University

Campus Location: Bronx, New York
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: Graduate School of Social Service
This program is sponsored by 2U.

Howard Univeristy

Campus Location: Washington, D.C.
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Master of Social Work
Program Site: Howard University’s online MSW
This program is sponsored by 2U.

Humboldt State University

Campus Location: Arcata, California
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Humboldt

Indiana University

Campus Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Indiana University

Simmons University

Campus Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW, MSW, DSW
Program Site: CompleteDegree@Simmons, MSW from Simmons School of Social Work, Simmons’ Online DSW
This program is sponsored by 2U.

Simmons University

Simmons School of Social Work (SSW)

info

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

• Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
• Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks 
• Minimum completion time: 9 months

Request more info from Simmons University.

info SPONSORED

Rutgers University

Campus Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Rutgers University

Syracuse University

Campus Location: Syracuse, New York
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: Syracuse University’s Online MSW
This program is sponsored by 2U.

Temple University

Campus Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Temple

Texas State University, San Marcos

Campus Location: San Marcos, Texas
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Texas State

The Catholic University of America

Campus Location: Washington, D.C.
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from The Catholic University

University at Buffalo (SUNY)

Campus Location: Buffalo, New York
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from SUNY Buffalo

University of Arkansas

Campus Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from University of Arkansas

University of Central Florida

Campus Location: Orlando, Florida
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from UCF

University of Denver

Campus Location: Denver, Colorado
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work
This program is sponsored by 2U.

University of Houston

Campus Location: Houston, Texas
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from University of Houston

University of Nevada, Reno

Campus Location: Reno, Nevada
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from University of Nevada, Reno

University of New England

Campus Location: Biddeford, Maine
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from University of New England

University of New Hampshire

Campus Location: Durham, New Hampshire
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from University of New Hampshire

University of North Dakota

Campus Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from University of North Dakota

University of South Florida

Campus Location: Tampa, Florida
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from University of South Florida

University of Southern California (USC)

Campus Location: Los Angeles, California
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW, DSW
Program Site: MSW from USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

University of Tennessee at Knoxville

Campus Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW, DSW, PhD
Program Site: UTK’s College of Social Work

University of Texas at Arlington

Campus Location: Los Angeles, California
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from University of Texas at Arlington

Widener University

Campus Location: Chester, Pennsylvania
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Widener University

University of St. Thomas

Campus Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: DSW
Program Site: DSW from St. Thomas

University of Pennsylvania

Campus Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: DSW
Program Site: DSW from UPenn

Complete List of Social Work Degrees

A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is an undergraduate degree and typically the first step in pursuing a career in social work. OnlineMSWPrograms.com has a comprehensive guide to online BSW programs that may be useful in your decision-making. A bachelor’s degree in social work can be completed in four years full-time and prepares students to earn an entry level position in social work. 

Those with a BSW can work in a variety of fields including mental health, residential treatment and aging services. If you’re interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you may want to consider schools with Council on Social Work Education–accredited programs (CSWE). 

Whether you earn your BSW online or on-campus, you will be required to participate in field education placements to practice in a real-world setting. It is important to note that some universities refer to their undergraduate degrees in social work differently. Some may offer a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) or a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) rather than a BSW.

A master’s degree in social work (MSW) is a graduate degree that can typically be completed in two years (full time). Some universities have a part-time option, which typically takes three years to complete. You don’t need a BSW to pursue a master’s degree although a related area of undergraduate study may be useful. Since social work is such a broad field, some online degrees offer concentrations, which may help narrow down the decision making process. Master’s degrees in social work are available online or on-campus, and it is important to consider your learning style when researching programs. If you have already completed undergraduate work in social work, you may be eligible for an advanced standing option depending on the university’s requirements.

A master’s in social work administration (MSSA) is a graduate social work degree that is equivalent to a master’s in social work by employers, state licensing boards and accrediting bodies. MSSA programs cover similar coursework as MSW programs and are offered in person and online with part-time and full-time options available. MSSAs feature specializations that may help you tailor your education to your career goals. There are typically traditional and advanced standing options available to those who have already earned a BSW.

What is the difference?

The majority of programs try to use these terms to represent specific types of degree programs. Common terms used to describe Master of Social Work (MSW) programs include campus MSW programs, online MSW programs, hybrid or blended learning MSW programs, distance learning/education MSW programs and distributed MSW programs. We will examine each term to make it clear what they typically represent.

Online master’s degrees in social work are classified as those that either do not require any campus visits or only require a limited number of campus visits during the program. On OnlineMSWPrograms.com, we classify any program that requires two or fewer campus visits per year as an online program. Programs that have a campus requirement are clearly noted on the site. An online MSW may be the right fit for you if you work full-time or are unable to visit a local university and attend on-campus courses. Be sure to research as many options as possible before making your decision.

OnlineMSWPrograms.com has made it easy for students to find CSWE accredited online Master of Social Work degrees by delivery method (online versus hybrid), by program length (full-time versus part-time) and by those offering advanced standing programs. We have created pages dedicated to specific types of online social work degree programs and have included a comprehensive list of Council on Social Work Education–accredited programs (CSWE) on each page. All schools are listed alphabetically so that it is easy to browse programs by name.

Currently, we have organized schools offering accredited online social work degrees into the following categories:

We created a faculty interview series so that students can learn even more about careers in social work. All professors were compensated to participate in these interviews. We have questions pertaining to:

A Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is a graduate-level degree that offers advanced training in social work administration and clinical social work. Candidates interested in pursuing a DSW should hold a master’s degree, typically in a similar area of study as social work, but requirements may vary. DSW programs generally focus on leadership and management training. DSWs offer students the opportunity to pursue advanced or supervisory roles and the potential to earn a higher income.

You may be wondering what the difference is between a Doctor of Social Work and a PhD. Unlike a PhD in social work, which focuses on research in an academic setting, DSW students train to work in a variety of settings including schools and hospitals. Although there may be some overlap in terms of the curriculum, it is important to consider what environment you prefer to work in when deciding between these two degrees.

For more detailed information, see our comprehensive guide to social work careers for MSW holders.

Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) Degree Programs: Currently there are four schools that offer online DSW programs. This page includes schools that offer full-time and part-time programs.

A PhD in social work prepares individuals for research positions in social work. Coursework typically involves advanced research methods and policy. One of the main goals of PhD work is to help students advance social work careers outside of academia through research. PhD graduates typically pursue a career in academia including teaching and research.

Why is Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation important? CSWE-accredited programs meet specific standards of performance, integrity and quality for social work education. When selecting a program, it’s important to think about where you want to work and who you want to work with. Depending on where you live, an accredited program may be required in order for you to sit for your social work licensure exam.

State requirements may vary, but licensure is required for all master’s level careers in social work. Although some states don’t mandate accreditation, the licensure process may be simpler because of the CSWE’s standardized educational criteria. Another reason CSWE accreditation is important is that it may expand employment opportunities. Some employers may prefer candidates who have earned their degrees through a CSWE-accredited program. Make sure to research your state’s requirements before selecting a social work degree.

Admissions requirements vary depending on the type of social work degree you wish to pursue. If you are interested in becoming a licensed social worker, research your state’s eligibility and admissions criteria for MSW programs before making your decision. Admissions requirements vary depending on the program or school but typically include earning a bachelor’s from an accredited institution, meeting minimum GPA requirements and taking certain prerequisite classes during your undergraduate education. You may also have to submit undergraduate transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation and GRE scores. 

If you don’t meet certain requirements, you may still be eligible if you speak with an admissions faculty member and can meet other requirements. For most online MSW programs, submitting GRE or MAT scores is not required. Some programs may prefer candidates with work experience in a human or social services related field. Prospective students should speak with enrollment specialists before making their decision.

An important aspect of social work in higher education is the field work or social work internship requirement. Field education prepares students to practice social work in the real world under the supervision of field instructors. Field education requirements vary depending on whether a student is enrolled in a traditional or advanced standing MSW program. Traditional students must typically complete 900 hours at an agency while advanced standing students complete 450 hours. Agencies may include community organizations, addiction treatment facilities, mental health facilities and family counseling and therapy centers. Check if the university has agency partners that are of interest to you. 

The relationships you make during internships may help with your career development after graduation. Students usually work 16-20 hours per week at a field agency, and in some programs, part-time students are allowed to work 10-14 hours per week over more semesters.

The cost of your social work degree may vary depending on a few factors, but you can typically expect to pay a certain amount per credit. Is the program you’re interested in offered by a public or private institution? Is the program delivered online or on campus? Are there financial aid options available or a tuition reimbursement program offered by your employer? 

A social work degree does not have to be financially out of reach if you consider these factors while researching programs. In terms of financial aid, some universities offer fellowships, which are designed as loan forgiveness programs, and others offer scholarships, another way students can save money without compromising their education. Beyond the typical costs of pursuing a master’s degree, make sure you also have an understanding of additional costs, including room, board and books.

Some social work programs offer concentrations so that students can gain experience and land a job in a specific field. Common concentrations include Clinical/Direct Practice Social Work, Advanced Generalist and Community Development, Management/Administration, and Policy.

Online programs tend to have less available concentrations than their on-campus counterparts. However, some online programs offer more specialized concentrations including Children, Youth and Family Social Work, Administrative Leadership, Mental Health and Adult Social Work, Community Social Work (including programs which emphasize the needs of the Hispanic community) and Community Organization, Planning and Administration. Depending on the career path you choose, it’s important to check your state’s requirements and speak with an admissions advisor.

There are typically two types of class structures for online social work programs: the cohort model structure and flexible course structuring. Most online programs use a cohort model, where a group of students is accepted as a cohort and work through the program together until graduation. A benefit of the cohort model is that students cultivate valuable relationships with their classmates who then become part of their professional network.

A flexible course scheduling structure allows students to set their own pace and select courses and complete work within a set number of years. This class structure benefits students who are balancing commitments outside of their education.

Online MSW programs generally have two instruction methods: synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous programs feature “live” classes where students log in, view classes in real time and are able to interact with their peers and professors. Synchronous programs may feel more like an on-campus experience since students can ask questions and receive immediate feedback. Asynchronous programs do not require students to log in for class at a specific time. Instead, students view lectures on their own time and must complete assignments by certain deadlines. This program is better for students looking for more flexibility and who may prefer working more independently.

A bachelor’s degree in social work is the minimum requirement for a career as a social worker. Depending on professional goals, some social workers continue their education and pursue a master’s degree or Doctor of Social Work degree.

It depends! Universities may offer a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) or a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW). Any of these degrees can get you started in a career in social work.

A doctorate in social work or a PhD are the highest degrees that you can get in social work. Each can be completed after earning a master’s degree, and the time needed to complete varies based on the program.

Depending on where you live, there are a few steps to become a school social worker. A bachelor’s degree in social work is typically a good start and some states require a master’s degree and a license.

Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) must complete a master’s degree, fulfill LCSW licensing and examination requirements and apply for licensure. Make sure to check your state for licensure requirements.

Last updated March 2022.