One of the first steps toward becoming a social worker in Ohio is understanding the associated educational and training requirements for licensure. From there, you can start to explore the Master of Social Work (MSW) programs available that can help you prepare for a career in social work.

MSW programs may be offered part- or full-time, on-campus or online through a variety of colleges and universities across Ohio. Do you have your bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW)? You may be interested in an advanced standing program, which can accelerate your education so you can start working sooner. An MSW can help you qualify for licensure as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW). This may be a logical step for Licensed Social Workers (LSWs) with a BSW.

As you browse through MSW programs in Ohio, consider factors such as the financial and time commitments, specializations you may want to pursue, and post-graduation job prospects.

The program cards/tables featured on this page were last updated in November 2022. For the most current program information, please refer to the official website of the respective school.  

As you progress through your MSW program, you may explore various practices within the social work profession, such as:

Your program may also include field placement experiences as a supplement to your regular coursework.

The following Ohio MSW programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and offer full-time, part-time, and advanced standing options.

CSWE-accredited online master’s in social work programs in Ohio can cover the same curriculum and coursework as a traditional on-campus program.

Sponsored online social work programs

University of Denver

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The University of Denver’s Online MSW Program is delivered by its top-ranked school of social work and offers two programs. Students can earn their degree in as few as 12 months for the Online Advanced-Standing MSW or 27 months for the Online MSW.

• Complete the Online Advanced-Standing MSW in as few as 12 months if you have a BSW; if you do not have a BSW, the Online MSW Program may be completed in as few as 27 months.
• No GRE Required
• Customizable pathway options include Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness concentrations

Request more info from the University of Denver.

Fordham University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Fordham’s skills-based, online MSW program integrates advanced relevant social work competencies, preparing students to serve individuals and communities while moving the profession forward. This program includes advanced standing and traditional MSW options.

•  Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available.
• There are four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy.
• Pursue the degree on a full-time or part-time track.

Request more info from Fordham University.

Hawaii Pacific University

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Master of Social Work

The online Master of Social Work prepares aspiring social work leaders to develop a multicultural social work practice, advocate for social and economic justice, and empower diverse communities affected by systemic inequities within civilian and military-focused areas. 

• Learn how to develop a multicultural social work practice.  
• Pending accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
• Complete in 18 months full time, or in 36 months part time on the traditional track.
• Complete in 12 months full time or 24 months part time on the Advanced Standing Track. 

Request more info from Hawaii Pacific University.

Simmons University

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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.

Howard University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

The online Master of Social Work program from Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for advanced direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities. Two concentrations available: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice. No GRE. Complete in as few as 12 months.

• Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
• Complete at least 777-1,000 hours of agency-based field education
• Earn your degree in as few as 12 months

Request more info from Howard University.

Syracuse University

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Syracuse University’s online Master of Social Work program does not require GRE scores to apply and is focused on preparing social workers who embrace technology as an important part of the future of the profession. Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks are available.

• Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
• No GRE required
• Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice

Request more info from Syracuse University.

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Ohio offers a variety of social work licensing options that come with unique educational requirements, which can be met through social work degree programs. Seeking licensure as a Social Work Assistant (SWA)? Earn your associate degree in social work (ASW) or Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). A BSW program also enables you to apply to become a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in Ohio.

The timeline for each educational path will also vary. Pursuing your ASW full-time can take around two years to complete, whereas a BSW program may be four years or longer and may require students to synthesize their skills via a practicum.

If you want to pursue LISW licensure in Ohio, you must first earn your Master’s in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited MSW program. Program timelines can range depending on whether you enroll as a full- or part-time student in a traditional or advanced standing track.

It’s also possible to earn your Ph.D. or Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) through an Ohio institution. DSW programs focus on clinical practice, while a Ph.D. in social work involves university-level research and education. Both degrees permit students to apply for LSW licensure in Ohio. 
Learn more about social work licensure and how to become a social worker in Ohio.

Students applying to MSW programs in Ohio may be required to hold a bachelor’s degree. Applicants with a BSW may be eligible for advanced standing MSW programs, while non-social work undergraduate degree holders can apply to traditional MSW programs. Each track will come with its own prerequisites and timeline.

Topics that may be covered in an MSW program in Ohio include:

Your program may also include opportunities to complete a practicum or field experience, which puts your new skills into practice in a real-world environment.

What can I do with an MSW degree in OH?

With an MSW degree, you can pursue a wide variety of social work career paths that provide support, resources, and advocacy to individuals, families, schools, and communities. Alternatively, you may choose to work with members of the military or as a social work administrator. The role you choose will also determine your work setting.

Some specialized professions you can explore include:

• Medical social workers: Help people cope with medical and health-related issues in hospitals, community clinics, and other health care settings.
• School social workers: Advocate on behalf of students while working with parents, teachers, and administrators.
• Military social workers: Offer support to military service members, veterans, and their families to address psychological and emotional disorders that may arise from their work.
• Psychiatric social workers: Work with a psychiatric team to help people with mental health conditions or those living with substance use disorders.

As you explore the various educational and licensure options to become a social worker in Ohio, be sure to check with the Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT) for details on requirements.
The salaries for MSW degree holders and other social work positions vary based on employer, specialization, and location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the mean annual salary for social workers in Ohio was $57,680 in May 2022.

We’ve covered a lot of ground about embarking on an MSW program, but you may still have lingering questions. To help you decide what type of degree to pursue in Ohio, we’ve compiled some FAQs. 

Last updated: January 2024