Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs Online – CSWE-Accredited

Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees are required for bachelor’s-level social workers to apply for licensure as a master or clinical social worker.

Attending on-campus programs may not be feasible if you are juggling a full-time career, family and other personal or professional obligations. Many on-campus schools of social work have created Master of Social Work online programs, mirroring their on-campus offerings.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Online School

When considering an online school, you may want to consider your goals, schedule and program length. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation standards for online MSW programs are the same as their on-campus counterparts with regards to degree awarded, program length and credits.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Why do you want an MSW degree?
• What is your availability considering your other commitments?
• How long do you want to be in school?

The university and program information below was last updated in September 2021. For the most up-to-date information, visit the university’s website.

Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Program Overview

• What is an MSW Program?
• What is CSWE Accreditation of an Online Social Work Program?
• Should I Enroll into an Online MSW Program?
• What Should I Expect from an Online MSW Program?
• What Can I Do Once I Complete an Online MSW Program?
• Social Work Practice Levels
• Online MSW Program Concentrations
• Online MSW Programs vs. Social Services Programs
• Scholarship Options for Students
• Social Work Organizations
• Online MSW Program FAQs

There are many master’s in social work online programs available to you, from full-time and part-time options to programs that incorporate fieldwork placements and offer specialty areas of your interest. When choosing an online master’s in social work program, it is important to ensure the program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

CSWE-accredited schools have gone through a rigorous process administered by the accrediting institution, that ensures that the school meets their standards and is qualified to teach students. More so, CSWE-accredited programs typically are required for state licensure.

What Is an MSW Program?

A Master of Social Work (MSW), or master’s in social work, is a graduate degree program that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to support the well-being of individuals and large client populations, particularly those who are vulnerable. An online MSW degree typically takes two years to complete and requires a minimum of 900 hours of fieldwork.

Currently, the MSW degree is considered a terminal degree for social work, though there are higher degrees available such as a Doctor of Social Work (DSW).

Compared to a bachelor’s in social work (BSW), an MSW may offer opportunities for specialization and career advancement. While a DSW is recommended for those who want to teach or conduct research, the path to this degree is often lengthier and costlier than the MSW track.

What Is CSWE Accreditation of an Online Social Work Program?

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) sets standards for Bachelor and Master of Social Work programs, aligning education with practice. Some of these include: incorporation of social work competencies in ethics; human rights; assessments and interventions; explicit curriculum for generalist and specialist practice; and an implicit curriculum that supports student development, retention and participation.

As of January 2026, there are over 120 accredited online or distance education MSW programs recognized by the CSWE. Some of these programs are not offered to students from any state and/or may be offered in conjunction with numerous on-campus visits.

What Are the Benefits of CSWE-Accredited MSW Online Programs?

According to the Value and Benefits of CSWE Accreditation page, most states in the U.S. require a social work degree accredited by CSWE in order to sit for licensing exams. CSWE accreditation, which is required by some employers, means a program meets quality and academic standards.

Additional Types of CSWE-Accredited Online MSW Programs

• Advanced Standing Online MSW Programs
• Clinical MSW Social Work Degrees Online
• Online MSW Programs with No GRE Requirement

Should I Enroll in an Online MSW Program?

Many people choose to earn an MSW to pursue licensure in their state and to learn more about the intricacies of social work practice, research and policy. Ultimately, the decision is based on your goals. If you choose to enroll in an online accredited MSW program, here are some opportunities you may come across, as well as the typical program admission requirements.

Benefits and Opportunities

An MSW may provide a pathway to licensure for social workers who want to work independently, with often 2–3 years and/or 2,000–4,000 hours, depending on the jurisdiction. Although some BSW programs offer concentrations, a graduate degree often offers a variety of concentration options to grow and fine-tune your skills in social work practice.

As with other mental health professions and social service degrees, the field can be rewarding for individuals who enjoy helping others improve their well-being. In addition, social work is a fast-growing field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that job growth of social workers is expected to increase by 6% from 2024 to 2034. The BLS (May 2024) suggests this growth is due to an increase in demand for healthcare social workers (8%), and the highest growth in mental health and substance abuse social workers at 10%.

Program Admissions Requirements

Admission requirements for master’s in social work programs will differ between schools and programs. However, schools typically require the following:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
• A minimum GPA requirement, often 3.0
• Official transcripts
• A personal statement/letters of recommendation (number varies by school)
• An application fee (cost varies by school)
• Technical equipment and tools to access any online courses (personal computer, internet access, etc.)

Today, many MSW programs do not require a GRE test score. If your undergraduate degree was not in social work, then your MSW program may vary from the track of a student with a BSW, adding core requirements that you may not have completed during your undergraduate studies.

What Should I Expect from an Online MSW Program?

Your online MSW program is likely to mirror any on-campus MSW from your preferred university. Online master's programs in social work that are accredited by CSWE must include prescribed coursework as a requirement for their accreditation. In your online social work program, you may expect live classes, self-paced learning, tests, quizzes, research papers and more. Just because a program is online, doesn’t mean that the MSW degree varies in quality.

Core Concepts and Curriculum

With technological advancements, online social work curricula can more easily mirror the traditional in-class curricula. Depending on if you are enrolled as a standard or advanced standing student, master’s of social work online programs typically have a completion timeframe ranging from 12 to 32 months. In the first year, core courses are the main focus. Foundational courses may include:

• Sociocultural concepts
• Social welfare policy
• Human behavior/psychology
• Community practice

During the second year, students begin to specialize and identify areas in which they will begin their fieldwork. The fieldwork component is an important part of the MSW degree, as it gives students thousands of hours’ worth of hands-on experience within their specialization. This fieldwork can encompass internships or a designated number of hours spent at certified organizations, such as schools and hospitals.

What Can I Do Once I Complete an Online MSW Program?

Once you graduate from an MSW online program, you may be qualified to apply for licensure in your state. It’s important to note that there is likely post-graduate field experience required to independently practice. Be sure to check with your state’s specific requirements for more information.

Social workers who obtain an MSW can explore diverse and rewarding career opportunities. There are a number of social worker careers that range from clinical practice to roles in the government or corporate sector. By choosing to pursue your MSW, even without prior social work experience, you take a significant step toward becoming a social worker. Here are some careers you may pursue after you complete an online MSW program:

• Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)
• Community social worker
• Mental health social worker
• Military social worker
• School social worker

With an MSW, you may be able to take advantage of job opportunities in the mental health field and expand your career into new areas. Depending on the state you want to work in, you may need to pursue a license. Typically, to pursue state licensure as a social worker, you’ll need to pass an exam from the Association for Social Work Boards (ASWB).

“When I looked at social work, I was really drawn to the fact that you can go toward a micro direction in individual therapy or a macro direction in terms of policy and guiding organizations. Social work really appealed to me because of its flexibility and the fact that if I did eventually want to make changes in my career, I’d be able to do that.” – Morgan Gregg, Social Worker

Read more in our interview with Morgan Gregg on Working with Law Enforcement.

Social Work Practice Levels

Online MSW programs offer a variety of concentrations from mental health and trauma to policy practice and advocacy. Your career trajectory can vary based on your concentration in the program. You have the option to pursue broad-level programs or opt for a more specialized and granular approach. Most programs are divided into categories called macro, mezzo or micro social work, which is used to define the scope of the work involved. Learn more about each of these categories below:

Macro social work: Macro level social workers use their MSW to make large-scale impact in the field, whether it be at state level or even nationally. They may look to solve issues and implement change at the root, instead of counseling clients affected at a personal level. Macro social workers may design and implement social services programs, examine the cause of social issues within their communities and advocate for policy changes at a government level.

Mezzo social work: The work of mezzo level social workers involves enacting change within smaller groups or institutions and is usually thought to be focused on more midsize groups that fall between the macro and micro side of the practice spectrum. For example, mezzo social workers may organize local health or education initiatives, have frequent contact with community members and may not always provide the same clinical or personal treatment as social workers who only work at the micro level.

Micro social work: This work is often identified as the most common type of practice that involves work with an individual or a family. Training in micro social work aims to give social workers the knowledge required to be able to identify problems that individual clients may have and support them appropriately. Micro social workers may help clients with challenges relating to housing, employment, family, financial stability, mental health, medical issues and more.

Online MSW Program Concentrations

Online MSW programs offer a wide range of concentrations to choose from. Social workers may work with children in therapeutic settings, visit children in their homes as a caseworker, or advocate for policy change to support communities at large. Discover the variety of concentrations available to help you fine-tune your social work career.

Licenses an Online MSW Program May Prepare You For

People who currently hold a BSW degree or have social work experience may often make the choice to earn their MSW. For social workers with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), they may be qualified for bachelor’s-level licenses such as becoming a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW). This varies from state to state, so be sure to check with your state’s social work board for more information. It’s important to note that not every state offers this level of opportunity.

An online MSW program may prepare you for licensure as:

• Associate Clinical Social Worker (ACSW)
• Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)
• Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
• Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

These titles change depending on the state. Be sure that your online MSW program is accredited by CSWE. As mentioned previously, many U.S. states require a CSWE-accredited MSW program for examination at the master’s level. Be sure to check with your state for specific requirements.

Online MSW Program vs. Social Services Programs

Social service degree programs encompass many mental health professions, such as psychology and counseling. While social work, psychology, and counseling all provide services to individuals and communities, the curriculum often varies. Online MSW programs that are accredited by CSWE often have coursework meeting the nine social work competencies:

• Ethical and Professional Behavior
• Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Practice
• Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic and Environmental Justice Advancement
• Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
• Policy Practice
• Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
• Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
• Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
• Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities

While psychology and counseling programs may have similar coursework, their focus may be more on the individual and environment than policy and macro worldviews. All three social service degrees require learners to have some level of field experience or internship, applying their learned skills under the supervision of a professor and approved, licensed professional.

While future social workers study environmental impacts and removal of barriers to overall health of communities, future counselors may be focused on the psychological and behavioral development of an individual, rooted in theory. Professionals in both careers, however, may choose to work with individuals or groups. Learn more about the differences between social work and counseling.

Psychologists may focus on discovering mental, emotional or behavioral health concerns with clients and addressing those through the scope of a particular theoretical orientation. Social workers, on the other hand, armed with theories as well, approach work with clients by considering multiple perspectives, such as environmental, socioeconomic, cultural and other relevant factors. Learn more about the differences between social work and psychology.

Scholarship Options for MSW Students

There are numerous options for scholarships that we were able to collect in our social work scholarships guide. There are scholarships for minority students entering the mental health or social work field, military financial assistance, scholarships specifically for women applicants and more. The amounts awarded vary greatly with some covering the cost of books and fees while others may offer awards for every year of your degree. Here are some examples:

• Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF): Awarding $500 to $5,000, the HSF offers this scholarship to students of Hispanic heritage.
• Juliette Derricotte Scholarship (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.): A scholarship opportunity available through Delta Sigma Theta’s scholarship program for eligible members; award amounts vary based on annual budget allocations.
• Verne LaMarr Lyons Scholarship (NASW Foundation): For MSW candidates interested in health/mental health practice and committed to working in African American communities. For the 2025–2026 academic year, NASW Foundation offers two scholarships of $4,000 each.

Organizations for MSW Graduates

Learners who are interested in enrolling in an online MSW program have a vast array of organizations available, providing support and continuing education. These organizations also offer their members resources pertaining to certifications, events and networking opportunities, and much more. Some examples of social work organizations at the macro, mezzo and micro levels are:

• Association of Veterans Affairs Social Workers (AVASW): This professional association encourages the development of social work services for veterans by sharing information with practitioners in the field as well as their client groups. The AVASW believes transparency enhances the effectiveness of VA social work.
• Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA): This national network of psychosocial care professionals is dedicated to providing the most current information, resources, updates, and alerts on emerging education and research best practices in social work and behavioral/mental healthcare. CSWA is dedicated to providing clinical social workers with networking opportunities.
• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE): When you begin to search for the best online MSW program for you, make sure the one you choose is accredited. CSWE is the accrediting body for many schools that offer online MSW programs. They ensure that the educational institutions adhere to their set of standards for social work curricula.
• International Association for Social Work with Groups (IASWG): This member-driven organization works alongside social workers engaged in group work. IASWG strives to promote excellence in local and international group work practices through education, field instruction, research, and publication.
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW): Known as one of the largest social work organizations, the NASW has about 120,000 members and offers guidance, research and advocacy to social workers.
• Social Welfare Action Alliance (SWAA): This national organization has chapters in New York and Oregon, and even offers social workers the opportunity to start a chapter anywhere in the country. Each chapter determines their own agenda and provides forums for discussion around local and national social work needs and issues.

Earning your MSW online is an educational choice that is both obtainable and flexible for both full-time students and working professionals. The online format of the MSW program, coupled with the required field training, provides social work students with a unique learning experience. If you’re still thinking about whether an online MSW is the best fit for you, you can ask yourself the following questions: