Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW) Programs with No GRE Requirement

A Master of Social Work (MSW) is often a degree for those who want to make a difference in the lives of others and impact social change. Students interested in social work can complete an online MSW program with no GRE (Graduate Record Examination) requirement. This is ideal for students who may not have the time or desire to take an entrance exam for graduate school.

However, not every online MSW program has a GRE exemption. A GRE may be required if the applicant does not meet all other admission requirements.

Compare MSW programs that have GRE exceptions and learn more about what to expect in this type of program below:

What to Expect After Completing an Online MSW Program With No GRE

Graduates who earn an online MSW with no GRE requirement have a variety of career paths available to them to help communities in need. Social workers can be found in a wide range of employment settings including schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, prisons, military barracks, senior centers, corporations and public social agencies.

When selecting an online MSW program, it’s essential to consider factors such as previous coursework (advanced standing programs require a Bachelor of Social Work or related degree), cumulative undergraduate GPA and desired social work concentration. Some online master’s in social work programs with no GRE requirement may require work experience, so it is important to consider that as well.

Curriculum and Coursework

Students of online MSW programs with no GRE requirement may expect a full course load and curriculum similar to a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, if pursuing a traditional MSW. Specific courses taken will depend on the student’s desired concentration in social work or public services.

Common course titles of online MSW programs include:

• Social Policy for Advanced Generalist Practice
• Human Behavior and the Social Environment
• Social Policy and Child Welfare
• Group Dynamics and Mental Health Counseling
• Clinical Social Work Practice with Military Members and Veterans

While these MSW programs are completed online, students may expect real-time, virtual classes combined with group work and self-paced assignments. Because a social worker frequently interacts with individuals, families and groups, an online MSW curriculum will directly translate to real-world skills needed to succeed.

Online MSW programs with no GRE requirements are offered as full-time and part-time programs. Most full-time programs take two years to complete; part-time programs typically take two-and-a-half to four years to complete. Time to complete an online MSW with no GRE will depend on the program.

Concentrations

Some online MSW programs allow students to customize their curriculum by selecting an area of concentration within social work. When selecting a concentration, students pursuing an online MSW with no GRE should consider their academic interests and career goals.

Clinical Social Worker

A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) provides treatment to clients with mental and emotional issues that are affecting their daily lives. They work with their clients to listen to their needs and provide the support and resources to cope with those issues. LCSWs work in many settings including schools, homes, community centers, hospitals and assisted living facilities. To become an LCSW you may consider completing an LCSW program.

Psychiatric Social Work

A psychiatric social worker serves as a member of a psychiatric treatment team and works with people facing mental health challenges. Psychiatric social workers assist and support patients who suffer from conditions such as depression, severe anxiety and psychotic or substance-related disorders. Psychiatric social workers may fit into the broader category of mental health and substance abuse social workers. As such, mental health social workers are commonly employed in outpatient care centers that treat mental illness.

School Social Work

A school social worker advocates on behalf of children. They work directly with students, parents and teachers to set students up for success in school and at home. While most school social workers work in schools, others may work in offices or private practices.

Military Social Work

A military social worker works with members of the armed forces and their families to help them address and manage the unique challenges they face by providing counseling and support. Job duties include providing direct services, such as counseling, crisis intervention and debriefing after critical events. There is a wide range of positions for military social workers, including roles in the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Mental Health Social Work

A mental health social worker assesses, diagnoses, treats and prevents mental, behavioral and emotional issues. In addition to working with clients directly, they also provide therapy in individual, group and family settings, depending on the circumstances. Mental health social workers work in private practices, hospitals, mental health clinics, community health organizations, primary care facilities and rehabilitation treatment centers.

Medical Social Work

A medical social worker helps clients who are undergoing health and medical challenges, such as illness, disability or hospitalization. They also work within healthcare systems to advocate for policies that improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations. Many medical social workers practice in inpatient and outpatient medical facilities.

Employment Outlook

While employment for online MSW graduates varies depending on concentration, social work is a growing field. As of May 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that social work employment will grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, creating approximately 44,700 new jobs. Employment growth will be driven by increased demand for healthcare and social services, but will vary by specialization. The median annual wage for social workers was $61,330 in 2024, the BLS reports.

Additional Social Work Programs

While students can become a social worker through online MSW programs with no GRE requirement, other programs can provide helpful skills and education. Program options include:

• Advanced Standing Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs: A specialized online MSW program that shortens time to graduation but requires a BSW degree.
• Online MSW Programs for Aspiring Clinical Social Workers: This curriculum provides necessary direct clinical experience to aspiring LCSWs.
• Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) Program: A specialized program in one of the social work fields that prepares social workers to gain advanced training in research, supervision and policy analysis.