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.
Sponsored Online Social Work Programs
- Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
- Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
- Three certificates: Trauma Practice, Mental Health Practice or Practice with Groups and Families.
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Join the #16 ranked Howard University School of Social Work1
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Three academic departments: Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Children, Youth – and Families; and Social Change and Innovation
- Features field education in or near students’ own communities.
- Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
- Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice
- CWRU’s Mandel School is a top-10 ranked graduate school of social work (2019).1
- Three paths of study are available to prepare social work leaders to work in clinical or community practice.
- Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
- Specialize in clinical practice or community practice
Compare MSW programs that have GRE exceptions and learn more about what to expect in this type of program below:
List of Online MSW Programs with No GRE Required
School – State | Program Structure | GRE Exceptions | Additional Admissions Information |
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Scroll to Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ | Online | Not Required |
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Scroll to Baylor University – Waco, TX Sponsored Program |
Online | Not Required | A 3.0 GPA or higher; however, GPA is considered along with all other application materials |
Scroll to Boise State University – Boise, ID | Online | Not Required | Minimum GPA of 3.0 |
Scroll to Boston University – Boston, MA | Online | Not Required |
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Scroll to California State University, Northridge – Los Angeles, CA | Online | Not Required |
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Scroll to California State University, San Bernardino – San Bernardino, CA | Some Campus Visits Required | Not Required | Minimum GPA of 3.0; GPA of 2.8 May be Considered |
Scroll to Case Western Reserve University – Cleveland, OH Sponsored Program |
Online | Not Required | Undergraduate GPA must be 2.7 or above. |
Scroll to Columbia University – New York, NY | Some Campus Visits Required | Not Required | No Minimum GPA Required |
Scroll to Edinboro University – Edinboro, PA | Online | Required for GPA scores lower than 2.8. |
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Scroll to Howard University – Washington, D.C Sponsored Program |
Some Campus Visits Required | Not Required | No GPA Requirement |
Scroll to Humboldt State University – Arcata, CA | Some Campus Visits Required | Not Required |
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Scroll to Indiana University – Bloomington, IN | Some Campus Visits Required | Not Required |
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Scroll to Our Lady of the Lake University – San Antonio, TX | Online | Not Required |
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Scroll to Portland State University – Portland, OR | Some Campus Visits Required | Not Required |
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Scroll to Rutgers University – New Brunswick, NJ | Online | Not Required |
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Scroll to Simmons University – Boston, MA Sponsored Program |
Online | Not Required | At least a 3.0 (B) grade-point average. |
Scroll to The Catholic University of America – Washington, D.C. | Online | Not Required |
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Scroll to Texas State University – San Marcos, TX | Online | Not Required | Minimum GPA of 3.0 for Last 60 Hours of Undergraduate Coursework |
Scroll to University at Buffalo (SUNY) – Buffalo, NY | Online | Not Required | Minimum GPA of 3.0 |
Scroll to University of Alaska Anchorage – Anchorage, AK | Some Campus Visits Required | Not Required |
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Scroll to University of Central Florida – Orlando, FL | Online | Not Required | Minimum GPA of 3.3 for BSW Applicants |
Scroll to University of Denver – Denver, CO Sponsored Program |
Online | Not Required |
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Scroll to University of Louisville – Louisville, KY | Online | Not Required |
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Scroll to University of New England (UNE) – Biddeford, ME | Online | Not Required | Minimum GPA of 3.0 |
Scroll to University of New Hampshire – Durham, NH | Online | Not Required | Minimum GPA of 3.2 for BSW Applicants to Advanced Standing Program |
Scroll to University of North Dakota – Grand Forks, ND | Some Campus Visits Required | Not Required | Minimum GPA of 3.0 |
Scroll to University of Southern California – Los Angeles, CA Sponsored Program |
Online | Not Required |
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Scroll to University of Texas – Arlington, TX | Online | Required for Students with a GPA Between 2.7 and 3.0 | Minimum GPA of 3.0 |
Scroll to Western New Mexico University – Silver City, NM | Online | Not Required |
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Scroll to Widener University – Chester, PA | Online | Not Required |
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Information on the above MSW programs was last retrieved in May 2020. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the university’s website below.
Arizona State University
Program Name: Master of Social Work Program Online
Specializations/Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
Enrollment Options: Full Time or Part Time
Coursework Credits: 60 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 960 Hours
Length of Program: 24-36 Months
Content Information:
- Website: Master of Social Work Program Online at Arizona State University
- Phone: (602) 496-0800
Baylor University – Sponsored Program
Program Name: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Specializations/Concentrations: Clinical or Community Health
Enrollment Options: Part Time, Full Time, or Accelerated
Coursework Credits:
- Standard: 60 Credits
- Advanced Standing: 32 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours:
- Traditional: 1,030 Hours
- Advanced Standing: 550 Hours
Length of Program: 12–36 months
Sponsored Online Social Work Program
Boise State University
Program Name: Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Graduate Program
Specializations/Concentrations: Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
Enrollment Options: Full Time
Coursework Credits: 43-61 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 1,000 Hours
Length of Program: 24–36 Months
Content Information:
- Website: Online Master of Social Work at Boise State University
- Phone: (208) 426-5921
Boston University
Program Name: Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Program
Specializations/Concentrations: Clinical or Macro
Enrollment Options: Part Time
Coursework Credits: 65 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 1,000–1,200 Hours
Length of Program: 6–9 Semesters
Content Information:
California State University (CSU) Northridge
Program Name: Master of Social Work – Online
Specializations/Concentrations: Generalist with an emphasis on urban family practice
Enrollment Options: Full Time
Coursework Credits: 60 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 1,000 Hours
Length of Program: 24–36 Months
Content Information:
- Website: Master of Social Work Online at CSU Northridge
- Phone: (818) 677-5902
California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB)
Program Name: Pathway MSW Distance Education Program
Specializations/Concentrations: Advanced Generalist with Specializations
Enrollment Options: Part Time
Coursework Credits: 90 Quarter Unit
Clinical Practice Hours: 1,080 Hours
Length of Program: 36 Months
Content Information:
- Website: Pathway MSW Distance Education Program at CSU San Bernardino
- Phone: (909) 537-5501
Case Western Reserve University – Sponsored Program
Program Name: Online Social Work at CWRU
Degree Conferred: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Specializations/Concentrations:
- Children, Youth and Families
- Mental Health with Adults
- Community Practice for Social Change
Coursework Credits:
- Traditional: 60 Credits
- Advanced Standing: Up to 24 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours:
- Traditional:
- Generalist Year: 450 hours total (10–12 hours per week) over the course of three semesters.
- Specialized Year: 600 hours total (10–12 hours per week) over the course of four semesters.
- Advanced Standing:
- 900 hours (10–12 hours per week) over the course of six semesters.
- Students begin this placement in the first semester of the MSSA program.
Length of Program: As few as two years
Sponsored Online Social Work Program
Columbia University
Program Name: Online Master of Social Work
Specializations/Concentrations: Advanced Clinical Practice, Social Enterprise Administration, Policy Practice, Advanced Generalist Practice and Programming.
Enrollment Options: Full Time or Part Time
Coursework Credits: 33–60 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 600–1,200 Hours
Length of Program: 24–48 Months
Content Information:
- Website: Online Master of Social Work at Columbia University
- Phone: (855) 532-5200
Edinboro University
Program Name: MSW Program
Specializations/Concentrations: N/A
Enrollment Options: Full Time or Part Time
Coursework Credits: 30–60 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 500–900 Hours
Length of Program: 12–24 Months
Content Information:
- Website: MSW Program at Edinboro University
- Phone: (814) 732-2013
Howard University – Sponsored Program
Program Name: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Specializations/Concentrations: Direct Practice of Community, Administration and Policy (CAP) Practice
Enrollment Options: Full Time or Part Time
Coursework Credits: 45-60 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 777-1,000 Hours
Length of Program: 12-36 months
Sponsored Online Social Work Program
Humboldt State University
Program Name: Social Work Online MSW
Specializations/Concentrations: Generalist program that focuses on working with rural and indigenous communities.
Enrollment Options: Part Time
Coursework Credits: 40.5–75 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 480–960 Hours
Length of Program: 2–3.5 Years
Content Information:
- Website: Online MSW Program at Humboldt State University
- Phone: (707) 826-4448
Indiana University
Program Name: Online Master of Social Work (MSW)
Specializations/Concentrations: Advanced generalist program
Enrollment Options: Full Time or Part Time
Coursework Credits: 60 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 960 Hours
Length of Program: 24–48 Months
Content Information:
- Website: Online Master of Social Work at Indiana University
- Phone: (317) 274-7180
Our Lady of the Lake University
Program Name: Online Master of Social Work
Specializations/Concentrations: Hispanic Community Focus
Enrollment Options: Full Time
Coursework Credits: 30–57 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 500–950 Hours
Length of Program: 2–4 Years
Content Information:
- Website: Online MSW Program at Our Lady of the Lake University
- Phone: (855) 275-1082
Portland State University
Program Name: Online MSW program
Specializations/Concentrations: Advanced Concentrations – Community and Organizational Practice and Health Across the Lifespan
Enrollment Options: Full Time
Coursework Credits: 39–78 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 1,000 Hours for Foundation MSW
Length of Program: Three Years
Content Information:
- Website: Online MSW Program at Portland State University
- Phone: (503) 725-4712
Rutgers University
Program Name: Online MSW Program in Clinical Social Work
Specializations/Concentrations: Clinical Social Work
Enrollment Options: Part Time
Coursework Credits: 39–60 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 885–1,125 Hours
Length of Program: 2–3 Years
Content Information:
- Website: Online MSW Program in Clinical Social Work at Rutgers University
- Phone: (866) 935-3024
Simmons University – Sponsored Program
Program Name: Master of Social Work (MSW)
Certificate Options:
- Practice with Groups & Families
- Mental Health Practice
- Trauma Practice
Enrollment Options: Advanced Standing, Full Time, Part Time, and Accelerated Tracks
Coursework Credits:
- Traditional: 65 Credits
- Advanced Standing: 37 Credits
Required Field Education Hours:
- Traditional: 1,000 Hours
- Advanced Standing: 1,000 Hours
Length of Program: As few as 16 months
Sponsored Online Social Work Program
The Catholic University of America
Program Name: Online Master of Social Work (MSW)
Specializations/Concentrations: Clinical Concentration
Enrollment Options: Part Time
Coursework Credits: 60 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 600–1,080 Hours
Length of Program: 5–10 Semesters
Content Information:
- Website: Online Master of Social Work at The Catholic University of America
- Phone: (202) 319-5458
Texas State University – San Marcos
Program Name: MSW Program
Specializations/Concentrations: Advanced Practice Leadership
Enrollment Options: Full Time or Part Time
Coursework Credits: 36–62 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 540–900 Semester Clock Hours
Length of Program: 2–3 Years
Content Information:
- Website: Online MSW Degree Program at Texas State University – San Marcos
- Phone: (512) 245-2592
University at Buffalo (SUNY)
Program Name: Online MSW Program
Specializations/Concentrations: Trauma-informed and human rights perspective
Enrollment Options: Part Time
Coursework Credits: 35–60 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 480–914 Hours
Length of Program: 1.5–3 Years
Content Information:
- Website: MSW Online Program at the University of Buffalo (SUNY)
- Phone: (716) 645-3381
University of Alaska Anchorage
Program Name: Distance Education MSW Program
Specializations/Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
Enrollment Options: Full Time or Part Time
Coursework Credits: 34–61 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 960 Hours
Length of Program: 1–4 Years
Content Information:
- Website: Distance Education MSW Program at the University of Alaska Anchorage
- Phone: (907) 786-6900
University of Central Florida
Program Name: Master of Social Work Online MSW
Specializations/Concentrations: N/A
Enrollment Options: Part Time
Coursework Credits: 32–62 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 1,000 Hours
Length of Program: 16 Months to 3 Years
Content Information:
- Website: Master of Social Work Online at the University of Central Florida
- Phone: (855) 903-8576
University of Denver – Sponsored Program
Program Name: Master of Social Work
Specializations/Concentrations:
- Mental Health and Trauma
- Health, Equity and Wellness
Enrollment Options: Full Time or Accelerated
Coursework Credits:
- Traditional: 81 Quarter Units
- Advanced Standing: 54 Quarter Units
Clinical Practice Hours:
- Foundation Year Internship – 10.5 hours a week
- Concentration Year Internship – 12 hours a week
Length of Program: As few as 18 months for the Advanced Standing MSW and as few as 21 months for the Traditional MSW.
Sponsored Online Social Work Program
University of Louisville
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
Specializations/Concentrations: Alcohol and Drug Counseling; Gerontology; Mental Health; Military Social Work; Psychosocial Oncology
Enrollment Options: Full Time or Part Time
Coursework Credits: 30–60 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 500–950 Hours
Length of Program: 1–3 Years
Content Information:
- Website: Online Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Louisville
- Phone: (800) 871-8635
University of New England
Program Name: Master of Social Work
Specializations/Concentrations: Clinical Practice: Individual, Families and Groups (IFG); Community Practice: Organizational and Community Practice (OCP)
Enrollment Options: Part Time
Coursework Credits: 35–64 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 550–1,000 Hours
Length of Program: 16 Months–Over 3 Years
Content Information:
- Website: Master of Social Work at the University of New England
- Phone: (877) 863-6791
University of New Hampshire
Program Name: Master of Social Work Online
Specializations/Concentrations: Health and Mental Health, Addictions and Substance Abuse, Children, Youth, and Families, Disabilities and/or Self-Designed Pathway
Enrollment Options: Part Time
Coursework Credits: 35–62 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 1,240 Hours for Traditional MSW
Length of Program: 16–28 Months
Content Information:
- Website: Master of Social Work Online at the University of New Hampshire
- Phone: (855) 250-6699
University of North Dakota
Program Name: Master of Social Work (MSW) for Non-BSW Students
Specializations/Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
Enrollment Options: Part Time
Coursework Credits: 36–60 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 500–950 Hours
Length of Program: 1–3 Years
Content Information:
- Website: Master of Social Work at the University of North Dakota
- Phone: (800) 225-5863
University of Southern California – Sponsored Program
Program Name: Master of Social Work
Departments:
- Adult Mental Health and Wellness
- Children, Youth and Families
- Social Change and Innovation
Tracks:
- Military Social Work
- School Social Work
Enrollment Options: Full Time or Part Time
Coursework Credits:
- Traditional: 60 Units
- Advanced Standing: 37 Units
Clinical Practice Hours:
- Traditional: 1,000 Hours
- Advanced Standing: 790 Hours
Length of Program: As few as 12 months
Sponsored Online Social Work Program
University of Texas at Arlington
Program Name: MSW Online Program
Specializations/Concentrations: Aging, Children and Families, Mental Health and Substance Abuse or Community and Administrative Practice
Enrollment Options: Full Time and Part Time
Coursework Credits: 38–61 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 480–960 Hours
Length of Program: 1–3 Years
Content Information:
- Website: MSW Online Program at the University of Texas at Arlington
- Phone: (817) 272-1044
Western New Mexico University
Program Name: Master of Social Work
Specializations/Concentrations: Advanced Generalist
Enrollment Options: Full Time or Part Time
Coursework Credits: 39–60 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 450–900 Hours
Length of Program: 24–36 Months
Content Information:
- Website: Master of Social Work at Western New Mexico University
- Phone: (575) 538-6421
Widener University
Program Name: Online Master of Social Work
Specializations/Concentrations: Trauma-Focused
Enrollment Options: Part Time
Coursework Credits: 41–64 Credits
Clinical Practice Hours: 1,100 Hours
Length of Program: 2–3+ Years Months
Content Information:
- Website: Online Master of Social Work at Widener University
- Phone: (844) 386-7321
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 hospitals 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. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that social work employment will grow 12% from 2020 to 2030, creating approximately 78,300 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 $51,760 in 2020, 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.
Information on this page was last retrieved in September 2021.