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 obtain the necessary credentials by completing 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 exception. 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:

List of Online MSW Programs with No GRE Required

List of Online MSW Programs with No GRE Required
School – State Program Structure GRE Exceptions Additional Admissions Information
Scroll to Arizona State University – Tempe, AZ Online Not Required
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 in Last 60 Credit Hours
  • 240 Hours of Volunteer/Work Experience
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
  • No GPA Requirement for Traditional or Human Services Experience Track
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 for Advanced Standing Applicants
Scroll to California State University, Northridge – Los Angeles, CA Online Not Required
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5
  • Competitive Candidates Have a Minimum 3.0 GPA
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.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.8 for the Two Year Program
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 for the Advanced Standing Program
Scroll to Humboldt State University – Arcata, CA Some Campus Visits Required Not Required
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Coursework in Elementary Statistics and Native American Studies
Scroll to Indiana University – Bloomington, IN Some Campus Visits Required Not Required
  • No Minimum GPA
  • Liberal Arts Perspective Undergraduate Degree
Scroll to Our Lady of the Lake University – San Antonio, TX Online Not Required
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 for the Foundation Program
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 for the Advanced Standing Program
Scroll to Portland State University – Portland, OR Some Campus Visits Required Not Required
  • Minimum GPA of 2.75
  • Social Work Related Experience
Scroll to Rutgers University – New Brunswick, NJ Online Not Required
  • Minimum Undergraduate GPA of 3.0
  • Introduction to Statistics Course
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
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 Preferred
  • Minimum GPA of 3.5 for Advanced Students from Undergraduate Program and 3.2 GPA in Bachelor’s Degree
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
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 Preferred
  • Human Biology and Statistics Courses Completed
  • Minimum GPA of 3.5 for BSW Applicants in BSW Courses
  • Must Be a Resident of Alaska
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
  • Undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher
  • 3.0 GPA Preferred
Scroll to University of Louisville – Louisville, KY Online Not Required
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Preferred Minimum GPA of 3.25 for BSW Applicants for BSW Coursework
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
  • 3.0 GPA is preferred
  • For the advanced standing program, a 3.25 overall GPA and 3.5 GPA in all college-level social work courses are required.
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
  • Minimum GPA of 2.75
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0 for BSW Applicants in BSW Courses
Scroll to Widener University – Chester, PA Online Not Required
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Minimum GPA of 3.3 for BSW Applicants in BSW Courses

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.

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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:

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

Learn more about the Master of Social Work online program from Baylor University.

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:

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:

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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:

Case Western Reserve University – Sponsored Program

Program Name: Online Social Work at CWRU
Degree Conferred: Master of Science in Social Work Administration
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 3 semesters.
    • Specialized Year: 600 hours total (10-12 hours per week) over the course of 4 semesters.
  • Advanced Standing: 
    • 900 hours (10-12 hours per week) over the course of 6 semesters.
    • Students begin this placement in the first semester of the MSSA program.

Length of Program: As few as two years

Learn more about Online Social Work at CWRU.

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:

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:

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:

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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:

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:

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: 3 Years
Content Information:

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:

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

Learn more info about the online Master of Social Work program from Simmons University.

Sponsored Online Social Work Program

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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:

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:

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:

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:

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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:

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. 

Learn more about the online Master of Social Work program from the University of Denver.

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:

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:

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:

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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:

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

Learn more about the online Master of Social Work program from the University of Southern California.

Sponsored Online Social Work Program

University of Texas at Arlington

Program Name: MSSW 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:

Western New Mexico University

Program Name: Master’s 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:

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:

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What to Expect After Completing a Program

Graduates of online MSW programs 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 top MSW online- no-GRE programs 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 will depend on the program.

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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 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 health care systems to advocate for policies that improve health care access for vulnerable populations. Many medical social workers practice in inpatient and outpatient medical facilities.

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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 13% from 2019 to 2029, creating approximately 90,700 new jobs. Employment growth will be driven by increased demand for health care 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:

Information on this page was last retrieved in May 2020.

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