The Best Online MSW Programs of 2023
Written by Ann Feeney, SocialWorkLicensure.org Rankings Team
Last Updated: June 2023
An online master of social work (MSW) can open exciting career pathways. This degree prepares you to earn a licensed master social worker (LMSW) or a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) credential and practice social work at a higher level.
This guide to earning an online master’s in social work explains what to expect, outlines the top online MSW programs, and describes typical careers and salaries. Whether you’re still in school or experienced in social work, learn more about this promising step today.
What to Expect From a Social Work Degree Program
Whether you attend a master’s in social work online or on campus, an MSW combines classroom learning and fieldwork to prepare graduates for general or clinical social work. Most MSW students plan to earn LMSW or LCSW licenses after graduating. The education and experience requirements for these licenses vary by state, so check with your state board of social work for details.
MSW programs include extensive fieldwork. If you plan to attend an online master’s in social work outside your community, make sure you can find a local placement or travel to placement sites.
If you have a BSW, you may qualify for advanced standing, allowing you to finish an MSW in approximately one year. The specific time depends on the program. Most MSW programs welcome applicants with other undergraduate degrees, and the standard program typically takes approximately two years.
Featured Online Social Work Programs
The Best Social Work Degree Programs
While the best online master’s in social work depends on your preferences and interests, this list includes programs that rank highly on objective measures, such as cost and graduation rate.
- Accreditation: The most important consideration for prospective social workers should be accreditation — only graduates of accredited programs qualify for licensure. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national accrediting body for the field. All the online master’s in social work programs in this guide and all programs on this website are accredited.
- Fieldwork Experience: Fieldwork is key to your ability to practice professionally. While classroom learning in your MSW online program teaches theory, concepts, and terminology, fieldwork demonstrates how these ideas play out in real-world scenarios.
- Tuition and Education Costs: Tuition, fees, and other expenses are a major consideration, even for an online master’s in social work that does not require room and board. The best online MSW programs offer strong overall value for their cost.
We use a data-driven methodology to determine the best social work degree programs based on affordability, academics, and reputation.
1. University of Central Florida
University of Central Florida‘s (UCF) master of social work (MSW) is our top choice among the best online MSWs. UCF features a three-year cohort-based program and a four-semester advanced standing track. The program emphasizes clinical practice grounded in diversity and social and economic justice.
The curriculum includes courses in clinical social work practice with the LGBTQ+ community, diverse populations, and families. Students complete hands-on field experience hours in their local communities. The school encourages each applicant to speak with a success coach.
- Program(s): Master of Social Work
- Campus: Orlando, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Tuition: $487 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (BSW with 3.3 GPA for advanced standing)
- Minimum Time Commitment: 16 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
2. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Master of science in social work students at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) can opt for accelerated online learning. UTRGV offers advanced standing and entry-level tracks in two concentration areas: administration and community practice or direct practice with Latino individuals, families, and groups.
Coursework includes advanced clinical assessment; advanced policy analysis and development; social work with diverse populations; spirituality and social work; and social work practice with Latinos. Enrollees also complete electives and field education.
- Program(s): Master of Science in Social Work
- Campus: Brownsville, Texas
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Tuition: $577-$724 per credit for Texas residents; $985-$1,132 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree with 3.0 GPA and completion of basic statistics (BSW with 3.2 GPA for advanced standing)
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
3. University of South Florida
The fully online master of social work at the University of South Florida (USF) prepares clinical social work practitioners. The program offers full-time and part-time options, along with traditional and advanced standing tracks.
The curriculum includes foundation courses (waived for those in advanced standing), core and required courses, field experience, electives, and a capstone project applicable to a current field practicum case.
USF prefers applicants with one year of post-undergraduate professional or volunteer work in social service agencies.
- Program(s): Master of Social Work
- Campus: Tampa, Florida
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Tuition: $468 per credit for Florida residents; $914 per credit for out-of-state students
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (BSW with B- in undergraduate social work courses for advanced standing); minimum 3.0 GPA; liberal arts prerequisites
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
4. California State University, San Bernardino
California State University, San Bernardino offers one of the best online master of social work (MSW) programs through its College of Extended and Global Education.
Distance learning is available to students who live too far from campus (or another MSW program) or who have work or other obligations that prohibit in-person learning. Enrollees come to campus only to attend a three-day orientation.
The program prepares generalist social workers skilled in micro and macro practice. Advanced standing is not available online.
- Program(s): Master of Social Work
- Campus: San Bernardino, California
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Tuition: $650 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; minimum 3.0 GPA; liberal arts background with coursework in human behavior, human physiology, and social science research; paid or volunteer social work-related experience
- Minimum Time Commitment: Three academic years
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
5. Tulane University
The online master of social work program at Tulane University features a clinical-community curriculum inspired by New Orleans’ community activism and resilience following natural disasters. The course structure allows students to refine a specialization as they progress.
Distance learners can study full time or part time and apply for advanced standing if they hold bachelor of social work degrees with strong academic credentials. Faculty members pair each student with an organizational partner to complete fieldwork hours in their communities.
- Program(s): Master of Social Work
- Campus: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- Tuition: $1,276 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (BSW with 3.3 GPA for advanced standing); minimum 3.0 GPA; interest in advocating for oppressed groups and working in disaster and trauma relief and recovery
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: No
Paying for a Social Work Degree Program
Costs vary significantly, but you can generally expect to pay $10,000-$16,000 per year for tuition and fees for an online MSW. Public schools tend to charge less than private schools, especially for students eligible for in-state tuition.
You will also need to factor in costs relating to buying or renting books, transportation to fieldwork or on-campus components, and a high-speed internet connection — especially if your online MSW has synchronous classes.
If your dream school seems out of reach, consider options for financial aid like grants, scholarships, and loans. If you become an LCSW, you may qualify for loan forgiveness if, once you are licensed, you work in a health professional shortage area.
Careers and Salary with a Social Work Degree
Social work offers many career opportunities across diverse settings. Common specialties include child and family, clinical, school, medical, geriatric, criminal justice, and community social work.
Some online master’s in social work programs offer formal specialties, while others have electives and fieldwork placements that allow you to specialize. Depending on the state, you may be able to earn an LMSW license shortly after you graduate. Most states require more extensive supervised experience to earn an LCSW license.
As of June 2023, Payscale reports an average annual base salary of $52,180 for social workers with MSWs. On average, the lowest-paid 10% of these professionals earn $39,000 or less, and the highest-paid 10% of salaries are $71,000 or more. Social worker salaries will vary based on geographic location, experience, licensing and certification, and responsibility level.
Frequently Asked Questions About MSW Degrees
Is an online master’s in social work worth it?
The answer depends on your career, financial, and personal goals, but many social workers find it very satisfying to help people, especially in some of society’s most vulnerable populations. An MSW prepares you for some of the higher-paying licenses in social work.
What is the difference between an LMSW and an LCSW?
An LCSW is licensed to diagnose certain mental health conditions and provide counseling for those conditions, as well as providing general social work services. An LMSW is licensed only to provide general social work services. Both licenses require an MSW, but the LCSW typically requires more hours of supervised professional clinical experience.
Is fieldwork experience required for a master’s in social work?
Yes — all MSW programs, even online master’s in social work degrees, require fieldwork. Each program has specific requirements, but fieldwork is a vital component of social work education and makes up a substantial number of required credits. In addition to introducing you to real-world settings, fieldwork is an opportunity to begin building your professional network.
Can you earn a master’s in social work online?
There are many excellent master’s in social work online programs. This guide lists the top online MSW programs based on criteria such as academic offerings and value.
