FAQ: Are there any two-year online MSW programs?

Yes. Some online Master of Social Work programs offer traditional, full-time pathways that can be completed in about 2 years.

These programs are generally designed for students who do not have a Bachelor of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program or who do not qualify for advanced standing. Schools may describe these options as two-year, 24-month, accelerated full-time, traditional, or regular-standing online MSW programs.

In most cases, “online” refers to the format of the coursework. CSWE-accredited MSW programs also require field education, which students typically complete in person at approved agencies in their local area or another approved setting.

The programs listed below were reviewed and updated in April 2026. Program details, including timelines, delivery formats, accreditation status, and field placement policies, may change. Confirm current information directly with each university before applying.

Two-Year MSW vs. Advanced Standing MSW

A two-year online MSW is usually a traditional or regular-standing pathway for students who do not have a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program. Advanced-standing MSW programs are typically shorter and designed for students who already hold a CSWE-accredited BSW.

Already have a BSW? If you earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program, you may qualify for an advanced-standing MSW pathway, which is typically shorter than a traditional two-year MSW. Compare advanced standing MSW programs.

Field Placement in Two-Year Online MSW Programs

Even when MSW coursework is offered online, students are typically required to complete field education through approved agencies or organizations. Field placements give students supervised, hands-on experience in social work settings and are a required part of CSWE-accredited MSW programs.

Placement policies vary by school. Some online MSW programs help students identify approved field sites near their homes, while others expect students to take a more active role in finding potential placements. Before applying, ask each university how field placements are arranged, whether placements are available in your state, and how many in-person hours are required.

Questions to ask about field placement:

• Does the program help students find field placement sites?
• Can field education be completed near where I live?
• Are there restrictions based on my state or location?
• How many field hours are required for the traditional MSW pathway?
• Are evening, weekend, or employment-based placements available?
• What happens if I cannot secure a placement on the expected timeline?

Questions to Ask Before Applying

Before applying, consider asking each school:

• Is the two-year timeline available to all full-time traditional MSW students?
• Are courses synchronous, asynchronous, or a mix of both?
• Is the program CSWE-accredited?
• Are there campus visits, residencies, or other in-person requirements?
• What happens if I need to switch from full-time to part-time?
• What is the total estimated cost, including tuition and fees?
• Are there application deadlines or cohort start dates I should know about?

Confirm Program Details Before Applying

Program timelines, course formats, field placement policies, and state authorization rules can change. Before applying, confirm with each university that the two-year or full-time pathway is currently available, that the program is CSWE-accredited, and that you can complete required field education in your state.

More FAQs about Online MSW Programs

• FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs for non-BSW students?
• FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs that do not require the GRE?
• FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs that have multiple start dates?
• FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs that start in the Spring?
• FAQ: Are there any online MSW programs with a trauma concentration?
• FAQ: Can you get an MSW without a BSW?
• FAQ: MSW vs. LCSW
• FAQ: MSW vs. MSSW vs. MSSA
• FAQ: What are the GPA requirements for online MSW programs?
• FAQ: What is the difference between micro, mezzo and macro social work?
• FAQ: What are the highest-paying social work jobs?