Master of Social Work (MSW) programs with a clinical concentration are designed to help prepare students to become licensed clinical social workers (LCSW). In addition to foundation level social work courses, they focus on the skills needed to provide social work services and treatment to individuals (children, youth, and adults) and small groups (couples and families). Students are taught advanced assessment techniques, how to diagnose and treat psychosocial problems, and how to develop, promote, and restore mental health and social functioning. In addition, students are taught how to evaluate their own practice and intervention techniques. Currently, there are 22 online MSW programs accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) that offer a clinical or mental health concentration.
All Online MSW Programs with Clinical Social Work/Mental Health Concentration
| School Name | Live Classes | Mobile App (Offline Capable) |
Field Placement Services | Class Size Under 15 |
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| Fordham University |  |
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| University of Denver | |
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| University of Southern California (USC) | |
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| Simmons College | |
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| School Name | Live Classes | Mobile App (Offline Capable) |
Field Placement Services | Class Size Under 15 |
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| Boise State University | |
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| Boston University | |
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| Case Western Reserve University | |
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| Columbia University | |
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| Florida State University | |
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| Louisiana State University | |
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| Rutgers University | |
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| Saint Leo University | ||||
| The Catholic University of America | ||||
| University at Buffalo (SUNY) | |
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| University of Central Florida | |
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| University of Houston | |
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| University of Missouri | |
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| University of New England | ||||
| University of New Hampshire | |
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| University of Tennessee, Knoxville | |
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| University of Texas - Arlington | |
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| Widener University |
Requirements for Clinical Social Work Licensing
An MSW from a graduate program accredited by the CSWE is required to become an LCSW in the United States. While the terms are sometimes used synonymously, schools do not directly offer “LCSW programs;” they offer MSW programs. However, students who wish to pursue licensing following graduation may want to consider an online MSW program with a clinical concentration, depending on their state of residence.
Licensing for social workers is determined by state-specific social work licensing boards. Therefore, licensing requirements vary by state. Students should research the requirements for licensing in their state of residence to ensure that the MSW program they choose will meet the requirements for licensing. In some states, it is not required to complete an MSW program with a clinical concentration to become an LCSW. In these situations, students may be required to complete additional coursework in order to meet the requirements for licensing. However, some states do have specific requirements that students need to be aware of if they plan to pursue a career as an LCSW after graduation.
For example, New York requires applicants to have completed at least 12 hours of clinical coursework. In this case, coursework may be completed during or after an MSW program (restrictions may apply). In Florida, applicants are required to have provided clinical services directly to clients during at least one of their field education placements. In New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice requires applicants to complete at least one year of face-to-face instruction during their MSW program; therefore, students are actually required to attend a campus or hybrid program if they want to pursue licensing after graduation.
Check out our resource section for more information on how to become a licensed clinical social worker. To become an LCSW, students must have dedication and commitment; earning an MSW is just the first step. Licensing typically takes two to three years post-graduation and requires a significant amount of work experience in the field.
Coursework for Online MSW Programs with a Clinical Concentration
While specific courses for online MSW degree programs vary, students should expect to take coursework in the following areas:
- Clinical Social Work Practice: Individuals (Children, Youth and Adults) and Small Groups (Couples and Families)
- Mental Health and Human Behavior
- Psychopathology
- Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
- Evaluation of Research Methods and Social Work Practice
In addition to coursework, all students are required to complete field education at a local health services agency. Typically, students in traditional MSW programs complete their clinical field rotation during their advanced standing year in the program (i.e. second year for full-time programs).
Visit our CSWE accredited online MSW programs page for a full list of universities that offer online MSW programs.
American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Social Workers
California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice
New York State Education Department – Office of the Professions
Online Clinical Social Work Programs (Schools are Listed Alphabetically)
FEATURED PART-TIME ONLINE MSW PROGRAMS (NO GRE REQUIRED)
| SCHOOL | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Fordham University | An Online MSW with a Future-Focused Curriculum |
| University of Denver | A Social Justice–Focused Online MSW |
| University of Southern California (USC) | Top-Ranked Program with Multiple Concentrations and Options |
| Simmons College | Top-Ranked Clinical Social Work Program with Specializations |
These schools offer online MSW programs with 100% online instruction - no campus visits required
Sponsored MSW Programs
Boise State University: School of Social Work
Program Overview
Program Name: Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Graduate Program
Program Information
Structure: Online with field work (no campus visits required)
Concentrations: Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Program Options: Full-Time and Part-Time Options
Instruction Methods: Program mainly uses asynchronous instruction and students can access course materials at times that are convenient for them. However, some instructors may hold live synchronous discussions with students.
Eligibility Restrictions: Program does not currently accept students from Alabama, DC, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky or North Carolina.
Boston University: Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW)
Program Overview
Program Name: Online Master of Social Work Program
Program Information
Structure: Online with field education experiences (no campus visits or residency requirements)
Concentrations: Clinical Social Work Practice
Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Program Options: Part-Time Only
Instruction Methods: Program has both synchronous and asynchronous instruction – students are notified in advance and the face-to-face components are at pre-determined times
Eligibility Restrictions: Program is not available to students who reside within the Massachusetts route 128 corridor or for students who live in New Hampshire or Maryland
Case Western Reserve University: Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences
Program Overview
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA)
Program Information
Structure: Online with field instruction (no campus visits required)
Concentrations: Direct Practice: Children, Youth and Families (CYF) or Mental Health/Adult (MHA)
Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Program Options: Part-Time Only (online students are categorized as full-time students)
Instruction Methods: Program is designed for working professionals with eight week courses – program follows a cohort model (although students may enter or leave cohorts) with both synchronous and asynchronous instruction depending on the course and instructor.
Eligibility Restrictions: Program does not currently accept students who are residents of Alabama
Columbia University: School of Social Work *Campus Visits Required*
Program Overview
Program Name: Online Master of Science in Social Work
Program Information
Structure: Online with field education (students must visit the campus twice during the program for orientation and a final Capstone Integrative Project)
Concentrations: Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice
Degree Types: Traditional Standing Only
Program Options: Full-Time and Part-Time Options
Instruction Methods: Program combines synchronous real-time instruction using Adobe Connect with offline learning through the Canvas learning management system
Eligibility Restrictions: Program currently only accepts students from New Jersey and who live in the following metropolitan areas: New York City, Albany, Buffalo, and Syracuse (NY); Hartford and Stamford (CT); Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg (PA); Washington, D.C.; Miami/West Palm Beach (FL); Chicago (IL); San Antonio, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Austin, and Houston (TX); San Francisco and Los Angeles (CA)
Florida State University: College of Social Work
Program Overview
Program Name: MSW Online Program
Program Information
Structure: Online with field placements
Concentrations: Clinical Social Work Practice
Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Program Options: Part-Time Only
Instruction Methods: The majority of instruction is asynchronous and students typically take two courses per semester. Traditional program requires four weekend skill building sessions that are located within driving distance of FSU’s coverage areas. These skill building sessions are not required for students in the advanced standing program.
Eligibility Restrictions: Program only accepts students from specific counties in the following states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota (http://csw.fsu.edu/academics/master-of-social-work/msw-online/coverage-programs/)
Fordham University: Graduate School of Social Service
Program Overview
Program Name: Online Master of Social Work Program
Program Information – Traditional Students
Structure: Online with field placements (no requirement for online students to attend campus)
Concentrations: Clinical Social Work
Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Program Options: Part-Time Only
Instruction Methods: Most courses have asynchronous instruction and do not require students to be online at specific times. Program follows a cohort model with courses that are eight weeks in length – students typically take two courses in the Fall and Spring and one course in the Summer.
Eligibility Restrictions: Program only accepts students from Connecticut, New Jersey and New York
Louisiana State University: School of Social Work
Program Overview
Program Name: MSW Online program
Program Information
Structure: Online with field education (no campus visits required)
Concentrations: Advanced Direct Social Work Practice
Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Program Options: Full-Time or Part-Time (Traditional Students); Full-Time Only (Advanced Standing)
Instruction Methods: Program uses asynchronous instruction and courses are 7 weeks long allowing students to start the program at various times throughout the year
Eligibility Restrictions: Program does not currently accept students from Alabama, Georgia, Massachusetts and Washington
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey: School of Social Work
Program Overview
Program Name: Online MSW program in Clinical Social Work
Program Information
Structure: Online with field placements (courses are 100% online)
Concentrations: Clinical Social Work
Degree Types: Traditional Standing Only
Program Options: Part-Time Only
Instruction Methods: Classes are asynchronous and typically do not meet at set times. Third year students in their advanced clinical courses will have the option of either asynchronous or synchronous instruction if they wish to meet in real-time with teachers and classmates.
Eligibility Restrictions: Rutgers’ online MSW program does not currently accept students from Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Maryland, Minnesota, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
Saint Leo University: School of Education & Social Services *Campus Visits Required*
Program Overview
Program Name: M.S.W. Advanced Clinical Practice
Location: Florida
Program Information
Structure: Online with field experience (note: students must visit the campus one weekend during the summer)
Concentrations: Advanced Clinical Practice
Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Program Options: Full-Time or Part-Time (Traditional Students); Full-Time Only (Advanced Standing)
Instruction Methods: Program has sequential classes that must be taken in order – courses have weekly evening classes with synchronous instruction that requires students to be online at specific times. Students must also attend a one weekend seminar on campus during the summer.
Eligibility Restrictions: Program only accepts students who are residents and live in the following states: Florida, Georgia and Virginia
Simmons College – School of Social Work
Program Overview
Program Name: SocialWork@Simmons
Program Information
Structure: Online with field education (no campus visits required)
Concentrations: Clinical Social Work with specializations: Child and Family, Trauma and Interpersonal Violence, Mental Health and Addictions, Health and Aging
Degree Types: Traditional Standing
Program Options: Full-Time or Part-Time (Traditional Students)
Instruction Methods: Program follows a cohort model and classes use synchronous instruction where students attend live seminar-style classes and discussions – classes are small with no more than 15 students
Sponsored MSW Program
The Catholic University of America: National Catholic School of Social Service
Program Overview
Program Name: Online Clinical Master of Social Work (MSW)
Program Information
Structure: Online with field education (no campus visits required)
Concentrations: Clinical Concentration
Degree Options: Traditional Standing Only
Program Options: Part-Time Only
Instruction Methods: Program follows a cohort model but exceptions can be made in the event that a student needs to take some time off – program has year-round classes and the majority of instruction should be asynchronous
University at Buffalo (SUNY): School of Social Work
Program Overview
Program Name: MSW Online Program
Program Information
Structure: Online with field instruction (no campus visits required)
Concentrations: Evidence-based practice with a trauma-informed and human rights perspective
Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Program Options: Part-Time Only
Instruction Methods: Program follows a cohort model – all foundation level courses are offered online and several advanced year study courses are also available online, depending on the electives chosen, students can complete the degree with 100% online classes
University of Central Florida: School of Social Work
Program Overview
Program Name: Master of Social Work Online MSW
Program Information
Structure: Online with field education (no campus visits required)
Concentrations: Behavioral Health and Child Welfare Services
Degree Types: Traditional Standing Only
Program Options: Part-Time Only
Instruction Methods: Program uses a cohort model and courses are 7.5 weeks long – students take one course per term
Eligibility Restrictions: Program does not currently accept students from Minnesota, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon and Tennessee
University of Houston: Graduate College of Social Work
Program Overview
Program Name: Online MSW Program
Program Information
Structure: Online with field work (no campus visits required)
Concentrations: Clinical Practice: Health and Behavioral Health
Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Program Options: Part-Time Only
Instruction Methods: Program uses a cohort model and classes use both synchronous and asynchronous instruction
Eligibility Restrictions: Program only accepts students from certain states: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin (http://www.uh.edu/socialwork/academics/msw/online-program/)
University of Missouri: School of Social Work
Program Overview
Program Name: Online Master of Social Work Program
Program Information
Structure: Online with field education (no campus visits required)
Concentrations: Advanced Clinical Practice
Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Program Options: Part-Time Only
Instruction Methods: Program uses a cohort model with asynchronous instruction – some live synchronous sections are required for role playing and interacting with classmates and instructors
Eligibility Restrictions: Program is only available to students in Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois
University of New England (UNE): Westbrook College of Health Professions
Program Overview
Program Name: Master of Social Work
Program Information
Structure: Online with field placements (no campus visits or residency requirements)
Concentrations: Clinical Practice: Individual, Families, and Groups (IFG)
Degree Options: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Program Options: Part-Time Only (Part-Time and Accelerated Part-Time)
Instruction Methods: Program follows a cohort model with a set plan of study – instruction is asynchronous and there are no set times students have to log in to attend live classes
University of New Hampshire: Department of Social Work
Program Overview
Program Name: Master of Social Work Online
Program Information
Structure: Online with field education (no campus visits required)
Concentrations: Health and Mental Health; Addictions and Substance Abuse; Children, Youth, and Families; Disabilities
Degree Types: Traditional Standing Only
Program Options: Full-Time Only
Instruction Methods: Program follows a cohort model, but since the program accepts three cohorts per year, there is some flexibility for students in the program if needed. The majority of courses will have asynchronous instruction, however, some courses (particulary the practice courses) may require students to attend in real-time to interact with instructors and classmates (synchronous instruction).
University of Southern California (USC): USC Social Work
Program Overview
Program Name: MSW@USC
Program Information
Structure: Online with field education experiences (no campus visits or residency requirements)
Concentrations: Mental Health; Health
Degree Options: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Program Options: Full-Time and Part-Time Options
Instruction Methods: Program has both synchronous and asynchronous instruction – live seminar style classes are supplemented with dynamic self-paced content
Sponsored MSW Program
University of Tennessee at Knoxville: College of Social Work
Program Overview
Program Name: M.S.S.W. Distance Education Program
Program Information
Structure: Online with field placements (no campus visits or residency requirements)
Concentrations: Evidence Based Interpersonal Practice (Clinical)
Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Program Options: Full-Time and Part-Time Options
Instruction Methods: Both asynchronistic and synchronistic instruction – online students will know well in advance when evening lectures or discussions are scheduled. For students who live within driving distance of the Nashville campus (but are outside of 25 miles), some classes may meet on Saturdays (usually no more than three times per semester), but online students are all online.
University of Texas – Arlington: School of Social Work
Program Overview
Program Name: MSSW Online Program
Program Information
Structure: Online with field practice (no campus requirement)
Concentrations: Direct Practice with Children and Families
Degree Types: Traditional and Advanced Standing
Program Options: Part-Time Only
Instruction Methods: Program follows a cohort model – program may have both synchronous and asynchronous instruction as it depends on the class and instructor
Currently the program is only open to Texas residents living within Texas
Widener University: School of Human Service Professions
Program Overview
Program Name: Online Master Of Social Work
Program Information
Structure: Online with field instruction (no campus visits required)
Concentrations: Clinical Social Work Specializing in Trauma
Degree Types: Traditional Standing Only
Program Options: Part-Time Only
Instruction Methods: Program follows a fixed curriculum path with electives and the majority of instruction is asynchronous.
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