Online MSW Programs with a Clinical Social Work Concentration (Online LCSW Programs)
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.
- Aspiring clinical social workers can earn their Master of Social Work degree online in as few as 16 months
- No GRE required to apply
Sponsored
Table of Contents
- What is Clinical Social Work?
- List of Online MSW Programs with Clinical Social Work/Mental Health Concentration
- Requirements for Clinical Social Work Licensing
- Coursework for Programs with a Clinical Concentration
- Detailed Insights into all Master's in Clinical Social Work Programs
- FAQs
Sponsored Online Social Work Programs
| School | Description |
|---|---|
| Fordham University | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-ranked Fordham Graduate School of Social Service. Bachelor's required. |
| University of Denver | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-20 ranked Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver. No GRE Required. |
| Case Western Reserve University | The CSWE-accredited Master of Science in Social Administration from CWRU is an online program for social work leaders. |
| Baylor University | Complete Baylor's Master of Social Work program online in as few as 12-16 months and start serving vulnerable populations in need. |
| University of Southern California (USC) | Apply to USC's innovative MSW program to take the next step in your social work career. No GRE required. |
| Simmons University | Simmons University's online Master of Social Work program can be completed in as few as 16 months, and GRE scores are not required. |
| School | Description |
|---|---|
| University of Southern California (USC) | Apply to USC's innovative MSW program to take the next step in your social work career. No GRE required. |
| University of Denver | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-20 ranked Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver. No GRE Required. |
| Baylor University | Complete Baylor's Master of Social Work program online in as few as 12-16 months and start serving vulnerable populations in need. |
| Case Western Reserve University | The CSWE-accredited Master of Science in Social Administration from CWRU is an online program for social work leaders. |
| Simmons University | Simmons University's online Master of Social Work program can be completed in as few as 16 months, and GRE scores are not required. |
| Fordham University | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-ranked Fordham Graduate School of Social Service. Bachelor's required. |
| School | Description |
|---|---|
| Fordham University | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-ranked Fordham Graduate School of Social Service. Bachelor's required. |
| Case Western Reserve University | The CSWE-accredited Master of Science in Social Administration from CWRU is an online program for social work leaders. |
| University of Denver | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-20 ranked Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver. No GRE Required. |
| Simmons University | Simmons University's online Master of Social Work program can be completed in as few as 16 months, and GRE scores are not required. |
| Baylor University | Complete Baylor's Master of Social Work program online in as few as 12-16 months and start serving vulnerable populations in need. |
| University of Southern California (USC) | Apply to USC's innovative MSW program to take the next step in your social work career. No GRE required. |
| School | Description |
|---|---|
| Case Western Reserve University | The CSWE-accredited Master of Science in Social Administration from CWRU is an online program for social work leaders. |
| University of Denver | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-20 ranked Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver. No GRE Required. |
| Simmons University | Simmons University's online Master of Social Work program can be completed in as few as 16 months, and GRE scores are not required. |
| Fordham University | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-ranked Fordham Graduate School of Social Service. Bachelor's required. |
| Baylor University | Complete Baylor's Master of Social Work program online in as few as 12-16 months and start serving vulnerable populations in need. |
| University of Southern California (USC) | Apply to USC's innovative MSW program to take the next step in your social work career. No GRE required. |
| School | Description |
|---|---|
| Simmons University | Simmons University's online Master of Social Work program can be completed in as few as 16 months, and GRE scores are not required. |
| Fordham University | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-ranked Fordham Graduate School of Social Service. Bachelor's required. |
| Case Western Reserve University | The CSWE-accredited Master of Science in Social Administration from CWRU is an online program for social work leaders. |
| University of Denver | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-20 ranked Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver. No GRE Required. |
| University of Southern California (USC) | Apply to USC's innovative MSW program to take the next step in your social work career. No GRE required. |
| Baylor University | Complete Baylor's Master of Social Work program online in as few as 12-16 months and start serving vulnerable populations in need. |
| School | Description |
|---|---|
| University of Southern California (USC) | Apply to USC's innovative MSW program to take the next step in your social work career. No GRE required. |
| University of Denver | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-20 ranked Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver. No GRE Required. |
| Fordham University | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-ranked Fordham Graduate School of Social Service. Bachelor's required. |
| Case Western Reserve University | The CSWE-accredited Master of Science in Social Administration from CWRU is an online program for social work leaders. |
| Baylor University | Complete Baylor's Master of Social Work program online in as few as 12-16 months and start serving vulnerable populations in need. |
| Simmons University | Simmons University's online Master of Social Work program can be completed in as few as 16 months, and GRE scores are not required. |
| School | Description |
|---|---|
| Baylor University | Complete Baylor's Master of Social Work program online in as few as 12-16 months and start serving vulnerable populations in need. |
| Case Western Reserve University | The CSWE-accredited Master of Science in Social Administration from CWRU is an online program for social work leaders. |
| University of Denver | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-20 ranked Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver. No GRE Required. |
| Fordham University | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-ranked Fordham Graduate School of Social Service. Bachelor's required. |
| Simmons University | Simmons University's online Master of Social Work program can be completed in as few as 16 months, and GRE scores are not required. |
| University of Southern California (USC) | Apply to USC's innovative MSW program to take the next step in your social work career. No GRE required. |
| School | Description |
|---|---|
| University of Denver | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-20 ranked Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver. No GRE Required. |
| Baylor University | Complete Baylor's Master of Social Work program online in as few as 12-16 months and start serving vulnerable populations in need. |
| Case Western Reserve University | The CSWE-accredited Master of Science in Social Administration from CWRU is an online program for social work leaders. |
| University of Southern California (USC) | Apply to USC's innovative MSW program to take the next step in your social work career. No GRE required. |
| Fordham University | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-ranked Fordham Graduate School of Social Service. Bachelor's required. |
| Simmons University | Simmons University's online Master of Social Work program can be completed in as few as 16 months, and GRE scores are not required. |
| School | Description |
|---|---|
| Baylor University | Complete Baylor's Master of Social Work program online in as few as 12-16 months and start serving vulnerable populations in need. |
| University of Denver | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-20 ranked Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver. No GRE Required. |
| Case Western Reserve University | The CSWE-accredited Master of Science in Social Administration from CWRU is an online program for social work leaders. |
| University of Southern California (USC) | Apply to USC's innovative MSW program to take the next step in your social work career. No GRE required. |
| Fordham University | Earn your Master of Social Work online from the top-ranked Fordham Graduate School of Social Service. Bachelor's required. |
| Simmons University | Simmons University's online Master of Social Work program can be completed in as few as 16 months, and GRE scores are not required. |
Sponsored Social Work Programs
What is Clinical Social Work?
Clinical social work is a specialty practice within the field of social work. Clinical social workers provide specialized support services to individuals and families experiencing problems with serious illness, substance abuse, or domestic conflict. Clinical social work differs from other social work roles as it requires a master’s degree in social work (MSW), supervised clinical experience, and a license to practice.
While non-clinical social workers offer counseling and support to clients, clinical social workers use specialized skills such as assessment, diagnosis, and interventions. Clinical social workers may provide counseling services for clients, in addition to psychotherapy, behavioral therapies, and other therapeutic clinical strategies.
What Does It Mean to Be a Clinical Social Worker?
Clinical social workers provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention education for those with mental illness or behavioral disturbances. A clinical social worker must be licensed or certified within their state of practice. There is a range of settings in which clinical social workers may work, including community mental health, hospitals, primary care, agencies, and private practice.
We’ve interviewed professionals working in the field of clinical social work, here is what they say:
Samantha Roberts, (LCSW) is a clinical case manager at the University of California, San Francisco’s (UCSF) Citywide program.
“I take on a number of roles; therapist, advocate, case worker and crisis manager, to name a few,” says Roberts. “I work with clients 18 years and older who have a severe mental illness, i.e. schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder with psychotic features, and delusion disorder are some of the diagnoses, and are involved in the criminal justice system.”
Roberts explains that her role as a case manager is to help teach each client to live a healthy and stable life, to the best of their ability. “The modalities used with clients are different for each client and each CM. Personally, I find CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) to be the most useful, since the majority of my clients have poor insight, and respond better to concrete tasks.”
Beth Jakubanis is a licensed clinical social worker currently working within the field of immigration.
“Being an immigration social worker is a little bit like being a detective,” explains Jakubanis. “It is my responsibility to assemble all of the necessary clues which the client gives me to identify the biological, psychological, and social welfare concerns which will support their immigration application.”
Jakubanis explains that sometimes clients who go through the immigration process interface with a system which has become accustomed to processing people.
“A well-composed letter or evaluation can build empathy and humanity for the client while establishing their mental health functioning. An evaluation that does not capture the client’s experience accurately can result in a missed opportunity for the client,” she says.
What Are the Benefits of Specializing in Clinical Social Work?
Clinical social workers provide vital assistance and support to some of the most vulnerable sectors of the community. Those who work in the field point out that the work can be emotionally demanding, and requires the ability to thrive in sometimes challenging circumstances.
In addition to providing clinical support for clients, clinical social workers often also undergo training, perform administrative work, liaise with institutions such as hospitals or the justice system, or undertake managerial roles. The work is highly varied, with the potential to practice in diverse fields. One distinctive benefit is that clinical social workers can sometimes schedule their work with greater flexibility.
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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| Boise State 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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| Simmons University | |
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| 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 New England | ||||
| University of New Hampshire | |
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| University of Tennessee, Knoxville | |
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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, social work 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.
Resources:
Coursework for Online MSW Programs with a Clinical Concentration
While specific courses for online MSW degree programs vary, students will undertake coursework in the following core areas:
Clinical Social Work Practice: Individuals (Children, Youth and Adults) and Small Groups (Couples and Families)
This course is focused on the transactional relationships between people and their social environments. A key learning outcome of this course is the acquisition of social work practice methods to help restore, promote, and maintain functioning between individuals, families and small groups. The course is grounded in behavioral and social science theories, and informed by social work values and ethics. The course also teaches clinical interventions as they relate to individuals, families, and small groups.
Mental Health and Human Behavior
This course centers on developing students’ foundational knowledge of human behavior by reviewing human development theories. Key concepts within mental health, such as the notions of mental ill-health and mental illness are discussed, and explored within a conceptual framework. The classification of mental illness is also explored.
Psychopathology
Psychopathology is focused on the study of mental illness in order to best diagnose and treat it. In a psychopathology course, students familiarize themselves with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders V (DSM-5) which provides categories of mental disorders, such as the schizophrenia spectrum, and the criteria needed to evaluate them.
The course helps students to recognize some of the major mental disorders and appropriate treatment practices.
Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis
This course helps to build assessment competency in students. There is a strong focus on the use and application of the DSM-5 in understanding mental disorders. The limitations of the DSM are also explored.
A course in clinical assessment and diagnosis often considers the history of diagnosis. Diagnostic criteria are usually studied from a biopsychosocial perspective that also integrates neurobiological understanding. This course may also cover clinical interventions and treatment approaches.
Evaluation of Research Methods and Social Work Practice
An understanding of research methods is critical for clinical social workers to enhance their understanding of client needs and improve the services offered. This course provides an overview of different theoretical frameworks and methodologies to help students use a scientific and analytic approach to building knowledge and evaluating clinical services.
A course in research methods always explores the importance of ethical standards in research to protect vulnerable and marginalized populations.
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, which usually occurs in the second year for full-time programs.
Sponsored CSWE-Accredited Online Social Work Programs
| University Name | Live Classes | Offline Mobile App | Field Placement Services |
No Campus Visit Required |
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| Fordham University Master of Social Work |
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| Baylor University Master of Social Work |
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| Case Western Reserve University Master of Science in Social Administration |
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| University of Southern California (USC) Master of Social Work |
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| University of Denver Master of Social Work |
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| Simmons University Master of Social Work |
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Sponsored Programs
All Online Master's in Clinical Social Work Programs
There are several schools that offer CSWE accredited online Master of Social Work programs with a clinical social work or mental health concentration. Click on the school name for more information about the program, admission requirements, and more. As with all degree programs, this information can change at any time (especially student eligibility and admission requirements), so students should speak with an admission advisor before applying to ensure that they have the most up-to-date information.
Boise State University: School of Social Work
Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Graduate Program from Boise State University
Boise, Idaho
Program Information
- Structure: Asynchronous and Synchronous coursework
- Concentrations: Advanced Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families
- Degree Types: Traditional (61 credits) and Advanced Standing (37 credits)
- Program Options: Full-Time and Part-Time Options
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's Required
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal essay required
- GRE not required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
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)
Online Master of Social Work Program from Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
Program Information
- Structure: Asynchronous and Synchronous coursework
- Concentrations: Clinical Social Work Practice
- Degree Types: Traditional (65 credits) and Advanced Standing (43 credits)
- Program Options: Part-Time Only
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's Required
- Three references required
- Personal statement required
- GRE: N/A
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
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
Columbia University: School of Social Work
Online Master of Science in Social Work from Columbia University
New York City, New York
Program Information
- Structure: Synchronous coursework
- Concentrations: Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice
- Degree Types: Traditional Standing Only (60 credits)
- Program Options: Full-Time and Part-Time Options
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's Required
- Three references required
- Personal essay required
- GRE not required
- GPA: N/A
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
MSW Online Program from Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
Program Information
- Structure: Asynchronous coursework
- Concentrations: Clinical Social Work Practice
- Degree Types: Traditional (61 credit hours) and Advanced Standing (39 credit hours)
- Program Options: Part-Time Only
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's Required
- Minimum three letters of recommendation required
- Statement of purpose required
- GRE required
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
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/)
Louisiana State University: School of Social Work
MSW Online program from Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Program Information
- Structure: Asynchronous coursework
- Concentrations: Advanced Direct Social Work Practice
- Degree Types: Traditional (60 credit hours) and Advanced Standing (33 credit hours)
- Program Options: Full-Time or Part-Time (Traditional Students); Full-Time Only (Advanced Standing)
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's Required
- Three letters of recommendation required
- Letter of intent required
- GRE not required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
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
Online MSW program in Clinical Social Work from Rutgers University
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Program Information
- Structure: Asynchronous coursework
- Concentrations: Clinical Social Work
- Degree Types: Traditional Standing Only (60 credits)
- Program Options: Part-Time Only
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's Required
- Three letters of recommendation required
- Personal statement required
- GRE: N/A
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
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.
Simmons University: School of Social Work
SocialWork@Simmons
Boston, Massachusetts
Program Information
- Structure: Synchronous coursework
- Certificates Options: Trauma Practice, Mental Health Practice, Practice with Groups and Families
- Degree Types: Traditional (65 credits) and Advanced Standing (37 credits)
- Program Options: Full-Time or Part-Time (Traditional Students)
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s Required
- Minimum two letters of recommendation required
- GRE: N/A
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
Sponsored Online MSW Program
The Catholic University of America: National Catholic School of Social Service
Online Clinical Master of Social Work (MSW) from The Catholic University of America
Washington, D.C.
Program Information
- Structure: Asynchronous coursework
- Concentrations: Clinical Concentration
- Degree Options: Traditional Standing Only (60 credits)
- Program Options: Part-Time Only
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's Required
- Three references required
- Statement of purpose required
- GRE required
- Minimum 3.5 GPA
University at Buffalo (SUNY): School of Social Work
MSW Online Program from University at Buffalo (SUNY)
Buffalo, New York
Program Information
- Structure: Asynchronous and Synchronous coursework
- Concentrations: Evidence-based practice with a trauma-informed and human rights perspective
- Degree Types: Traditional (60 credit hours) and Advanced Standing (35 credit hours)
- Program Options: Part-Time Only
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's Required
- Three letters of recommendation required
- Personal statement essay required
- GRE required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
University of Central Florida: School of Social Work
Master of Social Work Online MSW from University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Program Information
- Structure: Asynchronous and Synchronous coursework
- Concentrations: Behavioral Health and Child Welfare Services
- Degree Types: Traditional Standing (60 credits) and Advanced Standing (32 credits)
- Program Options: Part-Time Only
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's Required
- Three letters of recommendation required
- Personal statement essay required
- GRE not required
- Minimum 3.3 GPA
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
Online MSW Program from University of Houston
Houston, Texas
Program Information
- Structure: Asynchronous and Synchronous coursework
- Concentrations: Clinical Practice: Health and Behavioral Health
- Degree Types: Traditional (63 semester credit hours) and Advanced Standing (38 semester credit hours)
- Program Options: Part-Time Only
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's Required
- Three letters of recommendation required
- Personal statement essay required
- GRE not required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
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 New England (UNE): Westbrook College of Health Professions
Master of Social Work from University of New England
Biddeford, Maine
Program Information
- Structure: Asynchronous coursework
- Concentrations: Clinical Practice: Individual, Families, and Groups (IFG)
- Degree Types: Traditional (64 credits) and Advanced Standing (35 credits)
- Program Options: Part-Time Only (Part-Time and Accelerated Part-Time)
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's Required
- Two references required
- Professional statements required
- GRE not required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
University of New Hampshire: Department of Social Work
Master of Social Work Online from University of New Hampshire
Durham, New Hampshire
Program Information
- Structure: Asynchronous and Synchronous coursework
- Concentrations: Health and Mental Health; Addictions and Substance Abuse; Children, Youth, and Families; Disabilities
- Degree Types: Traditional Standing Only (62 credit hours)
- Program Options: Full-Time Only
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's Requirement: N/A
- Minimum three letters of recommendation required
- Personal statement essay required
- GRE: N/A
- GPA: N/A
University of Tennessee at Knoxville: College of Social Work
M.S.S.W. Distance Education Program from University of Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee
Program Information
- Structure: Asynchronous and Synchronous coursework
- Concentrations: Evidence Based Interpersonal Practice (Clinical)
- Degree Types: Traditional (60 credits) and Advanced Standing (36 credits)
- Program Options: Full-Time and Part-Time Options
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's Required
- Three references required
- Professional statement required
- GRE not required
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
Widener University: School of Human Service Professions
Online Master Of Social Work (OMSW) from Widener University
Chester, Pennsylvania
Program Information
- Structure: Asynchronous coursework
- Concentrations: Clinical Social Work Specializing in Trauma
- Degree Types: Traditional Standing (64 credits) and Advanced Standing (36 credits)
- Program Options: Part-Time Only
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's Required
- Two letters of recommendation required
- Statement of purpose required
- GRE: N/A
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
Clinical Social Work Program FAQs
What can you do as a licensed clinical social worker?
Licensed clinical social workers can choose to work in a wide range of settings supporting diverse sectors of the community. Some of the options available include: the criminal justice system, children and their families, schools, geriatric communities, the LGBTQI community, and medical and psychiatric settings.
Interviews with licensed clinical social workers can help you learn more about the specific roles and responsibilities within different fields.
What is the difference between an MSW and LCSW?
An MSW refers to a graduate degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. An LCSW is a social worker who holds a master’s of social work and has been licensed by his or her state of residence to provide clinical services to patients. To practice as a clinical social worker in the United States, you must first earn a master’s degree and a professional license. Learn more about the difference between an MSW and LCSW.
How long does it take to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW)?
The title of LCSW is the highest level of licensure available to social workers. Only licensed clinical social workers are permitted to practice in private settings. To become an LCSW, candidates must obtain a masters degree from a university course accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, which typically takes two years.
Students must then complete two to three years of supervised experience under the supervision of a licensed clinician. When the student has attained sufficient experience required for eligibility, they then sit the ASWB Clinical Examination. They will need to submit proper documentation of their work responsibilities and experience to the licensing board, as well as hours logged on the job.
Is clinical social work a good career?
Clinical social work is a rewarding career for those looking to work directly with clients in a therapeutic setting. Clinical social workers can help to change the lives of individuals and influence positive change within social structures.
Becoming a clinical social worker also represents an effective method of advancing a career in social work, accessing higher pay, and undertaking more varied and challenging work within the field.
How much does a clinical social worker make a year?
The average salary for a licensed clinical social worker depends on factors such as their location and field of practice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of September 2019, the average salary for social workers within these fields is as follows:
- Healthcare Social Workers: $56,200
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers: $46,270
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: $44,840
- All Other Social Workers: $63,140
Licensed clinical social workers within these fields can expect to earn above the average salary.
What is the difference between an LCSW and LPC?
An LPC refers to a licensed professional counselor. While the roles of LPC and LCSW are functionally similar in that they provide psychotherapeutic services, social work encompasses additional responsibilities. An LCSW also offers healthcare assistance, social services, job placement, and other services to clients that generally fall outside the purview of counseling.
Sponsored Online MSW Programs with a Clinical Social Work Focus
| School Name | Online MSW Program Concentration |
|---|---|
| University of Denver | A Social Justice–Focused Online MSW |
| Baylor University | Specialize in Clinical Practice or Community Practice |
| Simmons University | Clinical Social Work with Specializations |
| University of Southern California (USC) | Mental Health: Clinical Practice in Mental Health Settings |
Sponsored Online MSW Programs
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