You Can Change the World With Social WorkYou Can Change the World With Social WorkYou Can Change the World With Social Work
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Social workers have always been in the business of changing lives. Now, their work — standing up for the most vulnerable among us, intervening in challenging times and guiding us toward a better future — is even more critical. If you want to be part of this change in your own community, earning a master’s degree is an essential first step.
To help social workers at every level, and in every location, advance their careers, these top universities designed master’s programs specifically for the online space. They combine state-of-the-art learning technology, local fieldwork opportunities and complete access to university resources to deliver a flexible social work education that doesn’t compromise quality.
All featured programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Online Social Work Master’s Programs
Advanced Standing Available
Field Placement Services
Bachelor’s Required
MSW
Advanced Standing | Bachelor’s Required | Field Placement | No GRE
University of Denver’s #11-ranked Graduate School of Social Work takes a progressive approach to social work education that is grounded in equity, inclusion and diversity.1
- Customizable Pathway Options Include: Health, Equity and Wellness; and Mental Health and Trauma
- At least 500 hours of fieldwork
- Complete in as few as 12 months
MSW
Advanced Standing | Bachelor’s Required | Field Placement | No GRE
The Simmons University School of Social Work — the first school of clinical social work in the country — is committed to training social workers for direct practice work.
- Concentrations: Mental Health Practice, Practice With Groups & Families, Trauma Practice, and Clinical Practice with Active Service Members, Veterans, and Families.
- 1,000+ hours of fieldwork
- Complete in as few as 9 months
MSW
Advanced Standing | Bachelor’s Required | Field Placement | No GRE
USC’s Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work is the first elite, private research institution in the country to offer an online MSW program.
- Departments: Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Children, Youth and Families; and Social Change and Innovation
- At least 790 hours of fieldwork
- Complete in as few as 12 months
MSW
Advanced Standing | Bachelor’s Required | Field Placement | No GRE
One of the largest schools of social work in the nation, the #21-ranked Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service offers an online MSW program designed to educate practitioners who strive to advance the profession in the 21st century.1
- Areas of Focus: Evaluation, Individuals and Families; Policy Practice and Advocacy; and Organizations and Community
- At least 500 hours of fieldwork
- Complete in as few as 8 months (Advanced Standing MSW) or 16 months (Traditional MSW)
MSW
Advanced Standing | Bachelor’s Required | Field Placement | No GRE
The online Master of Social Work program from the #16-ranked Howard University School of Social Work prepares students for direct or macro practice in culturally diverse communities.1
- Concentrations: Direct Practice and Community, Administration, and Policy Practice
- At least 777 hours of field education
- Complete in as few as 12 months
MSW
Advanced Standing | Bachelor’s Required | Field Placement | No GRE
Syracuse University’s School of Social Work at Falk College prepares the next generation of social workers for practice through dual emphases on social justice and social work in the digital age.
- Concentrations: Advanced Integrated Practice or Advanced Clinical Practice
- At least 500 hours of fieldwork
- Complete in as few as 24 months
MSW
Advanced Standing | Bachelor’s Required | Practicum Education | No GRE
The Diana R. Garland School of Social Work promotes the ethical integration of faith and social work as a way to improve lives and promote social justice through a mission-driven career.
- Specializations: Clinical Practice (Physical and Mental Health) and Community Practice (Macro)
- At least 550 internship hours
- Complete in as few as 12 months
MSW
Advanced Standing | Bachelor’s Required | Field Placement | No GRE
Since its founding in 1915, the top 10–ranked Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences has developed a reputation as a leader and innovator in social work and nonprofit education.1
- Paths of Study: Children, Youth and Families; Community Practice for Social Change; and Mental Health with Adults
- At least 500 hours of fieldwork
- Complete in as little as a year and a half (Advanced Standing)
Benefits of Advanced Standing
If you already have a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, you can save time, complete fewer credits and avoid repeating coursework if you pursue an advanced standing track. Most importantly, though, pursuing advanced standing means that you can start helping your community as a licensed clinical social worker faster.
1 Best Schools for Social Work (2022). U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved April 14, 2022.