Guide to Online Social Work Degrees: BSW, MSW, DSW & PhD

There are a variety of online social work degrees to choose from, depending on your career goals. Some students pursue an online bachelor’s in social work (BSW). Those interested in continuing their education earn their online master’s degree in social work (MSW), online Doctor of Social Work (DSW), or online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Sponsored Online Social Work Degrees

82 Online Social Work Degree Programs

Arizona State University

Campus Location: Tempe, Arizona
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW, Accredited MSW
Program Site: BSW from ASU Online, MSW from ASU

Bemidji State University

Campus Location: Bemidji, Minnesota
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from Bemidji State

Briar Cliff University

Campus Location: Sioux City, Iowa
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from Briar Cliff

Brescia University

Campus Location: Owensboro, Kentucky
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from BU 

Campbellsville University

Campus Location: Campbellsville, Kentucky
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from Campbellsville

California State University, Chico

Campus Location: Chico, California
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from CSU, CHICO

Eastern Kentucky University

Campus Location: Richmond, Kentucky
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from EKU

Huntington University

Campus Location: Huntington, Indiana
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from Huntington

Indiana Wesleyan University

Campus Location: Marion, Indiana
Online Social Work Degree Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from IWU

Liberty University

Campus Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSSW from Liberty

Malone University

Campus Location: Canton, Ohio
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from Malone

Millersville University

Campus Location: Millersville, Pennsylvania
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BA in Social Work from Millersville

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Campus Location: Denver, Colorado
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSSW & MSW
Program Site: Department of Social Work at MSU Denver

Northern Arizona University

Campus Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from NAU

Northwestern State University

Campus Location: Natchitoches, Louisiana
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from NSULA

Our Lady of the Lake University

Campus Location: San Antonio, Texas
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW & MSW, PhD
Program Site: Online Programs at OLLU

Spring Arbor University

Campus Location: Spring Arbor, Michigan
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from SAU

Stephen F. Austin State University

Campus Location: Nacogdoches, Texas
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from SFASU

Salisbury University

Campus Location: Salisbury, Maryland
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BASW
Program Site: BASW from SU

Union Institute and University

Campus Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from Union

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Campus Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from UALR

University of Cincinnati

Campus Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from UC

University of Massachusetts Global

Campus Location: Irvine, California
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BASW from University of Massachusetts Global

University of Nebraska at Kearney

Campus Location: Kearney, Nebraska
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from UNK

University of Utah

Campus Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW, PhD
Program Site: College of Social Work at University of Utah

Ursuline College

Campus Location: Pepper Pike, Ohio
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW from Ursuline

Western New Mexico University

Campus Location: Silver City, New Mexico
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW & MSW
Program Site: WNMU’s School of Social Work

Adelphi University

Campus Location: Garden City, New York
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Adelphi

Baylor University

Campus Location: Waco, Texas
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW, PhD
Program Site: Diana R. Garland School of Social Work

Boise State University

Campus Location: Boise, Idaho
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Boise

Boston University

Campus Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Boston University

Cal Poly, Humboldt

Campus Location: Arcata, California
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Humboldt

California State University, Northridge

Campus Location: Los Angeles, California
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from CSUN

California State University, San Bernardino

Campus Location: San Bernardino, California
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from CSUSB

Case Western Reserve University

Campus Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences

Columbia University

Campus Location: New York City, New York
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Columbia

Delaware State University

Campus Location: Dover, Delaware
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from DESU

Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest)

Campus Location: Edinboro, Pennsylvania
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from PennWestMSW from Edinboro

Florida State University

Campus Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from FSU

Fordham University

Campus Location: Bronx, New York
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: Graduate School of Social Service
This program is sponsored by 2U.

Howard University

Campus Location: Washington, D.C.
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Master of Social Work
Program Site: Howard University’s online accredited MSW
This program is sponsored by 2U.

Northern Kentucky University

Campus Location: Highland Heights, Kentucky
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: CSWE-accredited MSW (online/hybrid)
Program Site: MSW (Online/Hybrid) (Northern Kentucky University)

Indiana University

Campus Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Indiana University

Louisiana State University

Campus Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Louisiana State University

Portland State University

Campus Location: Portland, Oregon
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Portland State University

Simmons University

Campus Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW, MSW, DSW
Program Site: CompleteDegree@Simmons, MSW from Simmons School of Social Work, Simmons’ Online DSW
This program is sponsored by 2U.

Simmons University

Simmons School of Social Work (SSW)

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

Aspiring direct practitioners can earn their MSW online from Simmons University in as few as 9 months. GRE scores are not required, and the program offers full-time, part-time, accelerated, and advanced standing tracks.

  • Prepares students to pursue licensure, including LCSW 
  • Full-time, part-time, and accelerated tracks 
  • Minimum completion time: 9 months

Simmons University

Simmons School of Social Work (SSW)

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Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)

Simmons University offers an online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) — MSW required; no GRE required. The program prepares you to become a well-rounded scholar-practitioner through a curriculum focused on three key areas: inclusive leadership, advanced clinical practice, and teaching and education.

  • Complete in less than two years full time or less than three years part time 
  • MSW required; three years post-MSW work experience required
  • No GRE scores required

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Rutgers University

Campus Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Rutgers University

Syracuse University

Campus Location: Syracuse, New York
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: Syracuse University’s Online MSW
This program is sponsored by 2U.

Temple University

Campus Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Temple

Texas State University, San Marcos

Campus Location: San Marcos, Texas
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Texas State

The Catholic University of America

Campus Location: Washington, D.C.
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from The Catholic University

University at Buffalo (SUNY)

Campus Location: Buffalo, New York
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from SUNY Buffalo

University of Arkansas

Campus Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from University of Arkansas

University of Central Florida

Campus Location: Orlando, Florida
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from UCF

University of Denver

Campus Location: Denver, Colorado
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work
This program is sponsored by 2U.

University of Houston

Campus Location: Houston, Texas
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from University of Houston

University of Nevada, Reno

Campus Location: Reno, Nevada
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from University of Nevada, Reno

University of New England

Campus Location: Biddeford, Maine
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from University of New England

University of New Hampshire

Campus Location: Durham, New Hampshire
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from University of New Hampshire

University of North Dakota

Campus Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from University of North Dakota

University of South Florida

Campus Location: Tampa, Florida
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from University of South Florida

University of Southern California (USC)

Campus Location: Los Angeles, California
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW, DSW
Program Site: MSW from USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

University of Tennessee at Knoxville

Campus Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW, DSW, PhD
Program Site: UTK’s College of Social Work

University of Texas at Arlington

Campus Location: Arlington, TX
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from University of Texas at Arlington

Widener University

Campus Location: Chester, Pennsylvania
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited MSW
Program Site: MSW from Widener University

University of St. Thomas

Campus Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: DSW
Program Site: DSW from St. Thomas

University of Pennsylvania

Campus Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: DSW
Program Site: DSW from UPenn

King University

Campus Location: Bristol, Tennessee
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: Online BSW (King)

Portland State University

Campus Location: Portland, Oregon
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: BSW Online Program (PSU)

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (iBSW Online)

Campus Location: Urbana, Illinois
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW 
Program Site: BSW from iBSW

University of Michigan-Flint

Campus Location: Flint, Michigan
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: Social Work (UM-Flint)

Walden University

Campus Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: Accredited BSW
Program Site: Online BSW (Walden)

George Mason University

Campus Location: Fairfax, Virginia
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: CSWE-accredited MSW (online)
Program Site: MSW Online (Mason Online)

The Ohio State University

Campus Location: Columbus, Ohio
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: CSWE-accredited MSW (online)
Program Site: Master of Social Work (Ohio State Online)

The University of Alabama

Campus Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: MSW (primarily online) 
Program Site: MSW Primarily Online (University of Alabama)

University of Illinois-Urbana

Campus Location: Urbana, Illinois
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: CSWE-accredited MSW (iMSW online option)
Program Site: iMSW Program Options (Illinois School of Social Work)

University of Kansas

Campus Location: Lawrence, Kansas
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: CSWE-accredited MSW (online option available)
Program Site: Online MSW (University of Kansas)

University of Kentucky

Campus Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: CSWE-accredited MSW (online)
Program Site: Online MSW (University of Kentucky)

University of Louisville

Campus Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: CSWE-accredited MSSW (online)
Program Site: Online Master’s in Social Work (MSSW) (UofL Kent School)

University of North Carolina

Campus Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: CSWE-accredited MSW (online)
Program Site: Online MSW (UNC School of Social Work)

University of South Carolina

Campus Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: CSWE-accredited MSW (online)
Program Site: Online MSW (University of South Carolina)

Virginia Commonwealth University

Campus Location: Richmond, Virginia
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: MSW (online option available)
Program Site: VCU Social Work Master’s Online

Tulane University

Campus Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Online Social Work Degrees Offered: CSWE-accredited DSW (online/hybrid delivery noted by Tulane)
Program Site: Online Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from Tulane

Social Work Degrees Explained

Complete List of Social Work Degrees

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW)

A bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is an undergraduate degree and typically the first step in pursuing a career in social work. OnlineMSWPrograms.com has a comprehensive guide to online BSW programs that may be useful in your decision-making. A bachelor’s degree in social work can be completed in 4 years full-time and prepares students to enter the workforce at an entry-level position in social work. 

Those with a BSW can work in a variety of fields including mental health, residential treatment and aging services. If you’re interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you may want to consider schools with Council on Social Work Education–accredited programs (CSWE). 

Whether you earn your BSW online or on-campus, you will be required to participate in field education placements to practice in a real-world setting. It is important to note that some universities refer to their undergraduate degrees in social work differently. Some may offer a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) or a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) rather than a BSW.

A sample of careers that may be available for BSW holders:

  • Caseworker
  • Mental Health Assistant
  • Probation Officer
  • Human Services Specialist

Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW)

A master’s degree in social work (MSW) is a graduate degree that can typically be completed in two years (full time). Some universities have a part-time option, which typically takes three years to complete. You don’t need a BSW to pursue a master’s degree, although a related area of undergraduate study may be useful. Since social work is such a broad field, some online degrees offer concentrations that may help narrow the decision-making process. Master’s degrees in social work are available online or on-campus, and it is important to consider your learning style when researching programs. If you have already completed undergraduate work in social work, you may be eligible for an advanced standing option depending on the university’s requirements.

Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA)

Graduates of a CSWE-accredited master’s social work program are generally eligible to pursue licensure, and the degree title (MSW/MSSA/MSSW) may vary by school; requirements are set by state licensing boards. MSSA programs cover similar coursework as MSW programs and are offered in person and online, with part-time and full-time options available. MSSAs feature specializations that may help you tailor your education to your career goals. There are typically traditional and advanced standing options available to those who have already earned a BSW.

Online, Campus, Hybrid, and Distance Learning MSW Programs

What is the difference?

The majority of programs try to use these terms to represent specific types of degree programs. Common terms used to describe Master of Social Work (MSW) programs include campus MSW programs, online MSW programs, hybrid or blended learning MSW programs, distance learning/education MSW programs, and distributed MSW programs. We will examine each term to clarify what it typically represents.

  • Campus MSW Programs: These are the most common type of MSW program, with hundreds of universities offering CSWE-accredited programs. These programs can either be full-time, where students attend classes on-campus the same way they would for an undergraduate program or part-time where students attend classes at night and/or on the weekends. Some universities even offer campus-based programs at off-campus locations (see distance learning below).
  • Online MSW Programs: For online programs, the majority of instruction is online (except for field education which must be completed at a local health services agency). Students are not required to attend classes on-site. However, some online programs do have an on-campus requirement where students are required to visit the campus, typically once or twice a year. On OnlineMSWPrograms.com, we classify any program that requires two or fewer visits to the campus per year as an online program.
  • Hybrid/Blended MSW Programs: Hybrid programs combine on-campus and online instruction. The combination of on-campus and online instruction varies by graduate school. Typically, these programs follow one of two formats: 1) individual courses that combine on-campus and online instruction, where students meet in person a limited number of times each semester, or 2) students take both on-campus courses and online courses. For these types of programs, only certain classes may be offered online.
  • Distance Learning/Education MSW Programs: Unfortunately, this term is used to describe many different types of programs and students should reach out to a university if their program structure is not clear. Many early online programs used the term distance learning. Now, the majority of programs that use this term have on-site instruction at an off-campus location. For example, the University of Iowa School of Social Work offers distance education MSW programs in Des Moines, Quad Cities and Sioux City.
  • Distributed MSW Programs: The phrase “distributed” (often branded as Distributed Learning (DL)) is used less often than “online” or “hybrid” when schools describe MSW delivery formats. When it does appear, it usually reflects a program-specific model that relies heavily on online learning while still requiring some in-person engagement. Two California examples that use this terminology are Cal Poly Humboldt and California State University, Chico (Chico State). Cal Poly Humboldt (Distributed Learning MSW): Cal Poly Humboldt describes Distributed Learning as more than “simply online education,” and its online MSW includes an annual on-campus component—students visit campus for 3 days each January for orientation, community-building, and skills development. Because coursework is delivered online with a limited annual in-person intensive, we classify Cal Poly Humboldt’s DL MSW as an online program with a short required residency. (Note: the program indicates students in the online/DL MSW must live in California while enrolled.) CSU Chico (Distributed Learning MSW): Chico State explicitly describes its Distributed Learning MSW as a hybrid format combining online and face-to-face coursework. Students are required to attend on-campus classes two weekends per semester (fall, spring, and summer) in addition to online sessions.

Accredited Online MSW Programs

Online master’s degrees in social work are classified as those that either do not require any campus visits or only require a limited number of campus visits during the program. On OnlineMSWPrograms.com, we classify any program that requires two or fewer campus visits per year as an online program. Programs that have a campus requirement are clearly noted on the site. An online MSW may be the right fit for you if you work full-time or are unable to visit a local university and attend on-campus courses. Be sure to research as many options as possible before making your decision.

OnlineMSWPrograms.com has made it easy for students to find CSWE accredited online Master of Social Work degrees by delivery method (online versus hybrid), by program length (full-time versus part-time) and by those offering advanced standing programs. We have created pages dedicated to specific types of online social work degree programs and have included a comprehensive list of Council on Social Work Education–accredited programs (CSWE) on each page. All schools are listed alphabetically so that it is easy to browse programs by name.

Currently, we have organized schools offering accredited online social work degrees into the following categories:

  • Complete List of MSW Degree Programs
    Many schools offer Master of Social Work degrees online to students who have not earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from an accredited undergraduate program. This page includes schools that offer both full-time and part-time programs.
  • Advanced Standing MSW Programs
    There are also schools that offer social work online degree programs designed for students who have already earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited undergraduate program. This page includes schools that offer full-time and part-time programs.
  • Clinical Social Work Programs (LCSW)
    Additionally, many schools offer online MSW programs with a clinical social work or mental health concentration. Many of them offer programs for traditional students, while others offer programs designed for advanced-standing students.
  • Full-Time MSW Programs
    Currently, there are social work schools offering full-time online MSW programs. This page does not contain programs for advanced-standing applicants.
  • Part-Time MSW Programs
    Many social work schools also offer part-time MSW degree programs online. This page does not contain programs designed for advanced standing applicants.
  • Hybrid MSW Programs
    As online learning has become more prevalent, some schools offer hybrid MSW programs. This page includes schools that offer full-time and part-time programs.
  • MSW Programs with a Concentration in Military Social Work
    The phrase “military social work concentration” (or track) is less common than more general specializations (like clinical practice, mental health, or children and families). However, a small number of online MSW programs explicitly offer a dedicated military-focused track or specialization. Two well-known examples are USC’s Military Populations and Settings track within its online MSW and Dominican University’s Military Social Work Track within its MSW program. Depending on the school, students may be able to pursue these military-focused tracks through either a traditional MSW pathway or an advanced standing pathway (typically available to students who earned a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program). USC and Dominican both describe advanced standing options for eligible applicants. 

A sample of careers that may be available for MSW holders:

  • Clinical Social Worker
  • School Social Worker
  • Medical Social Worker
  • Military Social Worker

Online MSW Programs’ Faculty Interview Series

We created a faculty interview series so that students can learn even more about careers in social work. All professors were compensated to participate in these interviews. We have questions pertaining to:

  • Field education
  • Advice for students interested in earning an MSW
  • Pros and cons of online programs
  • Eligibility restrictions
  • Advice for applicants and more

Case Western Reserve University: Interview with Dean Andrea G. Porter – Assistant Dean for Student Services at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences

Case Western Reserve University, a 2U partner university, offers part-time traditional and advanced standing online MSW programs.
“The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences is ranked #9 in the nation among graduate schools of social work in 2019 by US News and World Report.”

Fordham University: Interview with Dr. Dale Lindquist – Director of the Online MSW Program at Fordham University

Fordham University, a 2U partner university, offers part-time traditional and advanced standing online MSW programs.
“Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service is ranked #25 in the country of top social work schools in 2019 by US News and World Report.”

Case Western Reserve University: Interview with LaShon Sawyer – Associate Director of Virtual Field Education for the Online Master of Social Work Program at CWRU

Case Western Reserve University, a 2U partner university, offers part-time traditional and advanced standing online MSW programs.
“I’m also an alum of Case… I can say that many of the doors that were opened for me throughout my career have been based on the reputation that Case Western has.”

Simmons University: Interview with Dr. Dana Grossman Leeman – Associate Professor of Practice and Program Director for the Online MSW Program

Simmons University, a 2U partner university, offers full-time and part-time traditional and advanced standing online MSW programs.
“We are the oldest clinical school in the country; we have a prestigious heritage of preparing extremely well-trained clinical social workers.”

Simmons University: Interview with Professor Silvana Castaneda – Director of Field Education and Associate Professor of Practice

Simmons University, a 2U partner university, offers full-time and part-time traditional and advanced standing online MSW programs.
“We provide individualized attention and support for our students and offer quality field placement experiences that prepare them with the clinical knowledge and skill necessary for rewarding employment in the field of social work.”

University of Southern California: Interview with Professor Terri Lee – Clinical Associate Professor and Regional Field Education Director

USC, a 2U partner university, offers full-time and part-time traditional and advanced standing online MSW programs.
“I feel so fortunate to work at an amazingly innovative program like USC. Students are able to enjoy the benefits of a program that is head and shoulders above the commonly understood ‘online program.’”

University of Southern California: Interview with Professor Renee Michelsen – Clinical Associate Professor and National Director for USC’s VAC

USC offers full-time and part-time traditional and advanced standing online MSW programs.
“The MSW@USC, a 2U partner university, provides a tremendous amount of resources and support for students… We are committed to transforming the future by training tomorrow’s MSWs.”

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

A Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is a graduate-level degree that offers advanced training in social work administration and clinical social work. Candidates interested in pursuing a DSW should hold a master’s degree, typically in a related field such as social work, though requirements may vary. DSW programs generally focus on leadership and management training. DSWs offer students the opportunity to pursue advanced or supervisory roles and the potential to earn a higher income.

You may be wondering what the difference is between a Doctor of Social Work and a PhD. Unlike a PhD in social work, which focuses on research in an academic setting, DSW students are trained to work across a variety of settings, including schools and hospitals. Although there may be some overlap in terms of the curriculum, it is important to consider what environment you prefer to work in when deciding between these two degrees.

For more detailed information, see our comprehensive guide to social work careers for MSW holders.

Possible careers available for DSW holders:

  • Advanced Practice Clinical Social Worker
  • Social and Community Service Manager
  • Human Services Administrator
  • Social Work Administrator

Online DSW Programs

Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) Degree Programs: This page includes schools that offer full-time and part-time DSW programs.

Simmons University

Simmons School of Social Work (SSW)

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Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)

Simmons University offers an online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) — MSW required; no GRE required. The program prepares you to become a well-rounded scholar-practitioner through a curriculum focused on three key areas: inclusive leadership, advanced clinical practice, and teaching and education.

  • Complete in less than two years full time or less than three years part time 
  • MSW required; three years post-MSW work experience required
  • No GRE scores required

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PhD in Social Work (PhD)

A PhD in social work prepares individuals for research positions in social work. Coursework typically involves advanced research methods and policy. One of the main goals of PhD work is to help students advance social work careers outside of academia through research. PhD graduates typically pursue a career in academia including teaching and research.

Possible careers available for PhD holders:

  • Researcher
  • College or University Professor
  • Clinical Director
  • Human Services Director

Things to Consider When Choosing a Social Work Degree

CSWE Accreditation

Why is Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation important? CSWE-accredited programs meet specific standards of performance, integrity and quality for social work education. When selecting a program, it’s important to think about where you want to work and who you want to work with. Depending on where you live, an accredited program may be required in order for you to sit for your social work licensure exam.

State requirements may vary, but licensure is required for all master ’s-level careers in social work. Although some states don’t mandate accreditation, the licensure process may be simpler due to CSWE’s standardized educational criteria. Another reason CSWE accreditation is important is that it may expand employment opportunities. Some employers may prefer candidates who have earned their degrees through a CSWE-accredited program. Make sure to research your state’s requirements before selecting a social work degree.

Enrollment and Admissions Options

Admissions requirements vary depending on the type of social work degree you wish to pursue. If you are interested in becoming a licensed social worker, research your state’s eligibility and admissions criteria for MSW programs before making your decision. Admission requirements vary depending on the program or school, but typically include earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, meeting minimum GPA requirements, and taking certain prerequisite classes during your undergraduate education. You may also have to submit undergraduate transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation and GRE scores. 

If you don’t meet certain requirements, you may still be eligible if you speak with an admissions faculty member and can meet other requirements. For most online MSW programs, submitting GRE or MAT scores is not required. Some programs may prefer candidates with work experience in a human or social services related field. Prospective students should speak with enrollment specialists before making their decision.

Field Education and Internships

An important aspect of social work in higher education is the field work or social work internship requirement. Field education prepares students to practice social work in the real world under the supervision of field instructors. Field education requirements vary depending on whether a student is enrolled in a traditional or advanced standing MSW program. CSWE’s 2022 EPAS sets a minimum of 900 hours of field education for master’s programs. Agencies may include community organizations, addiction treatment facilities, mental health facilities, and family counseling and therapy centers. Check whether the university has agency partners that interest you.

The relationships you make during internships may help with your career development after graduation. Students usually work 16-20 hours per week at a field agency, and in some programs, part-time students are allowed to work 10-14 hours per week over more semesters.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The cost of your social work degree may vary depending on a few factors, but you can typically expect to pay a certain amount per credit. Is the program you’re interested in offered by a public or private institution? Is the program delivered online or on campus? Are there financial aid options available or a tuition reimbursement program offered by your employer? 

A social work degree does not have to be financially out of reach if you consider these factors while researching programs. In terms of financial aid, some universities offer fellowships, which are designed as loan forgiveness programs, and others offer scholarships, another way students can save money without compromising their education. Beyond the typical costs of pursuing a master’s degree, make sure you also have an understanding of additional costs, including room, board and books.

Concentrations

Some social work programs offer concentrations so that students can gain experience and land a job in a specific field. Common concentrations include Clinical/Direct Practice Social Work, Advanced Generalist and Community Development, Management/Administration, and Policy.

Online programs tend to have fewer available concentrations than their on-campus counterparts. However, some online programs offer more specialized concentrations, including Children, Youth and Family Social Work, Administrative Leadership, Mental Health and Adult Social Work, Community Social Work (including programs which emphasize the needs of the Hispanic community) and Community Organization, Planning and Administration. Depending on the career path you choose, it’s important to check your state’s requirements and speak with an admissions advisor.

Class Structure

There are typically two types of class structures for online social work programs: the cohort model structure and flexible course structuring. Most online programs use a cohort model, where a group of students is accepted as a cohort and work through the program together until graduation. A benefit of the cohort model is that students cultivate valuable relationships with their classmates who then become part of their professional network.

A flexible course scheduling structure allows students to set their own pace and select courses and complete work within a set number of years. This class structure benefits students who are balancing commitments outside of their education.

Instruction Methods (in Online Programs)

Online MSW programs generally have two instruction methods: synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous programs feature “live” classes where students log in, view classes in real time and are able to interact with their peers and professors. Synchronous programs may feel more like an on-campus experience since students can ask questions and receive immediate feedback. Asynchronous programs do not require students to log in for class at a specific time. Instead, students view lectures on their own time and must complete assignments by certain deadlines. This program is better for students looking for more flexibility and who may prefer working more independently.

FAQs

What degree do you need for social work?

A bachelor’s degree in social work is the minimum requirement for a career as a social worker. Depending on professional goals, many social workers continue their education and pursue a master’s degree or a Doctor of Social Work degree.

Is an undergraduate social work degree a BA or BS?

It depends! Universities may offer a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) or a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW). Any of these degrees can get you started in a career in social work.

What is the highest degree you can get in social work?

A doctorate in social work or a PhD are the highest degrees that you can get in social work. Each can be completed after earning a master’s degree, and the time needed to complete varies based on the program.

Which degree should I get if I want to be a school social worker?

Depending on where you live, there are a few steps to become a school social worker. A bachelor’s degree in social work is typically a good start and some states require a master’s degree and a license.

Which degree should I get if I want to be a licensed clinical social worker?

Licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) must complete a master’s degree, fulfill LCSW licensing and examination requirements and apply for licensure. Make sure to check your state for licensure requirements.

Information last updated: January 2026