Columbia University Online MSSW Program

Columbia University’s School of Social Work — the oldest school of social work in the profession’s history — offers an online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program that delivers the same rigorous curriculum as its residential program, taught by the same Columbia faculty. The Online Option is available nationwide and offers six distinct pathways to accommodate students at different stages of their education and career.

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A guiding principle of Columbia’s MSSW program is PROP — an analytical framework addressing Power, Race, Oppression, and Privilege — which shapes how students learn to understand and respond to the forces that affect individuals, communities, and systems. All online MSSW students are placed at a practicum learning agency in their nearest metropolitan area.

Columbia’s School of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and the university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Program Overview

Department: Columbia School of Social Work

Degree Types: Six online pathways available (see below)

Specializations (Mandatory — chosen in the specialized year): Students choose one of four method specializations:

  • Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice
  • Advanced Generalist Practice and Programming
  • Policy Practice
  • Social Enterprise Administration

Students also choose one of seven fields of practice to guide their specialized year coursework.

Program Structure: Online with local field practicum placements (no campus visits required, except as noted for specific pathways)

Instruction Methods: Primarily synchronous live weekly sessions; sessions recorded for future reference

Application Fee Waivers: Available for veterans, those experiencing financial hardship, and alumni of AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, Teach for America, McNair Scholars, and the Higher Education Opportunity Program. Requests must be submitted via the Application Fee Waiver Request Form at least one week before the deadline.

Contact Information:

Program Information – Six Online Pathways

Common admission requirements for all pathways:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Unofficial transcripts from every institution attended (official transcripts required upon admission)
  • Two letters of reference (at least one academic if degree was earned within the past five years)
  • GRE: Not required

Pathway 1 — Two-Year (Full-Time)

For students without a BSW or prior social work experience who want to study full-time.

  • Credits: 60 credit hours
  • Field Education: 1,200 hours (two placements: 600-hour generalist + 600-hour specialist)
  • Duration: 2 years (4 terms)
  • Start Dates: Fall
  • Structure: Generalist Year (foundational coursework in research, direct practice, and policy) followed by Specialized Year (method specialization and field of practice of student’s choosing)

Pathway 2 — Part-Time

For students who need flexibility to balance other responsibilities. Online only.

  • Credits: 60 credit hours (same total requirements as Two-Year)
  • Field Education: 1,200 hours (two placements)
  • Duration: 3–4 years
  • Start Dates: Rolling admissions; multiple start terms
  • Structure: First year is coursework only; practicum begins in subsequent years, spread over three terms (fall, spring, summer) per year

Pathway 3 — Advanced Standing

For qualifying BSW holders. The summer intensive may be completed online or in person.

  • Credits: 33 credit hours
  • Field Education: 600 hours (one specialized practicum placement)
  • Duration: 1 academic year (summer intensive + specialized year)
  • Start Dates: Summer (intensive begins mid-July)
  • BSW Requirement: BSW from a CSWE-accredited program earned within the last 5 years
  • Structure: Summer intensive (five weeks; includes statistics, child abuse reporting, practicum seminar, and integrative seminar) followed by fall/spring Specialized Year coursework and practicum

Pathway 4 — One-Year Residency for Working Professionals (Reduced Residency)

For students currently working in direct practice at a social services agency with at least two years of full-time experience.

  • Credits: 60 credit hours
  • Field Education: 900 hours
  • Duration: Typically 3 years (part-time pre-residency phase + full-time residency year)
  • Start Dates: Rolling admissions
  • Structure: Pre-residency phase (foundational courses building on work experience) + residency year (specialized coursework and practicum)
  • Additional requirement: Proof of current direct practice employment at a social services agency; specific experience criteria apply — contact an enrollment specialist to verify eligibility

Pathway 5 — Part-Time to Full-Time (Extended)

For students who want to begin part-time and transition to full-time study.

  • Credits: 60 credit hours
  • Field Education: 1,200 hours
  • Duration: 3–4 years
  • Start Dates: Rolling admissions
  • Structure: First year at reduced course load with no practicum; final two years combine reduced course load with practicum (three days per week at placement site, 21 hours; weekend or evening-only placements are not available)

Pathway 6 — Transfer

For students who have completed some coursework at another CSWE-accredited graduate school of social work but have not finished a graduate degree. Contact an enrollment specialist to determine eligibility.

Columbia University’s MSW program information was last updated in March 2026. For more information, visit the university’s website above.

If you have additional information about this program, email us at contactus@onlinemswprograms.com.