University of Houston Online MSW Program

The Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) at the University of Houston offers a fully online Master of Social Work (MSW) program designed for independent, self-motivated learners who need a flexible schedule. The program has been accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1970 and is consistently ranked among the top online MSW programs in the nation.

The online program uses a cohort model, assigning students to a group of peers with whom they take classes throughout the program. Students develop professional relationships and a support network while completing coursework asynchronously with firm deadlines. The program begins with a 15-semester-credit-hour foundation over two semesters, followed by concentration coursework and electives. All students complete a required orientation in early July before the fall semester begins (available in person or online; attendance is required).

The online MSW is part-time and can be completed in three calendar years. Both a full program (traditional standing) and an Advanced Standing track are available for qualified BSW holders, with two concentration choices: Clinical and Macro. Field placements are arranged in collaboration with the Practicum Education Office and completed locally, with more than 300 approved practicum settings available.

The online program is available to students in most U.S. states through the NC-SARA agreement. Students residing outside the U.S. are not eligible, except for those on a U.S. military base. Students should verify their state's eligibility on the UH online program availability page and check with their state licensing board for any additional requirements.

UH's GCSW is accredited by CSWE, and the university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Program Overview

• Department: Graduate College of Social Work
• Phone: (713) 743-2255
• Email: gcswinfo@uh.edu
• Degree Types: Full Program (Traditional Standing); Advanced Standing
• Concentrations: Clinical, Macro
• Program Structure: Online with local field practicum placements (no campus visits required; mandatory orientation in early July, available online).
• Instruction Methods: Primarily asynchronous with firm deadlines; cohort model; courses run fall/spring/summer; changing enrollment models (face-to-face, hybrid, online) requires prior advisor approval.
• GRE: Not required.
• State Eligibility: Available in most U.S. states via NC-SARA. Verify your state before applying. Students outside the U.S. are not eligible (except those on a U.S. military base).
• Note: No credit toward the MSW degree is awarded for correspondence, extension, continuing education courses, or life/work experience

Program Information – Full Program (Traditional Standing) Students

The Full Program (Traditional Standing) online MSW is a part-time, 3-year program for students with a bachelor's degree in any field. Students choose either the Clinical or Macro concentration. Year 1 focuses on foundation/generalist coursework and the first practicum; Years 2–3 cover concentration coursework, electives, and the advanced practicum.

Program Requirements

• Field Education Requirements: 900 clock hours minimum total across two placements — Generalist (400 hours; 16–18 hours/week, typically Fall/Spring of Year 1, 200 hours/semester) and Concentration practicum (500 hours; 16–20 hours/week during the advanced year). Placements must be completed during regular business hours, Monday–Friday, 8–5. Flexible placements (typically offering 85% of hours during evenings/weekends) may be prioritized for eligible students.
• Number of Credits Required: 51 semester credit hours

Program Length

• Part-time: 3 calendar years (fall/spring/summer)
• Start Dates: Fall only
• Orientation: Required in early July (available online or in-person)

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a sound liberal arts foundation (including humanities, arts, and social/biological sciences)
• GPA of 3.0 or better (cumulative or last 60 hours); applicants below 3.0 on both measures may be considered for conditional admission
• Scanned copies of official transcripts from all institutions attended (official sealed transcripts required after admission for enrollment)
• 2–3 recommendation letters submitted electronically (from former professors, employers, or volunteer supervisors in social service settings)
• Personal narrative statement (3 pages, double-spaced, 12pt font) addressing: (1) interest in social work and commitment to justice; (2) enrollment model choice (online) and engagement plan; (3) any concerns about prior academic history
• Resume (1–2 pages) including educational background, social service experience, other work experience, and community activities
• GRE: Not required
• English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo) required for international applicants
• Admissions decisions are final for an academic year; applicants denied may reapply the following year

Program Information – Advanced Standing Students

The Advanced Standing online MSW is for students who hold a BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution (or have completed the CSWE International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service for a BSW from outside the U.S.). Advanced Standing students receive a waiver for 17 credit hours of foundation coursework and complete a 34-credit advanced program over approximately 2 years. Advanced Standing degree plans for online students were introduced effective Fall 2024.

Program Requirements

• Field Education Requirements: 500 clock hours total across two practicum courses (Macro or Clinical Practicum 1 & 2); same scheduling expectations as Full Program
• Number of Credits Required: 34 semester credit hours

Program Length

• Part-time: Approximately 2 years
• Start Dates: Fall only

Admission Requirements

• GRE: Not required
• BSW from a CSWE-accredited institution (or CSWE International Social Work Degree Recognition for international BSW)
• At least one recommendation letter from someone in the BSW program (program director, faculty member, or practicum instructor/coordinator)
• All other standard admission requirements (GPA, transcripts, personal narrative, resume, 2–3 total recommendations)

University of Houston'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.