Compare CSWE-Accredited Online Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs

A master’s in social work (MSW) from an accredited online program could set you up for an exciting career change. We’ve listed some considerations we think can help you choose the best online MSW program for you. These three factors can be key to evaluating a master’s in social work program:

• Flexible scheduling options available
• Concentration offerings
• No GRE requirement for admissions

All online MSW programs listed on this page are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

If you are looking to become a clinical social worker, consider an online clinical MSW program. If you already have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree, you may be interested in advanced standing online MSW programs.

Accredited Online MSW Programs and Program Factors

This list of master’s in social work degree programs was curated to provide helpful information on online CSWE-accredited MSW programs. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list; visit the CSWE directory of accredited programs for more social work programs.

These three factors can be key to evaluating an online master’s in social work program.

Flexible Scheduling Options Available

Online MSW programs with flexible scheduling options can improve learning experiences and allow students to balance their education and other priorities. With options to complete a social work master’s degree as a full-time or part-time student, you can continue tending to other duties such as family, work and personal commitments. We’ve prioritized online MSW programs that enable students to determine scheduling that works best for them.

Concentration Offerings

Concentrations are important in setting students up for success in their chosen field. The field of social work is expansive, and social workers can be found in many different industries, working with many different populations. Online MSW programs that offer varied concentrations may provide students with a more focused curriculum. We’ve prioritized social work programs that offer concentrations so that students can center their career on what matters most to them.

No GRE Requirement for Admissions

Universities that don’t require the GRE evaluate the complete application package of potential students, a practice that can be particularly beneficial for adult learners who may already have experience in social work. Although GRE scores may help universities better understand your capability for graduate-level work and may be required if your GPA is below the program’s requirement, there are many MSW programs that do not require it for admission. We’ve prioritized MSW programs without a GRE requirement for admission to help simplify your admission timeline and potentially expedite the enrollment process.

Curriculum for Online MSW Programs

Required coursework across MSW programs may vary from university to university. For CSWE-accredited online MSW programs, they must offer a curriculum based on the 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, published by the CSWE.

A typical MSW curriculum may cover core courses, including:

• Foundations of social work
• Research methods
• Professional social worker ethics
• Human behavior
• Working with individuals and groups in therapeutic settings

Social workers may work in micro-, mezzo- or macro-levels in the field, and MSW concentrations may fall within one or more of these levels. Here are some concentrations offered by online master’s in social work programs:

• Clinical social work
• Mental health
• School social work
• Social justice
• Children, youth and families
• Trauma studies
• Community practice and organization
• Public policy, planning and administration
• Leadership and management

Field Experience Internships

Curriculum across CSWE-accredited social work programs includes an internship experience. The social work internship component provides students with an opportunity to work in professional settings, such as hospitals and community centers, under the guidance and supervision of an instructor. It’s important to speak with the university’s field education department and ask if the university is partnered with any agencies for placements.

Careers and Salary With an Online MSW

Professionals with an online MSW typically may pursue a number of social work career options. MSW program concentrations offer students an opportunity to specialize their degree and their post-graduate career.

Depending on your career goals, becoming a social worker may not require an MSW degree. Some entry-level positions may require a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. Each state has its own requirements for levels of education, experience and examination for licensure. To learn more on social work licensure, check with your state’s board of social work or the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) directory of licensing boards.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for social workers is expected to increase 6% between 2024 and 2034, faster than average. In May 2024, social workers’ median pay was $61,330 a year. Salaries for social workers, however, may be dependent on role, industry, location and education level.

Here is an overview of median annual wages in May 2024 for social workers, according to the BLS: