Online MSW Programs in Alabama (AL)

The University of Alabama and Samford University are the universities in Alabama offering a primarily online MSW program. UA’s School of Social Work through the University’s “Bama By Distance” program offers an MSW program that can be completed primarily online; however, it requires students to attend face-to-face skills sessions at locations throughout the state of Alabama. These sessions are typically held on Saturdays and locations are determined by student enrollment. Samford University offers a fully online option with no on campus requirements. At OnlineMSWPrograms.com, we classify MSW programs that require two or fewer visits per year as online. Therefore, we classify UA’s primarily online MSW program as a hybrid MSW program.

Please note: All online MSW programs require students to complete field education at a local health services agency.

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UA offers two tracks for their hybrid MSW program. The advanced-standing track requires 42 credit hours to graduate and is meant for students who graduated from a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program. If pursued full-time, it can be completed in three semesters. UA also offers a 60-credit-hour track for students who do not hold a CSWE-accredited BSW. Pursued full time, this can be completed in two years. Students may also complete both tracks in a part-time format. Both programs include two concentrations: Children, Adolescents and Their Families; and Adults and Their Families. UA also offers two dual degree programs: MSW-Juris Doctor (JD) and MSW-Master of Public Health. The Samford University program is available to both traditional and advanced standing students on a full-time or part-time basis. The program offers an advanced clinical practice concentration.

In addition to offerings from Alabama campuses, there are dozens of out-of-state universities that offer online MSW programs to students in Alabama. The majority of these schools offer fully online programs that do not require students to visit campus while earning their degree; a few of the schools do require students to visit campus a limited number of times. For students who want the flexibility of an online program but would still like to meet professors and classmates in person, these programs may be a good option.

Several of the out-of-state institutions have the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students. Therefore, students should research as many programs as possible as they narrow their list of prospective schools. To learn more about a program, click on the school’s name below.

Online MSW Programs that Accept Students from Alabama

All online MSW programs require field education at a local health services agency. Programs that are 100% online do not require students to visit the campus during the program.

How to Become a Social Worker in Alabama

The Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners issues three different social work licenses: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW). Below are some common steps to become a social worker in Alabama, which you should confirm with Alabama’s board of social workers.

Pathway to Become an LCSW in Alabama

• Complete a bachelor’s degree.
• Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Following graduation, complete 24 months of supervision, at a minimum of four hours per month.
• Pass the Clinical Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
• Apply to the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners.

Pathway to Become an LMSW in Alabama

• Complete a bachelor’s degree.
• Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Following graduation, complete 24 months of supervision, at a minimum of four hours per month.
• Pass the Masters Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
• Apply to the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners.

Pathway to Become an LBSW in Alabama

• Complete a Bachelor of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Pass the Bachelors Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
• Apply to the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners.

For more detailed information on becoming a social worker in Alabama, visit the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners. You can also refer to our guides on general requirements for becoming a social worker and becoming an LCSW.

Last updated: September 2020