Online MSW Programs in Florida (FL)

The University of South Florida offers a 100% online program with part-time and full-time options for both traditional and advanced standing students.

The University of Central Florida offers a traditional track that can be completed part-time. At all three universities, the online MSW programs have a clinical social work focus/concentration.

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

In addition to FSU and UCF, dozens of universities offer online MSW programs that accept students from Florida. The majority of these schools offer fully online programs that do not require students to visit the campus while earning their degree; some schools require students to make a limited number of campus visits. For students who want the flexibility of an online program but still want to meet professors and classmates in person, these programs are a great option.

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

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

How to Become a Social Worker in Florida

The Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling issues the social work licenses in the state: Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern (RCSWI), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW). Below are some common steps to become a social worker in Florida, which you should confirm with Florida’s Board of Social Workers. Information regarding licensure in Florida was

Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern (RCSWI)

• Earn (or be able to document) an eligible MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
• Line up a Board-approved “Qualified Supervisor” (QS) before you start counting hours
• Apply for RCSWI registration (online or by PDF) and pay the fee
• Complete Florida’s required electronic fingerprinting / background screening
• Submit the supporting documents the Board expects
• Official transcript (sent directly from the institution/approved transcript service; it’s the one item the Board says can’t be uploaded like other documents).
• Qualified Supervisor letter(s): each supervisor must send correspondence confirming they agree to supervise you; your application isn’t complete until that correspondence is received, and hours won’t count until Board approval is issued.
• If your graduate clinical practicum/fieldwork wasn’t fully satisfied in your MSW program, Florida’s rules allow submission of a supervision plan and require a verification form upon completion of those practicum/fieldwork hours.
• Get your approval letter and start accruing supervised experience. If you change supervisors, get Board approval again before hours count.

Pathway to Become an LCSW in Florida

• Most students earn a bachelor’s degree first (often in social work or a related field), since it’s typically required for MSW admission.
• Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Register as a Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern (RCSWI) and secure a board-approved qualified supervisor.
• Complete two years of supervised experience, with at least 100 hours of supervision in no less than 100 weeks; 1,500 hours of face-to-face psychotherapy with clients; and one hour of supervision every two weeks.
• Pass the Clinical Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards
• Complete Florida’s required pre-licensure courses.
  • 8-hour Florida laws & rules course (board-approved provider via CE Broker)
  • 3-hour HIV/AIDS course (or complete the board’s affidavit option)
  • Complete a two-hour domestic violence course from an approved provider.
• Apply to the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling.

Pathway to Become a CMSW in Florida

• Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Following graduation, complete three years of experience, with at least two years of supervision.
• Pass the Advanced Generalist Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
• Complete fingerprinting/background screening and apply to the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling.

For more detailed information on becoming a social worker in Florida, visit the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. You can also refer to our guides on general requirements for becoming a social worker and becoming an LCSW.