Online MSW Programs in Indiana
What online Master of Social Work (MSW) programs are available in Indiana?
Students in Indiana may be able to choose from in-state online, hybrid, or blended MSW programs, as well as out-of-state online MSW programs that accept Indiana residents. When comparing options, confirm that the program is CSWE-accredited, authorized to enroll students in Indiana, and able to support field education placements where you live. Students pursuing clinical licensure should also review Indiana’s social work licensing requirements before enrolling.
Why are MSW-trained social workers needed in Indiana?
Social workers in Indiana help address needs across mental health care, healthcare, child and family services, schools, substance use treatment, aging services, housing support, public agencies, and community organizations. Those needs can look different across the state, especially in communities where access to care may be more limited.
Indiana’s behavioral health workforce context is a major consideration: HRSA designates shortage areas for mental health providers, and Indiana University’s Bowen Center has reported that all 92 Indiana counties have federally designated mental health workforce shortages. Indiana also has child and family service needs: federal Child Welfare Outcomes data show that 11,918 children were in foster care in Indiana on September 30, 2024, up from 10,563 on September 30, 2023, and Indiana Youth Institute’s KIDS COUNT Data Book tracks ongoing child well-being challenges across areas such as child welfare, economic well-being, education, family well-being, health, housing stability, food insecurity, juvenile justice, mental health, and substance use. MSW-trained social workers can help address these challenges by connecting individuals and families to behavioral health care, crisis support, public benefits, housing and food resources, school-based services, family preservation programs, foster care supports, and other community-based services.
For prospective MSW students, these local workforce needs make it especially important to compare field placement support, licensure alignment, concentration options, and the types of communities each program may help prepare graduates to serve.
The information on this page was last updated in July 2026.
Quick Facts: Online MSW Programs in Indiana
| Question | Quick answer |
|---|---|
Are there online MSW programs based in Indiana? | Yes. As of July 2026, there are three CSWE-accredited MSW programs based in Indiana offering online formats: Indiana University, Indiana Wesleyan University, and the University of Southern Indiana. Students should verify the current format, CSWE status, admissions track, field education support, and licensure alignment directly with each school before applying. |
Can Indiana residents enroll in out-of-state online MSW programs? | Often, yes. Students should confirm state authorization, admissions eligibility, and the availability of local field placement. NC-SARA can be a starting point for distance-education authorization, but SARA participation does not confirm that a program meets Indiana social work licensure requirements. |
Is CSWE accreditation important? | Yes. CSWE accreditation is commonly required for social work licensure pathways. Verify program status in the CSWE directory. |
Does an online MSW automatically qualify you for LCSW licensure in Indiana? | No. An online MSW may help meet Indiana’s education requirement, but students must also meet state licensing requirements, including supervised post-degree clinical experience, application, criminal background check, and ASWB exam requirements. Students should confirm current requirements with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency and the Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board. |
Not sure where to start? Explore our guide to CSWE-accredited online MSW programs to compare online options and learn why accreditation matters for future licensure.
Sponsored Online MSW Programs
The following sponsored programs may accept students from Indiana. Program availability, field placement support, admissions requirements, and licensure alignment can change. Request information from each school to confirm current eligibility and requirements.
Sponsored Online MSW Programs
| Institution & Program | Study Length | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| As few as 12 months | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| As few as 9 months | Accelerated, Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| As few as 12 months | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| As few as 24 months | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Online MSW Programs Based in Indiana
The accredited programs below offer online or mostly online MSW options based in Indiana. As of July 2026, Indiana University, Indiana Wesleyan University, and the University of Southern Indiana offer CSWE-accredited MSW programs through online formats. Some programs may include synchronous classes, campus visits, cohort meetings, or local field education requirements, so students should confirm current format and placement expectations directly with each school.
Colleges in Indiana with Online MSW Programs
| Institution & Program | Delivery Mode | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
Indiana UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Out-of-State Online MSW Programs That May Accept Students from Indiana
Many online MSW programs accept students who live outside the school’s home state. Before applying, confirm that the school can enroll students in Indiana, that it can support field education placements where you live, and that the curriculum aligns with your intended licensure path.
Online MSW Programs that Accept Students from Indiana
| Institution & Program | Delivery Mode | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
Adelphi UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Part-Time |
Arizona State UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Boise State UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Boston UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Part-Time |
California State University, NorthridgeMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
California State University San BernardinoMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Part-Time |
Campbellsville UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Capella UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Columbia UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Delaware State UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Edinboro UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time |
Florida State UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Part-Time |
George Mason UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Part-Time |
Humboldt State UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Part-Time |
Indiana UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Louisiana State UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Metropolitan State University of DenverMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
New Mexico State UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Ohio State UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Ohio UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Part-Time |
Our Lady of the Lake UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Portland State UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time |
Rutgers UniversityMaster's of Social Work (MSW) | Hybrid | Part-Time |
Samford UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
San José State UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time |
| Online | Accelerated, Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Online | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
Temple UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Part-Time |
Texas State University - San MarcosMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
The Catholic University of AmericaMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Tulane UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University at Buffalo, SUNYMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Part-Time |
University of Arkansas at Little RockMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Part-Time |
University of Central FloridaMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Part-Time |
| Online | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
University of HoustonMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Part-Time |
University of KentuckyMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time |
University of LouisvilleMaster of Science in Social Work (MSSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of Nevada, RenoMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time |
University of New EnglandMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of New HampshireMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of North DakotaMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
University of South FloridaMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleMaster of Science in Social Work (MSSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Western New Mexico UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Winthrop UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Part-Time |
Yeshiva UniversityMaster of Social Work (MSW) | Online | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Comparing options beyond Indiana? Browse online MSW programs by state to review programs available elsewhere.
Can You Complete MSW Field Education in Indiana While Enrolled Online?
Online MSW students typically complete field education in person at an approved agency near their homes. If you live in Indiana and enroll in an online MSW program, ask whether the school has placement support in your area, whether you are responsible for finding your own placement, and whether the placement will meet both program and state licensure expectations.
Questions to Ask Programs About Field Education
- Will the program help identify approved field placement sites in Indiana?
- Can I complete field education near where I live?
- Are there restrictions on employer-based placements?
- How early should I begin the field placement process?
- Will my placement support my intended clinical or macro social work path?
Do Online MSW Programs Meet Social Work Licensing Requirements in Indiana?
An online MSW may help satisfy the graduate education requirement for social work licensure in Indiana if the program meets the state board’s education standards. However, an MSW alone does not guarantee licensure. Indiana may also require an application, criminal background check, official transcripts, supervised post-degree clinical experience for LCSW licensure, an ASWB exam, fees, and/or state-specific documentation.
Indiana Social Work Licensing Snapshot
| Topic | What Indiana students should know |
|---|---|
State licensing board | Professional licensure for social workers in Indiana is administered by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency through the Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board. |
Relevant state law and rules | Indiana’s social work licensing requirements are governed by Indiana Code Title 25, Article 23.6 and Indiana Administrative Code Title 839. These laws and rules cover social work license categories, applications, supervision, examinations, continuing education, renewal, and professional conduct. |
Common MSW-level license path | LSW to LCSW. Indiana uses Licensed Social Worker (LSW) for the master’s-level social work license and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for the clinical license. |
Graduate education | Indiana requires Licensed Social Worker (LSW) applicants to hold a Master of Social Work degree and submit official transcripts showing that the degree has been conferred. Prospective students should verify that their MSW program meets Indiana’s licensure education requirements before enrolling. |
Exam | Indiana requires Licensed Social Worker (LSW) applicants to pass the ASWB Masters exam and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) applicants to pass the ASWB Clinical exam. Applicants who receive board approval to test must complete the required exam within one calendar year of the initial approval date. |
Supervised experience | For LCSW applicants, Indiana requires two years of post-degree experience and supervision. If post-degree hours are obtained in Indiana, they must be earned under an active LSW license or an active temporary LSW permit. The board states that 1,500 hours equals one year of experience and that the experience requirement cannot be met in fewer than 24 months. Applicants must document at least four hours of face-to-face supervision per month of experience with an Indiana LCSW. |
State-specific requirements | Indiana application materials may include a $50 application fee, a criminal background check, positive response documentation (if applicable), name change documentation (if applicable), official transcripts, license verification (if applicable), and forms documenting clinical coursework, supervision, and experience. Behavioral Health and Human Services licenses expire on April 1 of even-numbered years and renew for two years. |
Contact Information | Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board Website: https://www.in.gov/pla/professions/behavioral-health-and-human-services/behavioral-health-and-human-services-licensing-information/ Phone: 317-234-2054 Email: pla8@pla.in.gov Mailing address: Indiana Government Center South, Room W072, 402 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204 |
Common Steps to Become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Indiana
- Earn a CSWE-accredited MSW or meet Indiana’s education requirements.
- Apply for Indiana’s Licensed Social Worker (LSW) credential or the appropriate temporary permit, if applicable.
- Complete the required supervised post-degree clinical experience under an active LSW license or an active temporary LSW permit if the experience is earned in Indiana.
- Pass the ASWB Clinical exam or other exam required by Indiana for the LCSW credential.
- Submit final application materials and maintain your license through Indiana’s renewal and continuing education requirements.
Licensing requirements can change, and students should confirm current rules with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency and the Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board before enrolling or beginning supervised experience.
Read our guide on how to become a social worker for a broader overview of education, fieldwork, exams, licensure, and career options.
Social Work Careers and Salary in Indiana
Social workers in Indiana may work in clinical, healthcare, school, child and family services, substance use treatment, policy, and community settings. Salary and job requirements vary by role, employer, location, experience, and licensure level.
According to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual salary for social work-related occupations in Indiana as of May 2024 was:
| Social Worker Category | Common settings | Median Annual Salary in Indiana |
|---|---|---|
Child, Family, and School Social Workers | Schools, child welfare agencies, family service organizations, and community programs | $51,400 |
Healthcare Social Workers | Hospitals, clinics, hospice, care coordination, and public health organizations | $67,220 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | Behavioral health agencies, mental health clinics, substance use treatment centers | $54,410 |
Social Workers, All Other | Policy, administration, research, community development, and specialized social service roles | $80,410 |
All Occupations | Summary of all reported wages within the state across all job types | $46,930 |
FAQs About Online MSW Programs in Indiana
Yes. As of July 2026, at least three CSWE-accredited MSW programs based in Indiana advertise online, hybrid, blended, or mostly online formats: Indiana University, Indiana Wesleyan University, and the University of Southern Indiana. Students should verify the current format, CSWE status, field placement support, and licensure alignment directly with each school before applying.
Where to Verify Program and Licensing Information
| Resource | How to use it |
|---|---|
Use for Indiana LSW/LCSW application instructions, forms, renewal information, exams, fees, and board contact details. | |
Whether an MSW program is currently CSWE-accredited or in candidacy status. Students can search by school, state, degree level, and accreditation status. | |
Which social work licensing exams are available, how exam registration works, and what to expect from the exam process. Students should still confirm which exam their state requires. | |
Whether an institution participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), which helps confirm whether it may offer distance education to students in other SARA states. Students can use this as a starting point for checking online enrollment authorization, but SARA participation does not confirm that an MSW program meets state social work licensure requirements. Students should also confirm state authorization directly with the school before applying. | |
School Professional Licensure Disclosures | Whether the school has determined that its MSW program meets, does not meet, or has not yet been determined to meet educational requirements for social work licensure in a student’s state. Students should review these disclosures before applying and follow up with the program or state licensing board if the information is unclear. |
School Program Pages | Current admissions requirements, tuition, start dates, online format, advanced-standing options, field-placement policies, and whether the program currently accepts students from your state. |
Related Social Work Guides
- Compare CSWE-accredited online MSW programs: Review online MSW options and learn why CSWE accreditation matters when evaluating programs.
- Learn how to become a social worker: See the common education, fieldwork, exam, and licensing steps for social work careers.
- Explore advanced standing online MSW programs: For students with a CSWE-accredited BSW who may qualify for a shorter MSW pathway.
- Review the path to becoming an LCSW: Learn about common clinical licensure steps, including supervised experience and exams.
- Browse online MSW programs by state: Compare online and hybrid MSW options available to students in other states.
Information last updated: July 2026