Online MSW Programs in Washington D.C. (DC)

The Catholic University of America’s National Catholic School of Social Service is currently the only institution in Washington, D.C., that offers a fully online MSW program. The majority of the instruction for the program is delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete readings, learning modules and assignments on their own schedule (provided, of course, that they meet all relevant deadlines). The program progresses along the traditional cohort model, with start dates in the fall, spring and summer, and courses offered year-round. Class sizes are typically limited to 25 students to maintain a low student-to-faculty ratio. Beyond the online coursework, the program also requires students to complete field education at local health services agencies.

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

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The online MSW program from the Catholic University offers a traditional and advanced standing track, with an optional clinical concentration. The track is 60 credits and requires 1,080 hours of field education split between two practicums. The first practicum, of 480 hours, has a generalist focus, while the second practicum, of 600 hours, centers on more advanced clinical methods and skills. The program is part time only, taking approximately three years to complete for traditional standing and one and a half years for advanced standing.

In addition to Catholic University, students residing in Washington, D.C., have several other online MSW options. There are many universities with online MSW programs that accept students from D.C., and the majority of these programs are fully online, meaning they do not require students to visit campus while earning their degrees. A few of these programs do necessitate a limited number of visits, and one of these programs may be the ideal option for students who want the flexibility of an online program yet would still like to meet their professors and classmates in person.

Several online MSW programs also offer students from D.C. the same tuition rate as in-state students, so aspiring social workers should research as many of their options as possible. To learn more about a particular program below, click on the name of the school.

Online MSW Programs that Accept Students from Washington D.C.

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 Washington, D.C.

The Washington, D.C., Board of Social Work issues three types of social work license: Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW), Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW). Below are some common steps to become a social worker in Washington, D.C., which you should confirm with the Washington, D.C., board of social workers. Information regarding licensure in Washington, D.C. was last retrieved in August 2020.

Pathway to Become an LGSW in Washington, D.C.

• Complete a bachelor’s degree.
• Complete a Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Pass the Masters Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
• Apply to the Washington, D.C., Board of Social Work.

Pathway to Become an LICSW in Washington, D.C.

• Complete a bachelor’s degree.
• Complete a Doctorate or Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Following graduation, complete 3,000 hours of experience.
• Pass the Clinical Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
• Apply to the Washington, D.C., Board of Social Work.

Pathway to Become an LISW in Washington, D.C.

• Complete a bachelor’s degree.
• Complete a Doctorate or Master of Social Work degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Following graduation, complete 3,000 hours of experience.
• Pass the Advanced Generalist Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards.
• Apply to the Washington, D.C., Board of Social Work.

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

Last updated: September 2020