Walden University : MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited, five specializations to choose from) Walden University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from)
Liberty University : MSW: Social Work (100% online, 8-week courses) Liberty University : MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (Online with required intensives)
Capella University : Counseling & Therapy (CACREP Accreditation. Master's and PhD options available. )
Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited) Capella University : MSW - Social Work (CSWE accredited. No GMAT or GRE required.) Capella University : BS in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis ((Online)) Capella University : Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Capella University is HLC accredited)10 of the Most Affordable Online Colleges for Social Work Bachelor’s Degrees
To get a job as a social worker — even in an entry-level role in this field — you typically need a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field. Fortunately, there are several colleges that let you complete this degree fully online, allowing you to work on weekdays and do your coursework on nights and weekends if necessary.
This makes it easier for you to afford the education you need for social work since you don't have to quit your current job to get started in this field. And many of these schools fit within most budgets, as annual tuition is less than $13,000. Here are some of the most affordable online colleges for social work degrees.
Bemidji State University – Bachelor of Social Work
Annual tuition: $7,240
Prerequisites: 2.0 GPA and at least 30 semester hours of general education classes
Examples of courses:
- Family dynamics and intervention
- Social welfare policy
- Human behavior in social environment
Briar Cliff University – Bachelor of Social Work
Annual tuition: $10,100
Prerequisites: Associate degree or 62 transferable credits
Examples of courses:
- Social issues and policy
- Human behavior and the social environment
- Community organization
Eastern Kentucky University – Bachelor of Social Work
Annual tuition: $12,250
Prerequisites: High school diploma; 2.5 GPA
Examples of courses:
- Crisis intervention
- Race and ethnic relations
- Addiction
Eastern New Mexico University – Bachelor of Social Work
Annual tuition: $10,830
Prerequisites: High school diploma; 2.5 GPA; entrance interview; 3 references
Examples of courses:
- Psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Social psychology
- Introduction to human services and social work
King University – Bachelor of Social Work
Annual tuition: $10,250
Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; 2.2 GPA; essay and interview
Examples of courses:
- Social work research
- Human diversity and ethical issues
- Family and group practice
- Social welfare policy
Metropolitan State University of Denver - Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Annual tuition: $11,100
Prerequisites: High school diploma; 2.6 GPA
Examples of courses:
- Philosophy of social work
- Social work experience
- Social welfare policy
Northwestern State University of Louisiana – Bachelor of Social Work
Annual tuition: $11,250
Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; 2.0 GPA
Examples of courses:
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Social work
Touro University Worldwide – Bachelor's Degree in Social Work
Annual tuition: $12,000
Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED; 2.0 GPA
Examples of courses:
- Social work research
- Ethics and social policy
- Victim advocacy
- Domestic violence
- Child welfare services
Troy University – Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Annual tuition: $11,640
Prerequisites: High school diploma; 2.0 GPA
Examples of courses:
- Ethics
- Social work research
- Social policy and planning
- Social work with groups
University of Utah – Bachelor of Social Work
Annual tuition: $7,800
Prerequisites: Completion of general education classes; 2.35 GPA; 2 letters of recommendation
Examples of courses:
- Social welfare policy
- Human behavior and social environment
- Social work research
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Walden University
MS in School Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
School counselors help students overcome obstacles and shape successful futures. Walden’s online MS in School Counseling program will give you a solid foundation in school counseling theories, approaches, and best practices while enabling you to gain hands-on experience. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MSW: Social Work
SACSCOC |
✔ Online
100% online, 8-week courses |
This program offers a general cognate and an individual and family clinical cognate. No matter which option you choose, you’ll receive advanced generalist training in social policy, research, and practice — as well as the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in your field. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
Our CACREP-accredited master’s in counseling degree online can help you become an ethical, well-trained mental health counselor with the knowledge, values, and skills you need to empower others to make positive changes in their lives. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Capella University
Counseling & Therapy
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required |
Offering master’s degree programs in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. Doctoral degree program available in counselor education & supervision. No GRE required. Learn More |
| Northwestern University
Online MA in Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required Bachelor's Required |
Prepare to pursue licensure in as few as 18 months Learn MoreFull-time, part-time, and accelerated track options available |
| Capella University
MSW - Social Work
CSWE Accredited |
✔ Online
No GMAT or GRE Required |
Advance your skills to help be an effective leader, researcher, educator or practitioner in the social work field. Capella’s CSWE-accredited MSW program offers a strong focus on leadership, advanced practitioner skills and using technology to expand the reach and effectiveness of social service programs. No GRE required. Learn More |
| Capella University
BS in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis
|
✔ Online
No GMAT or GRE required |
Gain skills and knowledge to help transform the lives of people living with autism and other intellectual disabilities. Study with confidence in a program that meets the educational requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA) examination. Applicants must meet additional requirements to qualify. Learn More |
| Capella University
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
|
✔ Online
|
Choose from General Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis or Pre-Counseling specializations Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
How to Choose an Affordable Online Master's in Social Work Program
If you've already completed an undergraduate degree, you might start realizing the value of earning a master's in social work next. After all, this degree can help you advance in your career. And you likely already know you want the flexibility of online classes, especially if you have to work during typical school hours. As you can see, lots of colleges offer an affordable online master's in social work. So how can you narrow down your choices?
First, look at the prerequisites of the program to make sure you meet them. Most schools that offer an affordable online master's in social work require you to have a bachelor's degree first. Many also require a grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher, as well as good scores on standardized tests, like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). So make sure you meet these requirements before you spend time applying.
Next, look at the tuition, as well as the financial aid that's available. There are plenty of schools that offer an affordable online social work degree, so you shouldn't have to break your budget to get the education you need for this field. You should also look at the course lists so you know what kind of information you can expect to learn from the degree program you're considering.
Finally, consider other factors, like how popular the program is — which you can see by checking how many students are involved in the online program. Thinking about these details should help you find an affordable online master's in social work program that's right for you. This will get you started on the social work career you're interested in — or help you advance faster in your current social work role. Fortunately, you'll find many affordable online social work degrees at the graduate level on the list below.
Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Liberty University - MSW: Social Work (SACSCOC Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited) (CACREP Accredited)
Capella University - Counseling & Therapy (CACREP Accredited)
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Capella University - MSW - Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
Capella University - BS in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis (Capella University is HLC Accredited)
Capella University - Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Capella University is HLC Accredited)
10 Affordable Social Work Master’s Programs Online
If you’re looking for a way to take your social work career to the next level, you’ll likely need a master’s degree in this subject. Fortunately, there are several affordable social work master’s programs online that don’t require you to go over your budget for tuition. Take a look at 10 affordable online social work degree programs that let you earn your master’s degree for under $15,000 per year. And then don’t forget to look into financial aid — such as scholarships and grants — that will help you further cut down on your costs of education as you work on learning more about social work.
Aurora University – Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $12,100
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree; 3.0 GPA; personal statement; 2 letters of recommendation
Examples of courses:
- Social work with children and families
- Medical social work
- Social work research
- Social welfare
California State University San Bernardino – Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $12,200
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree; 3.0 GPA
Examples of courses:
- Human behavior and the social environment
- Supervision in social work
- Social work research
- Social work intervention with the elderly
Delaware State University – Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $13,500
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree; 3.0 GPA
Examples of courses:
- Social work with families
- Social work in communities
- Social work and psychopathology
Florida State University – Online Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $12, 300
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree; 3.0 GPA; personal statement; GRE unless you meet waiver qualifications
Examples of courses:
- Ethics in social work
- Leadership in social work
- Social work research practices
Northcentral University – Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $11,100
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree
Examples of courses:
- Leadership in social work
- Mental health, ethics, and diversity in social work
- Social work with families
Texas State University – Online Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $13,775
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree; 2.5 GPA
Examples of courses:
- Social welfare policy
- Social work intervention in drug addiction and abuse
- Social work intervention in child abuse and neglect
- Advanced social work research
University of Arkansas at Little Rock – Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $11,700
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree; 3.0 GPA; narrative statement; 3 letters of recommendation
Examples of courses:
- Social welfare policies
- Social work research techniques
- Statistics in social work
University of Missouri – Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $8,280
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree; 3.0 GPA; resident of Missouri or nearby state; resume; 3 letters of recommendation; personal statement
Examples of courses:
- Research in social work
- DSM V and Psychopathology
- Policymaking
- Human behavior
- Management of social agencies
University of Wyoming – Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $7,200
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree; 3.0 GPA; a grade of C or better on a human biology course and a statistics course
Examples of courses:
- Social work research
- Leadership and supervision skills
- Foundation of social work
West Virginia University – Master of Social Work
Annual tuition: $9,800
Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree; 2.75 GPA; 3 letters of recommendation; essay
Examples of courses:
- Social justice
- Child mental health
- Social policy analysis
Sources:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social Workers
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