Capella University : Master's and PhD in Counseling (CACREP Accreditation. Master's and PhD options avaialble. )
Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
NYU Steinhardt : Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC accredited, GRE not required)
Pepperdine University : Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor) (No GRE required) NYU Steinhardt : Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling (Accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) under the Masters in Counseling Accreditation Committee (MCAC) standards.)
Our Lady of the Lake University : Online Master of Arts in Counseling (No entrance exam required to apply)
University of West Alabama : Online Counseling and Psychology Degrees (100% Online. Bachelor's and Master's programs available.)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology : M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online Programs. CACREP Accredited.)
Lamar University : Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (100% Online, Affordable Tuition, Study on Your Time)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 |
|---|---|---|
| Capella University
Master's and PhD in Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Not Required |
Choose from Addictions, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Human Behavior. Marriage and Family Therapy, or School Counseling specialties 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 |
| NYU Steinhardt
Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness
 MPCAC Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE not required; Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required |
As few as 21 months to complete Learn More |
| Pepperdine University
Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
|
✔ Online
No GRE Required Bachelor's Degree Required |
Bachelor's holders can prepare to become a licensed professional counselor online. With no GRE scores required to apply, the 24 month online MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine allows you to advance your career and be a catalyst of change. Learn More |
| NYU Steinhardt
Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance: School and Bilingual School Counseling
MPCAC Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's required. GRE scores are not required. |
Prepare to become a school counselor with NYU Steinhardt’s online master’s in Counseling and Guidance program. The online MA degree gives you the knowledge and skills to pursue certification and employment in pre-K–12 schools nationwide in as few as 18 mos. Bachelor’s required: Learn more. GRE scores are not required. Learn More |
| Our Lady of the Lake University
Online Master of Arts in Counseling
|
✔ Online
No GRE required. |
Help students navigate the emotional terrain of getting an education, empower people of all ages to overcome mental health hurdles, or support someone recovering from drug addiction as they obtain or maintain a job, with the Master of Arts in Counseling from OLLU. Learn More |
| University of West Alabama
Online Counseling and Psychology Degrees
|
✔ Online
Multiple online counseling degree options |
Programs in experimental psychology, clinical mental health counseling, family counseling Learn More |
| The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree Required. |
This online CMHC program prepares students for a career offering mental health services in a variety of settings; helping diverse clients through issues such as depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, stress, relationship difficulties, and suicidal impulses. Learn More |
| Lamar University
Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
SACSCOC Accredited |
✔ Online
No GRE Required Minimum 3.25 Undergrad GPA |
This online degree program prepares you with knowledge, training and practical experience to guide persons coping with substance abuse, marriage, family, career and other emotional issues through difficulties by giving them tools and techniques to manage their lives and decisions. 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.
Capella University - Master's and PhD in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
NYU Steinhardt - Online MA in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (MPCAC Accredited)
Pepperdine University - Master’s Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
Our Lady of the Lake University - Online Master of Arts in Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited)
University of West Alabama - Online Counseling and Psychology Degrees (SACSCC Accredited)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology - M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Lamar University - Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (SACSCOC 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
List of Programs
Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Pepperdine University 🗹 Online
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of West Alabama 🗹 Online 🗖 Bachelors 🗗 Masters
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology 🗹 Online
Lamar University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
East Central University 🗹 Online 🗖 Bachelors
University of Wisconsin – Superior 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of Wisconsin – Superior 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Post University 🗹 Online
Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Colorado Christian University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of West Alabama 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online
