Capella University : MSW - Social Work (CSWE accredited. No GMAT or GRE required.)
Liberty University : MSW: Social Work (100% online, 8-week courses)
Case Western Reserve University : Master of Social Work (Earn your Master of Social Work online at CWRU in as little as two and a half years. No GRE required. CSWE accredited.)
Fordham University : Master of Social Work (Earn an MSW online. Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available. Accredited by the CSWE.)
Syracuse University : Master of Social Work (CSWE accredited. Standard and Advanced Standing tracks. No GRE required.)
University of Denver : Master of Social Work (Earn an MSW in as few as 12 months. No GRE required. CSWE accredited)
National University : Master of Social Work (Accredited. No GRE. Scholarships Available)
Northern Kentucky University : Master of Social Work (100% Online, Prepare for LCSW/LISW)
Our Lady of the Lake University : Online Degrees in Social Work (Bachelors, Masters, and Dual MSW/MBA. CSWE accredited.)Online Master's in Social Work Program Requirements
It is vital to realize that an online MSW program is as rigorous as an in-person one. As such, you can count on these programs to have demanding requirements that you must satisfy before enrolling in such a program. These requirements include:
Degree Requirements
Like all graduate school programs, you must have obtained a bachelor's degree before enrolling in any MSW online program. Most MSW online programs with no GRE requirements do not require an individual to have a bachelor of arts in social work. However, an individual will have to show an interest in social work and demonstrate that their undergraduate program has given them the skills necessary to obtain such a degree.
GPA Requirements
Like all programs, this varies by school. However, some schools require you to have at least a 3.0 GPA to enroll in an MSW online program with no GRE requirement.
Why is the GRE not required?
Ultimately, it comes down to the school's preferences to evaluate whether a GRE is necessary. It is important to remember the purpose of the GRE. Like other standardized tests, a GRE creates a level playing field that allows schools to compare applicants using the same metric. Some MSW online programs with no GRE requirements believe they can evaluate applicants without such a test. Many argue that a master's in social work has a different skill set than other graduate degrees, emphasizing qualitative skills rather than academic ones. As such, they evaluate factors other than the GRE.
Are There Accredited Online Master's in Social Work Programs That Don't Require the GRE?
Yes. Many schools offer an online master's in social work with no GRE requirement. . It is important to note that these online schools do not just offer certification but a fully accredited master's program. In many cases, they offer specific concentrations in certain aspects of social work, including school or clinical tracks, which can enable you to study online and earn your MSW while working full-time.
You can examine the link to see what different requirements different schools offer. Schools that do not require the GRE may attempt to get relevant information from you through a separate application process.
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| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Case Western Reserve University
Master of Social Work
CSWE accredited. |
✔ Online
No GRE Required Bachelor's Degree |
Lead lasting change in your community. With no GRE required, you can earn a CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work online through Case Western Reserve University's top-10 ranked school of social work and prepare to pursue licensure. The online program curriculum offers three paths of study: Children, Youth and Families; Community Practice for Social Change; and Mental Health with Adults. Complete in as little as 2.5 years for the traditional track or 1.5 years for students with advance standing. Learn More |
| Fordham University
Master of Social Work
Accredited by the CSWE. |
✔ Online
Bachelor's Degree |
Fordham’s top-ranked Graduate School of Social Service offers a future-focused online MSW program, preparing students for integrated practice with all populations. Bachelor's degree required. Learn More |
| Syracuse University
Master of Social Work
CSWE accredited |
✔ Online
No GRE Required |
Syracuse University’s CSWE-accredited online Master of Social Work program is preparing the next generation of social work leaders through an emphasis on digital innovation and social justice. Learn More |
| University of Denver
Master of Social Work
CSWE accredited. Designed to adhere to CACREP standards. |
✔ Campus, Online
No GRE Required Minimum GPA 2.5 |
Earn your CSWE-accredited MSW online from Denver's GSSW, a top-15 school of social work. Gain a strong foundation for social work practice with a concentration in Mental Health and Trauma or Health, Equity and Wellness. GRE scores are not required. Students with a BSW can earn their MSW in as few as 12 months in the online advanced-standing track; students without a BSW can earn an MSW in as few as 21 months. Learn More |
| National University
Master of Social Work
COAMFTE Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE Scores Not Required |
Our Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program will prepare students for diverse career opportunities within a variety of social service settings. Learn More |
| Northern Kentucky University
Master of Social Work
|
✔ Online
100% Online, Prepare for LCSW/LISW |
This flexible program is for individuals who have earned an undergraduate degree in a field other than social work. It provides the path to help you transition into this sector and take on leadership roles as a clinical practitioner. Learn More |
| Our Lady of the Lake University
Online Degrees in Social Work
Bachelors, Masters, and Dual MSW/MBA CSWE accredited |
✔ Online
No GRE Required. Minimum GPA 3.0 |
Earn a degree online from a university that's pioneered social work education since 1942. Earn your Bachelor's or Master's in Social Work & Graduate Ready to Apply for Licensure. OLLU also offers an online dual MSW/MBA program for students interested in pursuing leadership, administrative, and management positions. Our Lady of the Lake University is one of three schools in the nation that provides a focus on the Hispanic community in social work programs. Learn More |
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Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Online Master's in Social Work Concentrations
Like most other fields, an MSW will allow an individual to concentrate on specific areas. However, not all concentrations are available at all schools. That being the case, you should be mindful of your concentration interests when evaluating schools.
Clinical Social Work
Clinical social work is another way of discussing a type of social work concentration typically involving therapeutic practices. Individuals who attend an online master's in social work program with no GRE and specialize in clinical studies will learn how to diagnose, assess, and treat individuals. Depending on areas of specialty or interest, an individual who concentrates on clinical social workers may work with a subset of the population. They may also be able to earn certifications that allow them to make formal diagnoses.
Psychiatric Social Work
Psychiatric social work is a concentration that involves working with much more severely ill individuals, including people who suffer from multiple mental illnesses, personality disorders, or schizophrenia. In addition to providing therapy, someone who specializes in psychiatric social work may be responsible for coordinating care and working with hospitalized patients.
Family Social Work
Family social work is the concentration that involves working with families and couples. In many cases, family therapy can be highly beneficial for all parties involved, as it can help people identify sources of conflict, increase communication, and build healthier relationships.
Military Social Work
Military social work involves working specifically with the military. Individuals in the armed services unquestionably suffer from various unique challenges, including PTSD, combat-related stress, managing constant moves, and more. Military social workers will take classes and often will have real-world experience that allows them to assist military family members with their unique struggles.
Capella University - MSW - Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
Liberty University - MSW: Social Work (SACSCOC Accredited)
Case Western Reserve University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
Fordham University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
Syracuse University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
University of Denver - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
National University - Master of Social Work (COAMFTE Accredited)
Northern Kentucky University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
Our Lady of the Lake University - Online Degrees in Social Work (CSWE Accredited)
Coursework for Online Master’s in Social Work Program With No GRE Requirements
The coursework for MSW online with no GRE required programs will not be any different than programs that require an in-person meeting or require you to take the GREs. Indeed, this is one of the benefits of such programs: They are identical to in-person educational offerings and have the exact requirements and rigorous standards while also imparting the same knowledge.
Coursework will vary based on various factors, including what school you attend and what concentration you specialize in. However, in most cases, you’ll have coursework that covers most or all of the following subjects:
- Addiction
- Child safety and welfare
- Family social work
- Therapeutic and clinical practices
- Trauma
You’ll also have a field placement. This is the component of an online master’s in social work program with no GRE requirements that cannot be completed online and will have to be done in person.
Master’s in Social Work vs. Master’s In Counseling
Individuals often confuse a master’s in social work with a master’s in counseling. This is an understandable confusion, as there is extensive overlap between these two fields. However, you can also enter very similar fields with both degrees.
In short, the difference comes down to what the two programs choose to prioritize. A master’s in social work will allow an individual to concentrate their studies in areas that are more focused on societal problems and interactions. A master’s in social work focuses on more than just human development, giving students advanced knowledge of governmental systems, family interactions, and addiction problems. Many MSW programs also have components that concentrate on social justice and the role that structural racism plays in modern-day society.
By contrast, a master’s in counseling allows individuals to become experts in human development, relationships, and mental illnesses. The focus is much narrower. That’s not a good or a bad thing, of course. It simply depends on what you are more interested in obtaining. Furthermore, an online master’s in social work with no GRE requirements offers different concentrations than a master’s in counseling. These concentrations reflect the focus of each master’s program. MSW concentrations focus more on broader societal dynamics and how individuals will interact with them. In contrast, concentrations for a master’s in counseling concentrate more on different groups of people and how to help them.
Learn more: Social Work vs Counseling: What’s the Difference?
How Much Does an Online MSW Cost?
Like every other college program, there is no set answer for how much an MSW online program with no GRE requirements will cost. Many programs fall within a range of $15,000 to $30,000, but costs vary greatly depending on the school and program type.
It’s worth noting that the reduced cost of an online MSW is one of the many reasons it can be well worth it to obtain your MSW online rather than in person. Getting your degree online means reduced expenses for the school, which often doesn’t have to worry about facility costs. In addition, online courses also mean you can reduce or eliminate the cost of books, room, board, and travel.
More important is the sheer convenience of an online MSW: Depending on the program you enroll in, you may be able to take classes part-time, on evenings, on weekends, or even on demand — allowing you to keep working while getting your MSW.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online MSW?
Again, there’s no set answer. It depends on the specifics of the program you enroll in and your ability to attend school.
Some programs allow you to get your MSW in as little as twelve months. Others are longer, taking more like two years. However, in either case, this requires full-time dedication, something many individuals cannot do for their online masters.
If you are working full-time, it may take longer for you to get your MSW, as you may not be able to get your MSW as quickly as you would like. This type of flexibility is one of the benefits of an online MSW program, which often allows you to obtain your master’s while still working full-time or raising a family. However, even online MSW programs require a field placement, meaning you will have to spend some time working at an agency in a non-online environment. It’s vital that you consider completing your field placement when selecting an online master’s program and when trying to decide how long it will take you to earn your MSW.
Licensing and Certification Steps
An MSW is a great degree to obtain, but before you can practice as a social worker, you will need to become licensed in the state where you want to work. The licensure process varies from state to state, but it often has similar broad contours. Typically, you will need to complete some version of the following steps:
- Earn your BA and MSW.
- Complete any required clinical supervised hours. The location and requirements of this in-person field placement will likely vary from state to state and depending on what you want to concentrate on.
- Pass the appropriate social work exam, depending on what you are looking to practice and get a license in.
Read More: How to Become a LCSW
Master’s in Social Work Salary & Career Outlook
One of the benefits of attending an MSW online program with no GRE requirements is that it can perfectly prepare students for a demanding career that will continue to grow in demand.
First, it is worth examining the careers you can enter with an MSW. There is a wide range of potential jobs that you can pursue, including roles as a social worker, therapist, and program manager, as well as myriad specialist roles. Professionals with an MSW work in a wide variety of settings:
- Care facilities
- Government and military agencies
- Non-profits
- Private companies
- Schools
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, various fields that require an MSW or related degree are experiencing substantial career growth and offer solid salaries. These include:
- Social workers have a median salary of $50,390 a year. The field is growing at 12% per year, faster than the average job growth in America.
- Marriage and Family Therapists offer a median salary of $49,880 per year. The field is growing at 16$ per year, which the BLS lists as “much faster” than other professions in the country.
Skills Gained Through an Online Master’s in Social Work
It is worth addressing a popular and inaccurate misnomer: MSW online programs with no GRE requirements have rigorous academic standards. These programs should not be viewed as anything less than a full-fledged MSW that has demanding work requirements and ensures that all students are adequately prepared to enter the job market and help people. An online MSW should be viewed the same way as earning an MSW in any full-person environment.
It is worth considering the skills that can be gained and earned while attending an MSW online program with no GRE requirements. These include:
- Empathy: While most social workers already come well-equipped with empathy and a genuine desire to care for people, an online MSW program can help someone learn to develop and channel their empathy to serve prospective clients better.
- Communication: Social workers must fully understand the skills and tools of communicating with clients, agencies, family members, and more. An online MSW can teach and sharpen these critical skills. It can also help prospective social workers learn to listen better and notice non-verbal cues, giving them more insight into their clients’ actions and state of mind.
- Cultural competency: This is a particularly critical skill, as more and more research has identified the need for individuals in an elevated societal position — like social workers — to understand cultural influences and morals. This can enable a social worker to work better with a whole slew of individuals, regardless of their race or ethnic background.
- Advocacy: Social workers do not exist in an isolated bubble. They must learn to work with clients and advocate for their needs amongst other actors, including governments, non-profits, and families. Furthermore, social workers will learn how to lobby local governments for needed changes in society that can benefit their profession and the lives of their clients.
Here’s the good news: All of these skills can be taught in an online environment via case studies, skill development, research, and more. By learning all of these skills, prospective social workers can be in a position to succeed during their fieldwork and in a real-world environment.
List of Programs
Capella University 🗹 Online Masters
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Case Western Reserve University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Fordham University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Syracuse University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
National University 🗹 Online Courses Start Weekly
Northern Kentucky University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Our Lady of the Lake University 🗹 Online 🗗 Bachelors 🗗 Masters
