Walden University : MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited, five specializations to choose from) Walden University : MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from) Walden University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from)
Liberty University : MA: Addiction Counseling (100% online, 8-week courses)
Grand Canyon University : Master's Degree in Counseling (Affordable Program with No Out of State Tuition)
Capella University : PsyD in School Psychology (CAEP accredited; Capella University is HLC accredited) Liberty University : MSW: Social Work (100% online, 8-week courses) Liberty University : MED: School Counseling (Online with required intensives) Liberty University : MA: Marriage and Family Therapy (Online with required intensives)Within the field are numerous entry-level jobs for applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field. However, licensed clinical social workers interested in pursuing advanced roles, such as in administrative leadership, social welfare policy research, training, or teaching college classes, often find they need a postgraduate degree, such as as an online Doctor of Social Work, or an online DSW.
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 Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
The counseling field is in need of qualified, compassionate professionals like you to meet the demand for services. In Walden's clinical mental health counseling and school counseling dual degree program, you’ll gain the insights and hands-on training to positively impact the lives of children, adults, and families. 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
MA: Addiction Counseling
SACSCOC |
✔ Online
100% online, 8-week courses |
Our graduate degree in addiction counseling is designed to fulfill or exceed the requirements for many national and state board organizations. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Grand Canyon University
Master's Degree in Counseling
HLC and NASAC Accredited |
✔ 100% Online
Over 14 Specializations Available |
Affordable with No Out of State Tuition Learn More |
| Capella University
PsyD in School Psychology
|
✔ Online
No GRE or GMAT. Master's and minimum 3.0 GPA |
Deepen your understanding of human behavior and advance your skills to help others with a degree in clinical psychology. Capella offers PsyD programs to help you develop leadership skills for your career. 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 |
| Liberty University
MED: School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
Liberty University’s CACREP-accredited Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling can help equip you to work as a school counselor in Christian, public, and private schools. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
| Liberty University
MA: Marriage and Family Therapy
SACSCOC |
✔ Online
Online with required intensives |
A Liberty University marriage and family therapy master’s program online can prepare you to help individuals, couples, and families find healing through counseling. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Doctor of Social Work Degree Programs
Students enrolled in undergraduate degree programs in social work often find their curricula are similar to coursework found in psychology and sociology programs. However, DSW programs online provide advanced training for licensed clinical social workers interested in pursuing management and leadership roles. Online DSW programs often include coursework in classes such as social work leadership, intervention research, data-driven decision-making, ethics, diversity and social justice, as well as advanced clinical practice with groups, individuals, and families.
How to Choose an Online DSW Program
Students researching DSW programs should consider several factors, including each school’s tuition and fees, curriculum, and doctoral concentrations. The most popular DSW doctoral concentrations include administrative leadership, clinical social work, criminal justice, social welfare, military behavioral health, and public policy administration.
Standard vs. Accelerated Track
Many DSW programs online allow students to choose between a standard or an accelerated track. The coursework and credit hour requirements in standard and accelerated track programs are the same; however, the difference lies in each track’s average completion time. For example, students on a standard track may take 42 credits over nine semesters, whereas students on an accelerated track may take 42 credits over seven semesters.
Dissertation Requirement
Prior to graduation, students interested in pursuing a DSW degree will need to complete a dissertation: a research-based academic paper based on original research. Each school’s department head determines the required length for the doctoral dissertation; most dissertations are 45,000-90,000 words and span 100-200 pages.
Doctor of Social Work Online Program Accreditation
Students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work must be enrolled in an accredited program, which will allow them to apply for state licensure. Program accreditation ensures that the school’s content meets accreditation standards that the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation (COA) has set.
However, the council doesn’t currently accredit Doctor of Social Work online or in-person programs. According to the council’s website, the COA voted to pilot the accreditation of practice doctoral programs at its June 2020 meeting, adding that the operational infrastructure to support the pilot accreditation process will be developed. As of April 2021, information regarding when the pilot will begin isn’t yet available.
Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Addiction Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited)
Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)
Capella University - PsyD in School Psychology (Capella University is HLC Accredited)
Liberty University - MSW: Social Work (SACSCOC Accredited)
Liberty University - MED: School Counseling (CACREP and NCATE through CAEP Accredited)
Liberty University - MA: Marriage and Family Therapy (SACSCOC Accredited)
DSW Programs Online vs. In-Person Learning
In the past, on-campus DSW programs were the standard for individuals looking to complete a doctorate in this field. While some students still prefer a brick-and-mortar experience, an increasing number of students are enrolling in DSW programs online.
Aspiring DSW candidates should know that the curricula of online and on-campus programs are often identical: The primary difference is that online students have the flexibility to learn on their own schedule. Similar to on-campus DSW programs, online programs build off the foundations that students developed in their undergraduate and graduate studies. Most programs require students to complete 42-65 credit hours, depending on the college or university they attend.
Although some online DSW programs require applicants to hold a master’s degree in social work, others simply require applicants to have completed a master’s degree in a related field, such as a master’s in psychology or sociology.
Application Requirements for Online DSW Programs
Application requirements for online DSW programs vary by institution, although common requirements include the following:
- A master’s degree in social work (or a related field) from a college or university that the Council on Social Work Education has accredited
- A minimum GPA or quality point average (QPA)
- Between two and three years of relevant clinical practice experience
- Letters of recommendation from past professors or professional colleagues
- A statement of intent that indicates why you’d like to pursue a DSW at the institution you’re applying to
- A nonrefundable application fee
Additionally, whereas some schools require applicants to submit a copy of their GRE results, others schools don’t.
Associated Timelines
The time it takes to complete DSW programs online varies from person to person. For example, students enrolled in an accelerated program often complete their degree faster than those enrolled in a standard program. However, most full-time students find they can complete their degree within three years. Part-time students, on the other hand, may take five years or more to complete their degree.
DSW Degree Salary Ranges and Career Outlook
According to August 2020 data from PayScale, the average annual salary for a professional with a DSW was $76,000, although professionals in the top 10% reported earnings of more than $140,000. Salaries for DSW holders vary based on factors such as whether they work for a public, private, or nonprofit institution; the geographic region where they work; and their years of experience in the field.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that overall employment of social workers is projected to grow by 13% between 2019 and 2029, which is much faster than the projected average for all occupations. An increased focus on integrated health care services, an aging population, and treatment as opposed to incarceration for substance abuse issues are all reasons for the strong growth prospects for the period.
In addition, in the same period:
- Employment of child, family, and school social workers is projected to grow by 12%
- Employment of health care social workers is expected to grow by 14%
- Employment of mental health and substance abuse social workers is projected to grow by 17%.
Job prospects for licensed clinical social workers are expected to be very good, especially for candidates with an advanced education.
Earn Your Doctor of Social Work Online
Are you ready to take your career in social work to the next level? Explore some of the most popular online DSW programs. You’ll find detailed information about each program, including coursework, application requirements, and programs that are currently accepting applicants.
List of Programs
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Walden University 🗹 Online Masters
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Grand Canyon University 🗹 Online
Capella University 🗹 Online Doctorate
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters 🗗 Doctorate
Northwestern University 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online Masters
Capella University 🗹 Online
Capella University 🗹 Online
University of Denver 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
NYU Steinhardt 🗹 Online 🗗 Masters
